Take one tropical island, add a luxurious
beach resort, augment that with a significant amount of history, toss
in a liberal dose of superb local food, and the result would be none other
than Penang. Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, is the most culturally diverse
East Asia holiday destination today. Lying at the crossroads of great
civilizations, Penang, more than any other state in Malaysia, is the country's
cultural melting pot. In the early years of its founding, the island attracted
people of all races from seemingly all points of the compass. Penang today,
like most of its counterparts in the country, bears the mark of an early
history of successive foreign influences. From the early Indian Civilization
that took root in northern Malaya, to the Portuguese, Dutch, and later
the British who came to this part of the world in search of spices and
stayed on to participate in the lucrative trade.
Originally a territory of the Sultan of
Kedah, Penang was largely unoccupied until 1786. According to the annals
of history, Francis Light of the British East India Company was very captivated
by the island's immense beauty. Foreseeing its potential as an excellent
trading port, he persuaded the then Sultan to concede the island to the
British rule in exchange for protection against his Siamese enemies.
The task of clearing the jungle was given
to Light. Legend has it that Light filled cannons with gold and silver
coins, blasted them into the surrounding jungles, and then sent workers
out to clear the jungle. It got the job done! Thanks to Light's far-sight,
the island soon became a busy entry port for tea and opium trading between
India and China.
Today's Penang combines the past and present.
It is possible to stroll down its narrow lanes and enjoy viewing colonial
buildings, as well as modern development of roads and high rises.
Getting
There
By
Air :Easily accessible by daily flights from major capitols
of the region, it also has direct links with Singapore, Bangkok, Nagoya,
Medan, Madras, and Xiamen in China. Local flights are also available.
Bayan Lepas, the island's International Airport, is a mere 20 minute from
the city center.
By
Rail :Operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM
Bhd), this is a comfortable and leisurely way to travel and it affords
one the opportunity to see a lot of the countryside and rural villages.
By
Ferry :Ferry services are available around the clock
from Butterworth for both passengers and vehicles. Tickets can be purchased
at the Butterworth terminal and the rates are applicable for a return
journey.
By
Road :Since September 1985, the island's 285 sq. km
of territory has been linked to the mainland by the 13km long Penang Bridge.
This has facilitated driving to Penang. A toll charge of RM7 is levied
on all classes of cars at Seberang Perai on the mainland. No payment is
required for traveling from the island to the mainland.
Moving
around :The city is efficiently serviced by busses,
taxis, and most interestingly trishaws. A trishaw ride is one of the best
ways to see the island. Besides the novelty of traveling in this open-fronted
three wheeled vehicle, trishaws allow visitors the opportunity of a more
leisurely paced sightseeing.
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