Penang
Island, off the northeast coast Malaysia, was one of the first major English trading
posts in SE Asia. Most of the island has been developed as an industrial and
high tech center but in the northwest corner of the island is Georgetown, the
original port and trading settlement, that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due
to the historic significance of the colonial architecture. There are also many wildly
ornate Buddhist and Hindu temple complexes. Georgetown is a vibrant tourist
mecca and the food and restaurant scene is outstanding. There is a park at the
top of Penang Hill which is reached by a spectacular funicular railway ride and
features a look out over the city and island, nature trails, restaurants and
other tourist attractions.
