Penang Bird Park

Located in a 5 acre park, the Penang Bird Park has a collection of over 3,000 exotic birds from more than 300 global bird species. There are 2 giant sized Walkin Aviaries and thousands of birds ranging from tiny sunbirds to 8 foot tall Ostriches.

Address: Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang,
Malaysia.
Tel: 604 3991899 / Fax: 604 3991899
Website: www.penangbirdpark.com.my
Email: drgino@penangbirdpark.com.my / pengbird@tm.net.my

VISITOR INFO

Visiting Hours: 9am to 7pm Daily incl Public Holidays

Fees: Adult RM20, Children (Below 12yrs) RM10, School Children (in uniform) RM2, Camera RM1, Free for handicapped & under priviledged persons.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was built in the 1890's by master craftsmen from China who created a Courtyard House with 38 rooms and granite paved courtyards. This architectural masterpiece was restored in the 1990s and earned an Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conversation in 2000.

Address: 14 Leith Street, 10200, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604 2625289 / Fax: 604 2625289
Website: www.CheongFattTzeMansion.com
Email: cftm@tm.net.my

VISITOR INFO

Visiting Hours: 11am and 3pm daily.

Fees: RM12/pax

Tropical Fruit Farm

The Tropical Fruit Farm is located 800ft above sea level on a 25 acre orchard in Teluk Bahang. There are over 250 species of exotic tropical fruit trees to view in this ideal location where visitors can sample fruit dishes and fresh fruit juice.

Address: Batu 18, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604 8665168 / Fax: 604 8665170
Website: www.TropicalFruitFarm.com.my
Email: info@tropicalfruitfarm.com.my

VISITOR INFO

Visiting Hours: 9am to 6pm daily. Last Farm Tour at 5pm.

Fees: Adult RM25, Children (6-12yrs) RM17

More info: Call +604 2276223 or +6019 4126314

The Sire - House of Yeap Chor Ee is the first museum restaurant

The Sire - House of Yeap Chor Ee is the first museum restaurant ever set up in Penang.

Its concept, which is of Peranakan in spirit with the fusion way of life, and a mixture of different cultural influences, the old and the new was also the former home of Yeap Chor Ee, a prominent businessman and philanthropist in Penang, before he and his family moved to Homestead, now the Wawasan Open University.

The building which has been restored and beautifully refurbished with high ceilings and stained glass has been turned into a museum cum restaurant oozing elegance and charm, serving delicious food from ‘the best of Old & New World Cuisine’ .

The gallery above seeks to portrait about Yeap Chor Ee and his family members, how they used to live in Homestead, photographs of his grand and magnificent home, furniture and artefacts that have been with the family for generations and the genealogy of family members.

The gallery also serves as a tangible reminder of the many wonderful qualities Yeap Chor Ee has brought to his family and to the people of Penang.

Inspired by Dato Sri Steven Yeap, the grandson of the Yeap Chor Ee, the set up of the gallery to house furnitures and artefacts from Homestead came in as a direction to the thought of housing his family's ancestral tablets in a proper place. Therefore, No 4 Penang Street was identified as a proper place for intiating a cause to celebrate Yeap Chor Ee's achievements.

Also in this gallery, the Yeap family genealogy is set up as a platform to keep the family tree recorded for generations to come.

The Sire, the fine dining restaurant on the ground floor, is managed by the same owner of Ferringhi Garden. Though the menu and the food has been developed differently for each restaurant respectively, their Executive chef, Mr Yeoh Woei Liang, also runs the kitchen in Ferringhi Garden.

One can pay a visit to the gallery without ordering any food but paying a sum of less than RM10 for some fine coffee and the priceless enjoyment of rich history within its deep enclaves.

House of Yeap Chor Ee - "The Sire" Museum & Restaurant

Address : 4, King Street, Georgetown 10200 Penang (back entrance) or No. 4 Penang Street, 10200 Penang (front entrance)
Tel : 604-2645088.

