Penang: Overview

Pearl of the Orient cultured by colonial and Chinese heritage.

Penang's sprawling main centre, Georgetown, boasts impressive colonial architecture, temples, lively Chinese culture, great shopping and even better food. Steeped in history, with an appealing old-fashioned character that's fast disappearing, it attracts most of the island's tourists.

A circuit of Penang will take you through a landscape of jungle, farmland and fishing villages. The north coast beaches are easily accessible and the new national park is on the northwest headland. Don't miss charming Penang Hill or the Kek Lok Si Temple - the largest Buddhist shrine in the country.

Fast Facts

Population

1,310,000

Currency

Name: Malaysian Ringgit
Code: MYR
Symbol: RM

Electrical Plugs

British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade
240V 50Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Malay

Time Zones

GMT/UTC +8 

Country Dialing Code

+60

Weights & Measures

Metric

Traveller Tips & Discussion

Thorn Tree Forum

  • Penang
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  • To Penang
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  • PENANG...
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  • Penang
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    Last reply: 147 days ago
  • Penang
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