CULTURES OF PENANG

Arts and Culture

      The Penang State Museum house artefacts and cultural exhibits. The present building, which was formerly the Penang Free School, is actually half a building, the other half of the building having been destroyed by aerial bombing during World War II. A bronze cast of Captain Francis Light, used to stand outside the museum building. It has since returned to Fort Cornwallis where it was first unveiled by the colonial administration. A small museum, it has a fine collection of old photographs, maps and historical records charting the growth of Penang from the days of Francis Light.

^Penang State Museum

     The Penang State Art Gallery and the Pinang Gallery showcase the works of local artists. A newer gallery, the USM ABN-Amro Arts and Cultural Centre, located at Beach Street, was established in 2002 to promote art awareness among Penang citizens. Sadly the USM ABN-Amro Arts and Cultural Centre closed down in early December 2006 due to lack of patronage. The Universiti Sains Malaysia Museum and Gallery possesses a large ethnographic and performing arts section with a special exhibition on wayang kulit. The art gallery features works by Malaysian artists. Other establishments promoting art awareness include the Alliance française de Penang and Hotel Bellevue.

^Penang Art Gallery

     Penang has a relatively active arts scene. The Penang State Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (Pessoc) is a government-supported youth orchestra and choir. The Penang Symphony Orchestra is another amateur orchestra. The Fingerprints Chamber Choir is a leading chamber choir, with members comprising mainly singing teachers and advanced singing students. It has won prizes at several competitions and performs regularly at various festivals and recitals in the country. Other ensembles include the Penang State Chinese Orchestra (a Chinese instrumental orchestra), ProArt Chinese Orchestra, and many other school-based musical groups. The Actors’ Studio Greenhall performs stage plays from time to time.

^ Penang State Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (Pessoc)

     Penang hosts the annual Penang-YTL Arts Festival in December, with theatrical performances, contemporary and traditional dances, art and photography exhibitions, as well as concerts of classical and modern music. The programmes are drawn up by the Penang Arts Council every year and are partly sponsored by the YTL Group of Companies, a corporate patron of the arts scene in Malaysia.

Penang is also home to the indigenous boria, a fading art form with singing and dancing once popular among the local Malay community.

^ Boria

    Lion dance is an ancient art form brought from China by early Chinese immigrants, and over time has evolved into a distinctive Malaysian style. The earliest record of lion dancing in Malaysia was the official registration of a Penang lion dance troupe back in 1903 but it is indisputable that the Chinese community had been practising it long before then. The Chinese place special significance to this dazzling form of art, associating it good luck, power, strength, majesty and happiness. Today lion dance remains actively performed especially during Chinese New Year and also during the opening of new businesses.

^Lion Dance

Festivals and Carnival  

      The Penang Buddhist Association on Anson Road, built in 1925. George Town Festival is a month-long Festival celebrating the Arts, Heritage and Culture in George Town, Penang. Typically held within the month of July since the inauguration of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 7 July 2008 together with Melaka, heritage celebrations were held to commemorate this historical event. With the support of the Penang State Government, the Festival grew from a 3-day heritage celebration in July 2009 to become a month long celebration of cultural performances, theatre, opera, music, dance, film, art exhibitions and more in 2011 and 2012. The 2011 George Town Festival featured a host of local talents during the "Tapestry of Culture" themed heritage celebrations, juxtaposed against international acts such as "Vertical Road" by Akram Khan Company. The 2012 George Town Festival received over 78 local and foreign proposals and showcased local talents, particularly in the Opening Event entitled "Silat - Our Heritage for the World", "Live Heritage" - the theme of the 3-day heritage celebrations, Tony Yap Company and Lee Wushu, together with large international acts such as "The Manganiyar Seduction" by Roysten Abel, "Blinded Mind" by Susanna Leinonen Company, The Philippine Madgrigal Singers, Sbaek Thom - Cambodian Shadow Puppets by Cambodia Living Arts, the Tilak Fernando Dance Troupe from Sri Lanka and the Australian Youth Band. The 2013 Festival promises to be bigger and better. 

