Penang: Introduction

Penang is the perfect destination for the indecisive traveller. Not sure if you’re in the mood for beaches, shopping, culture, architecture, exciting nightlife or mouth-watering cuisine? A holiday in Penang has them all, so you don’t have to choose. Fascinating excursions beckon from every direction. A bewitching blend of East and West, Penang welcomes modernity but still manages to hang on to its traditions.

Penang’s historic capital, George Town, was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008. It is officially recognised as having a unique architectural and cultural townscape beyond compare in East and Southeast Asia. Penang Museum, the Kek Lok Temple (one of the largest temple complexes in Southeast Asia) and the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion are just some of the cultural delights on offer. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang is a gastronomical Eden, where popular pastimes include searching for the best fried noodles and where one of the free tourist magazines is called ‘Food Paradise’.

Penang gourmet ranges from street food to fine dining and the multitude of flavours are unique to the island state. With each race offering their own traditional fare, foodies will be spoilt for choice. Penang also entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and beaches. For sporty types, water-skiing and parasailing is on offer at Batu Ferringhi.

Although catching some rays at one of the many breathtaking beaches is a must, visitors might also want to pack some walking shoes since there is so much to be explored in the heart of George Town, such as the exotic sights and sounds of the Little India district. Penang also has a forest reserve where you can find monkeys, sea eagles and even a glimpse of a Hawksbill Turtle moving towards the sea. If you want to live like a local, laid back Penangites love to travel about in trishaws and browse at the many night markets.