(Malaysia) – Travel to Penang

Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang) is an island off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also the name of the Malaysian state which is made up of Penang Island and the facing strip of territory on the mainland called Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley).

(Malaysia) - Penang - Kek Lok Si Temple

 

Penang's beaches are nice, though a little lackluster when compared to those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated for by the island's rich multicultural history which is full of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Penang is also well known for being the "food paradise" of Malaysia.

What to see there

- Kek Lok Si - 极乐寺 - Temple of Supreme Bliss. A sprawling hillside structure that is reputed to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia, with the khmer/thai/chinese style Ban Po Thar (Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower) (RM4 to top via stairs) and various Buddha images in the main temple complex. Furthermore, a mini-funicular train (RM4) connects to the summit of the hill featuring a giant 36.5m high statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The current bronze version was completed after donations from mainland Chinese in 2003. Currently, there is scaffolding around the statue although the canopy has been completed. The reason for this is said to be that there is resentment in some areas that the canopy now stands taller than the state mosque, but this is unconfirmed. Photographers will find it well worth the inclined elevator ride up.

(Malaysia) - Penang - Kek Lok Si Temple

 

During the Chinese New Year period, the temple is decorated with hundreds of lanterns which turns it into a night-time wonderland. Located near the village of Air Itam; a taxi from Georgetown will set you back RM 20-25; catching a bus from the station next to the Komtar will cost you RM 2.00 (take Rapid Penang bus no. 203 to Air Itam, the last stop). The complex reeks of commercialism with shops at every level and buddhists may find little sacred at this site. Try to avoid the busy weekends.

- Bukit Bendera - 升旗山 - Penang Hill. Penang Hill probably has the best view of Georgetown and the Penang Bridge, especially at night. Go up via the Penang Hill Railway (Return fare: Malaysians - Adult RM8, Child RM4; foreign tourists: Adult RM30, Child RM15). Duration of journey, is about 10 minutes; frequency is every 30 minutes. The service runs from 6.30am to 9pm daily. Take Rapid Penang bus no. 204 to the last stop (RM2) to get to the lower station.

(Malaysia) - Bukit Bendera, Penang Hill

The train, which was upgraded in 2011, is a fascinating little cable train service that lifts you out of the heat and humidity of the coastal plain and up to a fabulous view and cool breezes. The 19th-century English travel writer, Isabella Bird, called the temperature on the hill 'delicious' because it can be very much cooler than on the plains. More than a century later, Ms. Bird's statement still holds true. The more adventurous (and fit) may want to hike up the hill (remember to take along water).

(Malaysia) - Sunrise at Penang Hill

There are several starting points for a trek up the hill including from the Moon Gate (about 300m from the entrance of the Botanical Gardens) and from inside the Botanical Gardens itself (just before the Reservoir, steep steps behind small bridge, jump from road over water drainage canal). Trail to the top takes 2-3 hours depending on how lucky you will be with choice at junctions, there is no signage. You can also walk up the 5km long boring paved road which begins beside the entrance to the Gardens. When you reach the summit, you can walk around the hilltop, stop for tea, enjoy a leisurely lunch (soft drink can 2RM, many meals from 4RM), buy a souvenir, try to photograph Georgetown and the Strait, or simply breathe deep lungfuls of cool, clean hill air. Leave a good 2-3 hours to get to the top and return once buying your ticket. The trains can be crowded and you may have to wait some time in queue at the bottom and top, so try to avoid weekends.

-  Penang Botanic Gardens, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Phone:+60 4 227-0428 (for group tour arrangement) Fax:+60 4 228-6075 jkbunga@penang.gov.my. Open daily, 5AM-8PM. Take Rapid Penang bus no.10 from KOMTAR for RM2. Free admission.

(Malaysia) - Penang Botanic Gardens

The gardens were established by Charles Curtis of Britain way back in 1884; it's generally known as the Waterfall Gardens by the local community because of a little waterfall located within it. Many locals will come to the gardens to perform their daily exercises like walking, jogging, jungle trekking, aerobic dance, and to practice Tai Chi (太极) or Qi Gong (气功). The wild monkeys are supposed to be there but not to be seen. The garden hosts an annual international floral fest as well as a world music festival.

(Malaysia) - Penang Botanic Gardens

-Amazing Nibong Tebal . See the synchronised flashes of light gently hovering over mangrove trees that line the river bank. The specific species of mangrove tree which attracts these fireflies is the berembang (sonneratia caseolaris).

(Malaysia) - Nibong Tebal, Penang

Firefly watching at Sungai Kerian is increasingly drawing visitors and the fire fly is an icon of Nibong Tebal. The fireflies emit light at the lower abdomen not only to attract mates but also to scare away predators. Their abdomens are filled with a chemical called lucibufagens which in fact tastes pretty nasty.

