Witness the delightful fusion of the East and West as well as the old and new in the Pearl of the Orient, Penang. This 1,048 sq km sun-kissed state comprises the island of Penang and Seberang Perai on the mainland. They are linked by the longest bridges in Asia, the iconic Penang Bridge, as well as the oldest cross-channel ferry service in the country. Elegant colonial buildings rise among modern skyscrapers in its capital, George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while unique flora and fauna flourish in the Penang National Park. Festivals are celebrated with much colour and exuberance at this state. One of the main attractions of Penang is its bewildering array of mouth-watering food, ranging from Malay, Chinese, Nyonya to Western and fusion fare. Explore and discover the beauty of Penang!
Map of Penang
Places of Interest
GEORGE TOWN
A UNESCO World Heritage City
Penang’s vibrant capital city, George Town, was awarded UNESCO World Heritage City status in 2008. Full of character and vibrance, this city is filled with heritage buildings, historical landmarks and a colourful medley of cultures. Many attractions are situated within walking distance of each other – in fact, walking the streets of George Town is a visual feast in itself. Alternatively, take a tour of the city on one of the cheerfully-decorated trishaws available at every corner.
STREET OF HARMONY
George Town
A short walk along Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, otherwise known as the Street of Harmony, demonstrates how the island’s four main communities can coexist peacefully. At the northern end of the street is St. George’s Church, the first Anglican church in Southeast Asia. Just minutes away is the Goddess of Mercy Temple, one of Penang’s oldest surviving buildings dating back to 1800s. Visitors will also find the Sri Maha Mariamman Kovil, the oldest Hindu temple on the island. Further along the street, the minaret and dome of the imposing Kapitan Keling Mosque rise above the rooftops.
THE TOP KOMTAR
George Town
Touted as the highest iconic entertainment tower, this is the state’s largest theme park which brings more than 18 themed attractions. Explore the Rainbow Skywalk, Jurassic Research Centre, Penang Boutique Aquarium and Zombie Outbreak. There is also a Penang State Gallery that features everything you have ever wanted to know about Penang and Durian The King of Fruits, which is dedicated to the infamous, thorny fruit! Enjoy your tour and dine at the restaurants while you enjoy the view.
PENANG NATIONAL PARK
Teluk Bahang
Home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, Penang National Park offers a wondrous journey into the heart of nature. Also within the park are a 19th- century lighthouse, a natural meromictic lake, nature trails, a turtle conservation centre and a canopy walkway.
TROPICAL FRUIT FARM
Teluk Bahang
Savour a variety of fruits at the Tropical Fruit Farm. The farm covers an area of 25 acres and is located in the hilly terrain of Teluk Bahang. Over 200 tropical and subtropical fruits are grown in this orchard. They include durians, lychees, mangoes, guavas, avocados and dragon fruits. After touring the farm, you can sample freshly cut fruits or great-tasting fruit juices.
CHOWRASTA BAZAAR
George Town
Operating since the late 1800s, Chowrasta Bazaar is divided into several sections. In the front are stalls setting local products including pickled nutmeg, durian cake, medicinal oils and balms. The wet market is at the back with stalls selling fresh produce. The upper level is a treasure trove of shoe and clothes stalls, coffee shops and even second hand bookstores.
PENANG HILL
One of Penang’s oldest icons, Penang Hill is a popular retreat for those who wish to escape the city’s blistering heat. Also known as Bukit Bendera, Penang Hill soars 833m (2,723 feet) above sea level. A brand-new funicular train service takes visitors to the summit in less than half an hour, where a spectacular panoramic view of George Town and its surroundings – all the way up to the mainland – awaits at the Viewing Deck. Penang Hill also has many nature trails.
PENANG BATIK FACTORY
Teluk Bahang
Located near the Penang Butterfly Farm (Entopia), Penang Batik Factory is the place for tourists seeking local craft and souvenirs. Take the opportunity to do some batik shopping in the large showroom featuring a range of menswear, ladieswear, scarves, tablecloths and more. Daily tours are also available at the factory and soon you will discover why this place is the largest traditional batik manufacturer in the northern region of Malaysia.
ENTOPIA
Teluk Bahang
Previously known as Penang Butterfly Farm, ENTOPIA sits on 9,290 sq metres of exhibition space in Teluk Bahang. Branded as an Entomological Utopia, this is a sanctuary for 15,000 species of live butterflies, dragonflies and fireflies from around the world. This nature learning destination will reconnect visitors to the true spirit of human nature to live harmoniously with Mother Nature.
TROPICAL SPICE GARDEN
Teluk Bahang
Set out over eight acres of secondary jungle in Teluk Bahang overlooking the Straits of Malacca, the garden has more than 500 species of tropical flora and fauna. Different trails introduce more than 100 varieties of spices, herbs, ferns and orchids. Throughout the garden are themed Garden Rooms with special plant collections complete with informational signages.
