Penang o Pulau Pinang significa ''Isla de las palmeras de nuez de areca'', que fue un escondite de piratas. Quedó bajo control británico en 1786. Dice la historia que el capitán Francis Light tiró monedas de oro al aire y la gente comenzó a moverse para recogerlas, así limpió el área para asentarse. Antiguamente era un cruce para comerciantes de Arabia a Europa y de India a China pero hoy es un encanto natural con playas tranquilas y soleadas en la zona de Batu Ferringhi, con aldeas de pescadores en Teluk Bahang (costa de la luz reflejada), la fábrica Batik, aldeas apartadas (kampong) intercalados con campos de arroz (padi). En ruta, visite los Diseños OE. Un tour guiado por la fábrica podrá ver a artesanos trabajando en piezas de joyería de platino de 950 y oro de 18 K y diamantes con otras piedras preciosas. Los tours privados no incluyen la entrada, comida y bebidas, que correrán a cargo de cada persona.
Visit the Kek Lok Si Temple or Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas - infinitely intriguing from the start. It is one of the largest Chinese temples in Malaysia and the largest Buddhist temple in South East Asia. Among the other features is the Tortoises' Pond of longevity where devotees release the creatures to earn blessings in life and Seven Tier Pagoda that incorporates Chinese, Thai & Burmese architecture. A beautiful bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy overlooks the temple.
Next, take the funicular train up to Penang Hill, where the oldest British hill station in the region was established. A cool hill retreat from the tropical heat, it provides a panoramic view of George Town and mainland Malaysia (on a clear day).
Enter the country’s premier War Museum, located right here in Penang. It is here to tell stories covering all aspects of life in wartime. Take a trip back in time and get a first hand account of the war with the impressive exhibits, including a ‘glimpse’ into the daily lives of soldiers during WWII. This mighty military fortress was built in the 1930’s by the British to protect the island from enemies.
Later, you will get to see the Penang War Memorial which was dedicated to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the First World War. Next, you will be taken for an authentic banana leaf lunch in George Town. The banana leaf is used as it is believed that the hot rice will release the coating on the banana leaf, which aids in digestion. Remember, fold the banana leaf towards you to show your appreciation after the satisfying meal!
The Penang Botanic Gardens, or more popularly known as "Waterfall Gardens", was established by the British back in 1884 from an old granite quarry site. Set in the valley with natural landscaping surrounded by hills and greenery, it is rich in flora and fauna with fresh water flowing down the hills. Take a stroll around the garden and look out for the photogenic monkeys.
Entopia, a tropical sanctuary for our planet’s little denizens from those that fly freely in the sky to the ones that creep stealthily beneath the ground. Journey into a magical paradise that honours the unsung heroes of our natural world with plenty to discover from outdoor adventures to cavernous mysteries and a multi-storey Indoor Discovery Centre. Live the moment with exciting interactive workshops and activities.
The Baba Nyonya Museum is also known as the Chung Keng Kooi Mansion. This was formally a private home belonging to a Chinese Kapitan who was the head of the Hai San secret society. Be amazed at how well this house has been restored. The antique furniture and woodwork is simply awesome. The Protestant Cemetery on the landward side of The Mansion deserves to be explored at leisure. Shaded by frangipani trees, it is the final resting place of Penang's European pioneers such a Francis Light and several early Governors. Penang's latest offering - ''The Chocolate Boutique'' brings you more than 80 different types of high quality chocolate from Beryl's. The mansion is divided into various chocolate rooms with different themes including Tiramasu, Fruits, Health, Sweetheart, Coffee, Panned Chocolate and Malaysia Collection. Stop at the Botanical Gardens for a stroll. The Botanical Gardens which is also known as the Waterfall Gardens was set up by the British in 1884. See native and hybrid orchids, cactus plant collection, varied collection of ferns, bamboo plants flowering trees and shrubs. The host, the long tail macaque adds some excitement to the visit.
Viaja al corazón de la auténtica Malasia en esta fascinante ruta de un día en la que visitarás un fuerte, un centro de recogida de aceite de palma, una factoría de carbón vegetal, un pueblo pesquero y la ciudad de Taiping, con su rica arquitectura de la época colonial. También está incluida la comida en un restaurante tradicional.
Disfruta de un relajante viaje en ferry para cruzar el Estrecho de Penang hasta Butterworth, en el continente, que es la puerta de entrada al oeste de Malasia. Para en el Fuerte de Ngah Ibrahim, en el que vivió uno de los primeros y principales líderes de la resistencia contra el colonialismo británico. Luego visitarás un centro de recogida de aceite de palma: conocerás de cerca la importancia de esta materia prima que se utiliza para hacer jabones, productos de limpieza, cosméticos o lubricantes.
