| |
Guide to Penang, Malaysia
|
Click to go to Flight Prices for Penang
|
PenangKnown by alternate aliases, like Pulau Pinang and Pearl of the Orient, Penang, Malaysia is a wondrous South Asian island influenced by many ethnicities from all over the region and a few from outside as well. Most who travel to Penang stop for the beaches, resorts, cultural traditions, and of course, the cuisine. But Penang, despite being overshadowed by Malaysias more frequented mainland destinations, is itself rich in architectural marvels and national landmarks. Its largest city, Georgetown, is a concoction of festivals and sights sure to intrigue any travelers senses whether they are a backpacker or family of vacationers. So make your way to Penang and discover for yourself why its one of Malaysias magnet-island.
When to go:
Penang could not possibly experience better weather. Temperatures stay in the balmy region, between 80F and 90F, humidity is rarely a nuisance, and rainfall is quite low, especially if you travel during the dry season. Early-spring sees the least rainfall of the year, though summer runs a close second. Autumn going into winter brings the buckets, so youd best avoid Penang during this time. But no matter what time of year it is, Penang is always alive and thumping with one festival or another. Whether youre at the shore or at Thai eatery in Georgetown, theres always something to do or take part in.
Getting there and around:
Most travelers who visit Penang come across from the mainland via Penang Bridge (one of the longest bridges in the world). However, the island boasts its own international airport (Penang International Airport), and services direct flights from many Asian, Middle-eastern, and European capitals and/or major cities. The terminal is well equipped for those in need of banking services or an exchange bureau, and for those waiting for that hourly-bus to Georgetown can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant there. Getting into the city is easy enough with a taxi, though if you can, find a taxi without air-conditioning. It may be a bit uncomfortable, especially on a hot summer day, but youll save a few nickels in the process.
The islands public transit system relies on its main assets: taxis, buses, and rickshaws. Rickshaws are terribly popular with budget- and adventure-minded travelers, and you can usually hire the driver for an hour at a time. The next best way to experience Penang is to rent a car possible at the airport. You can see the island at your own pace and travel day and night without worrying about transportation issues.
Attractions:
Penang, when describing itself, usually goes the way of emphasizing its cultural and religious diversity. While Chinese culture dominates most of its largest cities, its very common to find temples of both Chinese and Indian creation in close proximity to churches.
Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple is one of Penangs chief attractions. It is a Buddhist temple created by Thai architects, and is famous for its 165ft pagoda and reclining Buddha statue (3^rd -largest in the world). Outside the temple, around the grounds youll find numerous statues of extraordinarily intricate work, and best of all, admission is free.
Another noteworthy temple is the Sri Mariamman. It was built in 1883, and though that may not seem quite so old, it shows to be the oldest temple in Penang. It is a Hindu temple with sculptured architecture that will simply blow you away. The chief attraction of the temple is the gold and diamond statue of Lord Subramanian. A tower though not as tall as Wat Chayamangkalarams stands at the temples entrance.
Penang is also home to the State Mosque, where a 20ft-in-diameter chandelier hangs above the prayer hall, built to accommodate 5,000 worshippers. If you have traveled to other parts of Malaysia, you will know that the State Mosque stands as one of the most beautiful in the country. Permission for entry must be obtained from the State Religious Department.
The tallest governmental tower in Southeast Asia is located in the center of Georgetown, and is known as KOMTAR. It stands 65-stories-tall, and you can climb the building (to a certain point) for great views of the city.
|
|
|
