Known as “Pearl of the Orient”, Penang lies off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is well accepted as Southeast Asia’s finest holiday destination for its scenic sights of historical buildings, its enchanting beaches, as well as its unique heritage culture and its local exotic flavors of food. Even some award nominated movies was shot in Penang.
Tracing back the brief history of Penang, it came under the colonial rule of Captain Francis Light in 1786 who persuaded the Sultan of Kedah to cede “Pulau Pinang” (Betel Nut Island )to the British in exchange for military protection from Northern Siamese and Burmese threat to Kedah.

1)    Interesting religious place to visit is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia the Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam. With beautiful scenic surroundings and impressive architectural, craftsmanship design that is a blend of Chinese , Thai and Burmese culture, visitors will surely not leave the temple without snapping photos as remembrance.

 
2)    The Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram  is  another  Buddhist temple in Penang. Its architecture has a touch of Thai and it has a 33 meter gold plated reclining Buddha, which is reputed as the longest in the world record.

3)     A must visit is the famous Snake Temple in Penang. It is a sanctuary for various species of snakes including poisonous vipers. These live venomous snakes can be seen coiling round the pillars, beams, altars and carvings within the temple. Obvious to the tourist and devotees, they are believed to be harmless, as if intoxicated by the smoke of the burning incense. There are also several parks for nature lovers.

4)    The Butterfly Farm which is located in Teluk Bahang has a collection of more than 3000 tropical living specimens of multiple species of butterflies and other insects and creatures.

5)     Enjoy an evening stroll on the green lawns surrounded by collections of flowering plants and secluded ponds when you visit the Botanical Garden.

 
6)    Another park of interest is The Penang Birds Park. It has a variety of birds from many parts of the world and is fascinating to watch and hear their melodious chirping sounds.
 
7)    To have a panoramic view of Penang, get to the top of Penang Hill. It can be accessed by a funicular train ride. Adventurous visitors may like to hike up Penang Hill as there is a well maintained trekking path and one can choose also to enjoy a night stay at some hotels and bungalows located there.  

8)    The Tropical Spice Garden is a beautifully landscaped garden, planted with various herbs and plants. An educational center, we can explore and increase our knowledge of herbs, spices and its uses.

9)    For a more historical exposure of Penang, a must visit is Fort Cornawallis, which was originally built in 1786 as a wooden stockade. It was later replaced by concrete structure in 1804 by convicts. Today it holds a history gallery with handicraft cum souvenir centre. Standing supremely at Fort Cornawallis is the statue of Sir Francis Light. Here at the Fort, you can still find the famous Dutch cannon used during the War and glimpse the life and activitiesof the colonial days thru the warfare artifacts exhibited.

10)    The Penang Peranakan Mansion gives the feel of a typical Baba Nyonya culture. In this unique mansion the lifestyle and traditions of the Baba Nyonya people of Penang were carried out.

 
11)    Toy Museum is a fairyland for young children. The collections of toys displayed there will definitely capture the children’s heart.