PENANG ISLAND IN MALAYSIA: AN EXPERIENCE OF HAPPINESS AND PEACE IN THE PEARL OF THE EAST
NATURE TOURISM IN PENANG ISLAND: DISCOVERING THE BEST NATURAL ATTRACTIONS IN MALAYSIA
Travelling to Penang Island in Malaysia is a beautiful nature tourism experience, along with visiting this country’s cultural and historical monuments. There are so many attractions on Penang Island in Malaysia that it is known as the Pearl of the East. In this article from helpbestlife, we introduce you to this beautiful island.
Penang is one of Malaysia’s states, known as the pearl of the East. A significant part of this state is located on an island. A trip to Penang Island (in English: Penang Island) is an enjoyable cultural, historical, and natural tourism experience.
Georgetown is the capital of Penang state, where the presence of various ethnic groups and nations has made it known as an international city. This city was once a British colony, and its residents were Malaysians, Indians, and Chinese.
You can see the cultural diversity of Georgetown in its cuisine, culture, and historical attractions.
Penang is home to many cultures and religions. In Penang Island, in addition to the old traditions of the local people, you can also see the modern lifestyle. Art events, attractive festivals, shopping malls, and unique restaurants are some of the contemporary attractions of Penang, which have increased the interest of this island’s tourists.
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR TRAVELING TO PENANG ISLAND
Georgetown is located at +8 GMT and is 4.5 hours ahead of Tehran.
Official language: Malay
Currency: Ringgit
Municipal electricity: 240 volts and 50 Hz. Plugs and sockets are type G, so you will need a converter to connect electronic devices.
Malaysia country code: +60
Emergency call numbers: police and ambulance 999, fire department and rescue and rescue 994, an emergency call to all centres with mobile 112
November to January is the best time to visit Penang Island.
THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO PENANG ISLAND
This state has a tropical climate, and the overall temperature in Penang Island is high. Still, the weather in Penang Island is most favourable in August, September, October, and November.
Rainfall is very high in March, April, May, June, August, September, October, November, and December, and you will only have a little time to explore the island.
Although you can travel to this island all year round, you should also consider the weather conditions. The best time to travel to Penang is from November to January, when the temperature is more balanced. It will coincide with the New Year and Christmas celebrations, but many people flock to Penang now.
From February to April, most tourists who travel to the island for the New Year holidays leave the island, and Penang becomes more secluded. These days are considered the quietest possible time to travel to Penang, and you can visit the attractions of Penang Island in peace.
Photos of Penang Island
THE COST OF TRAVELING TO PENANG ISLAND
If you stay in a hostel while travelling to Penang Island, cook most of your meals yourself, and use public transportation, your average daily cost will be around 130-180 Ringgit.
If you have a tent, you can pitch it in public parks. The entrance fee for camping is about 5 ringgit per night.
The cost of staying in Penang hostels is 25-50 ringgit per night, which can be more depending on the facilities and location of the hostel.
The cost of staying in a private dormitory room is 75 ringgit per night.
Hostels usually offer complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi. These hostels do not have a kitchen, and you cannot cook your food.
The cost of staying in hotels in Penang state with facilities including Wi-Fi, breakfast, and air conditioning is 75 ringgit per night for a double room.
Staying in famous chain hotels costs at least 200 ringgit per night.
The cost of staying in an entire apartment will be around 250 ringgit per night.
You can use the Airbnb site to find accommodation in Ayat Penang.
Cost of food in Penang Island: The price of street food in Malaysia is about 5-15 ringgit.
Fast food restaurants like McDonald’s cost about 14 ringgit.
To eat a local restaurant meal, you must pay about 10-20 ringgit, which is more for Western food.
The cost of a good meal in mid-range restaurants is about 25 ringgit.
The cost of buying food for cooking is 90-150 ringgit per week. It is better to buy local food products to reduce costs; imported foods are more expensive.
The cost of public transportation in Penang Island: In Malaysia, a taxi is considered expensive because the taxis are closed, and you have to pay for four people unless you have a companion. Be sure to agree on the price with the driver before getting into the taxi.
