July 18, 2009 guide

Penang has long been a firm favourite with WA travellers and retains its strong individual cuisine, history and heritage. This colourful Malaysian island has a distinctive style and flavour. Recent years have seen more investment, more renovations and Penang upgrades to accommodation in Penang, at Ferringhi Beach and elsewhere. There’s plenty to do and see, and it all adds up to great value.

Penang & Kuala Lumpur Triple Stop Airfare + 8 Nights Airfare + 16 Nights $129 9 * $162 9 * from from INCLUDES 6 nights accom in Penang with breakfast daily and 2 nights INCLUDES 6 nights accom in Penang with breakfast daily, ferry transfer to accom in Kuala Lumpur. ADD A tour from $26* Langkawi, 8 nights accom in Langkawi and 2 nights accom in Kuala Lumpur. and a Georgetown night tour with dinner from $51*. ADD A city tour in Kuala Lumpur from $19*. Call 1300 653 697 | flightcentre.com.au or SMS your postcode to 131 6 0 0 and a consultant will call you.

▼Applies to genuine quotes from airlines and Australian registered businesses and websites for travel that originates/departs from Australia. Quote must be in writing and must be presented to us prior to booking. Fare must be available and able to be booked by the general public when you bring it to us. Fares available due to membership of a group or corporate entity or subscription to a closed group are excluded. Must be for same dates and flight class. We will beat price by $1.00 and give you a $20 voucher. *Travel restrictions and conditions apply. Please ask us for further details. Prices and taxes are correct as at 14 Jul 09 and are subject to change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until 24 Jul 09 unless sold out prior. Prices are per person and are subject to availability. Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share and airfare is not included, unless otherwise stated. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel. Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies, government charges and other applicable fees. Additional taxes specific to your flight routing may apply (where airfare is included). Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store. Seasonal surcharges, blackout dates and minimum/maximum stay restrictions may apply. Advertised price includes any bonus nights. Please call Flight Centre for further details. FROM PERTH. Flight Centre Limited (ABN 25 003 377 188) trading as Flight Centre. Licence No.9TA 589. wan_18jul_8x7_fc travel guide penang 11 Island’s spice of life Penang is an exciting cultural mix, as Samille Mitchell discovers in this special guide

ver since humans started on behalf of the British East India plying the Asian seas, the Company with the promise of tropical Malaysian isle of protecting from its Penang has attracted enemies. Light’s landing marked a people from afar. colourful turning point — one that EIt brought Chinese, Indian and led to the island becoming a Arab seafarers seafarers who significant port on the spice stopped here to replenish their trading route and, much later, a water supplies. Pirates were also favoured tourism destination. frequent visitors, plundering Faced with a seemingly vessels travelling the Straits of impenetrable jungle-clad island, . The island’s Malay name Light is said to have fired gold is Pinang, after the pinang tree, coins from a canyon on to the otherwise known as the betel tree. island to encourage his workers to It wasn’t until 1786 that the go ashore and start clearing. His Sultan of Kedah ceded Penang to ruse worked and slowly the jungle English captain , started giving way to streets. who took possession of the island Continued on page 12 Still standing: Georgetown’s colourful past gives way to contemporary Penang life. Picture: Samille Mitchell

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*Conditions Apply: Prices are per person twin share. Airfare where included is ex Perth and inclusive of airfare related charges and taxes as at 13 Jul 09. Prices are subject to change. Offers are subject to availability. City & Surf. Valid for sale: Until 07 Aug 09. Valid for travel: 21 Aug – 17 Dec 09. Penang Getaway Valid for sale: 07 Aug 09. Valid for travel: Until 17 Dec 09 & 06 Jan – 31 Mar 10. Penang Bargain Land Only. Valid for sale & travel: Until 19 Dec 09. Penang Luxury Land Only: Valid for sale; Until 19 Dec 09. Valid for travel: 16 Aug – 19 Dec 09. Penang Magic. Land only. Valid for sale: Until 15 Nov 09. Valid for travel: 16 Sep – 15 Nov 09. ^Bonus inclusions where applicable are included in the advertised price. Seasonal surcharge apply for all other travel dates. Further conditions and blackout period apply. Ask us for details. Credit card and charge card fees apply. Some agents may charge and additional service fee and these fees vary between agents. 0600CRCS travel guide penang 12 travel guide penang 13 By Samille Mitchell