^George Town Festival

      Chingay is a Penang festival which is held every year as part of the Chinese New Year celebrations and also during the birthdays of Chinese deities. Its history stretched back to 1880. At the turn of the century, Penang became famous for its "Giant Flags Procession". Flag bearers carry and balance giant flag poles (some 10m high) on their shoulders, chins and foreheads then tossing them to the next bearers. Chingay later spread to other states and Singapore.

^Chingay Festival

     Penang hosts the annual Penang International Dragon Boat Festival. Established in 1979, this event attracts competitors from as far as the United States, Japan, South Africa and the Netherlands. Dragon boat races can trace their roots back to ancient China and have been going on in Penang waters since 1934 [3]. The current festival is held at the Teluk Bahang Dam.

^Penang International Dragon Boat Festival

      Pesta Pulau Pinang is a lively and colourful carnival held every year in December.This event were held by Penang State Financial Department under Tapak Pesta and Expo Units and the festivity includes open air concerts, variety shows, food bazaars, fun fairs, exhibitions, pet shows, a beauty pageant and many more.

^Pesta Pulau Pinang

    Thaipusam is an annual religious event celebrated by Hindus to commemorate the victory of Lord Murugan over the demons. It falls on a full moon day on the Tamil tenth month of Thai. Devotees and penitents can seen bearing kavadis, and piercing their bodies with hooks and spears without seeming to cause any pain or harm as an act of faith and atonement. The centre of the celebration takes place at the Nattukkottai Chettiar Temple Penang at Waterfall Road where the chariot procession ends.

^Thaipusam

     As in other places with a substantial population of Chinese people, Chinese New Year is a grand affair in Penang, celebrated with firecrackers, lion dance, sumptuous feasts and open houses. It is also an occasion for family reunions, visiting friends and relatives, and gift exchanges.

^Chinese New Year

     Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a Muslim celebration which comes after one month of fasting during Ramadhan. It is a joyous celebration which brings families together and it is the time to seek forgiveness from one another. The Hindu festival Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil.

 ^Hari Raya Aidilfitri

     The Hungry Ghost Festival (Phor Tor) is celebrated on a grand scale by the Penang Chinese. The Chinese believe that on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, the gates of hell would open and that the dead souls would be free to roam amongst the living. The Chinese would placate the 'hungry ghosts' by burning incense, making food offerings and performing Chinese opera on makeshift stages. At the end of the month-long festival, a giant effigy of the King of Hell is burned. Throughout the month, it is ill-advised to travel, go out at night, swim or wed.

^Hungry Ghost Festival

Nightlife

Penang comes alive at night, with many lively night spots such as pubs, bars, bistros, discos, cafes, and even roadside stalls. The most popular places to go to are Upper Penang Road with its many trendy pubs such as Soho Free House, Momo, Fame, Mois, Carmen and Slippery Senoritas; Chulia Street which is awash with many little bars popular with travellers; Pulau Tikus with its Belissa Row and the likes of Orange Bar and Segafredo; and Gurney Drive with its Gurney Walk and Gurney Place. The seaside resort of Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah also feature many hotel lounges such as Asmara Lounge, The Lounge and Sunset Lounge. Lower-priced eating places like the ubiquitous mamak stalls open till early in the morning, whose signature dishes are roti canai (Indian bread) and teh tarik (milk tea). Also, insatiable Penangites often eat till late at night in places like coffee shops.

ADVENTURE in Penang

Adventure filled place in Penang

• Penang Escape Theme Park

Enjoy the outdoors at ESCAPE theme park. ESCAPE is family theme park with exciting and challenging activities that promote wellness in the great outdoors. It’s a place where no one is too old or too young to have fun!
Swing from tree to tree like a monkey, leap like Atan (the hero of the park), go ape on the rope walks, bounce down slopes on tubby racers, become a cave explorer, and even pan for treasure. It’s a world class tourism destination where you rub shoulders with everyone. And yet your experience will be unique. Here’s where balancing on tightropes hovering meters above ground and climbing a 30-foot tree will test your endurance and stamina.
Outdoor activities are aplenty with the new theme park, ESCAPE in Teluk Bahang. ESCAPE 828 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang. (+604 881 1106).

