Visit Penang, the pearl of the Orient - Blog - Vietravel Asia

Visit Penang, the pearl of the Orient
My Nguyen
Visit Penang, the pearl of the Orient

One of the most touristic locations of Malaysia, Penang is known as the pearl of the Orient of Asia. The island is situated on the northwest side of Peninsular Malaysia. There are many activities and sights on the island.


PENANG



When people think of Penang, one of the first things that come to mind is George Town and its heritage houses. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the biggest collection of pre-Second World War houses and shophouses in Southeast Asia. Like Melaka to the south, it’s strategic location along the Straits of Malacca made it an important trading hub for Europe, the Middle East, India, and China for over 500 years. This centuries-long cultural exchange between east and west has endowed the city with a distinct multicultural heritage that’s unlike anywhere else in East and Southeast Asia.


Go Street Art Hunting in George Town


Go Street Art Hunting in George Town
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The entire city of George Town has become a gallery for street art in recent years. Done in different sizes, styles, media, and subject matter, it’s interesting to see all the art juxtaposed against the canvas of pre-war heritage houses. The artworks are scattered throughout the city — some tucked away in alleys and behind buildings - so finding and photographing as many as you can make for a fun treasure hunt.


Explore the Heritage Houses of George Town


Explore the Heritage Houses of George Town
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George Town is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City and home to the largest collection of pre-war buildings in Southeast Asia. Walking around town, you’d think you were in a different era if it weren’t for the cars! Many of the heritage houses are dilapidated and in need of restoration but it’s a gorgeous city nonetheless and fun to get lost in. If you enjoy doing street photography, then you’ll love it here.


Visit Pinang Piranakan Mansion


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This mint green mansion on Church Street is one of the best-preserved examples of affluent Piranakan living in Penang. It was once the home of Chung Keng Kwee, a self-made tin mining magnate who became the richest man in Penang in the late 19th century. If you were to visit just one heritage house museum in George Town, then it should probably be this one.


Check out the Khoo Kongsi Clan House

Khoo Kongsi is the grandest clan temple in Penang one of George Town’s most visited attractions. A kongsi is a clan house so Khoo Kongsi refers to the clan house of the Khoo family. The Khoos were among the wealthiest Chinese traders in Penang and built this temple in 1906 at the height of their wealth and eminence.


If you’re interested in learning more about Khoo Kongsi, then you can visit on a guided tour. It’s one of the stops on the aforementioned George Town heritage tour.


Take a stroll at the Tropical Spice Garden


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Tropical Spice Garden is an eight-acre oasis with over 500 different species of tropical flora. The price of admission comes with an audio guide so you’re free to wander along the different trails and learn about local spices and medicinal plants. There are a cooking school and restaurants there as well.


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