From page 11

Among the first buildings constructed was . At first built from wood and later A walk into history Get a taste of heaven replaced with brick, the fort helped protect the port that would serve an important role in the English attempts to surpass the Dutch spice trade. alk through sk people from Penang You can still see the walls of Georgetown and what this Malaysian Fort Cornwallis in Penang’s main you could be island is renowned for city, Georgetown. forgiven for and one of the answers Penang’s role as a port attracted thinking you have will be “food”. The a diverse range of migrants, still steppedW back in time. Aharmonious fusion of Chinese, evident in the population of today. Sure, trishaws and mopeds may Malay, Indian, Thai and other These days, Penang’s 750,000 have replaced rickshaws, and cultures has resulted in an people are made up of 45 per cent modern apartment buildings explosion of food styles. Chinese, 41 per cent Malays, dwarf the grand colonial-era Simply stroll through the streets 10 per cent Indian and the rest of homesteads, yet this fascinating of Georgetown to take in the mixed backgrounds. city continues to exude a feeling of pungent aroma of curries, see Such diverse people led to a times gone by. hawkers trading on the street, or riotous blend of cultures and The sense of history is evident enter stylish restaurants housed in religious beliefs, still evident today in the lovingly restored Chinese old Chinese shop houses or grand in the harmonious mix of temples, shop-houses, the myriad temples, buildings left from British colonial pagodas, churches and mosques. shops selling traditional Chinese times. Indeed, guide Joann says this medicine and fortune tellers Seafood and noodles play a big Growing history: The Tropical Spice Gardens sprawl over three hectares. mix of cultures is one of Penang’s tucked away amid the winding part in the cuisine, as do food main tourism drawcards. streets and alleys. Aromatic: Get your fill of the aromas of Penang by visiting a spice shop. types of Nonya origin. Nonya aphrodisiac and in fact it’s rather “What attracts people here are You need just close your eyes, refers to the descendants of toxic,” she says. the people, the colourful customs, listen to the hustle and bustle, and Chinese immigrants who settled in You can set out on guided tours the religious beliefs and the smell the hawkers’ food drifting Penang and inter-married with the of the garden or simply stroll architecture,” she says. through the streets to imagine this locals. around. There’s also a museum Nowhere is this mix of colonial outpost in the days it By blending all these influences showcasing traditional tools and attractions more evident than formed an important port on the together, the food takes on its very providing interpretive information Georgetown, where colonial-era spice trading route. own Penang style. on the spice trade as well as a gift buildings, intricate Chinese Or enter a museum to witness Ask around and locals will point shop selling spices, beauty temples, ramshackle homes and how the rich Chinese once lived in you in the right direction for a products and books. You can take tiny shops grace the streets. grand homes, elaborate gold leaf particular speciality such as part in a cooking class. These days the old stands adorning the ceilings and walls, Chinese popiah, which are fresh A self-taught cook, the startlingly juxtaposed against the dark timber screens hiding one spring rolls; rojak, a fruit and delightful Nazlina Hussin provides new, as modern apartment room from the next, and all of the vegetable salad with prawn paste the cooking classes, allowing you buildings soar skywards beside designs centred on the concept of dressing; laksa; hokkien mee to experience cooking in heritage-listed homes and slick feng shui. noodle soup; and nasi kandar, traditional Malay style. There are office building windows reflect Such is the sense of history here spicy Indian dishes with rice. no canned or packet ingredients historic architecture. that Georgetown has become Key to all these ingredients are here — you even straddle a Outside Georgetown you can heritage-listed by UNESCO as spices mixed together in often traditional coconut scraper to gain an appreciation for the jungle part of the Historic Port Cities of closely guarded secret recipes. extract the flesh of the coconut that once cloaked the island. Take the Straits of Malacca World Colourful: Brilliant coloured sari cloth hangs from shops in Little India. Penang was an important