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Cheap Holidays to Penang
The Enchanting PENANG
"The Pearl of the Orient"
lies off the northwestern coast
of Peninsular Malaysia.
The state comprises the island
of Penang covering an area of
about 285 sq. km and a narrow
strip of approximately 760 sq.
km on the mainland known as
Seberang Perai (Province
Wellesley) separated by a
channel 3 km wide at the closest
point. They are linked by the
Penang Bridge and a 24-hour
ferry service. Its population of
more than 1 million represents a
happy mix of the major races
found in Malaysia with Malays
making up 32%, the Chinese 59%
and Indians 7%.
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Georgetown,
at the north-eastern tip
of the island is the
seat of administration
and is also the
commercial hub of the
state.
This bustling
metropolitan city
combines the best of
east and west as seen in
its fascinating
collection of fine old
buildings, each bearing
the stamp of different
foreign influences in
its colorful history.
Much of its charm also
lies in its famous
golden beached and calm
warm seas. Penang today
is a resort island in
full bloom - an idyllic
playground for
worshippers of the sun
and the sea.
Its multi-racial
population contributes
to a wealth of cultural
attractions and
festivals for visitors
to bring home memories
of happy times in
Penang.
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Penang
today
bears
the mark
of an
early
history
of
successive
foreign
influences
- from
the
early
Indian
Civilization
that
took
root in
northern
Malaya
to that
of the
Portuguese,
Dutch
and
later
the
British
who came
to this
part of
the
world in
search
of
spices
and
stayed
to
participate
in the
lucrative
trade.
 The
history
of
modern
Penang
can be
traced
back
to1786
when
Francis
Light
managed
to
persuade
the
Sultan
of Kedah
to cede
"Pulau
Pinang"
(Betel
Nut
Island)
to the
British
East
India
Company.
Light
landed
at the
site of
the
present
Esplanade
and
according
to local
legend,
fired
gold
coins
into the
surrounding
jungle
to
induce
his men
to clear
the
area.
The
island
was
originally
named
Prince
of Wales
Island
and the
settlement
that
soon
grow up
was
named
Georgetown
after
King
George
lll. In
1800,
the
Sultan
of Kedah
further
ceded a
strip o
land on
the
mainland
across
the
channel
which
Light
named
Province
Wellesley,
after
the then
governor
of
India.
In 1832,
Penang
formed
part of
the
Straits
Settlement
with
Melaka
and
Singapore.
It
flourished
and grow
to be a
major
trading
post for
a
lucrative
trade in
tea,
spices,
china
and
cloth.
For more
than a
hundred
years,
it
remained
under
British
Colonial
rule
until
1957
when it
gained
independence
and
became
on of
the
states
of the
newly
formed
Federation
of
Malaya
and
later
Malaysia
in 1963. |
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Places of Interest in
Penang |
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Penang Museum and Art Gallery Lubus Farquhar
Built in 1821, the Museum houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps,
charts and other historical relics. There are also Malay daggers (Keris),
Chinese furniture, embroidery and paintings of old Penang. The Art Gallery
on the first floor displays the works of local artists and is the venue
for special exhibitions. The statue of Captain Francis Light graces the
grounds in front of the buildings.
Opening hours:
Daily from 9 am-5 pm, Friday from 9 am-12.15 pm & 2.45 pm-5 pm. Entrance
fee: RM1.00. |
Acheen Street Mosque, Lebuh Acheen
Also known as Masjid Melayu,
the mosque was built on land donated by Syed Sheriff Tengku Syed Hussain
Aidid who came from Acheh in Sumatera. The 1820 mosque features a small
window halfway up the minaret which is said to have originally been a hole
made by a cannonball fired during the 1867 triad riots.
Permission to enter must be obtained from mosque officials.
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Kapitan Keling Mosque, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
 It
was named after the Indian Muslim merchant, the "Kapitan Keling" (headman)
Caudeer Mohudeen who built it in the early 19th century. It features an
ocher yellow facade and dome-shaped minaret reflecting Moorish Islamic influence.
Permission to enter must be obtained from mosque officials. |
Sri Mariamman Temple, Lebuh Queen
The 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 priceless statue of Lord
Subramaniam embellished with gold, silver, diamonds and emerald. The statue
figures prominently in the annual Thaipusam festival when it is borne on
a silver chariot through the city streets to the temple at Jalan Waterfall.
