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MALAYSIA HOLIDAY, TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION GUIDE
PENANG ISLAND HOTELS & BEACH RESORTS

Beach Sunset at Batu Ferringhi (Foreigner's Rock), Penang, Malaysia
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Penang Featured Hotels

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Penang Featured Hotels

The island of Penang in Malaysia is dubbed as the "Pearl of the Orient" and considered as one of Asia's most famous travel destination to date. This is not quite hard to imagine since Penang has grown into a beautiful city with modern architecture and yet still manages to preserve its historical value overtime, offering the best of worlds in one small area.
Captain Francis Light christened the island Penang or Pulau Pinang which means the "island of the Betelnut". This name is most likely derived from the fact that betel nut palms are commonly found within the island. Penang's population greatly reflects its diversity. You can find different races in this island coexisting quite peacefully with each other such as the Chinese, Malays, Indians and others.

RELIGION

Religion in this side of world is freely expressed and respected. The official religion in Penang is Islam but you can find temples and other religious grounds from different faiths such as Buddhist and Hindu temples.

Chinatown Street, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
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ANNUAL FESTIVALS

Penang is a fairly busy island, always bustling with annual festivities of different cultures. If you are visiting the island of Penang, it is not uncommon to chance upon at least one festival taking place during your stay. Some of the highlights are Chinese New Year held every late January or early February which signifies the beginning of Chinese Lunar year and Christmas Day celebrated by Christians every month of December.
Detail of Window Shutter and Wall, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
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Other occasions held in Penang, Malaysia annually are: The Birthday of the Goddess of Mercy, Wesak Day or the birthday of Lord Buddha, Hari Raya Puasa which marks the end of Ramadan, Saint Anne's Feast, Hari Raya Haji, Festival of Nine Emperor Gods, Malaysia's National Day, and Deepavali in commemoration of the slaying of evil king by Lord Krishna.

CUISINE

Penang travel can never be completed without sampling its fine delicacy and cuisine greatly influenced by Malays, Chinese and Indians. There is definitely no room for picky eaters here since there is always something for everybody and food is really great, tourists usually come back for more.

 The most famous dish is the Penang Laksa, a tamarind-based fish soup filled with noodles. Penang Laksa is a very delicious and filling treat. Tourist can either choose to buy their food from "hawkers" of roadside stalls or get them at regular sit-in restaurants which nicely dotted the area. Gurney Drive is the famous food street where you will find hawker's stalls lined up and selling best of Penang Food.

Some of Penang's local favorites are:

- Satay or Malaysian style kebab.
- Apom, an Indian paper-thin pancake.
- Apong, Nyonya's folded pancake.
- Beef ball noodles
- Char Koay Teow, stir-fried rice noodles.
- Chicken rice, a complete meal of Hainanese rice cooked in chicken stock served with roasted or steamed chicken.
- Fried oysters for seafood lovers!
- Mee Goreng, an Indian fried noodle.
- Mee Suah Tau or vermicelli soup with flaked crab meat.

High Angle View of Buildings in the Old Part of Penang, Georgetown, Malaysia
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This is just some of the suggested food fare in Penang since this town is known for its excellent cuisine and their food list is virtually endless.

SHOPPING

Shopping is never a problem in Penang. Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak is the biggest, most famous shopping complex in the area. It is the tallest building in Penang and placed sixth in Malaysia. KOMTAR Tower is by far, the most ambitious urban renewal project of the city of Penang. Famous retail shops and shopping outlets are found in this one, massive building, a real one-stop-shop for shopping tourists.
Middle Eastern Couple and Child Stroll Along the Beach at Penang
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BEACHES

Penang beaches stretch from Tanjung Bungah to Telok Bahang for miles and miles. The most popular beach front is the Batu Ferringhi which is quite busy during peak seasons. Other beaches that you can find in Penang are: Tanjung Bungah, Muka Head, Pantai Keracut, Pantai Acheh, Monkey Beach and Gertak Sanggul, all of which are beautiful sandy beaches where you can relax and have fun under the sun.

GEORGETOWN HERITAGE SITE

Georgetown is the capital of Penang Island and was declared by UNESCO in 2008 as a world heritage site. 


Georgetown has extensive list of sights to see, some of its famous tourist attractions are Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Leith Street, built in 1890. Fort Cornwallis in Light Street was built in 1793 and visit Penang Islamic Museum by Armenian Street. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion can be found around Church Street and also check out Queen Victoria Clock Tower which commemorates Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Penang is also the home of the largest bridge in Malaysia and one of the largest in the world, the Penang Bridge. Don't forget to experience Penang Hill as well, a favorite spot among tourists which can be accessed through railway or by foot.

Your visit to Penang will be richly awarded by different cultures and traditions that one can only experience in Penang, Malaysia. If you need to get away from it all, Penang is the site for you since it offers places to explore on-foot and beautiful beaches to swim on. Cultural heritage permeates the air of Penang, right from the sight, sound and smell.

