Penang

Penang Hills is officially named Bukit Bendera, meaning Flagstaff Hill. Penang Hills was founded by Captain Francis Light, a British belonging to the East India Company, in the late 18th century. The hill was renamed Flagstaff Hill, much evident in its current name. The captain had done some deforestation for growing strawberries and hence, this place is sometimes referred to as Strawberry Hill.The Habitat Penang Hill is one of the best eco-tourism attractions with nature’s best and flourishing experiences. These experiences take you on a tour of Penang Hill’s prehistoric rainforests which are greener and older than Amazon rainforests. The tour of the tropical diverse ecosystem of Penang will make you experience exotic weather and 50% exceptional flora and fauna lying only in this place of the whole island. This makes you walk through the langur hay canopy and the infamous Ribbon bridge.The 13 meters high Curtis crest tree top walk is the highest point for the spectators to enjoy on Penang Island. The natural ecosystem of Penang is protected and maintained by a non-profit Habitat Foundation that safeguards biodiversity and forests.Click Here to Book: Habitat Penang Hill Tickets

If you are planning to visit Malaysia’s Penang, then Entopia Penang needs to be on your itinerary. In one of Malaysia’s largest butterfly farms, one can witness the stunning sight of more than 15,000 butterflies flying freely amidst natural settings of blooming flowers and rich vegetation. If you dare, you can also meet and greet the residents of Nature’s underground, like insects and creepy crawlies like snakes and scorpions.With more than 200 species of flora and over 150 species of fauna, Entopia recreates the natural tropical habitat of the numerous natural inhabitants. The park also aims to teach visitors about butterflies and other residents of the park through its various exhibits and face-to-face interactions with the creatures. There are also Nature Learning Activities like Nature Talk, Vita Nova, and Bug Exploration, where curious visitors are welcomed to explore more about the wild. Entopia Penang also has numerous activities and interactive exhibits designed especially for children, making it one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Malaysia.Click Her to Book: Entopia Tickets

Planning to have some excitement with your family and friends then head out to this gorgeous beach Teluk Bahang  in Penang and enjoy the rocky and the shady surroundings of the beach. This place is the perfect getaway for you as it is a bit isolated from the huge crowds which we usually find in the beaches.    Highlights: If you are a nature lover then this is the best place for you as it is the home of Penang Butterfly Farm. You can enjoy the view of the beautiful landscape and also go on the trekking after  enjoying a sunbath. You can also enjoy the mouthwatering seafood which is served there in the restaurants.  Best Season: May to October  Location: North western tip of the Island Penang.    

Penang is famous for its temples and one such amazing landmark is Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram. It was built in 1845 and is among the list of top visited places in this region. Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram has a yellow-and-blue colour which makes this structure appear unique. Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram is also known as Wat Buppharam. The main attraction of this temple is the presence of a reclining Buddha image which is 108-ft long. Location: Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram is situated in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia.  Highlight: Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram is situated close to the Dharmmikarama Temple. The tourists would surely be amazed looking at the lovely sight of Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram due to the presence of mural-painted walls and gold pagodas. This Thai temple has sharp-eaved roofs which add on to the structures architecture. Best Time: The temple is open for visitors daily between 10:00- 18:00. Price: There is no fee to visit the temple.

The Kapitan Keling Mosque was built back in the nineteenth century. It is a prominent Islamic historic centre and a part of the World Heritage site of George Town. It is also the first permanent Muslim institution that was established in the area. Location: The mosque is situated at the corner of Lebuh Buckingham at the Pitt Street. It lies in the centre of the Tamil Muslim neighbourhood of the city.  Highlights: The terms ‘Keling’ and ‘Kapitan’ are representative of the Indian community and its people. The mosque has undergone several enlargement renovations. Geometric designs decorate the façade of the building and the interior aisles are formed of horseshoe arches which are crowned with King Edward’s plagues. The ochre yellow exteriors are in contrast to the white marble floors in the interior. Best time: Being a mosque, it is open to all during its hours of operation. Price: Entry is free.

The Penang Botanic Gardens commonly popular as the ‘Waterfall Gardens’, is a public park which derives its epithet from cascading waterfalls situated near the park. Established in the year 1884, the original gardens came from an old quarry site. Highlights: The bright green foliage of leaves on the tress and shaded spots falling in between the walking tracks under the blue sky create the ideal scenic view. A variety of trees and flowers meet the eye while the fresh stream of water flowing from the waterfall winds along the garden. Be wary of monkeys who are famous for snatching bags of the visitors.  Location: The Park is situated on Jalan Air Terjun in George Town, Malaysia. Best time: To relish the tranquil environment of the park, you can visit anytime in the morning and evening if you want to avoid the heat. Price: Entry to the park is free of cost.

 The Penang Hill Train or Penang Hill Funicular Railway is a rail service that helps people travel to the top of the Penang Hill that holds a marvelous scenic beauty. The Funicular Railway was remodeled and re-opened in 2011. Highlights: Rapid Penang bus 204 is the only bus service that takes people to the Penang Railway Station. This bus service starts from Penang Jetty and crosses Esplanade to reach KOMTAR bus station and at last Penang Hill. During this route the tourists can also view the big temple at Kek Lok Si. Location: Penang Hill Train is situated in Air Itam, Penang Island. There is a walking route of 5 Km which starts from Botanical Gardens and reaches the top of the Penang Hill. Best Time: First train at 6:30am, while the last train at 11:00 pm on all days. Price: Adult- 3RM, Children- 3RM and different prices for students and senior citizens.

Pulau Jerejak / Jerejak Island is a short ferry ride from Bayan Lepas. It was the main leper asylum for the Straits Settlements, quarantine station and penal colony. Today, the development of Jerejak remains riddled with controversies as concerns rise for the removal of the island’s historical remains and heritage and the impact of new developments on the fragile eco system of the island. Location: The 362 hectare island is situated at the south-eastern tip of Penang, Malaysia. A short ferry ride can be taken from Bayan Lepas to reach here. Highlights: Conversion of Jerejak into a resort was planned since 2000. The island is merely ten minutes away from the hustling Penang Island. Transportation is simple with ferry rides available. Best time: The green island can be explored at any time during the year and a three days stay at the place will leave you with a wonderful experience. Price: Cost includes ferry rides and accommodation only.