"Pear Of the Orient"
Penang needs little introduction to many visitors to Malaysia, having
long been known as one of Southeast Asia's finest destinations.Penang's
outstanding beaches and exotic sights have made it one of the most
popular destinations in the region.As fabulous as its beaches are, some
of Penang's deeper mysteries should also be experienced. According to
local folklore,the Snake Temple,dedicated to a Buddhist
healer-priest,was inhabited by snakes who crawled out of the jungle on
the night of the temple's completion.The snakes are still there
today.The Kek Lok Si temple, at Air Itam,is reputed to be the most
beautiful and largest temple complex in Southeast Asia. |
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 Penang Hill
 A
popular rendezvous for local and tourists alike is Penang Hill which at
830 metres above sea level,is a pleasant 3 degrees cooler than the
lowlands.Journey to the top is by the funicular train which takes 30
minutes or by powerful four-wheelers on tar road. The summit offers a
magnificient panoramic view of the mainland.There's a children's
playground,tea kiosk and hotel on the Penang Hill. |
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Penang Bridge
Penang Bridge is the first and only road link to the island from the
mainland. Completed in the September 1988 it stretches 13.5 km. from
Seberang Prai on the mainland to Gelugor on the island.This
architectural wonder is officially acclaimed the longest bridge in
South East Asia region and the 3rd.longest bridge in the world. |
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Fort Cornwallis
| A 200 year old landmark where Captain Francis
Light,the founder of Penang landed in 1986.Bulit between 1808 and
1810,it was originally a wooden structure but was later replaced and
rebuilt by convict labour.Its walls are moss-covered and protuding from
the ramparts are several age-old cannons retrieved by the British from
the pirates.The main cannon 'Seri Rambai' is said to date back to 1618
and don't be suprised if you happen to see flowers and jossticks
offering near the main cannon.According to a local believe , childless
women can conceive by placing flowers in its barrel and offering
special prayers. |
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Wat Chayalangkaram
 This
Buddhist temple of Thai architecture in Lorong Burmah houses the 3rd.
largest reclining Buddha in the world.The statue measures about 33
metres or approximately 108 feet.Behind the statue are niches where
urns containing the ashes of the dead are stored
It's wall are full of unique carvings and decorations done by artists
from Thailand.However,photography is not allowed inside the temple.
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Snake Temple
 Built
in 1850,it is dedicated to the deity Chro Soo Kong and is a sanstuary
for pit vipers which can be seen coiled round vases, beams and potted
plants inside the temple itself.Although poisonous,they are not known
to bite.Devotees refer to these snakes as "officers" of the deity and
regard them (the snakes) as holy and harmless.For visitors who are not
afraid,they can pose for photographs with a pit viper coiled round
their necks. |
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Botanical Garden
 Occupying
30 hectares of Penang's precious land,this garden have a fine
collection of the flora and fauna of Malaysia and other parts of the
tropics.There are hundreds of tress and flowering plants and dozens of
plant houses and nurseries.It also have a fern garden,a cactus
house,orchid farm and lily ponds.
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Khoo Kongsi
| Kongsi(s) or clan houses are associations
originated from China centuries ago for people with the same
surname.Today,the have bacome benevolent associations which look after
the affairs of members and also safe guard the principles of ancestral
worship .The idea of a temple was first mooted in 1836 and was
completed 8 years later.The Leong San Tong of the Khoo Kongsi in Cannon
Square is the most picturesque clan-temple in Malaysia. The richly
ornamented carvings of the roofs, walls and pillars reflect the art and
architecture of acient China and mad eof the finest wood. |
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Kek Lok Si Temple
 This
is the largest Buddhist Temple complex in Malaysia and one of the
finest in South-East Asia.Work on the Kek Lok Si Temple,built on a hill
in Air Itam began in the year 1890 and took more than two decades to
complete.The pagoda combines Chinese,Thai and Burmese Architecture and
craftmanship.Visitors should also try the delicious Asam Laksa dishes
which are sold in stalls near the temple. |
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Toy Museum
 The
Toy Museum is Penang's latest attraction with over 100,000
toys,dolls,models and other collectibles.Started by an avid collector
of toys,the museum is also said to be the largest of its kind in Asia
with many different chambers showcasing toys from different genres such
as anime,Hong Kong movie stars,horror,science fiction and fantasy. |
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Batu Ferringhi Beach
| A strecth of sandy beaches and tranquil sea. It
is a perfect place for sea sports, sun bathing or pure relaxation.
Aside from the Ferringhi Beach, other beaches share the same shoreline
namely Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang. Along this stretch that you
will find world-class resorts that offer excellent accommodation and
facilities
Secluded beaches can also be found but one may have endure thrilling,
jungle trails to get there. Among them are Teluk Duyung, Monkey Beach
and Pantai Mas. |
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Butterfly Farm
| Opened in March 1986, it is the
world's largest butterfly farm with more than 4,000 living specimens of
over 50 species.The farm itself occupies 0.8 hectares on which stand a
garden enclosure,breeding area,laboratory ,exhibition area,souvenier
shop and information counter.Other interesting features include a lily
pond,artificial waterfalls,a rock garden,tunnel and bubbling mud poo l.
There are also many educational exhibits and facilities for observing
the life cycle of butterflies and small-sized reptiles. |
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Place Of Interest In Penang 
