Why Penang?

Penang may be the mouth to many tourists worldwide, but still many hindered this fantastic island resort due to the fact that they do not know much about this island, or with the excuse that it's too remote.

So why Penang as a tourism destination?
It's the same question to the Penangites itself - Why New York or London? the destination is a long flight, but why all the trouble there? So, I'll use this opportunity to speak on behalf of Penangites, the reason New Yorkers or Londoners should come and visit Penang, same like we do to such cities.

Penang is an island that combines the greatness Heritage, Culture, Food, Leisure and Nature. Georgetown, the state capital of Penang is a combination of all those elements. Whilst visiting the sites of the UNESCO Heritage Areas such as the streets of Georgetown and areas near Weld Quay / jetty, experience the culture of the especially famous Straits State's Peranakan and Penang's famous Tamil Muslims. Try the famous dishes by these 2 unique cultures: Peranakan with the famous Penang Asam Laksa and Tamil Muslims with the famous Penang Nasi Kandar!
Take a break and head away from Georgetown to areas like Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah or Teluk Bahang to enjoy the sea and the sun, or enjoy nature at the Penang National Park in Teluk Bahang, Penang Botanical Gardens or the hills of Air Itam.

Transportation is not too bad in the state, despite the fact that buses are not too frequent, taxi fares are quite dear and driving is a headache in Penang by itself. Rapid Penang itself is a fantastic way to travel, and tickets may be as low as RM1.00 to about RM3.00 for a long distance. If you're not in a hurry, why not take the trishaw ride around the city of Georgetown... you'll experience a whole new world as cars zooming pass you, yet your world is a leisure ride.

Malay Language is the official language of Malaysia, and English is widely comprehensive by especially urban dwellers, but the strange thing is that the lingua franca for this state is Penang Hokkien! Even the Malays and the Indians know a bit of the common Penang Hokkien phrases like "Tang Che" (from the Hokkien sentence "Tan Chi Eh", pronounced 'Tongue Chee Air', which means Wait For A Moment) or "Ta Pau", pronounced 'Tar Pow', which means Take-Away.

There are some well-preserved secrets to this state, such as the Jewish Cemetery, the Russian Grave (Zemschug Grave Marker), Sam Poh Footprint Temple, St Joseph's Novitiate and the powerfully religious St Anne's Church.