(Malaysia) - Nibong Tebal, Penang

- Bukit Jambul Orchid, Hibiscus & Reptile Garden, Persiaran Bukit Jambul. Phone:+60 4 644-8863, Fax:+60 4 644-2236 / 228-5733. Daily 9:30AM-6:30PM (last admission at 5:30PM). This garden is close to Hotel Equatorial and is about 10 minutes from Penang International Airport. You can pose for a picture with Malaysia's largest tame snake, a rare Albino Python or watch the Snake Show on weekends and public holidays, 11:30AM-3:30PM. Adult RM5 and children RM2.

(Malaysia) - Hibiscus & Reptile Garden, Penang

- Penang Butterfly Farm, 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Pahang. Tel : +60 4 885-1253.

(Malaysia) - Penang Butterfly Farm

Opens 365 days a year, Mon–Fri 9AM-5:30PM, Sat, Sun and public holidays 9AM–6PM.

(Malaysia) - Penang Butterfly Farm

 

Houses a large collection of tropical butterflies, as well as rare tropical insects, scorpions, snakes, fish, lizards, and other reptiles.

(Malaysia) - Penang Butterfly Farm

 
Also features an Art and Artifact Gallery, Souvenir Shop and a Cafe. Admission price is RM27 for adult and RM12 for children (your driver gets a commission of RM4 per adult foreigner and RM2 per child foreigner/ adult Malaysian)

(Malaysia) - Penang Butterfly Farm

- Fisheries Department Research Institute Aquarium, Batu Maung. Phone:+60 4 626-3925, Fax:+60 4 626-2210. Daily 10AM-5PM. Adult RM5, children (7-12 years old) RM2, free admission for children under 7. A medium-sized aquarium that showcases mostly fish found in regional waters. Nothing fancy but quite informative and enjoyable

(Malaysia) -Penang - Fisheries Department Research Institute Aquarium

- Penang Bridge (槟威大桥). With a span of 8.4km over water, it is one of the longest bridges in the world in Asia. The bridge connects the island to the mainland (Seberang Perai) and offers great views of the port and city. You are not supposed to stop on the bridge but many people use the emergency stop areas for a quick photo shoot. The bridge opened to public in 1985 and still is a major national landmark for Malaysia. A second, even longer bridge, is due to be ready by 2012.

(Malaysia) - Penang Bridge

- Pulau Jerejak Resort, (Jerejak Island), Phone: +60 4 658-7111, Fax:+60 4 659-7700, stanley@jerejakresort.com, [32]. Also known as the Alcatraz of Malaysia, because the island was once the location of the Jerejak Prison. This beautiful 362 hectare tropical island, is located directly across the channel from the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, on the south eastern coast of Penang island.

(Malaysia) - Penang - Pulau Jerejak Resort

The island is now open to the public as a recreational resort. Numerous outdoor activities including nature & historical trekking, mountain biking, and archery are available; personal care such as aromatherapy massage, tired foot treatment, body scrub are also available. Unfortunately, you are advised not to swim in the sea around the Jerejak island because it is not quite clean. Ferries from Penang start operations at 6:30AM and continue until 12:30PM. Return trip fare for guests with room / event reservations: Adult RM6, Children RM3. Day trippers: Adult RM16 (include meals), Children RM3. Various accommodation option available: tent for 2 person costs RM80 per night, 2-bed room RM115, chalet RM220 or promotional 3D/2N package for 2 person costs RM499

(Malaysia) - Penang - Pulau Jerejak Resort

-  Snake Temple (蛇庙) was built in 1850 in memory of the renowned Chinese monk Chor Soo Kong. The Snake Temple is situated in the small town of Bayan Lepas on the edge of a highway and is famous for the fact that it has pit vipers living within the temple grounds. Legend has it that Chor Soo Kong, who was also a healer, gave shelter to the snakes of jungle. After the completion of the temple, snakes appeared on their own accord. Today, the snake population of the Temple of the Azure Cloud is very small, due to the urbanization of the area, but you can still see them coiled up on the altar tables, and you can touch them, if you are brave enough. Originally, the snakes were said to be rendered harmless by the smell of the burning incense, but today, to be safe, the resident vipers are devenomed. There is a snake museum beside the temple where there are snakes galore and you can see a staff member occasionally handling an albino Burmese python. Museum admission RM5 for adults, free admission for temple (9am to 6pm). Take Rapid Penang bus 401 or 401A from KOMTAR

(Malaysia) - Penang - Snake Temple

- War Museum Lot 1350, Mukim 12, Batu Maung, Phone: +60 4 626-5142, 391-0067 Fax: +60 4 626-4142, 644-8015. Every day, 9AM-7PM (last admission). Located at southeastern tip of Penang, it is a large abandoned military fortress built in 1930s by the British to protect the southern approaches to the island.

(Malaysia) - Penang - War Museum

 The British Royal Engineers and a work force of local laborers blasted and dug into the hill to create a fort with underground military tunnels, an intelligence and logistic center, halls, offices, ventilation shafts, artillery firing bays, sleeping quarters, cook houses as well as an infirmary.

