A fascinating fusion of the East and West, Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. These are reflected in its harmonious multiracial populace and well-preserved heritage buildings which led to George Town being accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site recently. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and scrumptious cuisines.
Friday to Sunday, March 13 to 15, 2009 Foodies Converge at the Culinary Capital of Malaysia for the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) 2009
...a gastronomic event that left thousands of visitors hungry for more!
Sunday January 18, 2009 NY Times readers choose Penang as No 2 must-visit destination
for 2009
GEORGE TOWN: Readers of The New York Times have chosen Penang as the second best destination among “44 Places To Go in 2009”.
Top 10 - What to See While soaking in the sun at one of the many beautiful beaches is a must, visitors must bring along their most comfortable walking shoes because there is a whole new world to be explored in the quaint nooks and crannies of George Town. Offering the best of Asia, Penang 's sights and sounds reflect the colourful heritage of her many races and the pride of her people. Be it lush tropical gardens or ornately designed temples and unique heritage buildings, Penang will give you a glimpse into a world where nature, tradition and history blend into a rich cultural tapestry.
Top 10 - What to Eat Penang gourmet ranges from street food to fine dining but her myriad of flavours are definitely unique to the island state. With each race offering their own traditional fare, foodies will be spoilt for choice.Although every culture has their signature dishes, they are also influenced by other cooking styles and have managed to come up with their own special creations that represent a beautiful blend of tastes and spices.
Top 10 - What to Do In Penang , the journey never ends and the excitement never stops. There is so much to do here, we'd recommend at least a two-week stay to really experience the culture and all that this beautiful paradise has to offer. Live like a local and see what laid back Penangites love to indulge in - travel in trishaws and shop at the many quaint night markets. Be adventurous and explore! Though there are definitely more than 10 interesting things to do in Penang, here's our Top 10 picks of “must-dos” when visiting the Pearl of the Orient.
Stately Grandeur... Kapitan Keling Mosque
One of the main houses of worships along George Town’s “Street of Harmony”, the Kapitan Keling Mosque was built and designed by German architect Henry Alfred Neubronner.
With its Moghul-style domes adorned with crescents and stars sitting on exquisite Gothic, Moorish and Roman arches and towering minaret the mosque which was originally a humble single-storey brick structure, now stands a regal landmark and one of the country’s most beautiful and historically rich mosques.
Founded in 1801 by well-respected headman of the Indian Muslims community, Caudeer Mohudeen, Kapitan Keling Mosque is a sight to behold with it magnificent chandelier, calligraphy panels and stained glass windows featuring the Star of David.
At dusk, against the backdrop of an orange sky, the cream-coloured mosque is nothing short of magnificent.
All that Glitters...
Little India’s Last Traditional Jewellery Maker
Little India is famed for its rows of India jewellery stores that carry a wide range of imported as well as locally made designs but Thana's Goldsmith is a treasure trove that stands out. Believed to be the last traditional goldsmith left in the area, jeweller M.Raju continues to ply his trade at the shop he lovingly named after his wife.
Creating intricate jewellery with the most basic tools of the trade, he is guided only by a steady hand, keen eye for detail and a passion for beauty. A trusty hammer, files, screws, acid, sandpaper, water and lamp – all of which have seen better days, are all he needs (that and an abundance of talent) to produce custom-made pieces commissioned by his regular clients.
Unlike modern machine-made jewellery, Raju’s pieces are special because each one is a painstaking labour of love for the fourth generation traditional goldsmith.
Home