Penang Escape Theme Park Atan's Leap, become like Atan (the hero of the park) and leap through the air. Experience the exhilaration of an exciting rapid descent with a featherbed landing secure in the knowledge that our safety procedures are second to none.

Penang Escape Theme Park Monkey Business, learn to climb like a pro and perfect your balancing skills on this challenging rope course. There are three levels for you to try and it’s suitable for monkeys of all ages as well as for team building.

Penang Escape Theme Park Gecko Tower, Become as sticky footed as a gecko on this climbing tower. You choose your own path to the top, safe in the knowledge that there is an auto-belay system in case your geeko feet lose their grip!

Penang Escape Theme Park Tubby Racer, enjoy an exhilarating journey downhill on the back of this tubby tube. You can even link several tubby tubes together for more fun than any family should have!

Penang Escape Theme Park Foxy Burrow, caves are exciting – and this themed one even more so. You will have to climb over rocks, squeeze through gaps and duck under obstacles to complete this caving adventure! Don’t worry – the safety equipment will protect you from any harm.

The ticketing prices for Penang Escape Theme Park, Teluk Bahang are as below:

Range of ages Entrance Rates / Fees

below 4 years Free

4 – 12 years RM45

13 – 60 years RM60

above 60 years RM45

Online Ticketing Order
The Escape Theme Park tickets is available for purchase from their website – Buy Ticket Online!
Opening hours
Penang Escape Eco Theme Park opening hours: 9.00am to 6.00pm. Please visit Escape Calendar for more updated info.

• Cycle from Batu Ferringhi to Teluk Bahang for a workout.

Cycle towards Batu Ferringhi and onwards to Teluk Bahang dam where groups of cyclists throng early each Sunday morning. It’s a long, curvy and hilly stretch but a quiet one and it rewards you with a breath taking view of the large dam at the top. Penang is becoming a cycle-friendly state with its new cycling policies.

• Brave the trekking routes at the Penang National Park

Penang National Park may be the smallest national park in the world but once you’re in it, you’ll not hold on to that idea. There are enough challenging trekking routes to test your stamina and they all lead to wondrous views of the water. Another way to access one of the loveliest beaches in Penang located within the park is by boat that you can take at the park’s entrance on Jalan Hassan Abbas.
Penang National Park Jalan Hassan Abbas, Teluk Bahang, Batu Ferringhi. (+604 881 3530).

MEDICAL in Penang

Exists only as a small dot on the face of the Earth, Penang is fast becoming a renown international tourism destination, as a UNNESCO World Heritage Site that has been ranked by Yahoo! Travel as one of the ‘10 Islands to Explore Before You Die’.

But Penang is not only restricted to such. With a laid back multicultural society, a well-connected transportation system, a climate that is moderate and an environment that is surrounded by nature, Penang is also rapidly becoming a world-class destination for medical tourism. Today, Penang is a popular medical travel destination for Europeans seeking tropical weather and rich cultural diversity.

Under the umbrella of Penang Health Association, the main seven hospitals in Penang are teaming up to promote Penang as a popular destination for medical tourism, with highly-trained medical professionals and cutting-edge facilities within an affordable package.

With reasonable pricing that is comparable to Singapore and Thailand, Penang has successfully attracted some 250,000 medical tourists from Indonesia, Singapore, Japan and the United States in 2010. This influx, up from 202,000 in 2009, has generated an estimated RM230 million for the state, and contributed 70 per cent to Malaysia’s medical tourism revenue.

A regional medical tourism hub in South East Asia, Penang offers great choices in contemporary medicine as well as traditional therapies and spa treatments.

It is also the preferred destination for those seeking affordable cosmetic and elective surgery.

As a ‘heal and holiday’ destination, medical tourists in Penang could undergo surgical treatment in state-of-the-art facilities, and enjoy peaceful recuperation in complete anonymity in world-class resorts and health spas.

