One of the convenient aspects of staying on the small but compact island of Penang is its location to other places offering diverse and interesting day trips and a gateway to further Asian destinations.

Butterworth is a small town on the mainland side of Penang state in Malaysia and is accessible by ferry from Penang. It is a more industrial destination than nearby Georgetown with little of the formers charm; however, it is a main hub for train and bus services which do not go directly to Penang Island.

For a mere 25 ringgits buses leave Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur almost hourly and the stop is located right next to the train station, just ask a representative for directions.
This is the best way to get to KL and the five hour journey is half the time of the less frequent trains. Much of the journey is very beautiful and most of the coaches have AC and show movies for the same reasonable price. Prices can be secured at local vendors at the bus stop but it is worth remembering that most coaches do not offer rest rooms although they do make regular stops on the journey. But do bring your own toilet paper if you need it.

Bangkok is another Butterworth travel destination and it takes about 13 hours by train.

Thai beach destinations also leave from Butterworth on The International Express.

Penang state destinations are also easily found from Butterworth.

Day trips around Penang Island itself can be easily found on the island at hotel and tour operator offices.

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.

Just a short walk from the popular backpacker area of Chula Street is the Esplanade. This is a good place to wander as the fresh sea breezes here are refreshing in the heat of the day and there are a number of interesting attractions to discover.

Fort Cornwallis

This ancient fort was built by Francis Light, the founder of Penang. Fort Cornwallis was actually built on the site where he landed in 1786. It was initially constructed as a wooden bulwark by convicts, having concrete reinforcements added over time. Today, the fort has been converted into an open-air park, housing an amphitheatre, a history gallery, cafés and souvenir shops. There are also a few cannons sitting around, the most famous being Seri Rambai, which is said to have supernatural powers such as the ability to get infertile women pregnant.

City Hall

Built in 1903, the City Hall is a fine example of Victorian architecture and a reminder of the colonial era in Penang. The City Hall faces the historic field of Padang Kota, which is a setting for festivals and other large-scale events. Today, the hall is still used for period meetings with members of the Penang Municipal Council.

Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is a reminder from the colonial era of the British Empire in Penang. Built to honour the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897, the Clock Tower was a gift to the British authorities from a local millionaire, Cheah Chen Eok. Moorish style dominates the structure and from a distance as it looks remarkably like the minaret of a mosque.

The influx of Chinese immigrants to Penang during the 19^th century gave rise to the formation of clans, which are known in Penang and kongsi. These clans functioned as substitute kinship and professional associations for immigrants who had left behind family and friends. A large amount of different kongsi sprung up in Penang, and each association built a hall to serve as the centre of its community.

The Khoo Kongsi is the most famous example of these halls, having been designed with such splendour that it was said to rival the palace of China’s emperor.

Whether by misfortune or because such resemblance was viewed as an offence, the original Khoo Kongsi burnt to the ground almost as soon as it was completed. The present structure was built as a scaled down version of that original, though it is an extraordinarily impressive structure nonetheless. The building features a magnificent hall embellished with intricate carvings and richly ornamented beams of the finest wood, each bearing the mark of master craftsmen from China.

The weather in Penang is generally sunny and it tends to be hot and humid throughout the year. Temperatures climb higher than in many Asian countries, usually reaching around 30˚C or higher in the daytime. Even at night, the temperature rarely falls below 20˚C. Although it tends to rain throughout the year, rainfall is particularly heavy during the monsoon season, which lasts from November until February.

Many people find travelling in the hot and humid weather taxing, so allow plenty of time to recover after long journeys and carry plenty of water with you. Generally, the best time to visit Penang is from May to September.

However, the heaviest rail tends to occur from May to October on the west coast of Penang and those intent on soaking up the sun on the beach should avoid arriving during this period. However, the monsoon season is the best time to spot some of Penang’s wildlife and this is a pleasant time to wander through the park.

The best time to see some of Penang’s most colourful festivals is during the winter months of November, December and January. Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Puasa are all vibrant affairs and celebrated with gusto all around the island

Located just a short walk from Chulia Street is the impressive Fort Cornwallis, which is the largest complete fortress still standing in the whole of Malaysia. The fort has been built on the site of Francis Light’s historic landing in 1786 and was originally a wooden stockade. The current structure was built by convicts in 1804 and based on the design of British forts in India.

Named after the Governor-General of Bengal, Charles Marquis Cornwallis, Fort Cornwallis can be found at Padang Kota Lama and provides pretty views across the water to Butterworth. This is a good place to learn about the unique history of George Town and indeed the whole of Penang as the fort’s former prison cells have been turned into small museums containing pictures, artifacts and plenty of information.

Visitors are free to wander around the inside of the fort at leisure, exploring the history gallery and handicraft and souvenir center that lies within. There is also a large statue in tribute to Francis Light as well as the famous Dutch cannon that was presented to the Sultan of Johor by the Dutch in 1606. Known as the Seri Rambai, this cannon was reclaimed by the Dutch in 1613 and taken to Java, where it stayed until 1795. At this time the cannon was given to Acheh and brought to Kuala Selangor before later being seized by the British and brought over to Penang. According to local legend Seri Rambai possesses magical powers and t women who place flowers on the barrel will have improved fertility.

Fort Canning is open to visitors from 8:30 – 19:00 and admission costs RM 1.00.

Commanding spectacular views of the entire Island, Penang Hill is 830 meters above sea level. This was Malaysia’s first hill station, and makes a great place to retreat from the heat for George Town for a while.

Those who make it to the top of Penang Hill will discover a number of interesting attractions, such as lavishly decorated Hindu temple and a mosque. There is also a Canopy Walk, which is currently closed by due to reopen any day now.

Those who really want to stay in style can check into Penang Hill’s hotel, while casual visitors can sit and sip tea in the hotel’s garden while gazing at the spectacular view. There a a large number of monkeys at the top of Penang Hill and this is the perfect opportunity to take pictures of the animals as they pose for the camera.

Getting to Penang Hill is pretty simple as visitors can take Transit Link bus No 1 or No 101from George Town, while bus No 91 takes passengers from Lim Seng or No 21 from Lebuh Chulia. Built in 1923, there is a railway car available to take passengers from the foot of Penang Hill to the very top, which takes about half an hour and costs RM4.50 each way.

Andaman daze

Soak up the culture on this island that blends ancient Malay, Asian colonial and Chinese immigrant influences in one fascinating destination. Penang is a favourite destination in Malaysia, combining tropical beaches with sophisticated hospitality and historic interest.

Soon you’ll be able to experience all this virtually before you come, this travel blog on Penang is the beta version of a full online travel guide that will include colour pics and hundreds of pages of tourist info on the island. Trust us we’re Asian travel specialists.

Penang has dozens of good excuses to attract you; be it great beaches, water sports, intriguing culture, multi-cultural cuisine, lush tropical hiking trails, botanical gardens, crumbling old architecture, colourful festivals and exotic temples. Experience it all here.

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