TRAVEL MALAYSIA: Top Tourist Destinations in Penang - Part I (Historical and Religious Sites)
Although this is mostly an off-the-beaten-track guide, we know many people are still interested in knowing what the best tourist spots are and how to find them. @tifaong and @orangila have put together a two-part guide for you to easily navigate your way around the most popular of what Penang has to offer!
Authors: @tifaong and @orangila
image source
Situated on the Straits of Malacca at the north-west of Peninsula Malaysia, Pulau Pinang (Penang in English) is known as The Pearl of Orient. It has a rich colonial history, melting pot of different ethnicities and best known for its local delicacies. It has been rated by multiple sources as one of the best places for expats to retire and rightly so because of the warm climate and tourist attractions.
Penang is hot and humid all year round. Most of the time, it can get too hot to spend time outdoors during the hottest hours of the day (noon to 4 pm). At all times, visitors are always advised to be well hydrated and dressed for the hot, tropical weather. Proper walking shoes or sports shoes are best suited. Best to carry a foldable umbrella during the rainy season.
Penang is world renowned as a tourist destination for both locals and foreigners. Where possible, visitors are advised to avoid weekends and public/school holidays.
Click here for a list of holidays in Malaysia.
Kek Lok Si
Category: Religious Sites
Brief Description: Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and houses the magnificent Goddess of Mercy statue that graces the entire temple. This temple is 113 years old and its architecture is formed of a fusion of Burmese, Thai, and Chinese.
Photo from @orangila - Taken during Chinese New Year of 2018
Photo from @orangila - Taken during Chinese New Year of 2018
Location: Air Itam
Suggested Duration: Half a day (morning till lunch time or after early lunch)
Remark: The venue is closed daily at 5 pm (midnight during Chinese New Year) and is easily accessible by public transport or car. It can get very hot and most of the surrounding buildings are not equipped with air conditioning. Some of the surroundings are outdoor so best to dress accordingly.
Waze Location: https://waze.com/ul/hw0zq9z13c
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/abeyPit8izM2
References: http://www.penang.ws/penang-attractions/kek-lok-si.htm
Dharmikarama Burmese Temple & Wat Chayamangkalaram
Category: Religious Sites
Brief Description: Dharmikarama Burmese Temple is the only Burmese temple out of Myanmar. These 2 temples stand opposite of one another on Lorong Burma (Burmese Street), Georgetown. They house many statues of Buddha and beautiful murals showing scenes of the journey of Prince Siddharta achieving Nirvana and becoming Buddha.
Address: Lorong Burma, George Town
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
Remark: Both temples are located on the same street (opposite of each other)Easily accessible by public transport or car
Waze Location: https://waze.com/ul/hw0zqfsy23
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/CHXLBQpxtUU2
Penang Peranakan Mansion
Category: History
Brief Description: This mansion was re-created to offer a glimpse of a typical rich, Baba Nyonya ethnic. It encompasses traditional architecture, customs, traditions, and antiques of the Penang Peranakan ethnic, also known as Baba Nyonya in Malay.
Address: 29 Church Street, George Town
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
Remark: Photography and videography within the mansion is prohibited.
Waze Location: https://waze.com/ul/hw0zqg664n
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/mYCZzzZv75u
References: Official website - http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (aka The Blue Mansion)
Category: History
Brief Description: Stay and dine in this exquisite historical Blue Mansion. There are daily guided mansion tours that give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the mansion and its architecture.
Photo from @orangila - Taken in 2006
Photo from @orangila - Taken in 2006
Address: 14 Lebuh Leith, George Town
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
Remark: All visitors are expected to pay and participate in the official tour, as a result, booking ahead is necessary. May not be suitable for ad hoc visits.
Waze Location: https://waze.com/ul/hw0zqg4vwh
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/GX8UX3REYG32
References: Official Website - https://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com
Khoo Kongsi
Category: History
Brief Description: One of the most distinguished Chinese clan association in Malaysia. It is well known for its large lineage that can be traced back 650 years ago, as well as its closely-knit and defensive group of buildings and a magnificent clan house.
Address: 18 Lebuh Cannon, George Town
Suggested Duration: 1 hour
Remark: Best to visit during a non-rainy day as photography of the outdoor building is popular among tourists.
Waze Location: https://waze.com/ul/hw0zqg1z0b
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/iq61CiceiR42
References: Official website - http://www.khookongsi.com.my
Chew Jetty
Category: History
Brief Description: The Chew Jetty is tourist-friendly with the most intact stilt-houses, the longest pathway, a temple that is worth stopping by and plenty of picturesque places for those camera moments. The Chew Jetty is part of the Penang Heritage Trail.
Location: Pengkalan Weld
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
Remark: Best to visit during high tides.
Waze Location: https://waze.com/ul/hw0zqg33h4
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/2Cti6o5aCcv
References: http://www.penang.ws/penang-attractions/clan-jetties.htm
This is part of a series of features about Malaysia written mainly by the Malaysian community. Expect hidden gems, local flavours, off-the-beaten-track experiences and much more. Consider this steemit's first independent guide to Malaysia!
This initiative will help the local talent (the writers) and aims to inspire and inform you about this wondrous place and hopefully tempt you to journey there! The authors of these posts will benefit from most of the SBD earned here.
Welldone!! Malaysia Boleh.
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