Malaysia – Getting to know Penang

Penang is home to the oldest British settlement in Malaysia, and is one of the country’s major tourist destinations. Much of Penang’s interest to the visitor is the historical sites and colonial architecture of Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site noted for its excellent cuisine.

What to do in Penang

Explore Fort Cornwallis, an 18th century star fort built by the British East India Company, and the largest fort still standing in Malaysia.

Saunter in the peaceful Botanical Garden, also known as the Waterfall Gardens, with its orchid houses and population of long-tailed macaques and giant squirrels

Head up Penang Hill via funicular railway, to cool down and enjoy extensive treks through beautiful scenery

Entopia, aka Penang, Butterfly Farm, is a beautiful park displaying thousands of butterflies and creepy crawlies, with lots of interactive exhibits and activities for children

Visit Kek Lok Si, which translates as ‘Temple of Supreme Bliss’, a large Buddhist temple and important pilgrimage site. We can’t guarantee bliss, but it’s certainly a beautiful place, and there are 10,000 Buddha statues to admire!

For a more unusual religious experience, try the Snake Temple, believed to be the only temple of its kind in existence due to its resident vipers, which drape themselves around the temple amidst clouds of incense smoke.

Penang’s Nyonya style cooking has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many Malaysians, and all our Malaysia Travel experts! Nyonya dishes differ from the Melakan ones, having a slightly sour tinge with generous helpings of fruity ingredients.

Penang state’s capital city, George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and was one of the first British settlements in South-East Asia. Its heritage value comes from its huge range of architectural styles, but we also love it for (quelle surprise) the food, which is world-famous, and its laid back arty vibe.

Getting around

Penang Island is linked to the mainland by one of the longest bridges in Asia (13.5km!) as well as a fast ferry service.