port and squeeze it by hand to make the funicular up Penang Hill to Heritage Area. in the ancient spice trade and coconut milk. enjoy the cooler air and views. To soak up the sense of history, continues to grow and stock a Nazlina guides you through the You can set out on walking it’s hard to beat a trishaw ride blaring from the shops, garish gold Our guide swans through the dazzling variety of exotic spices. Traditional Malay cooking. process of making a seriously tasty trails, including the 5.5km trek to through the city streets. While I glaring from shop windows, giant house as if it were his own, a tea To learn more about these ancient menu of seafood curry, stir-fried the Botanical Gardens. feel guilty sitting because the posters advertising beauty cup perched in his hand. He culinary enhancers, you can’t beat which is made into a tea for good flat rice noodles with prawns and a Further north is the main trishaw peddler is twice my age, products and brilliantly coloured sweeps into different rooms and a visit to Penang’s Tropical Spice health, a cinnamon tree producing dessert called bubur cha-cha. tourism strip, Batu Ferringhi, this quirky mode of transport sari cloth spilling from the shops. speaks with all the pomp and Gardens. the spice which dates to biblical Then comes the best part — lined with resorts, shops and offers a great way to view the city. To learn more about this city’s flourish of an English aristocrat This enchanted garden sprawls times, and the Pinang tree, which sitting down to sample the restaurants. The trishaws usually ferry fascinating past, you can’t beat a reciting poetry. over three hectares, with lush produces the betel nuts which culinary offerings. At night the strip comes alive tourists around the maze of streets visit to one of the many museums. The home, he tells us, was vegetation, walk trails, streams, people chew on; it has a red juice Nazlina also offers cooking with the sights and sounds of a and alleys around Chinatown and Head to the UNESCO-awarded commissioned by Cheong Fatt waterfalls and signage explaining and a narcotic effect. demonstrations at Penang’s craft bustling night market selling fake Little India. You’ll pass , also Tze, who left China as a penniless the significance of the different There’s a scented garden of markets, held on the last Sunday of designer handbags, pirated DVDs, ramshackle buildings sitting known as the Blue Mansion for its teenager but started a vast empire herbs, spices and other plants. highly aromatic flowers, the the month, and answers questions clothes, watches and sunglasses. beside elaborately adorned exterior indigo-blue colouring, for in Penang that led to great riches. Manager Katharine Joan Chua stunning blooms of the black lily, a online at her cooking website The north-western tip of the temples, hawkers selling foods on a taste of how the rich Chinese It has 38 rooms, five courtyards, says the owners developed the giant swing hung beneath (www.pickles-and-spices.com). island is home to Penang’s only the streets and some of the lived in times gone by. You can seven staircases and 220 windows Rickety: Chew Jetty is home to about 300 people. Pictures: Samille Mitchell gardens to highlight Penang’s role towering trees and a big globe of For a different food view, join a national park. beautiful colonial-era architecture. join a tour of this former residence adorned in elaborately carved as a spice trading port. “The trade the world highlighting the old tour of the Tropical Fruit Garden. > Samille Mitchell travelled Little India is particularly to learn about the grand home and wood, intricate wrought-iron, and defecated on the floors and the For a different taste of To really soak up the of spices was important in the spice trading routes. Here, you wander among the courtesy of Malaysian Airlines and colourful. Here you’ll be assaulted the fascinating family who once timber floors and ornate ceilings pigeons attracted cats who would Georgetown, head to Chew Jetty, atmosphere you can even stay in establishment of the Penang There’s also a specimen of the orchards to learn about exotic fruit Tourism Malaysia. by the sound of Bollywood music owned it. — plenty of room for Cheong roam through the halls. You can where Chinese immigrants some home-stay accommodation economy,” she says. tree tongkat ali, which Katharine species, many of which you’ve Fatt Tze’s many wives and just imagine the state the house established stilt homes over the offered amid the stilt houses. Walking around the gardens, says