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Penang Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Penang
Located just off the west coast of Malaysia, and not far from the country’s border with Thailand, Penang attracts visitors throughout the year, who come to enjoy its lovely beaches and unique cultural heritage. Since its days as Britain’s first far eastern trading post, Penang has experienced the influence of both western and Chinese cultures, and this continues to be evident today.

Flights to Penang
Penang Airport is the second-largest in the country, after Kuala Lumpur; regularly-scheduled flights arrive from Bangkok, Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. It’s located near Georgetown on Penang’s southeast coast. For those arriving in Butterworth, on the mainland side, transfer to the island is available by ferry or across one of the longest bridges in Asia – by bus or car. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Penang try Thomas Cook.

Buses, taxis and trishaws are some of the commonly-used forms of transportation for getting around Penang. Bicycles are an alternative and can be a pleasant and leisurely way of seeing the sights.
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Sightseeing in Penang
Miles of beaches, a long and colourful history, a diverse culture and cuisine and great shopping are all Penang highlights. The island’s capital, Georgetown, is the only settlement of size, and boasts an excellent tourism infrastructure and well as attractive neighbourhoods with fine examples of early colonial architecture.

Fort Cornwallis dates to the late 18th century, and is situated in Georgetown’s centre. Penang Hill, a backdrop to the city, is an interesting place to visit, and a funicular railway will take you to the top. You’ll enjoy lovely views of the city and the sea and also can visit the Hindu temple and the mosque that were built here. Back down in the centre, look for the Khoo Kongsi and Kuan Yin Teng Chinese temples, still very much a part of daily life in Penang.

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Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
If you’re looking for nightlife, the area between the Cititel and the E&O Hotel is the place to go. You’ll find bars, English pubs, discos and some small eateries. If you’re looking for a place to drink that’s got a bit of atmosphere, try 20 Leith street, where you can enjoy your favourite drink in a 1930s house filled with antique furniture. Alternatively, you might want to check out Penang’s most notorious watering hole - the Hong Kong Bar, which has been in business since 1920, and used to be a hangout for military personnel from Butterworth.

Penang is a leading centre for seafood, with many fine restaurants available. Diners can enjoy inexpensive and tasty dishes served up at food stalls found all over the island, as an alternative. You might want to try the roadside stalls on the Esplanade, Gurney drive or Kimberley street. A favourite dish available most everywhere is laksa - steamed rice vermicelli garnished with finely sliced vegetables, including red chillies and pink ginger buds.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
The best street for shoppers is Jalan Pinang, where you’ll find shops selling such diverse items as clothing, electronic goods, fabric, handicrafts, jewellery and souvenirs. A good market choice is the so-called Thieves’ Market on Lorong Kulit, where vendors offer up antiques and clever fakes, batik paintings and a variety of souvenirs as well. Night markets open up at the main beach areas; the market at Batu Ferringhi is worth checking out to see what’s on offer. Be sure to haggle over prices; it’s expected and part of the fun.


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