Penang | Version EN072009
PENANG
Welcome to My Island Penang
My Island Penang Travel Tour Guide
will share with our wonderful state in
Malaysia. If you look in the map of
the world, you probably will not find it,
maybe just a tiny little dot between big
1 brother Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia
and Thailand in the north. Still, we are a
BIG part of the Malaysian islands.
Make sure you arm yourself with a good map of Penang and scroll with
me. The island where one can find evidence of rich colonial life right in
the middle of Georgetown. We locals knows it as our living heritage city
and a place of cultural fusion.
We may be one of the many Malaysian islands but we are simply THE
BEST one! My Island Penang Travel tour guide is prepared for you by a
REAL local lady, who is passionate about her island Penang.
That is why this travel tour guide covers a lot more then the usual
tourist attraction in Penang or Malaysia. It contains everything I know,
experienced, learned and revisited over the years.
If you want a holiday that is more than just memorable, or a place you
want to consider your second home one that will stay with you forever,
then My Island Penang Travel Tour Guide will take you there and guide
you from first hand experience.
Copyright 2006 - 2009 ® My-Island-Penang.com
Getting Here
Explore the many possibilities by land, sea, roads and air travels to come to
my island Penang for your holidays.
Getting here to my island is not difficult. For some who are new to this part
of the world, here are some basic ways to come here.
You get to know more about getting here to my island by planes. And cruises
if you are on a holiday in neighboring countries.
With flight, we have Malaysian Airlines and Airasia to support you.
Some visitors do come to Penang with the cruises from Klang or Singapore
or Phuket.
Well, you can come by train too from Thailand or Hatyai. The point of arrival
for train is in Butterworth, which within walking distance from the ferry, buses
and train.
Flight to Penang is make easy with many airlines landing in Penang
International Airport or Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
As Penang is an island, there are two ways to get into Penang. One is by the
ferry in Butterworth and the other is by Penang Bridge. By land whether you
are driving or taking a bus, these two points of entry are fun way to travel
within. Don’t forget to check the weather before coming to Penang.
Enjoy the train, ferry or bus ride and see our way of life here. Our diverse
cultures and warmth is one you will enjoy.
And if traveling by bus is something you would enjoy or on a budget, there
is plenty of choices here. The bus terminal in Penang is situated in Sungai
Nibong and for Butterworth, it is within walking distance from the ferry and
train station. You won’t miss it.
Any day in the year you come to Penang, there is always some kind of
festivals. It is as if Penang never sleeps. I share some events and happening
here. In Malaysia, we do enjoy a fair share of holidays. It would be good to
know whether it is low or peak season before setting out here. Get to know
some local news would be an advantage in preparation for your visit.
Have fun and enjoy your stay here.
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Pinang History
The betel nut history
The Pinang History, the island of Betel Nut has
many folklores told in the Malay history or legends.
Pinang is the Malay word for Betel Nut or areca
nut.
In Pinang History, The Nyonyas and Malays uses
betel nuts for many things, chewing with Sireh, marriage customs and
2 ceremonies and to ward away evils too.
The Pinang or Betel Nut Gossipers
The three races of Malaysia eats sireh with betel nut slices. The Nyonyas
and Malays takes it in the same way. And time for eating sireh is gossip
time, munching and chewing as they exchanged the daily happenings in
the household. That is how Se Kapor Sireh was known.
The Indians takes their sireh different from the Nyonyas or Malays. Paan
vendors are all around Penang Little India today. Chewing betel nut or
paan with sireh completes their meal.
Read about Pinang history from Malaya History which my friend Muna
feels the Malays and Penangite should know. Read about how the
legendary warrior Nakhoka Ragam, his travel in Pinang History in the
15th century.
And also about Sireh. Its most widespread use was as one of the
ingredients used in sireh, a concoction that consists of shaved betel nut
fragments, lime and cloves wrapped in fresh palm leaves and chewed as
one would chew gum. As it is chewed, it forms an aromatic mixture which
colours the lips and saliva red and is reputed to produce mild narcotic
effects.
The significance of the betel nut palm to Pinang History is not limited to
just its name. The modern-day tricolour flag of Penang also features the
ubiquitous tree.
Nakhoda Ragam, the 15th century Malay warrior Pulau
Kesatu
It is likely that Penang was known by its Malay name Pulau Pinang since
it was first settled by the Malays. In 1591, the ‘Edward Bonaventure’,
the vessel of English adventurer Captain James Lancaster; visited Pulau
Rimau, an island just south of what he called ‘Poolo Pinang’. Manoel
Godinho de Eredia’s map of the Malay peninsula in his ‘Description of
Malaca’ in 1613 refers to the island in Portuguese as as ‘Pulo Pinam’.
However, Penang was also to known to Kedah inhabitants at the time
as Tanjung Penaga (Cape ‘Penaga’) and that particular name was even
used in Government land grants as late as 1800. Up to today, there are
Kedah folk who refer to Penang as ‘Tanjung’.
The Penaga was a hardwood tree used to make walking sticks and its
leaves were reputed to have medicinal value. There also still exists the
town of Penaga on the Kedah coast opposite the island.
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Nakhoda Ragam’s Mark
W E Maxwell’s ‘Notes and Queries’ (1887) notes an account that appeared
in Logan’s Journal of the Indian Archipelago’ of the voyage of the legendary
Malay seafarer Nakhoda Ragam that gives an even earlier name for
Penang. According to the legend, Nakhoda Ragam traded in the waters
along the length of the western coast of the Malay peninsula from Lingga
at the southern tip to Kedah. It was said that, because he found no higher
or larger isolated island in these travels, he named it Pulau ke Satu single
island in Pinang History.
Nahkoda Ragam was also reputed to have given the names to the various
bays, rivers and points of Pulau Pinang. On one occasion, when sailing off
the south-western end of the island, his ‘kendi’ or water-pot fell into the sea,
and it was immediately transformed by the ‘jinn’ (genii) of the place into an
island which still bears the name of Pulau Kendi in Pinang history.
On leaving Pulau Kendi, he pulled into a bay on the southern coastline of
Penang. At the mouth of the river which flows into the bay, he released a
tame bird called Bayan, and thenceforth the place has been called Bayan
Lepas (or the free Bayan).
At another voyage, he attempted to land again at the shore of that bay.
However, the sea was too rough and as his boat pulled away from the shore,
it was nearly swamped. The boat rolled and pitched heavily, and as he was