is Malaysia’s answer to probably never seen. concubines. was in.” water in the mid-19th century. For accommodation at the other she points out the different plant Viagra. “People use the root but The tour ends at a basic Penang’s famous Gurney Drive Gurney Drive, comes alive at night, “It’s supposed to be It wasn’t until the 1990s that the These rickety homes remain today end of the scale, you can’t beat the species and explains their effects. scientific reports say there’s no restaurant where you can sample SHOPPING promenade is about 20 minutes with stalls selling everything from ostentatious; it’s the home of a ambitious, seven-year restoration and are home to about 300 people. iconic Eastern and Orient Hotel. There are plants like cat whiskers, base for it to be called an the exotic fruits and enjoy a fresh The Little India enclave and nearby from the city centre. Gurney Plaza food and handicrafts to silver Chinese country bumpkin who project began. Now people can do You can wander down the This stunning building was fruit juice. While one particular Chinatown give a taste of local is a massive shopping mall, with jewellery and T-shirts. made good,” the guide says. tours of the home for about $4 or wooden planks between the constructed by the same people as fruit, the durian, is much culture, infused with the scent of concept fashion stores, bookshops, On the south end of the island, in Despite his great wealth, after stay in one of the 16 rooms offered houses to see first-hand how these the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and GETTING AROUND treasured by locals, beware: the the area’s spices. IT specialty stores, home decor Bayan Lepas, Queensbay Mall and Cheong Fatt Tze died his family as part of the guesthouse. people live. Lanterns hang from is just as much part of Penang as Getting around in Penang is easy. Around the Georgetown UNESCO fruit is so smelly it’s banned from Nearby, the Komtar Pacific outlets, electrical appliance shops, Kompleks Bukit Jambul have became destitute, selling off all the Similarly opulent is the Pinang verandas and small private temples the Raffles is of Singapore. Heritage Site, try a trishaw ride. All the famous landmarks are close to hotels. Some people sneak it in, shopping mall is in the 65-storey a cineplex and karaoke centre. cosmopolitan, top-brand shopping. furniture and eventually letting Peranakan Mansion, which adorn the front rooms of most The E and O, as it’s more one another and this is a good way to see the sights. and the pungent aroma wafts Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak Locals say this is one of the most There is Malaysian fashion at tenants in to raise funds. displays an extensive private homes. commonly known, was a meeting Visitors exploring on foot or bicycle can follow the Penang Heritage through the air-conditioning and (Komtar) tower. Next door, Prangin popular malls in town. There are Sunshine Square, also in the “There were 34 families living collection of Straits Chinese While the houses look place for Penang’s social elite, Trust heritage trail. To go further afield around the island, the causes complaints of dead animals. Mall is popular with teenagers, for plenty of places to eat. area. in here at one stage — in a house antiques. This home was restored ramshackle from the outside, one and subject to grand parties and air-conditioned Rapid Penang public bus service is reliable and the But the saying goes that the the fashions flooding in from Japan Nearby is Island Plaza, a smaller > Information from Penang with no plumbing, no kitchens, no in 2003 and costs $3.50 to enter. It resident invites us in and I’m balls. drivers are helpful (just have a map handy). fruit smells like hell and tastes like and Hong Kong. Gama, one of the mall with leading brands. Tourism. See electricity,” the guide says. adjoins a temple that the original surprised to see an enormous TV Today it is renowned for its Cars, motorcycles and bicycles can be hired by the day. heaven. It’s just one of the many oldest supermarkets, is also nearby. Batu Ferringhi, 45 minutes from www.tourismpenang.gov.my. “The smoke from their fires owner created to honour his and flat-screen computer monitor restored grace, grand hotel suites > Information from Penang Tourism. See www.tourismpenang.gov.my. exotic tastes you’ll find on your stained the walls, pigeons entered ancestors. in the spacious residence. and fine dining. Penang culinary journey. travel guide penang 14 By Samille Mitchell An island of tolerance