Después te espera la ciudad costera de Kuala Sepetang, donde se construyó la primera línea de ferrocarril de Malasia. Ahora es la sede de una fábrica de carbón vegetal, donde se transforma en carbón de alta calidad la madera de los manglares. La siguiente parada es un pintoresco pueblo de pescadores chinos, donde se limpia el pescado, se pone en salazón y se deja secar al sol durante varios días. El resultado es un pescado seco, sin humedad, que se puede conservar durante meses.
En Taiping, que significa 'paz' en chino, recorrerás las amplias avenidas de grandes árboles con frondosas sombras. Visita los Jardines del Lago y el cementerio de los soldados de la Commonwealth que murieron durante la II Guerra Mundial. Después de este emocionante momento, es hora de almorzar, antes de visitar el Museo de Taiping y regresar cruzando el largo puente de Penang, con sus 13,5 km de longitud.
Langkawi Island was given World Geopark status by UNESCO on 01 June 2007. Upon arrival after a 2.5 hours ferry ride from Penang Island, proceed to Eagle Square which is Langkawi’s most prominent landmark. This is followed by the highlight of the tour, exploring the Mangrove by boat! Boat ride starts from The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, where its magnificent landscape consists of nearly vertical to sub-rounded limestone hills with pinnacles of various shapes and sizes.
The most dominant geological feature is the primary dark-grey limestone of the Setul Formation. The boat ride continues on into the wetlands, exploring the luscious, exotic mangrove forest, rugged limestone cliffs and its capabilities to accommodate life and ecological functions. Other highlights include eagle feeding, caves exploring, viewing of limestone formation, visit and lunch at a fish farm.
The boat ride ends at the phenomenally white sandy beach of Tanjung Rhu, where you can see a number of islands within the Thai border area on a clear day. Next, proceed for a photo stop at Oriental Village and Perdana Quay. Enjoy some duty free shopping at Kuah Town before you depart back to Penang. Note: Remember to bring towel, sun block, sun glasses and sandals.
Pulau Payar (Payar Island) has been gazetted as a Marine Park to protect this wonderful location. It is an underwater haven for your diving and snorkelling pleasure and ideal for underwater activities in this region. Take the scheduled ferry from Penang to Pulau Payar, West Malaysia’s only Marine Park and discover the beautiful marine life and corals. Enjoy activities like snorkelling, coral viewing and scuba diving. Feast your eyes on a varied collection of aquatic creatures, colourful fishes and exotic corals.
For the certified diving enthusiast, diving gear are available for hire.
Enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch served on the platform, amidst tropical tranquillity.
Penang or “Pulau Pinang” which means "Island of Betelnut Palms" - was once a pirates' hideout. It came under British control in 1786. History has it that Captain Francis Light loaded the cannons with silver coins and fired into the thick undergrowth and the locals scrambled to recover them - thus clearing the area for settlement. Born as a crossroads for traders from Arab to Europe, India to China and nearby islanders, Penang is today a mini Asia in a nutshell! The island still retains its natural charm with quiet sunkissed beaches along the famed Batu Ferringhi strip.
Visit a Batik Factory (a local cottage industry) - a stop to learn about the traditional art of fabric making by using wax and dyes. Then drive through the hills where one will enjoy the lush greenery of tropical rainforest dotted with fruit orchards and spices. Stop at a street stall to be introduced to the many varieties of fruits and spices produced by the local farmers. Drive to the valley where clusters of traditional Malay villages and paddy fields where one can feel the tranquility.
Head to the centuries old Snake Temple or the Temple of Azure Cloud and discover the pit viper snakes. End your tour with a visit to a local product shop where you can try out varieties of the popular Penang white coffee.
George Town, the capital of Penang and named after King George III of England, is an interesting blend of old and new. It is worth to note that Penang has one of the largest collections of British colonial buildings in Southeast Asia.
Visit one of the world’s largest Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Chayamangkalaram, followed by the Dharmikarama Burmese Temple to see the famous and beautiful Golden Reclining Buddha statue - be amazed by the intricate details of both temples’ structure.
Next stop at the Colonial Penang Museum and take a step back into Penang's colonial past as you get a glimpse of the lifestyle of both the British Administrators and wealthy merchants of Penang. On the way to the Chocolate Boutique where you will be able to buy Penang’s famous local products. Photo stop at the historic Fort Cornwallis that was built in 1808, the fort also marks the spot where Sir Francis Light first landed on this island. Pass by the Clock Tower to get to the Clan Jetties at the waterfront, it is a village built on stilts over the sea and populated by members of the same clan. Walk on the wooden platfrom, on a clear day you will be able to get a wonderful view of Penang Bridge.
