Penang, the state of Malaysia, is situated on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is outlined by the Strait of Malacca, bordering Kedah in the north and east, while Perak in the south. Being one of the important states of Malaysia, it is rising as an unparalleled destination in the world. Penang is the eighth most densely inhabited and the second smallest state in Malaysia, with a highly diverse culture, language and society.

Top 10 Penang Landmarks

Kek Lok Si:
One of the famous Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si, is known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss. It is a temple of Mahayana Buddhism with Taoist beliefs that blends the influence of Chinese rituals in the temple's architecture and artwork. The temple situated in Air Itam in Penang is a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists.

Bata Furring:
Batu Ferringhi, located along the northern coast of Penang Island, is a suburb of George Town. It is said to be a prime beach destination, and to serve the visitors many resorts, and high-rise hotels are present along the beach stretch. Get a chance to refresh your soul and mind with a splendid view of the Andaman Sea and Mount Jerai.

Komtar:
Komtar is a 65-storey building designed and constructed by local expertise. Komtar is an acronym for Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak named after the second prime minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdul Razak Hussein. The Komtar Tower contains many retail outlets, restaurants, clubs and offices. It is an eye-catching multi-purpose complex built to revitalise the urban centre of George Town.

Snake Temple:
With a unique presence globally, Snake Temple, also known as the Temple of the Azure Clouds is constructed in 1850 to dedicate the Buddhist monk Chor Soo Kong. Every year thousands of tourists visit the temple on the 6th day of the first lunar month to celebrate the monk's birthday. The temple is filled with live pit vipers (snakes). There is a snake pool where snakes recline on trees or basking in the sun or the shade.

Queensbay Mall:
Queensbay Mall is situated in Bayan Lepas and was completed by CP Mall Son Bud in 2006. It is one of the largest shopping malls in Asia as well as the longest malls in Penang. The mall covers a built-up area of 2,500.000 sq.ft. and has more than 400 outlets and a multilevel parking lot.

Kapitan Keling Mosque:
The Kapitan Keling Mosque is the largest mosque in George Town, Penang, built in the 19th century. It is situated on Buckingham Street and Pitt Street. It is a prominent Islamic historic centre and also a part of the World Heritage Site of George Town.

Fort Cornwallis:
The Fort Cornwallis was previously known as Fort Point Lighthouse as it was located at the tip of the Penang Island. The fort was named after the late 18th-century governor-general of Bengal, India, Charles Marquis Cornwallis. It was constructed in 1786 after Captain Sir Francis Light took possession of Penang from the Sultan of Kedah. It resembles other British forts in India and is one of the oldest star-shaped forts in Penang.

Khoo Kongsi:
Khoo Kongsi is one of the most beautiful temples in Malaysia, situated outside the province of China. It is a huge Chinese clan house with magnificent ornamented architecture elaborating the existence of Chinese in Penang, Malaysia. This historical setting is situated in Cannon Square, George Town. The temple owns its significance as a symbol of redefining the clan's association in the present day.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple:
Sri Mahamariamman Temple also known as Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. Situated on Queen Street, this 200-year-old architectural marvel stands like an epitome in Penang. On the entrance of the temple, there is a 23.5 feet tall sculptured tower called Gopuram. Also, the temple contains many statues of Gods and Goddesses.

Wat Chaiyamangkalaram:
Wat Chaiyamangkalaram is a Thai Buddhist Temple and is well-known for its Reclining Buddha Temple. This statue is 33-metres in length and the 3rd largest of its own kind in the world. The temple located in Pulau Tikus suburb of George Town, Penang, Malaysia, was built in 1845 on land donated by Queen Victoria to four women trustees. It is one of the two temples involved in the performance of Thai festivals, namely Loy Krathong and Songkhran.

For more interesting and popular attractions, please visit Penang attractions page.

Top Penang FAQs

Q.1) Where is Penang located?

Ans: Penang is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Strait of Malacca. It is one of the famous states in Malaysia, as well as the name of the constituent island.

Q.2) What is the capital of Penang?

Ans: The capital of Penang is George Town (sometimes written as Georgetown), which is ranked as the most liveable city in Malaysia.

Q.3) Which state of Malaysia is often known as "The Pearl of the Orient"?

Ans: Penang is often known as "The Pearl of the Orient.", In Malay, called "PG" or "PP".

Q.4) What is the total population of Penang?

Ans: The total population of Penang is 1.783 million (as of 2020) while its density is 1,684/km².

Q.5) What is the time zone of Penang?

Ans: The Penang standard time zone is MST (UTC+8). Penang does not observe daylight saving.

Q.6) How is Penang divided?

Ans: Penang is divided into two parts where the seat of government is Penang Island and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula.

Q.7) What are the postal code and the calling code of Penang?

Ans: The postal code is 10000 - 19500.The country code of Malaysia is +60 while the area code is 4.

Q.8) What is the total area of Penang?

Ans: The total area of Penang is 1,048 km².

Q.9) Which are the official language and the working language of Penang?

Ans: Malay is the official language of the state. It is spoken in the northern accent, with characteristic words such as "hang", "depa", and "kupang". English is a language used in commerce, education and arts. Penangites use predominantly British English with American influences.

Q.10) How to denote a resident of Penang?

Ans: Penangite is used to denote a resident of Penang.

Q.11) Which religions are followed in Penang?

Ans: Islam is widely followed in Penang, while other prevalent religions are Buddhism, Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Taoism and Hinduism.

Q.12) Which festivals are celebrated in Penang?

Ans: Penang celebrates many religious festivals like Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Hungry Ghost Festival, Qing Ming, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Haji, Deepavali, Thaipusam and Thai Pongal and Good Friday, etc.

Q.13) What are the famous newspapers in Penang?

Ans: The most popular newspapers in Penang include the English dailies - The Star, The New Straits Times. The Malay dailies - Berita Harian, Utusan Malaysia, Harian Metro and Kosmo! There are several newspapers sold in different regional languages.

Q.14) Where is the Penang International Airport situated?

Ans: The Penang International Airport is situated at Bayan Lepas in the south of Penang Island.

Q.15) What are the visa requirements for Penang?

Ans: Please visit our visa requirements page for more details.