Penang

Penang is located in the Malay Peninsula. It is also referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, although it actually means ‘island of a betel nut tree’. It is an island with a colourful history and eternal charm that will surely enthral any incentive traveller. With over one million inhabitants, Penang is the eighth most populated state in Malaysia.

Penang is characterised by an equatorial climate which is consistent throughout the year. The weather stays warm and clear with brief but abundant rainfall from June to September. The humidity is tempered by cool breezes with the surrounding sea influencing the climate to a great extent.

Penang's outstanding beaches and exotic sights have made it one of the most popular destinations in the region. Resorts of international standards have mushroomed along its beaches offering full facilities for rest and recreation.

Penang today is a bustling metropolis reflecting a unique blend of the East and West. It is one of the most competent economies of Malaysia with manufacturing as its major industry sector. Evidence of its glorious past can be seen in Fort Cornwallis, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Sri Mariamman Temple, Khoo Kongsi and Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram. Penang has religious attractions, museums and galleries, parks and gardens and the historical places, all are famous visiting sites in Malaysia .

A characteristics sight in Penang is its gailly decorated trishaws which offer tourists a fun way of taking in the island's sights at a leisurely pace. For an exhilirating experience, cross over to teh mainland by the Penang Bridge, one of Asia's longest or experience the romance of travelling on its famous ferry, once the only link with the mainland. Take a refreshing drive up forest clad hills to enjoy the scenic beauty of the island.

Other worthwhile tourist spots on the island are
The Penang Hill -The romantic peak of Penang Hill includes the Western Hill, Tiger Hill, Strawberry Hill , and others of dense tropical forests gives a broad panoramic scenic view of the city below.

Kek Lok Si -temple, at Air Itam, is reputed to be largest Buddha temple complex in Southeast Asia know for its beautiful design . Its seven-story pagoda, over 90 feet high, is a harmonious blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship.

Penang Bird Park -Other worthwhile stops are the delightful Penang Bird Park. It is a bird's paradise. This man-made island holds within its beautifully-designed aviaries over four hundred species of birds from all over the world..

The Botanical Gardens at Penang offer peace and tranquility among lush green surroundings, tropical plants, waterfalls and the vibrant colours of its flora and the well-known bold Rhesus monkeys. The intimate Orchid and Hibiscus Garden and a Reptile Farm include an ornamental Japanese pond, a cacti garden, a pottery corner, a deer park, and cascades . The Park covers a wide area of hilly terrain, ferns, ephiphytes and wild flowers, exotic butterflies, birds and insects.
The Snake Temple -According to local folklore, the Snake Temple, dedicated to a Buddhist healer-priest, was inhabited by snakes who crawled out of the jungle on the night of the temple's completion. The snakes are still there today. It is the only temple of its kind in the world has large number of pit vipers coiled around objects on the altar.

Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple , the famous Buddhist temple of Thai architecture, holds a magnificent gold-plated reclining Buddha that is said to be the third largest in the world and the urns behind the statue contains the ashes of devotees.

St George's Church is one of the oldest landmarks in the city. It was built with convict labour in 1818.

The Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, built in the late 19 th century , features an ornately decorated priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam , embellished with gold, silver, diamonds, and emeralds.

Penang Museum and Art Gallery located at Lebuh Farquhar houses old photographs, maps, charts and historical relics of the place.