www.asia-discovery.com Hotels in Malaysia
Penang - Malaysia
Hotels in Penang Destination Guide Sightseeing Tours Map of Penang
 
 
Destination Guide
 

They are linked by the Penang Bridge and a 24-hour ferry service. Its population of more than 1 million represents a happy mix of the major races found in Malaysia with Malays making up 32%, the Chinese 59% and Indians 7%.

Georgetown, at the north-eastern tip of the island is the seat of administration and is also the commercial hub of the state. This bustling metropolitan city combines the best of east and west as seen in its fascinating collection of fine old buildings, each bearing the stamp of different foreign influences in its colorful history. Much of its charm also lies in its famous golden beaches and calm warm seas.

 
Attraction in Peneng
 

Penang Museum and Art Gallery Lebuh Farquhar
Built in 1821, the Museum houses a fine collection of old photographs, maps, charts and other historical relics. There are also Malay daggers (Keris), Chinese furniture, embroidery and paintings of old Penang. The Art Gallery on the first floor displays the works of local artists and is the venue for special exhibitions. The statue of Captain Francis Light graces the grounds in front of the buildings. Opening hours: Daily from 9 am-5 pm, Friday from 9 am-12.15 pm & 2.45 pm-5 pm

Kapitan Keling Mosque, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling
It was named after the Indian Muslim merchant, the "Kapitan Keling" (headman) Caudeer Mohudeen who built it in the early 19th century. It features an ocher yellow façade and dome-shaped minaret reflecting Moorish Islamic influence. Permission to enter must be obtained from mosque officials.

Acheen Street Mosque, Lebuh Acheen
Also known as Masjid Melayu, the mosque was built on land donated by Syed Sheriff Tengku Syed Hussain Aidid who came from Acheh in Sumatera. The 1820 mosque features a small window halfway up the minaret which is said to have originally been a hole made by a cannonball fired during the 1867 triad riots. Permission to enter must be obtained from mosque officials.

Goddess of Mercy Temple, Jalan Kapitan Keling
One of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang, the Kuan Yin Teng or the Goddess of Mercy Temple was built in 1800 by early immigrant settlers from China. The building is decorated with intricately crafted dragons and stone sculptured lions which are said to be its guardians. The temple is flocked by pilgrims and followers all year round especially during the three anniversaries of Kuan Yin which are on the 19th day of the second, sixth and ninth lunar month.

Sri Mariamman Temple, Lebuh Queen
The temple, built in 1883, features fascinating sculptures of gods and goddesses over its main entrance and on its façade. Housed within its ornately decorated interior is priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam embellished with gold, silver, diamonds and emerald. The statue figures prominently in the annual Thaipusam festival when it is borne on a silver chariot through the city streets to the temple at Jalan Waterfall. Opening hours: Morning to late evening. Permission to enter must be obtained from temple officials.

St George's Church, Lebuh Farquhar
Built with convict labor in 1818, it is one of the oldest landmarks in the city. The entrance of this stately Anglican Church named after the patron saint of England, features a memorial canopy dedicated to Captain Francis Light.

Khoo Kongsi, Lebuh Cannon
The forefathers of the Khoo family who emigrated from South China built it as a clan-house for members of the Khoo family. It was burnt down in 1894 and some believed that it was due to its resemblance to the Emperor's palace. A scaled down version was later built in 1902. The building features a magnificent hall embellished with intricate carvings and richly ornamented beams of the finest wood bearing the mark of master craftsmen from China. Opening hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday & 9 am - 1 pm, Saturday. Permission to enter must be obtained from the Kongsi officials.

City Hall, Esplanade
Built in the 1880s, this stately colonial building is a fine example of British Palladian architecture featuring magnificent Corinthian columns and huge windows. It was once the seat of local government.

Clock Tower, Pesara King Edward
Towering 60 feet high, the clock tower was presented to Penang by local millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.

Fort Cornwallis, Lebuh Light
The fort was built on the site of Francis Light's historic landing in 1786. Originally a wooden stockade, it was replaced by a concrete structure built by convict labor, in 1804. Today, an open-air amphitheater, a history gallery and a handicraft and souvenir center occupies the interior. It houses the famous Dutch cannon presented to the Sultan of Johor by the Dutch and which finally found its way to Penang after being looted by the Portuguese. Opening hours: 8:30 am - 7 pm

China Town
China Town on the island stretches from Weld Quay to Lebuh Stewart, Lebuh Muntri, Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh King. China Town is so large and well-preserved that you will sense and feel the lifestyle of Chinese immigrant settlers who came here in the 1800s. Visitors will be intrigued by the many clanhouses, shophouses and temples found along these streets, which reflect the heritage left behind. Stepping into these streets will certainly take you back in time.

Komtar, Jalan Penang
The Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, a prominent Penang landmark, houses Government departments, commercial offices, department stores, shops and restaurants. The 65-story complex also contains theaters, squash courts and a geodesic dome which serves as a multi-purpose hall, while the 55th floor offers a panoramic view of the city and on clear days, also of Gunung Jerai in Kedah.

Nagore Shrine, Lebuh King
Constructed in the early 1880s, the shrine is a memorial to the Caliph, Syed Shahul Hamid. Faithful devotees may be seen visiting the shrine to seek favors on Thursday.

State Mosque, Jalan Masjid Negeri
The state Mosque features elegant modern architecture and took four years to complete. It can accommodate 5,000 worshippers for congregational prayers and is usually packed on Friday. Permission to enter must be obtained from the State Religious Department, Lebuh Pantai. Visitors must dress appropriately and remove their shoes before entering.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam
One of the finest Buddhist temples in South East Asia, the Kek Lok Si temple stands majestically on a hill in Ayer Itam. Built in tiers, the temple culminates with the beautifully crafted "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas". Taking more than 20 years to build, the temple is set against beautiful scenic surroundings. It features gardens, a turtle pond, shrines and beautiful sculptures. Opening hours: Early morning to late evening.

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, Lorong Burma
The Buddhist temple of Thai architecture houses a 33-meter gold-plated reclining Buddha - said to be one of the longest in the world. The niches behind the statue house urns containing the ashes of devotees.

Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Lorong Burma
A pair of elephants guards the entrance to this Burmese temple. Within the pagoda ground is a Boddhi tree and a wishing pond. It is the scene of many festivities during the water festival in April.

 
 
 
NEXT »
TOP
 
 
 
Send Enquiry | Online Reservation
 
 
HOME | MALAYSIA HOTELS | PENANG HOTELS
 
All Rights Reserved © Copyright 1998-2010. Asia-Discovery.com