A great getaway for us over the weekend for that deserving break both my husband and I need.
Abit on Penang history to get ourselves warm up with this island. Situated along the north-western coast of the peninsula, Penang is Malaysia’s only “island state. Literally translated, Pulau Pinang means the “Isle of the Betel Nut” in Malay – Malaysia's national language. Penang formed part of the Straits Settlement with Malacca and Singapore. The Penang maritime port was among the busiest in the region, attracting rich merchants involved in the lucrative trade of tea, spices, porcelain and cloth.
Settlers and fortune-seekers from the all over called Penang home and it was from this interesting mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Siamese (to name a few) cultures that Penang became a melting pot for hybrid communities – the most famous being the Baba Nyonya, Jawi Peranakan and Eurasians.
For more than a century, the major trading post remained under British colonial rule until 1957, when Malaysia gained independence. George Town was accorded city status by Queen Elizabeth II on January 1, 1957, thereby becoming the first town in the Federation of Malay – after Singapore – to become a city.
Although she is Malaysia's electric and electronic manufacturing hub, Penang has successfully retained her old world charm. As recognition of her rich heritage, George Town, together with Malacca, was listed as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.
Extracted Source http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my/
Free and Easy travel on the road with Hertz.
We decided to rent a car from Hertz in order to explore the places around Penang, of course with help from GPS!
Food Galore Food!
We had a spread of popular local delicacies along the Famous Gurney Drive Hawker Centre.
Place we stay
We put up at the rather newly open 250 guest rooms Hard Rock Hotel. This is Malaysia's first Hard Rock Hotel situated three kilometers of magnificent beachfront at Batu Ferringhi, Penang, one of Asia's most popular island destinations. The walls in the Hard Rock Hotel Penang are adorned with images, memorabilia and icons reflecting the revolution that changed the face of music, fashion and arts. It's a celebration of popular culture from the 50's through the new millennium. Its fun atmosphere and clean, modern lines make this the ultimate ROCK RETREAT for all!
Getting the morning view from the hotel room is surely so mesmerizing. You can gather the panoramic view of the ocean endless horizon. There are many great hotels situated along the coastline ideal for beach seekers. At night, there is night market - Pasar Malam to entertain you where bargain your best buy.
Splendid moment to spend lazing at the beach in the early noon.
Walking down the memory lanes.... of the good old days seemed untouched by the modernisation of times.
Who say great food is found only in restaurants? Do you know this is one most popular dessert peddler store in Penang?? Dont worry it has a shop house now.
.... and even patronised by famous people around the world, definitely the gourmet (excuse us on the camera reflection)
The good thing about Penang, the cultures are intertwined. We can enjoy sights of the colonial times, old churches and temples amidst with street hawkers where you can take a short break.
One of the afternoon, we plan to splurge a little at Eastern & Oriental Hotel E&O (quite similar to Raffles Hotel Singapore that retaining its colonial touch at the architectural and inhouse furnishing).
Established by the Sarkies brothers in 1885, the E&O was patronised by colonial administrators, planters and the local and international elite.
Next we have a wonderful time at Eastern & Oriental Hotel for this international buffet lunch for RM$50. Such a good deal which you can hardly find it back home, especially in a 6 stars hotel.
Don't forget our shopping spree at the city Georgetown where mostly commercialisation takes place.
Time to go................to catch our flight home.
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