CONTENT

Penang Factor 2 Land of Heritage 4 Facts About 6 Global Connectivity 8

EXPERIENCES UNFILTERED 10 RADIANT CULTURE 12 MELODIOUS HARMONY 14 PRIZED HERITAGE 16 VIBRANT FESTIVALS 18 LUSTROUS NATURE 20

VENUES ABOUND 22 COLONIAL SPLENDOUR 24 GARDEN EXTRAVAGANZA 26 HERITAGE CHARM 28 RESORT LUXURY 30 CONVENTION CONVERGENCE 32 URBAN ELEGANCE 34

ABOUT PCEB 36

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler 1 PENANG FACTOR

The Northern Malaysian state of Penang is a magical place steeped in rich history and heritage set amidst the backdrop of a thriving and modern city.

The captivating fusion of old and new has cultivated one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant cities and one of the world’s must visit places. With its bold gastronomical culture, charming colonial architecture, and beautiful nature hotspots, Penang offers the best of Asia to the world.

Penang’s incomparable architecture, inspiring cuisine, colourful culture and sincere hospitality offers visitors an authentic and exceptional Asian experience.

Wisma Yeap Chor Ee © Norlman Lo

3 LAND OF HERITAGE

NIO M O UN IM D R T IA

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H O E M R I E TA IN G O E • PATRIM

George Town is a living testimony of the multi-cultural heritage and traditions of Asia, where diverse cultures and religion met and have coexisted in harmony for generations.

In 2008, George Town was recognised for its outstanding universal value by UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention. The heritage enclave, according to UNESCO, represents a remarkable example of the historic colonial towns on the Straits of Malacca.

The city reflects the coming together of cultural elements from the Malay Archipelago, India and China with those of Europe, to create architecture, culture and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion townscape unique only to George Town. © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler

5 Facts About Penang KOMTAR FERRY LOCATION | BOTANICAL | LANGUAGE GARDENS The Malaysian state of Penang sits strategically at the Northern tip of the Straits ktm butterworth Bahasa is the official language in Penang with English being widely of Malacca, a busy shipping route. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, station spoken and used as the language of business and commerce. Mandarin is also Penang is a favourite international travel destination and is easily accessible via widely spoken in Penang, followed by Tamil and other Chinese dialects such as air from anywhere in the world. .

Tow Boo Kong Temple Butterworth

KEK LOK SI Climate | temple | VISA cherok Tokun Penang boasts a warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging from a low Visitors to Penang must hold a valid passport or travel document valid for six of 21°C (70°F) to a high of 32°C (90°F) all year round. During the southwest months beyond their period of visit. Visa is not required for most nationalities for monsoon from April to September, Penang experiences plentiful rainfall, adding social or business visits, but for those that do, applications can be made at the a refreshing antidote to its tropical warmth. nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission.

st. anne’s church

Currency | Bukit Panchor | INTERNET State Park

The currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), with ringgit (RM) being Staying connected is not a problem in Penang as we are the only Malaysian state the dollar equivalent. Foreign exchange booths are available all over Penang, with offering FREE state-wide WIFI with 1,550 hotspots to date. High speed wireless the ones situated in shopping malls operating seven days a week. The exchange connection is also available at most conventions and exhibition centres, hotels, rate for major currencies traded are displayed clearly at the booths. Major credit Auto city cafés, and shopping malls, many with complimentary usage. cards, including American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most places. balik teluk penang snake clan pulau kumbar airport temple jetties

6 7 Direct air links between Penang and major Asian Cities: FREQUENCY OF INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

