PENANG TRAVEL GUIDE AND TOURISM 2024

Penang (Pulau Pinang) is an island off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It's also the name of the Malaysian state which is made up of Penang Island and the facing strip of territory on the mainland called Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley). Penang is the only state in Malaysia where the ethnic Chinese forms the majority. Penang used to be a part of the Malay Sultanate of Kedah. In the year 1786 however, the state was being to the British East India Company by the Sultan of Kedah.

This was for the exchange of military protection of the British from the armies of Siam and Burma who were at that time threatening Kedah.

In 1826, the Straits Settlement was formed which comprises of Penang, along with Malacca and Singapore. Penang joined and became part of the Malayan Union in 1946 and then a state of the Federation of Malaya, which later gained independence in 1957 and became Malaysia in 1963. Penang's beaches are nice, though a little lacklustre when compared to those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated for by the island's rich multicultural history which is full of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influences.

Penang is also well known domestically and in Singapore for being the "food paradise" of Malaysia. To travel or getting to Penang from within and outside Malaysia is easily accessible as Penang is well-connected by road, rail, sea and air.

Georgetown is a Penang city located at the north-eastern tip of the island. It is considered to be Penang's sole city of historical significance.

Nevertheless, Penang's best beaches, and where the concentration of the tourism industry are at its heaviest are located on the northern side, and especially Batu Ferringhi. Other interesting sights and places which a traveller can expect to see includes :-

•   Komtar Scenic View
•   Botanical Gardens
•   Penang Hill
•   Bukit Jambul Orchid, Hisbiscus & Reptile Garden
•   Penang Butterfly Farm
•   Kek Lok Si Temple
•   Penang Bridge
•   Snake Temple
•   War Museum
•   Tropical Spice Garden

Penang's high season is around Christmas, New Year's Day, and Chinese New Year (check the lunar calendar; it could fall on the end of January or early to mid February), when the east coast of Malaysia is drenched and hordes of sun-seeking tourists descend on the island.

Due to this, the accommodation tends to be packed and hotels fully booked. Their prices will be adjusted to the peak rates accordingly.