Penang. The Pearl of the Orient; lies off the northwestern cost of Peninsular Malaysia. The state comprises the island of Penang covering an area of about 285 km. and a narrow strip of approximately 760 sq.km. on the mainland known as Seberang Perai (Province Wellesley). which is separated by a channel 3 km wide at the closet point. They are linked by the Penang Bridge and across-channel ferry service. Its population of more than one million represents a happy mix of the major races found in Malaysia, with the Malays making up 59%, the Chinese 32% and the Indians 7%.
Georgetown. At the northern tip of the Island is the seat of administration and is also the commercial hub of the combines the best of the east and west as seen in its fine old buildings, each bearing the stamp of different foreign influences in its colourful history. Much of its charm also lies in its famous golden beaches and calm warm seas. Penang today ia a resort island in full boom - an idyllic playground for worshippers of the sun and sea. Its multiracial population contributes to a wealth of cultrural attractions and festive celebrations for visitors to witness and enjoy.
A Brief History.
Today, Penang bears the mark of its early history of successive foreign influenses- from the early Hindu civilization in northern Malaya to that of the Pertuguese, Dutch and later the British who came to this part of the world in search of spices and stayed to participate in the lucrative trade.
The history of modern Penang can be traced back to 1786 when Francis Light persuaded the Sultan of Kedah to cede "Pulau Pinang" (Betel Nut Island) to the British East India Company. Light landed at the site of the Esplanade and purportedly, fired gold coins into the surrounding jungle to induce his men to clear the area.
Originally named the Prince of Wales Island, the settlement that soon grew was named Georgetown after King George 111. In 1800, the Sultan of Kedah further ceded a strip of land on the mainland across the channel, which Light named Province Wellesley after the then Governor of India.
In 1832, Penang formed part of the Straits Settlement with Melaka and Singapore. It flourished and grew to be a major trading post for the lucrative tea, spices, china and cloth trade. For more than a hundred years, it remained under British Colonial rule until 1957 when it gained independence and became one of the states of the newly formed Federation of Malaya and later Malaysia in 1963.
Getting There.
By Air - Penang is easyly accessible by air daily flights from major capitals of the region. It has direct links with Singapore, Bangkok, Nagoya, Medan, Xiamen (China) and Madras, through flights operated by Malaysia Airlines. The airline also operated more than 20 flights daily between Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
The Penang International Airport is about 2o km from the city centre. Taxis plying the route follow the coupon system by which fixed fares are charges between the airport and various destinations in Penang. Limousines fares cost slightly higher.
By road - Penang Island is accessible by road via Penang Bridge. A charge of RM 7.00 is levied on all classes of cars using the bridge at the toll plaza in Prai on ther mainland. No payment is required for the rturn trip from the island to the mainland.
By Ferry From Butterworth, visitors can take the ferry to Penang Island. Operated by the Penang Port Commission, the ferry is available for both passengers anf vehicles. Fares for passengers and vehicle charges are collected at the Buttereworth terminal. No payment is required for the return journey. Opening hours - 6.00 am - 1.00 am. Ferry chgarges - Vehicle RM 7.00 (car), RM 1.40 motorcycle - Passengers RM0.60 cts.
By Rail. The train journey from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth takes approximately 8 hours and affords passengers views of the scenic countryside of Peninsular Malaysia. Comfortable air-coditioned first and second class coaches are available at reasonale rates. Malayan Railwan or Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) also operated regular services to Alor Star, Padang Besar, Haadyai and Bangkok from Buttrerworth.
Getting Around.
Penang's public transport system is efficient and getting around by taxis, buses or trishaws may be a fun and inexpensive way of catching the sights.
City Taxis - Most city taxis do not use meter. Yo may either insist on the meter being turned on or agree on the price before you move off.
City Buses- Most buses use machines to collect fares. The main bus terminals are at Pengkalan Weld (fery terminal) and KOMTAR (groud floor).
Trishaws - Besides the novelty of travelling in this three-wheeled vehicle, trishaws allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy the sights in Penang at a leisurely pace. One can also stop at any point to snap pictures or buy souvenirs. There is no standard fare and it would be wise to agree on the price before you get on the trishaw. For extended sightseeing it is advisable to hire them by day by hour.
Tours/Cruises - There are many facinating tours by air-conditioined coaches to famous landmarks around the island. Check with your hotel details on times and prices.
Round Island Tour - Includes visits to batik factories and fishing villages along Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang. It also covers Balik Pulau, the Snake Termple and Fort Cornwalis.
Hill and Templer Tour - The tour includes a ride up Penang Hill's funicular railway and a visit to Kek Lok Si Temple which houses the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Bdddhas.
City Tour - Include visits to the Botinical Garden, Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, the Kapitan Kling Mosque, the Penang Museum and Khoo Kongsi.
Night Tour - Include dinner, a visit to the Pasar Malam or night market and a trishaw ride around Georgetown.
Boat Trips - Most beach hotels offer day trip to the uninhabited island off Batu Feringhi. Round island trips area also available.
Sports/Recreation - Jungle Trakking - Most beach hotels organize early morning treks which take visitors past jungle streams and waterfalls. Food packs are usually provided. Check with your hotel for the time and prices.
Golfing - Golfers may also have a swinging time at the Bukit Jambul Golf Club, Bukit Jawi Golf Resort, Kristal Golf Resort and Pearl Island & Country Club.
Water Sports - Beach hotels provide facilities for a host water sports such as sailing windsurfing, water skiing, parasailing, canoeing and speedboat rides. The unhabited island of Pulau Bidan, Pulau Telur, and Pulau Song-Song off Batu Ferringhi are ideal for snorkelling and fishing. Trips to these islands can be arraged by the hotels or local tour agents.
PLACES OF INTEREST.
Penang Museum. - The museum displays hstorical artifacts highlighting the important periods in Penang's development. There arae also maps, charts and memorabilia of the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman. The museum also has some excellent old prints and paintings of Penang tracing the early years of its discovery and development.
Penang war Museum - Located on Batu Maung Hill, this museum is built around the remnant of an old British fort. The 20 acre War Museum takes the visitors on a journey to the past during WW2, to observe the lifestyle of a typical soldier and his Asian counterparts.
The museum contains several installations above and below ground where old war relics including pillboxes, cannons, armaments,uniforms and cooking equipment are stored. Visitors can weave through a complex to view barracks, old cookhouses, lock-up, tunnels and ventalation shafts. There is also an interactive firing range where visitors can try their hand at the target practice.
*Kapitan Kling Mosque
* Acheen Street Nosque.
* Goddess of Mary Temple
* Sri Mariamman Temple
* Khoo Kongsi
*Penang National Park
* Penang Bridge
*Penang Famed Beaches
* Tropial Spices Garden
* Batu Ferringhi's Sidewalk Bazar
* Bukit Jambul Orchid And Hibiscus Gardern
* Balik Pulau Fruit Orchard
* Snake Temple
*Batu Maung FishingVillage
*Penang Bird Park
* Fisheries Department Research Institute Aquarium
* Pulau Aman
* Tropical Fruit Farm
* Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Enjoy your stay in Penang, we also hope that you will discover all the attractions that Penang has to offer!.......
------------------oooo------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment