Widely known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is one of Asia’s most famous islands. Its natural beauty and exotic heritage have been attracting curious visitors for hundreds of years. One is confronted here with the mix of old and new.

Where else can you find an old church, a Chinese temple, an Indian temple, and a Muslim mosque within a five-minute walk from one another? 

The tourist belt of Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah on the north astern coast of Penang is the playground for visitors who love the sun and sea. The coast offers a wide range of fine accommodation facilities is available. Penang shops offer a wide variety of products; one finds anything, from antiques to electronic equipment. The major shopping facilities are in and around Penang city. One of the biggest and most famous shopping complexes is the Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, also known as KOMTAR.

The hustle and bustle of night markets with their blaring music and bright lights- all combine to make shopping in Penang a unique and unforgettable experience.

From the British colonial buildings and Fort Cornwallis situated on the point, the old city areas of Georgetown meander back from the port providing an historic heart to the bustling city of today. Historic buildings and monuments have been retained to document the story of the colonial and early trading history of Penang as well as forming an integral part of today's daily life.

Little India This meticulously regimented network was among the earliest parts of George Town planned under the administration of Sir Francis Light, the English founder of Penang. Little India breathes a rich living history that spans over two centuries. Culture here throbs with antiquity and tradition.

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 1800's. There are many clan houses, shop houses and temples to be found along these streets, which reflect the heritage left behind, will intrigue visitors.

Popularly known as the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy, KUAN YIN TEMPLE is the oldest temple in Penang. Built in 1800 by the first Hokkien and Cantonese settlers, it reflects the splendour of an ancient Chinese architecture, decorated with intricately crafted dragons and stone sculptured dragons, which are said to be guardians of it.

St George's Church, Lebuh Farquhar was built with convict labour in 1818, it is one of the oldest landmarks in the city. The entrance of this stately Anglican Church named after the patron saint of England, features a memorial canopy dedicated to Captain Francis Light.

Snake Temple built in 1850 and dedicated to the deity Chor Soo Kong, also known as the Temple of The Azure Cloud, is 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 envenomed.

Kek Lok Si Temple was built in 1890 on a hill slope and is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. It consists of a maze of gardens, courts and passages and the seven tier "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas". The Hindi temple Sri Mariamman was built in the late 19^th century and it features fascinating sculptures of gods and goddesses over its entrance and on its facade.

Visit also the Penang Museum and Art Gallery, Lebuh Farquhar that was built in 1821, the Museum houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, charts and other historical relics.

For a spot of relaxation, take a ride up Penang Hill on the Swiss-built funicular railway. Alighting at the peak, you notice at once the invigoratingly fresh air and the heady scent of flowers from the profusely blooming gardens of vivid hues. The Botanical Gardens (30 ha) offer peace and tranquillity amidst lush green surroundings, tropical plants and the vibrant colours of Penang's flora and they also feature a waterfall.

Penang Bird Park occupies a generous landscaped site in Seberang Jaya, it houses 200 species of birds from around the world and be viewed from specially designed aviaries. Located at Teluk Bahang, the Butterfly Farm has hundreds of species of butterflies and insects amidst landscaped tropical gardens.

This Island is also rich in festivals and events. At Chinese New Year the Chinese community greets the beginning of the New Year, it’s a time for family reunion dinners, visiting relatives and friends and exchanging "ang pows"(red packets containing money). Chap Goh Meh is celebrated on the 15^th night of the first month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The highlight of the festivity is the 'orange-throwing' ceremony, in which local maidens cast oranges into the sea for would-be suitors to catch.

Thaipusam, one of the most colourful festivals, marks the victory of Lord Subramaniam over the demons. The Birthday of Prophet Mohammed is celebrated with prayer sessions and religious lectures. Wesak Day is the Lord Buddha's birthday, and Buddhist temples are brim full of worshippers and priests. In the evening, there is a street procession of gaily-decorated floats, including one with a large illuminated statue of Buddha.

Deepavali, a festival of lights celebrated by the Hindus, commemorates the slaying of the evil King Haragesuaran by Lord Krishna. For Mooncake fans! Penangites celebrate the ancient Mooncake Festival with lanterns, mooncakes, mooncakes and more mooncakes.

The cuisine is famous in Penang. Malaysian's love hawker food, of which there is an astonishing variety on the island. The Straits-born Chinese of Penang have developed a cooking style that blends Chinese, Thai, Malay and Western cooking.

NASI LEMAK is a Malay fare of rice cooked in coconut milk, with an assortment of curries and sambals (chilli dishes). SATAY are sticks of barbecued chicken, mutton or beef pieces served with spicy peanut sauce and slices of cucumber and onions. LAKSA is a Penang specialty that consists of noodles in a spicy sour soup. The dish is garnished with cucumber, lettuce, pineapple and onions. Just try them!