You can spend 5-15 ringgit per hour to travel by bus.
The cost of recreational activities in Penang Island: Most tourist attractions in Malaysia are cheap, except for diving activities, which cost about 250-300 ringgit.
River tours in Malaysia are 200 ringgit, and the entrance to most national parks is about 20 ringgit.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF PENANG ISLAND
In the following article, we will introduce some of the most popular tourist attractions of Penang Island.
Photos of Yeap Chor Ee Historical House
YEAP CHOR EE HISTORICAL HOUSE
The historic Yeap Chor Ee House was built in the 19th century and is now one of Penang’s museums run by the family’s survivors. In this historic house, you can see the efforts of Chinese immigrants in Malaysia. This house is part of the Sir Museum and Restaurant and was opened to commemorate Yeap Chor Ee’s 140th birthday.
Kek Lok Si Temple on Penang Island
KEK LOK SI TEMPLE
Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, one of the most eye-catching places in Penang state, and the graffiti on its wall is one of its most attractive parts. The typical Chinese culture in this temple attracts a lot of attention. This temple is decorated with beautiful lighting, lanterns, and spectacular paper decorations during the Chinese New Year. This temple is dedicated to Buddha and is atop a high hill, which you can climb through the stairs.
Penang Hill is the highest point on the island.
PENANG HILL
The highest point on Penang Island is Penang Hill, located in the Air Itam area, 6 kilometres from the city. The height of this hill is about 823 meters, and it is located in the north of the island. Beautiful scenery, a unique view of George Town and Penang Bridge, and the clean and cooler climate of the city and historical monuments of this area attract many tourists. You can use an electric train or cable car to climb this hill.
Khoo Kongsi’s historic house on Penang Island
KHOO KONGSI HISTORICAL HOUSE
Khoo Kongsi’s historic house is one of Malaysia’s most remarkable examples of Chinese family houses. In this building, you can see the native culture of China. The landmark home of Khoo Kongsi was the residence of the Khoo family two centuries ago. Opera stage, reception hall, temple, shop, and educational facilities can be seen in this historical complex.
Cheong Fatt Tze historical mansion on Penang Island
CHEONG FATT TZE HISTORICAL MANSION
Cheong Fatt Tze’s historical mansion exemplifies magnificent Chinese architecture in Malaysia. This historic mansion is located in Georgetown and was the residence of a famous Chinese politician and businessperson, Cheong Fatt Tze. This mansion has 38 rooms, 220 windows, seven grand staircases, and five areas paved with granite. Coloured glass, Gothic-style windows, and Chinese wood carvings have doubled the charm of this mansion.
Wat Chayamangkalaram temple in Penang Island
WAT CHAYAMANGKALARAM TEMPLE
Wat Chayamangkalaram temple is located on Burma Street, and one of its most important attractions is the 33-meter-long reclining Buddha statue. This great temple was built in 1845.
Street art of George Town on Penang Island
STREET ART IN GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN STREET ART
Georgetown Street art can be fantastic and eye-catching for art lovers. Spectacular works of art are painted on the walls of old buildings by artist Ernest Zacharevic. These beautiful graffiti works are seen in Acheen, Cannon, Ah Quee, and Armenian streets.
Toy museum on Penang Island
TOY MUSEUM
In the Toy Museum of Penang Island, a collection of old toys with a nostalgic atmosphere is displayed in different categories.
Dharmikarama Temple on Penang Island
DHARMIKARAMA TEMPLE
The Dharmikarama temple was built in 1803; in this temple, there are several sections for performing religious ceremonies, and its numerous wall paintings depict the life of the Buddha. The beautiful statues carved in this temple with great delicacy and precision attract the attention of most visitors.
Kapitan Keling Mosque on Penang Island
KAPITAN KELING MOSQUE
The Kapitan Keling Mosque is located in Georgetown. It is attributed to the leader of the Indian Muslim Association, Kapitan Keling. When entering this mosque, you must have appropriate clothes provided to the visitors at the mosque’s entrance. Entrance to the mosque is free, and there is no need to spend money. There are guided tours to visit the mosque.
