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Pualau Penang - Malaysia
Your tourism information of Penang
Introduction Penang - Pearl of the Orient
Penang, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in all of Asia. This tropical island lies in the Indian Ocean, just off the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
Penang received its name from the Pinang, or Betel Nut tree, once commonly found on the island. Established as the first British trading post in the Far East in 1776, Penang today is a bustling metropolis reflecting a uniquely exotic blend of East and West.
The state of Penang consists of the island of Penang and a strip of land on the mainland known as Seberang Prai.
The Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia at 13.5km, links the two land masses. Penang is also connected by a ferry service to the mainland.
On Penang Island sits the capital, Georgetown, a city steeped in history and tradition yet sparkling with progress and modern development. Certain sections of Penang present a quaint picture from the past where narrow side streets, trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods, seeming to belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise for goods old and new, at bargain prices.
There is a wide, competitive choice of cameras, electronic and electrical goods, clothing, batik souvenirs, antiques and knick-knacks.
The island also boasts some of the best food in the region, ranging from Nyonya Cuisine to foodstall favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang laksa, all of which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang' way.

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Penang Bridge is the longest bridge in Asia and the 5th in the world.It was officially opened by our visionary Prime Minister, Dato' Dr. Mahathir in 1985. The Penang Bridge costs RM 800 million and took 5 years to build. Before the bridge was built, people depended upon ferry services to cross the Penang Straits.
It is a 13.5 km long bridge stretching from Seberang Prai on the mainland to Gelugor on the island, this is one of many architectural wonder in Malaysia and was officially opened in September 1988, offering a beautiful view of the open sea, ships and a sprawling coastline.
Built to withstand earthquake of up to 7.5 Ritcher scale. Middle vertical span of 225 metre which allow ships to pass. It has now a total of six lanes. The Penang Bridge Sdn. Bhd. (PBSB) is responsible for managing, operating, upgrading and collecting toll from the 13.5 km bridge
Since it was opened to traffic on 14 September 1985, daily traffic volume has reached over 50,000 vehicles. Penang Bridge has contributed significantly to the development of Penang both as a tourist and manufacturing centre.
Info: Structural Type: Cable-stayed bridge
Function: Road bridge
Location: Georgetown, Pulau Pinang (Malaysia)
Built: 1985
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PENANG HILL
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Across the Straits of Malacca, you will find Penang Hill located on the island of Penang. You can ride on the funicular railway, explore enchanting nature trails, walk among 30-metre high trees, and sink in to the gorgeous views of the island. Situated about 800 metres above sea level on the northern part of the island, Malaysia's oldest hill resort has cool unpolluted air, historical heritage and environmental significance.
At the foot of the hill is the Penang Hill Railway, one of the world's oldest funicular systems. Built in 1897, but commissioned only in 1923, the railway has a track of about 2,007 metres ascending to a height of 710 metres above sea level. |
Penang Bird Park
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The park spans 5 acres and houses some 800 birds from all over the world. It is beautifully landscaped and features a walk-in aviary, a pond with ducks and swans, ornamental ponds abounding with water lilies, Japanese Carps and ornamental plants.
Opening hours: 9.00am - 7.00pm.
Admission fee: RM10.00 (adult) RM5.00 (children). |
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
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One of the finest Buddhist temples in South-east Asia, the Kek Lok Si temple stands majestically on a hill in Ayer Itam, to the south of Georgetown. Built in tiers, the temple culminates with the beautifully crafted "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas".
Taking more than 20 years to build, the temple is set against beautiful scenic surroundings. It features a turtle pond, gardens, shrines and beautiful sculptures.
Opening hours: 9.00am - 6.00pm.
Admission fee (pagoda): RM2.00 per person. |
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Khoo Kongsi The wave of Chinese immigration to Penang during the nineteenth century gave rise to the formation of clan formations, or kongsi, which served as surrogate kinship and professional associations for immigrants who had left family and friends behind. The Khoo Kongsi is the most famous example of these halls, having been designed with such magnificence that it was said to rival the palace of China's emperor. |
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Sri Mariamman Temple Built in 1883, this is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang which features fascinating sculptures of gods and goddesses over it's main entrance and facade. Housed within it's ornately decorated interior is the priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam embellished with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. The statue figures prominently in the annual Thaipusam festival when it is borne on a silver chariot though the city streets to the temple.
Snake Temple Probably the only temple of its kind in the world. The multitude of pit vipers coiled around objects on the altar are believed to be rendered harmless by the smoke of the burning incense in the temple. Just for good measure, the snakes have also been de-venomed. Admission is free; bravery should be obtained in advance. |
Nyonya, Hawker Food
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In Penang, hawker food is as delicious as the finest gourmet experience in any city. Many Malaysians hold Penang as the top food destination in the region, not because of some fancy restaurants but rather for their humble road-side eateries and stalls that line the streets.
