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Situated on the north-western coast of the Malay Peninsula at the entrance to the Straits of Malacca, Penang Islands cover an area of 292 sq km (112 sq mi). The island is separated from mainland Malaysia by a channel of sea varying between 3 km (1.9 mi) and 13 km (8.4 mi) Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world.
The island has the oldest British settlement in Malaysia, which has founded by Captain Francis Light in 1786 while he was searching for a docking place for ships of the East India Company. Captain Light made a treaty with the Sultan of Kerala who permitted him to colonize the Sparsely populated island.
Penang today is a fine mixture of old and new; bustling, industrial port meets historic Old Town. In the capital, Georgetown, modern skyscrapers tower above one of the largest collections of pre-war buildings in Southeast Asia. Colourful produce markets compete for space with high-tech electronics manufacturers. There is also a fascinating mixture of cultures here. Hundred-year-old churches, Chinese Temples, Indian temples and Mosques stand side by side.
In the middle of the bustling modern city is Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)at almost 900 m (2,953ft)high, with its cool, clean air. From its summit, there are amazing views of the town, the island, and even the mountains on the mainland when the sky is clear. There is a Swiss-built funicular railway to take visitors to the summit, which creaks its way up through the beautiful tropical forest. A the top of the hill there is a cafe, a Hindu temple and a mosque.
Among the less crowded beaches are Muka Head, Pantai Keracut, Monkey Beach, Pantai Keracut, Monkey Beach, Pantai Acheh and Gertak Sanggul.
Penang Island is enriched by its numerous ethnic communities, among them Malays, Chinese and Indians, which live side by side in harmony to create a multi-faceted culture. Each community maintains its cultural identity through religious festivals and cultural shows, including angsawan, Boria, flag processions, the Chingay Parade, the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, The Hungry Ghosts Festival and Thaipusam.
When to visit:
December to July
How To Reach:
Fly to Penang International Airport, or cross the bridge from the mainland.
Highlights:
Penang Hill - trek up a hill or take the funicular railway to experience amazing views of the whole Island. Beaches - among the nicest beaches and Pantai Acheh.
Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve - this lowland forest covers most of the north-western tip of Penang island and hosts a diverse ecosystem of forest vegetation, mangrove swamps, rock coast and sandy beaches.
Snake Temple - built in 1850 to commemorate the chines monk Chor Soo Kong, the temple is situated in the small town of Bayan Lepas and is famous for the pit vipers which live in the temple.
You should know:
The official religion is Islam, so avoid revealing clothing or displays of affection in public.
