Penang Malaysia Travel Guide

List of Hotels in Penang :| Georgetown | Batu Ferringhi |

Recommended: Hotel Equatorial Penang Strategically located on the southeastern part of the island amidst a refreshing setting of lush tropical greenery. 500 feet above sea level on Bukit Jambul. The resort commands a breathtaking view of the island's coastline and the spectacular Penang Bridge.

Penang off the coast of Malaysia is the oldest British settlement in Malaysia and is often used by those wanting to extend their stay in Thailand as a place to renew their visas. However it has many attractions of its own, not least the atmosphere which particularly in the capital Georgetown feels almost 100% Chinese. Not really surprising when you consider that over 5O% of the island's population is of Chinese. From the town's feel, I imagine most of them live and work in Georgetown along with Malays, Indians, and Bangladeshis who make up the 400,000 population.

You don't find many more pleasant towns and the numerous temples (actually clan houses that operate partly as temples and partly as meeting halls for Chinese of the same clan or surname) and shop houses that line the narrow roads and streets merely add to the distinctly Chinese flavour. The shaded sidewalks make for pleasant strolling, as long as you manage to dodge the many parked mopeds and vendors who have set up shop here. The people too are friendly and welcoming and it's easy to strike up conversation in some of the many bars that line the main tourist street, Chulia. Accommodation is no problem with cheap and not so cheap places to stay on the same street. If you're a bit of a skinflint like me try the Swiss Hotel.

However, nice and picturesque as the capital may be, if you're on the island for more than a couple of days then you'll want to strike out a bit further afield.

As far as beaches go then there's nothing here really to rival beaches you'll find elsewhere in Malaysia or Thailand although Batu Feringghi (named after a foreigner who once owned it? Still does? ) can be alright for a day's sunbathing. The water however is choppy and its cleanliness dubious.

The botanical gardens as well make for a nice day trip: trees from all over Asia and huge expanses of green grass. To be honest though what I found most interesting about the place were the huge monitor lizards hanging around the entrance. They were just basking in the sun but didn't half give me a fright when I head them crashing around in the undergrowth. HUGE monsters.

Also interesting is a stroll up Penang hill, or if you choose, take the funicular railway. It offers nice views of, well sea mainly but you can also make out the mainland of Malaysia just a few miles away and George Town far below-not a bad view. In addition, its a welcome respite from the heat of the town and is certainly worth the small effort to get to the top. On my last visit, I had the dubious bonus of seeing a small green snake hanging from a tree just feet away from me. I was assured by a local not to worry as the bite would only hurt for a couple of days and cause no long term damage. I stepped back.

For me the biggest attraction of the island, apart from its laidback atmosphere, has always been the food. Malaysian, Chinese and Indian dishes are to be had in abundance and the coffee is excellent. There is also a surplus of food halls where for a dollar or two you can stuff yourself with an eclectic mix of dishes. A favorite place of mine for breakfast is the Indian restaurant right at the top of Chulia street which serves up simple yet delicious fare. The huge tables where you can spread out your copy of the New Straits Times are an added attraction.

All in all, Penang and particularly Georgetown are thoroughly nice places to visit. but I wouldn't plan to stay more than a few days as you might rapidly run out of things to do. To get there just hop on a ferry from Butterworth, Malaysia.

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