PENANG

SIGHTSEEING TOURS IN PENANG

“Isle of the Betel Nut,” is about 4 -5 hours drive from the capital city Kuala Lumpur and is one of Malaysia’s premier holiday destinations. To get to the island, you can either cross the channel via the ferry or the 13.5 km iconic Penang Bridge which is the longest bridge in the country as well as a national landmark.

Whether you are soaking in the sun at one of the many beautiful resorts, exploring the lush tropical gardens or visiting one of the many ornately designed temples and unique heritage buildings, Penang 's sights and sounds reflect the colourful heritage of her many races and the pride of her people. To the locals, Penang is also a food paradise destination. Gourmet ranges from street food to fine dining but the myriad of flavours are definitely unique to the island state and taste buds.

As recognition of her rich heritage, George Town was listed as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.

George Town

George Town, named by the British after King George III, is Penang’s capital city. The government centre and its financial heart, George Town is an interesting and bustling city with modern high rise buildings, cathedrals, mosques, government offices, temples, bazaars, shops and cafes. A myriad of delights, George Town is very compact – the older part of the city is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and alleyways, which makes it a pleasure to walk and sight-see.

Indeed, walking is highly recommended – a leisurely stroll will enable one to slowly drink in the many details that would otherwise be lost in a hurried tour. If walking is considered tiring, try a ride on the old but exciting trishaw.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Lebuh Leith

Cheong Fatt Tze (1840-1917), a Hakka from Tai Pu in the Teochew district, migrated to Java in the 1850s where he prospered and moved his base to Penang in the early 1890s. A powerful Nanyang industrialist and a first-class Mandarin in the Manchu government, he was made Consul-General in Singapore and economic advisor to the Empress Dowager.

Cheong Fatt Tze had eight wives and owned many residences throughout his trading empire but made Penang his base, where he raised his six sons.

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was built over seven years from 1896 to 1904 by teams of master craftsmen from China. This mansion is only one of three of its kind left outside China. The mansion is the only stately Chinese-type dwelling representing the best of 18th and 19th century Chinese architecture in the State.

China Town

China Town on the island stretches from Weld Quay to Lebuh Stewart, lebuh Muntri, Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh King. China Town is so large and well-preserved that you will sense and feel the lifestyle of Chinese immigrant settlers who came here in the 1800s.

Visitors will be intrigued by the many clanhouses, shophouses and temples found along these streets, which reflect the heritage left behind. Stepping into these streets will certainly take you back in time.

Clock Tower, Pesiaran King Edward

The clock tower was presented to Penang by local millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

It towers 60 feet in high – one foot for each year of Her Majesty's reign. The Queen had died by the time the clock tower was finally completed in 1920.

Esplanade

Next to Fort Cornwallis is the Esplanade, a popular waterfront promenade which stretches from the hawker stalls at one end to the clock tower at the other. Central in the Esplanade is the Padang, a huge square of town green.

Standing proudly beside is the City Hall, a stately colonial building which is a fine example of British palladian architecture featuring magnificent Corinthian columns and huge windows. It was once the seat of local government.

Fort Cornwallis, Padang Kota Lama

Fort Cornwallis is situated at the spot where Captain Francis Light was supposed to have landed in 1786. Originally a wooden structure, the fort was rebuilt between 1808 and 1810 with convict labour. It was named after Charles Marquis Cornwallis, a distinguished Governor General of India, and designed to protect the harbour from possible French attacks.



Today, much of the old fort remains, but its precincts have been converted into a public park and an open air theater. It is still guarded by old cannons, which were retrieved by the British from pirates who had captured them from the Johore Sultanate. The most famous of the cannons is Seri Rambai, which dates back to 1613. Local beliefs have it that childless women can become fertile by placing flowers in the barrel of the cannon and offering special prayers.

