Situated on Malaysia’s sunny west coast lies the charming island of Penang; a must-see destination for any Malaysia holiday! Food connoisseurs take note; Penang is the culinary heart of Malaysia, offering a myriad of traditional Malaysian dishes as well as many other Asian influences. But besides its many mouth-watering delights, Penang is also one of Malaysia’s most fascinating cultural hotspots.

You can easily visit the island of Penang by boat, plane or via Butterworth (which sits on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia) where you can drive along the 8-mile long Penang Bridge.

Let’s start with Georgetown. No Penang trip would be complete without a day of exploring the island’s biggest City and UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a journey back in time as you amble through mystical temples, quaint streets and intricate Chinese shop facades. Or alternatively, you can get a real taste of local travel by taking a trishaw tour past beautiful buildings and around the highlights of the city.

Here are some of the City’s top highlights:

The Penang Clock Tower is one of the City’s most familiar icons. Standing at 60 feet tall, the construction of the tower began in 1897 to honour Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Just a stone’s throw from the Queen Victoria Clock Tower, Fort Cornwallis is was originally built for the military troops, but today it remains a popular tourist site for travellers on a Penang tour. As well as exploring the history of the old fort, you can also amble through the surrounding park and an open air theater which have since been built in the fort’s grounds.

Fancy a taste of the arts during your Penang trip? Why not get a dose of culture during a trip to the ABN AMRO Arts & Culture Centre in Georgetown?The gallery boasts a number of fascinating local art exhibitions, as well as hosting a plethora of cultural events throughout the year.

If, during your Malaysia travels, you decide to head out of the city, Penang is home to an array of other cultural spots;

Western Penang
In the Western region of Penang, you can take a trip to Wat Chayamangkalaram; Penang’s largest Thai temple which exhibits a 100ft Reclining Buddha and the Burmese temple which is guarded by giant stone elephants.

Central Penang
If you fancy visiting one of the most popular cultural landmarks on the island, then why not explore the Kek Lok Si temple; the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Located in the Air Itam region, the temple is situated above the town and boasts a number of ornate monasteries and temples, as well as beautiful grounds which surround it.

Southern Penang
Think you’ve seen all the temples there are to see? Think again. In Southern Penang, you’ll find a temple with a real difference. The aptly named ‘Snake Temple’ really does speak for itself as it is home to a breed of viper snakes which, as it is told, have supposedly occupied the complex since their natural environment was ruined.

Northern Penang
Head to Batu Ferringhi in Northern Penang for some excellent restaurants and beaches, as well as a beautiful Butterfly Farm with over 4000 butterflies and an orchid farm.

If you’re a real nature junkie, you could also pay a visit the Penang National Park located on the North-West of the island to discover the local flora and fauna.