Operation hours: 11.30am ~ 3.00pm and 6.00pm ~ 10.30pm (Close on Sunday)

Source: http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/portal/what-to-see/attractions/the-sire.html

Penang Food Descriptions

Some Penang Delights you should try:

• Hokkien Mee- a noodle soup dish with yellow noodles, vermicelli, shrimps, pork, eggs, bean sprouts, vegetables, shallots and chilis immersed in a tasty prawn based broth.
• Assam Laksa- a soupy noodle dish with fat white noodles in a unique sourish broth made from fish, vegetables, tamarind (assam) and fruits, garnished with pineapple and herbs.
• Char Koay Teow- a stir fried (flat) rice noodles with prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, chinese sweet sausage, eggs and chili.
• Nasi Kandar- a rice & dish meal consisting of white rice with a wide selection of seafood, meat, chicken and vegetable curry dishes.
• Koay Teow Th'ng- flat rice noodles with fish balls, chicken, pork, fish cake and fried garlic in a clear chicken soup. Exotic intestines are optional.
• Kaya- a Malaysian jam made with coconut and eggs which is used for fillings and as a spread for bread and toast.
• Cendol- a cold desert/snack with ice, coconut milk, brown sugar (gula melaka), red beans and green noodles.
• Lobak- a type of deep fried Penang sausage with marinated pork wrapped in a soya based skin.
• Sar Hor Fun- stir fried wide flat rice noodles (hor fun) and vermicelli topped with a light sauce with eggs, prawns, pork, char siew, liver and vegetables.
• Durian- a strong smelling yellow fleshed fruit which has a unique sweet taste and a texture like soft cheese.

Tropical Spice Garden

Located in Teluk Bahang, The Tropical Spice Garden is an award winning 8 acre landscaped spice garden with over 500 species of tropical flora and fauna. Explore the Garden Trails and fabulous Spice Therapy products.

Address: Lone Crag Villa, Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11100 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604 8811797 / Fax: 604 8813794
Website: www.TropicalSpiceGarden.com
Email: info@tropicalspicegarden.com

VISITOR INFO

Visiting Hours: Open 9am to 6pm daily. Last admission at 5.30pm.

Self-guided Tour Fees: Adult RM14, Family (2 adults & up to 4 children) RM35, Children (aged 4-12) RM8, Free for children under 4 years old.

Guided Tour Fees: Adult RM22, Family (2 adults & up to 4 children) RM55, Children (aged 4-12) RM8, Free for children under 4 years old.

Penang Snake Temple

The Penang Snake Temple was built by a Buddhist monk from China in the 1800s in memory of the deity Chor Soo Kong who had legendary healing powers. After the temple was built, snakes from the nearby jungles mysteriously appeared and was given shelter by the monk who considered it a good omen. The pet vipers have since resided in the sacred halls of the temple.

Address: Sungai Keluang, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: n/a / Fax: n/a
Website: n/a
Email: n/a

VISITOR INFO

Visiting Hours: 6am to 7pm Daily.

Fees: Free / Adult RM5, Children RM1 / TBC

Penang Butterfly Farm

The Penang Butterfly farm was established as a live museum to educate the public and serve as a research centre to develop breeding methods for butterflies. It has a population of 4,000 butterflies from 120 different species such as the Indian Leafl and the endangered Yellow Bird wing.

Address: No.830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang, Malaysia
Tel: 604 8851253 / Fax: 604 8851741
Website: www.butterfly-insect.com
Email: info@butterfly-insect.com

VISITOR INFO

Visiting Hours: Monday-Friday: 9am to 5.30pm (Last entry at 5pm), Weekends & Public Holidays: 9am to 6pm (Last entry at 5.30pm)

Fees: Adult RM20, Children (4-12 years) RM10, Cameras RM5

Fly Direct To Macau From Penang

Penangites can now look forward to flying to Macau for their weekend getaway thanks to Air Asia. Likewise for visitors from Macau who will soon be able to come over to Penang for all the delectable "Only In Penang" dishes we have to offer.

Air Asia launched their direct flights to and from Macau and Penang today. Travelers will be able to make ticket bookings from 19th January 2009 onwards. The direct flights, scheduled to fly four times a week will begin its services from 1st March 2009.

George Town and Macau share the similarity as a proud UNESCO World Heritage City.

More info, please visit www.airasia.com

Penang Hop On Free Central Area Transit (CAT)

Visitors to Penang can now enjoy a bus ride within George Town, the UNESCO World Heritage City, for FREE.

The Hop On Free Central Area Transit (CAT) ply the route between Weld Quay Jetty and Komtar on 15-minute intervals from 6am-12midnight.

Exploring the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage City has never been this convenient now with 19 CAT stops in between all the famous heritage landmarks of Penang!

Climb onboard the CAT bus today and explore all the wonderful heritage sites of Penang. Take a tour to the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, Fort Cornwallis, Penang War Memorial, City Hall, Penang Supreme Court Building, Cathedral of the Assumption, Penang State Museum, Goddess of Mercy Temple, The Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Church Street Pier, Mahamariamman Temple, Khoo Kongsi, Cheong Fatt Sze Mansion, Francis Light's grave and many more heritage sites!

