GEORGETOWN
PENANG
a world-renowned exotic holiday destination
Penang – a world renowned exotic holiday destination – was known, once upon a time, as Pulau Pinang or the “Isle of the Betel Nut”. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008, this virgin paradise has no shortage of cultural sights and natural scenery.
Nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is famous for its soft sandy beaches and is fondly regarded as the food capital of Malaysia. Some of the most interesting sites of Penang include the sandy beaches of Tanjung Bungah, the landscape from the summit of Penang Hill and the vipers in the Snake Temple.
KEY FACTS
CURRENCY : MYR
LOCAL CUISINE : CHINESE, MALAY, INDIAN
SPECIALITIES : LOCAL DELICACIES
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PEAK HOURS : 11a.m.
COMMUNICATION MEDIUM : HOKKIEN
Features
Penang is a state in northwest Malaysia comprising mainland Seberang Perai and Penang Island. On the island, the state capital of George Town is home to landmarks such as colonial Fort Cornwallis, the ornate Chinese clan house Khoo Kongsi and the Kapitan Keling Mosque, all testaments to centuries of foreign influence. To the west, a funicular ascends Penang Hill, with its trails, flower gardens and panoramic views.
Hokkien Mee
Apparently this is one of the authentic Hokkien Mee in Penang and it’s located at the end of CY Choy Road. Before it moved to the shop lot, it was basically underneath a tree, where the traffic light is located.
And because everyone knows this stall by that area, the owner didn’t want to move to any place but stay put there.
It was a coincident morning that we both thought of having a bowl of Koay Teow Th’ng for breakfast, but ended up; we both were landed in this place for breakfast.
Street Art Tour in Georgetown
Travel to inner George Town and see the unique murals or wall paintings mimicking the life in the city of Penang. Be amazed at the wrought-iron caricatures with anecdotal descriptions. Enjoy exploring the newly transformed streetscape of George Town.
Air Itam Laksa
How is the taste?
You still get the bowl of laksa with noodles, mackerel, onions, slices of the tamarind fruit, shrimp paste and others. However, the taste is not as “strong” as it used to be. I am being very honest here. The broth is not as thick as it used to be but the taste is still there. Maybe I should ask them to add more shrimp paste. It is good but not that great or maybe I have too high expectations for this.
Peranakan Mansion
Penang Peranakan Mansion is Penang’s way of introducing people to the historical Peranakan culture. A recreation of a typical rich 19th century Baba home, the elegantly restored museum is a testament to the Baba-Nyonya cultural revival and displays over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectables.
Housed in one of Penang’s heritage mansions, it is truly an ornate sight to behold. Built at the end of the 19th century, inside the Penang Peranakan Mansion you’ll find an eclectic mix of English tiles, Scottish ironworks and continental European art and furniture as well as Chinese carved-wood panels.
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
They are sometimes connected to casual Chinese coffee shops, but most times these open-air centres are roadside affairs hosting a varied collection of hawker sellers and plenty of open-air seating.
Serving up inexpensively priced cuisine that is richly flavoured, they operate at all hours of the day and the reason the food is so good is that these hawkers use age-old family recipes and old fashioned cooking methods. The lifeline to locals and even travellers by helping to keep food budgets low, food presentation is not a priority but quality and freshness is always top notch.
Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
Penang 3D Art Museum, located in Georgetown Lebuh Penang, is known as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Georgetown, Penang is currently undergoing some time. Rapid expansion and our new museum will allow growing cities to define themselves as a regional Art hub. Our 3D art of art refers to the technology of converting 2D paintings into 3D paintings, Three-dimensional image. With the 2D painting on the wall, the floor and ceiling seem to pop up on the surface and came to life. Our museum introduces over 40 works including Illusion painting and sculpture. These are the arts that make us unique originated from the local.
Penang Avatar Secret Garden
“To become “taronyu” hunter, you must choose your own Ikran and he must choose you.” A famous quote from the movie, Avatar that came out in 2009. If you’ve never watched Avatar, we’re speechless, you better watch it now. We’re pretty sure everyone would still remember the highlight of Avatar — Pandora. Mesmerizing and beautiful, enchanted forest, it’s like a magical land. So did you know that you can find “Pandora” in Penang as well? It’s the Penang Avatar Secret Garden.
Sister Char Kuey Teow
Despite the name, Sisters Char Kuey Teow is not related to the Sisters Char Kuey Teow in Penang. The eatery was simply named after 2 sisters who opened this restaurant, and yes this restaurant is Halal Certified.
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Escape Park
Drop by the ESCAPE Adventureplay Theme Park for a full day of outdoor fun. Try out over 30 thrilling activities including zip lining, water slides, rides, games and more. Enjoy a contemporary park setting with the backdrop of Malaysia's stunning natural environment. Just half an hour away from Georgetown, the park is convenient to visit on your trip in Penang.
The Mugshot Cafe
Housed in the bustling heart of Georgetown, around the Heritage Area, The Mugshot Cafe has gained a recent fame in serving its unique and freshly made Bagel Muffins as well as their home-made Yogurts. Their Bagel Muffins sell like hotcakes especially during weekends, I was even told that they will be sold out before noon (on weekends), so be there as early as possible if you are visiting the place during weekends.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Standing on a hilltop at Air Itam, near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The complex is divided into three zones while the temple grounds comprise the hill entrance, souvenir, food and drinks stalls and the turtle liberation pond. The midsection of the temple houses temples, gardens, the pagoda and the four heavenly kings pavilion; meanwhile the hilltop plays host to an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin as well as more gardens and temples.
Chulia Street
Chulia Street is one of the oldest roads in the city of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Created soon after the founding of George Town in 1786, it forms a part of the city's Little India enclave ever since, whilst also boasting a multicultural character due to Indian Muslim and Chinese influences.
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In addition, Chulia Street has a large concentration of budget accommodation for tourists, as several shophouses along the road have been converted into hostels and guesthouses. With the inscription of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, more upmarket hotels have also been opened along Chulia Street.
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Gurney Plaza
Gurney Plaza is a waterfront shopping mall in Penang. Opened in 2001, it has three anchor tenants: Parkson Grand, the 12-screen Golden Screen Cinemas and Cold Storage supermarket. Additionally, the nine-storey mall houses over 380 stores with brands such as Coach, Fossil, Versace, and more.
Approximately three km northwest of Georgetown, located along the popular Gurney Drive, Gurney Plaza is the second-largest mall on the island and is 858,000sqft in size. Catering to the posh residential precincts and nearby hotels such as Evergreen Laurel and G Hotel, it is accessible via Gurney Drive and Kelawai Road.