No Sector Airline Total/Week global Connectivity 1 Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) MAS/Thai 7 2 Don Mueang (Bangkok) Air Asia 7 | By Air | By Road 3 Phuket Firefly 4 4 Koh Samui Firefly 3 Penang is directly accessible from 22 major local and regional airports, and The North-South Expressway (NSE) connects Penang to major 5 Hong Kong Dragonair 10 over 100 local and international destinations via the Kuala Lumpur International cities on the West coast of Peninsular Malaysia. From Mainland 6 Singapore Air Asia 29 Airport (KLIA) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2). Penang, there are three ways to access : Silk Air 35 90 Jetstar Airways 14 Located in , the Penang International Airport is Tiger Airways 12 7 Medan Air Asia 22 • 16 km or a 30 minutes’ drive from George Town First 50 Sriwijaya Air 7 • 30km or a 45 minutes’ from Seberang Penang Bridge or Route E36 was, until 2014, the only Lion Air 21 • 32 km or a 1 hour’s drive from Batu Feringghi bridge connecting and on Penang 8 Jakarta Air Asia 7 • 326 kilometres or a 50 minutes’ flight from KLIA Island. The exit for the 13.5 km dual carriageway tolled 9 Surabaya Air Asia 3 • 603 km or a 1 hour 30 minutes’ flight from Singapore bridge is after the Juru Toll for North-bound traffic and after 10 Banda Acheh Firefly 7 Changi the Sg Dua Toll for South-bound traffic. 11 Guangzhou China Southern Airlines 7 12 Taipei Chin Airlines 4 13 Krabi Firefly 3 14 Ho Chi Minh City Air Asia 4 Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge @ PENANG 15 Yangon Air Asia 3 | By Rail Second Penang Bridge Total 209 The Second Penang Bridge or Route E28 connects Batu More than 20 direct flights Kawan in Seberang Perai to on Penang Penang’s central railway terminal is located in Butterworth, Seberang Perai. Island via the Link Road. The 24 km dual The railway station sits on the mainline that runs from Singapore (via the KTM carriageway tolled bridge is the nearest link to Penang FREQUENCY OF DOMESTIC FLIGHTS shuttle train from Woodlands to Johor Bahru terminal) all up way up North to Island for North-bound traffic. No Sector Airline Total/Week Bangkok. Train services run daily, with Kuala Lumpur a mere 4 hours ride on the 1 Johor Bahru Air Asia 24 ETS and Bangkok a 12-hour overnight ride away. 2 Kota Kinabalu Air Asia 11 3 KLIA Air Asia 72 By Ferry MAS 56 140 For a nostalgic tinged experience, take the Ferry from Malindo 12 Butterworth to get to Penang Island. The ferry transports 4 Kuching Air Asia 10 | By Bus both passengers and vehicles. Ticket for the ferry is 5 Kuantan Firefly 3 purchased only one way – island bound at the Butterworth 6 Kota Bahru Firefly 14 Terminal. 7 Subang Firely 102 Penang is connected to all major towns and cities in Peninsula Malaysia via 165 Malindo 63 bus, with numerous bus operators plying hundreds of buses daily to and from 8 Langkawi Air Asia 14 KOMTAR and the bus terminals on the island and Butterworth 24 Firefly 10 bus terminal. 9 Miri Air Asia 4 10 Melaka Malindo 4 Total 399 8 9 Experiences Unfiltered

Chew Jetty Chingay © ... © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler 11 RADIANT CULTURE

2. Tabla (Indian Drums) 3. Chinese Opera © Benson Tan © Ivan Lim

Set against the backdrop of this tiny Malaysian state is Asia’s loudest 1 Be captivated by the mystical and magical elements of the Malay culture through traditional cultural and most colourful cultural convergences. Penang’s potpourri of Asian performances such as the Kuda Kepang, or Horse Riders. Experience Kuda Kepang’s transcendental energy cultures and world religions – Malay, Chinese, Indian, Islam, Buddhism, at sunset for a night of Eastern mysticism. Hinduism, Christianity and many more – makes Penang a multicultural and multi-religious experiment that is not only successful, but also one 2 Take in the colourful energy of Little India. From the exotic spices and luscious sarees to the hypnotic beats that is ever growing. of the tabla and dhol, savour a slice of Penang’s rich Indian culture and its many traditional art forms.

