PENANG ISLAND..pearl of the orientWELCOME!Welcome to Penang Island; Pearl Of The Orient. I am Seng Lin and will be guiding you throughout this incredible tour in Penang, Malaysia. Please e-mail me if you any difficulty during your tour. Well, let's begin!
INTRODUCTIONPenang is located somewhere on the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It consists of Penang Island and a strip land on the Mainland called Province Wellesley or Seberang Prai. The two entities are linked by the Penang Bridge which is the longest bridge in South East Asia and a ferry service.Pulau Pinang (its Malay name) means Island of Betel Nut and the name is derived from the palm tree found in the island. From its establishment as the first British trading outpost in the Far East in 1786, Penang is today a bustling metropolitan city with a unique blend of East and West. It offers all the scenic delights of a tropical island with its luxuriant flora and accompanying fauna - in pleasant contrast to the city landscape. Its capital, Georgetown is a city steeped in history and tradition yet with modern amenities and facilities. Take in the exotic sights and sounds of this colourful and picturesque city. Stroll down the narrow side streets or take a trishaw ride on its tree-lined boulevards. And of course, the food! I can bet you that you will never resist eating Penand food when you visit Penang. Laksa, Rojak, Char Koay Tiow etc.....even the names look to eat.
HOW TO GET HEREPenang is easily accessible by air with daily flights from major capitals of the region. A well developed network of road and rail links Penang to Seberang Prai on the mainland.
By RoadWith the opening of the Penang Bridge in 1985 whick links the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia to Penang Island, driving to Penang is easy. A RM7.00 toll is collected from all classes of cars at the Toll Plaza in Prai on the mainland. Ni payment is required for travelling from the island to the mainland.
By FerryFrom Butterworth, you have to take the ferry to Penang island. the Penang Port Commision provides a 24-hour service for both passengers and vehicles. Tickets purchased at the terminal at Butterworth.
By RailTaking train to an island??!! No, of course. But you'll indeed stop at Butterworth. Taking the train is a comfortable way to travel and one does get to see a lot of the countryside. The journey from Kula Lumpur to Buterworth takes approximately six hours. Air-conditioned coaches are available for First and Second class passengers. For those who are in the Third class, too bad!!
By AirPenang has direct air links with Singapore, Bangkok, Haadyai, Phuket, Medan and Madras operated by Malaysian Airlines. Malaysia Airlines operates up to 24 flights daily between Kula Lumpur and Penang.Through Kuala Lumpur, Penang is linked with Los Angeles, London, Seoul, Tokyo, Hongkong and many other major coties in the world. The Bayan Lepas International Airport is about 20 km from the city centre. Taxis playing the Airport route follow the coupon system with fixed fares from the airport to the destination. The passenger pays the fare at the taxi booth in exchange for the coupon. Air conditioned taxis and limousines charge slightly higher fares.
By Swimming(joking!)Well, this is the best way to get to Penang. This is because you can exercise and enjoy your self at the same time when swimming. Don't be afraid to try out; there're no sharks! If you do try out, you may be one of the first to SWIM to Penang Island!
SPORTS AND RECREATIONPenang is fast becoming a centre for sporting events. Many of the international sport events such as the MAS/Penang International Marathon, with more than 3,000 participants taking part i this 42km run; Penang International Boat Festival, the mid-year event which has become part of the international boat racing circuit including Hongkong, Macau, Singapore and Sydney; Penang Bridge Run and Penang Grand Prix. Other activities like golfing and horse racing are also available.
SHOPPINGWith its history asa a trading port, Penang has always been a favourite shopping place for tourists. Truly a cosmopolitan city, its shops cater for a variety od tastes even to the most discerning shoppers. In Georgetown, the following areas offer something for everyone - Jalan Penang, Lebuh Campbell, Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Pantai. Of particular note is KOMTAR, multistorey office and shopping complex. One is able to browse and shop in a modern, air-conditioned environment. Then, in contrast is Pasar Chowrasta or Chowrasta Market, a typical bazaar for local goodies. Most shops open from 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. and some stay open till 10 p.m. at night. Visitors can also witness first-hand the making of matik, the tradisional Malaysian cloth, with its unique prints. Prices at the larger departmental stores are fixed but those at smaller shops are negotiable. Do not be afraid to bargain or ask for a discount. It is an accepted practice.Duty free items such as cameras, watches, lighters, pens, cosmetics and electronic goods are amongst the cheapest in many cities of Asia. Penang is also well known for it's mobile night market, inlocal term "pasar malam" which offers varieties of gods ranging from household items, clothes, knick-knacks and food. Traffic comes to a stop with sidewalks and pavement being turned into an open-air shopper's mall.
