Advertorial Airspace® Penangites are excited and proud of their home, and entry point for the beaches and forests of Penang National Park. the creative scene is thriving Creativity meets wellness Medical tourists visiting Penang will find an environment perfect for healthcare and convalescence. Penang adventure – starting with the Portuguese Hill and Penang Botanic Gardens claiming the island as their strategic offer vigorous treks, walking trails gateway to the Malacca Straits, and bracing fresh air. As Ooi Geok A stimulating break followed by the British, who in the Ling explains, “Penang is very easy to 18th century established it as a port for move around in, and the hospitals are With its intoxicating mix of beaches, heritage and nature, as trade, particularly in tea and opium. with intriguing architecture and there mostly centrally located. It provides well as a newly thriving creativity, Penang is the perfect destination Colonial Penang prospered through is a palpable energy on the streets, city amenities with a village feel.” exports of tin and rubber to feed the which is manifesting itself in the form Numerous resorts offering spas, for those seeking a wellness break to enrich the senses Industrial Revolution in Britain, of loud, vibrant artwork. reflexology, yoga and meditation, and the island’s prosperity attracted Old walls have been given a as well as vegetarian and organic enang is certainly not business people in the rejuvenation I can testify to that, as Penang Global people from far and wide. Among the new lease of life thanks to local restaurants, have sprung up across the a new holiday location, plans – as opposed to pushing Tourism just hired two KLites.” ethnic groups that moved to Penang and international artists. Consider island, all of which cater to both locals P but over the last rebuilding efforts in a government- And it’s not just Malaysians who were Malays, Arabs, British, Burmese, Lithuanian muralist Ernest Zacharevic, and visitors interested in wellness. seven years the island led, top-down manner – Penang now are flocking to Penang. Tourists from Germans, Jews, Chinese, Bengalis, for example – akin to a Penang-based Penang’s cultural rebirth is not in north-western Malaysia has has a real buzz about it. Penangites across Asia and beyond are skipping Japanese, Punjabis, Tamils, Thais, but gentler, more emotive and family- going unnoticed, and that may bring undergone a renaissance. It began are excited and proud of their home, KL altogether, and jetting directly to Javanese, Portuguese and Eurasians. loving Banksy – and you’ll see his new caveats for tourists. With that in in 2008, when the capital George businesses are moving to the city and the island for its laid-back beach vibe, Today many of these communities imprint adorning walls across George mind, those seeking a rejuvenating Town was named a UNESCO World the creative scene is thriving. rich heritage and wellness treatments. have since dispersed, but their Town. The artworks, mostly depicting vacation should get there soon – before Heritage Site. Shortly afterwards, “The culture and arts scene is In addition, five popular shopping memory lives on in place names such children, are funny, fascinating and this innovative city changes pace again. George Town World Heritage Inc. was attracting the most attention now,” malls occupy a space covering more as Burma Road, Rangoon Road, open to interpretation. For more on the sights, art, events established to undertake conservation says Ooi Geok Ling, CEO of Penang than 4 million sq ft: they are Gurney Siam Road, Armenian Street, Acheen Beyond the capital are beach areas and medical facilities in Penang, see: projects, and run educational and Global Tourism. “It has significantly Plaza, Straits Quay Marina Mall, Street, Gottlieb Road, Katz Street and such as Batu Ferringhi, a picturesque http://mypenang.gov.my cultural programmes – efforts that contributed to the vibrancy of the city, Queensbay Mall, 1st Avenue Mall and the Jewish Cemetery. stretch of coves and idyllic resorts run deep in the community and are which in turn has led to many new Sunway Carnival Mall. that’s perfect for soaking up the beach supported by Penang state government. businesses being set up. It has become Art & attractions life or shopping for art at the night hip now to move to Penang to work, A multicultural history lives on Modern-day visitors are discovering market. Moving closer to nature, there Flourishing creative scene when [before] it was the other way Since the 16th century Penang has a new creative dimension to Penang. is also the sleepy Malay fishing village By involving residents, schools and local round, with Penangites moving to KL. successfully lured those seeking Spa & Resort Sayang Rasa Shangri-La's centre: Below, Plaza; Gurney left: Top, credits: Photo Wander the grid of narrow lanes lined of Teluk Bahang, which is also the .