Penang - Penang

Penang (‏بينانج‎, 槟城) is a state Malaysia, which includes the island of the same name and a coastal strip (Seberang Perai).

Cities

Penang Island

North coast of the island:

• 5.463100.2311 Batu Ferringi
• 5.45100.2172 Teluk Bahang

Center of the island:

• 5.4018648100.27783273 Ayer Itam

East and south coast of the island:

• 5.4145100.32924 George Town, the largest city
• 5.28333100.2675 Bayan Lepas

West coast of the island:

• 5.35100.233333336 Balik Pulau

Mainland

• 5.3941666666667100.366388888897 Butterworth
• 5.3617251100.46104438 Bukit Mertajam
• 5.1658333333333100.478055555569 Nibong Tebal
• 5.2817072100.476597610 Simpang Ampat
• 5.3944444444444100.4027777777811 Seberang Jaya

background

The island of Penang was originally part of the ancient Buddhist-Hindu kingdom of Kedah from the 7th century AD, and part of the Islamic Sultanate of Kedah from the 12th century.

However, the island's more recent history began with British colonization. When Francis Light, captain of the British East India Company, "forced" the island from the Sultan of Kedah in 1786, against the promise that he would protect him against his enemies, he built the fort on uninhabited jungle terrain. As a result, the British built the place George Town and as well Butterworth to an important trading center. After the British and Dutch divided their spheres of influence in the Straits of Malacca in the Treaty of London (1824), Penang became the center of the newly established "Straits Serttlements", which then also included Malacca and Singapore. From 1867 the "Straits Settlements" were no longer administered by the East India Company, but rather by the British Crown Colony. Penang thus became an important trading center in Southeast Asia, and George Town a rich and noble colonial city, and it attracted numerous Chinese traders who still define the face of the city today.

During World War II, Japanese forces occupied the island from 1942-1945. It was recaptured by the British Army and became part of the Federation of Malaysia in 1948. When Malaysia gained its independence in 1957, Penang remained part of this federation, unlike Singapore.

getting there

By plane

The international 5.2969444444444100.27666666667Penang airport(IATA: PEN) was formerly known as Bayan Lepas International and is located about 15 km south of Georgetown. The main users of the airport are the Malaysian airlines Malaysia Airlines (Tel. 217 6323) and Air Asia (03-2171 9222), which offers a highly frequented service from Penang to the Capital to offer. Each of the two airlines flies the route up to 7 times a day and the flight prices are usually between EUR 20 and EUR 50 for a return ticket. The flight time to Kuala Lumpur is usually well under an hour.

There are also international connections from Penang with Cathay Pacific (Tel. 226 0411) to Hong Kong, Singapore Airlines (Tel. 226 3201) to Singapore, Thai Airways to Bangkok (Tel. 226 6000) and China Airlines (Tel. 228 6227) to Taipei.

Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia also offer a large number of flights to destinations within Malaysia and to Indonesia. The newest airline in Penang is Firefly (Tel. 250 2000), a budget carrier owned by Malaysia Airlines, which has routes from Penang to Banda Aceh and Medan in Indonesia served.

From the airport, the public Rapid Penang Bus No. 401A goes from the terminal building to the central bus station in George Town (KOMTAR). From 5:30 a.m. every half hour until 11:30 p.m. Ticket price 2.70 RM.

By bus

Supraregional buses, for example from Kuala Lumpur, go to the new Sungai Nibong bus terminal, about a 15-minute drive from the center George Towns away, and about 10 minutes from the airport. More information can be found there under Arrival.

By train

George Town does not have its own train station. The Malaysian Railway Company KTMB On the Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok route, Butterworth Station is just a few meters from the ferry station to Penang. The train ride to and from Kuala Lumpur takes about 6 hours. All trains have AirCondition and sleeping cars.

By boat

To and from Butterworth: Penang Port runs every 10 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 00:30 a.m. The ride from Butterworth costs RM 1.20, from Penang to the mainland it's free: RM 1.40 for a bike, RM 2.00 for a motorcycle, and RM 7.70 for a car.

To and from Langkawi Island:Langkawi Ferry Service (Tel: 6042642088 in Penang, 6049663779 in Langkawi) runs daily from Langkawi to Penang at 10:30 am, 2:30 pm and 5:15 pm. From Penang to Langkawi daily at 8:15 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. A trip costs RM 68.10 including port tax, and a return trip RM 136.20. The journey takes two hours and 45 minutes. Tickets are available from the Tourist Center in Penang. The ferry docks just around the corner at the chic new Sweetenham Pier.

To and from Medan / Sumatra: Langkawi Ferry Services also offers ferries between Penang and Belawan Port in Medan / Sumatra. Mon, Wed and Fri 8:30 a.m. from Penang, Tue, Thu and Sat at 10:00 a.m. from Belawan. The journey takes 6 hours. Ticket price: one way RM 110, return trip RM 180.

