PENANG CITY

A Tapestry of Colours For all her advancements, exotic natural beauty and historical relevance, Penang's greatest pride is her people. The many communities - especially the Chinese, Malays and Indians, each boast of their own unique religious and cultural festivals but it is a Penang tradition for everyone (yes, tourists too!) to join in the fun. However, it is important to note that not all Indians observe Thaipusam and not every Chinese celebrates the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. There are many Chinese and Indians here who are Christians and Catholics although these races are commonly associated with being Buddhist, Taoist or Hindu. Regardless of personal beliefs and cultural practices, Penangites, like all Malaysians, are united in their diversity. While the country's official religion is Islam (all Malays are Muslims), religious freedom is enshrined in the Federal Constitution. For centuries, mutual respect and tolerance have been the bastions of harmony between the many communities here. The locals love having tourists participate and take an interest in the festivals and religious events but it is important to know about the dos and don'ts and to be respectful and mindful of each community's sensitivities especially when visiting places of worships. For instance, when going inside a Hindu temple, one is expected to leave the shoes outside and when visiting mosques, only those properly attired are allowed in (sleeves tops, skimpy skirts and shorts for women are a no-no!) Photography is allowed in most places but please ask for permission when in doubt. Locals generally do not mind posing for a picture but when in places of worship, common courtesy should be observed. About the Award On 7th July, 2007, George Town’s rich living heritage, culture and history was officially recognised when the World Heritage Committee in Quebec City, Canada, officially inscribed the city as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jointly listed with Melaka, George Town was acknowledged as having developed over 500 years of trading and cultural exchanges between East and West in the Straits of Malacca. The influences of Asia and Europe have endowed the town with a specific multicultural heritage that is both tangible and intangible. Featuring residential and commercial buildings, George Town represents the British era from the end of the 18th century. Citing “outstanding universal values” as the reasons for the inscription, UNESCO acknowledged the city as: • A remarkable example of historic colonial towns on the Straits of Malacca that demonstrate a succession of historical and cultural influences arising from their former function as trading ports linking East and West • The most complete surviving historic city centre on the Straits of Malacca with a multi-cultural living heritage originating from the trade routes from Great Britain and Europe through the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and the Malay Archipelago to China • An exceptional example of multi-cultural trading towns in East and Southeast Asia, forged from the mercantile and exchanges of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures and three successive European colonial powers for almost 500 years, each with its imprints on the architecture and urban form, technology and monumental art • A living testimony to the multi-cultural heritage and tradition of Asia, and European colonial influences • A reflection of a mixture of influences which have created a unique architechture, culture and townscape Pualau Penang Sate Introduction Penang - Pearl of the Orient 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. PENANG HILL Across the Straits of Malacca, you will find Penang Hill located on the island of Penang. You can ride on the funicular railway, explore enchanting nature trails, walk among 30-metre high trees, and sink in to the gorgeous views of the island. Situated about 800 metres above sea level on the northern part of the island, Malaysia's oldest hill resort has cool unpolluted air, historical heritage and environmental significance. At the foot of the hill is the Penang Hill R ailway, one of the world's oldest funicular systems. Built in 1897, but commissioned only in 1923, the railway has a track of a bout 2,007 metres ascending to a height of 710 metres above sea level. Penang Bird Park The park spans 5 acres and houses some  800 birds from all over the world. It is  beautifully landscaped and features a  walk-in aviary, a pond with ducks a nd swans, ornamental ponds abounding  with water lilies, Japanese Carps and  ornamental plants. Opening hours: 9.00am - 7.00pm. Admission fee: RM10.00 (adult) RM5.00 (children). CULTURE AND HERITAGE One of the finest Buddhist temples in South-east Asia, the Kek Lok Si temple stands majestically on a hill in Ayer Itam, to the south of Georgetown. Built in tiers, the temple culminates with the beautifully crafted "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas". Taking more than 20 years to build, the temple is set against beautiful scenic surroundings. It features a turtle pond, gardens, shrines