The art of Buddhism: Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. Pictures: Samille Mitchell ’m standing on a street flowers and offers some to the evident in day-to-day life, corner in Penang, where a Hindu temple each morning. particularly in the bustling main tiny Hindu temple Few places in the world can city of Georgetown. surrounds the roots of a boast such a harmonious fusion of Guide Joann Khaw says the ficus tree. People weave religions as Penang. This harmonious mix of religions is the Itheir way to the temple through Malaysian island is home to norm. the trishaws on the street with Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, “I think it’s so special, when handfuls of burning joss sticks to Christians, and more, all living some countries are fighting over offer to the gods and bow their happily side by side. religion, that here you have a head in prayer. People of different religions help Muslim guy giving flowers to a Across the road, an ancient celebrate each other’s ceremonies Hindu god, when Chinese can Chinese temple is shrouded with and festivals, churches stand not pray at a Hindu temple, when haze as giant ever-burning joss far from mosques, elaborate churches stand not far from sticks send wisps of the perfumed Hindu and Buddhist temples stand mosques. It’s very open here,” Mr smoke spiralling into the sky. nearly side by side. Khaw says. Nearby, a Muslim man sells It’s a heady mix of faiths that is Among this melting pot of religions and stunning temples and churches is the Goddess of Mercy, or Kuan Spiritual tradition: The Goddess of Mercy Temple, completed in 1800. Yin Teng Temple. Completed in 1800, it is the oldest stand back and bow their heads in Khoo family, who bought the land Chinese temple on the island. prayer, incinerators burn left-over here in 1850 and opened a temple At first, it was dedicated to paper from the incense and a in 1906. A TRIP TO the goddess of the sea because woman sells birds crushed into A museum beside the temple in those days the Chinese tiny cages, their delicate bodies explains the Khoo clan’s complex travelled a lot by sea from flung up against the wire. family history and move from China to Penang. But when Apparently people buy these birds China to Penang. The temple is travel slowed, they started to release them in the hope the adorned with intricate granite Lose yourself in KL’s famous shopping streets and live the “rock-star” life worshipping the goddess of release will bring good karma. carvings, each carving telling its at the uber-cool Traders Hotel with unobstructed views of the majestic mercy and eventually it took Not far away is the beautiful own story. Inside, paintings of the Petronas Twin Towers. Then, rest and relax at the stunning luxury retreat over. temple and clan 36 heavenly kings stare from the Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Penang and indulge in some The temple is permanently house. The Khoo clan owns the walls. hearty Malaysian cuisine by the island’s waterfront. crowded with people praying temple but it is open to the public A little further away is the and asking for guidance. The for $1.80. It pays tribute to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Terms & conditions will be published in the public notices section on Saturday 18 and 25 July, August 1, 2009. smoke of incense sticks burns or . your eyes and huge lanterns This Thai temple is home to a glow red from the dark 33m-long resting Buddha, as well reaches of the ceiling. as 12 statues of Buddha It looks chaotic but the corresponding to the Chinese process is quite ordered. horoscope. It features urns with Worshippers start by ashes of the long-departed and introducing themselves to a sells gold leaf that people buy to particular god, and then plaster on the statues. asking if the god can help Across the road is the striking PRIZE INCLUDES: For your chance to WIN simply complete the them with a particular Dhammikarama Burmese problem. They then throw Buddhist Temple, which features Two return economy tickets on Malaysia coupon below and post to The West Australian to reach us kidney-shaped objects and an 8m-high statue of Buddha. Airlines ex Perth to Penang with a stop Win a trip to Malaysia by Tuesday, the way the objects land This gold-roofed temple is over in Kuala Lumpur. The West Australian GPO Box 2926 August 4, 2009. indicates the god’s answer. adorned with intricate teak Four nights stay at Shangri-La’s Rasa PERTH WA 6 8 0 0 If you get a positive answer carvings which drape from the Sayang Resort and Spa Penang, in a Deluxe three times, you can ask the ceiling and elaborate gold filigree Seafacing room (Garden Wing) inclusive of NAME god your specific question. panels surrounding the Buddha’s buffet breakfast for two persons. You then take incense sticks form. ADDRESS Two nights stay at Traders Hotel Kuala and shake them until a You are welcome to enter the Lumpur, in a Deluxe Park View Room POST CODE number falls out. You ask if temples on your own but I inclusive of breakfast for two persons. the number is correct and, if recommend taking a guide who DAYTIME PH so, you take it to a desk where can explain the background of papers are consulted and an these beautiful places of worship answer given. and their place in Penang’s vibrant Outside, people simply Intricate: The Khoo Kongsi temple. history. travel guide penang 15 A maze of ancient crafts