A fascinating world of gourmet cuisine, exciting shopping venues and unique places of attraction are all within easy access for patients seeking pleasant diversions while recuperating. There are more than 10 private general hospitals and medical centres, an oncology hospital with facilities for radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and at least three nursing schools in Penang.

Most hospitals here are fully equipped to deal with the full range of medical conditions ranging from life-threatening illness and injury to chronic medical disorders and maintaining personal fitness.

For enquiries regarding hospital procedures and medical expenses, please contact the respective hospital’s public relations department.

Seven hospitals actively participated in Penang Medical Tourism:

·         Gleneagles Medical Centre
Address1 Jalan Pangkor 10050, Penang
Phone no.+(6) 04 227 6111
Fax no.+(6) 04 226 2994
Website : www.gleneagles-penang.com

Gleneagles Medical Centre, Penang is an acute care general hospital established in 1973 as the first private hospital in the island of Penang, commonly known as the Pearl of the Orient. It has a wide range of specialist services and facilities to offer to the medical tourism industry.

Owned by Parkway Holdings Limited of Singapore, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Penang is located in the heart of Georgetown and is easily accessible. Redevelopment of the hospital which started in October 1996 completed in December 2000. This has given the hospital a cutting edge in the delivery of care to the medical travel patients.

Working as a team with the Mission "A Leading International Healthcare Provider With A Passion For People And Progress", our staff are privileged to serve your health tourism needs. Furthermore, all of the hospital's services are delivered with your comfort, needs and recovery in mind.

3 YEARS FULL ACCREDITATION STATUS AWARDED BY THE MALAYSIAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY IN HEALTH ...

Gleneagles Medical Centre, Penang being the first private hospital in Penang & the Northern Region to be accorded with 3 Years Full Accreditation by The Malaysian Society for Quality In Health (MSQH) for the period from 28th Oct 2002 - 27th Oct 2005.

·         Loh Guan Lye Specialist Centre
Address19 & 21 Jalan Logan 10400, Penang
Phone no.+(6) 04 238 8888 (ext.8087/8088)
Emergency Phone no.+(6) 04 226 6911 (24 hours)
Fax no.+(6) 04 229 0287
Website : www.lohguanlye.com

LohGuanLye SPECIALISTS CENTRE (LSC), established in 1975, is a 273 bedded private hospital. It is located in the heart of Georgetown, Penang, about 30 minutes from the Penang International Airport and 20 minutes from the pristine beaches at Batu Ferringhi.

The Centre provides a very comprehensive and quality healthcare services and facilities ranging from prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of diseases and medical conditions to cosmetic procedures and health screening packages in a warm and caring environment ideal for rest and recovery.

With the opening of its 10 Storey New Wing in September 2009, LSC has again expanded to meet the needs of the people of Penang, the Northern Region and the neighbouring countries and in support of the government's effort to promote medical tourism and to make LSC the destination of preference for healthcare internationally. With this New Wing, LSC has now created another landmark in Georgetown.

With this expansion, LSC now has 3 wings, namely the Main Wing, Diagnostic Wing and Women & Children Wing with Fertility Centre. The Electronic Medical Record System has also been implemented to facilitate a more efficient management of patient's records.

Awarded full 3 years accreditation by Malaysian Society for Quality in Health Hospital Accreditation

·         Island Hospital
Address308 Jalan Macalister 10450, Penang
Phone no.+(6) 04 2288 222
Fax no.+(6) 04 226 7989
Emergency Phone no.+(6) 04 226 8527 (24 hours)
Website : www.islandhospital.com

Island Hospital

To Comfort Always . . .

Island Hospital is a 250 bedded private medical centre providing tertiary care in Penang and the Northern Region for inpatients and outpatients. It offers a wide range of medical, surgical and emergency services 24 hours a day. In addition to modern technology and excellent facilities, Island Hospital is also known for its warmth, friendliness and compassion.

We understand that meeting the unique healthcare needs of a patient is more than simply the science of medicine. It is also the art of caring, and providing the physical and emotional support that brings health and healing.

