Penang Tourism & Travel Guide - Know Before you Go!

Penang Overview

Where do you go if you want to experience a little bit of everything—right from idyllic beaches to a butterfly farm, a UNESCO heritage city and a booming industrial zone? That’s right; it’s got to be Penang, Malaysia. One of Malaysia’s largest and most prosperous states, Penang is essentially constituted of Penang Island (nestled in the Straits of Malacca) and Seberang Perai (part of mainland Malaysia). Penang’s capital, Georgetown, is one of those cities that seems to live and breathe history. Quaint shop houses, stunning churches and mosques, cobbled streets and an aura of time standing still—No wonder Georgetown was declared a world heritage city by UNESCO in 2008. For the traveller on generous budget and a relaxation agenda, Batu Ferringhi (situated on the Northern Coast of Penang Island) is a preferred destination. Home to several high-end resorts (with private beaches, of course) it’s all about the good life! Tanjung Bagah is a former fishing village that has now metamorphosed into a tourist hub, while managing to retain some of its rustic charm. Balik Palau is a small Malay town, the gateway to exploring rural life in Penang. And if all this fails to interest you (difficult to please, are we?) head to Bayan Lepas and check out Malaysia’s booming Silicon Valley.

Currency

The official currency of Malaysia is Ringgit (MYR). 1 MYR = 17.44 INR approximately (For latest rates, check www.xe.com)

Local Language

Malay is the indigenous official language of Malaysia. English is also widely spoken, especially in educational instituitions and the service industries. The Chinese languages of Mandarin and Cantonese are common in Pensinsular Malaysia