ucked away amid shops selling spices, medicinal Penang’s maze of herbs, jewels, brilliantly coloured intricate temples, saris, and more. tumbledown shops and Joss sticks are in particularly grand colonial buildings good supply, thanks to the Tyou can still find craftsmen going important role they play in about their ancient trades — worship at the city’s many joss-stick makers, lantern makers temples. Most are imported these and weavers. days, but one traditional joss-stick Cheap imported goods threaten maker remains. their trade, yet the crafts live on in His tiny workshop is tucked the alleyways of Georgetown. away in a back street, where he You could spend weeks mixes and moulds the joss sticks wandering through this jumble of by hand, rolls them into shape and streets and alleys, discovering lays them out in the sun to dry. He then finishes the sticks with coloured paper and they are ready to sell to passers-by. Another back street is home to the maker of Songkok hats, which Under threat: Penang’s last lantern maker in a Georgetown alleyway. Muslim men wear at celebrations. His workshop is no more than an his dark, ramshackle workshop to island, you can visit a workshop to — vibrantly coloured clothes in a enclave in the wall, an ancient see a ceiling crowded with see batik manufacturers at work. riot of designs. sewing machine tucked under the colourful lanterns for sale. Batik refers to the use of hot wax Of course, these days Penang is white archway. But despite the Another workshop tucked away to make distinctive patterns on also home to modern shopping basic surrounds, he produces amid the streets is home to a cloth. facilities. There is one particularly immaculate hats to order. crafter of Nyonya beaded shoes. These craftsmen take copper large mall as well as night markets Yet another alleyway hides These craftsmen embroider tiny moulded into shapes such as selling fake designer handbags, Penang’s last lantern maker. While beads in intricate patterns and use butterflies, flowers and waves, and pirated DVDs, sunglasses and lanterns are as important as ever in the resulting material to make immerse it in hot wax before more. But it’s most interesting to this Chinese-dominated culture, shoes. Traditionally, these shoes stamping it on to cotton. They simply wander the streets of most are now imported cheaply. were the favoured footwear of then add coloured dye and repeat Georgetown, stopping for a chat Yet this ancient toothless man Penang residents going to special the process to add layers of colours with the wonderfully friendly and persists with his trade, events or ceremonies. and designs. laid-back people, and seeing what hand-painting cloth and covering Further afield, in the You can see their finished treasures you can find tucked away Intent: Penang’s joss-stick maker. wooden-framed lanterns. Enter north-western corner of the creations at a shop on the premises amid the many streets and alleys.