ESCAPE
Teluk Bahang
ESCAPE is a fun destination with exciting rides and games hosted in a natural environment. Its main attraction is the World’s Longest Water Slide, stretching up to 1,111 m. It has been listed in the Guinness World Records. Visitors can enjoy a variety of other activities such as Aerobat, Airbag, AK Academy, AK Discovery, AK Splash, Family Trail, Family Twister and many more.
BATU FERINGGHI
Batu Feringghi is the most popular beach destination in Penang. With its stretch of golden sand, this beach is the focal point of resorts, water sports, leisure activities and shopping. The scenic backdrop of large granite boulders, fine sand and calm waters makes this an idyllic relaxation spot. The beach front beckons with watersports, scores of restaurants, watering holes and recreational spots, coupled with a lively night bazaar.
BOULDER VALLEY GLAMPING
Teluk Bahang
Glamping is a new trend where holidaymakers can infuse a touch of glamour and style into camping. It is the perfect way to experience nature without forsaking creature comforts. Boulder Valley Glamping offers an exceptional glamping experience amidst a backdrop of scenic boulders and tropical greens. Amenities include comfortable beds and en suite bathrooms.
THERE’S MUCH MORE IN PENANG
Places of interest abound in George Town as well as along the north coast of Penang island. For more attractions, make a trip to the mainland and enjoy the scenic journey across the channel
George Town
- Acheen Street Malay Mosque
- Chinatown
- Chowrasta Bazaar
- City Hall
- Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
- Goddess of Mercy Temple
- Islamic Museum
- Kapitan Keling Mosque
- Little India
- One East Museum
- P. Ramlee’s House
- Penang Museum
- Sri Mariamman Temple
- St. George’s Church
- State Mosque
- My Natural Crystal Museum
- Penang Street Art
- Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
- Made In Penang Interactive Museum
- Public Gold Museum
- Ghost Museum
- Camera Museum
- Penang Time Tunnel
- Asia Camera Museum
- Batik Printing Museum
- Sun Yat Sen Museum
- Rozana Batik Gallery
- Cheah Kongsi Interperative Museum
- Queen Victoria Clock Tower
- Wat Chayamangkalaram
- Penang Hajj Gallery
- Phantamania
- Colonial Museum
- Galeri Melayu Penang
- Dark Museum
- Ben’s Vintage Museum
- Fluorescent Art Museum
- Upside Down Museum
- Wonder Food Museum
- Asia Comic Cultural Museum
Batu Feringghi
- Batu Feringghi Sidewalk Bazaar
- Tropical Spice Garden
- Teddy Ville Museum
Teluk Bahang - ENTOPIA
- Penang Foresty Museum
- Toy Museum
Gelugor
- Tuanku Fauziah Museum and Gallery
Jalan Kebun Bunga
- Bee Gallery
Bukit Mertajam
- St. Anne’ s Church
- Cherok Tokun Nature Park
Tanjung Tokong
- Museum of Glass
Butterworth
- Penang Bird Park
Seberang Perai Selatan - Pulau Aman
Balik Pulau
- Countryside Stable (Horse Riding)
- PRB Riding Club (Horse Riding)
- Audi Dream Farm
- Titi Kerawang Waterfall
- ATV Eco
- Matahari Cycle
Ayer Itam (Bukit Bendera)
- The Owl Museum
- The Habitat
- GohKaki Childhood Museum
ESSENTIAL Information
SHOPPING
Shopping in Penang is convenient as one-stop shopping malls, retail outlets, handicraft stores, flea markets, night markets and sidewalk bazaars are available in the state. Whether you are looking for mementos, branded apparel, electronic items, books, local food products, antiques and curios, or just browsing around, you will find it a pleasant experience. Popular shopping spots include:
- M Mall
- Precinct 10
- Island Plaza
- Lebuh Campbell
- Straits Quay Mall
- Sunshine Square
- Chowrasta Bazaar
- Megamall Penang
- Giant Hypermarket
- Midlands Park Centre
- Penang Times Square
- Kompleks Bukit Jambul
- Carrefour Hypermarket
- Lorong Kulit Flea Market
- Prangin Mall
- Gurney Plaza
- Jalan Penang
- Design Village
- Auto-City, Juru
- 1st Avenue Mall
- Queensbay Mall
- Gurney Paragon
- The Summit Bukit Mertajam
- Batu Feringghi Sidewalk Bazaar
- Lebuh Kapitan Keling (Gold Bazaar)
- Sunway Carnival Mall, Seberang Jaya
- Tesco Jaya Jusco, ALMA, Bukit Mertajam
- Tesco Jelutong & Tesco Seri Tanjung Pinang
- Road Walk Bagan, Taman Selat, Butterworth
- Little Penang Street Market at Upper Penang Road (Only operates on the last Sunday of the month)
DINING
One of the main highlights of a trip to Penang is the food. You will be amazed at the sheer variety of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Nyonya cuisine vying for your attention. Don’t miss delicious street food like asam laksa, hokkien mee, chee cheong fun, char koay teow, pasembor and mee goreng. You can also try delicious Peranakan or Nyonya food such as mee siam, otak-otak, kerabu, enche kabin and curry kapitan. Equally delicious is nasi kandar, an Indian Muslim dish. Seafood restaurants offering a wide variety of scrumptious dishes are found in abundance along the coastal areas on the island as well as the mainland. Main foodie zones include Gurney Drive. Enjoy Penang’s authentic local favourites.