Cruise ships can in the port of George Town moor, the terminal is only a few meters from the historic old town.

By car

Penang is via the mainland and the north-south highway Penang Bridge connected, one of the largest bridges in Asia. Cars leaving the island do not need to pay any tolls. If you drive to the island, you pay fees: 1.40 RM for a motorcycle, 7 RM for a car, 12 RM for a van.

mobility

By bus

Georgetown has a well-developed and inexpensive bus network. It is from RapidPenang served. The central bus terminal in George Town is on the ground floor of KOMTAR, the tallest building in the city. The second important terminal is that Ferry Terminal at Pengkalan Weld (Weld Quay). All bus lines that depart from the ferry station go via KOMTAR, but not all buses in the direction of KOMTAR continue to the ferry station.

The city administration has a free one between KOMTAR and the Ferry Terminal Shuttle bus service set up, which leaves the main sights every 20 minutes free of charge. Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-11: 40 p.m., Sat 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Not on Sundays and public holidays.

If you are staying on Penang for a long time, you should take the bus on the island Rapid Passport to get. It offers unlimited travel for a week for 30 RM. It can be purchased from the Rapid offices at the Ferry Terminal or the airport.

BUS LINES

• along the north coast: Batu Ferringi: 201; Teluk bahang 101

• in the middle of the island: Ayer Itam: 201,203,204,502

• to the west coast: Balik Pulau: 401, 401E, 403,404,501,502

With the taxi

Taxis are available in Penang, but the number of taxis is not as large as in Kuala Lumpur and it is not so easy to get a taxi to stop on the street. It is advisable to order taxis in the hotel and plan to wait around 15 minutes.

By car

Penang has a relatively well-developed road network. If you want to drive yourself, you should be aware that in Penang (as everywhere in Malaysia) the physical integrity of road users is not particularly valued. You should therefore try to avoid accidents by driving defensively. Should an accident nevertheless occur, Malaysians are happy to continue driving without worrying about any damage caused or any injuries.

More destinations and sights

The sights within George Town are described on the page of that city.

North coast

• 5.4634881100.22715111  Tropical Spice Garden (Asia's Hidden Eden, Tropical spice garden), Tropical Spice Garden, Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Pulau Pinang (Rapid Penang Bus 101 and 102; alternatively by grave or taxi). Tel.: 604 8811 797, Mobile: 6012 4307795, Email: [email protected]..Open: Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Price: RM 31 - RM 48.Accepted payment methods: Mastercard, Visa.(5 ° 27 '49 "N.100 ° 13 '38 "E)last change: Feb. 2019

Adults: RM 31 (audio guide), RM 48 (guided tour)

children: up to 4 years free of charge, (4-12) - RM 18 (audio guide), RM 25 (guided tour)

senior citizens (from 60 years): RM 25 (audio guide), RM 38 (guided tour)

students (with student ID): RM 25 (audio guide), RM 38 (guided tour)

Night tour: 8-10 p.m., by appointment only, RM 80 for adults, RM 60 for children, senior citizens and students

Cooking school: in the morning at 9 a.m. and in the afternoon at 1.30 p.m. * 9 a.m. - guided tour, 9.45 a.m. - tea in the bamboo garden, 10 a.m. - cooking class, 12.30 p.m. - 1 p.m. - lunch in the patio (one dish - RM 160 or three courses - RM 240)

The TSG was opened in 2003 and has more than 500 different plants, 20% of which are spice-bearing. Before entering the three-hectare facility, rub your hands, feet and face with it Lemongrass Oil against insects.

Here is a selection of the plants: Pandan palm for coloring food and beverages; Barringtonia asiatica or Fish Killer Tree; the Nipa palm, from which the malodorous additions widespread in Malaysia are made especially for taxi drivers; various Chilli varieties in different colors; Stevia; Mulled wine spices and types of ginger such as anise, Cloves, cardamom or Galanga; turmeric; the Betel nut palm, from which the island of Penang takes its name. It is really great Fan palmthat was used to cover roofs and to cool off at royal courts.

You can also cool down on a swing in the middle of the spice hill. A little further up there is a Herbal Tea kiosk where a Cat beard-Infusion is poured out. And finally you can get away from the Sucking barbel have the flakes of skin removed in the adjacent stream.

