Penang Island
INTRODUCTION
Penang Island was founded in 1786 by a multilingual maverick, Captain Francis Light of the British colonial firm, the East India Company. The Sir Francis Drake of his day, Captain Light envisaged his new town as a harbor for China-bound ships in pursuit of tea and opium.
Under Captain Light, Penang was given duty-free status and new arrivals were allowed to claim as much land as they could clear. According to one story, he ended up bombarding it with silver dollars from cannons, in the hope that Malays would clear the forest to retrieve them.
Penang, also known as the pearl of the orient, is one of the most touristic locations of Malaysia. The island (285 square meters) is situated on the northwest side of the Peninsular Malaysia. There are loads of activities and sights on the island. Hanging around on the beach is also considered a fine option. About 700.000 people inhabit Penang Island, of which 59% are Chinese, 32% are Malay and 7% are Indian (2% are of other origin). The state of Penang has a population of 1,5 million (of which 43% are Malay and 41% Chinese). Penang has an eventful history; the diversity of the inhabitants clearly indicates this. Penang is especially known as the best place to enjoy wonderful local dishes; it is seen as the food capital of Malaysia. There are many hotels and resorts on the island, most are located in and around the city of Georgetown and around the towns Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah.
Main Attractions in Penang Island
Georgetown
The 115-square mile (300-square-kilometer) island has plenty to see, more than Malaysia' capital Kuala Lumpur, even. Much of the action happens at the island’s colonial capital, Georgetown.
Georgetown's grid makes it easy to navigate the streets that teem with the bazaars and bucket seat restaurants that underpin the city’s gourmet reputation. The diverse menu runs from limejuice spiked with sour plum to duck-meat noodle soup. One is tempted to hang
Penang Island was founded in 1786 by a multilingual maverick, Captain Francis Light of the British colonial firm, the East India Company. The Sir Francis Drake of his day, Captain Light envisaged his new town as a harbor for China-bound ships in pursuit of tea and opium.
Under Captain Light, Penang was given duty-free status and new arrivals were allowed to claim as much land as they could clear. According to one story, he ended up bombarding it with silver dollars from cannons, in the hope that Malays would clear the forest to retrieve them.
Penang, also known as the pearl of the orient, is one of the most touristic locations of Malaysia. The island (285 square meters) is situated on the northwest side of the Peninsular Malaysia. There are loads of activities and sights on the island. Hanging around on the beach is also considered a fine option. About 700.000 people inhabit Penang Island, of which 59% are Chinese, 32% are Malay and 7% are Indian (2% are of other origin). The state of Penang has a population of 1,5 million (of which 43% are Malay and 41% Chinese). Penang has an eventful history; the diversity of the inhabitants clearly indicates this. Penang is especially known as the best place to enjoy wonderful local dishes; it is seen as the food capital of Malaysia. There are many hotels and resorts on the island, most are located in and around the city of Georgetown and around the towns Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah.
Main Attractions in Penang Island
Georgetown
The 115-square mile (300-square-kilometer) island has plenty to see, more than Malaysia' capital Kuala Lumpur, even. Much of the action happens at the island’s colonial capital, Georgetown.
Georgetown's grid makes it easy to navigate the streets that teem with the bazaars and bucket seat restaurants that underpin the city’s gourmet reputation. The diverse menu runs from limejuice spiked with sour plum to duck-meat noodle soup. One is tempted to hang