PENANG
	The very definition of diversity, demonstrating Malaysian culture at its best: a bustling melting pot of modernity and history, of colonial, Chinese, Indian and Malay influences on a sun-drenched tropical island.
	It is located at the northwest of Malaysia. Penang is a bit different from Langkawi as it is mostly famous for its culture, food, its architecture and all its exotic heritage under British influence. Commonly called “The Pearl of the Orient”, Penang Island will guarantee you an authentic plunge into Southeast Asia. Penang Island is a lively melting pot, mixing Chinese community (in majority), Indians, and Malay. Thanks to its world famous food, such as Char Kuey Teow and Nasi Kandar, Penang has earned the title of “Food Capital” of Malaysia. Penang Holiday Packages Penang Hotels & Resorts
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	Penang Highlights Here are some of the best features of the island of Penang: Georgetown George Town was proclaimed an UNESCO  World Heritage Site on 7Th July 2008. Its mixture of tropical , colonial and Asian architecture is the best preserved example today , of what was then known as the "Straits Settlements" , which also included Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Singapore. Lose yourself in the many meandering streets, by foot or by trishaw. Have a lassi in Little India, breathing in the scents from the spice shops, while immersing yourself with the myriad of colors that flood your visual field. Then wander around Chinatown (Everything in walking distance), visiting Chinese temples and shophouses. There are few other places in the World where you can experience so many diverse living cultures, tangible heritage & ethnic cuisines within such a small , compact and walkable area. For example, Go to the local market and have all the foods, spices and local delicacies explained to you, learn how to use and then make wonderful dishes when you go back home. Explore the different faiths and how they interacted with each other to make George Town the place it is today. See artisans working in various trades that have been handed down from Father to Son for many generations. Find out the history of the buildings, how they were built and what they were or are still used for. George Town is alive...Let Discover-Malaysia enable you to have the very best  holiday experience. Attractions within the Core Heritage Zone include: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Kapitan Keling Mosque Fort Cornwallis Acheen Street Mosque Queen Victoria Clock Tower Clan Jetties St George's Anglican Church Teochew Ancestral Temple City Hall Many other Chinese Temples, Mosques, Churches, and Hindu Temples. With so much to see and do, you may feel overwhelmed, so let us at Discover Malaysia prebook a very knowledgeable local guide and historian to walk you round this unique part of Penang Island.Walking tours can be tailor made to suit the interests of you and your party. Batu Ferringhi This is the main tourist beach area of Penang Island. There is an excellent selection of mainly 4-5 Star beach resort Hotels to be found here. While the beaches can be seriously crowded at times (especially during public holidays)the mass of waters sports (jet skiing, kite surfing, parasailing, etc.) available and also massage/foot reflexology on the beach make up for this. This is also home to the tourist “Pasar Malam" or night market where trinkets and gifts can be bought, please remember to bargain. Many varieties of local and international food can be found catering to all budgets from local hawker stall food to fine dining restaurants.
	Teluk Bahang and Penang National Park Teluk Bahang is a small local fishing village situated at one end of Penang Island and is where the main entrance to the Penang National Park is situated. This discreet nature reserve straddles 1,266 hectares of coastal hill mangroves, beaches, and rocky shores. In Peninsular Malaysia, it ranks second in size to Taman Negara. Although some parts were logged until the early 1970's, the forest remains largely intact. Taman Negara Pulau Pinang sends out a strong message about sustainable development. Just as Muka Head's antique lighthouse still guides ships safely to port, Taman Negara Pulau Pinang shines like a beacon of hope for preserving our natural heritage.   As a metropolitan national park, it has potential for world heritage listing. Many species of flora and fauna - including rare and endangered ones - thrive here, barely 45 minutes from the city centre. Well-planned access and infrastructure will strengthen the park's potential for eco-tourism. There are no roads - only trails, boardwalks, and walkways that will lead you to isolated beaches, canopy walk, waterfall etc. It is possible to walk to the beaches and take a boat back. Let Discover-Malaysia organize a prebooked tour to have local food prepared for you and your party while they relax, swim and explore the beauty and nature of the natural surroundings. Penang Hills (Bukit Bendera) This is a well known attraction in Penang, for both tourists and locals. If you want to escape from Georgetown’s restlessness, Bukit Bendera is the place to go. There are two alternatives to climb the hill: either in jungle trekking style or people can use the red Swiss funicular train (currently closed for upgrade). Once in the jungle, you will appreciate the fauna and flora such as wild boars and squirrels, and a lot of birds. Not many people know about the Canopy Walk, a path on a bridge suspended on top of trees and 150m in length. From here get your camera ready as you will enjoy a beautiful view of Georgetown and the mainland. Places of Worship With all the religions coexisting together in peace on Penang Island, it is no surprise to walk and see the numerous churches, temples and mosques in the streets. Here are some of the most renowned ones: Kek Lok Si Temple (“Temple of Supreme Bliss”) It is the largest Buddhist temple of Southeast Asia, and located in Air Itam, a suburb in Georgetown. The best period to visit is during Chinese New Year, when the temple is illuminated with thousands of lanterns. Built in 1890, Kek Lok Si is famous for its 10 000 Buddhas pagoda and its statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, which was completed in 2002. Kapitan Keling Mosque This mosque is the largest historic mosque in Georgetown. You will admire the beautiful Indian Muslim architecture. Maha Mariamman Temple It is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang, located in Lebuh Pitt. St Anne church Started by French missionaries, it is located in a town named Bukit Mertajam.