• 

  Swing on the spice hill

• 

  Cooking School with the Nyonya food specialist Jamie

• 

  Cooking School - Long-tailed macaques with a pregnant Lance viper on the doorstep

• 

  Daging Masak Hitam with Kobis Goreng Kunyit

• The beach of Batu Ferringi: Batu Ferringhi ("Portuguese Rock") is geared towards beach life. With many hotels and places to eat for tourists. The beaches are clean and suitable for swimming.
• Penang Butterfly Farm south of Teluk Bahang on Jalan Teluk Bahang (Mon-Fri: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sat: and Sun 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., admission 4 RM, Tel: 04 885 1253). There are many species of butterflies to admire, but also frogs, scorpions and insects.
• Pantai Acheh National Park: From Teluk Bahang a hiking trail (2-3 hours) leads through the smallest national park in the world to the north-western tip of the island with a lighthouse. Wildlife is abundant, and monitor lizards and turtles can be seen from time to time

Center of the island

Penang Hill

The Penang Hill is 830 meters above sea level. A former British hill station with cooler weather, older bungalows and a wonderful view of Georgetown. There is a modern cog railway (Tel. 604 828 3263, ride 30 RM) up to the mountain station. Once at the top you have a wonderful view of George Town and the surrounding area, there is a Hindu temple and some snack bars

• The Owl Museum, Levels b3, Astaka MPPP, Bukit Bendera, Jalan Summit, 11300 Penang. Malaysia (on Penang Hill). Tel.: 604 826 5704. Open: open daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Price: Admission adults 10 RM, children free.last change: not specified

Kek Lok Si Temple

The Kek Lok Si Temple located in the suburbs of George Town. The facility is spectacular. Buddhist believers from Malaysia and Thailand come to one of the largest temple complexes in Southeast Asia in crowds during the Buddhist holidays.

Construction of the temple began around 1890. In 1930 came Ban Po Thar, the 10,000 Buddhas Pagoda added. The architecture of this seven-story tower has Chinese elements in the lower part, Thai elements in the middle and Burmese elements in the upper part. The temple is still being built, in 2002 the 30.2 m high statue of Kuan Yin was added, this statue of the goddess of mercy is considered the largest bronze statue in the world. In the meantime, she too is inside a newly built temple.

From a large parking lot you can reach a staircase, it is largely covered and lined with numerous shops with all kinds of mostly little religious goods. Then you reach a turtle pond, the Liberation Pond. Then numerous steps lead into the garden of the temple, which consists of several prayer halls and towers. The paths to the pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas or to the other prayer halls, especially the Kuan Yin, are signposted. To the top of the hill with the Kuan Yin, however, it is better to use the small rack railway.

• Kek Lok Si Temple (Air Itam, Georgetown). Tel.: 604 828 3317. Open: open daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.Price: Entry 2 RM, pagoda 1 RM, rack railway 4 RM.last change: not specified

East and south coast

• Bukit Jambul Orchid, Hisbiscus & Reptile Garden: (Persiaran Bukit Jambul, Tel: 60 4 644-8863, daily 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.). The garden is near the Hotel Equatorial at the airport. In addition to the exotic orchids, you can also see a python and a snake show at the weekend.
• Was a museum: (near the fishing village Batu Maung, Tel. 60 4 626-5142, daily 9 am-7pm) provides information about the Japanese occupation of Penang during the Second World War and shows the underground defenses of the British colonial masters, bunkers and tunnels.
• Snake Temple: (Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, at the airport, open 7:00 am-7:00pm, a donation is expected.) The temple was built in 1850 and is dedicated to the Buddhist monk Choor Soo Kon. Green and yellow poisonous snakes wind their way around the altar. You can have yourself photographed with a snake like this, but with its fangs pulled around its neck. That costs 10 RM. The nearby snake museum costs RM 5.00. The temple can be reached by bus 401 or 401A from KOMTAR.

West Coast

• Tropical Fruit Farm: It is located on the coast near Balik Pulau. Here you can see the whole tropical splendor of 140 types of fruit and fruit and can also enjoy them there in the form of fresh fruit juices and salads.
• Titi-Krawang waterfall, about 12 km north of Balik Pulau towards Teluk Bahang.

Mainland

• Penang Bird Park It is located 10 minutes from the Penang Bridge in Seberang Jaya on the mainland (Jalan Todak, Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Tel .: 60 4 399-1899. Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., entrance fee 5 RM) 200 species of birds are presented here. Among other things hornbills, flamingos, sea eagles and ostriches.
• St. Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam. The hundred-year-old church is visited by tens of thousands of pilgrims every year around St Anne's festival.

activities

Festivals

Due to the lively and strong communities of Malays, Chinese, Indians, but also Thais and Burmese on this island, there is hardly a month without a colorful festival:

• Thaipusam (Jan.) - A Hindu festival celebrated mainly by the Tamils.

• Chinese New Year (Feb.) - This year (2010) is the year of the tiger. The Chinese community takes a week off and celebrates.

• Songkran Festival (Apr) - A Thai festival also known as the Water Festival because the Thais believe that water mixed with fragrant herbs can wash away all misfortune.

