Must See Malaysia - Penang

Penang is affectionately known as the Pearl of the Orient. Its main centre, Georgetown, has impressive colonial architecture, temples, lively Chinese culture, great shopping and food. But there are many other attractions, including the north-coast beaches, charming Penang Hill with its funicular and colonial hill station and amazing Kek Lok Si Temple.

Central Georgetown is a sprawling, largely Chinese city, steeped in history, with old-fashioned character that's fast disappearing. The beaches along the north coast are the most visited and most accessible. You can make a circuit of Penang Island to discover a varied landscape of jungle and coast, farmland, plantations and fishing villages.

Pulau Penang (Penang Island) is the oldest of the British Straits settlements in Malaysia, predating both Singapore and Melaka. Penang's capital city, Georgetown, is often referred to as Penang.