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Penang, often referred to as the
Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most picturesque and romantic
cities in all of Asia. This tropical island lies in the Indian Ocean,
just off the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia
Penang received its name from the
Pinang, or Betel Nut tree, once commonly found on the island.
Established as the first British trading post in the Far East in 1776,
Penang today is a bustling metropolis reflecting a uniquely exotic
blend of East and West
The state of Penang consists of the
island of Penang and a strip of land on the mainland known as Seberang
Prai.
The Penang Bridge, one of the longest
in Asia at 13.5km, links the two land masses. Penang is also connected
by a ferry service to the mainland
On Penang Island sits the capital,
Georgetown, a city steeped in history and tradition yet sparkling with
progress and modern development. Certain sections of Penang present a
quaint picture from the past where narrow side streets, trishaws,
temples and traders plying their goods, seeming to belong to a
forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise for goods old and new,
at bargain prices.
There is a wide, competitive choice
of cameras, electronic and electrical goods, clothing, batik
souvenirs, antiques and knick-knacks
The island also boasts some of the
best food in the region, ranging from Nyonya Cuisine to foodstall
favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang laksa, all of
which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang' way.
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