Penang Hotels
Penang Information
Things to see and do in Penan
Palm fringed beaches are just part of Penang's attractions. Take a local trishaw and explore the fascinating streets around the capital Georgetown with its museums, lively Indian Quarter, unusual temples and colourful markets. Stroll along the sea front where magnificent Chinese mansions and the imposing State assembly buildings remain a testament to a bygone era. For a spot of nostalgia take afternoon tea at the lovely old Eastern and Oriental hotel. Take the Funicular railway to the top of Penang Hill and enjoy spectacular views over the Malacca Straits and Peninsula Malaysia. Experience the weird and exotic at the Snake temple Feed the monkeys at the botanical gardens or visit the Chinese water village around the quayside.
Georgetown - the city of Georgetown is Penangs capital city and the place to go to in search of historical sights and shopping adventures. Many cultural temples line the streets while certain areas are famous for their sale of antiques, artefacts, electronic goods, souvenirs and other commodities. The city area is well-connected through a link of roads, though some are one-way and narrow. Busy and fast-paced, Georgetown is a city that never sleeps, just like Kuala Lumpur.
Gurney Drive - the Gurney Drive is a fantastic place to catch a view of the sunset and eat at hawkers stalls. Most of Penangs glorious food can be ordered from the hawker stalls in the area, from Assam Laksa to Popiah and Char Keow Teow to Hokkien Mee. Many families also come here to picnic on weekends and during the night, a bazzar selling all types of goods comes alive in Gurney Drive.
Penang State Museum - the Penang Museum was built in 1965 and houses a collection of priceless artefacts and state treasures. Eight of the ten original oil paintings by the famous artist Captain Robert Smith are found here. Other items on display include porcelain, furniture, jewellery and costumes from past historical eras. There are also maps, charts and memorabilia used by the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Kek Lok Si Temple - the Kek Lok Si is a finely-crafted Buddhist temple, located on a hill in Ayer Hitam. Inside, visitors can stroll in the gardens, visit a turtle pond and admire shrines and other sculptures of Buddhist origin. Visitors should also try the delicious Asam Laksa dishes which are sold in stalls near the temple.
Wat Chayamangkalaram - yet another Buddhist temple, the Wat houses a reclining Buddha statue that is the third largest of its kind in the world - 33 meters in length. On the temple grounds, there are many Buddhist sculptures as well. The temple was built by a Thai monk in 1845, who had a penchant for Penangs Asam Laksa.
