Penang

Long known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” the Malaysian island of Penang is one the most fascinating destinations in Asia. A mélange of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures overlaid with colonial history is the prime draw of its UNESCO heritage listed state capital Georgetown. Here you can explore the old Chinese assembly halls and clan houses such as the fabulous ornate Khoo Kongsi and Tua Pek Kong. Other grand homes of wealthy Straits Chinese traders have become hotels such as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Clove Hall. You can learn all about the island’s colorful history at the Penang Museum and later relax on the beach at Batu Ferringhi. The ...

Long known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” the Malaysian island of Penang is one the most fascinating destinations in Asia. A mélange of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures overlaid with colonial history is the prime draw of its UNESCO heritage listed state capital Georgetown. Here you can explore the old Chinese assembly halls and clan houses such as the fabulous ornate Khoo Kongsi and Tua Pek Kong. Other grand homes of wealthy Straits Chinese traders have become hotels such as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Clove Hall. You can learn all about the island’s colorful history at the Penang Museum and later relax on the beach at Batu Ferringhi. The 2,694-foot peak of Penang Hill provides a cool retreat while the massive Buddhist temple Kek Lok Si also has an elevated position on the slopes of Air Itam. Thai and Burmese Buddhist temples add further interest while the recently restored Suffolk House, the original home of Francis Light, the founder of the British colony on the island, offers a slice of gentrified England in the tropics. Above all, Penang offers a delicious range of cuisines, mixing elements from all the different cultures crowded onto the island – don’t leave without having sampled asam laksa, a fish soup flavored with sour tamarind paste.

About the Expert

Simon Richmond has written Rough Guides to Malaysia and Japan; Lonely Planet guides to India and Russia; and adventure travel guides for Frommer's on Australia, India, South America, and Southeast Asia.