Penang...a beautiful tropical island to the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia is a well-known holiday destination for millions of visitors from all over the world. The island and a strip on the mainland named Province Wellesley (Seberang Perai) are linked by the Penang bridge which is one of the longest in the world.

Its island measures a modest 285 sq.km. and is inhabited by 1.2 million people who hail from a diverse mix of cultures and religions. George Town, at the north-eastern tip of the island is the capital city of Penang and commercial hub of the state. History dictates the island was established as a British trading post in 1786, which plied the trading routes between the east and the west. After a lapse of over two centuries, Penang or locally known as "Pulau Pinang" still preserves the grandeur of the colonial heritage in architecture and design. Its unique charm of careful blend of old and new is the threshold of attraction to more than 2 million visitors every year. Known also as the "Pearl of the Orient"Penang is definitely a one-stop holiday extravanganza which promises rich historic attractions, sight-seeing, entertainment, food, and a sprawling stretch of sun-kissed beaches.

A perfect holiday escapade...that can only be happening in Penang!

Climate: Warm and humid

Temperature: Min-23.3 degrees Celcius; Max-32.2 degrees Celcius

What to wear: Light casual clothes for travelling National

Language: Bahasa Malaysia Languages Spoken: Bahasa, English(widely used), Tamil & Chinese dialects(Hokkien,Cantonese, Mandarin & Hakka) Others - Telegu, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam & Punjabi

Etiquette and Customs: Shaking hands is the customary form of greeting for both men and women. Do remove your shoes when entering a Malay home, mosque or a Chinese or Hindu temple

Tipping: Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charges plus 5% Government tax (effective January 1, 1986); hence, no further tipping is required

Photography: All kinds of photographic equipment are available. Processing facilities are good; 24hrs. processing services, while transparencies will take longer

Antiques: The export of Malaysian antiques is controlled by the Antiquities Act 1976. Under the Act, no one is allowed to export any antique without obtaining a license from the Director General of Museums, Malaysia. However, antiques which have been imported into the country and have been declared at Customs arrival checkpoints may be exempted

Drugs: Malaysia’s anti-drug laws are severe and carry death penalty