Penang
Hill:


Kek lok si temple:
Arguably the
largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple stands on
top of a hill in the little town of Air Itam. Founded more than a hundred years
ago, its temple complex is filled with beautifully-landscaped gardens and
sacred temples. A striking seven-tiered pagoda called The Pagoda of 1000
Buddhas – which combines Thai, Chinese and Burmese styles in one structure -
houses a stunning collection of Buddha statues made from all sorts of precious
materials. Also can be found within the temple complex are the statues of The
Four Heavenly Kings, guarding the four points of the compass – North, South,
West and East – with the statue of The Laughing Buddha in the middl. Standing on a hilltop at Air Itam, near Penang Hill,
Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The complex is divided
into three zones while the temple grounds comprise the hill entrance, souvenir,
food and drinks stalls and the turtle liberation pond. The mid section of the
temple houses temples, gardens, the pagoda and the four heavenly kings pavilion;
meanwhile the hilltop plays host to an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy,
Kuan Yin as well as more gardens and temples.
Penang
road:

A mixture of nouveau-riche and quaint heritage, it is brightly lit and divided into four main sections. Thoroughly tourist friendly with wide walkways and plenty of greenery, Penang Road’s most popular section is Upper Penang Road.
Penang
war museum:
Built by
the British army right on top of Bukit Maung, the War Museum bore witness to
the fall of the British army in the hands of the Japanese invaders, making it a
significant historical point in Penang. The ancient fortress holds a dark story
from the time when it was transformed into a Japanese army base; tales of war
prisoners being tortured for information colour the walls of the fortress. As a
result, Bukit Maung earns the reputation of a haunted location, sending chills
down the spines of locals who daren’t go up the hill after dark. Turned into a
War Museum by a local three decades later after a period of restoration, the
fortress still maintains its underground tunnels and ventilation shafts,
ammunition bunkers, logistic centre, canon firing bays, sleeping quarters, cook
houses and medical infirmary.
Cheong fatt tze mansion:
Built on
the principles of Feng Shui over seven years from 1896 to 1904 by a team of
master craftsmen from China, the award-winning Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was once
the abode of an influential Nanyang industrialist and a first-class Mandarin in
the Manchu government, who had made Penang his home in the early 1890s. The
house’s beautiful, intricate details and lush interior have been well-preserved
and restored throughout the years, representing the best of 18th and
19th-century Chinese architecture, which also happens to be one of the three
traditional Chinese mansions left outside of China.
Fort Cornwallis:
Named
after Charles Cornwallis, the Governor General of India, Fort Cornwallis is one
of the most well-known landmarks in Penang. The fortress’ 10-feet walls are
laid out in the shape of a star, and within those walls, some of the original
structures built over a century ago can still be seen – a chapel, some prison
cells, ammunition storage area, a harbour light, the original flagstaff and
some old bronze cannons, which includes the infamous 17th-century Dutch cannon
called ‘Seri Rambai’, believed by the locals to have an encouraging effect on
women’s fertility. Originally built out of wood, this historical attraction now
houses a tourist information kiosk, a café, and open-air amphitheatre, a
history gallery, a souvenir centre and tour guides to show visitors around and
provide them with a peek into the fortress’ history.
Tropical spice garden:
Featuring
over 500 exotic species of flora and fauna, the magnificent Tropical Spice
Garden is a living museum of botanical wonders spread over eight acres of lush
nature conservation land. With 11 garden trails and stream crossings,
waterfalls and structures made of recycled organic materials, this
award-winning attraction also features a Spice Museum, a Spice Café (where you
can get a full view of Teluk Bahang while sipping herbal tea on the open
terrace) and a Gift Centre (where you can buy organic gift items and souvenirs
which include fresh spices, citronella mosquito repellent, sandalwood soaps,
massage oils and perfume oils).
Penang tropical fruit farm:
On the
hilly terrain of Teluk Bahang, approximately 800 feet above sea level, the
Tropical Fruit Farm flourishes with all sorts of tropical and sub-tropical
fruit trees, from durians to West Indian cherries. Spread over 25 acres, the
orchard was developed for the conservation of rare and exotic fruits, as well
as a means to promote local fruits to visitors both local and international.
Boasting over 250 types of fruit including some rare and exotic ones
originating from faraway lands such as the Caribbean and Central Africa, the
orchards also features only organic produce, using organic fertilisers instead
of chemicals and pesticides.
Penang khoo khongsi:
he Khoo
Khongsi is a Chinese clanhouse for individuals with the same surname – in this
case, Khoo. The clanhouse represents the family’s social and spiritual
commitments between extended relations, ancestors and the outside community.
Embodying the triumphs of the Khoo family, the Penang Khoo Khongsi – also known
as Dragon Mountain Hall – is quite an impressive architectural feat that
personifies good luck and wealth. Stone carvings adorn the entrance hall and
pavilions, fantastic murals portraying birthdays, weddings and most memorably,
the 36 divine guardians sprinkle the interior. Overhead, massive paper lamps
cast the abode in an orange glow and stunning ceramic sculptures of immortals,
carp fish and dragons dance across the roof ridges.
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