In Malaysia, Penang is the place to go to get away from the hectic pace of life and have some time for yourself. Penang, which is often referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” is home to a number of museums and places of worship. The location is one of the most frequented areas in the globe as a result of the utterly fascinating beaches that can be found there. Betel Nut trees, also known as Pinang trees, were previously commonplace on the island of Penang, which is where the city of Pinang got its name. Georgetown, the city that serves as Penang’s capital and which is responsible for the island’s overall transformation, is largely responsible for the island’s allure in its current state.
It is thought that the land of Penang has a long and illustrious history. People feel that the state is home to a wide variety of cultures that belong to diverse populations. This historic country is said to have fostered a variety of cultures and civilizations throughout the centuries, including the Portuguese community, the Dutch culture, the glorious British age, and the Hindu civilisation. The presence of all of these cultures can still be sensed in the air, even to this day, in the shape of structures and religious frameworks that are now used as historical attractions for travellers to see and experience. One of the most well-known mosques in the state is the Kapitan Keling Mosque, which has a magnificent design that incorporates domes and turrets within its structure. One more of Malaysia’s historical sites, Khoo Kongsi is a fascinating place to see.
Main Tourist Attractions of Penang, Malaysia
Kapitan Keling Mosque
This mosque is the very first one to be built in the city of Penang. The name of the mosque comes from the name of Cauder Mydin Merican, who founded the mosque. He was recognised as Kapitan Keling by the British during the early 1800s due to his status as a prominent businessman at that time. The mosque was designed and built in the Islamic architectural style of India, and it included golden domes and turrets in the Moghul style. Before entering the mosque’s grounds, guests are required to remove their shoes and dress appropriately. Shoes must also be removed before entering.
Sri Mariamman Temple
Late in the 19th century, this sacred structure was erected. The temple was given its name after the goddess Mariamman, and it has magnificent statues of gods and goddesses positioned above its entrance and along the front wall of the structure. The priceless idol of Lord Subramaniam, which is adorned with gold, silver, diamonds, and emeralds, is hidden away inside of this structure’s exquisitely embellished interior. During the annual Thaipusam celebration, the idol is carried out of the temple on a chariot. The chariot is driven through the city streets before being transported to the temple at Jalan Waterfall for the ceremony.
Kuan Yin Teng Temple
Another name for this place of worship is the Goddess of Mercy Temple. The worship of the goddesses Kuan Yin and Ma Chor Poh may be found at this temple. Dragons and lions, which are regarded to be the temple’s guardians, are sculpted here in intricate detail and adorn the structure. The festival honouring the Goddess of Mercy is held at the temple every year on the nineteenth day of the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months. In addition, performances of Chinese opera and puppet plays are put on on this day to honour Kuan Yin and celebrate her birthday.
Khoo Kongsi
The Khoo Kongsi Temple is one of the most significant historical sites in all of Penang. Construction on it began in the year 1853 AD and continued until 1898 AD, when it was finally finished. It has finely organised pillars, intricate carvings, and walls that have gold work ornamentation on them. The support beams for the roof come from China and are constructed of the highest grade wood. Before entering the building, guests are required to get authorization from the relevant authorities.
Fort Cornwallis
This historic fort was built in the latter part of the 18th century on the location of the initial landing that Sir Francis Light made. It was named after Charles Cornwallis, who served as Governor-General in Bengal at the time. The star-shaped fort has walls that are about three metres high and roughly ten feet tall. The fort’s interior is made up of many structures, some of which were finished over a century ago. These include a jail, a church, and a storeroom for weapons. Original flagpoles, port lights, and bronze canons are among the various artefacts that may be found here.
Penang Museum
The Penang Museum is certainly worthy of being considered one of the most outstanding museums in the nation. The museum has a variety of artefacts that originate from Malay culture in addition to a collection of images, papers, and maps. It also contains information about the many communities found around the nation, as well as the customs and attire that are associated with each. Various ports, Fort Cornwallis, the history of municipal entities, foreign assaults, and religious locations are covered by the other items.
Penang Hill
This hill, which is located on the other side of the Straits of Malacca and is also known as Bukit Bendera. In the late 1800s, when the British wished to escape the sticky environment back home, this location was a popular vacation spot for them to visit. Francis Light is credited as being the first person to ascend Penang Hill from the Penang Botanical Gardens, at least according to the legends held by the locals. Visitors have the option of rock climbing or using the train to reach the summit, which is located around 2,730 feet above sea level.
Syed Alatas Mansion
This palatial home was constructed in the 19th century and served as Syed Mohammad Alatas’s abode for many years. During that time period, he was considered to be one of the country’s most prominent Muslims. The mansion may be found in the neighbourhood of Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Acheh. It is a structure of two stories that was designed and constructed utilising elements of Indian, Malay, Chinese, and European architecture.
Penang Beaches
There are a number of beaches in Penang that are renowned for their attractiveness and are located on the island. One of them is Batu Ferringhi, which, once the sun has fallen, takes on the feel of a fairground because to the open-air mart that is located there. At this beach, you may purchase anything from trinkets to memorabilia of the highest quality. You might also go to Teluk Bahang, which has a peaceful atmosphere and a refreshing breeze.
