Penang and food, perhaps these two words don’t mean much to you but they certainly mean a lot to a real gourmet as Penang has been regarded as the food capital of Malaysia for ages. The amount of food is literally bombarding you while you are taking a walk along the most famous Lebuh Chulia (Chulia street, George town), where on each side of the street there is nothing but restaurants in the amount that your imagination would struggle to make up.

There are two great things that you will be astounded to know about Penang food, first is that the quality of food is flawless and the second nice thing is its variety, including cooking styles. Actually Penang is always referred to as a Mecca for food lovers when people talk about Malaysia.

Whether you are craving for something really exotic or just dreaming about making your belly as happy as it can possibly be Penang will do the job no matter what. Another great thing to know about dining in Penang is, whether it is a really fancy restaurant or just a little food stall on the side of the street it will cost you absolutely nothing to have a brilliant meal.

Since eating out in Penang is considered as the most favourite pastime you would certainly guess that most of the places are open 24 hours and they are. Local spices as well as imported are truly impossible to resist. A lot of tourists can end up eating even when they are not hungry, while just passing a little restaurant, simply a scent of local cuisine may drag you in for a while.

The locals in Penang speak the national language of Malaysia which is known as Malay.

The majority of people on the island are ethnic Chinese. They speak a version of Hokkien which is known as Penang Hokkien as the name suggests this contains a large number of Malay words and for this reason Minnan speakers from Fujian and Taiwan may have difficulties in communication with locals due to variation in words accents and mores.
Cantonese or Mandarin is also spoken by the ethnic Chinese population here to variying levels of fluency.

When speaking to each other the ethnic Indian population on the island use Tamil and the ethnic Malaysians speak in Malay but a great number of Tamil and Malay Penanganites can converse in Hokkien although cannot write in the language.

The visitor who can speak English to a reasonable level should have no problem being understood here certainly by businessmen and women. Hotel staff have either been taught English at school, picked it up from listening to conversation or watching films or have attended courses provided by their place of employment.

English is the world’s common language so there is every reason for local people to learn it as tourism and trade make up most of the local economy to a large extent. There is of course broken English which most of the under 50 population can speak and of course the international language of gesturing and pointing which although limited is universal and understood everywhere.

There is much to see and do on the small island of Penang, which has been described by ancient sea traders as the Pearl of The Orient. There are many tour operators on the island which offer English speaking guides or for the more independent take a cab bus or train to sightsee this beautiful island.

The island is very compact so the freely available map is easy to follow as is a trip up Penang Hill scaled by R2 railway so you can see where you want to go.

Temple lovers will enjoy Thee Kong Tua (Jade Emporer’s temple) in Air Itam built by Taoists and recently renovated, for Thee Kong who they believe to be the supreme ruler of Heaven. There is also Chor Soo Kong Temple (Snake Temple) guarded by vipers which have had their venom removed….let’s hope permanently

Lastly there is Key Lok Si Temple (Temple of Supreme Bliss) the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, overlooking Air Itam, it is perhaps the best known temple in the region.

The Reclining Buddha at Wat Chayamangkalaram was built in 1845 by a Buddhist monk. Situated in the old town of Pulau Titus it is 33 meters high and covered in glistening gold.

Nature lovers will enjoy The Butterfly farm which is home to many species of fluttering butterflies as well as scorpions and other fascinating insects.

The Tropical Spice Garden is a great place for an afternoon drink and view over 500 different types of tropical fauna.

Penang National Park (Muka Head) in Pantai Acheh compact but with many eco exhibits including a salt and fresh water lake, as well as a fully functioning lighthouse making it the perfect location for a picnic or a relaxing rest in the tropical sunshine.

Georgetown offers the budget conscious traveler the best selection of accommodation with guesthouses and smaller hotels in abundance. Many of these are on and around Chulia Street,Muntri Street and Love Lane areas. Expect to pay between 15 to 85 Ringit per night.

Georgetown offers accommodation which will be very familiar to the Asian traveler. Fans are more usual than air-conditioning and hot water the exception to the norm especially in cheaper places, however, once you have get used to the cold water you might find it more refreshing and as your pores remain closed making you sweat less in hotter weather.

Television and the viewing of DVDS in the evening are not uncommon as is high speed internet which is often free for one hour or thirty minutes with a nights stay. Many places offer an inclusive breakfast can save you money also as visits to internet cafes and restaurants slowly but surely will eat into your budget.

Bed bugs can be a problem again especially in cheaper places (you get what you pay for this is Asia); however, there are a few tips on how to avoid them. Check the room first and if the proprietor is not prepared to let you see it definitely walk away. General levels of cleanliness are common sense and an independently moody cat sat arrogantly near the desk will not only take care of rats but also the bugs, lice and fleas they transport.

All restaurants in the guest house are good value particularly Indian and Bangladeshi compared to other parts of South East Asia so make the most of those delicious curries!

