Pulau Pinang is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Strait of Malacca. It is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis but the eighth most populated.
The modern name "Penang" is a derivation from the Malay word Pulau Pinang, which means island of the areca nut palm. The state of Penang is referred to as Negeri Pulau Pinang and Penang Island is called Pulau Pinang in Malay.
Penang was originally part of the Malay Sultanate of Kedah. In 1826, Penang, along with Malacca and Singapore, became part of the Straits Settlements under the British administration in India, moving to direct British colonial rule in 1867.
The capital of Penang state is George Town after Britain's King George III and is located on the northeast corner of Penang Island. Tanjung as it is referred to in Malay was actually built on inhospitable swampy land, but today it is considered among the 10 most liveable cities in Asia! Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Georgetown offers a whole new world with its quaint nooks and crannies. There is plenty to explore all over the island.
Penang is frequently referred to as "The Pearl of the Orient". Visitors will be awestruck by the magnificent bird’s eye view of the island from Penang Hill, located in the town of Air Itam. One glance from the hill will leave you in little doubt as to why the island was dubbed ‘the pearl’! At 821 metres above sea level, Penang Hill was once upon a time established as a hill for growing strawberries and was referred to as Strawberry Hill by the British. Visitors can enjoy the view while relaxing in its many grand Colonial mansions that have been converted into restaurants and guesthouses, and experience its past grandeur.
Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple, Kek Lok Si, overlooks the town. Known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss, this 120-year-old temple is a sight to see during Chinese New Year when it is lit up with thousands of lanterns transforming this popular place of worship into a brightly lit fairyland at night.
 |
The Jade Emperor's Pavilion is located a stone’s throw away from Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill Railway Station in Air Itam. The 140-year-old temple is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, whom the Taoists believe to be the supreme ruler of heaven. This temple is the only one of its kind in the country and is thronged by devotees during Chinese New Year who pay homage to the deity Thee Kong on his birthday, which falls on the ninth day of the celebration.
Penang is a state where many different cultures live in harmony. It is also home to a small community of Malaysian Thais and Burmese found mostly in the quaint town of Pualu Tikus.
Wat Chayamangkalaram, built in 1845 by a Thai Buddhist monk is a popular temple in the town. The 33-meter gold-plated reclining Buddha attracts devotees from all over the world especially during the Sonkran and the Loy Krathong festivals. The temple grounds offer a gallery of elaborately decorated shrines and Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes adorned with Dragons and mythical serpents. The Burmese temple, Dhammikarama is situated right opposite.
 |
The state is beautiful blend of rich cultural traditions, magnificent heritage and modernity combined with natural wonders.
Penang’s National Park in Pantai Acheh may be the smallest in the country but is by no means less impressive. The park has some unique Eco-attractions like the pristine Pantai Kerachut beach with a 127 year old operational Lighthouse.
There is also a meromictic lake - a spot where the seawater and fresh water do not mix, perfect for picnics and swimming. Visitors can also engage in fishing and trekking around the park. Boats regularly journey from the beach to the nearby islands too.
The Penang Toy Museum in Tanjung Bunga is the largest museum of its kind anywhere in the world and the first in Asia. With more than 100,000 toys, dolls, life-size models and other fun collectibles the museum is a playground for both kids and adults alike.
Penang also entices visitors with its scrumptious cuisines. Nestled inside this food capital of Asia is the “Penang Spice Garden”. Penang boasts the distinction of housing the only dedicated spice sanctuary in South East Asia! With 3.2 hectares of lush green foliage, and more than 500 varieties of exotic ferns and flowering plants from Malaysia and other regions – this truly is a paradise on earth.
The garden is located in Teluk Bahang, and it is a perfect setting to laze away with a drink from its café overlooking the pristine blue sea or shop in its one of a kind “spice boutique”.
 |
Penang truly does offer the best of Asia. Its ornate temples and unique sights like the Snake temple and Butterfly farm will engross you. A pleasant stroll down its heritage-rich capital city will relax you. Penang offers a glimpse into a world where nature, tradition and history blend with the colourful heritage of her many races - and the proud “Penangites” are considered to be some of the friendliest locals in the whole nation! Double click the map to see more of Penang!
