Exploring Malaysia 
The ‘Pearl of the Orient’- as Penang is known - is a major tourist destination hub in South-East Asia. A major trading post in times past, Penang today is a blend of old and new, a bustling port, a heritage city and an industrial centre. Today the relaxed island atmosphere, is also the venue of choice for those seeking health and to hold meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. The combination of heritage and wonderful beaches, hills and forests and of course wonderful food creates the recipe for a perfect holiday which is the sunny state of Penang.
Historically Penang has always been an important trading post. Originally part of the Malay sultanate of Kedah, Penang was ceded to the British in exchange for the promise of military protection. Captain Francis Light (also known as the founder of Penang), who negotiated the deal, renamed it ‘Prince of Wales Island’ in honour of the heir to the British throne, and set up a trading post there. ...
Penang is accessible by air, sea, train and road. Both the Malaysia Airlines and budget airlines, Air Asia offers daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Travelling to Penang by car from other states within Malaysia is convenient and safe. The North-South Expressway (NSE) and the East-West Highway links Butterworth in Penang to other parts of the country. The Penang Bridge, the third longe...
Fort Cornwallis Fort Cornwallis is the site where Captain Francis Light first landed in 1786. Initially the fortress comprised a wooden structure till 1804 when it was reconstructed with bricks using convict labour. Today you will find a craft shop, an open-air auditorium, café, souvenir centre and an old bunker within the fort. Interactive displays introduce you to the colonial era while histori...
Kek Lok Si Temple The Kek Lok Si (the Temple of the Supreme Bliss) which benevolently gazes down from a hill overlooking the Air Hitam Valley is a key focal point for visitors to Penang. Among the myriads of magnificent buildings found in the sprawling complex the one that stands out most is the Pagoda of Rama VI, known popularly as the "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas". It towers just over a ...
Penang Toy Museum The Penang Toy Museum is reputed to be Asia's first and largest museum dedicated to collectible models, toys and figurines. It has over 100,000 collectibles ranging from figurines from various computer game characters to miniatures and figurines from television shows and movies. Among the highlights is the Chamber of Horrors, which features figurines and collectibles from ho...
Beaches The beaches of Penang offer stretches of golden sands, crystal blue sea and secluded coves. Most activities are centered around Batu Ferringhi, where most of the popular beach resorts are located. Their facilities include waterskiing, sailing, windsurfing, water scooters, and waterskiing. This prime stretch of beach is always a hive of activity with elite nightspots and restaurants, which...
RECREATIONAL FORESTS
Teluk Bahang Forestry Recreational Park Within the 100 ha Teluk Bahang Forestry Recreational Park are fresh water pools, children’s playground, rest huts, jungle trails and a Forestry Museum which showcases various species of tropical timber, timber products and insects. A varied range of flowering plants, insects, snakes, lizards and birds can be spotted along the many ju...
Penang is just the place to be for mouth-watering hawker food. Among its irresistible hawker delights are laksa, nasi kandar, char koay teow, pesembor, loh bak and roti jalar. Its appetizing array of Nyonya food includes otak-otak, enche kabin and curry kapitan to name a few.
There are numerous sports clubs in Penang including the Penang Motor Sports Club, the Penang Rifle Club, the Penang Swimming Club, the Penang Squash Centre and the prestigious Penang Yacht Club that fronts the sea. Fans of horse racing can visit the Penang Turf Club for an afternoon of fun.
Golf Golfers will not feel left out in Penang as there are four excellent golf courses, namely the Bukit J...