steering her off, his exertions loosened the knot (or ‘sanggul) of his long,
flowing hair. He therefore named the place Gertak Sanggul (‘shaken knot’).
On another occasion, while passing Pulau Bitong on the western coast of
Penang, he encountered a heavy gale. On passing a point on the island,
the storm grew fiercer and he saw his wife’s face turn pale with fear. He
henceforth referred to that place as ‘Pucat Muka’ or ‘pale-faced’.
Captain Francis Light and the Prince of Wales Island
Another sea captain - Captain Francis Light - landed in Penang on 17th July,
1786 to acquire it for his King and country. He too pondered on what new
name to give to the island to mark this momentous event. He finally decided
on naming it after England’s regent - the Prince of Wales, who was to later
be King George IV of England.
The island was, in fact, formally named Prince of Wales Island during a flag-
raising ceremony there on August 11th - the Prince’s birthday. The name,
however, was rarely used even the British administration always referred to it
as Penang and Prince of Wales Island was quickly forgotten. He named the
settlement they built there after King George III and that name Georgetown
has lasted to this day.
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Penang History
The Penang History is related from the days of Penang founder Sir
Francis Light during the 18th century. The real Penang settlement was
started with the coming of the Mainland Chinese and East India Company
Indians.
Pulau Kesatu in Penang History was also known in the 15th century
by Admiral Cheng Ho because Tamils traded pinang (areca nut). The
Portuguese, who stopped at Batu Feringgi (Foreigner’s Rock) or present
day term Batu Ferringhi to refill their ships with fresh water saw Pulo
3 Pinaom on their maps.
On August 1786, Francis Light, a trader for the East India Company
planted a British flag. He named the once Pulo Pinang, Prince of Wales
Island in honour of the heir to the British throne. Penang then became
part of India in Penang History.
The cape was formerly known as Tanjong Penaigre as the hardy ironwood
called penaga, which Francis Light induced the early settlers to clear.
Locals would called Georgetown, Tanjong
till today. In Penang History, it was said
he made the early settlers clear the north
eastern cape George Town by firing a
cannon full of coins into the forest. He then
taught them to make cannon balls.
Penang or Pulau Kesatu was once part
of the Malay sultanate of Kedah. Despite Kedah early efforts to gain
peace with the Siamese King by giving Bunga Emas between 1821
to 1906, Pulau Pinang (the land of the betel nut) was exchanged for
military protection from the Siamese and the Burmese armies who were
threatening Kedah.
A total of 32 Bunga Emas and Perak was presented throughout the
period, each about 1.5m in height.
The Sultan did not know that Captain
Francis Light promised military protection
without the approval of the East India
Company. When East India Company
failed to help Kedah when it was attacked
by Siam, the Sultan tried to retake the
island in 1790.
All efforts failed, and the Sultan was forced to cede the island to the
Company for 6,000 Spanish dollars yearly. With Province Wellesley
added to Penang, it was increased to 10,000 dollars in 1800. To this
day, an annual honorarium of 10,000 ringgits continues to be paid by the
Malaysian Federal Government to the state of Kedah.
In 1826, Penang, along with Malacca and Singapore, became part of the
Straits Settlements under the British administration in India, moving to
direct British colonial rule in 1867 in Penang History.
The traders in early Penang History bought
pepper, clove, nutmeg, gambier, ivory and
more stuff of the archipelago for selling
to the early settlers traders of Europe,
America, Arabia, India and China ships.
The Chinese would mostly purchased
areca nuts, bird’s nest and tin. The British
traded wool, chintzes and opium for spices. By the mid 19th century, the
tin rush created the influx of Chinese coolies into the Malay states of
Perak, Selangor and Johor.
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In 1867, the control of the Straits Settlement was transferred from India to
the ColonialOffice in Singapore, and then Suez Canal was opened in 1869,
helped speed up Penang’s recovery.
Read about the intrigues of the Taochiews of Province Wellesley in Johor
history.Troubles between the locals Malays sultans and Chinese triads of
the Ghee Hin and Hai San increased British intervention with the signing of
Treaty of Pangkor.
As part of the Malay history Penang was founded way back in the early 15th
century by Nahkoda Ragam. Read about Bayan Lepas, Gertak Sanggul
and Pulau Kendi and how it was linked to this legendary Malay seafarer
Penang by now became the export centre for northern states with the
development of the Federated Malay States Railway. At the turn of the
century, the regional trade had expanded enough to encourage the leading
European companies in Singapore to establish branches in Penang.
The first world war, then in Europe saw
commodity crashes destroyed families in
the 1920s and 30s. Then came the Second
World War where more fortunes were lost.
Sar Nie Peh Koay Jie in Hokkien, (3 years
and 8 months), World War II saw bombs
dropped on the city and being occupied by
the Japanese from December 1941 until
September 1945 was the longest most difficult period for everyone round
the world.
With the Second World War going on, Chinese ran into the jungle to hide
and then formed a Malayan People’s Anti- Japanese Army under Chin Peng.
Chin Peng was the liaison officer between the MPAJA and Lord Mountbatten,
the leader of the British South-East Asian Command (SEAC).
After the war, reconstruction of Penang and the election of City Councillors
was introduced. In 1946 it became part of the Malayan Union, before
becoming in 1948 a state of the Federation of Malaya, which gained
independence in 1957 and became Malaysia in 1963. Penang joined
the new countryas a state. And Georgetown is the commercial centre for
Penang State.
The island was a free port until 1969. Despite the loss of the island’s free-
port status, from the 1970s to the late 1990s the state built up one of the
largest electronics manufacturing bases in Asia, in the Free Trade Zone
around the airport in the south of the island.
As Penang is part of Malaysia, our history is older than Francis Light. Here
you can learn about ancient Malaya, Early Hindu Age, About Islam and the
golden age then colonial Malaya, later Malaysia.
Another great place to visit is Cool Iceland, read Thrandur site on his mother
land. We too can visit Iceland as most people in Iceland do understand
English though English is not their first language.
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Penang Facts
Surrounding Penang and Malaysia
Some of Penang Facts includes knowing about State Flag, State
Emblem, our economy and multi racial population.
With an international airport, an excellent port for ships, access to the
North-South highway and the railroad, Penang is an ideal location for
the manufacturing sector as demonstrated by the presence of several
international companies.

