Penang ... " Pearl Of The Orient " Malaysia.



Vibrant Georgetown is the heart of Penang Island.( also known as The Pearl Of The Orient ) Named by the British after King George IV, it is unmistakably Chinese, its narrow streets congested with pedestrians, vehicles, signboards and temples.Fort Cornwallis was built with convict labour in the early 1800s. In 1977, it was declared a National Monument and today, the old fort’s precincts have been converted into a small park, a police museum and a minute but interesting Memorial Gallery housed inside one of the powder magazines which contains old prints, documents and photographs. Its ramparts are still guarded by old cannons, some of which are attributed with magical powers.The Kek Lok Si Temple Complex is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia built in 1890 and took 70 years to complete. It features the Great Pagoda Tower which is 7 storeys high and is renowned for it’s architectural odditity. Since it has a Chinese base, a Thai middle section and is topped off with a Burmese spiral dome tower. Above the temple on the hillside is a gigantic statue of Kuan Yin presides over all.The most elaborate clan house or guildhall in Georgetown, the Khoo Kongsi was designed to capture the splendour of an imperial palace with its seven- tiered pavilion, “dragon” pillars and hand-painted walls.Penang visitors can peer into a Chinese bridal chamber created in the lavish style of the 19th century, or see a bejewelled keris, the dagger Malays used for protection. There are many maps, charts and old photographs on display.The Penang Bird Park is a lush garden with over 200 species of tropical birds from around the world. The birds are all housed in specially designed homes, including a huge walk-in aviary and geodesic domes.The dignified St George’s Church , built in 1818, is the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia. Sir Francis Light lies buried in the frangipani-shaded cemetery down the road, along with other notables of - old Penang.The Waterfall Gardens (Penang Botanic Gardens) are a beautifully-cultivated showcase of tropical plants where waterfalls that start over a hundred metres above the gardens cascade through the greenery.The carefully-restored late 19th-century Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion which has a unique blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, was built by craftsmen from China’s Guandong province and is the Orient’s best-preserved Chinese courtyard house.
The tiny quarter of “Little India” , where saris, garlands, and jewellery deck the stores, and the spicy scent of curry wafts through the air, was once the area for Indian merchants and still has row upon row of diverse Indian shops. One of the first skyscrapers in Penang, KOMTAR is the largest shopping complex in Penang, a full 65 stories of clothing shops. restaurants, supermarkets and a couple of large departmental stores. Jalan Penang (Penang Road) is the main bazaar, full of department stores,Pasar Chowrasta (Chowrasta Market), is a wet market with the customary wet market odour. It offers the Penang specialities of local biscuits and preserved nutmeg and mango prepared in a wide variety of styles. The Georgetown Flea Markets start around 7 am on a Sunday. These markets sell exotic fruits and vegetables, watches, jewellery, T-shirts and handbags. Lorong Kulit is great for secondhand goods and knick-knacks.If you dare, visit the Temple of Azure Cloud more popularly known as the Snake Temple, where venomous pit vipers, doped perhaps by the incense, lie coiled around everything: altars, shrines, incense burners, candlesticks, vases, tables, underfoot and overhead. • The Bukit Meirtajam Recreational Park offers numerous walking trails for trekkers and rest huts when you tire. Near its entrance is the stark white St Anne’s Church, a well-preserved 19th-century colonial relic. Best Best BeachesFerringhi beach is one of the most popular resorts in Southeast Asia, with sailing, para-sailing and speed-boating facilities. It is rich in restaurants, shops, recreation and hotels, and the beach is kept clean. There is a night bazaar every evening. Tanjung Bungah beach offers expansive stretches of glittering sand interspersed with secluded coves within the shelter of gigantic rocks. The shoreline here is backed with lush greenery and dotted with large boulders. Beautiful sunsets grace the beach of Teluk Bahang (Bay of Embers) where the local charm is exemplified by an intact fishing village, complete with a stretch of traditional Malay homes and a pier made from wooden stakes. If you crave privacy, hire a boat to the unspoilt beaches of Pantai Kerachut (Monkey Beach) or Teluk Duyung. The Pasir Panjang Beach at the southwestem tip of the island is also a good clean stretch for swimming. The secluded northem beach nestled among mangrove forests at scenic Tanjung Rhu has well-known spas, gracious service and a full range of facilities and amenities. The white stretch of sand offers scenic sunsets against a backdrop of mountains and rainforest.The Penang Bridge is no doubt one of the many architectural wonders of Penang. Ranks as the longest bridge in Asia and 5th largest in the world, the iconic bridge that took 5 years to complete was the beloved bridge for every Penangites. It marks the new milestone that brings Penang closer to the world attention.The dual-carriageway bridge connecting Gelugor on the island of Penang and Seberang Prai on the mainland of Malaysia has become a symbol of pride and national landmarks.As an island of enchantment, Penang sizzles and dazzles her visitors with contrasting cultures and colourful fiesta throughout the year. Together with series of dynamic events that took place, Penang is fills with non-stop fun and activities.It is a mystical island whose every crevice, every corner, is filled with utmost beauty and peace. And to describe it with words alone is definitely not enough. Penang Hills - Penang Famous Tourist AttractionsAmazing as it may sound. A cooling environment in the hot and dry weather of Penang. Penang Hill or affectingly known by locals as "Bukit Bendara", is one of the only cool places to visit in Penang. A hill with elevation of about 833 m (2723 ft) has proved that it is one of the main attractions not only to the foreigner but also locals. Penang Food - A Lip smacking Malaysian Cuisine!Oh boy! When talk about food, nothing can beat Penang. It doesn't matter what kind of food lovers are you as Penang will definitely have something that will grabyour special attention. It's true that the variety of food that can be found in Penang has perplexed everyone even the locals.Penangites has one thing to say when it comes to food - "Chiak Si Hock" which means "Eat Brings in Prosperity"Just walk along the famous Penang road or Chulia street in George Town and get yourself prepared to be bombarded with scores of shops or restaurant selling delicious and hot Malaysian cuisine delicacies such as the famous char kuey teow,the spicy nasi kandar, the sweet ice chendol and the tasty boneless hainanese chicken rice just to name a few. A whole new experience for shopping in PenangIf you are a "shopper's manics" and just love buying new stuff, then you've come to the right place.Widely known as the shopper's paradise and boasted by some of the heavyweight names such as Prangin Mall, Megamall, and the new Queensbay Mall, Penang shopping malls is a heaven place for all shopping enthusiasts.Although Penang has loss her "Free Port" (Duty FREE) status which was given to Langkawi island back in the 80's, it still remains a favorite shopping destination among locals and tourists.Penang Island - A Special And Unforgettable Travel DestinationIt's amazing that the turtle shape Penang Island which is located in peninsular Malaysia has many great things to offer. Famously known as "The Pearl of Orient", Penang has long been one of Asia's greatest travel destinations.