Walking around Penang is a delightful experience full of museums, temples, mosques, bustling markets, rich smells and wondrous sights. Articles to buy, barter and talk about. It’s almost like going to several countries at the same time as you stroll by Chinese temple shops, Bangladeshi horse-chestnut sellers, English bookstores and everywhere diverse inexpensive food.

For the more serious walker the jungles and beaches of the island offer a treasure trove of natural sites, ancient colonialism, an old lighthouse at Muka Head and fascinating wildlife everywhere. Put on good footwear, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, pack a widely available map and off you go. Many people like the guided tours which are advertised all over the island and are inexpensive and informative.

The visitor can walk through the reserve forest in Teluk Bahang at the Northwestern cape of Penang Island encountering spectacular fauna and jungle sights and sounds. Not only can one observe the jungle on this trek but also staggeringly beautiful beaches and like walking in the multi cultural Georgetown there is so much to see here compressed into a lovely compact island paradise.

Here one can also see miles of quiet beaches with a safe and gorgeous horizon. If the jungle trip sound too much for you or you don’t like the creepy crawlies you can take a boat from Kampung Nelayan, situated 1km from the small roundabout located at Teluk Behang, to the beaches of Pantai Kerachut, Muka Head and Teluk Kampi.

Visitors to Penang will find lots to see and do in one relatively small and negotiable island.

High above the city is Penang Hill easily scaled by R2 railway affords visitors a terrific view of colonial Georgetown and the islands beaches.

Temple lovers will find a pleasant treasure trove in Thee Kong Tua (Jade Emporers temple) in Air Itam built by Taoists and recently renovated, for Thee Kong who they believe to be the supreme ruler of Heaven. There is also Chor Soo Kong Temple (Snake Temple) guarded by vipers which have had their venom removed…..fortunately for us.

Lastly there is Key Lok Si Temple (Temple of Supreme Bliss) the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, overlooking Air Itam, it is perhaps the best known temple in the region.

The Reclining Buddha at Wat Chayamangkalaram was built in 1845by a Buddhist monk. Situated in the old town of Pulau Titus it is 33 metres high and covered in glistening gold.

Penang is host to the Penang Toy Museum containing 100,000 exhibits of toys, dolls and games, making it the worlds largest.

Nature lovers will enjoy The Butterfly farm which is home to many species of fluttering butterflies as well as scorpions and other fascinating insects.

The Tropical Spice Garden is a great place for an afternoon drink and view over 500 different types of tropical fauna.

Penang National Park (Muka Head) in Pantai Acheh compact but with many eco exhibits including a salt and fresh water lake, as well as a fully functioning lighthouse making it the perfect location for a picnic or a relaxing rest in the tropical sunshine.

Penang needs little introduction for the Malayan visitor, famous for being one of Southeast Asia’s finest destinations. Penang’s beautiful beaches and exotic sighteeing have made it one of the most popular destinations in the region.

Gorgeous as the beaches are, Penang’s deeper mysteries should also be experienced. Local folklore decries that the Snake Temple, dedicated to a Buddhist healer-priest, was inhabited by snakes who came out of the jungle on the night of the temple’s completion. The snakes are still living there today. The Kek Lok Si temple, at Air Itam is thought by many as the most beautiful and largest temple complex in Southeast Asia. Its seven-story pagoda, over 90 feet high, is a harmonious blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architecture and craftsmanship.

Always worth a visit are the Penang Bird Park, the peak of Penang Hill, Fort Cornwallis, the site of Light’s first landing, and the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve with its breathtaking beaches. A trek through the reserve’s interior reveals unique flora, scampering tree monkeys, hunting sea eagles investigating their prey, and if you are lucky a glimpse of a Hawksbill turtle sea bound journey. Some hotels organize early morning treks through the forest.

Malaysia’s most established beach holiday destination is the compact island of Penang with its rubber plantations, rice fields, sumptuous beaches and tranquil atmosphere.

The perfect retreat from the frantic pace of life in Kuala Lumpur but only an hour away by air, Penang provides rejuvenation for the weary traveller, with luxurious beach resort hotels as well as historic shrines, monasteries and many small temples.

The island has enjoyable and entertaining nightlife, as well as plenty to do during the day when you have spent enough time soaking up the sun, and want to explore.
Penang is the perfect peaceful twin to Kuala Lumpur, and the laid back beaches and gardens are the perfect counterpoint to the vibrancy and pace of the city. The flying time is only around an hour from KualaLumpur or Singapore, or you may choose to hire a car and drive through the Cameron Highlands in the centre of Peninsular Malaysia, and take a few days experiencing the traditional tea gardens before finishing in Penang.

You can always get cheap flights to Penang throughout the year, and coupled with excellent value accommodation available along the beaches makes visiting this exotic destination far cheaper than people often imagine.

Penang is a beautiful island, which offers the traveller a combination of relaxation and a unique culture that retains much of the British Colonial influence, fine examples of Asian deco, and of course the endless influence of the Chinese people who live there. A dazzling Oriental jewel glittering in the tropical sun, which so many people fall in love with and become frequent visitors.