Download the George Town Penang Heritage brochure for more information. Download CAT bus route map here.

This project is initiated and fully funded by the Penang State Government for the convenience of Penangites and foreign tourists.

The CAT bus is managed by the Municipal Council of Penang Island (MPPP) and operated by Rapid Penang.

Source: http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/portal/getting-around/63-getting-around/429-cat.html

NY Times readers choose Penang as No.2 must-visit destination for 2009

January 11th 2009

The New York Times

Penang has been nominated as No. 2 in The New York Times "The 44 Places To Go in 2009" as a result of Reader Recommendations. Penang has been categorized under frugal and foodie places to go in 2009.

The Pearl of the Orient, compared to the likes of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City has been labeled as one of South-East Asia's liveliest street-food scene.

Stating that adventurous foodies are now turning to Penang, which rules as the culinary capital of Malaysia, for deliciously chronicling pan-Asian flavors such as our flavorful Asam Laksa and Char Koey Teow which costs no more than $2 for a delectable meal.

Other places include Washington (fourth), Rome (fifth) and Metz in France (sixth). The newspaper ranked Penang in the 22nd spot while Phuket was placed 12th.

Besides the second spot in the overall readers’ ranking, Penang is also in the top 12 places in the frugal and food categories (both readers’ and the paper’s recommendations).

The New York Times said adventurous foodies are now turning to Penang, the culinary capital of Malaysia, where they are eating their way through one of South-East Asia’s liveliest street-food scenes.

It said there are city-run hawker stands everywhere and even refined dishes like char koay teow rarely cost more than US$2 (about RM7.20)

State Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage committee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said Penang was chosen by the readers because of its good food.

“The ranking is a boost for the state as a tourist destination.

“Penang food is so famous that I know of Singaporeans who fly here just to eat,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after launching the New World Park Chinese New Year programme at the food and beverage centre here yesterday.

A series of musical, art and dance performances are being held at the hawker-cum-cultural centre until Feb 9.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/18/nation/3055348&sec=nation

Cruise arrivals in Penang

Some 450,000 to 500,000 tourists arrived in Penang on cruise ships annually.

The guests will take a day tours to visit Penang's heritage attractions, shopping malls, and other places of interest. And most of all, to enjoy our local Penang food.

Sample of itinery from Star Cruise:

• Enjoy a scenic Trishaw ride along Georgetown
• Visit Wat Chayamankalarm temple with its Thai architecture housing a giant reclining Buddha
• Visit the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, built in 1805 with the Stupa and Sima Hall featuring several early paintings
• Shop for local products before heading to Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the finest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, standing majestically on a hill. Built in tiers, the temple culminates with the beautifully crafted “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas”. Taking more than 20 years to build, the temple is set against beautiful scenic surroundings with many stalls selling trinkets and souvenirs.
• Take a guided tour of the Tropical Agro Farm where up to 140 species of tropical fruits and exotic spices are grown grow.
• Head to the Batik factory to witness the traditional techniques of batik painting using wax and dyes.
• Head to the Snake Temple, built in memory of a Buddhist priest and healer
• Finally catch a glimpse of the famed Penang Bridge – one of the longest bridges in the world before embarking the ship
• Visit the Butterfly Farm, a sanctuary for over 120 species of rare and exotic tropical butterflies complete with a hatchery and a “Preserved Butterflies of the World” museum.
• Arrive at Penang Botanical Gardens, located at the foot of Penang Hill and and view the many local species of flora and fauna . You may also come across monkeys in their natural habitat.

Arcadia Cruise arrived on Thursday, 29th Jan 2009 with 2076 passengers. The guests were given a rousing welcome at Tanjung City Marina in Pengkalan Weld. On hand to welcome them was state Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Commmittee chairman Law Heng Kiang.

