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Penang - The Pearl
of The Orient |
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Penang, often
referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most
picturesque and romantic cities in all of Asia. This
tropical island lies in the Indian Ocean, just off the
north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Penang received its
name from the Pinang, or Betel Nut tree, once commonly found
on the island. Established as the first British trading post
in the Far East in 1776, Penang today is a bustling
metropolis reflecting a uniquely exotic blend of East and
West.
The state of Penang consists of the island of Penang and a
strip of land on the mainland known as Seberang Prai. The
Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia at 13.5 km, links
the two land masses. Penang is also connected by a ferry
service to the mainland.
On Penang Island sits the capital, Georgetown, a city
steeped in history and tradition yet sparkling with progress
and modern development. Certain sections of Penang present a
quaint picture from the past where narrow side streets,
trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods, seem to
belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise
for goods old and new, at bargain prices.
The island also boasts some of the best food in the region,
ranging from fabulous Chinese, Malay and Nyonya cuisines to
foodstall favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and
penang laksa, all of which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang'
way.
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Attractions |
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Batu Ferringhi
Beautiful hotels equipped with spas and pools, line the
beach, where massages, watersports and horse-riding
activities are on offer. |
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Fort Cornwallis
The fort was built on the site of Sir Francis Light's
historic landing in 1786. |
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Kapitan Keling Mosque
Named after an Indian Muslim merchant, the "Kapitan Keling"
(headman) who was the head of his community in the early
1800s. |
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Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Built in the 1880s, this magnificent 38-room mansion is
now a boutique hotel and museum in one! |
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Khoo Kongsi
The elaborate Khoo Kongsi, dating back to 1906, is by far
the grandest clan temple on the island, and should not be
missed. |
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Penang National Park
Catch the Green turtles (Apr – Aug) and the Olive Ridley
(Sept–Feb) at a turtle hatchery in Pantai Kerachut, in the
smallest national park in Malaysia. |
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Kuan Yin Temple (Goddess of Mercy Temple)
One of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang, the building
is intricately crafted and is always bustling with people
and activities. |
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Sri Mariamman Temple
This South Indian Hindu temple, which dates back to 1883,
must surely be the most lavishly decorated Hindu temple in
the country. |
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more attractions >> |
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