Official Language:
Malay
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Currency:
Ringgit
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Population:
More than 500,000 people call Penang home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Penang Malaysia: Penang has an equatorial climate which is uniformly warm and humid throughout the year. The average minimum and maximum temperatures range from 73-90°F/23-32°C. There are no recognisable hot or cold seasons as such and the mean annual rainfall of approximately 267 cm is evenly distributed throughout the year, although September to November may be considered the wettest months.
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PORT: Cruise ships dock at Swettenham Pier. This is only approximately two miles from the center of Georgetown. Visitors will find the Tourist Information Office to the right of the pier exit.
Penang, also known as Pulau Pinang, is the northern gateway to Malaysia. This is the country’s oldest British settlement. Penang is known as the Pearl of the Orient, mainly because of the beautiful beaches. The island is a cultural and architectural gem with a touch of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences. The city of Penang is divided. There are 2 sections, Sebarang Prai on the mainland, and Penang Island. Penang Island, a 285-square kilometer vacation paradise is where visitors will spend the majority of their time. The capital city of Georgetown was founded in 1786. Penang offers beautiful resorts, spectacular beaches, fine dining, and world class shopping. Cruise passengers will find plenty of natural and scenic wonders.
In August of 1786, the British, formally took possession of Penang. At the time the island covered in dense jungle and uninhabited. This small township, was named Georgetown after George III (Prince of Wales). Immigrants were attracted here by the newly declared free port status. By 1789, Georgetown had a mixed population of 5,000, doubling by the end of the next decade. Penang State includes a strip of land on the mainland opposite Province Wellesley. Named after Colonel Arthur Wellesley, who later became the Duke of Wellington. These two entities are linked by the Penang Bridge of eight miles. There is a 24-hour ferry service offered between the two.
The Japanese advanced down the peninsula after WW II and Penang Island was cut off leading to the British residents being evacuated to Singapore. The Japanese administration lasted from December of 1941 to July of 1945. In the years following the war, Penang has rebuilt itself into a cultural and commercial center.
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Attractions |
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St. George’s Church:
This church was built in 1818. A classic Georgian architecture with a monument to the memory of Captain Francis Light, founder of Georgetown.
Penang Hill:
A 2,500-foot hill offering spectacular views over Georgetown. It is about 40°F cooler on Penang Hill than it is in town.
Botanical Gardens:
74-acre landscaped gardens that feature many indigenous and exotic plant species. The gardens are also home to a waterfall, jungle-clad hills and two species of monkeys, the macaque and dusky leaf monkeys.
Malaysia / Penang Bird Park:
The Bird Park is home to 200 species of birds from around the world. Specially designed aviaries are available for viewing of the birds. The park offers man-made islands with landscaped gardens.
Butterfly Farm:
This is the world's first tropical live butterfly exhibition. The farm is home to more than 4,000 tropical butterflies of over 100 different species. Visitors can witness the complex metamorphosis of a butterfly starting from the egg to a fully grown butterfly.
Malaysia / Penang Bridge:
This bridge stretches 13.5 km. It reaches from Seberang Prai on the mainland to Gelugor on the island. An architectural wonder of the world is officially acclaimed the third longest bridge in the world.
Beaches:
Ferringhi Beach
A sandy beach with a tranquil sea. It is a perfect beach for water sports, sun bathing or just a place to relax.
Other beaches include Tanjung Bungah & Teluk Bahang with world-class resorts. Visitors can also find secluded beaches such asTeluk Duyung, Monkey Beach and Pantai Mas.
Golf:
Kristal Golf Resort:
A dramatic setting that is challenging as well.
Shopping:
Jalan Penang offers a variety of department stores and duty free shops. Lebuh Campbell in Chinatown, Lebuh Bishop and Rope Walk are known for good shopping. Between the 3 areas visitors will find gold and antiques. The Komtar Mall offers a wide variety of boutiques and electronics shops. Batik, silk, Royal Selangor pewter and available and popular in Penang.
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More Information |
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Web: http://asiaforvisitors.com/malaysia/peninsula/penang/
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