The island's main claim to fame is their Nyonya flavouring in the local Chinese dishes. The term Nyonya refer to Straits Chinese; immigrants who settled in Malaysia and adopted Malay traditions, customs and even cooking ingredients. The result is the Peranakan culture, otherwise known as Nyonya.
Malacca may be more famous for their Nyonya culture, but in terms of cooking, it is the Penang Nyonya style that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many Malaysians. Their dishes also differ from Malaccan ones, having a sourish tinge with generous helpings of fruity ingredients.
On top of that, Penang's other culinary delights include traditional Malaysian favourites such as the Char Keow Teow and Tar Sau Peah, both non-Nyonya dishes. |
Char Keow Teow
(It must try)
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Char Keow Teow is a ubiquitous Chinese dish in Malaysia but the Penang variety is truly the most famous. A helping of ‘keow teow' noodles are fried in deep rich black soy sauce and oil together with bean sprouts, prawns, cockles, chilli and other spices. The wok must be fiery hot as the chef skilfully tosses the ingredients up in the air over a flaming stove. The result is a sumptuous blend of oil-rich goodness that will give you a headache in indulgence. |
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Assam Laksa
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Penang's perennial Nyonya favourite, the Assam Laksa, is a soup-based dish with a tangy aroma that will liquidate the driest of tongues. Essentially rice vermicelli, what makes it so delicious is the blend of onions, cucumber, chilli, pineapple, lettuce, mint and ginger buds that goes on top of the soup. The soup in turn is made by blending curry with fish paste into a mushy, gooey like liquid that is both sweet and sour to taste. A mouthful of this dish will send your taste sensations sky-rocketing! For years, locals have thronged the market-place in Ayer Hitam near the Kek Lok Si Temple for the best Assam Laksa but there are equally good Laksa in the city and places like Balik Pulau |
Hokkien Mee

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The delightful Hokkien Mee of penang is different from Kuala Lumpur's version. In Penang, it is a soup-based dish while in Kuala Lumpur , it is fried in deep, black soy sauce. The soup is probably the most important part to bring out the aroma – fragrant stock made from shrimp and dried prawns are brought to a boil with a little helping of lard to give it a nice texture. It is then served in a bowl with noodles garnished with prawns, fish cake, leafy greens, pork ribs, squid, vegetables, crisp deep-fried shallots, spring onions and fresh lime. The dish is then served with sliced red chili, light soy sauce and sambal. Absolutely gastronomic. |
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Tau Sar Peah
Tau Sar Peahs are little dumpling-shaped morsels of goodness that represent a cross between a biscuit and a pastry. They are so good, people liken to ‘food for the gods'. Eaten as a snack or for dessert, the delicious Tau Sar Peah are made by baking red bean paste in sugar and lard till it becomes a mushy yellow colour. The paste is then rolled into a mould with thin flour. The ‘skin' becomes flaky when the tau sar peahs are baked to a crispy golden brown. Today, there are other variants using green pea paste, lotus paste and even salted egg yolk! |
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Acar – Acar
Penang Acar is a type of Nyonya salad. Crunchy and aromatic, Acar is usually made by mixing hard vegetables such as carrots and cabbage with a rich and spicy gravy garnished with crushed groundnuts. Acar acts as a welcome condiment to any meal and is scrumptiously devoured with haste by locals. There is even a fish-based version of Acar! |
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Penang Hotel |
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Sheraton Hotel
Situated in the heart of Georgetown, the Sheraton Penang is aptly equipped with a variety of rooms that will cater for any kind of lodging, from weekends to long-term stays.
** 3D/2N Senior Citizens Package – Rooms starting from RM333++ per package!
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Tanjung Bungah Resort
The Tanjung Bungah Resort with tranquil shimmering sea and a serene hill view offers privacy and comforts that will pamper and please the most fussy of guests.
** 3D/2N Penang Escapade – Rooms starting from RM288 nett per package
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Jerejak Resort & Spa
The Jerejak Resort & Spa provides comfortable accommodation through ethnic chalets with distinctive thematic décor and little extras like special spine-support mattresses.
** Best Buy Promo – Rooms starting from RM180 nett per night!
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Hotel Equatorial
An architectural marvel, the five-star hotel is surrounded by award winning landscaped gardens offers 655 guest rooms and 22 apartment suites.
** Go for The Green Promotion – Rooms starting from RM220++ per night with one round of golf at Bukit Jambul Country Club! (Twin Sharing)
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Hydro Majestic Hotel
Accommodation in the Hydro Majestic Hotel is spacious and comfortable with 345 rooms and suites, all charmingly decorated and fully equipped with modern facilities. ( More Detail )
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** Early Bird Super Saver Promo –
Rooms starting from RM115++ per night!!
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