Georgetown

For most of the well informed tourist, they may already know that Georgetown is the state capital of Penang. In addition to that, Georgetown is also the center stage where some of the major attractions here in Penang can be found. The first impression that Georgetown gives to the eye of the beholder is that Georgetown remains as a slightly rugged antique as this city pretty much reflects the colonialist’s era. There are quite a number of historical monuments here in Georgetown, some of these historical monuments include Fort Cornwallis, Sri Rambai Cannon, Victoria Memorial Clock Tower and the Khoo Kongsi clan house as well. Besides these historical monuments, there are also some religious monuments located at around Georgetown, some of these religious monuments include the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple, the Hindu Maha Mariamman Temple and the Muslim Kapitan Kling Mosque.


Fort Cornwallis and the Sri Rambai Cannon
At the year 1786, upon setting foot for the first time in the Penang state, Captain Francis light had hastily set up this wooden stockade which was rebuilt into a major fort two decades later by convict labors. Named after the Governor General of India during that period, the purpose of this strong hold was to protect and fend against the French invasions. Nowadays, the main purpose for this fort is not for war but on the contrary, it serves as one of the major attractions in Georgetown where this fort now contains a history gallery, a handicraft and a souvenir shop. Right within the fort itself, there is the Sri Rambai Cannon which was one of the most famous cannon being used by Francis Light during his period here in Penang. This cannon is actually once the property of the Dutch East India Company where until today, the inscribed company seal is still clearly visible on the cannon. For those who enjoys knowing more about historical events in Penang during the early days, Fort Cornwallis is definitely a must see place for them.

Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
In the year 1897 during the occasion of the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign, this slightly tilted Victoria Memorial Clock Tower was donated by a wealthy Penang citizen named Cheah Chen Eok. The main reason that caused the Victoria Memorial Clock Tower to slightly tilt is because during World War II, bombs that were dropped on King Edward Place indirectly affected the foundations of the Victoria Memorial Clock Tower.

Khoo Kongsi Clan House
For the traveler who enjoys observing the Chinese architecture, the Khoo Kongsi clan house which was built by craftsmen from china during the year 1906 is most definitely a must see architectural masterpiece. All of the involved crafts, decorations and paintings in and outside this clan house are considered as one of the most elegantly and beautifully sculptured architectural masterpiece.

Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple, Hindu Maha Mariamman Temple and Muslim Kapitan Kling Mosque
All of these three religious monuments are roughly being founded around the same period which was around the year 1800.Although being founded by different people, all of these three religious monuments which are still standing tall today are solid prove of the diversity and the racial harmony in Penang during the early days. Firstly, the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple was founded in 1801 on Dutch East India Company Land by Chinese immigrant settlers during that period. As for the Hindu Maha Mariamman Temple, it was first founded on the year 1833 and in addition to that, this temple houses 38 statues of Gods and Goddesses and four swans featuring the Hindu Goddess Mariamman in Her many incarnations. Lastly, the Muslim Kapitan Kling Mosque is the main and largest historic mosque in Georgetown where it was founded by an Indian Muslim merchant on the year 1801. All of these three religious monuments posses the same trait, where it is their fascinating architectural designs which clearly reflects the rich cultures during the early days of Penang. For the religious traveler or just the curious traveler who wish to catch a glimpse of these wonderful monuments, then all these 3 places are definitely the place to be.

St George's Anglican Church
The St George's Anglican Church is the oldest Anglican Church in the whole of Malaysia. Dating back since the conception of the church at the year 1818, the St George's Anglican Church has been holding its services until today. Built by convicts during the early days, the grand Francis Light memorial is situated here in the church where this memorial clearly reflects Penang’s tribute and gratitude to Francis Light who established the island at the year 1786.

Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple
In order to get a picturesque view of Georgetown city, the Penang Hill is the most perfect location for all of the travelers. There is no need to worry about the tiresome mountain hiking as there is a half an hour cable funicular train service directly from the Air Hitam railway station. Upon reaching the peak of the Penang Hill at 800 meter above sea level, the stunning view of the terrains at Penang Hill is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Besides that, fellow nature lovers can choose to take a six kilometer hike at the nature trails at the Penang Hill. Besides the Penang Hill, there is also the Kek Lok Si Temple which is the largest Buddhist temple here in Southeast Asia. It is closely located at the Air Itam district, nearby to the bustling Air Hitam market. The main attraction of the temple is the temple’s enclave where there is a huge statue of the Goddess Kuan Yin. In addition to the monastery, there is a roughly seven storey high pagoda displaying 10000 Buddha images. Aside from all of this, there is also a shrine in the Kek Lok Si Temple where it is filled with numerous religious statues and a courtyard where there is a large pond full of tortoises and carps.

Besides all these wonderful historical monuments, cultural enriching religious monuments and other interesting places, Georgetown is also very famous for its 100% locally served delightful cuisines such as the famous Asam Laksa (Sour noodles cooked in various spices), Penang Cha Kuay Teow (Penang style fried rice noodle), Prawn Noodle and as well as various fresh seafood. The mentioned cuisines above are just the tip of an iceberg as in Penang or Georgetown, there are still many wonderful foods waiting to be discovered. As for the accommodation, there are plenty to choose from here in Georgetown, some of the more preferred accommodation is a place like the Berjaya Resort.

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