Pinang

Penang is an island off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also the name of the Malaysian state which is made up of Penang Island and the facing strip of territory on the mainland called Seberang Perai.

Penang is one of Malaysia's main tourist draws. Its beaches are nice, though a little lackluster when compared to those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated for by the island's rich multicultural history which is full of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Penang is also well known for being the "food paradise" of Malaysia.

The state of Penang is made up of two parts, Penang Island and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley). The island lies in the Straits of Malacca, just 8 km off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The island is shaped like a turtle which is swimming north, while Seberang Perai is a rectangular piece of land to the east of the island.

Penang's high season is around Christmas, New Year's Day, and Chinese New Year (check the lunar calendar; it could fall on the end of January or early to mid February), when the east coast of Malaysia is drenched and hordes of sun-seeking tourists descend on the island. Accommodation tends to be packed, and priced accordingly.

Penang is popular among Malaysians and Singaporeans for a huge variety of local food such as Char Koay Teow, Penang Laksa, and Nasi Kandar, which are found practically everywhere on the island. For the most well-known Char Koay Teow, try "Sister's Char Koay Teow" at Macalister Road.