Penang's rich cultural heritage is evident in captivating sights, drawing curious explorers. With Southeast Asia's largest pre-World War II building collection and charming colonial architecture, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Fort Cornwallis
The fort was built on the site of Francis Light's historic landing in 1786. Today, an open-air amphitheatre, a history gallery and a handicraft and souvenir centre occupies the interior.
Fort Cornwallis houses the famous Dutch cannon presented to the Sultan of Johor by the Dutch. The cannon finally found its way to Penang after being looted by the Portuguese, spent some time in Java and later dumped into the sea by pirates.
Opening Hours: 8:30am to 7pm
Local Cuisine
Penang's famous hawker food, prepared by street vendors, is perhaps the best example of the extraordinary fusion of cultures in Malaysia. Some highlights include Penang laksa (a spicy noodle soup), nasi kandar (mixed rice with curries) and rojak (a fruit and vegetable mix).
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
An experience worth indulging in, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is an exceptional piece of artisan found Georgetown. Often referred to as ‘a monument to majesty’, the indigo inspired décor and intricate designs of the mansion favour many Chinese skills brought forth through the ages.
Kek Lok Si Temple
The temple, built in 1890, took 20 years to complete. Reputed to be a large and beautiful Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, it features gardens, a giant turtle pool, shrines and beautiful sculptures.
The seven-tier pagoda is a shrine dedicated to Boddhisattva Tsi Tsuang Wang, one of the enlightened who declined to enter Nirvana so that he could help bring others to salvation.
Opening Hours: Early morning to late evening.
Khoo Kongsi
An impressive and majestic structure, Khoo Konhsi is a former clan house that presents one of the distinctive signs of Chinese Clan associations in Malaysia.
Right from the outside visitors will be presented with an impressive façade that is ornately decorated with distinctive Chinese architecture. The temple presents visitors with the chance to glimpse various statues, beautiful pieces of architecture and ornaments.
Being a place of worship, the centre piece of this site is the main prayer hall located in the main temple.
Penang Museum
A time capsule harbouring much of the island’s glorious past, the Penang Museum is wonderment in its entirety. Home to Penang’s historical evolution since 1786 when Captain Francis Light declared it a British settlement, this cultural attraction is a much sought after tourist destination.
Established in the year 1821, it is home to many of the cultural, religious and historical artefacts, which are reminiscent of the British-era.
Penang, an island just off the northwest coast of Malaysia, forms a part of the Malaysian state of the same name. The capital, George Town, is a showcase of Southeast Asia’s large collection of pre-World War II buildings.
The island offers a wealth of tropical beaches, historic sites, and a great opportunity to experience the diversity of Malaysian culture.
