Penang Island

Penang Island is located off the coast of Malaysia by the Strait of Malacca. I visited it in 2001. Its main city (George Town) is connected to a sister city Butterworth on the mainland by a bridge. While you are in George Town plan to visit Fort Cornwallis which is an old star fort located on the northeast corner of the city and was built in the 1800’s. The Khoo Kongsi clanhouse with its elaborate and highly ornamented architecture is one of the city's major historic attractions. In the late 1800 and early 1900’s Chinese clanhouses were the center of important social activities and functions for their members. I would highly recommend eating at the Hawker food center at Gurney Drive. You buy your food at an independent Hawker Stall and then sit in a common area to eat. It is some of the best (and most inexpensive) food I have ever had.

The island highest point is Penang Hill. It is a pleasant walk from the base to the peak which gives you a nice view of George Town and its surrounding area. You will walk through the Penang Botanic Gardens which is a beautiful park but beware of the monkeys. They will grab any lose backpack or purse to look for food. So do not set your stuff down!

There are a number of temples that are worth visiting on the island; Kek Lok Si temple, Burmese Buddhist temple, Thai Buddhist temple, Goddess of Mercy Taoist temple. However if you only have time (or inclination) to visit one temple, go to the Kek Lok Si temple; it is absolutely gorgeous!

Finally on north side of the island is Batu Ferringhi beach, it is a very nice beach and while there are a number of other beaches, I just like the name.