Pulau Pinang
The Pearl of the Orient

    Penang lies off the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The state comprises the island of Penang covering an area of about 285 sq. km and a narrow strip of approximately 760 sq. km on the mainland known as Seberang Prai (Province Wellesley) separated by a channel 3 km wide at the closest point. They are linked by the Penang Bridge and a 24-hour ferry service. Its population of more than 1 million represents a happy mix of the 3 major races of Malays, Chinese and Indians.
  Penang has an equatorial climate which is uniformly warm and humid throughout the year. The average minimum and maximum temperatures range from 23 C to 32 C. There are no recognisable hot or cold seasons as such and the mean annual rainfall of approximately 267cm is evenly distributed throughout the year, although September to November may be considered the wettest months.
   
  Penang Attraactions:
   
 

Georgetown at the north-eastern tip of the island is the seat of administration and is also the commercial hub of the state. This bustling metropolitan city combines the best of east and west as seen in its fascinating collection of fine old buildings, each bearing the stamp of different foreign influences in its colorful history.Much of its charm also lies in its famous golden beaches and clear blue seas. Today Penang is a resort island, an idyllic playground for worshippers of the sun and the sea.

  

Its multi-racial population contributes to a wealth of cultural attractions and festivals for visitors to bring home memories of happy times in Penang.

       
    Brief History:
Penang today bears the mark of an early history of successive foreign influences - from the early Indian civilization that took root in Northern Malaya to that of the Portuguese, Dutch and later the British who came to this part of the world in search of spices and stayed to participate in the lucrative trade. The island was originally named Prince of Wales Island and the settlement that soon grew up was named Georgetown after King George III. It flourished and grew to be a major trading post for a lucrative trade in tea, spices, china and cloth. For more than a hundred years, it remained under British Colonial rule until 1957 when it gained independence and became one of the states of the newly formed Federation of Malaya and later Malaysia in 1963.
  Penang bridge - cable stayed, 13.5 km long, 8.5 km over water, the rest consisting of a viaduct on the island side with a flyover on the mainland. Longest in Asia, reputedly third longest in the world. The island end of the bridge begins near the University at Gelugor and the mainland end at Seberang Jaya.  
    Kapitan Keling Mosque - Named after the Indian Muslim merchant, the "Kapitan Keling" Caudeer Mohudeen who built it in the early 19th century. It features an ocher yellow facade and dome-shaped minaret reflecting Moorish Islamic influence.
  Kek Lok Si Temple - One of the finest Buddhist temples in South East Asia, the Kek Lok Si temple stands majestically on a hill in Ayer Itam. Built in tiers, the temple culminates with the beautifully crafted "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas". Taking more than 20 years to build, the temple is set against beautiful scenic surroundings. It features gardens, turtle pond, shrines and beautiful sculptures.  
    Penang Hill - Malaysia's first hill station, Penang Hill is 830 meters (2730ft) above sea level, visitors can ascend to the top by either hiking up or by the funicular railway which has been operational since 1922. Apart from the cool, refreshing climate and the fantastic view at the summit, visitors can also view the picturesque bungalows, a beautiful flower garden and a bird park.
  Penang's Famed Beaches - Penang's northern shoreline is famous for its beautiful beaches of golden sand and deep blue seas. The Tanjung Bunga, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang beaches offer expansive stretches of glittering sand interspersed with secluded covers within the shelter of gigantic rocks. It is along this famous coastline that resorts of international standard have sprouted up, offering a host of water-based recreational facilities.  
    Forestry Museum - Located within the 100 hectare Forest Recreation Park, the museum was built using various species of wood and other forest produce and houses a collection of forest produce from all over the country. The park features foot paths and flowing streams and is home to countless species of flowering plants, ferns, insects, birds, butterflies and snakes.
  Shopping:
Penang is definitely a shopper's paradise, with hundreds of retail establishments located conveniently, in and around the city. Few can be match the variety and prices of goods found in Penang and local handicrafts make great souvenirs.

The main shopping centres are in Penang Road, Burmah Road and Campbell Street in the city.

One of the more prominent shopping complexes on the island is Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR) in Penang Road; it has over 200 shops.

Roadside shops are Penang's most popular bargaining centres. Prices are negotiable and reasonable, depending on one's skill at bargaining. Prices are however fixed in the larger departmental stores.

    Eating out:
The endless variety of Penang food reflects the different cooking styles and tastes of its multi-racial population. There is a mouth-watering selection of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Nyonya cuisine to sample, not to mention the irresistible hawker fare from makeshift roadside stalls.
  Typical Penang food can be described as - the Southern Chinese cuisine met Malaysian Chili-peppers and a whole series of new taste thrills have evolved. People who visited Penang had talk about the Penang food endlessly and will return just to refresh the taste of 'real' food.

Seafood in Penang is abundant, the variety endless and the restaurants are excellent. In some, the fish are kept alive in tanks and you can pick your own. There are crabs, prawns, lobsters, oysters, mussels, cuttlefish, squid plus a whole range of local fish. A must try is chilli crab, cooked with a zesty, spicy rich chilli-tomato sauce.

One thing's for certain when it comes to food, you'll definitely remember Penang.