Attractions in Penang

-Goddess of Mercy Temple Penang

      For many Penangites, the Goddess Of Mercy temple – colloquially known as Kuan Yin Teng – is a place of pride and divine protection. As the island’s oldest Taoist temple, it has emerged unscathed throughout turbulent times since its inception in 1728.

Dedicated to the venerable Goddess Kuan Yin, the place of worship miraculously survived the Imperial Japanese Army’s bombing in December 1941 as well as several terrorist attacks in the 1960s. Of course, all these episodes only serve to fuel rumours among locals that the temple possesses some kind of magical divinity.

Even if you are not into myths and legends, the Goddess Of Mercy temple (officially known as Kong Hock Keong) is still an important place in Penang. Granted, it may not share the same popularity as the Kek Lok Si Temple among tourists, but the Goddess Of Mercy Temple is a local institution. It has served as the focal point for many local Chinese during major religious festivities and cultural celebrations

Expect it to be a hub of activities during the first and 15th of every lunar month, as well as festivals like Chinese New Year.

-Chowrasta Market

       Chowrasta Market at Penang Road, within George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Malaysia's oldest markets and one of only two markets in the city centre, the other being Campbell Street Market. It is also notable for the wide variety of Penang's fresh produce sold within, from pickled nutmegs to tau sar pneah (Penang's famous bean paste pastry).

The area where the market now stands was originally part of a massive Indian area in George Town. In particular, ethnic Tamils from southern India began settling around the area in the mid-19th. century. It was within the vicinity of the present market where the Tamils sold fresh produce and livestock.

In 1890, the George Town Municipal Council built the single-storey Chowrasta Market. It was eventually replaced with the present Chowrasta Market in the 1960s. The market building was later renovated between 2013 and 2017, as part of efforts to rejuvenate and expand the aging market. The renovation works were completed as of January 2017.

At the market's Penang Road entrance, one can find various Penang produce such as nutmegs, durian cakes and balms. A wet market occupies the ground floor, while upstairs, one would be transported back in time amongst the rows of shoe shops, clothes shops and bookstores filled to the brim with second-hand publications. Market activities also spill out onto the surrounding streets - Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Chowrasta Road and Tamil Street - where vendors sell anything from electronic accessories to clothes at dirt cheap prices.

-Wat Chayamangkalaram

      The Reclining Buddha is a sight to behold. ‘Reclining’ for about 33 meters in length, the massive Buddha is also a gold-plated statue. The Reclining Buddha in this Wat Chayamangkalaram is considered to be the 14th biggest reclining Buddha in the world.

According to history, Queen Victoria has granted a land for the Thai temple to be built in 1845 and even until this day about over a hundred years later, the Thai temple still attracts throngs of devotees and visitors alike, both local and from abroad.

With great detail in its architecture, the temple and the reclining Buddha within is definitely worth a visit. The temple opens from 6am to 5.30pm daily and the entrance is free but it is always great to donate to contribute to the upkeep of the temple. There are also books for sale here where proceeds will go towards the temple’s funds.

This colorful Thai temple is situated just across a Burmese Temple. As you set foot into the grounds of Wat Chayamangkalaram, two ‘guards’ of two mythical dragon-headed serpents on their feet greet and welcome you into the temple. Upon looking around the temple, you will see that the temple grounds have many shrines along with brightly colored statues of Devas as well as other mythical creatures in Buddhism mythology.

The reclining Buddha represents the historical Buddha at his death. It is said that the Buddha knew death was approaching and asked his disciples to prepare a couch for him in a grove. Having a unique blend of Chinese, Thai and Burmese architectural designs and was built in the 19th century and declared open in 1956 by Thai King Bhumipol Ayudayej, Wat Chayamangkalaram even has the 12 idols representing the animals in the Chinese zodiac. As the Reclining Buddha is simply a majestic sight, you could take a picture with the statue as visitors are given the permission for photography. Remember to take your shoes off before entering the temple and respect the monks who go about the temple with their religious duties.

- Jerejak Island

      Jerejak Island or Pulau Jerejak is located in Bayan Lepas, off the south eastern tip of Penang Island. A short ferry ride from Bayan Lepas can get you to the island in no time. Jerejak Island is situated in between Penang Main lsland and Seberang Perai, surrounded by the water of South Channel.

Jerejak Island is not a develop island and so this island is capable in giving you the tranquility and serenity you desire of as the effect of the hustle and bustle of Penang Main Island. Jerejak Island gained its alias as The Alcatraz of Malaysia because of the prison on the island. It was known as a place for criminals, tuberculosis and leprosy patients back in the day. However, now, it is the island where people stop by to have a peace in mind. It is now well known for its unique flora and fauna as well as its rich history.

There are many activities that can be done there other than enjoying the breeze and nature breath. Outdoor, adventurous activities are what visitors fond of. These include rock climbing, mountain biking, flying fox, guided jungle trekking and many more. A resort named Jerejak Resort and Spa is built and soon it became one of the popular hotels in Penang. All the outdoor activities mentioned and also some water sports activities are arranged by the resort itself to suit the needs and requirements of their customers.

- Chulia Street

       Chulia Street Night Market, located in the heart of Penang, George Town, Malaysia, is a night market popular with locals, tourists, and foodies. While the market is not as large as other night markets in Malaysia, such as the Jalan Alor Night Market, you will still find all your favorite Malyasian dishes here including char kway teow, curry mee, wantan mee, satay, laksa, hokkien mee, and more.

The center of Chulia Street Night Market is located at the intersection of Chulia Street and Lebuh Carnavon. Most of the food stalls can be found scattered around the southern side of Chulia Street and on Lebuh Carnavon, just down the street from Tek Sen Restaurant, one of the best Chinese restaurants in Penang.

While you might be able to find better quality food elsewhere in Penang, for the price and experience, you really can’t ask for more. There was just something special about ordering fresly prepared street food and eating at small tables in the street. For me, this is one of the reasons why I travel across the world.