1. Georgetown
You must come to Georgetown when you are arrive in Penang. It is heart of Penang and the most important thing is, it is also a Heritage Site. Georgetown was centralized development in Penang in the old. Old Penangite staying and working in Georgetown, so you would notice that there is a lot of double stories old building, British office style building in Beach Street, heritage temple and museum.
From far, you would notice a tall building standing on the city. It is KOMTAR, it is where the state government agencies was. It used to heart of Penang, before international market came in, KOMTAR used to as multifunction tower likes complex, supermarket, government agencies, office lot, restaurant and tourism attraction. KOMTAR is a very important tower in Penang, it was Penang's glory before.
2. Chulia Street
Chulia Street is a long way street and it is also hold a very busy traffic every day. It is also function as main stream in supporting 4 service road likes Beach Street, Light Street and Pitt Street. Many Penangite businessman was build up their business there. And, you can found many delicious food along the street. The most famous food along this road is Nasi Kandar, and you have to try it while you are in Penang.
Penang Hill is the toppest hill in Penang, and it is some activity on the hill. It is 821m from the sea-level. The famous thing to do is to hike to Penang Hill, it is 5.3kilometer from the Botanica Garden, and might take you 3-5 hours to finish this sport. Or, you can get a railway to go up there.
You can also stay inside the guest house and there are some facilities built in likes restaurant and grocery. And, the Penang state government is going to have a multi-purpose hall there. So, it is predict that after this hall is complete, there would be many performance and event on the hill.
4. Kek Lok Si
Kek Lok Si is the biggest buddha temple in Malaysia. It is so special because it is build on the Air Itam hill and the architecture of the building is so special. People believes that the Guan Yin statue of Kek Lok Si is guarding Penangite.
During the Chinese New Year, this temple will decorate with thousand of light and lantern. Penangite will go to Kek Lok Si during their new year celebration to pray and giving their respect to their religion.
5. Reclining Buddha
Reclining Buddha is in Wat chayamangkalaram which Thai Buddish temple in Pulau Tikus, Penang. This Wat was built in 1845. In this Wat, there is a 33-meter gold-plated reclining Buddha that attracts devotees from all over the world especially during the Sonkran and the Loy Krathong festivals.
6. National Park
The national park in Penang is in Pantai Acheh which locate after the main tourism attraction - Batu Feringghi. The national park is so unique on the conservation of green in Penang. Especially Pantai Keracut beach which many people likes go there for picnics, swimming and fishing. You can jungle trek to the beach from national park, or taking boat rides. The boat would often cost you about RM100 per trip.
Another uniqueness of this national park is there are meromictic lake beside Pantai Keracut (a body of sea water and fresh water that do not mix). This is because the water flow from the forest in the river is connecting to the sea. This lake is prohibited during May and June. A old lighthouse was built in 1883 is also another attraction on this site.
7. The Weld Quay Jetty
This is the old jetty in Penang Island, and it is only place having this Jetty in Malaysia. People used to get Jetty to travel from the main land (Bukit Mertajam) to Penang Island, before the first Penang Bridge was operating. Although we are going to get our 2nd Penang Bridge, but the Jetty is still operating because it has become a tradition and Penang signature.
The Jetty travel rate is:
Traveler - RM 1.20
Vehicle - RM 7.00
Besides this Jetty, there is village of pioneer Chinese immigrants who came to seek their fortune to this island. They are from the five main Chinese clans which is Lim, Chew, Tan, Lee and Yeoh. This village is crowded especially at 9th of Chinese New Year, because the Penangite's Chinese is celebrating and praying for their god/guardian.
Having the distinction as being South East Asia's only dedicated spice sanctuary, the Tropical Spice Garden in Teluk Bahang is indeed paradise on earth. Nestled among lush green foliage, exotic ferns and flowering plants, the garden's cafe overlooks the pristine blue sea and is the ideal setting for an afternoon drink. Spread over a sprawling 3.2ha, the garden boasts of more than 500 varieties of flora from Malaysia and other religions.
9. Snake Temple
The Chos Soo Kong Temple (as it is known among locals), is "guarded" by green Wagler Pitt Vipers believed to have slithered to the temple to protect the deity. Although these snakes are believed to have been rendered harmless by the sacred joss stick smoke and incense, their venom has been removed so vistors can heave a sigh of relief.
10. Butterfly Farm
The Butterfly Farm is locating in Teluk Bahang. It is a live museum with winged beauties fluttering as well as a breeding research center, and the farm is an eco-tourism gem indeed. It is so attracting that inside the farm, you are surrounded by Butterfly, and you can image that you are one of the butterfly surrounding you.
It is open from 9.00am to 6.00pm. The rates:
Adult - RM 27.00
Children - RM 15.00
Malaysian rates/
Mykad - RM 18.00
Mykid - RM 10.00