We hope to contribute significantly to Penang's reputation as a centre of medical excellence.

·         Hospital Lam Wah Ee
AddressJalan Tan Sri The Ewe Lim 11600,
Penang
Phone no.+(6) 04 657 1888, 652-8888
Fax no.+(6) 04 657 -0940
Website : www.hlwe.com.my

Lam Wah Ee Hospital is a 700 bedded tertiary acute care hospital located at Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim, Penang, Malaysia. This not-for-profit private hospital is accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health and ISO 9001:2008 certified. The Hospital started as a provider of traditional Chinese Medicine treatment in 1883 while the Western Medicine division commenced operations in 1983.

·         Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital
Address23 Jalan Bulan Fettes Park 11200
Tanjung Bungah, Penang
Phone no.+(6) 04 890 7044
Fax no.+(6) 04 890 1583
Website : www.mountmiriam.com

Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital is one of the leading cancer hospitals in the country. It is located in the Fettes Park area of Tanjung Bungah, at the end of Jalan Bulan.

The Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital was established by the Roman Catholic nuns from the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood.

The inspiration to found the hospital came way back in 1963, when the late Bishop Francis Chan, the first Catholic Bishop of Penang was suffering from terminal cancer, and was looked after by the French Sisters of the Foreign Mission, also called the Grey Sisters. Bishop Francis was so touched by the commitment and passion of the nuns that he invited them to start a home to look after cancer patients.

When the French Sisters of the Foreign Mission withdrew in 1970, Bishop Gregory Yong - successor to Bishop Francis - invited the Sister of the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood to found a cancer hospital. Construction, next to the College General, began in 1974, and the Mount Miriam Hospital was declared open by Bishop Gregory on 21 February 1976.

·         Hospital Pantai Mutiara Penang
Address82 Jalan Tengah Bayan Baru 11900
Bayan Lepas, Penang
Phone no.+(6) 04 643 3888
Fax no.+(6) 04 643 2888
Emergency Phone no.+(6) 04 643 8799
Website : www.pantai.com.my

Established in 1997, Pantai Hospital Penang (formerly known as Hospital Pantai Mutiara) is a 250-bedded specialist hospital strategically located in the bustling satellite town of Bayan Baru, just a 30-minute drive from the city of Georgetown. Its proximity to the Penang International Airport and the Penang Bridge makes Pantai Hospital Penang a healthcare centre of choice both among medical tourists and locals.

Drawing on Penang’s established reputation as a hub for medical tourism, Pantai Hospital Penang offers a comprehensive portfolio of specialist services in Radiotherapy & Oncology, Cardiology, Dentistry, Paediatric Cardiology, Neurology, Neurosurgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery.

The hospital with 40 full-time specialist doctors, 5 sessional and 2 visiting specialist doctors is continuously improving in an effort to provide peerless patient experience. New facilities and services such as the recent additions - Urology, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy and Radiotherapy (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy) – are part of the hospital’s commitment to healthcare excellence.

·         Penang Adventist Hospital
Address465 Jalan Burma 10350, Penang
Phone no.+(6) 04 222 7200
Fax no.+(6) 04 226 3366
Emergency Phone no.+(6) 04 222 7799
Website : www.pah.com.my

The Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) is part of an International Adventist Network of some 600 not-for-profit hospitals, clinics and dispensaries worldwide.

The hospital was established in 1924 by Dr J. Earl Gardner. From its humble beginnings, PAH has continuously grown to become a tertiary healthcare centre for the Malaysian community and International visitors.

The hospital is supported by dedicated physicians, nurses, and healthcare professionals, and employs modern medical equipment to provide quality healthcare.

We look forward to not only providing quality healthcare services but also educating the community to make informed choices about their general well-being.

Other hospitals:

·         Tropicana Medical Centre Penang

12-A, Jalan Masjid Negeri, 11600 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Phone:+60 4-829 9188

Hours: Open today · 12:00 am – 11:59 pm

Website : http://www.tropicanamedicalcentre.com/

Tropicana Medical Centre (formerly Srigim Medical Centre) is a centre managed by TMC Life Sciences Berhad, a public listed company in Malaysian stock exchange that specialises in Fertility Treatment, Women’s and Children’s care since 1992, with the belief in Quality Health Care at Affordable Cost.