We receive 2 to 3 cruises every week. This week's cruises arrival at Tanjung City Marina is as follows:

Cruise No. 1: Star Cruise ship Virgo

Date: 9th February 2009

Arrival Time: 12pm

Guests on board: 1,900

Cruise No. 2: P & O Cruises ship Aurora

Date: 11th February 2009

Arrival Time: 8am

Guests on board: 1,000

Source: http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/portal/upcoming-events.html?task=view_detail&agid=186&year=2009&month=02&day=09

Art Exhibition - Stretch Your Imagination

Date: 7th to 26th February 2009

Exhibiton Title : "Stretch Your Imagination"

By: Malaysian & Singapore Contemporary Artists Selection Group

Venue: Penang State Art Gallery, Dewan Sri Pinang

Operation Hours: 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday (Close on Sunday)

Contact: 04-2613144

email: muzium@po.jaring.myThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Admission: FREE

"Stretch Your Imagination" art exhibition includes more than 100 artists from Malaysia and Singapore. The artists are divided into senior artists (60 years old above), middle-age artists (40-59 years old) and young artists (below 40 years old). 6 of the pioneer artists whom are officially recognises by The Singapore Art Museum ( Cheong Soo Pieng, Chen Chong Swee, Chen Wen Hsi, Georgette Chen Ai Ling, Liu Kang and Lim Cheng Hoe) will be exhibiting their art works here.

Boundless Vision by Sandy TengXiao Xia (Artist, Masters in Arts):

The way of art values the spirit rather than the form. Every artist's greatest challenge lies in surmounting and shedding the simple image of shapes, and thus deducing the manner of communicating the essence within.

The artist's perspective is often one of aerial. (S)he sees what is obscure to the commoner's eye and performs what the hoi polloi cannot. It is a fight against the resignation to being bound by the worldly structure, for the cause of pursuing a vivid aspiration.

Artist: Mr Khor Ean Yee from Tanjung Tokong, Penang

Selected Award:

- 1st prize Flower Compeition, Penang, Malaysia

- Foreign Minister's Prize - Japan Modern Fine Arts Exhibition, Osaka, Japan

- Water colour paintings accepted in Summer Salon, England

- Gold Medal of Excellence - Jiangsu Water Colour Research Insitute, China

Artist: Mr Simon Tan from Jalan Sungai Pinang, Penang

Selected Award:

1991 - Excellent Award, Young Talent

1996 - Excellent Award, Cornucopia of Malaysia Art

2006 - 2nd prize, Tanjung Heritage

Artist: Ms Becky Choong from Bukit Mertajam, Penang

Selected Group Exhibition:

1997 - Women's Art Exhibition, Penang

2003 - The Dharma Protectors 'A Foiut Exhibition of Malaysia Renowned Artist 2003 Exhibition - Shan's Art Gallery 2; Kuala Lumpur

2008 - The 4th New Expression of Asian Art Exhibition, Henan, China

Source: http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/portal/upcoming-events.html?task=view_detail&agid=184&year=2009&month=02&day=07

Things to Do in Penang

There are a variety of things to See, Eat and Do in Penang.

Whatever you're looking for in a holiday, Penang Has It All.

Visitors come from all over the world for Penang's Food, Beach & Watersports, Golfing, Heritage Sites, Ecotourist Destinations, Cultural Festivals and more.

Penang Beach

The beaches along Batu Ferringhi have attracted visitors to Penang for many years.

With sunny weather for most of the year, Penang's beaches are one of the island's attractions for beach holiday makers. There are boat rides fishing, watersports, volleyball, horse riding and a load of other fun activities.

Penang Hill

Penang Hill has always been one of the classic things to do in Penang.

Climb the hill or take a tram journey to the top where you'll get a fantastic view of Penang. For the more adventurous, the Canopy Walk is a great chance to get close with Penang's tropical environment.

Eco/Tropical Attractions

Penang has one of the best selections of tropical ecotourist related sites and destinations.

Aside from Penang Hill, visitors should also experience the Tropical Spice Garden, Butterfly Farm, Botanic Gardens and the Tropical Fruit Farm.

Penang Golf

Penang has great golf courses for amateur, professional and business golfers.

There are a few courses across the bridge on the mainland, but the best course to try on the island is at The Bukit Jambul Golf & Country Club.

Penang Food

Enjoying Penang's exotic food is something which every visitor must do and what all local Penangites love to do. Find out more about food in Penang.

Penang Shopping

For shoppers, check out Batu Ferringhi night market for local bargains or the Gurney Plaza for designer wear. The Queensbay Mall is also not be missed for great shopping and entertainment.

Summary of Places to visit in Penang

• Penang Hill
• Penang Butterfly Farm
• Tropical Spice Garden
• Snake Temple
• Cheong Fatt Tze's Mansion
• Botanic Gardens
• Fort Cornwallis
• Tropical Fruit Farm
• Kek Lok Si Temple
• Penang Bird Park

If you have a suggestion for a Place to Visit in Penang, please email us the details so that we can add it on this list.