Penang, an island fondly named the ‘food capital of Malaysia’ and ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and designated UNESCO heritage site in 2008 is a paradise with no shortage of natural scenery and cultural sights, alongside its year-round thirty-five degree exotic temperatures. As people are now confronted with perhaps rising costs and a shift in mentality towards what they seek in their travels in a world of Covid-19, Penang is perhaps one of the best cosy getaways you can imagine. It is a destination like no other, guaranteed for you to gain unforgettable memories and an urge to return long after your departure!Winnie Liu writes.
Firstly, head to the sights and sounds of bustling Georgetown, where you will be able to experience an accolade of heritage houses and museums such at the Peranakan Museum, which details the flavours of the Baba Nyonya Ethnic histories. Just down the road, you can immerse in the culturally diverse nation’s adoration for religious sites. Harmony Street is central to Penang’s strongly unique history and reflection of racial harmony, with all the island’s four oldest sites: a Chinese temple dedicated to Guan Yin, Kapital Keling Mosque, Indian temple and Protestant church. A kaleidoscope of cultures has also influenced its vibrant art scene. Make sure to try out the ‘king of fruits’ the unique smell of durian, visit fruit farms, and the fishing village nearby Georgetown. Likewise, feel free to join local hikers in their morning and late evening walks up to mountains and dams or Penang Hill by cable car for picturesque scenes. The landscape and vipers at the Snake Temple, as well as the only Spice Garden in South East Asia also make for some of the most interesting sites of Penang.
You will not have to travel far for a beach getaway, as you head to the north of the island towards the world-renowned Batu Ferringhi coastline, featuring some of the world’s best resorts and hoteliers. It does not have to cost a fortune for you to enjoy activities such as paragliding, jet-skiing, and banana boating! Public transport or easy to hail taxis are the best ways to travel around, with bus tickets costing a bare minimum of 20p for a one-way journey! It is recommended that you try out arguably the local’s favourite form of transport called the rickshaw, so climb on in! Alternatively, rent an electric bike or two-person cycle to glance at Chinese watermarked shophouses and inhale the beautiful scent of blue joss smoke, as you try out the world’s best street food. With only £7 you can afford an entire table of ‘Lok Lok’ a steamy, cook it yourself version of hotpot, or arrange to visit the local’s numerous food courts. Gurney Drive is frequent for locals both for food and its vast shopping malls.
In the evening, visit what the locals call in Malay, a Pasar Malam, meaning night market. Here you will be able to find fashionable items of all sorts at bargain prices, including souvenirs, toys and great food. It is a staple pastime for locals to enjoy after dinner with their loved ones, much akin to an Italian passiata after dinner to digest your worthy appetites. The island, all in all, can be circled by car within approximately an hour’s time, making it ideal for families who seek variety. In addition, a cheap ferry service runs from Georgetown to the mainland. Nearby the service, within a ten minutes’ walk, also make sure to book in time for a visit to Clan Jetties, a collection of ancient wooden houses on stilts, and try out Asia’s biggest bowl of noodles whilst hiding from the midday sun.
Overall, Penang is such a thrilling cocktail of eastern flavour with its local infectious enthusiasm of history that you will be sure to enjoy it. It has long served as an important link between eastern kingdoms and at its heart shall always remain diverse.