3 Elaborate costumes, colourful paints and bold martial art moves come twilight: You’ll find all this and more at the various Chinese operas based in Penang. Listen to their refined literary stories that have been performed 1. Kuda Kepang (Horse Riders) unchanged for centuries. © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler 13 MELODIOUS HARMONY

2. Goddess of Mercy Temple 3. St. George’s Church © Penang Global Tourism © Penang Global Tourism

Nowhere in the world can you find a Malay mosque, an Indian Muslim 1 Named after the Indian Kapitan Caudeer Mohuddeen who commissioned the building, the Kapitan Keling mosque, a Taoist temple, a Hindu temple, a Protestant church, and Mosque is George Town’s largest historic mosque. The mosque is famous for its iconic British Moghul a Catholic church all along the same street. Aptly dubbed “Harmony Revival-style architecture, featuring grandiose Mughal domes, turrets and the imposing minaret that soars Street”, this social wonder symbolises the diverse people of Malaysia above the streets below. that live united and worship side by side. 2 This 18th century temple is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy and is the oldest Chinese temple in Penang. Intricate sculptures and carvings adorn its roofs and the main altar, where scowling stone dragons encircle its columns.

1. Kapitan Keling Mosque 3 St George’s Church was the firstA nglican church established in Malaysia, and received its name from the © Penang Global Tourism patron saint of England. Its distinct architectural style is named Georgian Palladian, a fusion of Georgian architecture and the Grecian influences ofA ndrea Palladio. 15 PRIZED HERITAGE

2. Khoo Kongsi © Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Clan

Architecture in the heritage enclave of George Town reflects the diverse cultures and religions 1 The Peranakan Mansion is one of the most ornate houses in George Town with over practiced in Penang. Experience this historic place and its stunning sights up close on the a thousand Chinese and Straits Chinese antiques and collectibles on display. Built in uniquely Penang trishaws, with the “trishaw uncles” serving as your personal city guide. the 19th century, its splendour reflects the mansion’s history as the headquaters of the notorious Ghee Hin mobsters before it became the residence and office of the Chinese Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee.

2 One of the grandest clan temples in Malaysia, Khoo Kongsi is a fine specimen of the highly ornamental and elaborate architecture that is characteristic of the clan houses and temples found in Penang. This historic venue with its traditional theatre and vast 1. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion granite-paved square is perfect for hosting gala events and performances. © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler 17 VIBRANT FESTIVALS

2. Contemporary Dance Performance on the Penang Ferry 3. Lion Dance @ Esplanade © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler

Penang is undeniably the land of festivals, and no one throws a 1 Penang’s vibrant arts and festival scene has attracted many internationally renowned performing arts celebration quite like Penangites; we love taking our revelries to the groups. The Dewan Sri Pinang multi-purpose venue with its state-of-the art infrastructure has hosted streets when possible. With a wealth of unconventional and gorgeous gravity-defying and sensory stimulating performance arts. venues that make for perfect artistic and cultural stage, Penang’s grand appetite for drama and entertainment dictates larger-than-life festivals 2 For a truly unique experience with the sea breeze and frothing waves, host your event on one of Penang’s for all occasions. Be it the Malay boria performance unique to Penang, iconic ferries. Your guests will find it unforgettable and it will be the talk of the industry for time to come. the Chinese acrobatic lion dance or the hypnotic drumming of the Indian tabla, the cultural diversity of Penang provides a rich backdrop for 3 Feel your heart in your mouth as you watch the gravity-defying acrobatics of the lion dancers, leaping spectacular gala celebrations. nimbly across stilts. Allow the burst of frantic drum beats, dense festive colours and thrilling excitement 1. International Performance Art (George Town Festival) @ Dewan Sri Pinang to give any gala event the X-factor boost it needs. The beating of the drums will resonate with you even © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler after the performance.

19 LUSTROUS NATURE

3. Pantai Kerachut © Penang Global Tourism

Warm sandy beaches, lush green heartland and voluptuous rolling hills - Penang offers plenty of experiences to enjoy the bounty of nature. Beyond the modern façade of Penang is some of the country’s best-kept natural secrets. The state is home to one of four meromictic lakes in Asia, an award-winning tropical garden that is home to 500 species of tropical flora and fauna, and the first and among the largest tropical butterfly sanctuary in the world.

1 Our flourishing flora is a testament to the rich biodiversity of Penang Hill, home to many endemic species. Take in the cool, dewy air as you ascend on the funicular train and enter a world of natural tropical wonders with one of the best views in the country.

