Penang

Off the West Coast of Malaysia rests an island packed with inexhaustible flare: from the moment you arrive in Penang you will be overwhelmed by its unrelenting glow. To the locals it is known as 'The Pearl of the Orient', and after spending just a night in its intoxicating buzz it is not a stretch to see why. You will be hard pressed to find a place thriving on the fusion of so many different cultures and influences. It sincerely is an island of contrasts: where Ancient Chinese temples and grand colonial era mansions stand robustly next to sleek skyscrapers; where untouched beaches and rainforests are twenty minutes away from the equally colourful cityscape. Furthermore, the abundance of street food, combining gastronomical motifs from all over Asia, is some of the best in the world.

                Penang's true treasure however, is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town. Within this cultural enclave you will unearth the sites that span the breadth and depth of the multicultural melting point that defines the richness and variety of George Town's history. Get lost in Georgetown's maze of authentic stalls and be swept away in its rich enchantment. There are countless temples, museums, art galleries and clan houses to marvel at, the illustrious Khoo Kongsi being one of this most resonant for its infinite scale of excruciating detail. Countless hours have been spent building and preserving this meticulously refined architectural wonder which boasts a regal hall embellished with intricate carvings, a lavish theatre which hosts cultural events on the last Sunday of every month, as well as a collection of ancestral tablets. Rivalling the Khoo Kongsi is The Blue Mansion; once the home of Cheong Fatt Tze, a great Chinese tycoon and visionary, whose manor embodies all the layered principles of feng shui which in turn creates a space overflowing with harmonic bliss.

                To the south of the city lie the Clan Jetties, built on stilts over the sea this claustrophobic Chinese waterfront settlement was home to the city's early fisherfolk. Now its rickety boards are host to quaint cafes and trinket traders. The air is thick with densely humid aromas radiating from the grey sea and nearby fragrant food stands. Despite the vastness of Penang's architectural spectacles and unparalleled heritage, it is the locals that breathe life into the city, making it an overwhelming entity. They represent a living legacy of traditional trades and artisans that still exist and do business now as their ancestors did decades ago. Witness how giant joss sticks, handmade gold jewellery, paper lanterns and stone seals are masterfully made from scratch.

                Due to the blend of Indian, Chinese, and Malay customs Penang is constantly brimming with an array of psychedelically scintillating festivals throughout the year for everyone including the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, the World Music Festival and the Deepavali. There are also exciting events each night such as the food festival at Gurney Drive and the sprawling night markets in Batu Ferringhi.

                Outside of George Town's electric bustle are a rich assortment of family friendly activities in Penang's sleepy countryside. Explore the majesty of the rainforest in the Tropical Spice Gardens and learn to cook up bona fide Malay dishes, or jump at the chance to zip line through its dizzying peaks at the Escape Theme Park. Penang's own National Park coalesces the world's most intimate forest reserve with a coastal habitat where turtles come to nest. Further inland amongst Penang's rolling hills are award winning golf courses, offering beguiling panoramas of the island. For a more personal side of Penang visit the unspoiled Pulau Aman, some families even offer homestays where you can indulge in the drowsy lifestyle encompassed in a traditional Malay fishing village.

                Penang is undoubtedly Malaysia's most florescent destination, offering an abundance of momentous history and culture in an environment of exotic beaches and ragingly wild tropics. No matter how old or what tastes you have Penang is universal in its enticing allure and will leave you unforgettable experiences.