Opening hours: Morning to late evening.
Permission to enter must be obtained from temple officials.
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St George's Church, Lebuh Farquhar
Built with convict labor 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.
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Goddess of Mercy Temple, Jalan Kapitan Keling
One of the oldest Chinese temples in
Penang, the Kuan Yin Teng or the Goddess of Mercy Temple was built in 1800
by early immigrant settlers from China. The building is decorated with intricately
crafted dragons and stone sculptured lions which are said to be its guardians.
The temple is flocked by pilgrims and followers all year round especially
during the three anniversaries of Kuan Yin which are on the 19th day of
the second, sixth and ninth lunar month. |
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Khoo Kongsi, Lebuh Cannon
 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 burnt down in 1894 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 bearing the mark of master craftsmen from China.
Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday & 9 am - 1 pm, Saturday.
Permission to enter must be obtained from the Kongsi officials.
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City Hall, Esplanade
Built in the 1880s, this stately colonial
building is a fine example of British Palladian architecture featuring magnificent
Corinthian columns and huge windows. It was once the seat of local government.
Clock Tower, Pesara King Edward
Towering 60 feet high, the clock tower
was presented to Penang by local millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate
the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
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China Town
China Town on the island stretches from
Weld Quay to Lebuh Stewart, Lebuh Muntri, Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh King.
China Town is so large and well-preserved that you will sense and feel the
lifestyle of Chinese immigrant settlers who came here in the 1800s. Visitors
will be intrigued by the many clanhouses, shophouses and temples found along
these streets, which reflect the heritage left behind. Stepping into these
streets will certainly take you back in time.
Nagore Shrine, Lebuh King
Constructed in the early 1880s, the shrine
is a memorial to the Caliph, Syed Shahul Hamid. Faithful devotees may be
seen visiting the shrine to seek favors on Thursday.
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University of Science Malaysia's
(USM) Museum and Art Gallery, Minden
The museum houses a collection of artifacts
on Malay and Nyonya cultures, textiles, prints, traditional jewelry and
daggers (Keris). One section is devoted to the performing arts. The art
gallery has a fine collection of paintings.
Opening hours: 10 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday (closed between
12:15 - 2:45 pm on Friday), 10 am - 1 pm on Saturday.
Permission to visit should be obtained from the security guards at the main
gate.
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Fort Cornwallis, Lebuh Light
 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 labor, in 1804. Today, an open-air amphitheater, a history gallery
and a handicraft and souvenir center 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.
Opening hours: 8:30 am - 7 pm, Admission: RM 1.00 per person.
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Snake Temple
Built in 1850 and dedicated to the deity
Chor Soo Kong, the temple is located 3.2 km from the Penang International
Airport. It is a sanctuary for pit-vipers said to be the 'servants' of the
deity. These poisonous snakes, seen coiled round the pillars, beams and
potted plants within the temple are believed to be rendered harmless by
the smoke of the burning incense.
Admission is free.
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State Mosque, Jalan Masjid Negeri
The state Mosque features elegant modern
architecture and took four years to complete. It can accommodate 5,000 worshippers
for congregational prayers and is usually packed on Friday. Permission to
enter must be obtained from the State Religious Department, Lebuh Pantai.
Visitors must dress appropriately and remove their shoes before entering.
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Komtar, Jalan Penang
The Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, a prominent
Penang landmark, houses Government departments, commercial offices, department
stores, shops and restaurants. The 65-story complex also contains theaters,
squash courts and a geodesic dome which serves as a multi-purpose hall,
while the 55th floor offers a panoramic view of the city and on clear days,
also of Gunung Jerai in Kedah.
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Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam
One of the finest Buddhist temples in
South East Asia, the Kek Lok Si temple stands majestically on a hill in
Ayer Itam. Built in tiers, the temple culminates with the beautifully crafted
"Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas". Taking more than 20 years to build, the
temple is set against beautiful scenic surroundings. It features gardens,
a turtle pond, shrines and beautiful sculptures.
Opening hours: Early morning to late evening, Admission is free
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Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Lorong Burma
A pair of elephants guards the entrance
to this Burmese temple. Within the pagoda ground is a Boddhi tree and a
wishing pond. It is the scene of many festivities during the water festival
in April.
Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, Lorong Burma
The Buddhist temple of Thai architecture
houses a 33-meter gold-plated reclining Buddha - said to be one of the longest
in the world. The niches behind the statue house urns containing the ashes
of devotees.
