Penang today bears the mark of an early history of successive foreign influence – from the early Indian Civilization that took root in northern Malaya to that of the Portuguese, Dutch and later the British who came to this part of the world in search of spices and stayed to participate in the lucrative trade. The history of modern Penang can be traced back to 1786 when Francis Light managed to persuade the Sultan of Kedah to cede “Pulau Pinang” (Betel Nut Island) to the British East Company. The island was originally named Prince of Wales Island and the settlement that soon grew up was named Georgetown after King George III. For more than a hundred years, it remained under British Colonial rule until 1957 when it gained independence and became one of the states of the newly formed Federation of Malaya and later Malaysia in 1963.

Today, it is known as ‘Pearl of the Orient’, a tropical paradise adorned with golden beaches and swaying palms. A perfect heaven for relaxing and recreation, it is not surprising that many tourists return to this majestic island. Its northern shoreline is famous for its beautiful beaches of golden sand and deep blue seas. The Tanjung Bungah, Batu Feringgi and Teluk Bahang beaches offer expansive stretches of glittering sand interspersed with secluded coves within the shelter of gigantic rocks. It is along this famous coastline that resorts of international standard have sprouted up, offering a host of water-based recreational facilities. Enjoy a wide variety of water-sports or just lie down and soak in the sun on the soft sands of Batu Feringgi Beach. At night, traditional festivals and cultural extravaganzas mesmerize visitors with their tapestry of colours.

Penang is today a bustling city with a unique blend of the east and West. This is reflected in its heritage buildings as well as in the lifestyles, food and customs of the local people.

PLACES OF INTEREST

• Fort Cornwallis The fort located near the spot where Captain Francis Light first stepped into Penang in 1786. A wooden fortress which was later erected in stone by convict labour between 1808 and 1810 and consist several old cannons cast by the Dutch.



• Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) At 830 metres, Penang Hill offers a panoramic view of the island from its peak. Asia’s first Swiss-built funicular railway system and with a cable-pulled train had been operating since 1923.



• Kapitan Keling Mosque This mosque was built by Indian Muslim Settlers from East India Company troops when they were stationed in Penang. It has a unique architecture with a single minaret.



• Acheen Street Mosque It was built by a wealthy Arab trader in 1820 as an important meeting place for the Malay and Arab traders.



• Penang Bridge Penang Bridge was built in 1980s and is one of the longest bridges in Asia.



• Botanical Garden The garden located at the foothill of Penang Hill and has picturesque garden with plenty of lush green tropical plants which enhance the nature experience.



• Penang Bird Park The park houses 800 species of birds mostly from Southeast Asia. The well landscaped of the park with ornamental plants such as orchids and hibiscus keep visitors amaze.



• Snake Temple This temple was built in 1850 to the memory of a Buddhist priest, Chor Soo Kong known for possessing incredible healing powers. Venomous pit vipers are coiled all over the temple and the incense burning at the temple seem to keep them dazed. Wat Chayamangkalaram This Buddist temple of Thai architecture houses the world’s third largest reclining Buddha, measuring 33m long.
  
  
• Wat Chayamangkalaram This Buddist temple of Thai architecture houses the world’s third largest reclining Buddha, measuring 33m long.



• Dharmikarama Burmese Temple This Burmese temple has two large stone elephants at the entrance. It also has a pagoda and a Bodhi tree for well wishers.



• Kek Lok Si Temple The temple is known for the most beautiful and largest Buddhist Temple in Southeast Asia. It’s seven-storey pagoda standing at 30m tall is a mixture of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship.



• Saint George’s Church This Anglican Church is the oldest Anglican Church in the country and was built in 1818 with a memorial canopy in remembrance of Captain Francis Light, when he first landed in Penang. It was built by convicts and must to visit church in Penang.



• Sri Mariamman Temple The temple was built in 1883 and consist various statues of Hindu deities. The main deity, Lord Subramaniam was decorated with precious ornaments such as gold, diamonds, emeralds and etc. This deity is used in a chariot procession during the Thaipusam festival which falls normally end of January.



• Penang Museum and Art Gallery It was built in 1821 and was used as a school. The museum has a wide collection of historical relics which provide an insight into Penang’s history.



• Statue of Captain Francis Light The statue was built in 1821 and stands at the entrance of the Penang Museum and Art Gallery which was later removed by the Japanese during WWII. The statue was re-erected minus its sword after the war.



• China Town An untouched old part of Penang in the heart of the city with old fashioned Chinese shop houses. The businesses are basically traditional businesses and lively throughout the day and especially during festive seasons.



• Khoo Kongsi A kongsi is a clan house and acts as a place for the Chinese of the same clan to meet. It was started to be built in 1853 and finally finished in 1898 after a series of interruption during the war. This Kongsi features ornate wood carvings and gilt work and also elaborate friezes dragons, phoenixes and deities.



• Kuan Yin Teng Temple (Goddess of Mercy Temple) The Kuan Yin Teng Temple was built in the 1800s by the first Chinese settlers in Penang. This oldest Chinese temple draws crowds of devotees during the birthday of the goddess.



• Bukit Jambul Orchid and Hibiscus Garden This garden has a wide range of colourful Malaysian Orchids and Hibiscus plants.



• Butterfly Farm The farm has some 5,000 butterflies of 50 species.



• War Museum The museum built around the remnants of an old British fort built into a hill and takes the visitors on a journey to the past during WWII to observe the lifestyle of a typical British soldier and his Asian counterparts.



• Penang Peranakan Mansion (Blue Mansion) The museum contains some richly ornate artifacts such as porcelain pieces, furniture and works of art brought from China relating to the lifestyle and history of the colourful and unique Baba-Nyonya community of Penang. It is handed down through generations and preserved well till today.



• Tropical Spice Garden The tropical Spice Garden has over 500 species of exotic varieties of local and foreign flora and fauna. The imported plants or trees during the British colonial are such as tea, rubber tree and rain tree. Visitors can have a look at the tropical herbs and spices, set amongst a lush nature conservation. The Garden is also the home to wild animals, birds and insects.



• And many more exciting places