Pulau Penang

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Clan house roof, Pulau Penang

Introducing Pulau Penang

Back when the distinction between governments, armies and companies was less precise, the British-based East India Company sailed into Penang harbour and took over the 28-sq-km island as its first settlement on the Malay peninsula, a move intended to break Dutch Melaka’s monopoly of the spice trade.

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What evolved on the formerly unpopulated ‘Betel Nut Island’ was a bustling port. Entrepreneurs of every imaginable ethnicity, most notably Chinese, flocked to this new land, creating wealth and cultural hybrids. Like many company settlements, Penang wilted after the collapse of the British Empire. Today it’s become the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Malaysia although this high-tech world is scarcely noticeable to the casual traveller. Beyond the capital Georgetown’s heat and decay are beach resorts, such as Batu Ferringhi, and the sleepy Malay fishing village of Teluk Bahang.

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. guitoudebuch avatar
    Hiking Map & GPS - Penang Island

    by guitoudebuch 27 May 2012

    ...in progress. Already four hikes uploaded, both tough and easy, and more to come in June. http://lebouvreuil.com/Penang%20Hikes.htm…
  2. ANOOR avatar
    RE: Travel between Perhentian Islands and Phuket

    by ANOOR 07 May 2012

    @2 Actually OP does not have to get to Gergetown in Penang island and cross back to the mainland Seberang Prai to get to Sadao. If the…
  3. yogaretnam avatar
    Travel experience to Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur via train/bus

    by yogaretnam 16 April 2012

    A newly registered LP member and wanted to share my experience travelling from KL to Bangkok via train. Left Kuala Lumpur on the night…

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