EATING OUTPenang is also a qourmet's paradise. The food that one can find is as varied as imaginable. Depending on one's fancy, one can either find it in the many restaurants or at the food stalls lining the streets in typical Malaysian style. Penang is especially noted for local fare such as the 'asam laksa' (a noodle dish) and "rojak" (a form of salad that is typically Asian). The range of local food represents the multiracial makeup of Penang's population - enabling one to sample Malay, Indian and Chinese cuisine. In the evening, good spots in town where you can amazing array of dishes in minutes. Another place to head for is the sidewalk at Gurney Drive teems with carts and steaming woks as hawkers furiously stir ingredients in the evenings in trying to cope with many orders.Eating out in Penang can become a truly fulfilling pastime and is an experience you shuldn't miss.
CULTUREWith a population of one million, Penang is a melting pot of culture. Apart from the three main racial communities of Malaysia - Malay, Chinese and Indian - there are Arabs and Eurasions, the latter being a result of inter-racial marriage. Asit is, one is exposed to a variety of cultural experiences which give the island an added touch of clour.Many of the lifestyle of the people are inevitably reflected as one passes through serene Malay kampongs surrunded by fruit plantations, rubber estates and padi fields; the bustling Chinatown at Lebuh Kimberley and Lebuh Acheen; and "Little India" at Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Keling.
ACCOMMODATIONPenang offers a wide range of accommodation to cater to the individual preferences of every visitor from beach resorts of interbational standards to moderately priced hotels which are conveniently located in the city.Most hotela have centralised air-conditioning, well equpped convention and conference facilities, International Direct Dialling telephone services, coffehouses, restaurants, cocktail lounges, discos and health centres with sauna and massage. Most have a business centre and room service facilities.
ENTERTAINMENTAt the first sign of dusk, the city reveals another facade of it's exciting life. As the night sets in and the city lights come on, the evening pulsates promise. For those who have brought their dancing shoes, there are numerous night spots throughout the city to dance away the night. Most hotels have discotheqes and/or live bands to liven up the evening for their quests.On occasion, concerts and cultural shows are staged at various public places in the city. Bars and pubs are open till late in the night.
PLACES OF INTERESTBeaches - Penang owes much of its sun-kissed beaches - a playground to the waves beating from the sea. Visitors seeking out clean fresh air, sun and sea will find their niche here. From the swaying of palm trees to te music of the sea breeze, one can either comb the beach for miles on end, swim to the heart's content or merely revel in the sun. At the beaches of Tanjung Bungah, Batu Feringgi and Teluk Bahang, you can enjoy all the pleasures of aquatic sports, such as para-sailing, boating, surfing, catamarans and many others.
1. Penang Hill - This rendezvous, which is set 821m above sea level, provides a panoramic view of the island from its peak. Going uphill via the funicular train is itself an experience that one should not miss. The journey to the summit takes 30 minutes.
2. Forest Recreation Park - Carved out of the tropical rain forests to enable visitors an insight into MOther Nature's legacy, the recreational forests of Teluk Bahang, Sungai Tukun and Pantai Keracut on the island and Bukit Mertajam ont he mainland bear testimony to te richness of Penang's flora and fauna. There are countless species of flowering plants and ferns and numerous species of insects, exotic birds, butterflies, snakes and lizards. For those with a sense of adventure, there are jungle tracks leading to the heart of the forest with camping sites along the way. The teluk Bahang Recreational Forest has a forestry museum which specialises in forestry exhibits.
3. St. George's Church - Located on Farquhar Street, this Anglican Church is one of the landmarks in the country. It was built in 1818 by convicts and at the entrance is a memorial canopy in remembrance of Captain Francis Light, when he first landed in Penang. Servises in English at 8.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. every Sunday.
4. Penang Museum and Art Gallery - Built in 1821, it was first used as a school (Penang Free School). Today, it houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, charts and other historical relics which provide an insight into Penang's history. Opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except on Friday when it is opn from 9 a.m. to 12.15 p.m. and 2.45 p.m. to 5 p.m.
5. Kek Lok Si - Located at Air Itam it is reputed to be the most beautiful and the largest Buddhist temple complex in South East Asia. It is interesting to note that its seven storey pagoda standing at 30m tall is a mixture of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship. The ocotogonal base is typically Chinese, the middle tiers Thai and the spiral dome Burmese. Opens daily from morning to late evening.