The design of the mosque building was done by a German architect named Henry Alfred Neubrunner. The mosque’s domes have a Mongolian design and are decorated with a star and moon design. The mosque’s Moorish, Gothic, and Roman arches have doubled its beauty.
Hindu temple on Penang Island
BALATHANDAYUTHAPANI HINDU TEMPLE
The Balathandayuthapani Hindu Temple was built in 1850 and is the venue for the annual Thaipusam celebrations in Penang. The temple’s surroundings have a beautiful and peaceful green space that increases the charm of this temple.
QUEEN ST
Queen Street is named in honour of Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III, and you can touch the Hindu culture closely in the corner next to it.
PENANG STATE MUSEUM
At the entrance of the Penang State Museum is a bronze statue of Francis Light. This museum is located in George Town and has become one of the popular destinations for tourists. The galleries of this museum are dedicated to showing the history of minorities and different ethnic groups living in Penang. Other parts of this museum include traditional clothes, embroidery, old Chinese tools and equipment, and historical documents.
HISTORIC PERANAKAN MANSION
In the historic Peranakan building, Malaysian culture and architecture are mixed with Chinese culture. In the architecture of this building, you can see the Malay style that the European style has influenced. The owners of this mansion were the Peranakan family, and this house shows their lifestyle.
Other tourist attractions of Penang Island include:
– Han Jiang Ancestral Temple
– Penang Botanical Garden
– Historic Suffolk House
– The old cemetery of Protestants
– Sri Mariamman Temple
– Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram temple with a 33-meter golden statue of Buddha, considered the world’s third largest statue.
Batu Faringi Beach in Penang Island
– Batu Ferringhi beach has marine activities, including diving, water skiing, boating, and horse riding.
– Taman Negara Pulau National Park, Penang Taman Negara Pulau, with 150 species of birds and various animals, including squirrels, crabs, orchids, and palm trees
Fort Cornwallis
Penang Peranakan Museum
– Penang Botanic Garden
– Escape Adventure Land entertainment complex
– Kek Lok Si Temple
Traditional and local dishes of Penang Island
LOCAL DISHES OF PENANG ISLAND
– Various street foods
– Assam Laksa soup: a spicy soup with fish, shrimp, Indian stamps, and rice vermicelli, which is ranked 7th among the top 100 foods in the world
– Mee Goreng noodles: yellow noodles with garlic, red shallots, a little meat or mince, egg, cabbage, and seasoning.
– Char Kway Teow noodles: rice noodles, soy sauce, king shrimp, chilli, and egg
– Hokkien Hae Mee: One of the best street foods in Penang, prepared with shrimp, chicken, and spinach.
– Laksa Lemak: Juicy noodle soup with lots of spices, pieces of fish and shrimp, coriander, and chilli.
Delicious dishes of Penang Island
– Wanton Mee Noodles: Dumpling noodles served with hot and special sauce, oysters, pickled green chillies, onions, and mushrooms.
– Nasi Lemak: rice cooked in coconut milk served in a banana leaf with particular fish, peanuts, and special spices.
– Roti Canai: Malaysian flat bread cooked in a round or square shape.
Char Koay Kak carrot cake: traditional Malaysian cake that is prepared in different ways with rice flour, eggs, soy sauce, chilli, bean sprouts, etc.
– Oh Chien: Chinese omelette with manioc starch, prepared with chilli, garlic, shallots, and oyster.
– Popiah: Asian spring roll with crepes, soybeans, eggs, vegetables, and Chinese lettuce
Pasembur salad: a combination of Malaysian and Indian salad with cucumber, tofu, turnip, and fried crab with spicy and spicy sauce.
– Penang Rojak: traditional Asian salad with mango, green apple, guava, pineapple, cucumber, tomato, and special sauce
– Ice Kacang: Malaysian ice dessert containing palm seeds, sweet corn, agar agar, with coconut milk topping.
