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Partho Ray

For that perfect holiday, with plenty of sea, sand, shopping and good food, Penang is a great choice. And its numerous landmarks are a feast for the eyes.

The northern shoreline of Penang has some stunning beaches that attract tourists

Looking for that holiday abroad with plenty of beautiful beaches? Then try Penang, the `Pearl of the Orient', along the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Its multi-racial population of one million (Malays 32 per cent, Chinese 59 per cent and Indians 7 per cent) contributes to a wealth of cultural attractions and festivals for visitors to bring home memories of happy times.

Penang's northern shoreline is famous for its beaches that give you the feel of being in the golden sands and deep blue sea of Goa. The beaches at Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang offer expansive stretches of glittering sand interspersed with secluded coves within the shelter of gigantic rocks. It is along this famous coastline that resorts have sprouted offering a lot of water-based recreation.

If you crave for privacy, head for Teluk Duyung, Monkey Beach, Pantai Keracut and Pantai Mas. These beaches are accessible via the trails in the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve from Teluk Bahang. The Pasir Panjang Beach at the south-western tip of the island is a good clean stretch for swimming and can be reached after a 25-minute hike over hilly terrain from Betong.

But here's one useful tip to remember before you venture out. Wear light clothing as Penang is hot and humid. Also, be sure that you carry along with you a bottle of water and some sunscreen lotion.

If you are a shopoholic looking for clothing, batik, watches, pens and personal accessories, then check out the Batu Ferringhi sidewalk. During the day, this place appears deserted but once the sun sets and the traders (from all over the island) set up shop under colourful canopies along the stretch, then it is truly a sight to behold. . It gives one the feeling of walking along the pavement of Chennai's Pondy Bazaar with small shops selling stuff you can buy at bargain prices.

Apart from the beautiful beaches and sidewalk bazaar, Penang, with its multicultural background, has a lot more to offer tourists.

The reclining Buddha at the Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram temple in Penang.

Visual treat aplenty

The temples of Penang are a visual treat with beautiful sculptures and colourful architecture. The Goddess of Mercy Temple or the Kuan Yin Teng, located at the Jalan Kapitan Keling, is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang. Early immigrant settlers from China built it in 1800. The building is decorated with intricately-crafted dragons and stone-sculptured lions, said to be its guardians.

The Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram temple or the Lorong Burma is a Buddhist temple of Thai architecture. It houses a 33-metre, gold-plated reclining Buddha said to be one of the longest in the world. The niche behind the statue houses urns containing the ashes of devotees.

Just as you get out of the Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram temple across the road you see the Dharmikarama Burmese Temple. The most attractive part of this temple is the pair of elephants that guard the entrance. And when you are inside the pagoda grounds, don't forget to see the wishing pond and the Boddhi tree. The locals say this temple makes for a wondrous sight during the water festival in April every year.

The Kek Lok Si Temple is another Buddhist temple of great importance. It is believed to be one of the finest in South-East Asia. It stands majestically on a hill in Ayer Itam. Built in tiers, it culminates in the beautifully-crafted "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas". The temple is set against scenic surroundings and features gardens, a turtle pond, shrines and beautiful sculpture.

Another must-see temple is the Sri Mariamman Temple built way back in 1883. This temple gives you the feeling of being at home, especially if you are a South Indian. Housed within its ornately-decorated interior is the priceless idol of Lord Subramaniam embellished with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. During the Thaipusam festival, the idol is taken through the streets.

Built in the early 19th century the Kapitan Keling Mosque features an ochre yellow facade and dome-shaped minaret reflecting Moorish Islamic influence. The mosque is named after the Indian Muslim merchant Kapitan Keling (headman) Caudeer Mohudeen.

Penang is not just about beaches and temples. Here's a ready reckoner of other interesting places you can visit:

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