Penang comprises Penang Island and mainland Seberang Prai (Province Wellesley). Located on the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is 370 km from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital. The island, at 285 sq km, is linked to the mainland by the famed Penang Bridge. Spanning 13.5km, it is the longest bridge in Asia and ranks third by world standards.
Historically Penang island was founded by Captain Francis Light in 1786. It was said that the island gets it name from the betel nut palm (pokok pinang) which was a common sight all over the island. Penang was also known as the Pearl of Orient with its outstanding beaches and exotic sights have made it one of the most popular destinations in the region. Beside the fabulous beaches in Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi, and Teluk Bahang, Penang is also rich with other tourist attractions like the Snake Temple and Kek Lok Si temple. It is said that the temple is reputed to be the most beautiful and largest temple complex in Southeast Asia. Its seven-story pagoda, over 90 feet high, is a harmonious blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship. Other worthwhile stops are the delightful Penang Bird Park, the romantic peak of Penang Hill, the Sleeping Buddha temple, Botanical Gardens, Fort Cornwallis and the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve.
For those who are nature lovers will find the jungles and beaches of all the scenic delights of a tropical island paradise. Penang is a resort island in full swing, with an abundance of fine hotels, pubs, karaoke lounges, discotheques, and all-night eating heaven. Penang is filled with various crusines and famous for its hawker food stalls. All that for a very cheap price. Penang is one of Malaysia's major tourist destinations and holds a lot of attractions for visitors - from its luxurious five star resorts on sun-kissed beaches to comfortable city hotels, from shopping for bargains and savouring glorious food which, incidentally is available round the clock, to discovering the inner city streets of Georgetown. |