2 Become one with nature and get your creative juices flowing. Places such as theT ropical Spice Garden, Teluk Bahang and Bukit Panchor provide team building opportunities for your team to romp in the sun, the sea and the jungle.

3 Pantai Kerachut shelters a meromictic lake, and is the nesting ground of green turtles and Olive Ridley turtles. Get close and personal with these gentle creatures at the Turtle Conservation Centre for your next Corporate Social Responsibility event. 1. Penang Hill 2. Penang National Park © Penang Global Tourism © Penang Global Tourism

21 VENUES ABOUND

Fort Cornwallis © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler

23 COLONIAL SPLENDOUR

2. David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces 3. The Royale Bintang Penang © David Brown © The Royale Bintang Penang

Experience Penang’s splendorous Colonial past, an era that celebrated understated opulence, languorous garden soirees complete with sumptuous food and courtly entertainment.

1 Suffolk House is Malaysia’s only surviving Georgian house, and was home to a succession of British governors of Penang and the Straits Settlements. Built to reflect the style ofA nglo-Indian garden houses of Colonial India, explore its mesmerizing rooms which have been lovingly refurbished with authentic Anglo-Indian antiques.

3 Nestled along the gorgeous oceanfront of Penang is The Royale Bintang Penang. With its 124-year history, the hotel melds contemporary luxury with old-world glamour in the heart of George Town’s UNESCO Heritage Zone.

4 Walk in the footsteps of literary giants Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling and Hermann Hesse who once visited this iconic hotel. The Eastern & Oriental Hotel remains timeless with its opulent interior and elegant ambience.

1. Suffolk House © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler

25 4. The Eastern & Oriental Hotel © The Eastern & Oriental Hotel GARDEN EXTRAVAGANZA

2. Tropical Spice Garden 3. David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces © Tropical Spice Garden © David Brown

Penang’s year-round warm tropical climate never fails to beckon 1 & 3 The historical David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces is surrounded by immaculate English one to the beautiful gardens, sequestered and private, a world onto landscaping that makes your dream garden soirees come true. Resting atop Penang’s Strawberry themselves. The lush green verdant punctured by the gorgeously- Hill, enjoy a panoramic view of Penang that comes a-twinkle at nightfall. hued tropical flowers provide a stunning natural backdrop for a variety of events. 2 For a unique occasion unlike any other, hold your event at Tropical Spice Garden, surrounded by exotic Malaysian spice plants and vividly coloured wild flowers.T he Garden’s glass-walled pavilions provide the immersive experience of being in a rainforest with expansive breath-taking view of Teluk Bahang as your backdrop.

1. David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler

27 HERITAGE CHARM

2. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion 3. Black Kettle © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler

1 Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia, commissioned by Francis Light to defend Penang from Home to one of Southeast Asia’s largest collections of pre-war buildings, pirates and military forces from . Today, this magnificent testament to Penang’s maritime heritage is a Penang’s tangible heritage is a legacy of its multicultural history. A popular venue for gala events, themed dinners and contemporary and cultural performances. single street can host architectural designs of different time periods and from various cultures: South Chinese, Indian Muslim, Anglo-Indian and 2 Penang’s iconic Blue Mansion features delicate Su Chow Dynasty Period-style architecture with a blend of Indo-Malay architecture styles. Some are truly artistic masterpieces of European elements. This UNESCO ‘Most Excellent’ Heritage Conservation Award winner has provided the cultural fusion with Cantonese glasswork, Scottish ironwork, Victorian set for numerous international films, and its ornately decorated rooms and halls bear proof to the wealth of floor tiles andA rt Nouveau styles. Penang’s founding traders.

