Witness the delightful fusion of the East and West as well as the old and new in the Pearl of the Orient, Penang. This 1,045 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.
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 gusto at this Cuisine Capital, famed for its bewildering array of mouth-watering eats.
Explore and discover the beauty of Penang!
Places of interest:
- Blue Mansion (Formerly known as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) – This majestic mansion was built in the 1880s and belonged to the illustrious Cheong Fatt Tze. A traditional paradigm Chinese courtyard house with 38 rooms, it has superb Feng Shui. 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. The five blue shophouses across the road were formerly the servants’ quarters.
- 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 in 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.
- 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, gunpowder magazine and cell rooms. The famous Dutch cannon or meriam seri rambai is prominently displayed facing seawards. It was presented to the Sultan of Johor by the Dutch. Today, an open-air amphitheatre, a history gallery, café as well as handicraft and souvenir centre also occupy the interior.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 6.00pm (Closed on Sunday)
- Khoo Kongsi – As you approach Khoo Kongsi, you will be greeted by a breathtaking display of Chinese craftsmanship – intricate wood carvings and richly ornamented beams. Its hall is equally elaborate, beautifully decorated with lanterns and furnished with antique furniture. The grandest clan temple on the island, it was built by the forefathers of the Khoo family, who emigrated from South China. The building was so magnificent that upon its completion in 1898, the roof caught fire. Some believe it was due to its resemblance to the Emperor’s palace in China.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
- Tropical Fruit Farm – Enjoy fruits galore 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 try freshly cut fruits or refreshing fruit juices.
Opening hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
- Pinang Peranakan Mansion – The Pinang Peranakan Mansion was built at the end of the 19th century. A recreation of a typical residence of an affluent Penang Baba Nyonya (Straits Chinese), family it features Chinese carved wood panels, English floor tiles and Scottish ironworks. On display are elaborate traditional costumes and accessories, lovely porcelain pieces as well as furniture and works of art brought in from China and Europe, which werevspecially commissioned by the Baba and Nyonya families and handed down through the generations.
Opening hours: 9.30am – 5.00pm
- Gurney Drive – This breezy open air food court is the perfect place to sample Penang street food. Asam laksa, hokkien mee, pasembor, rojak, fried oyster and chee cheong fun are just a fraction of the delectable delicacies available at food stalls in this popular food haunt. After your meal, enjoy the seafront view as you walk along the promenade.
Opening hours: 6.00am – Midnight
- War Museum
- Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
- Goddess of Mercy Temple
- Kapitan Keling Mosque
- Wat Chayamangkalaram
- Tropical Spice Garden
- Penang Butterfly Farm
- Botanical Garden
- Snake Temple