• Vasakhi (Apr) - This festival is celebrated by the Sikhs in George Town.

• Wesak (May) - A Buddhist festival celebrated mainly by the Chinese community. There is a big street parade with candles.

• Bon Odori Festival (Jul.) - A traditional Japanese carnival celebrated with drums and dance performances.

• St. Anne's feast (Jul.) - A Christian festival that includes a night candle procession to St. Anne's Church in Butterworth.

• International Dragon Boat Festival (Jul.) - The competition has been held since 1997 and has attracted many teams from all over the world, including Australia, America and Europe, to Penang.

• Hungry Ghost Festival (Sep.) - The Chinese believe that in the seventh lunar month the gates of hell will be opened and hungry spirits roam free. There are many performances, operas and musicals.

• Ramadhan bazaar (Sep) - A bazaar will open for one month during Islamic Ramadan.

• Hari Raya (Sep.) - The Muslims celebrate the beginning of the 10th month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The Malays wear their traditional clothing and special sweets are eaten.

• Moon Cake Festival (Oct) - The festival dates back 3,000 years to the Zhou Dynasty. A time of good food and lantern parades.

• Navarathiri Festival (Oct.) - For nine days the Hindus worship the three goddesses Thurga, Laxmi and Sarawathy and ask for power, wealth and education.

• Nine Emperor Gods Festival (Oct.) - It is celebrated in the Taoist temples for nine days in the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar.

• Deepavali (Nov.) - This Hindu festival of lights celebrates the triumph of the legendary Lord Rama over the demon Raavana.

• International bridge marathon (Nov.) - Participants walk across the Penang Bridge and along the coast. This is the only time the bridge is closed for a short time.

Trekking

• In the Pantai Acheh National Park there is a lot to do. There is a walking path to the lighthouse. Behind it is a small beach. More information in the hiking guide "Nature Trails of Penang Islands", published by the Malayan Nature Society (10 RM).
• Strawberry Hill and Western Hill: there are various hiking trails to the "peaks" in the center of the island (up to 830 m). The paths are marked. The leaflet "Trekking in Penang", also published by the MNS, gives an overview.
• Malayan Nature Society (MNS) Penang Branch, Nature Information Center (NIC), 673-B, Jalan Kebun Bunga George Town 10350 Penang Tel: 04-2273673

kitchen

Penang's cuisine is influenced by Malay, Chinese and Indian:

• Fried Koay Teow: The most popular among street dishes. Garlic and fresh prawns are fried in a wok with oil. Then add flat rice noodles. A dash of soy sauce, bean sprouts, eggs, chives. And last but not least cockles.
• Chee Cheong Fun: These bites are made from rice flour wrapped in pork offal. It is served with a mixture of chilli sauce, a little salty shrimp paste, as well as thick red sweet sauce and garnished with toasted sesame seeds. Penang is known for its good shrimp paste.
• Hokkien Mee: A dish made from yellow or rice noodles, served with shrimp and pork. Garnished with water spinach and bean sprouts. Often slices of boiled egg are added. The whole thing is spicy with an intense taste of the shrimp.
• Assam Laksa: Penang is the Stronghold of the Laksas, the originally Chinese noodle soups in fish broth. But today in Penang they come in all colors, tastes and textures and with all kinds of exotic ingredients. For example with mint, lettuce, onions, ginger, lemon herb. The dish is piquant, fishy and sour due to the heavy use of tamarind.
• Mee Goreng: Noodles and bean sprouts are blanched before being fried in the wok. Then add: squid, boiled potatoes, fried soybeans and green and red chilli. The taste is intensified by chili and tomato paste. It is garnished with fresh lettuce and fine peanut pieces.
• Wan Tan Mee: A pasta dish, served with meatballs made from pork and shrimp, seasoned with pepper, salt and mint, in dumplings made from wonton leaves. It is served either dry, seasoned only with soy sauce, or with a clear meat broth.
• Nasi Kandar: An Indian-influenced dish, made from a curry mixture of chicken, fish, shrimp or meat, which is placed on simple rice and then enriched with various sauces.
• Cendol: A refreshing dessert typical of Penang, made of ice cream, thick sweetened red beans and a wobbly green noodle called "cendol". There is also a syrup made from coconut milk and palm sugar.

If you want to get to know more dishes from Penang and, above all, find kitchens and restaurants where you can eat these dishes, you should read the brochure Penang Food Trail study published by the tourist office.

nightlife

accommodation

Accommodation options in George Town and Batu Ferringi.

climate

The island is located near the equator and has a tropical climate. The temperature is constant at 28 - 35 degrees Celsius. There is always a high level of humidity. The rainy season is from September to November.

Web links

• Official Penang Tourism Website (English)