Facts for the Traveller:
Name: Federation of Malaysia
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Area: 329,750 Sq KM
Population: 23 million
Language: Malay, English, Tamil
Flight Time: 13 Hours from London
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit

Penang is generally a safe island for visitors and you won’t feel threatened or scared when walking the streets during the day or in the evening. However, as with anywhere, the city has its fair share of criminals and undesirables, and following some basic courses of action can make sure that you don’t fall victim to them.

Safety
Malaysia, as the rest of South East Asia, is at threat from terrorism, including places frequented by Westerners. Visitors should be aware that street crime such as bag-snatching, pick-pocketing and scams are a problem. Don’t accept rides from kereta sapu (passenger cars/unlicensed taxis). Be wary of the sometimes aggressive long-tail macaques at the Botanical Gardens.

Emergency: 999

Health
Some tropical illnesses are widespread in Malaysia and travellers should get medical advice regarding any recommended immunisations before travelling. Hepatitis A and B are common, as is dengue fever, against which there is no vaccination or immunisation. There has been an increase in cases of dengue fever since January 2005. Malaria risks are confined to the inland regions.

Dysentery and travellers’ diarrhoea sometimes afflict travellers; visitors should stick to bottled water and stay away from uncooked meat, fish and vegetables, unpeeled fruit, ice and salads. The hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and other cities are of a high standard. Medical insurance is recommended. Travellers older than one year coming from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

General Hospital: +60 4 229 3333

Located off of Malaysia’s western coast, near the border with Thailand, the island of Penang is a very popular tourist destination. Since its days as the first trading post of the British in the Far East, Penang has seen a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, with a particularly strong Chinese flavour.

Getting there: Penang Airport is one of Malaysia’s larger and better-equipped airports, with regular connections to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Langkawi. The airport is located on the southeastern coast of the island, not far from Georgetown. There are no trains on Penang itself, but it is possible to take the train to Butterworth on the mainland and then catch the ferry. Penang is connected to the mainland by one of the longest bridges in Asia, enabling long-distance bus travel to and from a variety of Malaysian destinations.

Key attractions: Beaches, history, diverse culture, shopping, food – you name it, Penang has it. The capital, Georgetown, is the only significant settlement on this large island, with high-rise hotels and good tourist facilities, as well as lovely tree-lined suburbs that belie Penang’s colonial past.

In the centre of Georgetown is Fort Cornwallis which dates from the late 1700s.  A funicular railway will take you to the top of Penang Hill behind Georgetown to admire the excellent views and visit the interesting mosque and Hindu temple. The Khoo Kongsi and Kuan Yin Teng are fine examples of active Chinese temples in the city.

Out and about: The Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve, at the island’s westernmost tip, encompasses sandy beaches, rocky coasts and both lowland and hillside forests. On the northwestern coastline are some of the finest and least known beaches on the island, accessible only by a hike from Teluk Bahang, or by sea. The Kek Lok Si,  located at Air Itam, is considered one of the largest temple and most beautiful complex temple in Southeast Asia. It comprises of a seven-storey pagoda influenced by Burmese, Chinese and Thai craftsmanship.

Leisure options: As fabulous as Penang’s beaches are for soaking up the sun, there is a treasure trove in the emerald hills offering trails aplenty to curious strollers and energetic hikers alike. Penang is also a resort island, with an abundance of fine hotels, night clubs and restaurants; it is the ideal playground for sun-worshippers after a hard day at the beach.

Safety: Be alert when travelling in unfamiliar territory. Tourists are more susceptible to pickpocketing, theft or loss of personal effects. Outdoor activities and travel in primitive cultures places you at greater risk. Disrupted travel plans through natural disasters, accidents and other unforeseen events can result in financial loss. We therefore strongly

There is an excellent range of accommodation available in Penang, range from cheap and cheerful backpacker guesthouses with fans and shared bathrooms to luxury hotels with all the trimmings. Those on a tight budget can pay just RM20 for a basic room, while those who like to stay in style will find plenty of four and five star hotels to choose from.

For the modest visitor who is here on a budget but eager to experience the local hospitality in its simplest form, the conveniently located hotels in Georgetown, along Chulia Street and Penang road are an ideal choice. There are dozens of places to choose from in this area and these establishments offer a wide range of services as well as providing a cosy place to meet other travellers.

For the more discerning traveller who wants a bit of the same action but prefers a more sophisticated and luxurious environment, there is a whole range of choices from three-star to five-star hotels. These city hotels are located conveniently around Georgetown area are just right for business travellers who needs to be near the city centre.

Penang’s famous beach hotels and resorts are located along one of the finest beach paradises in Southeast Asia; they guarantee relaxation, sun and enjoyment that are so characteristic of Penang. These famous beach hotels are strictly for those who come to Penang for a spell of relaxation.