and beautiful sculptures. Opening hours: 9.00am - 6.00pm. Admission fee (pagoda): RM2.00 per person. Khoo Kongsi The wave of Chinese i mmigration to Penang during the nineteenth century gave rise to the formation of clan formations, or kongsi, which served as surrogate kinship and professional associations for immigrants who had left family and friends behind. The Khoo Kongsi is the most famous example o f these halls, having been designed with such magnificence that it was said to r ival the palace of China's emperor. Sri Mariamman Temple Built in 1883, this is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang which features fascinating sculptures of gods and goddesses over it's main entrance and facade. Housed within it's ornately decorated interior is the priceless statue of Lord Subramaniam embellished with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. The statue figures prominently in the annual Thaipusam festival when it is borne on a silver chariot though the city streets to the temple. Snake Temple Probably the only temple of its kind in the world. The multitude of pit vipers coiled around objects on the altar are b elieved to be rendered harmless by the smoke of the burning incense in the temple. Just for g ood measure, the snakes have also been de-venomed. Admission is free; bravery should be obtained in advance. Nyonya, Hawker Food In Penang, hawker food is as delicious as the f inest gourmet experience in any city. Many Malaysians hold Penang as the top food d estination in the region, not because of some fancy restaurants but rather for their humble road-side eateries and stalls that line the streets. The island's main claim to fame is their Nyonya flavouring in the local Chinese dishes. The term Nyonya refer to Straits Chinese; immigrants who settled in Malaysia and adopted Malay traditions, customs and even cooking ingredients. The result is the Peranakan c ulture, otherwise known as Nyonya. Malacca may be more famous for their Nyonya culture, but in terms of cooking, it is the Penang Nyonya style that has captured the hearts ( and stomachs) of many Malaysians. Their dishes also differ from Malaccan ones, having a sourish tinge with generous helpings of fruity ingredients. On top of that, Penang's other culinary delights include traditional Malaysian favourites such as the Char Keow Teow and Tar Sau Peah, both non-Nyonya dishes. Char Keow Teow (It must try) Char Keow Teow is a ubiquitous Chinese dish in Malaysia but the Penang variety is truly the most famous. A helping of ‘ keow teow' noodles are fried in deep rich black soy sauce and oil together with bean sprouts, prawns, cockles, chilli and other spices. The wok must be fiery hot as the chef skilfully tosses the ingredients up in the air over a flaming stove. The result is a sumptuous blend of oil-rich goodness that will give you a headache in indulgence. Assam Laksa Penang's perennial Nyonya favourite, the Assam Laksa, is a soup-based dish with a tangy aroma that will liquidate the of tongues. Essentially rice vermicelli, what makes it so delicious is the blend of onions, cucumber, chilli, pineapple, lettuce, mint and ginger buds that goes on top of the soup. The soup in turn is made by blending curry with fish paste into a mushy, gooey like liquid that is both s weet and sour to taste. A mouthful of this dish will send your taste sensations sky-rocketing! For years, locals have thronged the market-place in Ayer Hitam near the Kek Lok Si Temple for the best Assam Laksa but there are equally good Laksa in the city and places like Balik Pulau Hokkien Mee The delightful Hokkien Mee of penang is different from Kuala Lumpur's version. In Penang, it is a soup-based dish while in Kuala Lumpur , it is fried in deep, black soy sauce. The soup is probably the most important part to bring out the aroma – f ragrant stock made from shrimp and dried prawns are brought to a boil with a little helping of lard to give it a nice texture. It is then served in a bowl with noodles garnished with prawns, fish cake, leafy greens, pork ribs, squid, vegetables, crisp deep-fried s hallots, spring onions and fresh lime. The dish is then served with sliced red chili, l ight soy sauce and sambal. Absolutely gastronomic. Tau Sar Peah Tau Sar Peahs are little dumpling-shaped morsels of goodness that represent a cross between a biscuit and a pastry. They are so good, people liken to ‘food for the gods'. Eaten as a snack or for dessert, the delicious Tau Sar Peah are made by baking r ed bean paste in sugar and lard till it becomes a mushy yellow colour. The paste is then rolled into a mould with thin flour. The ‘skin' becomes flaky when the tau sar peahs are baked to a crispy golden brown. Today, there are other variants using green pea paste, lotus paste and even salted egg yolk! Acar – Acar Penang Acar is a type of Nyonya salad. Crunchy and aromatic, Acar is usually made by mixing hard vegetables such as carrots and cabbage with a rich and spicy gravy garnished with crushed groundnuts. Acar acts as a welcome condiment to any meal and is scrumptiously devoured with haste by locals. There is even a fish-based version of Acar!