Penang is a state in Malaysia, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Strait of Malacca. Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite.
The Betul Nut Tale
Before Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, was known to the world as a beautiful, exotic holiday destination, she was Pulau Pinang – a virgin paradise that got her name from the abundance of betel nut palms scattered across her soft, sandy beaches.
Literally translated, Pulau Pinang means the “Isle of the Betel Nut” in Malay – Malaysia's national language. Steeped in history, “Penang” was born when charismatic English captain Francis Light persuaded the Sultan of Kedah to cede Pulau Pinang to the British East India Company.
In 1786, Light landed on what is known as the scenic Esplanade today. Local folklore tells of how he fired gold coins into the surrounding jungle to induce his men to clear the area. Fourteen years later, the Sultan of Kedah further ceded a strip of land on the mainland across the channel to a very persuasive Light.
The state of Penang then comprised of an island originally named Prince of Wales Island, after George V, and the strip on the mainland which was christened Province Wellesley, after the Governor of India. The former was later named George Town, after King George III.
In 1832, Penang formed part of the Straits Settlement with Malacca and Singapore. The Penang maritime port was among the busiest in the region, attracting rich merchants involved in the lucrative trade of tea, spices, porcelain and cloth.
Settlers and fortune-seekers from the all over called Penang home and it was from this interesting mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Siamese (to name a few) cultures that Penang became a melting pot for hybrid communities – the most famous being the Baba Nyonya, Jawi Peranakan and Eurasians.
For more than a century, the major trading post remained under British colonial rule until 1957, when Malaysia gained independence. George Town was accorded city status by Queen Elizabeth II on January 1, 1957, thereby becoming the first town in the Federation of Malay – after Singapore – to become a city.
Although she is Malaysia's electric and electronic manufacturing hub, Penang has successfully retained her old world charm. As recognition of her rich heritage, George Town, together with Malacca, was listed as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.
Geography
Situated along the north-western coast of the peninsula, Penang is Malaysia’s only “island state”. Locals are fondly known as Penangites, many of whom will proudly tell you that the state comprising a population of approximately 1.5 million, is a close-knit community of diverse ethnicities, cultures and dialects.
One of Malaysia’s premier holiday destinations, the 285km2 island is separated from Seberang Prai (formerly Province Wellesley) – a hinterland of 737km2 on the mainland, by a narrow 3km channel.
Cities
The Island
- Georgetown - The capital of Penang; a favorite spot for tourists as it has many quaint pre-Second World War houses, as well as 19th century churches, temples, mosques, and colonial buildings. The city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008.
- Batu Ferringhi - Located on the north coast, with white sandy beaches, luxurious hotels & restaurants. A favorite spot for both locals & tourists.
- Bayan Lepas - Penang's main electronic manufacturing area and location of its international airport.
- Balik Pulau - Literally "Back of The Island" in Malay; a small agricultural centre surrounded by Malay villages, fruit plantations, and padi fields.
Peninsula
- Butterworth - The mainland gateway to Penang.
- Bukit Mertajam - The capital of Seberang Perai Tengah district.
- Bandar Perda - A new town of Seberang Perai Tengah which is 20 minutes from Butterworth & 15 minutes from Penang Bridge.
- Nibong Tebal - The capital of Seberang Perai Selatan district.
- Simpang Ampat - A small town in the district of Seberang Perai Selatan, famous for its nearby seafood at Bukit Tambun and Batu Kawan.
- Seberang Jaya - Satellite township in the district of Seberang Perai Tengah.
- Tasek Gelugor - A small town which is 20 minutes from Butterworth.
What to See
- All the major heritage buildings and clanhouses in the George Town inner city!
- Thee Kong Tua (Jade Emperor’s Temple) in Air Itam
- Penang Hill
- Kek Lok Si Temple
- Reclining Buddha (Wat Chayamangkalaram)
- National Park (Muka Head)
- Toy Museum
- Tropical Spice Garden (it’s the only spice garden in South East Asia)
- Snake Temple
- Butterfly Farm
The Economy
From the 1970s to
the late 1990s, the state’s Free Trade Zone in the Bayan Lepas area was one of Asia’s largest electrical and electronics manufacturing bases. The area south of the island is now the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. Key exports include electrical and electronic products, semi-conductors, computer products, medical devices, textiles, gold and jewellery.
The People and the Language
Penangites comprise mainly of three main ethnicities – the Chinese, Malays and Indians. Penang is the only state in Malaysia with an ethnic Chinese majority which explains why many Chinese cultural and religious festivals are celebrated here on a large scale.
