Visiting historic Penang as a tourist – sightseeing, Georgetown & attractions
Posted on 11. Oct, 2010 by admin in Penang
The Malaysian island of Penang, often described as ‘the Pearl of the Orient,’ combines a unique mix of Chinese, Malay, and British culture. Located off the northwestern coast of the western portion of Malaysia, Penang is also famous as the country’s food paradise.
This guide describes some of the places which have made Penang an island of history.
Georgetown
In July 2008, Penang’s largest city and capital of Georgetown became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s not difficult to understand how the city earned this honour after seeing its fascinating variety of Malay, Chinese, and British architecture. Georgetown may be Malaysia’s third largest city, but its relaxed atmosphere often makes it feel like a much smaller town, where shops and restaurants remain closed until noon and the entire city seems to shut down on Sunday and part of Saturday.
Georgetown is very easy to explore by foot, as long as visitors wear plenty of sunblock, dress in light clothing, and begin as early as possible during the day.
Georgetown historic buildings in Penang
A 38 room Chinese style house of indigo blue is the former home of Cheong Fatt Tze, the Chang Yu Winery founder called the ‘Rockefeller of the East.’ He was also responsible for abolishing the separation of European and Chinese passengers on ships and his home was prominently featured in the film ‘Indochine.’ Other Georgetown mansions worth a closer look include the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, and the city’s former city hall.
Fort Cornwallis is where Captain Francis Light first landed in Penang on 11 August 1786, and was built in the shape of a star. A small chapel, a gunpowder magazine containing historical accounts, and the fort’s outer walls remain standing. The Queen Victoria Clock Tower stands over 18m over the city, and was originally presented to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
The Penang Islamic Museum is housed inside the Syed Al-Attas Mansion, while the exhibits inside the Penang State Museum include ancient Malay weapons and an old Penang Hill railway carriage.
Georgetown religious sights
Whether Christian, Muslim, or Buddhist, Georgetown has no shortage of religious buildings to worship in or simply admire. One of the world’s longest Buddhas reclines in front of the Wat Chaiyamangalaram temple, while two sacred elephants guard the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple entrance. One of Penang’s oldest Chinese temples, Kuan Yin Teng, is guarded by lions carved from stone and decorated with elaborated crafted dragons.
Georgetown’s Indian Muslim community has worshipped at the Kapitan Keling Mosque for more than 200 years, and non Muslims may tour the mosque outside of prayer times as long as they remove their shoes and women wear the heavy robes given to them by the staff. Convict labourers originally built St George’s Church, Southeast Asia’s oldest Anglican church, in 1818.
Other Penang landmarks in Georgetown
Penang’s tallest building, Komtar Tower, offers 360 degree views of the city at level 60 and includes a souvenir shop and halal restaurant. Georgetown is also home to Southeast Asia’s largest live fish shop, Chew Thean Yeang or CTY Aquarium. Many of Georgetown’s former British settlers, including Francis Light, were buried at the Protestant Cemetery.
Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi, on Penang’s north coast, is perhaps Malaysia’s most heavily developed beach resort, but lounging on white sand beneath palm trees isn’t the only thing to do in this scenic area. The Butterfly Farm is home to approximately 120 different species of butterflies and is a research centre for breeding methods as well as a live museum, while 200 different types of tropical fruits grow at the Tropical Fruit Farm.
Batu Ferringhi is also the site of the first and largest toy museum in Asia, and the museum’s owner has collected more than 100,000 dolls, models, and other toys throughout the years. Muka Head Lighthouse on Penang’s northwestern cape provides the most spectacular views of the island.
Elsewhere for Penang sightseeing
Sprawling Kek Lok Si, whose name translates to ‘Temple of Supreme Bliss’ in English, is said to be Southeast Asia’s biggest Buddhist temple and is situated close to a village named Air Itam. Another small Penang town, Bayan Lepas, is most famous as home of the Snake Temple, built to honour a renowned Chinese monk and featuring a snake museum next door.
The best views of Georgetown and nearby Penang Bridge can be seen on top of Penang Hill, which is also an ideal place to escape the area’s humidity and breathe some cool hill air. The Penang Bridge, almost eight and a half kilometres long, connects the island to the mainland and is considered one of Malaysia’s national landmarks.
