Penang, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is one of the
most romantic cities of the East. Penang received its name from the
Pinang or Betel Nut tree once commonly found on the island. From its
establishment as the first British trading post in the Far East in
1786, Penang is today a bustling city with a unique blend of the East
and West. This is reflected in its heritage buildings as well as in
the lifestyles, food and customs of the local people.
Places of Interest
Batu Feringghi Ask any Malaysian where to eat good food and they will tell you
to go to Penang's Batu Ferringhi, located on the northern shores of
the island. It is well known for its seafood cuisine. Many restaurants
line the beachfront, serving up enticing meals each evening. The area
is also famed for its nightlife. After a meal at the hawker stalls,
why not go burn all the calories off by dancing the night away at
one of the many nightclubs here?
Getting there:
Take a bus or taxi from Komtar to Batu Ferringhi beach and then leisurely stroll down the long street to avoid missing out on any attraction.
Fort Cornwallis Built by Francis Light when he first arrived in Penang, the fort
was designed to repel possible attacks by the French. The fort had
its beginnings in 1796, when it replaced a wooden stockade. The underground
bunker has a display of old maps and photographers detailing the history
of Penang. Several cannons are mounted on the ramparts of Fort Cornwallis,
including the Seri Rambai, a cannon that was presented to the Dutch
by the Sultan of Johor.
Getting there:
The fort is situated at an area called the Esplanade and is a short bus ride from the Penang Ferry Terminal
Penang Hill Once, this hill functioned as a signal station to the ships in
Penang Harbour. Now, it is a tourist attraction that offers a panoramic
view of the surrounding area. On a clear day, visitors can even see
Mount Jerai on mainland Kedah. The train ride up the hill is marked
with beautiful scenes of vegetable plots, bungalows, orchards and
farmhouses.
Getting there:
Buses leave from Komtar to Ayer Itam. Visitors can purchase a ticket
at the bus stations. Alternatively, visitors can trek through a trail
from the Botanical Gardens.
