Overview of Penang
Malaysia is a popular tourist destination with top destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and Langkawi. Penang is a small island with a unique heritage that includes eclectic cuisines, mix culture and wonderful beaches. The turtle shaped island is located about 8kms from mainland Malaysia and is one of the most populous states in the country. Getting around Penang and Malaysia is easy in general because many signs are written in English. The best time to visit Penang is during Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Penang experiences equatorial climate just as the rest of Malaysia. The driest months are January and February while the wettest months run from September to November.
Most Popular Attractions in Penang
Penang is undoubtedly a microcosm of Malaysia, thanks to numerous religious events and festivals that take place in the island every year. The event includes the Muslim holiday of Hari Praya Puasa, Vesak Buddhist festival, the Chinese New Year and the popular Japanese Bon Odori Carnival, which includes dance and drumming. The key attractions on the island include Balik Pulau, Georgetown, Bayan Lepas, Batu Ferringhi and Butterworth. Georgetown is the capital of Penang and a major tourist destination.
The city of Georgetown is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to various historic churches, mosques, restaurants and colonial buildings. Batu Ferringhi is a popular beach resort and the home of various up market hotels and restaurants in the island. The beaches attract thousands of tourists every year; most of whom are attracted by the vibrant dining scene and sandy beaches. Bayan Lepas is the site of the main international airport. The area is also famous because it is home to various electronic products manufacturing plants.
Butterworth, on the other hand, is the mainland port that handles goods destined for Penang. The other key attractions in Penang include Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Botanical Gardens and a number of luxury resorts. Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Penang Hills offers the best views of Georgetown; the hills are accessible by both train and bus. The Penang Botanical Gardens or Waterfalls Gardens was established in 1884. People from all walks of life visit this garden for walking, aerobic dance and Tai Chi practice.
Journey of A Lifetime
The local population in Penang is very welcoming of families. If you are travelling with kids, some of the best places to visit include the Youth Park, Snake Temple and Teluk Bahang Forest Park where kids get the opportunity to enjoy nature hikes.
Over the years, Penang has carved a name as the food capital of Asia. Some of the popular cuisines include Malay, Indian and Chinese food. If you like spicy foods, there are plenty options of options to enjoy. One of the most popular places to eat at the island is the Penang hotel, which is a leading 5 star hotel in Penang. A visit to Penang is undoubtedly an opportunity of a lifetime for every traveller.