Take a slow drive along the Street of Harmony, which is bordered by religious landmarks such as Kapitan Keling Mosque (the first Indian-Muslim mosque in Penang) with its domes and minarets; the Sri Mahamariaman Temple devoted to a popular Hindu Goddess; Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) Temple, built in 1800; St. George's Church, oldest Anglican Church (1818) in the Region.
Watch the city of George Town come alive at night with the city lights and street peddlers. The phrase ”we live to eat” cannot be more profound than when applied to Penang. Having a rich mix of many races living in Malaysia, we are blessed with a variety of exotic foods. Join us and we will show you why Penang is known as a gourmet’s paradise. Sample some of Penang's best street food, dining alfresco style.
After dinner, hop on a trishaw for a slow ride through the colourful streets of George Town, passing by some of the beautiful heritage buldings. This “three wheel rickshaw”, unique to this part of the world is locally known as the “King of the Road”. Next, visit a popular local night market. The night market moves to a different location every night, so you will be in for a surprise! You will be able to pick-up some bargains here and sample more local food.
Highlights:
• Local hawker delights - taste a variety of local dishes in open air cafes (dinner on own expense)
• Trishaw ride - A 3-wheeled pedicab that used to be a popular mode of transportation for the locals.
• Local night market.
Trishaw, a three wheeler light local transport, is the best way to see and explore the city of George Town at a much slower pace, with full view of the sights as it moves along. Wind through the narrow streets where famous heritage landmarks of Penang are found.
Start from Fort Cornwallis, passing by the Clock Tower and then proceed to the waterfront jetties. From there go through the bustling Little India, the commercial & banking area, the St. George’s church, old Chinese Temples and narrow streets dotted with boutique hotels and cafes. The ride will end at The Blue Mansion.
George Town, listed by UNESCO as a world heritage city with its diversified arts & cultures, it is definitely a place not to miss! Visit to the world renowned Pinang Peranakan Mansion. The Baba & Nyonyas (the Peranakans) was a prominent community of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world, the mansion houses over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectible items of the era on display.
Then take a short walk to the colourful ethnic Indian enclave, Little India where wide range of items are sold. Then visit the oldest Hindu Temple in Penang.
Continue to Chinese clan houses where ornate rooftops with intricate carving of dragon pillars are found. Walk along Armenian Street to view the famous street arts and see the Kapitan Kling Mosque nearby.
Situated within the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort about 80km away from Penang Island, the Orang Utan Island is a research institution dedicated to the preservation and research of orangutans.
Take a short ferry ride to reach the island. The island was developed to resemble the orangutan’s natural habitat as closely as possible, its vegetation similar to the rainforests in Sumatra and Borneo. For a more hands on approach, visitors are able to educate themselves by observing the orangutans firsthand at the conservation center, as they walk through a 100m steel caged tunnel that traverses the conservation site.
Continue on to the Matang Mangrove Forest, the 40,000-hectare mangrove forest is recognized as the best managed sustainable mangrove ecosystem in the world. Stroll on the wooden boardwalk to get a closer look at the mangrove trees, watch out also for coastal birds, colorful crabs, mud skippers or other animals that live in the muddy coastal floor of the mangrove ecosystem.
Visit the charcoal processing sites with their unique and traditional method of charcoal making.
Enjoy a day of unlimited fun at the Lost World of Tambun, located about 160km away from Penang Island. The theme park consists of the Water Park, Amusement Park, Tiger Valley, Lost World Petting Zoo, Lost World Hot Spring & Spa and Tin Valley.
Water Park – Within the dense heat of this ancient rainforest lies the wonderful water park where you can cool off with endless wet and wild fun!
Amusement Park - If you prefer to be on dry land, head off to the amusement park! But remember, you may be dry but you may not always be on land. Come soar and fly. Get that speedy rush on the thrilling rides.
Tiger Valley - Get up close and personal with the park’s very own Siberian Tigers. Be amazed by their agility and strength and be awed by the brave tiger rangers! You may have a chance to see tiger feeding too.
Lost World Petting Zoo - the petting zoo is a haven for 4,000 animals from 55 species.
Lost World Hot Springs & Spa - Is the place to rest, relax and rejuvenate. Just immerse yourself in the natural mineral hot springs. The concentrated minerals in the hot springs will refresh you after a long day of exhausting fun.