Penang is one of thirteen states in Malaysia. It is located to the northwest Penang Facts
of Peninsular Malaysia. Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah
and Sarawak. - Our Head of State
- Yang DiPertua Negeri
4 Situated in the tropics, Malaysia stretches across the South China Sea. - Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Dato’ Sri Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas
Peninsular Malaysia is at the tip of mainland Southeast Asia while the - Head of Government
states of Sabah and Sarawak are on the island of Borneo. Malaysia is, - Ketua Menteri
located in the centre of the Asia-Pacific region. - Lim Guan Eng

The island occupies an area of 285 square kilometres. The state also Religion
encompasses Province Wellesley (Seberang Perai), a strip on the
mainland. The island is separated from the mainland by a channel three Our official religion in Penang is Islam, but we are proud to say Buddhism,
kilometres wide at the narrowest point. The Penang Bridge -- completed Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism and much other religion are freely
in 1985 -- as well as the 24-hour ferry service links the island to the practiced.
mainland.
Freedom of worship is what makes Penang unique. Visitors will be amazed
State Flag by our diverse cultures, festivals and celebrations which occur regularly
throughout the year.
The Penang facts about the flag consists of three vertical stripes of equal
width of light blue, white and yellow; the white stripe in the centre has an
areca nut palm (betel nut) on a mount. The light blue signifies the sea
which surrounds the island of Penang. The white represents the State
itself. The yellow signifies prosperity.

