Singapore to Penang
The Malaysian state of Penang consists of an island and a peninsula connected to each other by the two longest bridges in the country. George Town, Penang’s capital, has become a major tourist destination in Malaysia because of its colonial architecture and its many green spaces, which include everything from formal botanical gardens to tropical jungle. Book your trip as with affordable price now!
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Attractions of Penang
An island of rich Chinese heritage, Penang has an array of temples, ruins, museums, preserved forests, and beautiful beaches that make a trip here more than worthwhile. Top it off with the fact that this island is said to be the country’s unofficial food capital, and its no wonder that tourism plays a huge role in its economy.
Malaysia’s ‘Pearl of the Orient’ carries a natural beauty and cultural splendour like no other place. Its name comes from the Malay translation of betel nut – ‘Pinang’. Every year, thousands of visitors come here to experience the unique cultural heritage and scenery.
So, what attractions Penang has? Here they are….
Penang Hills
Penang Hill was the first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia. Comprising Western Hill, Bukit Laksamana, Tiger Hill, Flagstaff Hill and Government Hill, it is located six km away from Georgetown. The hilly and forested area is the state’s primary hill resort.
From the top of Penang Hill on a clear day you can see the mountains of Langkawi and north Kedah but it is the night time sight of lit-up Georgetown that is especially rewarding. Most people simply come to enjoy the cool, unpolluted air and walk under 30m-high trees along the nature trails. Additionally, over 100 species of birdlife, ranging from ordinary garden species to exotic deep forest inhabitants, call this hillside home.
The most popular way to the top of the hill is the Penang Hill Railway. Located at the foot of the hill, this Swiss-designed funicular starts out from Air Itam. Built in 1923, it is one of the world’s oldest funicular systems and has a 2,007m-long track that climbs the hill at a crawling 30-minute pace.
Address: 11500 Bukit Bendera, Penang
Escape Adventureplay
Escape Adventureplay Penang is a cool alternative to the beach and has quickly turned into a firm favourite with outdoor adventure seekers on the island. An outdoor, eco-conscious theme park specialising in zip-lining (a pulley suspended on a stainless steel cable, tied between two trees on an incline), the park also hosts other fun jungle activities for all ages.
A creative and fun way to foster a love of the outdoors, especially among kids, the park started out in 2012 with standout attractions such as a free fall from a 20 metre-high jump platform, an inner tube slide and tree rope swing.
Entrance is RM60 for adults and RM45 for kids; open from Tuesday to Sunday, the park also operates on Monday when it is a public or school holiday. There is a free hourly shuttle service from a couple of Jalan Batu Ferringhi hotels, or from Georgetown guests can hop on the Rapid Penang bus 101.
Address: 828 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang
Tel: +604 881 1106
Penang Botanical Garden
Penang Botanical Gardens are usually simply called the Botanic Gardens by Penang islanders. Also known as the Waterfalls Gardens, the gardens are located in a valley along Jalan Kebun Bunga. It is a well landscaped place that contains a huge variety of indigenous and exotic plant species.
Set up by the British in 1884 by Charles Curtis of the Gardens & Forests Departments Straits Settlements, it used to be an old quarry site and is divided into 12 sections: the Formal Garden, Lily Pond, Perdana Plant House, Tropical Rainforest Jungle Track, Fern House, Fern Rockery, Aroid Walkaway, Cactus House, Orchidarium, Horticulture Centre, Nursery and Quarry Recreational Park.
Address: Pavilion Administrative Complex, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350, Penang
Clan Jetties
The Clan Jetties are one of the most significant historical areas in Penang—a traditional village consisting of structures and houses built on stilts right over the water.
Clan jetties are a very unique type of water settlement created by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century. Originally, they consisted of a single structure used as a sort of small warehouse where the loading and unloading of products and materials (including firewood, charcoal, and boat transportation) for a particular trade or industry happened. Over the years, families (or clans) took over certain industries and unofficially claimed a certain area of the dock, with each clan getting bigger and building more huts along the way.
There are now six jetties on the waterfront—all of them still home to Chinese descendants and considered a historical reminder of the industries that helped shape Penang. While they are technically private property where families live, most of the jetties welcome visitors for a glimpse of their local temple, photos of the sunset over the water, and a nostalgic walk over the walkway surrounding the stilt-houses.
Address: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Fort Cornwallis
Penang’s most famous landmark is also the largest fort in the country. Although only one outer wall with cannons remains from the original 1786 bastion, there are enough structures left behind it to give you an idea of the massive size of the original fort.
Stroll through the well-cared-for green lawn to find the remains of prison cells, a chapel, and a storage area that was once used to keep ammunition. A bronze statue of Captain Francis Light, who originally ordered the building of the fort, welcomes visitors as they enter through the gate.
The fort never saw any actual combat, and it was mostly used as an administrative point. Over the years, additional buildings and statues were added, including a steel lighthouse with a design that resembles a ship’s mast. While there are small exhibits throughout the fort that explain some of its history, the space is mostly used by locals as a park to spend a quiet afternoon in the sun.
Opening Hours: Daily 9AM – 6.30PM
Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Batu Ferringhi Night Market
Open until midnight every day, this massive night market with over 100 stalls and tons of character is the perfect place to pick up traditional souvenirs, including batik prints, lacquer plates, and delicate paper lamps. There are also plenty of chances to find copies of famous clothes, watches and purses brands, as well as other small treasures.
Restaurants and food stalls line up the streets here as well, where you have a chance to try a number of delicacies, such as teochew chendol, shaved ice filled with green rice jelly and coconut milk.
Opening Hours: Daily 7PM – 1AM
Address: Jalan Pantai Batu, Taman Pantai Batu, 11200 Tanjong Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Tel: 018-283 4117
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