Penang's sprawling main centre, Georgetown, boasts impressive colonial architecture, temples, lively Chinese culture, great shopping and even better food. Steeped in history, with an appealing old-fashioned character that's fast disappearing, it attracts most of the island's tourists.

A circuit of Penang will take you through a landscape of jungle, farmland and fishing villages. The north coast beaches are easily accessible and the new national park is on the northwest headland. Don't miss charming Penang Hill or the Kek Lok Si Temple - the largest Buddhist shrine in the country.

Penang may be the most famous island in Malaysia. Priceless architecture centres mainly in George Town, the capital of The Pearl of the Orient. Its endless rows of 100 year-old shophouses and colonial villas give Georgetown its distinctive atmosphere. Penang was venue to several blockbuster movies, such as “Anna and the King” (the Jodie Foster version), and the French film “Indochine” (in which Catherine Deneuve starred). A glimpse of George Town and one will understand how this unique capital seduced the many film directors as well as tourists.

The best way to capture Penang’s mix heritage is to stroll around town. Be charmed by aged buildings with their faded colours and crumbling walls. Let your eyes be affixed on the slowly changing architectural details of yesteryear houses with their columns or multi-coloured Peranakan tiles. There is a sense of being back in time surrounded by worship houses and shelters. A peaceful atmosphere rests on the streets where Aceh Mosque resides, the oldest house of worship in the city. The smell of incense drifts in the air amidst gold settings of Burmese, Thai and Chinese temples. The magnificent Khoo Kongsi is a true form of Chinese art with its delicately carved wooden panels. Other old-time occupants include Chinese shopkeepers who seem to have lived here forever, colourful Indian food stalls and rickshaws and their drivers. The George Town of yesterday continues to create history today.

Fast Facts

• Time Zones : GMT/UTC +8 
• Currency : Malaysian Ringgit
• Languages Spoken : Malay
• Country Dialing Code : +60