Located minutes away from the Penang State Mosque, the 24 bedded medical centre is staffed with a team of multi-lingual, dedicated and experienced doctors and anaestheticist specializing in Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatric care and other sub-fields, as well as performing surgical services such as general, women and children’s surgery.

·         Tanjung Medical Centre

Address : 473 Jalan Burma, 10350, Penang

Telephone : 604-226 2323

Fax : 604-229 9008

E-mail : tanmed@tanjungmedical.com.my

Website : http://www.tanjungmedical.com.my/

We are a modern and fully equipped medical centre in Penang, Malaysia providing a full range of medical and hospital services. Our dedicated medical team is well trained and ever ready to serve – to ensure a pleasant experience, comfortable stay and speedy recovery for our patients. Our motto conveys our principal objective: to ensure that our patients are cared for with the highest standard at affordable rates.

Our services include, among others, 24-hour accident and emergency services, evening paediatric and Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G) clinics, 24-hour ambulance service, surgeries including laparoscopic surgeries, ICU, physiotherapy, day surgery, endoscopies, maternity and neonatology, imaging, laboratory and pharmacy services.


At Tanjung Medical Centre, we offer various services to our patients because we are committed to creating a healthy community for everyone.

Our efficient, skillful and quick-thinking team responds promptly to the needs of our patients in any situation.

Fully-functional wards and laboratories are equipped with the latest technology and medical resources to provide help and care thus ensuring a stronger chance of healing and recovery. For the convenience of patients and visitors, public telephones are also available at each floor of the hospital.

Public hospitals:

Penang General Hospital (main)

Address               :Hospital Pulau Pinang Jalan Residensi, Penang

11500 George Town, Malaysia

Phone   : 04-222 5333

Website : http://hpp.moh.gov.my/en/

Penang General Hospital, now known as Hospital Pulau Pinang and previously as Hospital Besar Pulau Pinang, is the biggest public hospital in Penang. It is located along Residency Road, with various departments sprawled over a large area that includes Tull Road and Sepoy Lines Road. As a public hospital, it provides health care and emergency treatment for all illnesses and accidents.

Balik Pulau Hospital

Address: Jalan Sungai Pinang, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Phone:+60 4-866 9333

Website : http://hbpulau.moh.gov.my/v2/

Balik Pulau Hospital is a hospital located in the state of Penang , Malaysia . It was built in 1880 and completed in 1883 at a cost of $ 2,200.00. The hospital is responsible for providing medical services to the residents in the vicinity of the South West District which has an area of ​​17,345.15 hectares or 173.45 square kilometers. Residents in the vicinity of Southwest totaling approximately 159 019 people (2000 census).

STAY in PENANG

Penang offers a wide selection of accommodation to suite every budget, from deluxe five-star hotels to budget guesthouses.

Accommodations built to serve the needs of meetings attendees. We providing a home away home to meet guest’s needs and attract future bookings. We provide seven categories of lodging properties such as limited-service budget hotels, limited-service economy motels, full-service mid-priced hotels and motels, luxury hotels, all-suite hotels and extended-stay hotels. Our service is designed to enhance the meeting experience.

Most of the hotels are located on the island but there are also a good selection on the mainland strip of Penang, or Seberang Perai as it is known to locals.

There are two main locations to choose from - stay in the city within close proximity to the UNESCO heritage site of George Town, the state capital of Penang or in the countryside splendour near the beaches and hills.

No matter where you stay, most of Penang's attractions are close at hand. The hustle and bustle of the city to the tranquillity of the beaches are but minutes away.

For the more selective traveller who prefer a more refined and luxurious environment, there are a whole range of choices ranging from 3-star hotels to 5-star hotels as well as boutique hotel and beach resorts.

