Penang: Pearl of the Orient

George Town, capital of Malaysia's Penang Island, is about 200 miles northwest of Kuala Lumpur. Walking around this pleasant coastal town, you quickly notice that many of the town's neighborhoods are clearly defined along ethnic lines: Malay (Muslim), Indian (Hindu, Muslim), and Chinese (Buddhist, Taoist, Confucianist). Unfortunately, Malaysia has a long history of racial discord, particularly between the ethnic Malays and the Chinese.

As there are many good restaurants in town with a wide variety of choices, the town is a foodie's paradise. Also, there are numerous mosques, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and impressive old Chinese mansions to visit. Considering its many varied restaurants and numerous interesting sights, it's not surprising that George Town is one of Malaysia's top tourist attractions.






When walking around George Town you see numerous interesting murals. With this one, the bicycle's right handlebar is actually attached to the mural.







The Khoo Kongsi is a Chinese clanhouse. In 1901, this structure caught fire on the night it was completed, an event attributed to "divine jealousy."




Some pretty hefty incense sticks here.



This painting was in our George Town hotel room.


A wide variety of fruits are available is Southeast Asia. Some of my favorites are dragon fruit, mangosteen, pomelos, rambutan, lychee, and mangoes.