Pearl of Orient
Penang get lots of Tourists due to its natural scenic beauty, warm seas, golden beaches, lush greenery, delicious cuisines and friendly people. The food is so good that Malaysians and even Singaporean will drive hours and hours just for a taste of Penang delicacy!
The capital of Penang state is Georgetown, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The architectural landscape of Georgetown is a mix of heritage buildings and modern structures. This 1,045 sq km sun-kissed state comprises the island of Penang and Seberang Perai. They are linked by the longest bridge in Asia, the Penang Bridge, as well as the oldest cross-channel ferry service in the Country.
Places of Interests in Penang
George Town UNESCO World Heritage City
George Town, the first British Straits Settlement, was established in 1786 by Captain Francis Light, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. This bustling capital has over 200 years of history and culture, which can be best observe in its historic core. Buildings of historical and architectural interest as well as cultural practices that have been handed down from the previous generations give George Town a uniqueness that is rarely found elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
This majestic mansion was built in the 1880s and belonged to the illustrious Cheong Fatt Tze. This is a traditional paradigm Chinese courtyard house with 38 rooms, it has superb Feng Shui. In the year 2000, this mansion won the “most excellent project” for the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation. During the guided tour, you will have the opportunity to view exquisite bedrooms, libraries, ceremonial halls, courtyards and gardens. Also displayed are rare porcelain, sculptures, carvings, tapestries, embroideries and antiques. Admission fee is RM12 for adult and guided tour on 11am and 3pm.
Kek Lok Si
Kek Lok Si or the Temple of Supreme Bliss towers atop a hill, overlooking the Ayer Itam town. It is hailed the finest and largest Buddhist Temple complex un Southeast Asia. Its main pagoda, the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, comprises seven tiers, which combines a Chinese octagonal base with a middle tier of Thai design and a Burmese crown. This beautifully crafted temple took more than 20 years to build and continues to be expanded. It features lovely shrines, sculptures, gardens and a turtle pond. Admission is Free
Penang National Park
Nature lovers will love the Penang National Park, the latest addition to the country’s family or national parks. You will be impressed by its list of attractions – 417 flora and 143 fauna species, 1,000 plant species and a lighthouse that was built in 1883. Diverse trails will take you through the lush rainforest, leading to romantic bays with lovely sunsets and secluded beaches favoured by the Green and Olive Ridley turtlesm despite being the world smallest natural park.
Fort Cornwallis
Erected in 1786, Fort Cornwallis was originally a wooden stockade that was subsequently replaced by a brick structure in 1804. The East India Company’s first military and administrative base, it was built on the site of Sir Francis Light’s historic landing. Relics at the fort include a chapel, gunpower magazine and cell rooms. The famous Dutch cannon is prominently displayed facing seawards. It was presented to the Sultan of Johor by the Dutch. Admission fee is RM3 for Adult and RM2 for children.
War Museum, Batu Maung
History comes alive at the War Museum in Batu Maung. As you explore this 20 acre museum, you get to observe the living quarters of a typical British soldier and his Asian counterparts during WWII. War relics are housed in several installations above and below ground built around the remnants of a old British Fort. You can weave through a complex to view barracks, old cookhouses, lock-ups, tunnels and ventilation shafts. Admission fee for Adult is RM15 (Malaysian) RM30 (Foreigner) and for Children is RM7.50 (Malaysian) RM15 (Foreigner)
Penang Butterfly Farm
One of the first in the world, Penang’s butterfly farm remains a tourism attraction since its opening in 1986. More than just a treat for naturalists and hobbyists, the farm played a vital role familiarising the Malaysian public with entomology, and it has also gained a worldwide reputation as a butterfly breeding centre.
Penang Snake Temple
Devotees throng the Snake Temple on the sixth day of lunar Chinese New Year every year to celebrate the resident deity Chor Soo kong – a Buddhist monk who, accordingly to legend, gave shelter to snakes of the jungle. Upon stepping into the temple, one will be buffeted by wafts of burning incense. But arresting your attention eventually is the nest of pit vipers – all coiled up elegantly on tree branches and pillars. Penang snake temple is in Sungai Kluang, near Bayan Lepas.
