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 Bridg...
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...
Dewan Sri Pinang Located at Lebuh Light, West of Fort Cornwallis, the hall houses the Penang State Library and Penang Art Gallery. The island’s colourful culture is reflected in the many artworks on show. It is also the venue of many art and cultural events. Details on shows and performances can be obtained from the Penang Tourism Action Council at (04) 262 0202. Islamic Museum...
Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) Better known as KOMTAR, the prominent 65-storey landmark located at the southern end of Jalan Penang houses government departments, commercial offices, department stores, restaurants, recreation facilities and a geodesic dome. It offers a panoramic view of the city from the 58th floor. KOMTAR also serves as Georgetown’s main bus and taxi terminal. ...
Botanical Gardens Charles Curtis, the first Superintendent of the Botanical Gardens, founded this green landscaped parkland of over 30 ha at Jalan Ayer Terjun. Large numbers of macaque monkeys greet visitors from the entrance right to the heart of the garden. Central to the Gardens is a waterfall that starts over a hundred metres above, which today is a restricted area and hidden from public view ...
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 an...
Penang Hill Rising 830 metres above sea level, Penang Hill is a popular rendezvous for locals and tourists. It is accessible via a funicular rail service from the base at Jalan Air Terjun or powerful four-wheel drives on tarred road. Nature lovers can even hike up the hill. Visitors will see flora and fauna, small farms, fruit orchards, farmers’ houses and old colonial buildings during the steep...
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. Golfers will not feel left out in Penang as there are four excellent golf courses, ...