Nonethe
less, the Malay and Indian communities' influence form the very essence of the state and this is evident in many of the buildings, food and local dialects.
Although Bahasa Malaysia or Malay is the national language, English is widely spoken here. Many tourists are surprised and impressed by the level of proficiency.
What makes Penang unique however, is the Hokkien dialect spoken by the Chinese community. Unlike in other states, the more popular Cantonese and Mandarin take a backseat to the unique Hokkien dialect brought here by the early Chinese settlers from the Fujian Province in China.
Penangites are a friendly lot and are more than happy to share their knowledge on local customs and must see places – indeed, nothing beats a local's perspective!The Weather
Sunny weather beckons all year round (well, almost!). Except for the monsoon months from August to October, it is bright and cheerful in Penang. However, travelers not used to Asia’s hot and humid climate should pack a cap, water bottle and cool pair of shades when out exploring!
How to get there
By plane
Recently refurbished Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport (IATA: PEN) is one of Malaysia's larger and better-equipped airports, operated by Malaysia Airports. The airport is connected to virtually all of Malaysia's major cities via domestic airlines Air Asia, Firefly and Malaysia Airlines, and also has frequent service to nearby international hubs including Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Medan (Indonesia) and Singapore. Firefly also operates direct flights to the Thai resort of Phuket.
The airport is on the southeastern coast of the island, some 20 minutes from Georgetown. Contact number:+60 4 643-4411
By train
There are no trains on Penang Island, but many people take the train to Butterworth from elsewhere on the peninsula and then use the ferry (within walking distance from the train terminal) to cross over to the island. You can book the KTMB train tickets at the Penang ferry terminal or the railway station in Butterworth. Contact numbers:
- Penang jetty +60 4 261-0290
- Butterworth +60 4 323-7962 / 331-2796
- Bukit Mertajam +60 4 539-2660
From Thailand:
An overnight train departs Bangkok daily at 2:45PM (Thai time). It is scheduled to arrive at Butterworth at 12:55PM (Malaysian time) but normally gets there late, usually around 2-2:30PM. There is only one fare for an air-con berth that costs 1,210 baht (as of July 2008). The surcharge for a bicycle is 104 baht to the border; a further small freight charge may be made by KTMB for the border-Butterworth leg.
By car
Penang is connected to the mainland and the North-South Expressway by the Penang Bridge one of the longest bridges in Asia.
Toll rate: For vehicles heading to the island from the mainland:
- Motorcycles - RM1.40
- Motorcycles with sidecars; commercial vehicles on three wheels; car including station wagon - RM7.00 (RM5.60 for those who hold the Touch 'n Go card that can be purchased from the Penang Bridge toll plaza)
- Lorries; vans and buses with two axles and four wheels - RM12.00
- Lorries, vans and buses with two axles and five or six wheels - RM25.00
- Vehicles with three axles - RM45.00
- Vehicles with four axles - RM60.00
- Vehicle with five or more axles - RM75.00
No toll for vehicles heading to the mainland.
By bus
Long-distance buses connect Georgetown to a variety of Malaysian towns. The trip from Pudu Raya, Kuala Lumpur costs around RM 27 (standard 26-seat coach; prices vary by operator) and takes around 5-6 hours. Buses to/from Kota Bharu and Perhentian Islands (Jerteh/Kuala Besut) cost about 26 RM for a 5-6 hours journey. From Johor Bahru in 10h for RM 50. The buses arrive/depart at the new bus terminal at Sungai Nibong, a fifteen-minute ride from the center of Georgetown, and about ten minutes from the airport. From here, a taxi ride to the KOMTAR building costs around RM15-20.
Major coach operators:
- Konsortium
- Plusliner / Nice
- Transnasional
- Mutiara
By minivan
Minivans service is available between Georgetown and some towns in Thailand such as Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Trang, Surat Thani, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Bangkok and Hat Yai on daily basis. Georgetown office is located at KOMTAR bus terminal. Tourist operators usually propose minivan services to the perhentian islands for about 160 RM (boat included). Express buses fares are much better.
By boat
From the mainland The classic way to arrive in Penang, especially if traveling by train, is to take the ferry from Butterworth. The ferry service operator is Penang Port and its operation hour is 5:30AM till 1:00AM (Last departure) daily.