Address: Padang Kota Lama, 10200 Penang, Malaysia.
Opens: 8:30am to 7:00pm daily
Admission: RM1.00 per person

Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR), Jalan Penang

KOMTAR, a prominent Penang landmark, houses Government departments, commercial offices, department stores, shops and restaurants.The 65-storey complex also contains theaters, squash courts and a geodesic dome which serves as a multi-purpose hall, while the 55th floor offers a panoramic view of the city and on clear days, also of Gunung Jerai in Kedah.

Little India

This enclave boasts a rich living history that spans over two centuries. Popular with heritage enthusiasts, international conservationists, tourists and locals, Little India features a thriving and vibrant collection of historic attractions, places of worship, shops, restaurants, florists, barbers, astrologers, millers, money changers, fruit sellers and herb dealers.

Nagore Shrine, Lebuh King

Constructed in the early 1880's, the shrine is a memorial to the Caliph, Syed Shahul Hamid. Faithful devotees may be seen visiting the strine to seek favors on Thursdays.

Penang Islamic Museum, Lebuh Armenian

Syed Al-Attas Mansion once belonged to Syed Mohammad Al-Attas, a Muslim of Achehnese descent who aupported Acheh’s struggle against the Dutch in the 19th century. Built in 1860 after the Straits Eclectic style, the mansion now houses the Penang Islamic Museum.

The Penang Islamic Museum is open to the public

daily except on Tuesdays.

Visiting hours are from 9.30am to 6.00pm.

Entrance fee: RM3 for adults and RM1 for children below 12 years of age.

Address: 128, Armenian Street, Penang, Malaysia.

Penang Museum and Art Gallery, Lebuh Farquhar

Located at Lebuh Farquhar, the Penang Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most popular attractions in Malaysia. The building which houses the museum was built in 1821 and was formerly the Penang Free School. It showcases old photographs, maps, charts, historical relics, paintings of early Penang, all of which provide an insight to Penang's history.

Opens: 9:00am to 5:00pm daily except Fridays

Admission: RM1 for adults 50 sen for children

Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Church Street

A very good example of adaptive reuse, the former home of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee has been converted into a showcase of the opulent lifestyle of the Peranakans and their many customs and traditions, displaying over a thousand pieces of antiques and collectibles of this unique community.

Opens: Monday - Saturday, 9:00am to 5:00pm Closed on Sundays and all public holidays Daily conducted tour at 11.30am and 3.30pm sharp 

Admission: RM10.00 for adult (aged 12 and above) Free for children below 12 and RM5.00 for School Children in uniform. Address: 29, Church Street, 10200 Penang 

State Art Gallery, Dewan Sri Pinang

Located within the Dewan Sri Pinang, the Art Gallery features two exhibitions. A permanent collection featuring the cream of Malaysian artists situated on the third floor, and a contemporary collection on the ground floor. Opens: 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, except Sundays Admission is free .

Sun Yat Sen's Penang Base

120 Armenian Street At a cursory glance, the indigo-blue terraced house on 120 Armenian Street looks rather unassuming, blending in effortlessly with the other houses on the same street. One wouldn't have guessed that it was here that the epoch-making Canton Uprising of the 1911 Chinese Revolution was strategised. 

Their struggle sowed the seed of discord which signaled the end of 2000 years of imperial rule in China and gave birth to the Republic of China, with Dr. Sun Yat Sen (1866-1925) as the President.

Dr. Sun Yat Sen Museum, Lorong Susu

The Sun Yat Sen Research Centre and museum is open to public. It serves as a nerve centre for planning and collecting information, records and artifacts of Dr. Sun Yat Sen's six years involvement in Penang.

The Streets of George Town

George Town, although multicultural in composite, is predominantly Chinese and a big portion of it is Chinatown – a noisy, crowded, delightful conglomeration of people, goods, mobile stalls and old shophouses. For the best of George Town, walk along Love Lane, Pitt Street, King Street and Carnarvon Street. 

