The tiny island of Penang has long been regarded as the food capital of Malaysia. Golden beaches and tranquil seas also attract global visitors, and its capital, Georgetown, is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations.
1/6Fondly nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is an exciting cocktail of Asian cultures
2/6Penang’s Batu Ferringhi Beach is renowned for its pristine white sands
3/6Venture inside the Wat Chayamangkalaram temple in George Town to see Penang’s 33-metre reclining Buddha
4/6Make it to Penang’s Floating Mosque, the Masjid Terapung Pulau Pinang, by sunset for an awe-inspiring photograph
5/6Built in the 1880s and laid out along the principals of feng shui, the Blue Mansion is the most photographed site in Penang
6/6Penang’s Kek Lok Si Temple is Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temples and beautifully adorned with many sculptures and carvings
1/6
Fondly nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is an exciting cocktail of Asian cultures
2/6
Penang’s Batu Ferringhi Beach is renowned for its pristine white sands
3/6
Venture inside the Wat Chayamangkalaram temple in George Town to see Penang’s 33-metre reclining Buddha
4/6
Make it to Penang’s Floating Mosque, the Masjid Terapung Pulau Pinang, by sunset for an awe-inspiring photograph
5/6
Built in the 1880s and laid out along the principals of feng shui, the Blue Mansion is the most photographed site in Penang
6/6
Penang’s Kek Lok Si Temple is Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temples and beautifully adorned with many sculptures and carvings
Things to do
We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.
We've chosen the must-see highlights of this fantastic city.
Do
Afternoon tea at 1885
Step back in time at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel’s 1885 restaurant. The hotel was once previously the social epicentre of the British ruling elite. Built by a band of Armenian brothers, the luxury property has since been painstakingly restored.
Spend an afternoon exploring at the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, once the palatial abode of a Chinese merchant. Built in accordance with feng shui principles, the building, also known as the Blue Mansion, received the UNESCO award for excellent conservation in 2000.
At China House, a compound of three heritage buildings, are stylish watering holes Canteen & Bar, which dishes refreshing mojitos, and Vine & Single, specialising in Scottish and Japanese single malts. Tucked in between the two establishments are spaces showing fine Malaysian art.
At dusk, amble along George Town's Armenian Street, or Lebuh Armenian. Here, amidst restored heritage shop houses, a vibrant creative energy has resulted in an intriguing crop of art galleries, cafés, tea houses, bijou shops and heritage sites such as the Khoo Kongsi clan village.
Do
Penang Hill
A short ride on the funicular train leads to the top station on Penang Hill, in Ayer Itam, which is six kilometres from the centre of George Town. Here, there is an expanse of plants and wildlife including indigenous squirrels and monkeys. The hilltop is also the perfect vantage point for picturesque views of the island.
For a marriage of Chinese and Malay cooking styles, head to Nyonya Breeze, a cosy restaurant that prepares dishes using family recipes honoured by time and tradition. Sample the delicious kapitan curry – tender chicken cooked in spices, coconut milk and lime juice.
This gallery's exquisitely fused glassware, honed by owner Wong Keng Fuan, is a profusion of gorgeous bowls, wall plaques, sculptures and lamps. The self-taught Wong mixes Chinese painting techniques with an aesthetic influenced by aspects of Buddhism, Christianity and Sufism.
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