Ferry rates applicable (from Butterworth to Penang Island) are listed below:
- Pedestrian: Adult - RM1.20 & Children (between 5 to 12 years old) - RM0.60
- Vehicles: Bicycle - RM1.40, Motorcycle (inclusive of pillion rider) - RM2.00, Trishaw/tricycle - RM3.00, Motorcar (including station wagon, four-wheel drive, three-wheel commercial vehicle, motorcycle with side car) - RM7.70, Lorry (2 axles with 4 wheels) - RM13.20, Lorry (2 axles with 6 wheels) - RM27.50.
From Langkawi
- Ferry service available from Langkawi Jeti (Jetty) to Penang at 2:30PM and 5:15PM on daily basis. Operated by Langkawi Ferry Services, Tel: +60 4 264-2088 in Penang; +60 4 966-3779 in Langkawi. One-way trip costs RM60 for adult, RM45 for child (3-11 years old) and RM25 for infant (below 2 years old). Return trip costs RM115, RM85 and RM50 respectively. Single trip takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Advance booking can be made via the web site. Credit cards are not accepted at the terminal, although there are numerous ATMs in the attached shopping mall. The ferry in service is very old and offers no facilities other than simple air-conditioned seating. There is no access to the top, meaning thereby that no sight-seeing on the way is available. There is proper locked storage for luggage at the rear of the ship upon boarding. There is no restaurant. Check-in is at least 30mins before scheduled departure time.
Penang Port also operates Swenttenham Pier on Penang island to handle some of the largest cruise vessels in the world. The following are fleets that routinely stopover at Swenttenham Pier:
- SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Gemini operated by Star Cruises
- Pacific Sky operated by P&O Cruises
From Medan, Indonesia
- Ferries depart from Medan's port of Belawan to Swenttenham Port or vice versa at 9AM daily. Operated by Langkawi Ferry Services, Tel: +60 4 264-2088 in Penang; +62 61 452-1666 / 452-7555 in Medan. Oneway trip costs RM110 for adult, RM60 for child (3-12 years old) and RM40 for infant (below 3-year old); return trip costs RM180, RM100 and RM50 respectively. Travel duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes.
Getting Around
Trishaw, taxi, rented car, motorcycle and bicycle or public bus – you choose. Of course there various modes of transportation in the state but it really depends on where you are planning to visit.
If it is within the George Town UNESCO Heritage Site you want to explore, the trishaw is a good bet because all the famous landmarks are just a stone’s throw away from each other. Besides its quaint charm, the trishaw ride is relaxing and a great way to take in the sights. If you would rather walk or cycle, the Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) has a great heritage trail you can embark on.
To travel around the island, the air conditioned Rapid Penang public bus service is quite reliable and their drivers are a helpful lot. Just make sure you have a comprehensive map in hand!
You can also opt to rent a motorcycle or car or hire a taxi for the day if you want to see other landmark attractions outside the George Town inner city enclave.Stay safe
- Don't walk alone in deserted places.
- Don't accept rides from Kereta Sapu (passenger car / unlicensed taxi).
- Don't carry valuables in motorbike-baskets.
- Don't leave valuables in hotel rooms.
- Don't place valuables on restaurant tables.
- Do be wary of snatch-thieves - especially when wearing jewelry and/or carrying bags. Some of these felons practice the art of 'ride-by' snatching of ladies' handbags which can result in serious injury to the victim. So ladies: walk against traffic and keep the handbag on the side away from the road or better still - don't carry one.
- Do be wary of the (sometimes aggressive) long-tail macaques at the botanical gardens.
____________________
- Penang Tourism Action Council 56th Floor, KOMTAR, Phone:+60 4 262-0202, Fax:+60 4263-1020 enquiry@tourismpenang.gov.my
- Tourism Malaysia
o Penang Development Corporation Tourism Division: 1 Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Baru. Phone:+60 4 643-2111, Fax:+60 4 643-2405
o Tourism Information Centre: Level 3, Concourse KOMTAR. Phone:+60 4 261-4461
o Tourism Malaysia Penang Branch: 56th Floor, KOMTAR. Phone:+60 4 261-0058/ 264-3494. Fax:+60 4 262-3688 mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
- Penang Heritage Trust 26 Church Street, Phone+60 4 264-2631. Fax+60 4 262-8421 phtrust@streamyx.com
- Ambulance / Police: 999
- Fire: 994
- Rescue (Civil Defense): 991
- All the abovementioned numbers: 112 from mobile phones
- Tourist police:+60 4 222-1522
- Telegram service: 100
- International and domestic operator assisted service: 101
- Directory enquiry service: 103
- Multilingual international service: 198
