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Penang, fondly referred to as 'The Pearl of the Orient', needs little introduction to most overseas visitors. Fine beaches and interesting sights have made it one of the most popular destinations in the region. Strategically located on the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it consists of Penang island and a strip of land on the mainland called Seberang Prai. From its establishment as the first British trading outpost in the Far East in 1786, Penang is today a bustling metropolitan city with a unique blend of East and West.
The 13.5 km Penang Bridge, an engineering marvel
The island is linked to the mainland by
the Penang Bridge, which at 13.5 km, is one of the longest
bridges in Asia.However should the old world charm of travelling
in the f amous 24-hour ferry service appeal to you, the service
still exists. The ferry leave from Butterworth on the mainland
and tickets can be purchased there. Ferry fare-Adults: 60 sen,
Children: 30 sen. For cars the rate is RM7. A toll of RM7 is
collected at the Penang Bridg from all cars driving from the
mainland. Penang's Bayan Lepas International Airport is about 20
km from Georgetown, its capital. If you wish to travel by train,
the railway station is on the mainland, located at Butterworth,
Seberang Prai.
Places of Interest
Bukit Mertajam Recreational Park
The fort was built on the site of Francis Light's historic landing in 1786. Originally a wooden stockade, it was replaced by a concrete structure built by convict labour, in 1804. Today an open-air amphitheatre, a history gallery and a handicraft and souvenir centre occupies the interior. It houses the famous Dutch Cannon presented to the Sultan of Johor by the Dutch and which finally found its way to Penang after being looted by the Portuguese, spent some time in Java and was later dumped into the sea by pirates.
Opening Hours: 8.30am - 7.00pm
Admission: RM1 per person.
Fort Cornwallis
Sprawled on 5-acres of landscaped, grounds in Seberang Jaya, there are over 400 species of birds within the park. The birds, which come from all over the world, are on view in specially designed aviaries. Man - made islands with waterfalls, gardens and ornamental plants abound. Of note are the wide variety of orchids and hibiscus plants.
Entrance Fee: Adults: RM4.00, Children: RM2.00
Open: 10am-6pm (Daily)
Penang Bird Park in Sebarang Jaya
Located approximately 18 km from Butterworth ferry terminal, near to the town of Bukit Mertajam, this park covers an area of 37 hectares of hilly terrain, ascending 457 metres above sea level. Its cool hill air encourages a profusion of ferns, ephiphytes and wild flowers, as well as exotic butterfiles, birds and insects. For the adventurous, there are numerous jungle tracks leading to the heart of the forest.
Located at Teluk Bahang, the Butterfly Farm has over 100 species of butterflies and insects amidst landscaped tropical gardens.
Opens daily from 9am to 5pm
Entrance Fee: RM4
For a view of Penang, take the funicular train for a slow climb to Penang Hill (821 metres). The train leaves the station at Air Itam at 6.30am and at half hourly intervals.
Trainfare: Adults: RM4.00, Children: RM2.00
Penang Hill
Probably the only one of its kind in the world. Snakes coiled around objects on the altar are believed to be rendered harmless by the smoke of the burning incense in the temple. Admission is free.
The Botanical Gardens offer peace and tranquality amidst lush green surroundings, tropical plants and the vibrant colours of Penang's flora. The 30-hectare garden also features a waterfull. Created in 1884 by the British, it was meant as a tribute to Charles Curtis, its first superintendent who collected botanical specimens from the surrounding hills - specimens which have since become significant samples in the world's major herbariums. The gardens are also well-known for their bold Rhesus monkey.
Admission : Free
Opening Hours : 7.00 am - 7.00pm
This Buddhist temple of' Thai architecture houses a 33-metre gold-plated reclining Buddha - said to be the third largest in the world. The niches behind the statue house urns containing the ashes of devotees.
Admission: Free
Kek Lok Si Temple
The forefathers of the Khoo family who emigrated from South China built it as a clan-house for members of the Khoo family. It was burned down in 1884 and some believed that it was due to its resemblance to the Emperor's palace. A scaled down version was later built in 1902. The building features a magnificent hall embellished with intricate carvings and richly ornamented beams of the finest wood hearing the mark of master craftsmen from China.
Khoo Kongsi
Opening Hours: 9.00am - 5.00pm (Monday to Friday), 9.00am 1.00pm (Saturdays).
Permission to enter must be obtained from the Kongsi office.
Built with convict labour in 1818, it is one of the oldest landmarks in the city. The entrance of this stately Anglican Church named after the patron saint of England, features a memorial canopy dedicated to Captain Francis Light.
This temple, built in 1883, features fascinating sculptures of gods and goddesses over its main entrance and on its facade. Housed within its ornately decorated interior is the priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam embellished with gold, silver , diamonds and emeralds. The status figures prominently in the annual Thaipusam festival when it is borne on a silver chariot through tile city streets to tile temple at Jalan Waterfall.
Opening Hours: Morning to late evening.
Permission to enter must be obtained from temple officials.
Located at Lebuh Farquhar, the Penang Museum and Art Gallery houses old photographs, maps, charts and historical relics. It was built in 1821 and was formerly the Penang Free School.
Opens: 9am-5pm (Daily)
On Fridays, closed between 12.15pm -2.45pm
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