Penang derives its name from the word Penang or the beatle nut tree once commonly found in the Islands. An exotic blend of the East and West, some of Penang's mysteries have their own old oriental mystic charm. The snake temple, according to the local folklore dedicated to a Buddhist healer priest, was inhabited by snakes that crawled out of the jungle on the night of the temple's completion. The snakes are still there today.
Georgetown, the capital of Penang is one of the oldest British  straits settlement. Here in this historic city the British ships refuelled and it became the centre for the spice trade as well as tea and cotton from India and China.
Penang has one of Malaysia’s best food and residents take pride in stating this fact. The visitors are likely to be escorted to a multitude of open air-stalls along Gurney Drive where Nejonya food, a Chinese and Malay culinary blend is at its best.
Penang’s  maze of narrow streets where not much has changed since the days of the East India Company, offer an insight into the past. This is the place to ‘get lost’ amongst joss stick shops, fresh noodle makers and other old crafts.
In the heart of the town one can relax and take a trishaw to discover the joys of the city. Walking through the Georgetown one can see and experience an eclectic blend of colonial, Moorish, Indian and Chinese architecture.
The island is linked to the mainland by Penang Bridge, which at 13:5Km is the largest bridge in Asia. However, if the old world charm still attracts a tourist then there is a ferry service which still plies the over the waterway 24 hours a day.
China Town with its great shopping experience is a magnetic attraction within the city of Georgetown. It comes alive during festivals and there are umpteen shops with bargain offers and one can be surprised with the available variety and prices. This place consists of several Hindu, Chinese temples and Mosques. A trishaw ride is great fun; Jalan Penang and Jolan Campbell are the shopping areas with air-conditions shops.

This ancient British Fort was built in 1786. Originally a mere wooden stockade, it was replaced by concrete structure built in 1804. Today, an open air amphitheatre, a historic gallery, café, as well as a handicraft and souvenirs centre occupies the interiors.
 The fort also houses the Dutch Canon presented to the Sultan of Johor by the Dutch which was brought to Penang after being looted by the Portuguese.

Kek Lok Si is reputedly the largest Buddhist temple complex in South East Asia. The temple is also widely known for the beauty of its design, which incorporates elements of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture. Kek Lak Si is dominated by seven tiered pagoda of Ban-Po-Thar,  which is dedicated to the Boddisattva Tsi  Tsuang Wang, who declined to enter Nirvana after enlightenment in order that he might help others.

This offers a panoramic view of the city. Situated at 830 metres above sea level Penang Hill (Flag Hill) or Bukit Bindra provides a panoramic view of the Island from its peak. As dusk approaches lights twinkle at Georgetown and with the cool air breathing the face, the life’s small pleasures comfort the visitor in true abundance. The view here is breathtaking.
The cable cars also transport visitors to the hill top as they make a slow ascent to the top the lush green view of gardens and bungalows on way, add a touch of beauty to this pleasant journey of 30 minutes. The first train leaves Air Itam at 6:30 am and every subsequent hour there is a train available. The small Bellevue Hotel has a nice garden with an Aviary, a good restaurant and the best views of the Islands. There are quaint trails on which a visitors can go for long walks.

Spread in an area of 30 hectares the lush green Penang Botanical Garden is a quarter of mile away from the Penang hill. The place is endowed with beautiful  gardens and tropical forests plants. The sound of waterfalls gushing down the hills and the chirping of birds along with the chatter of monkey’s enhance the experience of such a close tryst with nature.
The garden  offers peace and tranquility through  its surroundings while letting the visitors enjoy the vibrant colours of Penang’s flora. Admission is free and the park opens at 7:00 a.m. and remains open till 7:00 pm.

The extensive coast line of Malaysia offers the visitors a great opportunity to enjoy urban comforts while enjoying a day out in some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Penang has its own share of beach front, and some of the famous ones are Tanjung Bumgah, Battu Fersinghi and Teluk Bahang. These areas are highly popular with tourists and there are several sea front hotels. Pair Panjang Beach at Southern Western tip is yet another area with extremely good facilities. On way to the beaches of Teluk Bahang  one can see clove, nutmeg and durian plantations, while citing traditional Malay homes.

The visitors to Penang National Park can experience a walk across some excellent trails amidst  natural country ride. To reach the park, visitors can opt for a 30 minutes boat ride from Telik or take a jungle trek of about 90 minutes from Teluk Bahang. Pantai Kerachut  here, is a white sand beach where the green turtles come to meet from April to August and while the olive Ridley Turtles come in during September to February.