Tourist Attraction
- Khoo Kongsi
Khoo Kongsi is the most picturesque temple in Penang. The Kongsi, or temple, was originally built by craftsmen from China and many of the magnificent examples of ornates and intricate carvings still exist.
- Wat Chayamangkalaram (Temple of the Reclinig Buddha)
Wat Chayamangkalaram is a temple, built in traditional Thai architecture etyle, which houses the world's third largest reclining buddha. The Buddha is 33 metres long. Photography is not permitted in the temple.
- Fort Cornwallis
Fort Cornwallis marks the site where Captain Francis Light first landed on the Island of Penang in 1786. The original wooden fort was rebuilt in stone by convict labour in 1804.
- Penang Museum and Art Gallery
Originally built as a school in 1821, the museum and art gallery now houses a fine collection of photographs, maps, charts and other historical relics which provide a fascinating insight into Penang's history.
- The Botanical (Waterfall) Gardens
These botanical gardens were first established by the bristish in 1884 on the site of an old granite quarry. Today, the gardens offer peace and tranquility amidst a fine collection of Malaysian flora and and fauna. The monkeys are tame enough to be fed by hand.
- Butterfly farm
Penang's Butterfly farm has more than 5,000 butterflies and local insects in their natural habitat. The landscaped gardens feature waterfalls, ponds and a bubbling mud spring.
- Penang Hill
Rising 821 metres above sea level, Penang Hill is accessible by the only funicular railway in South East Asia. After a 30 minutes ride to the top, visitors are rewarded with a panoramic view of the city. The temperature is also 3 degrees centigrade cooler than at sea level.
- Kek Lok Si Temple
Work on the "Monastery of supreme Bliss" started in 1890 and took more than 20 years to complete. It is reputed to be the largest and most beautiful Buddhist temple complex in South East Asia.
- Snake Temple
This temple, built on in 1850, was erected in memory of a Buddhist priest, Chor Soo Kong, who was believed to have possessed incredible healing powers. It is famous for its pit vipers which coil around the altars. They are made drowsy by the burning incense and are fed on eggs left as an offering by devotees.
Sightseeing
There are many fascinating tours, available through the year, which are offered by local tour companies using modern, air-conditioned coaches.
- Round Island Tour (approximately 4 hours) RM40 nett per person
Includes visits to local fishing villages, a batik factory, Balik Pulau spice gardens, The Snake Temple and Fort Cornwallis.
- Hill and Temple Tour (approximately 4 hours) RM35 nett per person
Includes a visit to the Kek Lok Si Temple (Monastery of Supreme Bliss) and a train ride up Penang Hill.
- City Tour (approximately 4 hours) RM40 nett per person
Includes visits to the tranquil Botanical Gardens, the reclining Buddha at Wat Chayamangkalaram, the Kapitan Kling Mosque, The waterfront, Penang Museum and the fascinating Khoo Kongsi clan Temple.
- Night Tour (approximately 4 hours)
Includes a dinner, a visit to the Pasar Malam (night market) and a trishaw ride.
Hawker Fare
No visit to Penang is complete without sampling the delights of local "Hawkers" stalls which take their name from the food carts which were once peddled around the island by hawkers. Today, most of the stalls are stationary and are found in the many Hawker centres which have become a feature of Malaysia. Some of the best hawker stalls in the country are found in Penang and offer a variety of local dishes.
Shopping
Penang is often described as an emporium of the East. Indeed, it is a shoppers' paradise offering both exotic treasures of the Orient and attractively priced luxuries of the West. There is a wide variety of handicrafts available and visitors will enjoy haggling with stallholders to get the best price. Most shops are open seven days a week from 10.00am until at least 9.00pm
Pasar Malam (The Night Market)
At nightime, some of the roads are closed to allow makeshift stalls to be set up, turning busy streets into a bustling bazaar. The market usually changes its location every two weeks, so please chack with the Concierge as to where you will find it. The market is well worth a visit as it is a very colourfull and noisy event. Hawkers and stallholders sell everything from household goods and clothes to local rattan products and batik. It usually lasts from 7.00pm to 11.00pm