This is one of Malaysia’s most diverse, cosmopolitan and exciting cultures. Penang Island has a tropical abundance, with palm-fringed beaches, fishing villages, mountainous jungle, cultural sights, natural scenery, shopping malls and flea markets. Penang – a world renowned exotic holiday destination … it is a MUST place to visit!
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.PENANG HILL
Located six km away from Georgetown, Penang Hill was the first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia. It is best-know tourist attraction due to its fresher climate. The fauna and flora has been protected since 1960 as it is the last patch of tropical rainforest in Penang. The easiest and most scenic way to the top is to hop aboard the train. If you're keen on breaking a sweat, however, put on your hiking shoes and scale the hill on foot. The well-marked trails and nature make it worthwhile. Once at the top, you'll find a viewing deck, a mosque, a temple, a food court, souvenir stands, an eclectic owl museum and other curiosities.
2.KEK LOK SI TEMPLE
The temple is a national icon and was built in 1890 by Beow Lean, a devout immigrant Chinese Buddhist. The temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The complex is divided into three zones:a)The temple grounds comprise the hill entrance, souvenir, food and drinks stalls and the turtle liberation pond. b)The mid section of the temple houses temples, gardens, the pagoda and the four heavenly kings pavilionc) The hilltop plays host to an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin as well as more gardens and temples.
3.ESCAPE ADVENTURELAND
The outdoor adventure started out in 2012 has quickly turned into a firm favourite with adventure seekers on the island. An outdoor, eco-conscious theme park specialising in zip-lining and also hosts other fun jungle activities for all ages. A creative and fun way to foster a love of the outdoors, especially among kids, with standout attractions such as a free fall from a 20 metre-high jump platform, an inner tube slide and tree rope swing.
4.ADVENTURE ZONE THEME PARK
This is a perfect getaway for the whole family. The park is home to more than 30 activities and is divided into three zones – the special features, kids area and toddler sector with modular play equipment. At the special features for both kids and adults there are three slides - the first two are designed for children, but the third is a 24ft-high drop slide perfect for adults. At the kids’ area, you can expect ladder climbs, swinging steps, pull up ramps and hurdles and more, while the toddler section is filled with padded ramps, climbs and tumble towers sure to excite kids under the age of four. You can also go for a 15-minute Segway ride.
5.PENANG INTERACTIVE MUSEUM
Tiered of boring and outdated museums, at this museum you can get involved with the exhibits and it is truly part of the fun. The museum is offering visitors a fun, exciting way to view artwork with exhibits that have clever 3D imagery features. For example, a portrait of the Penang Snake Temple, with a large 3D snake slithering out from the framework. Pictures range from historical images such as battleships being blown up by cannons, to elevators with iconic horror movie characters inside. The trick is that artists have used different colours, textured contours and some props to create each unique photo.
6.PENANG WAR MUSEUM
Originally built as a fort in 1930 by the British. In 1941 it gained fame when it became the site where the battle for Penang against the invading Japanese army was lost. The museum is billed as Southeast Asia’s largest war museum. The museum is located on the southern coast on the road to Teluk Kumbar. The fort was initially supposed to be a preserved citadel constructed as part of a plan to protect the island from foreign invasion.
7.PENANG FORT CORNWALLIS
Named after Marquis Charles Cornwallis and is situated on the north-eastern coast. The star-shaped bastion is one of the oldest and largest standing forts in Malaysia – set close to the Esplanade and Penang Clocktower. Today only a set of ten-foot high outer walls remain, with an enclosed park within. It is a surreal experience to hear the 1812 Overture playing over the speaker system while a Malaysian man dressed in full British regalia stands at the gate. A variety of vaguely-informative exhibits are on display inside the fort.
8.PENANG KHOO KHONGSI
Built some 650 years ago and part of the goh tai she that formed the backbone of the Hokkien community in olden-days Penang is one of Georgetown’s most interesting attractions. It is located on Jalan Acheh, off Lebuh Pitt and one of Penang’s most lavishly decorated kongsis. A kongsi is a building in which Chinese families of the same surname gather to worship their ancestors. It also Represens a family’s social and spiritual commitments between extended relations, ancestors and the outside community, and the kongsi also acts as an important means of solidarity. The primary functions of kongsis today are supportive roles: they help with the educations of members’ children, settle disputes and advance loans.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram
- Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
- Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
- Upside Down Museum
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple
- Pinang Peranakan Mansion
- Wonderfood Museum
- Camera Museum
- Penang Hill Owl Museum
- Sun Yat-sen Museum Penang
- Penang Street Art
- Tech Dome Penang
- Ghost Museum
- Dark Mansion – 3D Glow in the Dark Museum
- Penang State Museum
- Phantamania
- Asia Comic Cultural Museum
- Glass Museum Penang
- PG Gold Museum
- Batik Painting Museum
The best way to get around in Penang is by bus (Rapid Penang), bike rentals, Trishaws, taxis, car rentals and student cabs.
Penang is a great place to visit all year round. Though here is a month wise break-up of the weather so you can plan your trip better: November to January: This is the best time to go to Penang as the weather is very pleasant and conducive for sightseeing.