Certain streets like Chulia Street and Campbell Street are best viewed in the evening, when they burst to life with hawker stalls and nighttime activities. Incidentally, some of the best hawker food are found on these two streets. See also the Southern end of Penang Street for a taste of “Little India.” Along this street are several banana leaf rice restaurants and a Hindu temple. For the best of colonial architecture, see Beach Street and Light Street, where financial institutions and chambers of the State Assembly are housed.

Tanjung City Marina, Pengkalan Weld

The RM44-mil Tanjung City Marina (TCM) in Penang, the first inner city marina in the country, was completed in October 2005 and is fully operational. The new marina is a stepping stone to turn the Penang into an international cruise centre by attracting sailing vessels from all over the world.

War Museum, Batu Maung

If you want to know what life was like in Penang during wartime, you'll find some of the answers at the Penang War Museum. Housed in what was once a British fort built during World War II, the museum is the only one of its kind in the country.

Address: Lot 1350 Mukim 12, Merah Barat Daya, Batu Maung, 11960 Penang Tel: +0 16 421 3606 or +6 04 391 0067 Fax: +6 04 644 8015 Opens: 9:00am to 7:00pm daily including public holidays Admission: RM10 for adults and RM5 for children

Sightseeing Holiday for a weekend

What to do in Penang

The living heritage of George Town reminds Singaporeans a lot of their place during the 60’s and 70’s. Walking down the old reminiscence streets like Acheen Street, Armenian Street, Muntri Street, Market Street all with individualist atmosphere is like stepping back in time. Within these enclaves there are a few exquisite building like the Cheong Fatt Tze (commonly known as Blue Mansion), Pinang Peranakan Mansion, The Sire, E&O Hotel, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi and Han Jiang Teochew Ancestral Temple and Moorish like Kapitan Keling Mosque. Some of the building have turn into small scale museums that exhibits artefacts of antiques and collectable of old Penang that were once used commonly by the locals. Another spot worth visiting is the Clan Jetties, settlements built on silts by the shores.  Away from the town is the famous pagoda in Kek Lok Si Temple at Air Itam, the reclining Buddha in Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple at Pulau Tikus and the Snake Temple at Bayan Lepas.

Penang is not all old charms. There are lush green parks and garden that’s worth venturing. Penang Hill, Tropical Spice Garden, Balik Pulau durian plantation, Penang Botanical Gardens and The Butterfly Farm are all within reach from each other. For the sun and beach, Batu Feringgi offers some fascinating and gorgeous beaches with plenty of water sports.

There are also celebrations of various ethnic communities’ festival and annual events organise by the state government. The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival, Penang Bon Odori Carnival, Penang Bridge International Marathon, Thaipusum, Chingay Performance, Hungry Ghost Festival, Nine Emperor God Festival, celebration of the Jade Emperor on eight day of Chinese New Year, the Feast of St.Anne and “open houses” during Hari Raya are all held with great prom and on a grand scale.

NATURE ATTRACTION

Penang Bird Park

The Penang Bird Park is situated at Bandar Seberang Jaya and is built with a garden concept where beautiful landscaping takes priority in creating such a place of tranquility. The 5-acres bird park is just a five minute drive from the Penang Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Asia.

Being the first of its kind in Malaysia, the Penang Bird Park was opened to the public on 8th August 1988. This park is made out of many beautiful aviaries with imitated natural environment, including two huge 'walk-in' aviaries, Geodesic domes, and more than one hundred cages in various sizes which houses more than 300 different species of colourful birds from Malaysia and other parts of the world. The various birds you can find at the park are swans, pelicans, storks, herons, and other playful waterfowls of which roam freely on and around the two natural ponds and the cascading waterfalls. Other birds such as the macaws, parrots, pheasants, hornbills, birds-of-prey, finches, sunbirds, soft-bills, kingfishers and many others, formed part of the vast varieties of birds being kept at the park for exhibition and breeding purposes. Penang Bird Park is well-praised for its excellent collection of more than 150 Malaysian bird species.

