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Penang, Malaysia

In 1786 Francis Light persuaded the Sultan of Kedah to cede Pulau Pinang - the "Isle of Betel nut" - to the English crown. Legend has it that Light persuaded his men to clear the overgrown island of Penang by firing a cannon filled with gold coins into the jungle as an incentive. The island was renamed Prince of Wales Island, and its major town was christened Georgetown after King George III. Whether the story is true or not, Penang quickly became a major trading port for tea, spices, china and cloth. Here European, Malaysian, Hindu, Arabic and Chinese cultures met, melded and flourished. Today George Town is a cosmopolitan city that has preserved its unique heritage and its exotic blend of cultures.

George Town is perhaps the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia. It boasts a European-style esplanade and a wealth of temples, mosques and Chinese clan houses. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008, this virgin paradise has no shortage of cultural sights and natural scenery.

Points of Interest

  • Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
  • Khoo Kongsi
  • Penang Museum
  • Wat Chayamangkalarm (Reclining Buddha)
  • Kek Lok Si
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Baba Nyonya Mansion

More about Penang, Malaysia Points of Interest

  • Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm -

    A peaceful haven, Penang's butterfly farm, is home over 100 species of live butterflies. Walk through their covered aviary and the landscaped gardens that boast waterfalls, wooden bridges and ponds.

  • Khoo Kongsi -

    Boasting intricate carvings, Khoo Kongsi is one of the finest examples of a traditional Clan House found outside of Mainland China. Located in the oldest part of the city, it dates back to 1906.

  • Penang Museum -

    Built in 1821, this impressive Museum occupies the original Penang Free School, and its extensive collections include old photographs, maps and charts, as well as Southeast Asian art and artifacts.

  • Wat Chayamangkalarm (Reclining Buddha) -

    Reclining Buddha Temple is a traditional Thai Buddhist temple which features the fourth-largest reclining Buddha in the world. This magnificent, gold-covered statue is over one hundred feet long.

  • Kek Lok Si -

    The Temple of Paradise sits on Penang Hill and is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. It features a seven-story pagoda and architecture that reflects Thai, Chinese and Burmese influences.

  • Botanical Gardens -

    Established by the British in 1884, the gardens are also known as the 'Waterfall Gardens', and features native and hybrid orchids, as well as collections of cacti, ferns, bamboo and flowering trees.

  • Baba Nyonya Mansion -

    The typical home of a rich Baba of a century ago is recreated to offer a glimpse of their opulent lifestyle and their many customs and traditions.

8 Excursions

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Best of Penang

7.5 hours | Penang | PEN-100 P E N - 1 0 0

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From AUD$139.95

Average Guest Rating

George Town: Little India, Markets & Penang Botanic Gardens.

3.5 hours | Penang | PEN-200 P E N - 2 0 0

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From AUD$59.95

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Batik Factory & Butterfly Farm

5 hours | Penang | PEN-205 P E N - 2 0 5

Moderate Activity

From AUD$79.95

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Suffolk House & Francis Light Cemetery

4 hours | Penang | PEN-210 P E N - 2 1 0

Moderate Activity

From AUD$79.95

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Temples & Penang Famous Homes

3.5 hours | Penang | PEN-220 P E N - 2 2 0

Moderate Activity

From AUD$79.95

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Butterfly Farm & Gardens

4.5 hours | Penang | PEN-235 P E N - 2 3 5

Moderate Activity

From AUD$79.95

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Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas

4.5 hours | Penang | PEN-260 P E N - 2 6 0

Strenuous Activity

From AUD$79.95

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Taste of Penang

4 hours | Penang | PEN-310 P E N - 3 1 0

Moderate Activity

From AUD$59.95

Average Guest Rating