Penang Local History

Aquired in 1786 by Captain Francis Light for the East India Company, Penang is situated on the island Pulau Pinang (Penang).The settlement was on the site of the present Esplanade, happily a swampy, malaria-infested area no longer. Light apparently used the ship's cannons to fire silver dollars into the jungle-a bonus incentive that speeded up the clearing of the thick undergrowth considerably!

Penang became a free port, attracting trade away from rival Dutch trading posts and has attracted immigrants from China, India and other areas of Asia and the colonies. Penang is now a leading port in the country and a very popular tourist destination.

Penang Attractions

Top Attractions

Penang Shopping

KOMTAR - The original shopping mall of Penang where many a bargain is to be found.

Lebuh Bishop ad Lebuh Chulia - just the place for antiques and curios.

Ialan Kapitan Keling - pick up an exquisite piece of gold jewellery here.

Penang Activities

Bukit Jambul Orchid, Hibiscus and Reptile Garden - educate the kids with a trip to this facinating tropical paradise.

Botanical Gardens - all kids love to monkey around! Let them learn firsthand from the monkeys in the Botanical Gardens. Souvenirs and bright T-shirts also on sale

Penang Parks & Gardens

Bukit Jambul Orchid, Hibiscus and Reptile Garden - get an education worth remembering with a trip to this facinating tropical paradise

Penang Restaurants and Bars

Local products of this area are dried nutmegs, betel nut, and satay fish Penang is famous for its laksa, char kuay teow, ore chien (oyster omelet) and Curry Kapitan'. Try 'laksa' at Balik Pulau or Ayer Hitam Market.Or sample delicacies such as bee hoon and prawn noodles in a Chinese coffee shop in Lebuh Chulia

Penang Restaurants

Midlands Court - Jalan Burmah, Highly recommended and well known for their Thai style chicken. Stylish and elegant, with very reasonable prices.

Kham Khee Restaurant - Gottlieb Road. A comprehensive menu with seafood, pasta and meat dishes, very popular with locals and visitors.Tables are also available for outside dining.

Rainforest Cafe - Lebuh Chulia. Family owned and managed; offers internet access along with good food.

Penang Bars & Clubs

Orange Cafe and Bar - Jalan Burmah Pulau Tikus . Catch a wakeup call with the orange and blue retro walls! Food and drinks available and dancing the night away from 11pm onwards.

Shock Egypt - Copthorne Orchid Penang Tanjung Bunga- Get with the techno beat at this popular club with live DJ competing with non stop music videos.