State of Penang, Malaysia

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Penang known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, it lies off the NW coast of Malaysia. Consisting of the Island of Penang and a strip of mainland opposite the island known as Seberang Perai and separated by a channel 3km wide at its closest point, they are linked by the 13.5km Penang Bridge. The islands northern coast boasts of beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife.


Its Capital, Georgetown, has arguably the most elegant British colonial buildings in the country, and a plethora of hawker stalls and restaurants make local food an attraction. In the old quarter of Georgetown, trishaws still ply the narrow roads, and the vehicles are popular for sightseeing rides. The inner city’s unique character is a result of the coming together of Penang's diverse heritage, traditions and communities, providing all Penangites with a sense of pride and belonging.

The state is geographically and administratively divided into two sections - Penang Island and Seberang Perai what used to be known as Province Wellesley. Butterworth, the main town in Province Wellesley, lies along the Perai River estuary and faces George Town which lies 3 km (2 miles) across the channel to the east.

Penang was once part of the Kedah Sultanate. Locals knew Penang Island as ‘Pulau Kasatu’. Francis Light established Penang as a British trading post for the East India Co. in 1786 for trade between India, China and Archipelago. In 1800 Light also acquired the strip of land between the Krian and Muda rivers.

Francis Light named the island Prince of Wales Island (after the heir to the British throne) the capital George Town (after King George III) and the strip of land, Province Wellesley (after the Marquis of Wellesley). Trade quickly grew, especially in pepper, nutmeg, clove and gambier, and the islands original population of 50 people swelled due to the influx of immigrants and merchants. 

Administratively Penang was part of India before becoming a member of the Straits Settlements together with Malacca and Singapore.

George town was declared a UNESCO world heritage site 2008. this bustling capital has over 200 years of history and culture, which can be best observe in its historic core. buildings of historical and architectural interest as well as cultural practices that have been handed down from the previous generations give george town a uniqueness that is rarely found elsewhere in southeast asia.

Must Do:

• Go for the many heritage trails within the city on foot or by trishaw and observe age-old cultural practices

• visit places of worship, museums and colonial style buildings

This majestic mansion was built in the 1880s and belonged to the ilustrious cheong fatt tze. a traditional paradigm chinese courtyard house with 38 rooms, it has superb feng shui. during the guided tour, you will have the opportunity to view exquisite bedrooms, libraries, ceremonial halls, courtyard and gardens. also displayed are rare porcelain, sculptures, carvings, tapetries, embroideries and antique. the five blue shphouses across the road were formerly the servant's quarters.

Kek lok si or the temple of supreme bliss towers atop a hill, overlooking the ayer itam town. it is hailed the finest and largest buddhist temple comlpex in southeast asia. its main pagoda, the pagoda of ten combines a chinese octaganol base with a middle tier of thai design and a burmese crown. this beautifully crafted temple took more than 20 years to build and continues to be expanded. it features lovely shrines, sculptures, gardens and a turtle pond.

Must Do:

• Climb to the top of the temple

• browse at the numerous souvenir stalls along the stairway

Nature lovers will love the penang national park, the latest addition to the country's family of national parks.you will be impressed by its list of attractions - 417 flora and 143 fauna species, 1000 plant species and a lighthouse that was built in 1883. habitats found here include the rare meromictic lake, mangroves, mudflats and a hill dipterocarp forest. diverse trails will take you through the lush rainforest, leading to romantic bays with lovely sunsets and secluded beaches favoured by the green and olive ridley turtle. you can also get these beacheside attractions by sea.

Must Do:

• Go jungle trekking, bird watching, fishing and camping in the park

• visit the turtle conservation centre

• try the canopy walk and experience walking among tree canopies

Erected in 1786, fort cornwallis was originally a wooden stockade that was subsequently replaced by a brick structure in 1804. the east india company's the site of sir francis light's historic landing. relics at the fort include a chapel, gunpowder megazine and cell rooms. the famous dutch cannon or meriam seri rambai is prominently displayed facing seawards. it was presented to the sultan of johor by the dutch. today, an open - air amphitheatre, a history gallery, cafe as well as handicraft and souvenir centre also occupy the interior.

As you approach khoo kongsi, you will be greeted by a breathtaking display of chinese craftmanship - intricate wood carvings and richly ornamented beams. its hall is equally elaborate, beautifully decorated with lanterns and furnished with antique furniture. the grandest clan temple  on the island, it was built by the forefathers of the khoo family, who emigrated from south china . the building was so magnificent that upon its completion in 1898, the roof caught fire. some believe it was due to its resemblance to the emperor's palace in china.

Enjoy fruits galore at the tropical fruit farm. the farm covers an area of 25 acres and is located in the hilly terrain of teluk bahang. over 200 tropical and subtropical fruits are grown in this orchads. they include durians, lychees, mangoes, guavas, avocados and dragon fruits. after touring the farm, you can try freshly cut fruits or refreshing fruits juices.

Must Do:

• Sample the wide assortment of locally grown fruits

• tour the farm and learn about the various cultivation processes

 By Air

Penang has air links with major capital of region such as singapore, bangkok, phuket, medan, banda acheh, macau, hong kong, xiamen, and taipei. its airport, the penang international airport, is about 16km from george town. you can purchace taxi coupons at the airport at the airport before leaving for various destinations in the state or hire limousines, which cost slightly higher. the rapid penang bus no. 401E and a stop at the airport and the weld quay jetty where you can make a transit to your destination.

 By Road

You can drive to penang bridge and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

 By Sea

You can get to penang island from butterworth by ferry, which caters for both passengers and vehicles. fares for passengers and vehicle charges are collected at the butterworth terminal and no payment is required for the return journey.

 By Rail

Enjoy views of the picturesque when you make a train journey from kuala lumpur to butterworth. select from comfortable air-conditioned berths that are available at reasonable rates. malayan railway or keretapi tanah melayu berhad (KTMB) also operates regular servises to alor star, padang besar, haadyai and bangkok from butterworth.

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Copyright, Big Tree Tours Malaysia Sdn Bhd, 2012 Photography provided by Big Tree Tours Malaysia Sdn Bhd