Things to do in Penang

Distance from hotel: 7km (25 mins)

Penang Hill was the first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia. It is the oldest British hill station in South East Asia dating back to the late 1700's. It is reached by a funicular railway or for the more athletic by hiking the 2.5 hr hike trails! Once at the top you can have a cup of tea or other refreshments whilst taking in the views at a cooler temperature!

Distance from hotel: 2km (10 mins)

Inspired by the work of artist Ernest Zacherevic, no corner in Georgetown is turned without seeing some of the street art that Penang is famous for! Simply walking the streets is enough to take in some of the diverse art that is on offer.

Distance from hotel: 4km (15 mins)

Gurney drive boasts two 5 star shopping malls that house numerous western shops as well as a number of Malaysian and South East Asian ones. If you are looking for a Marks and Spencer, then Gurney Plaza is the place to go and you can pick up some of your favourite English foods as well as clothes from the UK.

Distance from hotel: Everywhere!

Penang food is world famous and people travel from afar simply to come and sample the street food. At unbelievable prices it can be found anywhere. Visitors can see some of the local specialties at the video link at the bottom of the page but they include the following:

Char Kaoy Teow, Penang Assam Laksa, Kaoy Teow Th'ng, Lor Bak, Mee Goreng, Dim Sum, Curry Mee, Wanton Mee & Apom Manis

Distance from hotel: 1,5km (10 mins)

Old Streets in Georgetown

Georgetown became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. It is an example of an historic colonial town and whilst retaining it's Colonial history, it has embraced it's Chinese culture and the combination of the two is obvious in all you can see in the town.

Distance from hotel: 16km (45 mins)

Batu Ferringhi is the beach resort in Penang and is a popular destination with Europeans as well as Asian and Middle Eastern holiday makers. A number of 5 star hotels are joined by budget hostels, bars and a night market to make a great holiday location. The only disappointment being that swimming in the sea is not advised; this however is solved by the stunning garden pools that flank the beach in some of the hotels.

Distance from hotel: 2km (10 mins)

Colourful, chaotic and serving the best Indian food, Little India is a small enclave in the old area of the city and a favourite place for many visitors to take in the sounds, smells and tastes of India. an opportunity to buy a colourful outfit or take in some of the amazing food awaits those who visit.

Distance from hotel: 2km (10 mins)

Clan Jetties form part of the Penang Heritage Trail. There used to be seven jetties until one was demolished by fire and now six remain. Billed as one of the last bastions of old Chinese settlements on the island, this waterfront society is home to houses on stilts of various Chinese clans. Some offer restaurants to visit whilst others are just worth a stroll out to see how the clans still live.

Distance from hotel: 8km (25 mins)

Standing on a hilltop at Air Itam, near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Divided into three areas; the temple grounds comprise the hill entrance, souvenir, food and drinks stalls and the turtle liberation pond. The mid section of the temple houses temples, gardens, the pagoda and the four heavenly kings pavilion; meanwhile the hilltop plays host to an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin as well as more gardens and temples

Distance from hotel: 3.5km (15 mins)

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple is the largest Thai temple in Pulau Tikus, Penang. Set just off Jalan Burma and built in 1845, it is home to a 108ft-long reclining Buddha image, said to be the third largest in the world.