~TRuLy PenAnG~

~PENANG~GEORGETOWN~MY HOMETOWN~                       Penang, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most                          picturesque and romantic cities in all of Asia. This tropical island lies in the   Indian Ocean, just off the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.                           Penang received its name from the Pinang, or Betel Nut tree, once                            commonly found on the island. Established as the first British trading post in                          the Far East in 1776, Penang today is a bustling metropolis reflecting a uniquely exotic blend of East and West.                                  The state of Penang consists of the island of Penang and a strip of land                                 on the mainland known as Seberang Prai.The Penang Bridge, one of                               the longest in Asia at 13.5 km, links the two land masses. Penang is also connected by a ferry service to the mainland. ~Identity of Penang-Penang Brigde~                                     On Penang Island sits the capital, Georgetown, a city steeped in                             history and tradition yet sparkling with progress and modern development.                         Certain sections of Penang present a quaint picture from the past where                                narrow side streets, trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods,                                      seem to belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise for goods old and new, at bargain prices.                                        The island also boasts some of the best food in the region, ranging                                               from fabulous Chinese, Malay and Nyonya cuisines to                                           foodstall favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang                                             laksa, all of which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang' way. Comprising the island of Penang and Seberang Perai, its seat of government is located in the bustling city of Georgetown. Travellers can select their accommodation from among various well-appointed hotels, five-star resorts and budget inns located throughout the state. There are Many Places of Interest : Khoo Kongsi  Khoo Kongsi is one of the grandest clan temples in the country. Clustered in its square are an elaborately embellished temple, association building, a traditional theatre as well as several 19th century row houses. Kek Lok Si Temple Reputed to be the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, the temple stands majestically on a hill in Air Itam. It boasts the beautiful “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas” which blends Chinese, Myanmarese and Thai architecture.  Snake Temple Built in 1850 and dedicated to the deity, Chor Soo Kong, the temple is a sanctuary for pit vipers said to be “servants” of the deity. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion  Featuring 18th and 19th century Chinese architecture, this stately mansion comprises beautiful bedrooms, libraries, ceremonial halls, courtyards and gardens. It also houses a rare porcelain collection, sculptures, carvings, tapestries, embroideries and antiques. Fort Cornwallis The fort was built on the site of Sir Francis Light’s historic landing in 1786. Originally a wooden stockade, it is now a concrete structure and currently houses cannons, a history gallery, café, handicraft and souvenir centre as well as an open-air amphitheatre. ~situation at Fort Cornwallis~ War Museum  Built around the remnants of a British fort, this 20-acre museum contains several installations above and below ground where old war relics are stored. Visitors can weave through a complex to view barracks, old cookhouses, lock-ups, tunnels and ventilation shafts. Penang Museum  Hundreds of old prints, paintings, clay, stone and porcelain ware as well as other historical artefacts that highlight the important periods in Penang’s development can be found here. Kapitan Keling Mosque Built in early 19th century, the mosque features an ochre yellow façade and a dome-shaped minaret reflecting Moorish Islamic influence. It was named after the Indian Muslim merchant, the Kapitan Keling (headman), Caudeer Mohudeen. Kapitan Keling Mosque Acheen Street Malay Mosque Built in 1820 on land donated by Syed Sheriff Tengku Syed Hussain Aidid, the vernacular-style mosque, also known as Masjid Melayu, features an octagonal minaret and a Moorish arcade. Chinatown  Large and well-preserved, its numerous clan houses, shophouses and temples provide a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of early Chinese immigrant settlers who came here in the 1800s. ..ChinaTown at PenaNg.. Little India This quaint Indian town dates back over two centuries and boasts the 167 years old Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Worth browsing here are the pre-war terrace buildings which house restaurants, jewellery and textile shops, dress retailers, music stores, barbers as well as shops selling spices, sundries and cutlery. Pinang Peranakan Mansion  Contained in this mansion are elaborate traditional costumes and accessories, lovely porcelain pieces, furniture, works of art brought in from China and Europe as well as artefacts related to the history and colourful lifestyle of the Baba Nyonya people of Penang. St. George’s Church The church is one of the oldest landmarks in the city and was named after the patron saint of England. It features a memorial canopy dedicated to Captain Francis Light. Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram  A unique Buddhist temple with Thai, Myanmarese and Chinese architecture, it houses a 33-metre gold-plated reclining Buddha said to be one of the longest in the world. The niches behind the statue house urns contain the ashes of devotees. P. Ramlee’s House Originally built in 1926 to commemorate the late P. Ramlee, Malaysia’s foremost entertainer, the house features the life history of the late singer, actor, composer and film director. The various exhibits include his personal memorabilia and also items belonging to his family. ~This is P.Ramlee's House~ Penang Hill Malaysia’s first hill station, Penang Hill is 830m above sea level. Ascend to the top by hiking up or by travelling in the funicular train which has been operational since 1922 and enjoy the cool climate as well as fantastic view at the summit. -Train at Penang Hill- ~LOVE PENANG SO MUCH~