The Malaysian island of Penang lies off the country’s north-west coast. Blending historic Victorian architectural monuments to the island’s colonial days with its overriding Asian flavour, the island state is a popular destination, especially renowned among history buffs and foodies. To uncover more about its imperial past, head for the capital Georgetown and explore the Penang City Hall, Fort Cornwallis, as well as the Penang State Museum. For some great views, head to the viewing platform of Penang’s tallest building, Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, shortened to KOMTAR.
Alongside these symbols of former times and European influence, you’ll get to admire the dazzling, colourful statues around the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple. Then you can head for the Kapitan Keling Mosque where you’ll appreciate its precise patterns, and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion richly decked with antique interiors and furnishings that befitted the affluent Chinese Straits families that would have lived here.
Of course the cuisine you can enjoy all around Penang underscores this fusion of cultures. The island is often held up as the gold standard for street food in Asia, with traditions from Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cuisine brought together to tantalising effect in the dishes you’ll be able to enjoy in the local markets as well as in the restaurants. At the food carts you’ll find all kinds of beautiful dishes, such as nasi kandar, char kway teow and laksa.
It’s not just in the heart of the city that you can appreciate and admire Penang’s charms. Head out for a day hike or an overnight camping trip at the Penang National Park. Among the wildlife here you’ll find green turtles in their nests. Check out the Penang Butterfly Farm, especially if you’re visiting with youngsters who will love to see these beautiful creatures in flight. Elsewhere you’ll find the Tropical Spice Garden, where scores of different herbs and spices grow and where visitors flock to enjoy one of the foremost eco-tourism destinations in Malaysia.
With a delightful tropical climate, visitors head to Penang all year round. Festivals of all kinds are often on. If you’re there for the Chinese New Year in the Kek Lok Si Temple or the Hindu Festival of Lights between October and November, you’ll be in for a treat.
Georgetown itself makes a great base for your visit to the island. Rapid Penang bus routes service the city and much of the wider region. The Central Area Transit (CAT) shuttle bus will also take you around Georgetown’s best attractions free of charge.