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Penang : The Pearl of the Orient

A travel journal to Penang by ashford

Penang Island, once part of the Kedah Sultanate and later part of the British Straits Settlements, is justly famous for its sandy beaches,its old world charm, its delicious food and its heritage buildings,particularly, in Georgetown. We will explore some of the attractions of this Island.

  • 7 reviews
  • 2 stories/tips

Penang : The Pearl of the OrientBest of IgoUgo

Overview

There is a lot to see and do in Penang: sun bathing at the beach, shopping, visiting temples, the snake farm and dining out, are just a few pleasant pastimes.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Georgetown is a fairly pedestrian friendly city and a unique way of getting around is to take a trikshaw. Use taxis to get to the outlying parts of the Island.

Eden Coffee GardenBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

I have visited the Eden many times over the years and this popular haunt specializes in what I would term localized Continental food. On the menu are such well tried and tested dishes such as prawn cocktail, mushroom soup, rib-eye steaks, chicken chops, grilled lamb chops and ice cream and fruit cocktail. OK there are no real culinary surprises here-what you get is well cooked, reliable, Malasianized, western dishes at moderate prices.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ashford on April 21, 2001

Eden Coffee Garden
15 Hutton Lane Penang, Malaysia
(04) 263-7263

Fort CornwallisBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Fort Corwallis in Leboh Light is the very sight where Captain Francis Light first landed on the island. Originally, it was no more than a wooden stockade but the fort was rebuilt into its present concrete structure by convict labor during 1808-1810. At the ramparts of the fort you will see several cannons.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by ashford on April 19, 2001

Fort Cornwallis
Padang Kota Lama Penang, Malaysia 10200
+60 4 261 6663 (Pena

Kek Lok Si TempleBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Kek Lok Si is the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. It is perched majestically on a hill in Air Hitam. The temple is well worth a visit - it features scenic gardens, shrines, a turtle pond, sculptures and the 30 meter high Pagoda of a Thousand Buddhas. This majestic feature combines Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship and reminds you that Penang is a cosmopolitan place.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ashford on April 19, 2001

Kek Lok Si Temple
Air Itam Penang, Malaysia 10450
+60 4 828 3317

Wat ChayamangkalaramBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Wan Chayamangkalaram"

This marvelous edifice houses a 33 meter long statue of the Reclining Buddha. Behind the statue, which is awesome, are pigeon-holes where urns containing ashes of devotees are stored. A pair of stone serpents link the balustrades at the entrance to the temple interior and numerous statues can also be viewed in the grounds of the temple. A really exotic corner of Penang!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ashford on April 19, 2001

Wat Chayamangkalaram
Lorong Burmah Penang, Malaysia 10250
+60 4 261 6663 (Pena

Penang MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Penang Museum and Art Gallery"

This Museum, built in 1816, should be on your must see list. It houses a good collection of artefacts about this historic island such as ancient Malay weapons, old maps, furniture - particularly of the unique Babas - embroidery and costumes. Located at Lebuh Farquhar it is open daily and has a statue of Captain Francis Light in its front courtyard.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ashford on April 19, 2001

Penang Museum
Lebuh Farquhar Penang, Malaysia 10200
+60 4 261 3144

Botanical GardensBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Penang Botanical Gardens"

The Penang Botanical Gardens, sometimes known as the Waterfall Gardens, are a lush, verdant enclave. They cover some 30 hectares of pleasant, undulating, grassland and were developed by the British in 1884. They have numerous species of tropical plants and trees. Many rhesus monkeys roam the gardens, but don't worry, they are very friendly and are used to visitors. The Gardens are located in Jalan Air Terjun which means Waterfall Road.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by ashford on April 19, 2001

Botanical Gardens
Jalan Kebun Bunga Penang, Malaysia 10350
+60 4 227 0428

Khoo KongsiBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

There are a number of clan houses, especially for the Hokkien in Penang. The Khoo Kongsi at Cannon Square is arguably the most interesting; it is most decidedly the most picturesque. Its facade, eaves and pillars are decorated with highly intricate carvings and the interior walls are even decorated and inlaid with ... gold dust. Woh! Originally constructed in 1824, it later burned down and was rebuilt in 1902.

The Food of PenangBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

When I first came to Malaysia almost everyone told me to go to Penang to sample the food. How right they were! Penang is a paradise for food lovers. It is famous for its Hokkien dishes - try the laksa (noodles), the Hokkien fried mee, char koay teow, oyster omelette and some of the Nonya dishes such as otak otak, Enche Kabin and Kari Kapita, be warned the latter is very fiery. Seafood restaurants abound at the beach area of Batu Ferringhi. To sample cheap but tasty hawker food go to Gurney Drive. There are well over 100 food stalls here.

About the Writer

ashford
ashford
Subang Jaya, Malaysia
  • "I am a British born economist and writer but currently live and work in Malaysia. I love travel,read..."
  • 13 journals
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  • 46 reviews

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