Your visit will not allow you to go home empty-handed considering best shopping outlets for electronics, clothing and other products made from South-East Asia. Cultural diversity is also reflected with food choices available in this side of town. Penang truly feeds the mind and soul. With both modern and historical worth, it is safe to say that there's always something for everybody here in Penang.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
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Penang Featured Hotels

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About the Author: Nowal has been a freelance travel writer and photographer for almost 10 years now. His expertise lies in Asia Travel Guides. His recent travel guide about Penang provides travel & tourism information about the beautiful island of Penang in Malaysia. Find out more about Penang Travel Guide at: http://penangmalaysiatravel.com/

FEATURED HOTELS IN PENANG, MALAYSIA

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Bayview Beach Resort Penang
Bayview Beach Resort is a perfect retreat for holidaymakers, conference and business travellers.  Bayview Beach Resort is located along the northern coast of Penang Island and overlooking picturesque Batu Ferringhi Bay. The historic Batu Ferringhi or Foreigner's Rock is only a leisurely walk away along the tranquil beach and can be clearly sighted from many of the hotel's rooms. The sun-drenched beaches and swaying palm trees of the award-winning landscaped gardens are just 18 kilometres away from Georgetown.  Bayview Beach Resort offers a wide variety of dining experiences ranging from local delights to the culinary secrets of Chinese cuisine, exciting flavours of Euro-Oriental creations and great international cuisine.
Cititel Penang
The hotel is strategically located within Upper Penang Road, in the heart of commercial, financial, heritage sites, charming shops, and bustling night entertainment in George Town. Within walking distance are several favourite eateries, al fresco cafes and hip bars and Penang's Heritage Trails for exploration of the many UNESCO listed sites.  The 24-hour Main Street Café offers the perfect ambience for business lunches, hi-tea, family gatherings and even corporate events. Offering a varied menu selection featuring 'Chef's Signature Dishes', international selections, local favourites, vegetarian delights, pastas, desserts and buffet spread over the weekends, Set up with the Internet Kiosk for 24-hour access, patrons are accorded complimentary usage when dining here.
G Hotel Penang
Chic and stylish, Penang's latest gem is the G Hotel, which is a new urban icon along Penang's bustling Gurney Drive. With its stunning interiors and contemporary design, the G Hotel offers accommodation with style and substance. The hotel is also an epitome of modernity, with a bold and innovative approach. "The 'genesis' in 'G' is inspired by its location while the emblematic design of our logo reflects the quirkiness and welcoming nature of our living space," according to G Hotel Consultant Billy Theodas. The G Hotel is indeed an urban oasis for discerning business and leisure travellers, allowing them to indulge in every imaginable comfort while enjoying impeccable service and sophisticated facilities.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Hard Rock Hotel Penang (Google Map) is a luxury resort situated along the famous beaches of Batu Ferringhi. Located in the Pearl of Orient, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is iconic, bringing the multicultural Penang to new heights with its authentic Hard Rock experience. This hip and trendy resort in Penang is suitable for families, couples and singles for their relaxing accommodation in Penang. With Wi-Fi connections, iPod docking stations and 32-inch LCD screen TVs, you can stay connected with your loved ones and be entertained 24 hours. For wine and dine in Penang, Hard Rock is synonymous with music, good fun and entertainment …… and Hard Rock Hotel Penang offers a plethora of options to entertain all and to have fun!
Hotel Equatorial Penang
Set majestically 150 metres above sea level, Hotel Equatorial is the island's only golf and convention resort - strategically and peacefully tucked away on a hillock.  It is just 7 minutes to the Penang International Airport and a mere distance to the Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone.  The UNESCO Heritage Site listed George Town is only 20 minutes from the hotel. Penang island is famed for its eclectic cuisine and the hotel is no different with its variety of dining outlets.  The hotel houses 5 innovative options ranging from classic French cuisine at The View to authentic Japanese fare at Kampachi. Other hotel facilities include a fully equipped fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, a business centre
Paradise Sandy Beach Resort Penang
Offering warm welcome and comfortable accommodation, this modern style property is an ideal place for a pleasant as well as a relaxing stay.  Situated in Tanjung Bungah along the beachfront, Paradise Sandy Beach Hotel is 10 kilometres from the city centre and 11 kilometres from the Butterworth Train Station, while the airport is 25 kilometres away. All the units feature a balcony and a well-maintained kitchenette. Guests can dine at the onsite restaurant that serves delectable international cuisine. After a tiring day, unwind at the cosy bar with a glass of fine drink.  During leisure, guests can workout in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, have a bracing dip in the swimming pool or indulge in the game of tennis.
Parkroyal Penang
Located along the beautiful shorelines of Penang, this laidback Batu Ferringhi hotel is ideal for unforgettable honeymoons, fun family getaways and corporate workshops.  Explore Penang’s top attractions that are in close proximity to the hotel – be delighted by the amazing beauty of the Butterfly Farm, be inspired by what you can do with the endless variety of spices at the Tropical Spice Garden and give your taste buds a treat at the tropical fruit farms. Within Parkroyal Penang Resort, you can relax with contemporary facilities and services like the St. Gregory Spa, a fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool and Koko-nut Kids Club. You’ll leave with nothing but happy memories at this serene Penang hotel.
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