Admission is free.
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P. Ramlee's House
Situated along Jalan P. Ramlee (formerly
Caunterhall Road), is the newly restored wooden house, to commemorate the
late P. Ramlee, Malaysia's foremost entertainer. Originally built in 1926
by his father and uncle, the house had previously undergone successive repairs
before being taken over by the National Archives as an extension of its
P. Ramlee Memorial project in Kuala Lumpur. The display within and outside
the house features the main living areas and also the life history of the
late singer, actor, composer, and director. The various artifacts include
his personal memorabilia related to his life in Penang and also items belonging
to his family.
Opening hours: 9 am - 6 pm, closed on Monday. Admission is free.
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Pinang Cultural Center
Pinang Cultural Center operates 3 cultural
tours daily, 9:30 am - 12 pm, 4:30 pm - 7 pm, 6 pm - 10 pm (dinner show).
The cultural tour, which lasts for 2 hours 30 minutes, is a window to the
Malaysian culture.
In each of these guided tours, visitors get to see -
a demonstration of traditional welcoming ceremony, Malay martial arts, traditional
games, handicraft making, a longhouse, an exhibition on heritage and a 45-minute
cultural show featuring dances from all over Malaysia.
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Penang Bridge
 The
Penang Bridge, which links Penang Island and the mainland, was officially
opened on 15th September 1988. The spectacularly beautiful bridge spans
13.5 km across the channel, offering a beautiful view of the open sea, ships
and the sprawling coastline.
Balik Pulau
The hills of Balik Pulau abound with
clove and nutmeg trees which bear fruit in November-January and July. Or
savor the durian, a seasonal fruit which is the luscious king of fruits.
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Nattukkotai Temple, Jalan Air Terjun
The temple is dedicated to the deity,
Bala Subramaniam, and features prominently during the annual Thaipusam festival
when thousands of devotees throng its premises for the various rites and
ceremonies.
Opening hours: Early morning to late evening.
Permission to enter must be obtained from temple officials.
Bukit Jambul Orchid and Hibiscus Garden
The Bukit Jambul Orchid & Hibiscus Garden
and Reptile House are located along Persiaran Bukit Jambul, close to the
Hotel Equatorial; only a leisurely 5-minute drive away from the Penang International
Airport.
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Entrance fee: RM 4.00 for adults & RM 1.00 for children.
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Butterfly Farm, Teluk Bahang
 The
Farm spans 0.8 hectares and is home to 3,000 living specimens of over 50
species of colorful butterflies, frogs, scorpions, and other insects.
It features a lily pond, artificial waterfalls, a rock
garden, tunnel and a bubbling mud pool. Also included within the farm are
a garden enclosure, breeding area, laboratory, exhibition area, souvenir
shops and information center.
Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm
Entrance fee: RM 5.00 for adults & RM 2.00 for children, RM 10.00
for adult foreigners & RM 5.00 for children-foreigners.
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Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens offer peace and
tranquility amidst lush green surroundings, tropical plants and the vibrant
colors of Penang's flora. The 30-hectare garden also features a waterfall.
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
monkeys.
Opening hours: 7 am - 7 pm, Admission is free.
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Penang's Famed Beaches
Penang's northern shoreline is famous
for its beautiful beaches of golden sand and deep blue seas. The Tanjung
Bunga, Buta Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang beaches offer expansive stretches
of glittering sand interspersed with secluded coves within the shelter of
gigantic rocks. It is along this famous coastline that resorts of international
standard have sprouted up, offering a host of water-based recreational facilities.
If you crave for privacy, head for Teluk Duyung, Monkey
Beach, Pantai Keracut and Pantai Mas accessible via the trails in the Pantai
Acheh Forest Reserve from Teluk Bahang. The Pasir Panjang Beach at the south-western
tip of the island is a good clean stretch for swimming and can be reached
after a 25-minute hike over hilly land from Betong.
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Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)
Malaysia's first hill station, Penang
Hill is 380 meters (2730 ft) above sea level, visitors can ascend to the
top by either hiking up or by the funicular railway which has been operational
since 1922. Apart from the cool, refreshing climate and the fantastic view
at the summit, visitors can also view the picturesque bungalows, a beautiful
flower garden and a bird park. There are bungalows for rent and a hotel
for those who want to stay for more than a day. Visitors can also indulge
in refreshments and snacks at a convenient tea kiosk located on top of the
hill. There is a good walking track up the hill. It takes 4 hours to reach
the top and is recommended only for the more energetic. The jungle trail
begins at the "moongate" at Jalan Air Terjun, approximately 300 m from the
Botanical Gardens entrance.