Char Kuay Teow
The aromatic char kuay teow is one of the most popular street food in Penang. It is made from flat rice noodles stir fried with dark and light soy sauce as well as prawns, cockles, chilli, bean sprouts and Chinese chives. Duck egg and crab meat are usually added for that extra flavour.
Assam Laksa
A soupy dish, Assam Laksa tickles the tastebuds with a combination of sweet, sour and spicy flavours. A bowl of Assam Laksa comes with smooth rice noodles, shredded fish (typically mackerel), sliced pineapples, cucumber and lettuce, topped with onions, red chillis and mint leaves. The condiments are immersed in a tangy tamarind-flavoured soup.
Nasi Kandar
Nasi kandar is a speciality of the Indian Muslim community that originates from Penang. Enjoy rice with a tantalising choice of beef, chicken, mutton, fish, prawn or squid curry, accompanied by side dishes and papadom crackers. It is said that a visit to Penang is incomplete without savouring a good plate of Nasi Kandar.
Hokkien Mee
Unlike its namesake in Kuala Lumpur, the Penang hokkien mee comprises flavoursome prawn soup and noodles garnished with prawns, fish cake, vegetable and fried shallots.
Pasembor
Similar to dressed salads, the pasembor is a mix of shredded turnip and cucumber, dough fritters, fried bean curd as well as boiled potatoes topped with a sweet and spicy sauce. The crunch of the fritters, the taste of the sauces and the freshness of the vegetables make Pasembor a delightful snack.
Rojak
Rojak comprises a wide variety of refreshing local fruits, cuttlefish slices and fritters that are stirred into a bowl of pungent prawn paste dressing and sprinkled with ground peanuts before it is served. This healthy snack can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
TRANSPORTATION
Penang has a long history as a trading port. It boasts a comprehensive network of air, sea, road and rail transportation and is easily accessible.
Getting There
By Air
Penang has a long history as a trading port. It boasts a comprehensive network of air, sea, road and rail transportation and is easily accessible.
By Road
Visitors can enjoy a drive to Penang via the Penang Bridge and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
By Sea
You can get to Penang Island from Butterworth by ferry, which caters for both passengers and vehicles. Fares for passengers and vehicles are collected at the Butterworth terminal and no payment is required for the return journey.
By Rail
For rail travel, the destination to look out for is Butterworth, which is the main transit point for travellers to Penang Island. The fastest option is via the sophisticated Electric Train Service (ETS) which connects Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth in just about 4 ½ hours. Bookings can be made online or at the counters. Visitors from Alor Setar, Padang Besar, Hadyai and Bangkok can also arrive by train to Butterworth.
Getting Around
Getting around Penang is easy. You can hop on public transport and explore the state by taxis, buses or trishaws.
Taxis
Taxis are easily available to get around Penang. Please ensure that the meter is switched on or agree on the price before you begin your ride.
Buses
The Hop On Free Central Area Transit (CAT) takes visitors to George Town for free. This bus service is available every 15 minutes from 6.00am till midnight. It plies between the Weld Quay Jetty and KOMTAR, taking you to 19 stops within this UNESCO World Heritage City. The main bus terminals are at Weld Quay Jetty(ferry terminal) and KOMTAR (ground floor). Most buses use coin machines to collect fares.
Trishaws
Travel the old fashion way. Get on a trishaw, a unique three- wheeled vehicle, and take in the sights at your own pace. You can stop at any point to snap pictures or buy souvenirs. As there is no standard fare, it would be wise to agree on the price before getting on the trishaw. For extended sightseeing, it is advisable to hire them by the hour.
| For more information, contact: | |
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| Tourism Malaysia Northern Region Office | +604-263 4941 / 604-264 3494 / 604-261 0058 |
Tourism Malaysia Tourist Information Centre:
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+604-262 2093 |