6. Snake Temple - This temple built in 1850, was erected in the memory of a Buddhist priest Chor Soo kong, who was belived to have possed incredible healing powers. Here lives venomous pit vipers colied around the altars and other parts of the temple in dazed manner as if intoxicated by the burning incense. You too can actually take photographs together with the snakes themselves! Opens from morning to late evening.
7. Butterfly farm - Located at Teluk Bahang, the farm is noted as the world's first tropival live buterfly exhibition and houses over 100 species of butterflies and local insects in their natural habitat. There are about 4,000 to 5,000 live butterflies at any one time. The butterflies at any one time. The farm also serves as a display and breeding area complete with a souvenir shop and information centre. The presence of a lily pond, artificial waterfalls and a rock garden further enhance the beauty of the farm.
8. Sri Mariamman Temple - Built in 1883, this temple is filled with statues of Hindu deities. Amongst the priceless possessions of this temple is a statue of Lord Subramaniam richly decorated with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. This statue is normally used to lead a chariot prossion during Thaipusam festivals which usally falls in late January. Opening hours are usually in the morning till evening. Permission to enter must be obtained from temple officials.
9. Fort cornwallis - A history site, being the place where Captain Francis Light first landed on the island in 1786. Originally a wooden fortress, it was later erected in stone by convict labour in 1804-5. There is currently an open-air amphitheatre inside the fort.
10. Botanical Gardens - Located 8 km from the city centre, a visit to this 30 hectares garden is a must. It offers tranquility admist lush green surroundings of tropical plants and the vibrant hues of Penang's native flora. The sound of waterfalls gushing from its source in the hills and the background brings one closer to nature.
11. Wat Chayamankalaram - At Lorong Burmah, this Buddhist temple of Thai architecture houses the world's third largest reclining Buddha, measuring 33 metres long. Opening hours are from early morning to late evening and photography is not allowed inside the temple.
12..Mengkuang Dam - The dam, located in the Mengkuang Valley north of Bukit Mertajam, is the biggest in Penang capable of storing 23,639 million litres of water. There are landscaped gardens, recreational and water sport facilities, jogging tracks and leisure trails for walks. However, joggers and those wishing to visit the area must check-in with the security personally.
13. State Mosque - Located at Jalan Masjid Negeri, the Mosque took over four years to complete. It can accommodate 5,000 worshippers. Large crowds of Muslim come for congregational prayers every Friday at midday. Visitors must be dressed appropriated. Photography in some areas of the mosque are restricted. Permission to visit must be obtained from the State Religious Department at Lebuh Pantai.
14. Bukit Jambul Country Club - The Bukit Jambul Club not only boasts of an 18-hole golf course but also has an Olympic-size swimming pool, six tennis courts, a gymnasium, two squash courts and a snooker room. Other facilities include a banquet hall, a library, a video room, meeting rooms, children and a terrace snack bar.
15. Penang Bird Park - The five acre Penang Bird Park in Seberang Jaya is the first of its kind in Malaysia. Over 200 species of birds from around the world are on view in specilly designed aviaries. Man-made islands with landscaped gardens and ornamental plants abound. Of note are the wide variety of orchids and hibiscus plants.
16. Bukit Mertajam Recreational Park - Located approximatedly 18 km from Butterworth ferry terminal. It has an area of 37 hectares of hilly terrain, ascending up to 457 metres above sea level. Its cool hill air encourages a profusion of ferns, epiphytes and wild flowers, as well as exotic butterflies, birds and insects. For the adventurous, there are numerous jungle tracks leading to the heart of the forest.
17. Kapitan Kling Mosque - Located at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, this mosque was built in the early nineteenth century by an Indian Muslim merchant, who was also the community headman at that time. Itis a fine example of Islamic architecture of Moorish infuence.
18. Khoo Kongsi - Located at Lebuh Cannon, the Leong San Tong (Dragon Hall) of the Khoo Kongsi is the most picturesque temple in Penang. The Kongsi or clan-temple is a magnificient building with intricate carvings on its wall, pillars and roof created by master craftsmen from China. The beams are made from the finest wood and is richly ornamented. Permission to enter must be obtained from the Kongsi Office.
19. Kuan Yin Teng Temple - It is also known as the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy. Located at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, it is the oldest temple in Penang and is believed to be built in 1800. During the birthday od the goddess, which is celebrated three times a year on the 19th day of the Chinese second, sixth and ninth moon, the temple is at its busiest.
BYE!Bye for now. Thank you for visiting Penang Island, Pearl Of The Orient. And please thank me by e-mailing me. Do comment about this page.
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