The two-hour AirAsia flight from Kuching to Penang was uneventful – with help from Grab and WhatsApp. In Malaysia, WhatsApp replaces email and texting as the most popular, effective means of communication. Grab is cost effective and the best taxi service. My driver educated me on the “ins and outs” of taxi transportation in Malaysia. It was an interesting conversation.
Penang is a state in West Malaysia consisting of Penang Island and Seberang Perai on the mainland Malay Peninsula. The two areas are physically connected by Penang Bridge.
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“Penang is culturally diverse, with a population that includes Chinese, Malays, Indians, Eurasians, Siamese, and expatriates.”
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Skyscrapers and UNESCO
There are tons of activities and places to explore on the island. It’s a favorite vacation spot for people who live in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and many Malaysians own second homes on the island. The beautiful white-sand beaches are popular – if you can handle the heat. With a population of 1.7 million, Penang Island is “one of the most dense and urbanized states” in Malaysia, and after Kuala Lumpur, the country’s “second tallest city”.
This is the first time I’ve visited Penang – known as the “pearl of Malaysia”. Penang is reminiscent of a short visit to Kuala Lumpur many years ago. In 2008, George Town, the capital of Penang Island, and Malacca in southwestern Malaysia were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
I was surprised by the abundant skyscrapers that were visible as we flew low for landing. Vacant land on Penang Island is limited, so building is upward. Real estate in central Penang is booming. Many people commute to their jobs, because they can’t afford to live in the city. This and traffic gridlock are reoccurring themes worldwide. Traveling in Penang via auto between 5 – 8 p.m. on Friday isn’t recommended, unless you have a good book with you.
Major Attractions
I’ll spend the next two weeks exploring Penang as much as possible. There’s lots to experience, and it would take several weeks to visit all points of interest. You can book daytrips covering the major attractions in one eight-hour, whirlwind tour. That sounds exhausting, but thankfully, my apartment has a pool, sauna, and spa for recovery during down time.
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“Penang is famous among local and international tourists from all over the world for its variety of food, culture, and history.”
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George Town
Exploring attractions in colorful Old Town are at the top of my list. Hailed as the “culinary capital of Malaysia,” famous George Town street food is “inspired by an eclectic mix of cultures,” with laksa (spicy noodle soup) and char kway teow considered “must eat” dishes. I’ve visited Old Town a few times, mostly for the restaurants – there are many!
Major attractions include “UNESCO-listed Hindu and Chinese temples, Buddhist pagodas, and relics of Malaysia’s colonial past”. Historically, the Malay peninsula was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
Penang National Park
Outside the busy city, Penang National Park has dense jungles and idyllic white-sand beaches. I’ll take as many daytrips as possible, but am somewhat “brain fried” after exploring many different cultures since January.
A few of Penang’s most popular, well-known attractions are described briefly below and supplemented with media illustrations. I begin exploring new locations with a list and minimal research of notable attractions. Then, I drill down to those of most interest. It’s a basic but effective approach. I’ve learned not to cram too many places into a single tour – because at a certain point, it creates brain overload :o(. Feeling disoriented is dangerous when traveling abroad, especially for solo travelers.
Khoo Kongsi – clan house museum with “wood carvings, murals, and timber work dating back 650 years to the west China Khoo Kongsi clan“
Kek Lok Si Temple of Supreme Bliss – on Ayer Itam hill, largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia with a statue of goddess Guan Yin
Penang Hill Funicular Railway – cliffside railway climbing over bridges and jungles to the hilltop
Chayamangkalaram Thai Temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram) – ornate temple with a giant reclining Buddha
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera Pulau Pinang) – panoramic views, century-old funicular, Hindu temple
Chew Jetty – wooden jetty Weld Quay waterfront
Little India – South-Indian-style temples, food, markets in a UNESCO Heritage Zone
Pinang Peranakan Mansion – provides insight into culture of the Peranakans community
Penang Armenian Street (Lebuh Armenian) – streetart, clan houses, temples, shops in UNESCO World Heritage zone
Fort Cornwallis – 18th-century fortress built to defend against pirates
Entopia Butterfly Farm – 15,000 rare, endangered, indigenous butterflies and dragonflies
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion) – architectural “fusion” of European and Chinese styles featured in Oscar-winning film Indochine
Komtar – 68-story skyscraper with dining, entertainment, skywalk, and glass bridge
Penang Botanical Gardens (Taman Botani Penang) – blend of jungle and formal gardens, waterfalls, walking trails
Snake Temple (Hock Hing Keong) – dedicated to Chinese healer Chor Soo Kong
Penang Bridge (Jambatan Pulau Pinang) – 8.4-mile bridge connecting George Town with mainland Seberang Prai
Fascinating Malaysia continues to be an educational experience. More later…