Penang-Malaysia Association of Hotels established in 1958 currently have 40 hotels under its banner. Over the years PMAH have ensured that all member hotels maintained it's integrity and strict policy in providing first class accommodation with unparalleled services.

Let us introduce some Penang’s top hotels. 

Best for family Golden Sands Resort

The Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La really allows you to experience Penang Islands tropical charms in a warm and inviting way. A four-star property with pride of place along the famous Jalan Batu Ferringgi.
 A stylish addition to an area thin on unstuffy accommodation, it is incredibly popular with families and recreational facilities are abundant. Here, guests can take part in fun activities such as water volleyball, petanque (a fun French outdoor game) and beach soccer.
 Additionally at Golden Sands Resort, there is also a nine-hole golf course, three tennis courts, fitness centre, two lagoon-shaped swimming pools (one with a whirlpool), a kids pool with waterslide and the 10,300 sq ft Adventure Zone, a family entertainment centre with drop slides and modular play equipment.
Whats more, the hotel also hosts tai chi classes each morning on its well manicured lawns, plus daily kids-only game competitions (sand-sculpting, coconut bowling, pool contests and more). Ranging in size from 36 sqm to 66 sqm, tropical influence is reflected in all 387 rooms and suites (divided into four categories). Each unit offers views of the hillside or ocean and when it comes to bedding down, guests can expect fluffy duvets and a pillow menu from which to choose the best head support.
A range of standard hotel amenities is available, plus 21st century conveniences such as free Wi-Fi, a 32-inch flat screen TV with in-house movies, DVD player and a user-friendly audio visual panel with USB,and computer connections.

Best for luxury Rasa Sayang Resort

Divided into two wings (with a separate driveway and entrance for each), the five-star Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa is a pretty impressive property spread out across 30 acres along the famous Batu Ferringgi beach.

The whole hotel has been fitted out in traditional Minangkabau style - in fact, in line with this, the hotel hosts a time-honoured Malay musical performance every Friday outside its Garden Wing lobby. We love the five-storey Rasa Wing: built in 1973, it has an exclusive feel, offering guests little extras such as afternoon tea, all day cocktails and evening canapes. This side of the hotel is home to Ferringgi Grill, an award-winning, fine-dining restaurant, plus the property also plays host to five other restaurants and bars. Contributing to the hotels all-inclusive feel, guests also have access to four other food and drink venues at the four-star Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La next door.

Other on site facilities at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa include an on site spa, three swimming pools, tennis courts, a nine-hole golf course and a fitness studio with aerobics and dance classes.

Best for budget Ryokan

A twist of culture and a hint of luxury powered by modern technology. From a flashpacker to another, this is what Ryokan is all about.

Think Japanese, flashpacking and modern technology. Sum it all up, and you get a chic hostel called Ryokan. Ryokan's first hostel in Malaysia is located at Muntri Street, Georgetown Penang. Proudly proclaimed as the first flashpacker hostel in Malaysia, our boutique hostel redefines the true meaning of flashpacking by providing affordable accommodation in a chic environment which guarantees fun, comfort and security

TASTE of PENANG

Assam Laksa
Assam Laksa is an extremely famous Penang dish. It’s certainly one that most locals will recommend so I’m definitely adding it to this list. It’s a spicy noodley soup with tastebud-tickling sour undertones. So, the traditional dish is kind of a thick broth whereas the Penang version is thinner. As I said, it’s super famous so you can find it lurking on pretty much any street in Penang. However, Ayer Itam Pasar is said to serve the best Assam Laksa in the whole world. That’s a pretty big claim so it’s worth testing it out.

Char Kway Teow
Ok, another noodle delight for you. This one is usually served with prawns so it’s a little more of a seafood delight. This is a bit of a comfort food dish and is high in fat. However, its unhealthiness is mostly weighed out by how tasty it is!
Without a doubt, everyone in Penang has their very own favourite CKT spots but one we’ll definitely recommend that less people know of is the Tiger Char Koay Teow. Tiger Char Koay Teow is situated near the town area and is famous for having an amazing aroma.

