20 best spots in Penang – Part 2

Penang is amongst my favourite vacation destinations in Malaysia, and this is probably because the lifestyle this city offers feels exactly like in my hometown: Kuching.

Located in the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang, previously known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, has a population of about 1.6 million people, mainly Chinese, Malays and Indians.

Penang itself is divided into two parts: Georgetown on the island and Buttleworth on the mainland. According to local history, Penang got its name from the betel nut, known as Pinang in the local language. Malaysian people in fact call it Pulau (island) Pinang.

Usually, when we talk about Penang, two things come straight to mind: food and cultural heritage. Thus, I’m going to share with you notions about interesting places to visit in Penang, places that I have visited and recorded in my several visits to the island during the past 3 years.

11. Museum of glass

Located at Jalan Mount Erskine, Museum of glass, officially called i-box, has been recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records. As the name says, this museum explains about the manufacturing process of glass. And before being a museum, it is a vibrant company established in 2002 with the aim to create fascinating glass designs, serving residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Among their products is fused glass, sandblasted glass, glass signage and glass souvenirs. For more information click on http://www.iboxglass.com

12. Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in the whole of Malaysia. Set close to Penang esplanade and just a few minutes walk from the clock tower in Georgetown, this fort was named after Marquis Charles Cornwallis. According to history, Fort Cornwallis was built in 1786 as a defensive structure against enemies: pirates, Kedah forces and French colonialists. Inside this fort, over the entrance, you will find standing majestically a bronze statue of Captain Francis Light. There is also a cell room that has been converted into gallery, old British canopy models and a cannon.

Fort Cornwallis is open to public from 8.30 am to 7.00 pm daily and can be reached by car or by trishaw. It is located not far from Padang Kota lama. Admission fee is RM3. For more information click http://www.penang-vacations.com/fort-cornwallis.html 

13. Penang Bridges

As a Malaysian citizen, one of the first things that come to mind when talking about Penang is the Penang Bridge, perhaps one of its most famous landmarks. This suspended bridge, with its 13.5 kilometres length, used to be the longest bridge in Malaysia and its design is similar to the London Bridge. This record was beaten

when Penang second bridge – Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge – was built, with its 24 kilometres of length. Apart from being recognized as the longest bridge in the country, this second bridge is also recorded as the longest bridges in Southeast Asia. It connects Batu Maung, location near Penang International Airport, to Bandar Cassia in Seberang Perai on the mainland.

14. Penang National Park

Known as Taman Negara Penang in Bahasa Malaysia, Penang National Park was gazetted in 1958 and is one of the few protected areas left in Penang Island. The park spans 1,213 hectares of land facing the sea, an area that consists of forests and wetlands inhabited by a diverse habitat. Penang National Park is used by scientists, researchers and nature lovers who want to explore nature.

The park is located along the way to Monkey Beach, and is suitable for camping, hiking, swimming and observing wildlife. For more information click on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang_National_Park

15. Penang Street Art

Thanks to Lithuanian artist Ernest Zarharevic, Georgetown house walls are decorated with some amazing drawings, a perfect mask to this vibrant town. The awesome art created by this young talented artist portraits kids on bicycles, boys on bikes, mischievous children playing and more. Take a walk along Penang streets and find them, there are more than 20!!

16. Penang Batik Factory

Established in 1973, Penang Batik Factory is run by a people who produce traditional batik, and is one of the largest traditional batik manufacturers in the Northern region of Malaysia. The factory show visitors the batik making process and has plenty of beautiful batik design for sale to suit any taste. Penang Batik Factory is located in Teluk Bahang. For more informationclick on http://www.penangbatik.com.my 

17. Penang Bird Park

 

Penang Bird Park is the first ever and largest bird park in the country, opened since 1988. With its area of 5 acres, this park contains more than 300 bird species from all over the world. If you love birds and want to know a range of world species, this is the place to visit. Penang Bird Park is located in Seberang Jaya, on Penang’s mainland. It is open to public daily from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm. Bird shows has an entrance fee of Rm 38 for adults and Rm 20 for kids. For more information click on http://www.penangbirdpark.com.my

18. Jalan Raja Uda

Located at Butterworth on the mainland, Jalan Raja Uda is the best place to get food. This area offers plenty of delicious street food for all tastes. Reccommended dishes are bah ku tea, curry mee, fried kueh tiaw and wantan mee. Muslims should try nasi kandar.

19. Ferry

The Penang Ferry is one of the best experience when visit Penang. This ferry connects Penang Island to Butterworth, the alternative to the bridges. The ferry terminal on the mainland is nearby the bus terminal, facilitating the movement of visitors. It has two levels, the lower level for cars and motorbikes and the upper level for passengers. I personally prefer the ferry as I can relax and enjoy the views, and I do not need to negotiate traffic jams. Cars pay RM 7.70, whereas motorbikes pay RM 2.00.

20. Penang State Museum and Art Gallery

Penang State Museum and Art Gallery was established in 1964. Built with the donation given by the East India Company, it was a school accommodating 150 pupils, and was called Penang Free School, occupying the building from 1897 to 1927. It later as taken over by another school untli turned into a museum on reccommendation of Malaysia’s first prime minister. Penang State Museum building is recognized as a heritage building.

The museum consists of artifact, street stones, old transportation and historical paintings. Penang State Museum and Art Gallery is located at Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown. For more information check http://www.penangmuseum.gov.my 

READ PART 1 AT https://asianitinerary.com/20-best-spots-in-penang-part-1/ 

STREET FOOD PENANG: https://asianitinerary.com/penang-street-food-chulia-street/

PENANG ARTICLE: https://asianitinerary.com/surprising-and-inviting-penang/