(Malaysia) - Penang - War Museum

- Tropical Spice Garden - The Tropical Spice Garden, which is in a 8 acre valley fronting the shores of Teluk Bahang showcases a landscaped garden that consists of tropical plant collections from all over the world.

(Malaysia) - Penang - Tropical Spice Garden

 
The garden has over 100 varieties of tropical spice and herb plants and a huge collection of other exotic flora.

(Malaysia) - Penang - Tropical Spice Garden

-  Fort Cornwallis - This brick-and-mortar fort was first built using bakau wood in 1786 by the British under Captain Francis Light at the site where they first landed. The fort was upgraded in 1793 to its current state. Located by the sea at the Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama in Malay), the fort has a small lighthouse, a chapel, and a gunpowder bunker within its walls.

(Malaysia) - Penang - Fort Cornwallis

Several old cannons (including one that is believed by some locals to have magical 'fertility' powers) can still be found at the fort. There are also small displays of artifacts recovered from archaeological digs inside the fort. This well-preserved historical site is open to the public from 9AM to 6:30PM on Mondays to Saturdays. Admission costs RM3.00 (adult) and RM1.00 (children).

(Malaysia) - Penang - Fort Cornwallis

- Toy Museum, Jln Tanjung Bungah, 10 km northwest of Georgtown beside the Copthorne Hotel (take Rapid Penang bus 101 or 103 from KOMTAR) - there are more than 100,000 toys on display. open daily 0900-2000, admission fee RM10 for adults.

(Malaysia) - Toy Museum Penang

(Malaysia) - Toy Museum Penang

(Malaysia) - Toy Museum Penang

(Malaysia) - Toy Museum Penang

 - Tropical Fruit Farm - This 25-acre farm lies in the scenic hills near Balik Pulau.

(Malaysia) - Penang - Tropical Fruit Farm

 You can view the many kinds of fruit trees there and sample fresh fruit at reasonable price.

(Malaysia) - Penang - Tropical Fruit Farm

 
A small stall near the entrance sells fresh fruit juice and fruit dishes. You can also enjoy a great view of the north-western coastline of the island.

(Malaysia) - Penang - Tropical Fruit Farm

-  Penang Durian Farm - Located about 10 minutes from the Teluk Bahang Dam, the farm offers a durian buffet (early reservation required) and a variety of tropical fruits during the local fruit & durian season (May - August).

(Malaysia) - Penang Durian Farm

- Penang Bird Park - A small bird park located on the mainland (Seberang Perai) about 10 minutes from the Penang Bridge. Take a walk under nice shady trees and view dozens of kinds of birds including ostriches, sea eagles, peafowls, hornbills, flamingos, macaws, and grey parrots.

(Malaysia) - Penang Bird Park

There are also two walk-through aviaries and a fish pond. Some of the enclosures do need a touch of paint, but kids should love this place. Open daily from 9AM to 7PM Address: Jalan Todak (near the Sunway Carnival Mall), Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang. Tel.: +60 4 399-1899.

(Malaysia) - Penang Bird Park

-  Little India Situated inside Georgetown, Little India is an area with mainly indian inhabitants.

(Malaysia) - Little India

  Walking on the streets you can't avoid smelling indian spices and hearing Bollywood music.

(Malaysia) - Little India

 
The area is very lively, one might say it is the noisiest part of Georgetown.

(Malaysia) - Little India

Events and Festivals

- Hari Raya Puasa.

- Chinese New Year. Falls on 3 February this year (2011). This will be the year of the Rabbit. Fourteen days later, during the full moon, there is a festival in which the gods from numerous temples around the island are brought out for a procession, with the route including Chulia Street.

-  Thaipusam. A Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb). This year it will be on 20 January.

-  Vesak (Wesak). Falls on 17 May 2011. A Buddhist festival celebrated mainly by the Chinese community on the full moon of the 5th or 6th lunar month. It is characterized by a street parade. Temples will typically be filled with devotees and there will be a variety of activities by the various Buddhist associations and societies on this day.

-  Penang International Dragon Boat Festival has been staged annually since 1979 and has successfully attracted teams from all over the world including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Canada, and the USA. The event is now usually held at the Teluk Bahang Dam.

- Penang Bon Odori Carnival . A Japanese traditional carnival usually with drum and dance performances.

- The Feast of St. Anne . 29 July. Venue: St. Anne's Church, Bukit Mertajam. A Christian religious festival that includes a candle-light procession at the church.

- Nine Emperor Gods vegetarian festival is held at Taoist temples for 9 days of the 9th lunar month in the Chinese calendar, normally at the end of Sept or Oct.

-  Deepavali. Falls on 26 October, 2011. The Hindu 'Festival of Lights' which, according to legend, celebrates the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon Raavana.

-  Penang Floral Festival. Held at the Penang Botanic Gardens annually.

-  Penang Bridge Marathon. 20 November 2011. Starting from near Queensbay Mall, participants run on the Penang Bridge (13.5 km long) and along a scenic coastal highway. This is the only time of the year when the bridge is closed for several hours.

(Wiki Travel)