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*GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS: Packages and prices are based on per person twin share. Prices are correct at time of issue and are subject to availability at time of booking. A surcharge will be imposed for credit card transactions. Prices are subject to change without notice including but not limited to adverse currency fl uctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases. New Horizons Holidays reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice. Please contact your local travel agent to confi rm pricing and conditions. Travel agent service fees may apply. Conditions apply. Valid for sale until 07 Aug 09. Valid for travel 01 Sep – 30 Nov 2009. Hotel seasonality surcharges apply.^Compulsory breakfast charged on bonus nights. NHH Licence Number: 9TA00896. NEWH0198 travel guide penang 16 By Samille Mitchell Chance to soothe the soul

After the frenzy of Georgetown, adults-only pool, a main pool and resort also has a conservation focus stepping into the Shangri-La Rasa a children’s pool, as well as an — endangered monkey squirrels Sayang Resort and Spa is like outdoor bar and cafe. dart through the gardens and some entering a haven of tranquillity. But perhaps nowhere is the of the resort profits sponsor a The five-star resort soothes the feeling of style and tranquillity turtle-conservation project. soul with its gardens, birds, more prevalent than the Chi Spa. Then, of course, there’s the butterflies and the sound of waves Tucked away amid the gardens food. lapping the shore. under a stand of bamboo and built The Spice Market Cafe is a You can stay in one of the 108 around the still waters of smorgasbord restaurant that’s premium rooms or 189 garden- flower-filled ponds, the spa is popular with locals. Indian, wing rooms, spread over 12ha of based on the concept of chi. Chinese, Thai, Malaysian and gardens bordering the beach. Big Your therapist will ask you to Western food is prepared at trees, some more than 100 years complete a questionnaire and then separate cooking stations. old, shade the garden. products are suggested to balance You can even try to replicate the The resort was built in 1973 but your positive and negative energy. spicy dishes yourself by buying closed for two years in 2004 for a You’re then led away into one of spices from the foyer or ask the refurbishment. Paintings and giant 11 treatment rooms, each with its chef to prepare a particular spice sculptures adorn much of the own private garden and outdoor mix for you. resort, each with its own story that showers, to sip cleansing tea from For a more intimate dining you can read about in a book in a jade cup, soak your feet in warm experience, there’s the Feringgi your room. water scented with fresh flowers, Grill, where American chef Adam A pianist plays in the lobby each lose yourself in the haunting Roy prepares Western-style food evening and high tea is served as vibrations of a Tibetan singing with an emphasis on smoked part of your room price every bowl and have a massage or foods. afternoon. Reflexologists offer to treatment. Then there’s the stylish soothe away your troubles while Nearby, a yoga pavilion has a Feringgi Bar, the cigar room and you laze in the deckchairs strewn high, pyramid ceiling and vast the outdoor Pinang cocktail bar — through the gardens, there’s a windows, enabling light to spill in each offering a drinking and nine-hole golf course and an from the gardens. dining experience to suit your adventure zone to keep youngsters There are also aerobics classes, a mood. Lazy days: The tranquil Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa in Penang. entertained. Then there’s the gym and a beauty salon. The >Details: www.shangri-la.com

The Northam All Suite: Jalan Sultan Ahmad The Bayview Beach Resort: Batu Ferringhi Shah, www.northam-hotel.com.my Beach, www.bayviewbeach.com THE NIGHTLIFE Spoilt for choice Vistana Hotel: Bukit Jambul, Georgetown has a host of pubs, bars and FOUR-STAR HOTELS www.ytlhotels.com cafes. For cheap beers and snacks, From five-star hotels to budget Berjaya Georgetown Hotel: Burmah Road, backpackers and the young at heart head accommodation, city hotels to beach resorts, www.berjayaresorts.com THREE-STAR HOTELS for Chulia Street, Leith Street or Penang Penang caters for every preference and City Bayview Hotel: Lebuh Farquhar, Agora Hotel: MacAlister Road, email Road. There’s always something going on budget. www.bayviewhotels.com/georgetown [email protected] and street food is usually available. There Cititel Penang: Georgetown, Hotel Continental: Penang Road, email are Mediterranean-inspired clubs, lounges, FIVE-STAR HOTELS www.cititelpenang.com [email protected] bistros and alfresco areas at the Garage in Hard Rock Hotel Penang: Batu Ferringhi, Copthorne Orchid Penang: Tanjung Bungah, Hotel Grand Continental: Jalan Gurdwara, Upper Penang Road. The place is pumping www.hardrockhotels.net/penang www.copthorne.com.my www.ghihotels.com.my at weekends, with live bands and dance Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa: The Crown Jewel Hotel: Tanjung Bungah, Hotel Malaysia: Georgetown, music. Nearby at Tanjung City Marina, Batu Ferringhi Beach, www.shangri-la.com www.crownhotel.com www.hotelmalaysia.com.my restaurants have great panoramic night Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang: Farquhar Hydro Majestic Hotel: Batu Ferringhi, Lone Pine Hotel: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, views of the ferries and boats. Look out for Street, www.e-o-hotel.com www.fhihotels.com www.lonepinehotel.com the sun setting behind Penang Bridge, Equatorial Penang: Jalan Bukit Jambul, Holiday Inn Resort: Batu Ferringhi, Mar Vista Resort: Batu Ferringhi, linking the island to the mainland. Gurney www.equatorial.com www.penang.holiday-inn.com www.penang-hotels.com/marvista Drive’s hotels, eateries, coffee shops and Evergreen Laurel Hotel: Persiaran Gurney, Paradise Sandy Beach Resort: Jalan Tanjung Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel: Jalan Tanjung clubs are known for good-value www.evergreen-hotels.com Bungah, www.paradisehotel.com Bungah, www.tanjungbungahbeachhotel.com entertainment — locals say they are the Traders Hotel Penang by Shangri-La: Grand Plaza Parkroyal: Batu Ferringhi Beach, Pearl View Hotel: Butterworth, best for people-watching. Those wanting Georgetown, www.shangri-la.com www.grandplaza.penang.parkroyalhotels.com www.pearlview.com.my something more casual could head to the Dorsett Hotel: Georgetown, Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La: Batu The Summit Hotel: Bukit Mertajam, beachfront pubs and shacks at Batu www.dorsettpenang.com.my Ferringhi Beach, www.shangri-la.com www.summithotel.com.my Ferringhi. The Gurney Resort Hotel & Residences: Sunway Hotel: Pusat Bandar Bandar Sunway Hotel Georgetown: New Lane, > Information from Penang Tourism. See Persiaran Gurney, www.gurney-hotel.com.my Seberang Jaya, www.sh.com.my www.sh.com.my www.tourismpenang.gov.my. BEST HOLIDAY ESCAPES!