Blending with these gorgeous birds are the vast collections of hibiscus, orchids, palm-trees, bamboo and ponds full of lotus, in their natural growing habitat. Among other things of interest are the auditorium for bird shows, a number of "pondok" or huts, built in various shapes of our traditional Malay architectural design, and the beautiful wooden bridges.

The Penang Bird Park is a place for the bird lover, nature lover and a place for a relaxing family outing as well as a MUST see for the tourists who have come to visit Penang.

Daily Bird Shows:

11.30am and 3.30pm 

Followed by a Photography Session after each show.

Opened Daily : 9am - 7pm (Last entry at 6.30pm)

Guided tours are provided for school children (Please ask for details).

Admission Fees 

Adults     : RM 29

Children (Under 12 years)  : RM 15 

Camera   : RM 1 per unit

Bird Park Restaurant (Flamingo Cottage)

Serving Western and Local Cuisine 

Opened Daily : 9am - 6.30pm

BIRD PARK (PENANG) SDN. BHD.

Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang Malaysia

Website : www.penangbirdpark.com.my

Penang Botanic Gardens

Penang Botanic Gardens - The Natural Heritage

The Penang Botanic Gardens, more popularly known as the "Waterfall Gardens", was established by the British way back in 1884 from an old quarry site. The beautiful grounds and the tranquility of the gardens have long been enjoyed and admired by millions of visitors. Besides being the arboretum living plants specimens, it is also the seat of botanical conservation, education and training. The Gardens also play an important role in the field of horticulture and landscaping development.

The Gardens were founded in 1884 by Charles Curtis from the Gardens and Forests Departments Straits Settlements. As the first Curator, Curtis was a devoted plant lover who tirelessly transformed the granite quarry into a garden, and greatly contributed to the botanical and horticulture development of the Gardens.

Walking around the Gardens, one cannot miss the Cannon Ball Tree (Couropita guanensis) and the large buttress roots of the Sengkuang Tree (Dracantamelon dao). Look out for the Pinang Palm (Areca catechu) that lent its name to the island of Penang, and the Black Lily (Tacca integrifalia) with its unique purplish-black coloured flowers. The endemic Slipper Orchid (Paphiopedilum barbatum) and the ginger, Geoctachys penangensis, can also be found here.

Look out also for the wildlife inhabiting the gardens. Commonly seen are the long-tailed Macaques, Dusky Leaf Monkeys, Black Giant Squirrels and a myriad of insects and butterflies.

From afar, one could catch a view of the famous waterfall up on the hills above the reservoir.

Some useful guidelines:

1) it is important to respect the plants and animals here. Please do not remove, damage, or intentionally disturb them.

2) Keep the grounds clean at all times. Do not litter. You can also help us by picking up any rubbish that you come across during your walk.

3) Stay on established trails.

4) Do not start fires.

5) Observe and listen to the voices of your natural surrounding. Appreciate nature without disturbing it with loud noises. Please also refrain from using any audio equipment.

The Monkeys:

1) Do not feed the monkeys.

2) Do not eat as you walk - monkeys love food and are likely to snatch it from you.

3) If you come across some on the path you are walking on, do not fear. Be calm, wait for someone else to come by before proceeding or turn around slowly and walk away. Do not look at them in the eye or intimidate them in any way.

Garden Tours

The gardens run guided tours for the public and for organized groups.

Plant Information Kiosk

Available at the Gardens office from 8.00am to 4.30pm on weekdays.

The Herbarium

The herbarium houses a collection of preserved, dried mounted specimens. it is open for botanicalenquiries of a professional nature. To use these scientific resources, a written request for permission is necessary.

Landscaping, Sales & Rental of Plants

For landscaping and rental of plants, prior application must be made to the Director of the Penang Botanic Gardens. The Gardens also provide sale of plants to the public at reasonable prices.

