Joanna James
Penang is a quaint city where old meets new. For those on a tight schedule, here are the top four attractions you wouldn’t want to miss while on this fabulous island.
Among Malaysia’s most popular and sought-after cities, Penang’s capital George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island takes you back in time to an era of British colonial rule. A popular destination for family and group travel, this island has much to offer and visitors have a variety of activities to engage in. A walking tour is the best way to take in the many beautiful colonial buildings, now restored. A smorgasbord of mosques, churches, Buddhist temples and Hindu shrines with architectural styles that blend eastern and western forms showcase the diversity and cultures of the societies that have inhabited this town.
Located in George Town’s northwest, the crystal-clear waters of the Batu beach resort town have long attracted visitors. It’s a hub of typical coastal activity – think water sports, amazing seafood restaurants, seafront pubs, craft shops, and night markets. The beach resort town has much to offer in the form of budget stays to plush accommodation with sea view suites like the PARKROYAL Penang Resort. To make the most of the stunning beach views, try and book ahead of time to grab the best room with a view. If you’re staying at a budget hotel, try to find one that is centrally located so that you can walk around the city.
Penang is one of the best places in Malaysia to pick up your very own piece of vibrant batik – a traditional textile that is native to neighbouring Indonesia. Being so close to the original source means you’ll be able to choose from some unique designs. Penang is dotted with craft shops that sell batik, but for a more immersive experience, take part in a guided visit to a batik factory to learn what goes into making these ancient textiles. The visits allow you to not only see but feel your way through the process of dyeing and drying some fine quality batik, in some cases even hand-drawn. If you have the time, we recommend trying your hand at making your own batik, and many factories offer an interactive experience in making a personalized batik.
Last but not least, Malaysia’s largest and most stunning Buddhist temple, with a name that translates to ‘Temple of Ultimate Happiness’. Kek Lok Si is found in Penang’s Air Itam. This seven-storied temple is home to a staggering 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues depicting the Buddha and is a must-see on any Penang itinerary. Built in the late 18th century, the Pagoda is up there with South East Asia’s most beautiful temples and happens to be an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from across the Asian region. The temple is a magical place that ties in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism along with traditional Chinese rituals.
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