Despite being a virtually small isle, Penang has myriad to offer, from beautiful sandy beaches, to a booming current city life, to unbelievable cultural and historical destinations, to unrivaled shopping, to probably lots of the best food in Malaysia. There are lots of attractions in Penang, with an array of temples, cultural and historical sites, and others.
Khoo Kongsi Temple
Known to be one of the finest and oldest Chinese clan house in the country, the Khoo Kongsi Temple is a spectacular one, with its ornate structure still well-preserved. The Khoo clan was formed in 1935, and the meeting house-temple was completed nine years later. The temple has two levels: The lower one being the Khoo Kongsi Clam Museum, and the top home to the distinguished central hall, the ancestral hall, and the hall to the God of prosperity.
Cheong Fatt Tze (Blus Mansion)
Another important heritage site is the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion, a wonderfully well-preserved 18th and 19th-century Chinese structure. The mansion, which was once the home of an affluent Nanyang industrialist, was built surrounding the matters of Feng Shui, from 1896 to 1904.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a perfect example of how an affluent Baba-Nyonya lived a century ago. The Babas and Nonyas, also known as the Peranakans, are one of Penang’s prominent cultures, with a unique mix of customs and traditions. The fascinating mansion retains the wonderful traditional settings, along with numerous antiques and artefacts.
Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)
Offering a cool atmosphere, contrary to the warm weather in the island, Penang Hill is one of the most popular attractions in Penang. Not only do you get a cooling getaway, but also spectacular panoramic views of the entire island from the top. Perhaps the best part about the hill is the remarkable funicular train which brings visitors to the top of the hill, where lies a restaurant, a mosque, a church, a Hindu temple, and even a snake show.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Standing proudly on top of a hill in Ayer Itam, the Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia. This enchanting temple, which was founded over a century ago, offers beautiful gardens and sacred temples. There is the amazing Pagoda of 1000 Buddhas, the statues of The Four Heavenly Kings, the enormous bronze Kuan Yin statue on the hill, and other magnificent sights.
The many attractions in Penang will keep any visitor entertained and in awe. The most stagering of them all consist of the city’s cultural and historical sites, such as its temples and historical sites.