Penang- the 'Pearl of the Orient', also called as Pulau Pinang, is one of the most beautiful and the most popular tourist destination in Malaysia. Penang is famous for its beautiful natural surroundings and its historical past. The capital, Georgetown, is quite popular for its elegant colonial buildings and old world charm, which exists quite harmoniously along with modern hotels, department stores and shopping complexes.

Main Attractions

Beaches - The End of the World

Sadly the days of being known as the "Pearl of the Orient" are long gone in so far as the beaches in Penang are concerned - although, that is not to say that nice beaches do not exist on the island. As far as holiday makers are concerned, the beach starts in Tanjung Bungah and ends in Teluk Bahang, known locally as "the end of the world".

The beaches at the Tanjung Bungah end vary in size, are rockier and being close to residential complexes, can be a little dirtier. The one bonus with being at this end of the island is that there are not many hotels and it is usually necessary for the general public to access the beach via a hotel, which which would appear to serve as a deterrent.

Penang Hill

The hills of Penang--Western Hill, Tiger Hill, Strawberry Hill, and others--have long been popular refuges from the heat of the low-lying city. As the funicular railway proceeds along its half-hour climb of the hill, a broad panoramic view of Georgetown slowly unfolds. The view from Flagstaff Hill, at the top of the line, is a lovely way to watch night descend over the island.

Penang Bird Park

The Penang Bird Park occupies a generous landscaped site in Seberang Jaya. Within its beautifully-designed aviaries are over four hundred species of birds from all over the world. Man-made islands with cascades, gardens, and ornamental plants abound. The park also contains a wide variety of orchids and hibiscus plants.

Penang Museum and Art Gallery

Located at Lebuh Farquhar, the Penang Museum and Art Gallery houses old photographs, maps, charts and historical relics. It was built in 1821 and was formerly the Penang Free School. This Buddhist temple of Thai architecture houses a magnificent gold-plated reclining Buddha that is said to be the third largest in the world. The niches behind the statue house urns containing the ashes of devotees

Snake Temple

Probably the only temple of its kind in the world. The multitude of pit vipers coiled around objects on the altar are believed to be rendered harmless by the smoke of the burning incense in the temple. Just for good measure, the snakes have also been devenomed. Admission is free; bravery should be obtained in advance.