Penang is unique in Malaysia because it
is one destination that offers everything from beaches to historical sights
to diverse culture to shopping and yes of course food. If you don't have too
much time in your hand to visit Malaysia extensively, but want to have a
wide experience of Malysian tourism, then Penang is the perfect place for
you.
Penang gets its name from the Malay word pinang, in reference to the areca
plant, which grew on the island in abundance. The nut of the tree, commonly
called betel, was chewed habitually in the East. To gather a complete
picture of Malaysia one can visit Penang with the assurance that the place
will leave you stunned with its pristine beauty and irresistible charm.
Fact File
Country : Malaysia
Population : 1.4 million
Languages : English, Tamil, Chinese, Malay
Climate : Penang has an equatorial climate which is uniformly warm
and humid throughout the year. The average minimum and maximum temperatures
range from 23 C to 32 C. There are no recognisable hot or cold seasons as
such and the mean annual rainfall of approximately 267cm is evenly
distributed throughout the year, although September to November may be
considered the wettest months.
Official Currency : Malaysia Ringgit (RM); 1 RM = 11.454 Indian
Rupee = 0.2632 US $ = 0.2173 Euro (subject to change).
Location
: This beautiful little place is located in southeast Asian country of
Malaysia.
Getting There
Penang is easily accessible by air with daily flights from major capitals
of the region
By Air : The Penang International Airport is about 20 km from the
city center. Taxis plying the route follow the coupon system by which fares
between the airport and various destinations in Penang are fixed. '
Air-conditioned taxis and limousines charge higher fares.
It has direct links with Singapore, Bangkok, Nagoya, Medan, Xiamen (China)
and Madras, operated by Malaysia Airlines. The airline also operates more
than 20 flights daily between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Getting Around :
By Road : Taxis, Buses or Trishaws provide a convenient way to see
around the city.
Most major international and local car rental companies offer a good choice
of vehicles and packages. Motorcycles and bicycles also offer inexpensive
and fun ways of exploring the island. Stores along the hotel stretch of Batu
Ferringhi and in the city offer them for hire.
Accommodation
The city of has very good hotels to ensure a comfortable stay for the
tourists. Mentioned below is a list of some of the hotels in the city:
5 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Grand Plaza Parkroyal
Hotel Evergreen Laurel
Hotel Northam All Suite
4 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Equitorial
Hotel paradise Sandy
Hotel Bay
Shangri La Golden Sands Resort
3 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Eastern and Oriental
Hotel Continental
Hotel City Bay View
Major Tourist attractions
Penang
bridge : It is held by cables and is 13.5 km long, 8.5 km over water,
the rest consisting of a viaduct on the island side with a flyover on the
mainland. Longest in Asia, supposedly third longest in the world. The island
end of the bridge begins near the University at Gelugor and the mainland end
at Seberang Jaya.
Penang museum and art gallery : Formerly the Penang Free School
building, it was built in 1816 and houses a fine collection of historical
documents, Malay treasures, Straits Chinese furniture, embroidery and
custumes. It exhibits the fishing, agricultural and natural history of the
island and its geographical educational and economic life. The art gallery
displays several paintings - and holds frequent exhibitions of works - of
local artists.
Logan Memorial and high court : A marble statue stands in the high
court compound dedicated to James Richardson Logan, a prominent lawyer and
one-time editor of the `Penang Gazette'.
St. George's Church : It is one of the oldest Anglican churches in
Malaya and Singapore. In front of the church stands a monument to Capt.
Francis Light. The building has semi-arches, mouldings, doric columns and
pillars; the roof which was originally flat is now gable-shaped.
Kapitan Kling Mosque : This is Penang's first mosque, built around
1800 to replace an old attap structure that had been constructed in 1786 by
an Indian Muslim merchant, Cauder Mohideen who was then the `Kling Kapitan'
(Indian Muslim Headsman). Its dome shaped with well placed minaret
reflecting Islamic architecture of Indian influence is just amazing.
Forest Recreation Park : This beautiful landscaped park on the
northwest coast covers 100 hectares, has several freshwater pools,
footpaths, rest huts, and a children's playground. There is a forestry
museum which owns tropical timbers and their products and preserved insect
species. It is located at Telok Bahang, 24 km from Georgetown.
Beaches : Penang has attractive beaches that stretch for miles from
Tanjong Bungah to Bungah to Batu Ferringhi right up to Telok Bahang. At
Tanjong Bungah, the beaches are suitable for swimming.
Other Attractions :
Cheong Fatt Tze
Fort Cornwallis and King Edward Circus Clock Tower
Youth Park
Khoo Kongsi
State mosque
Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple
Kek Lok Si
