A Visit to Penang Island, Malaysia
Malaysia is a slow burner.
It is not the first place that springs to mind for many a traveler to South-East Asia but it may well surprise you, with few places worthy of more attention than Penang lying to the North West of the country.
Peninsular Malaysia is blessed with many islands that contain beautiful beaches, tropical lush jungles and a multicultural mix.
Few, however, are as fascinating as Penang, particularly if you like to eat.
Here are my top five must-do things in beautiful Penang: 5.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Everyone loves a rags-to-riches story.
Born penniless in China, Cheong Fatt Tze moved to Penang as a teenager and quickly became a central force in local (and eventually) international trade.
The bright indigo-blue colour of the exterior walls make this mansion stand out from the crowd and for the ultimate nouveau-riche experience you can also stay in the boutique hotel inside.
Close to the Upper Penang road, a very popular nightspot.
4.
Batu Ferrenghi Beach Fringed by coconut palms and semi-dilapidated shacks that face onto the glorious Andaman Sea, Batu Ferrenghi is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Malaysia.
And it is not a secret as tourists and locals alike flock here in their droves.
Surrounded by plush bungalows and tasteful resorts, the beach lies on the north of the island and is well catered for by restaurants and bars.
3.
Visit the Clan Jetties Much of the recent history of Penang is dominated by talk of the clan families that helped to expand its industry.
Each jetty was conducted and lived on by one of seven clans who still reside here today, well over 100 years later.
The stilt houses and slender walkways that hang over the Malacca Strait are a fascinating insight into the significant Chinese history of the area.
Be sure to be respectful of the inhabitants, this is their home after all! 2.
Enjoying Hawker food I'll say this in the simplest possible terms.
Malaysian food is the most underrated cuisine in the world.
Distinctive but with recognizable elements from Indian, Thai and Chinese foods, it is unfathomable to me that they are all so popular the world over and yet Malaysian cuisine is not.
The stalls along Chulia Street change between day and night with an ever rotating cast of grilled meats, dim sum, Nonya curry and noodle dishes.
Try the Char Kuey Teow for a real unique treat.
1.
Take a rickshaw ride around sleepy Georgetown There are few more romantic things to do in all of Asia than to take a ride through the crumbling streets of Georgetown, the cultural heart of the island.
Georgetown was once the colonial centre for commerce due to its location close to the docks, a history that is still visible through the street names.
Care for a ride down 'Love Lane' anyone?
It is not the first place that springs to mind for many a traveler to South-East Asia but it may well surprise you, with few places worthy of more attention than Penang lying to the North West of the country.
Peninsular Malaysia is blessed with many islands that contain beautiful beaches, tropical lush jungles and a multicultural mix.
Few, however, are as fascinating as Penang, particularly if you like to eat.
Here are my top five must-do things in beautiful Penang: 5.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Everyone loves a rags-to-riches story.
Born penniless in China, Cheong Fatt Tze moved to Penang as a teenager and quickly became a central force in local (and eventually) international trade.
The bright indigo-blue colour of the exterior walls make this mansion stand out from the crowd and for the ultimate nouveau-riche experience you can also stay in the boutique hotel inside.
Close to the Upper Penang road, a very popular nightspot.
4.
Batu Ferrenghi Beach Fringed by coconut palms and semi-dilapidated shacks that face onto the glorious Andaman Sea, Batu Ferrenghi is one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Malaysia.
And it is not a secret as tourists and locals alike flock here in their droves.
Surrounded by plush bungalows and tasteful resorts, the beach lies on the north of the island and is well catered for by restaurants and bars.
3.
Visit the Clan Jetties Much of the recent history of Penang is dominated by talk of the clan families that helped to expand its industry.
Each jetty was conducted and lived on by one of seven clans who still reside here today, well over 100 years later.
The stilt houses and slender walkways that hang over the Malacca Strait are a fascinating insight into the significant Chinese history of the area.
Be sure to be respectful of the inhabitants, this is their home after all! 2.
Enjoying Hawker food I'll say this in the simplest possible terms.
Malaysian food is the most underrated cuisine in the world.
Distinctive but with recognizable elements from Indian, Thai and Chinese foods, it is unfathomable to me that they are all so popular the world over and yet Malaysian cuisine is not.
The stalls along Chulia Street change between day and night with an ever rotating cast of grilled meats, dim sum, Nonya curry and noodle dishes.
Try the Char Kuey Teow for a real unique treat.
1.
Take a rickshaw ride around sleepy Georgetown There are few more romantic things to do in all of Asia than to take a ride through the crumbling streets of Georgetown, the cultural heart of the island.
Georgetown was once the colonial centre for commerce due to its location close to the docks, a history that is still visible through the street names.
Care for a ride down 'Love Lane' anyone?
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