Budget vacation? Now you can book airline tickets and hotel rooms at the same time to get cheaper prices. By ordering both in one packages, plan your vacation instantly at one time. You can choose and modify a variety of tour packages that we offer to get the combination that suits you best.
The state of Penang gets its name from its modern Malay name of ‘Pulau Pinang’, which literally translates to the island of the areca nut palm. It was originally known as the First Island among native seafarers since it is the largest island encountered on the trading sea-route between Lingga and Kedah. In addition to that, the state has also been recognized by other names such as the Pearl of the Orient.
Initially, was part of the Sultanate of Kedah up till the 18th century before Francis Light negotiated for the island in return for the British military protection offered. This marked the beginning of the modern history of Penang. The Penang state in the present has another strip of land on the Peninsular Malaysia named Seberang Perai which was acquired by Sir George Leith since the year 1800.
Today, Penang is one of the country’s most important economic powerhouses, often being called Silicon Valley of the East due to its industries. It has among the nation's highest population densities and is one of the country's most urbanised states. Covering an area of 1,048 square kilometres, it is the second smallest state in Malaysia by landmass and has an estimated population of 1.76 million as of 2018.
It is widely recognised for its rich multicultural history that is reflected in its famous landmarks, including downtown Georgetown which is the UNESCO World Heritage Zone, Chowrasta Bazaar, and Kek Lok Si Temple which is said to be the biggest Buddhist temple in the Southeast Asia region. On the island part, the capital Georgetown is linked really well to the industrial town of Bayan Lepas, thereby urbanizing the eastern part of the island. Yet, the northern coast features some of the best beaches and resorts that could possibly be offered by the island, while the western side is more laid back.
As for the climate, Penang has a year-round tropical rainforest climate which is warm and sunny, along with abundant rainfall. However, the surrounding sea and the prevailing wind system would also dictate the climate. People in the city speak mostly Bahasa Malaysia or English. Most of the signage in the city is also written in Bahasa Malaysia.
The state of Penang gets its name from its modern Malay name of ‘Pulau Pinang’, which literally translates to the island of the areca nut palm. It was originally known as the First Island among native seafarers since it is the largest island encountered on the trading sea-route between Lingga and Kedah. In addition to that, the state has also been recognized by other names such as the Pearl of the Orient.
Initially, was part of the Sultanate of Kedah up till the 18th century before Francis Light negotiated for the island in return for the British military protection offered. This marked the beginning of the modern history of Penang. The Penang state in the present has another strip of land on the Peninsular Malaysia named Seberang Perai which was acquired by Sir George Leith since the year 1800.
Today, Penang is one of the country’s most important economic powerhouses, often being called Silicon Valley of the East due to its industries. It has among the nation's highest population densities and is one of the country's most urbanised states. Covering an area of 1,048 square kilometres, it is the second smallest state in Malaysia by landmass and has an estimated population of 1.76 million as of 2018.
It is widely recognised for its rich multicultural history that is reflected in its famous landmarks, including downtown Georgetown which is the UNESCO World Heritage Zone, Chowrasta Bazaar, and Kek Lok Si Temple which is said to be the biggest Buddhist temple in the Southeast Asia region. On the island part, the capital Georgetown is linked really well to the industrial town of Bayan Lepas, thereby urbanizing the eastern part of the island. Yet, the northern coast features some of the best beaches and resorts that could possibly be offered by the island, while the western side is more laid back.
As for the climate, Penang has a year-round tropical rainforest climate which is warm and sunny, along with abundant rainfall. However, the surrounding sea and the prevailing wind system would also dictate the climate. People in the city speak mostly Bahasa Malaysia or English. Most of the signage in the city is also written in Bahasa Malaysia.
Penang is one of the most travelled cities in the country. Known as a food paradise; it is an open secret that the dishes in Penang are the pinnacle of culinary refinement in Malaysia if not the region. Other than that, the city offers many interesting attractions from its mesmerizing heritage buildings or modernized walkways and skyscrapers depicting the unique Penang identity.