The funicular rail service begins at 6:30 am and ends at 9:30 pm.
Entrance fee: RM 4.00 for adults & RM 2.00 for children.
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Kampung Seronok, Batu Maung
The name "Kampung Seronok" originated
form a suggestion by an English engineer, D.W. Grehan who had, on a number
of occasions, shared in the joy and merrymaking of the kampong folk, in
the days shortly after the Japanese surrender. What makes it unique is the
fact that it is virtually 'open' to visitors who are free to observe and
participate in the various cultural activities, traditional games and rural
economic pursuits of the people, showcasing the intrinsic values of traditional
village life.
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Batu Maung Fishing Village
Batu Maung is a small fishing village
at the south-eastern tip of the island, which owes its fame to the beach-front
shrine dedicated to Admiral Cheng Ho, the famous Chinese admiral who featured
prominently in the history of the Malacca Sultanate. The huge footprint
in the vicinity of the shrine is said to be that of the Admiral.
Penang Bird Park, Seberang Jaya
The park spans 5 acres and houses a fine
collection of some 800 birds from all over the world. It is beautifully
landscaped and features a walk-in aviary, pond with ducks and swans, ornamental
ponds abounding with water lilies, Japanese Carps and ornamental plants.
Opening hours: 9am - 7 pm, Entrance fee: RM 5.00 for adult & RM
2.00 for children.
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Getting there to
PENANG |
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By Air
Penang
is
easily
accessible
by air
with
daily
flights
from
major
capitals
of the
region.
It has
direct
links
whit
Singapore,
Bangkok,
Nagoyra,
Medan,
Xiamen
(China)
and
Madras,
operated
by
Malaysia
Airlines,
The
airline
also
operates
more
than 20
flights
daily
between
Kuala
Lumpur
and
Penang.
The
Penang
International
Airport
is about
20 km
from the
city
center.
Taxis
plying
the
route
follow
the
coupon
system
by which
fares
between
the
airport
and
various
destinations
in
Penang
are
fixed.
Air-conditioned
taxis
and
limousines
charge
higher
fared.
The
Penang
yellow
Bus Co.
operates
and
hourly
service
between
the
Airport
and
Pengkalan
Weld
(Weld
Quay|)
in the
city
between
6.00 am
to 10.00
pm daily
(Bus
No.83).
| Malaysia Airline (MAS) |
Telephone No: |
| Ground Floor, KOMTAR, Penang |
-04-262 0011, 262 1403 |
| Penang International Airport |
-04-643 0811 |
| 24-hour reservations: Kuala Lumpur |
-03-746 3000 |
By Road
The
opening
of the
Penang
Bridge
linking
the
mainland
of
Peninsular
Malaysia
to
Penang
Island
has
facilitated
driving
to
Penang.
A charge
of RM
7.00 is
levied
on all
classes
of cars
at the
tool
plaza in
Perai on
the
mainland.
No
payment
is
required
for
traveling
from the
island
to the
mainland.
By Ferry
From
Butterworth,
it is
necessary
to take
the
ferry to
Penang
Island.
The
ferry
service
is
available
around
the
clock
for both
passengers
and
vehicles,
Tickets
are
purchased
at the
Butterworth
terminal
and the
rates
are
applicable
for a
return
journey.
Fares:
Adult-RM0.60
*
Children-RM0.30
A flat
rate of
RM7.00
is
charged
for
vehicles
while
passengers
are
charged
RM0.60
per
person.
By Rail
The
journey
from
Kuala
Lumpur
to
Butterworth
takes
approximately
6 hours,
First
and
second
class
passengers
travel
in
comfort
in the
air-conditioned
coaches.
Taking
the
train is
a
comfortable
way to
travel
within
the
country
and if
affords
one the
opportunity
to see a
lot of
the
countryside.
Keretapi
Tanah
Melayu
Berhand
(KTM
Bhd),
(Malayan
Railway)
also
operates
regular
services
to Alor
Setar,
Padang
Besar,
Haadyai
and
Bangkok
from
Butterworth. |
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To book any of these cheap holidays to
Penang, please call our
Malaysian Holidays experts on:
0870 250 2540 |
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