Popular Landmark | Kek Lok Si, Pasar Awam Padang Tembak |
Air Itam is a suburb of Georgetown in Penang and one of the districts on Penang Island. Located on the central part of Penang Island, Air Itam is hemmed in by hills on the west, separating it from Balik Pulau, and on the southeast, separating it from Green Lane. It comprises numerous villages and neighborhoods which are developed over the last hundred years. The area now known as Air Itam was first developed in the late 18th century, soon after the founding of Penang Island by Captain Francis Light in 1786. British officials intended to turn Air Itam including Penang Hill, into an agricultural area and established spice farm.
You can take Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia and Malindo Air flight to Penang International Airport where the flights fly to Penang regularly. Once you reach airport you may take bus or taxi to Air Itam where the journey takes 25 minutes to reach Air Itam
You can drive to Air Itam via the Penang Bridge and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. If you travel from Kuala Lumpur you may use North-South Expressway to reach Air Itam. The journey from Kuala Lumpur takes 4hour 23 minutes’ drive away.
You may take ETS train to Butterworth train station. Trains leave from Kuala Lumpur's KL Sentral Railway Station and arrive at Penang's Butterworth Railway Station on the mainland, just 15 minutes away by ferry to George Town on Penang Island. From Georgetown you may take taxi or bus to reach Air Itam where the journey takes 17 minutes’ drive away.
Air Itam Dam is a tranquil hangout for nature lovers. The dam contrasts with the greens giving out a sense of calm and peace. The dam is popular with joggers and hikers, with a paved path, access to trails and nature views. This was the first dam to be built on the Penang Island and is popular with locals as a picnic spot and jogging.
Penang Hill is one of the prime destinations in Air Itam that you shouldn’t miss. Penang Hill was the first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia. Set 821m above Penang’s capital, islanders call it Bukit Bendera and it is generally about five degrees cooler than Georgetown. It is the last patch of tropical rainforest in Penang so the flora and fauna here have been protected since 1960. It is one of Penang’s best-known tourist attractions due to its fresher climate.
Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the tourist destinations that a must visit destinations while in Air Itam. Standing on a hilltop at Air Itam, near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The complex is divided into three zones while the temple grounds comprise the hill entrance, souvenir, food and drinks stalls and the turtle liberation pond. The mid-section of the temple houses temples, gardens, the pagoda and the four heavenly kings pavilion meanwhile the hilltop plays host to an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin as well as more gardens and temples.
For travelers who are looking for historic site you may spend time to visit Chinese Anti-War Memorial to understand the history of the memorial. At Air Itam roundabout, you will see the Chinese Anti-War Memorial. It is a memorial to the Chinese peoples of Penang who died in Second World War and the Penang Chinese Transportation Volunteers.
You may enjoy shopping at Air Itam Market, is one of the main tourist attractions in Air Itam. The Air Itam Market is one of the most popular markets in Penang. The market is located at the junction of Jalan Air Itam and Jalan Pasar. The market is popular with assam laksa and fresh spices, fruits and vegetables. Similarly, with any morning markets, food stalls are peppered within the market itself, which makes it ideal for breakfast runs.
Penang Inn Vip is a 4-star hotel is a good choice when you are visiting Air Hitam. The distance between the hotel and Air Itam is only 3.8 km. This hotel is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. It is located nearby tourist attractions such as Batu Ferringhi within 9 km and Gurney Drive within 1.5 km. For travelers who wish to travel with luxury and comfortable the Penang Inn Vip is the perfect place to stay that provides decent facilities as well as great services.
Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang is a 4-star hotel located at the heart of Georgetown. The distance only 5.66 km from Air Itam to the hotel. It is a 5-minute drive to Gurney Drive and 5-minute walk from Komtar. Sunway Hotel Georgetown Penang is a wise choice for travelers visiting Air Itam.