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Penang

Penang is a beautiful island off the northwest coast of mainland Malaysia. The island contains some beautiful colonial buildings, as well as a long history of foreign settlements. Like so many places in Asia, Penang owes is modern beginnings to the British East India Company. This was the first such settlement in Malaysia for the British, who sought to push out the Dutch and their spice trade. Back then Penang was known as "Betel Nut Island". Ethnic Chinese eventually followed. Islam was a strong part of the culture. At less than 11 square miles, this tiny island belies the island's myriad features. There are pretty beaches and quiet fishing villages, as well as a fast-growing information technology center. Georgetown is the main city, and it is a popular take-off point for travelers departing for other islands and parts of Malaysia.

EXPERIENCES

Beaches

While the beaches are not overwhelmingly beautiful, they provide a nice place to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day. The most secluded beaches are at Teluk Kampi, Muka Head and Pantai Kerachut. There is an old and charming lighthouse at Muka Head beach.

Butterfly Farm

There is an outstanding collection of tropical butterflies, as well as snakes, scorpions and other dangerous insects.

Food Stalls and Cooking Class

Penang is one of the finest food outposts in all of Malaysia. Wander around Penang's myriad food stalls to sample the area's diverse cuisine, which includes mee sotong (fish-laden noodles), a local delight. Alternatively, why not take a cooking class?

Hiking to a Beach

The beaches of Penang are accessible on foot, if you are interested in hiking between 1-3 hours. For a shortcut, board a sampan fishing boat from Teluk Bahang Village.

Motorbike Tour

Tour Georgetown on two wheels and take in its historic and colonial sites.

Outdoor Sports

Golfing, swimming (especially along the northern coast), surfing, jet skis, parasailing and cycling are all on the menu.

Penang Dragon Boat Festival

The event is held at Teluk Bahang Dam and features teams from Australia, China, Japan, Holland, the Philippines, Thailand, Canada, America and other nations. It has been on-going since 1979. Race dates vary every year.

War Museum

This was a part of a military fortress built by the British Army during the rise of Japan as the 1930s unfolded. It was meant to protect from an attack on the southern flank. The fort was a mini-marvel, featuring underground tunnels, an intelligence and logistics center, offices, bays for firing artillery and an infirmary.

malaysia Regions

MALAYSIA Regions

Peninsular Malaysia

Sabah

SELINGAN TURTLE ISLAND

Sarawak

PREFERRED HOTEL

Eastern & Oriental Express

Passengers aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express by Belmond get the opportunity to travel in style and luxury on magical journeys throughout Southeast Asia with a range of trips; destinations include the buzzing cities of Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, the breath-taking temples of Angkor Wat and the UNESCO world Heritage town of Luang Prabang. Aboard the train, guests enjoy every comfort, with three options of comfortable private cabins, each with its own en-suite facilities, not to mention the train’s rear carriage where travelers can enjoy views of the passing scenery by day and socializing with cocktails and entertainment come nightfall. Dining is a pleasure with breakfast in bed and a range of international cuisine served in the dining cars. The train’s bar car is open all hours for guests to relax, chat and enjoy a drink or two as the landscape slides by.

Eastern & Oriental Hotel

A historical property, the Eastern & Oriental Hotel is reminiscent of British elegance during the colonial era while representing present-day Penang. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, the hotel boasts a stellar location, close to downtown Georgetown and the cultural, financial and historical districts are located. With 100 suites, the E&O boasts a 750-foot seafront promenade and facilities including a swimming pool, 24-hour room service, a fitness center, sauna, meeting rooms, a business center and fitness center. Dining options include The Starkles Corner, a casual restaurant serving international cuisine and 1885, a Western-style restaurant serving dinner and traditional English tea. The E&O Hotel is located approximately 20 minutes from the Penang International Airport.

Hotel Penaga

Situated in Georgetown, capital of the state of Penang and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hotel Penaga is housed in a historic block of shops and teahouses. With its location, the Penaga lies within walking distance of many sights, including the scenic Batu Ferringhi Beach, and Clarke Street, a famous thoroughfare running through the heart of Georgetown. Each room is furnished with hand-crafted furniture, Jacuzzi bath and separate shower, and plush beds; upstairs rooms also have restored balconies, which were once used by the original inhabitants of the area. Amenities include a swimming pool, a comprehensive spa offering traditional Malay treatments, a library, a business center, and a luxury boutique selling antique handicrafts, decorations, and trinkets. In-house restaurants include the Cinnamon, a formal venue overlooking the swimming pool, and the Tanglung Bar, a casual bar that mixes Malay, Chinese, and colonial English décor.

Seven Terraces

An acclaimed Malaysian heritage hotel, the Seven Terraces promises guests a beautiful, timeless, and romantic retreat at their boutique property. Presented with the UNESCO Award of Distinction for heritage conservation, the hotel has preserved a series of nineteenth century Anglo-Chinese terraces. Today, this intimate property comprises eighteen suites with open-plan bathrooms, mezzanine floors, carved wooden four-poster beds, fine Peranakan antique furniture, handcrafted ceramics, and traditional art. The in-house restaurant, Kebaya, serves creative, refined versions of classic Malaysian and Straits Chinese cuisine, and bababar, the in-house bar and lounge, serves specially-selected wines, beers, and spirits. Other facilities include a pool, verandah and garden, luxury boutique selling vintage furniture and decorations, and even cooking classes.

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa

Set on the outskirts of Batu Ferringhi, Malaysia’s most popular, well-developed beach, the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang contains thirty acres of tropical gardens, and is built in the distinct Minangkabau style, with unique roofs and pointed, triangular shapes. The resort’s 304 guestrooms, all of which feature complimentary Wi-Fi, LCD television, mini-bar and coffee/tea facilities, telephone, and satellite channels. There are three restaurants and cafes, serving grilled specialties, Peranakan, Malaysian, and other delicacies, and Oceanside dining. Facilities include two swimming pools, a health club, spa and sauna, tennis courts, and a golf course. The hotel lies forty-five minutes from Penang International Airport, and twenty minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown.

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