The betel nut tree (pokok pinang) is the name of the tree from which the
island takes its name. The betel nut tree gave the island its name. The
Malay word Pinang stands for Penang.

State Emblem

The Penang Bridge is not only a source of pride to the people of Pulau
Pinang; it also unites the island with the mainland and part of the State.

In addition, it symbolizes the unity between the State and the Federation.
The two pillars of the bridge stand for two basic features of the new
Economic Policy, namely the eradication of poverty and the restructuring
of society.

The four cables represent the four major races of the nation – Malays,
Chinese, Indians and others. The five blue and white waves symbolize the
five principles of the Rukunegara (Principles of Malaysian Nationhood)
and also the five administrative districts of the State. The five colors at
the base of the betel nut tree have the same meaning. These are few
Penang facts.

Economy

George Town is the capital city of Penang with a population of

approximately 1,200,000 people. Named in honor of King George lV by
the British, it is the seat of the state administration and the commercial
hub of the state.

George Town is located on the northeastern part of the island. Outside

the busy city centre are mushrooming suburbs and townships dotted
by fishing villages and the rustic countryside. To the north of George
Town runs the sun-kissed beaches punctuated by luxury hotels, brightly
colored shops and residues of tiny hamlets.

The economy of Penang is multifaceted, diverse, vibrant, thriving and

growing. Not depending on any one sector for its growth, Penang’s
economy continues to thrive even during economic slowdowns. This
can be attributed in part to the excellent infrastructure and transportation
facilities.

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Penang | Version EN072009

Penang Travels Tips

Travel document like passport, keep it near you Travel Tips & Precautions

Penang Travels Tips, can be fun when you got all information at your I sound like your mother, but I still share this Penang Travels advises.
finger tips. Now that you have some facts about my island Penang,
getting around would be easier, right? TIP 1

Travel Documents
Upon entering Penang and Malaysia, visitors must possess a national
5 passport or other internationally recognized travel documents such as
Certificates of Identity and Emergency Certificates of Affidavits.
Worried about sun-burn? Pack plenty of sun block. While sun block
should be available at most resorts, some hotels on the smaller
islands can be under stocked. Since Malaysia isn’t far from the
equator, just a few minutes in the midday sun can leave you
scorched.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of
allowed stay in Penang travels or Malaysia.
If you do not have a passport recognized by Malaysia, you must apply for
a document in lieu of a passport and visa which is issued by Malaysian
missions abroad.
TIP 2
Season of Aedes mozzys. Bring mosquito repellent and walking
shoes. Even if you plan to vegetate on the beach every day, you
might find yourself trekking through Malaysia’s abundant and colorful
rain forest at some point.

For citizens of most countries, no visa is needed for short travels or social
visits.
Upon entering Malaysia, visitors for must possess a national passport or
other internationally recognized travel documents such as Certificates of
Identity and Emergency Certificates of Affidavits.
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of
allowed stay in Malaysia.
TIP 3
Don’t lose your cool. As in most Asian societies, Malaysian culture
values polite interactions which allow both parties to “save face“.
Courteous persistence with resort staff or locals will probably get you
further than getting visibly upset. Note that Islamic tradition dictates that
you should hand things to Malays using your right hand, not your left.
TIP 4

If you do not have a passport recognized by Malaysia, you must apply for
a document in lieu of a passport and visa which is issued by Malaysian
missions abroad.
For citizens of most countries, no visa is needed for short social visits.
Working papers are required for temporary employment in Malaysia.
Safeguard your valuables. Regardless of how secure your resort might
seem, tourists’ piles of expensive cameras and telephones can be
tempting to locals, and things do occasionally go missing. Use the safe
in your room, or leave valuables at the hotel desk, and keep an eye on
your goods while bathing.

Get to know more about our Malaysian Immigrations Law on guidelines

for Application of Expatriate, Employment Pass, Dependant Pass, Social
Visit, Spouse Program, Facilities Offered and other information here.

Extension of Stay

Visitors to wishing to extend their stay may apply at the Immigration

Office in Lebuh Pantai, two days before the visa expires. You can get
the Malaysian Visa extension forms from Penang too. In Butterworth, the
Immigration office is near Sunway Hotel, Seberang Jaya.

Offense

It is an offense to overstay the validity of the visit passes, therefore read

carefully the visit passes endorsed on your documents.

Please consult the Malaysian embassy in your country for more

information for your Penang Travels.

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