Malaysia has lots of tourist destinations where a person can go and enjoy. Out of which, Penang is one of the state in Malaysia which is situated on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Strait of Malacca. After Perlis, Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia. Not only this, Penang is the eighth most populous. A person residing in Penang is called as a Penangite.
Geographically, Penang is divided into two categories. One is Penang Island and the other is Province Wellesley. Penang Island covers an area of 293 square kilometres and the poplulation of Penang is 721,500. Whereas, Provincial Wellesley which in Malay is also known as Seberang Perai is a narrow hinterland covering an area of 753 square kilometres. The population of this place has 796,500.
Originally, Penang was a part of the Malay Sultanate of Kedah. On 11 August 1786, British East India Company Captain, Francis Light, landed in Penang and renamed it as Prince of Wales Island. Light received it as a portion on his marriage with the Sultan of Kedah’s daughter. Later Light ceded Penang to the Government of India. He also promised the Sultan military protection without the approval of the East India Company as Kedah was getting threats from Siamese and Burmese armies. Today, Light is known as the founder of Penang.
Later Siam attacked Kedah as the Company failed to aid it. In 1790, the Sultan tried to retake this island but was unsuccessful. Sultan was forced to cede it only for 6,000 Spanish dollars per annum to the Company and this amount further rose to 10,000 dollars. Along with that in 1800, Province Wellesly was being added to Penang. Annually, the Malaysian Federal Government pays 10,000 ringgit to the state of Kedah.
Later Penang came under the British administration in 1826. Then in 1946 Penang became Malayan Union’s part. Penang later in 1957 achieved independence and became Malaysia in 1963.
This island till 1969 was considered as a free port. In Asia Penang built one of the largest electronics manufacturing bases that were surrounding the airport to the southern side of the island.
George Town is the historic capital of Penang and it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only this, Malacca is also in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. This place has an incomparable architectural and cultural townscape which was officially identified and is not even parallel on each side in East and Southeast Asia.
The climate of Penang is warm and sunny. Sufficient rainfall during Southwest Monsoon makes the place more attractive.
If you are planning to go Penang to spend your holidays then here you will get the proper guidance of how to reach in Penang. All you need to do is take a Malaysia Airlines flight and fly from Kuala Lumpur. This will take your 50 minute time to reach by flight. Malaysia airlines are actually flying from New York and Los Angeles too the capital of Malaysia which is Kuala Lumpur. To get inside the Penang, Penang International Airport will lead you ahead where millions of people go there to take a fresh breath.
You will get various delightful cooks where you can eat almost everything. Well known places are there where you will get Malaysian, Chinese and Indian foods even.
To reside there in Penang George Town is a good option. It is located at Cheong Fatt Tze. This place is popularly known as the Blue Mansion. The Eastern & Oriental Hotel with 101 suites can also be a better place to rest. This hotel was built in the year 1885. You will get lots of options to get rest or stay and can enjoy the exotic locations in Penang.
Penang can also be called as the places of worship. You can see over 100 places of worship with many cultures including Indian, Muslim, Chinese, and Malaysian. Out of this the Khoo Kongsi was built in the year 1906. It is actually a Chinese temple.
All you should know that Malaysia is the best place for enjoying holidays in various islands out of which one is this Penang island with attractive features and history that will make you feel crazy. This worth visiting places must not be spared.
Thu, Dec 10, 2009
Asia