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Penang is unique in Malaysia because it is one
destination that offers everything from beaches to historical sights to
diverse culture to shopping and yes of course food. If you don't have
too much time in your hand to visit Malaysia extensively, but want to
have a wide experience of Malysian tourism, then Penang is the perfect
place for you.
Penang gets its name from the Malay word pinang, in reference to the
areca plant, which grew on the island in abundance. The nut of the tree,
commonly called betel, was chewed habitually in the East. To gather a
complete picture of Malaysia one can visit Penang with the assurance
that the place will leave you stunned with its pristine beauty and
irresistible charm.
Fact File
Book a tour to Penang
Country : Malaysia
Population : 1.4 million
Languages : English, Tamil, Chinese, Malay
Climate : 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.
Official Currency : Malaysia Ringgit (RM); 1 RM = 11.454 Indian Rupee =
0.2632 US $ = 0.2173 Euro (subject to change).
Location : This beautiful little place is located in southeast Asian
country of Malaysia.
Getting There
Penang is easily accessible by air with daily flights from major
capitals of the region
By Air : The Penang International Airport is about 20 km from the city
center. Taxis plying the route follow the coupon system by which fares
between the airport and various destinations in Penang are fixed. '
Air-conditioned taxis and limousines charge higher fares.
It has direct links with Singapore, Bangkok, Nagoya, Medan, Xiamen
(China) and Madras, operated by Malaysia Airlines. The airline also
operates more than 20 flights daily between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Getting Around :
By Road : Taxis, Buses or Trishaws provide a convenient way to see
around the city.
Most major international and local car rental companies offer a good
choice of vehicles and packages. Motorcycles and bicycles also offer
inexpensive and fun ways of exploring the island. Stores along the hotel
stretch of Batu Ferringhi and in the city offer them for hire.
Accommodation
The city of has very good hotels to ensure a comfortable stay for the
tourists. Mentioned below is a list of some of the hotels in the city:
5 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Grand Plaza Parkroyal
Hotel Evergreen Laurel
Hotel Northam All Suite
4 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Equitorial
Hotel paradise Sandy
Hotel Bay
Shangri La Golden Sands Resort
3 star hotels in the city:
Hotel Eastern and Oriental
Hotel Continental
Hotel City Bay View
Major Tourist attractions
Penang bridge : It is held by cables and is 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, supposedly third longest in
the world. The island end of the bridge begins near the University at
Gelugor and the mainland end at Seberang Jaya.
Penang museum and art gallery : Formerly the Penang Free School
building, it was built in 1816 and houses a fine collection of
historical documents, Malay treasures, Straits Chinese furniture,
embroidery and custumes. It exhibits the fishing, agricultural and
natural history of the island and its geographical educational and
economic life. The art gallery displays several paintings - and holds
frequent exhibitions of works - of local artists.
Logan Memorial and high court : A marble statue stands in the high court
compound dedicated to James Richardson Logan, a prominent lawyer and
one-time editor of the `Penang Gazette'.
St. George's Church : It is one of the oldest Anglican churches in
Malaya and Singapore. In front of the church stands a monument to Capt.
Francis Light. The building has semi-arches, mouldings, doric columns
and pillars; the roof which was originally flat is now gable-shaped.
Kapitan Kling Mosque : This is Penang's first mosque, built around 1800
to replace an old attap structure that had been constructed in 1786 by
an Indian Muslim merchant, Cauder Mohideen who was then the `Kling
Kapitan' (Indian Muslim Headsman). Its dome shaped with well placed
minaret reflecting Islamic architecture of Indian influence is just
amazing.
Forest Recreation Park : This beautiful landscaped park on the northwest
coast covers 100 hectares, has several freshwater pools, footpaths, rest
huts, and a children's playground. There is a forestry museum which owns
tropical timbers and their products and preserved insect species. It is
located at Telok Bahang, 24 km from Georgetown.
Beaches : Penang has attractive beaches that stretch for miles from
Tanjong Bungah to Bungah to Batu Ferringhi right up to Telok Bahang. At
Tanjong Bungah, the beaches are suitable for swimming.
Other Attractions :
Cheong Fatt Tze
Fort Cornwallis and King Edward Circus Clock Tower
Youth Park
Khoo Kongsi
State mosque
Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple
Kek Lok Si |
