Featured Destination
Penang
OVERVIEW:Off the beaten path in Penang
There is more to discover in the Pearl of the Orient if you venture on the road less travelled.
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ATTRACTIONS:Penang evokes the customary images of the iconic bridge, palm trees, lovely beaches, heritage sights of the capital Georgetown and the wonderful taste of local gastronomic delights. The landmarks are familiar such as the Buddhist temple complex in Air Itam, the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Penang Hill, Snake Temple, Fort Cornwallis, Botanical Gardens, Khoo Kongsi, Kuan Yin Teng and Wat Chayamangkalaram.
The Pearl of the Orient also has other attractions to offer. For example, a relaxed drive along the Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang coastline towards Batu Muang and Balik Pulau can yield unexpected surprises. The scenic route boasts some enchanting places of interest and new experiences.
One such rare gem just off the main road is the War Museum in Batu Maung. It is set in an old military fortress hidden by the jungle. The complex was built by the British in the 1930s and has been converted into a museum that tells the story of Malaya during World War Two. It contains military artefacts and war relics, which will prove to be fascinating to fans of military memorabilia.
The Toy Museum in Tanjung Bungah with its wide-ranging display of toys is definitely thrilling for children and the child at heart. Another attraction along the stretch of Batu Maung is the Fisheries Research Institute, also known as the Aquarium. It is an inspiring showcase of undersea marine life and aquatic creatures of the surrounding area.
Those who love durians and other tropical fruits can get their fill at the many fruit orchards that line the route from Batu Maung to Balik Pulau. The best time to visit is from May to July and November to January, when the ‘king of fruits’ is ready for harvest. This is the time when durian stations sprout along the side of the road and visitors can make their durian selection and eat it on the spot. Other fruits like rambutan and mangosteen are also available. Balik Pulau town is also well regarded for its laksa and it is well worth a stop to savour a bowl of this culinary delight.
Off the southeast tip of Penang is Pulau Jerejak, an island that use to house a penal colony but is now home to the Jerejak Resort and Spa. To get to the island, hop on the ferry from Bayan Lepas.
Aside from the beach, Batu Ferringhi is popular with bargain hunters for its bustling night market where handicrafts and T-shirts can be bought for a song. Another popular shopping spot is the Little Penang Street Market, a street mall just along Lebuh Farquhar. It is held on the last Sunday of every month.
The Penang Chocolate Boutique is an attraction that is off the beaten path. It is housed in a mansion along Leith Street. The boutique gives visitors an insight into the art of chocolate making and the various rooms in the mansion are designed along the lines of sweet themes like tiramisu, sweetheart and coffee.
Of course, a trip to Penang would not be complete without sampling its delicious food. The island is famed for its mouth-watering hawker fare such as nasi kandar, laksa, rojak pasembor, char kuey teow, fried oyster and satay.
The most popular place to savour Penang’s delectable delights is the Gurney Drive food centre, which lights up and comes alive in the evening. An alternative feasting spot is the New Lane hawker stalls just off MacAlister Road. Penang’s many attractions have put it on the tourist map, but it is the delicious food that keeps visitors coming back.
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PRACTICAL INFORMATION:Direct flights to Penang International Airport are available on full service and budget airlines.
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WEATHER: Penang is a year round destination as the weather is clement throughout the year.