Plant Houses & Open Collections

Botanical expeditions carried out in the jungles of Penang Island and peninsular Malaysia resulted in the collection of numerous special species including rare species for conservation, cultivation and propagation purposes. These plants are showcased as collections in the Fern House, Palm Collection, Aroid Walkway, Orchidarium, Perdana Conservatory, Cactus House, Bromeliad and Begonia House, Herba Garden, Fern Rockery, Sun Rockery, and the Formal Garden.

Getting There

By car or bus. The garden is about 8 km from town center  Parking is available for vehicles at several car parks just outside the Garden entrance.

Penang Butterfly Farm

Get in touch with nature at the Penang Butterfly Farm and experience their set of their new attractions such as The Tree of Life, Swing of Love, Cave of Mystery, Aqua Fun, Kingdom of Frogs, Biodiver-City Hall and more. Apart from dealing with butterflies, the Penang Butterfly Farm also showcases other animals and insects such as beetles, lizards, frogs and even snails.

Opened in March 1986, the Penang Butterfly Farm is presumably the first butterfly house in the Tropical Region. Today, they house an average population of 4,000 Malaysian butterflies of 120 species, along with other insects and small animals. They pride themselves in being a living museum to educate the public as well as a conservation and research centre to develop breeding methods.

The Penang Butterfly is open daily from 9.00am – 6.00pm (Last Entry at 5.00pm). Tickets are priced at RM 27.00 per adult (13 years & above), RM 15.00 per child (4 years & above), RM13.50 per senior citizen (58 years & above) and is free of charge for children 3 and below. A MyKad and MyKid holder are entitled to a 33.3% discount.

 Website :http://www.butterfly-insect.com

Batu Feringghi - Foreigners' Rock

                           

Batu Feringghi is the most popular beach destination for tourists and locals on the Penang island. This long stretch of golden sand is the center to a wide range of resorts, water sports, leisure activities and shopping. 

On a relative scale, the beach may not be as gorgeous as those found on some islands off Peninsular Malayisa, but you get a wide mix of conveniences and facilities that make staying in Batu Feringgi a highly-accessible and relaxing vacation.  

Also, the beautiful scenic backdrops of large granite boulders, fine sand, lush vegetation and calm waters make this the perfect place to enjoy the peace and serenity. The charm and appeal of Batu Feringghi still continues to mesmerize amounts of people.

Batu Feringghi was believed to have been named after the Portuguese word for 'Foreigners' Rock', as the Penang Island was once fought over by many colonial powers including the British, Dutch and Portuguese. 

What gives Batu Feringgi its irresistible appeal is the atmosphere; scores of restaurants, watering holes, resorts and recreational places give the beach a 'never a dull moment' feel.

There are a few seafood and international restaurants that serve delicious food, while you mix and mingle around with locals and international visitors alike.

A lot of water sports such as jet-skiing, banana boating and parasailing are readily available, and visitors can engage in such activities through the many vendors situated on the beach with their laid-back shaded stalls.

A daily night market takes place in Batu Feringgi, a commercial popularity among crowds, which is another major attraction besides the beaches. 

Along the road before the stretch of beach resorts, there are plenty of shops that provide modern conveniences such as groceries, beach wear and souvenirs to cater to your needs during your visit to Batu Feringghi.

Come night, there are numerous joints of pubs and cafes to to kick back your shoes and enjoy the soothing night sea breeze with relaxing tunes and good company.

Penang Hill

Penang Hill is one of Penang island's featured attractions. Well known for its cool and fresh climate from the tropical heat of George Town, it is a popular holiday retreat to the locals as well as tourists. Penang Hill is also known for its magnificently spectacular panoramic view of George Town, the mainland, the Penang Bridge and the Straits of Malacca which can be viewed from the Penang Hill Summit. The hill, also known as Bukit Bendera or Flagstaff Hill, is  833 m (2,723 ft) above sea level and stands out prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area.

Access to the hill is most enjoyable by the Penang Hill Railway, a two section funicular railway which climbs Penang Hill from Air Itam. The railway was opened to the public on October 21, 1923 and the total journey takes about half an hour, with passengers changing cars at the mid-point station. The train may also stop at other intermediate stations upon request or the alighting of residents living around the hill.