Hokkien Hae Mee
Another delight from under the sea, Hokkien Hae Mee, is a fried noodley prawn dish which is simply delicious. This is one of those street food specials you’ll hear backpackers and locals raving about and you’ll find it recommended on travel blogs all over the worldwide web. And there is good reason. It kind of a soup-based noodle dish that combines prawns, slices of chicken, squid and fish cake, and water spinach. It was actually brought over the Malaysia from Fujian, China. 888 Hokkien Mee at Presgrave Street Hawker Centre is a locally-recommended stall to try this delectable food.

Wanton Mee
Wanton mee is a very famous noodles dish in Penang. In Chinese “wanton” means dumpling and “mee” is translated as noodles. This dish is usually served in a hot broth and is garnished with leafy vegetables, prawns, chicken or pork, pickled green chilies, spring onions and sometimes mushrooms and black fungus. It can be served dry dressed with oyster sauce. In Penang wanton mee is served with black sauce with yummy noodles topped with meat and sauce. This is my favorite dish when I am running out of time.

Char Koay Kak
Char Koay Kak is translated as carrot cake. It is so delicious and Malays are so proud of it that they serve it even in some clothing stores that I visited. I have noticed that Penang has a special version of Char Koay Kak. Carrot cake, locally known as kway kak is made from white radish and rice flour. It is made from stir-fried carrot cake pieces, salted turnips, bean sprouts, eggs, dark soy sauce, a little chili paste and lard.

Oh Chien
Oh Chien is a Chinese omelette dish made from tapioca flour. Basically, it’s mouth-watering. Aside from the omelette itself and the oysters, it’s got garlic, a little chilli paste, some shallots and eggs in it; all fried up and greasy to go!
One of the places I’d recommend for Oh Chien isn’t really a stall as such, but is more of a small low-budget hole-in-the-wall cafe called Kedai Kopi Seng Thor. You can find it on Lebuh Carnarvon; it’s right around the corner from where you’ll be sampling Hokkien Hae Mee!

Penang Rojak
Rojak is a traditional Asian fruit and vegetable salad. The term “rojak” means mixture in Malay. Penang Rojak is a typical salad that is similar to a fruit one – cucumber, pineapple, cuttlefish, turnip, but has some other ingredients: jambu air, guava, squid fritters, honey and sometimes raw mangoes and green apples. This dish has no bean sprouts and fried tofu puffs. What’s most delightful is the very thick prawn sauce.
One of the popular places to eat this local delicates is Hock Seng Rojak (or Rojak king) – and I assure you its name says it all. The lady chef is very friendly and she will love to cook your fresh rojak instantly.

Cendol
Cendol is a traditional Southern Asian dessert. You can order it in a plate or in a cup. When I am in a hurry I drink it, but when I have plenty of time I enjoy each spoon. Its basic ingredients are coconut milk, jelly noodles, shaved ice and palm sugar. In Penang, this mouthwatering dish also includes red beans, glutinous rice, grass jelly and creamed corn. Despite the fact that this dessert is so sweet and delicious it is also nutritional and healthy. It is suitable for everyone as the ingredients balance makes it not too sweet for diabetics or for children.

STREET ART in PENANG

Take an amazing tour around George Town to discover the unique painted wall mimicking life in the city and the wrought-iron caricatures with anecdotal  descriptions of the street that they adorn.

Street Art's Map

Welded iron wall caricatures

Blending humor and historical facts, these metal sculptures describe the prevailing colloquial demeanor of the early settlement days that gave memorable moniker to the streets and landmarks that are George Town icons today. Like voices from the past, they creatively symbolize the intimate relationship the people have in their daily lives with these landmarks that stand to this day.

Street art by Ernest Zacharevic

Many have become enamored of the newly transformed streetscape of George Town, much thanks to the beautiful and evocative murals that Ernest hand painted. From what originally was a short visit to Penang, the Lithuanian-born artist who graduated with Honours from Middlesex University in London, has since taken up temporary residence in Penang and is currently pursuing a career as a full-time artist, animator, photographer and filmmaker.

However, there are many other new mural appear. Let's discover by yourself! ^^