Kuala Lumpur Kota Kinabalu Langkawi Mauritius * * * * $ per person $ per person $ per person $ per person from 823 twin share from 899 twin share from 968 twin share from 1,599 twin share

Includes: Return economy Includes: Return economy Includes: Return economy Includes: Return economy airfares ex Perth to Kuala airfares to Kota Kinabalu fl ying airfares to Langkawi with airfares to Mauritius fl ying Air Lumpur fl ying Malaysia Airlines. Royal Brunei ex Perth. 5 nights Malaysia Airlines ex Perth. Mauritius ex Perth. 5 nights 4 nights in a Standard room at in a superior Chalet at the 4 nights in a run of house room standard Room at the Blue the Novotel; Kuala Lumpur City Lankah Syabas Beach resort. at the Federal Villa Beach Resort. Lagoon Beach Hotel. Centre. Bonus: FREE American Bonus: Extra nights from only Bonus: Includes American Bonus: American breakfast breakfast daily. FREE return $43 per person per night. breakfast & dinner daily. daily. Extra nights from $54 per airport transfers and late Travel: 01 Sep – 20 Sep and FREE boat trip to the Blue Bay person per night. check-out till 2pm (subject to 15 Oct – 30 Oct 09. Marine Park. Extra nights from Travel: 01 Aug – 20 Sep 09. availability). Extra nights from Book by 25 Jul 09. $71 per person per night. Book by 25 Jul 09. $40 per person per night. Travel: 25 Jul – 20 Sep 09. Travel: 01 Aug – 20 Sep 09. Book by 25 Jul 09. Book by 20 Jul 09.

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*Conditions apply. An additional 1.4% applies to amounts paid by credit or charge card. Some agents may charge an additional service fee and these vary between agents. Prices are per person twin share and where applicable, inclusive of airfare related charges, taxes, levies as at 08 Jul 09, but does not cover charges, taxes imposed by third parties. Seasonal surcharges apply for all other dates. Blackout dates apply. Minimum/Maximum stay restrictions may apply. Subject to availability. ~Any savings are included in the advertised cost. Cancellation fees apply. Prices and inclusions are subject to change. Offers may be withdrawn at anytime without notice.. Standard FlyBuys terms and conditions apply and are available at fl ybuys.com.au. Jetset Travelworld Limited – Travel Agents Licence 2TA5361. ABN 60091214998 TRA0223/WA