There is amazing cuisine, the historic center of the capital, Georgetown, and, more recently, the boom of the IT company, which is referred to as the Silicon Valley East. In 1805, the first newspaper began in Malaysia. In 1875, the oldest bank was opened here. Since 1985, the island with the mainland has been linked to a 13.5 km bridge. And yet another interesting point – the acclaimed fashion designer Jimmy Choo is from this place.
Unbelievable cuisine
Penang is often referred to as the capital of food in Malaysia. People (not only from Malaysia but even from Singapore) like to travel to Penang for the local cuisine. This place is one of the top 10 of street food in Asia.
6.2.2018
After 65 days on the island of Langkawi, we left this island in the early morning hours (6:50 a.m.). Penang island was the next destination. We met the family of our host who took care of us here. They picked up us at the airport, made breakfast, and then his mother packed a bag of food if we were still hungry after her big breakfast. We thought we would get some small room, but to our surprise, we were accommodated in another house that was just for us now.
7.2.2018
Today we plan a trip to Georgetown. But before that, a surprise SMS from our host’s mother. She prepared a breakfast for us and left it before the door. Compared to the previous island, there is a public bus service, so we went to town with this means. Ticket price was 5 rings and 40 sessions (around 25 CZK) for both of them and the driving time was for over an hour.
Georgetown – the capital of the island
I like the diversity of this city. Several different ethnic groups, cultures and religions live together without any problems or attacks. We walked through the city and came also to the popular Penang Street Art, where we admired works by the Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic.
8.2.2018
The last day on the island, we were invited to our host´s parents for lunch. It reminded me of the situation when after a long time you have visited your parents or grandparents and they say the same sentence… It’s just a small lunch, nothing big … so there is our menu:
- Chicken soup with potato
- Rice with roasted chicken
- Vegetable salad
- Something like Easter stuffing, something in the style of seafood
- Filling bags with vegetables and salsa
- Fried banana balls
- Fresh pineapple
- Chocolate and mango pudding
- + coconut water was provided for drinking and dessert black tea with lime
What to add … eyes would eat, but the stomach was full. But it was excellent !!! After this lunch, we spent 2 hours on the sofa because we were still full. Later we went for the last short trip.
Penang Hill
The highest peak of the island (833 m) with a magnificent view. We used the cable car, which is the only one in Malaysia. (note: to us nothing new, because we used the same kind of the cable car to Petřín in Prague) Thanks to the height there is a much more pleasant climate than in the lower parts of the island and we could enjoy a pleasant walking.
Surprise with a spider
Finally, I have to say something about our walking. I don´t know why but a lot of tourists, including Martin, didn´t see anything before me, but nobody probably has eyes like me. When I walked up the stairs, I slowed down, looked around to enjoy the surrounding nature, and spider (about 20 cm) was in the net on my right. What else to say. I’m really lucky for these creatures. I’m glad I saw him in the net among the trees than under my feet 🙂