Gurney Drive
Gurney Drive or also called The New Esplanade is a popular seafront promenade of Penang Island, is one of Penang’s most visited tourist destinations. Street hawkers located alongside the seafront selling delicious street cuisines are a common sight here. This area is also known as the second business district of the island following George Town because of the rapid construction of high-rise buildings and shopping malls.
Penang Bird Park
Located within the vicinity of Seberang Jaya, the Penang Bird Park is the first and the largest of its kind in the country, open to the public since 1988. Operating on a five-acre land, this park amasses a collection of three thousand birds of 300 species from all over the world, with half of these species being native to Malaysia. The ticket fee is charged at the cost of RM 38 for adults and RM 20 for children below 12 years old, with discounts for Malaysian residents.
Colonial Penang Museum
This private museum found in Pulau Tikus aims to bring visitors back to the glory days of the colonial past of Penang, where they can experience the lives of British Administrators and the wealthy merchants of Penang as well as appreciating the intricate art form of the time. A lot of antiquities that once belonged to the rich patrons settling in Penang around 19th and 20th century can be found here.
Penang Street Art
In 2012, the municipal council hired Ernest Zacharevic, a London-trained artist to bring life out of the old shop-houses around the city. The result is obvious now that there are several rich artworks being dispersed all over the Georgetown streets. Most of the art done here was also completed with an aim to spark awareness of the city’s rich history. It is suggested that one can rent a bike or backpack around the city for a to check out all the other artworks along the roads like Muntri Street, Armenian Street, Ah Quee Street and many more.
The food capital of Malaysia, like any other major places in the country, has a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan, Thai and European influences being incorporated in the cuisine. While the eateries are quite diverse here too, the focus in on the street food, with Penang’s street food consistently being rated as one of the best there is.
Nasi Kandar
If there is one dish that is truly reeking of Penang pride, it has to be nasi kandar. Its origins can be traced to the India Muslim traders would balance a kandar pole on their shoulder with two huge containers of rice meals. The rice typically has a distinctive aroma and is joined by side dishes such as fried chicken, curried beef spleen, cubed beef, lamb, fish roe, fried prawns or fried squid as well as vegetables.
Pasembur
Pasembur is yet another uniquely Penang dish, which could be easily found around the island and typically concentrates around the Gurney Drive area. In short, pasembur is a salad with a Malaysian twist, consisting of shredded cucumber, potatoes, beancurd, turnip, bean sprouts, prawn fritters, spicy fried crab, fried octopus or other seafood and served with a sweet and spicy nut sauce.
Char Koey Teow
While char koey teow can also be considered as popular elsewhere within Malaysia, it has a greater love in Penang, with hawkers selling their own variations which range from good to superbly delicious. Usually cooked on high heat with light and dark soy sauce, chilli, a small quantity of belachan, whole prawns, deshelled blood cockles, bean sprouts and chopped Chinese chives, this dish can be enjoyed while you are hanging out with friends and family.
Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi is the prime beach destination in Penang located on the northern coast of the island. Popular among the locals and outsiders alike, it is known for the various renowned hotels and resorts are setting up shop here, as well as water sports and seafood restaurants, while the beach area can offer the best view of the Andaman Sea and Mount Jerai on a bright day.
Penang Hill
Penang Hill is a hill resort consisting of a handful of peaks and was once used as a retreat for the British officers during the colonial period, but now has become a well-known tourist attraction. There are funicular railway services heading to the top which has the steepest tunnel track in the world. Nonetheless, hiking the hill is also possible for the ones who loved to do some sweating. Once at the hilltop, one can look forward to enjoying fresh air and cooler environment, panoramic top-level city view, the Hill’s Love Lock and the delicacies at the food court.
With the flight ticket and hotel packages available at Traveloka Malaysia, you can visit Penang more easily and cheaper. Choose a variety of tour packages that we offer, and modify as you like to get the combination you want.
Day 1 Tour Ideas
Day 2 Tour Ideas
Day 3 Tour Ideas