1. Fort Cornwallis 3 The architecture of pre-war shophouses in Penang is so unique that it has its own term: the Straits Eclectic, © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler a fusion of European architecture into Asian-style buildings. Tastefully refurbished and curated, these chic and sophisticated East-meets-West buildings offer ample space for private dinners, cocktail receptions and business meetings. 29 RESORT LUXURY

2. Pinang Ballroom 3. Batu Bar © Hotel Jen © Lone Pine Hotel

Penang’s world-famous beach strip, Batu Ferringhi, is home to some of the best hotels and resorts in Northern 1 Settle for nothing less than the very best. With plush interiors, Malaysia. From the only Hard Rock Hotel in the country and the ultra-luxurious Rasa Sayang by Shangri-La to gorgeous scenery and impeccable service at your fingertips, your PARKROYAL Penang Resort (photo), working while playing has never been easier. next event is guaranteed to drop jaws. At Penang’s many world class hotels and resorts, play and leisure take place side by side with George Town boasts some of the finest luxury and business-oriented hotels in the country.A popular working as our service providers cater to your guests’ every whim. destination for international corporate events, George Town’s strategic location is matched with the modern 2 Pamper yourself, wherever you choose – sandy beach, heritage city amenities of its city hotels that allows for seamless planning of inspired events. or lush forest – life in the lap of luxury awaits you.

Kick back, relax and unwind Penang-style. With established house bands, visiting jazz musicians and 1. PARKROYAL Penang Resort international bands rocking the stage every night, Penang’s hotels and resorts are famed for their entertainment 3 © PARKROYAL Penang Resort lounges and bars that never fail to captivate.

31 CONVENTION EXPLOSION

2. © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler

Go big, or go home: Host your world-class event at any one of Penang’s convention centres. Penang’s 1 The Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre state-of-the-art convention centres and arenas are equipped to accommodate thousands of guests (SPICE) is an integrated business and leisure hub, and Malaysia’s largest at once with ease. With the technical equipment and expertise in these convention centres, every of its kind outside the capital. Consisting of a convention centre, an indoor precise detail is executed flawlessly for the resounding success of your production. stadium, a retail and F&B space, an Aquatic Club and an upcoming 4-star hotel, convenience is an understatement here.

2 The first waterfront convention centre in Northern Malaysia encompasses 25,300 square feet of space for grandiose and prodigious events. The Straits Quay Convention Centre adjoins the F&B and retail centre of Straits Quay, and 1. SPICE © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler is in close proximity with hotels and resorts in .

33 Urban Elegance

2. Church Street Pier 3. Hin Bus Depot © Penang Global Tourism © Hin Bus Depot

Arts! Music! Performances! Culture! 1 Get the artsy-industrial feel at The Place Raja Uda with its bare concrete walls and The Star, an award- All the elements converge to create energetic and contemporary spaces winning light sculpture installation. From art exhibitions, fashion shows to gala celebrations, every event where dreams come true. Blends of no-frills architecture with chic style here is guaranteed to be an experience unlike any other. make for an ambience of raw and edgy, and give cosmopolitan events the X-factor that no one can resist. 2 Penang’s strategically located marina has the gorgeous waterfront as its backdrop for its happenings. In juxtaposition with the elegant architecture of George Town’s UNESCO Heritage Zone, Church Street Pier is much sought-after as a contemporary event venue.

3 Don’t be fooled by first appearances. HinB us Depot – for all its exposed brick and crumbling plaster – is THE hip place to be. Decked with contemporary art murals by the renowned Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, Lion1. The Dance Place ShowRaja Uda © Sherwynd Rylan Kessler this site is regularly booked for its cultured and authentic ambience.

35 | About PCEB

Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is a state bureau established in 2016 to develop the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry in Penang.

PCEB aims to position Penang as the preferred location for MICE activities in the region. With its rich UNESCO heritage, thriving multicultural society, state-of-the art facilities and vibrant natural attractions, Penang offers a truly eclectic tropical experience.

In line with our mission to incubate the growth of MICE in Penang, PCEB serves as Penang’s focal point for the coordination of all MICE activities. We provide expert assistance to organisations and MICE planners at every step of the planning to ensure their enhanced experience in Penang.

Georgetown © Penang Global Tourism

36 penang convention & exhibition bureau No. 14A & 16A (First Floor) The Whiteaways Arcade, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 Penang, MALAYSIA

T +604 261 6161 F +604 261 6171 E [email protected] W www.pceb.my

PCEB is a member of

Cover Image: A view of Penang Island and Seberang Perai from a top Penang Hill.