About Penang, Malaysia
The place is Malaysia. A bustling melting pot of Asia. For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the place is Malaysia.
Penang Island is one of the
most wonderful place to live, where the carefree sunny beach comes with a wealth of
cultural attractions and festivals. Well known for its local hawkers’ food
offering – a paradise for food connoisseur. Feel as if you are on holidays
every day, enjoy the superb tropical climate, endless sunny days, warm waters to
swim and surf in. The Ferringhi Beach has one of the best beaches to
view the first sunrise as well as fine dinning, shopping, 5-stars hotels,
entertainment outlets and famed restaurants. Penang Island is a place to live your beachside or
rural dream, and with
lots of growth and energy, a great place to make an investment. All the
food of
the world can be found here at very reasonable cost. With so many races and
cultures living harmoniously together, it is not a surprise that each race has
picked up the best of each other's food and made Malaysia into Asia's Food
Paradise. Here the adventurous eater can sample the distinctly different cuisine
of Malays, Chinese, Indians and many others.
Penang, a contemporary metropolis with modern amenities and simple small town
friendliness, offering the best of both worlds. Best of the east and west, while
retaining its old-world flavour. Discover the rich diversity of Exotic Penang - just a great
place to enjoy life after retirement or for long term holiday vacation.
Malaysia, Truly Asia. Seriously, if you've never been to Malaysia, you
HAVE to go. It's cheap, It's fabulous , almost everyone speaks English and the beaches are
sublime. Really, it's "only a smile away".
Recently named the sixth most livable city in Asia by Asiaweek, Penang is one of the most prosperous states in Malaysia
For those who are new and have yet to visit the Pearl of Orient called Penang Island...
An online travel guide has picked Penang as one of the top 10 islands in the world “you must see before you die.”
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Introduction
"The Pearl of the Orient" lies on the north-western coast of Peninsular
Malaysia. The state comprises an island of some 285 sq. km and a narrow strip of
approximately 760 sq. km on the mainland known as Seberang Perai (Province
Wellesley separated by a channel 3 km wide at the closest point). They are
linked by the Penang Bridge and a 24-hour ferry service. Its population of more
than 1 million represents a happy mix of the major races found in Malaysia with
Malays making up 32%, the Chinese 59% and Indians 7%.
A Brief History
Georgetown, at the north-eastern tip of the island is the seat of administration
and is also the commercial hub of the state. This bustling metropolitan city
combines the best of east and west as seen in its fascinating collection of fine
old buildings, each bearing the stamp of different foreign influences in its
colorful history. Much of its charm also lies in its famous golden beaches and
clear blue seas. Penang today is a resort island in full bloom - an idyllic
playground for worshippers of the sun and the sea. Its multi-racial population
contributes to a wealth of cultural attractions and festivals for visitors to
bring home memories of happy times in Penang.
Penang today bears the mark of an early history of successive foreign influences
- from the early Indian Civilization that took root in northern Malaya to that
of the Portuguese, Dutch and later the British who came to this part of the
world in search of spices and stayed to participate in the lucrative trade.
The history of modern Penang can be traced back to 1786 when Francis Light
managed to persuade the Sultan of Kedah to cede "Pulau Pinang" (island of the
Betel nut) to the British East India Company. Light landed at the site of the
present Esplanade and according to local legend, fired gold coins into the
surrounding jungle to induce his men to clear the area. The island was
originally named Prince of Wales Island and the settlement that soon grew up was
named Georgetown after King George III. In 1800, the Sultan of Kedah further
ceded a strip of land on the mainland across the channel which Light named
Province Wellesley, after the then Governor of India. In 1832, Penang formed
part of the Straits Settlement with Malacca and Singapore. It flourished and
grew to be a major trading post for a lucrative trade in tea, spices, china and
cloth. For more than a hundred years, it remained under British Colonial rule
until 1957 when it gained independence and became one of the states of the newly
formed Federation of Malaya and later Malaysia in 1963.
Getting There
By Air
Penang is easily accessible by air with daily flights from major capitals of the
region. It has direct links with Singapore, Bangkok, Hadyai, Nagoya, Phuket,
Medan, Xiamen(China) and Madras, operated by Malaysia Airlines. The airline also
operates about 24 daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
The Bayan Lepas International Airport is about 20km from the city center. Taxis
plying the route follow the coupon system by which fares between the airport and
various destinations in Penang are fixed. Passengers pay the fare at the taxi
booth in exchange for the coupon which they then produce to the driver.
Air-conditioned taxis and limousines charge slightly higher fares.
By Road
The opening of the Penang Bridge linking the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia to
Penang Island has facilitated driving to Penang. A charge of RM7.00 is levied on
all classes of cars at the toll plaza in Perai on the mainland. No payment is
required for travelling from the island to the mainland.
By Ferry
From Butterworth, it is necessary to take the ferry to Penang Island. The ferry
service is available around the clock for both passengers and vehicles. Tickets
are purchased at the Butterworth terminal and the rates are applicable for a
return journey, Fares: Adult - RM0.60- Children - RM0.40
The rates charged for vehicles are based on the engine capacity of the car and
the number of passengers. Cars below 1200c.c - RM4.00 + 0.40 sen/per passenger.
Cars above 1200c.c - RM5.00 + 0.40 sen/per passenger.
By Rail
The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth takes approximately 5 hours. First
and second class passengers travel in comfort in the air-conditioned coaches.
Taking the train is a comfortable way to travel within the country and it
affords one the opportunity to see a lot of the countryside. Keretapi Tanah
Melayu Berhad also operates regular services to Alor Setar, Padang Besar, Hadyai
and Bangkok in the North from Butterworth.
Moving Around
Penang's public transport system is efficient and moving around by taxis, buses
or trishaws may be a fun and inexpensive way of catching the sights.
City Taxis
Most city taxis do not generally use the meter. You may either insist on the
meter being turned on or agree on the price before you move off. Taxis normally
charge between RM4.00 - RM8.00 for short distances within the city.
City Buses
Penang is also served by many buses which ply various routes between the city
and other destinations on the island. The City buses operate from the main
terminal at Lebuh Victoria, at frequent intervals.
Source from: Asiaweek
FAST FACT ON PENANG
Population of Penang is 1.4 million (Total population of Malaysia is
28 million)
Land Area of Penang is 1,030 sq km / Population Density 1,300 persons / sq
kilometre
Annual population growth rate 1.90%
Source: www statistics.gov.my/
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Disclaimer The information provided are for information only and does not constitute a basis for any offer or contract of sale. No part of this document may be construed as a statement or representation of fact based on which a contract is created. Interested parties are advised to carry out their own independent investigation.