*Update: The Penang Hill Furnicular Train service is currently undergoing a major upgrade and will be functioning as normal by the end of October 2010. Alternative transportation up to Penang Hill is available from the Penang Botanic Gardens Quarry.

Alternatively, there is a 5.1 km (3.17 mile) tarred road popularly known as the "jeep track". It is open only to the vehicles of hill residents. The "jeep track" is also a popular hiking route. It begins at the quarry of the entrance of Penang Botanic Gardens and it takes a two or three hour leisure hike to reach the top.

The sights on Penang Hill itself is a nice relaxing view. Because of its cool weather, beautifully landscaped flowers of all colours bloom in full glory in the gorgeous flower garden.

Not only are the plants fresh with life but the modestly tiny bird park situated before the entrance of the old Bellevue hotel is alive with cheerful singing and the colourful dashes of the playful birds.

Besides that there is a tea kiosk, several restaurants, souvenir stalls, a mosque, and a Hindu temple for visitors to visit. A number of picturesque bungalows and guesthouses were built around Flagstaff Hill and some are up for rent for those who intend to stay for more than a day.

Numerous trekking trails lead from various starting points in the lowlands to Penang Hill. The more popular trails include the Moongate Trail, trail from Air Itam Dam to Tiger Hill, trail from Hye Keat Estate and trail from the Municipal Park (formerly Youth Park). Some of the trails are used by farmers to transport produces to the markets of Balik Pulau and Air Itam.  Some of the more famous pit stops at the hill are 52 and 84. At these pit stops, the view of island is visible to hikers who are able to get some water and tea prepared by locals stationed on the hill.

Present on Penang Hill is also a 32 counder cannon, rich in historical value. Weighing 2.75 tons. It can fire a 32 pound ball propelled by an 11LB (5kg), gun powder charge giving a muzzle velocity of 1600 ft per second. Usually situated at the lower gun deck, with a muzzle some 2 m above water-line, it can reach the target range of 1,000 feet.

It is made of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin commonly used in 18th and 19th century artillery.

This cannon was probably transported from town to hill as an ornament or to warn the presence of pirates.

The new Penang Hill funicular train service has been opened to the public from April 25 after the upgrading. Before the upgrade, the total journey uphill takes about half an hour, with passengers changing cars at the mid-point station. The train may stop at other intermediate stations upon request. Unlike the previous train service, today, the new train does not require passengers to change trains half way up. Passengers will have non-stop service in air conditioned Swiss-made coaches.

The Penang Hill railway has been operating since 1923, providing 87 years of service until today. In 1977 new cars were provided, before the most recent upgrade starting February 2010. New cars were purchased to increase the passenger capacity as well as the speed of the train. Today it is capable of carrying up to 100 passengers at one go, and the train runs every half hour.

Schedule:

Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 6.30am to 7pm

Weekends and public holiday: 6.30am to 9pm

Fare:

For Malaysian:

Adult: RM 8 per adult

Children: RM 4 (age 7-12) per child

Senior Citizen: RM 4 per person

Monthly Pass: RM 24 (for resident on the hill)

Disabled Person Free (with OKU card)

For Foreign Tourists:

Adult: RM 30 per adult

Children: RM 15 (age 7-12) per child

Penang National Park

A Beacon of Hope

Famed for its outstanding scenery and heritage, Penang charms visitors from far and wide. But its best kept secret probably lies in a discreet corner where nature thrives.

Gazetted a reserve in 1928, this 1,265 hectare site becomes a National Park in 2003. 80 hectare of virgin jungle. Over 1,000 plant species has been recorded here.

Being so close to George Town, the wealth of flora and fauna seems all the more remarkable, as habitats include a rare meromictic lake where fresh and sea water meet.

Video clips of Penang National Park:

Part I

Part II