The Malaysian island of Penang is known as the Pearl of the Orient due to its delightful beaches and scenery. The wider Penang state incorporates a rich mixture of cultures, including Chinese, Malay and Indian. Thousands of visitors book flights to Penang each year to soak up its rich mix of modernity and old world charm. Tourists can revel in its sunny beaches, inviting resorts, verdant tropical gardens, eclectic colonial heritage and the architectural marvels of George Town.
Visitors can discover lavishly designed temples, mosques, churches and well preserved colonial buildings. They can also tantalise their taste buds with irresistible local street food and exceptional restaurant cuisine in one of the world's most celebrated food destinations.
Penang incorporates a number of modern shopping malls along with traditional street bazaars and impromptu open air night markets. Between them, these offer all sorts of goods ranging from antiques to modern electronics. With countless pubs, bars and cafes all vying to grab the visitor’s attention, Penang’s capital George Town is an exciting and lively city to visit. Given its compact size it can be explored at a leisurely pace.