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Historians reasoned that England developed into a great naval nation because no place in the country lies more than 100 (give or take a few) miles from the sea. By the same token, would that make the Isle of Penang a force to be reckoned with? Perhaps not, but looking at it in a different light, its nautical aptitude enabled English businesses to expand their franchises to the Far East. Thus the British East India Company's Captain Francis Light alighted from his ship and proclaimed the island as "Prince of Wales Island" in honor of His Royal Majesty's birthday.
Now known as Penang, the island may not claim title to Jewel in the British Empire, but touted as the Pearl of the Orient, tourists and businessmen, arrive in droves and seem to achieve their goals and find what they seek. Some may even say the island is a true gem. Penang certainly affords travelers with a place to indulge, shop, swim and surf, soak up the sun and even do business. If you come for all the right reasons, you are sure to find an appropriate hotel that suits your taste and fancy.
Accommodations vary from the Shangri-La and fancy spas to the very sparse in every part of the island except the western part. Deluxe and moderate resorts abound, plus there is the "Hotel Nam Kok" (from The World of Suzie Wong). In Penang, logistically, you can still get a piece of the action, come what may, no matter where you stay.
Georgetown
Take the lead from Captain Light and try the old town first. Advantages abound here. Here lie the relics and vestiges of the past, which encompass several racial and national cultures. To see it all, however, necessitates a few walking tours to completely appreciate the humble and difficult beginnings of Georgetown. Places of worship and other finely constructed and sculptured buildings, once homes of past community leaders and clans, inhabit this area. Here you will also find the Chinese Goddess of Mercy Temple, the Kapitan Keling Mosque, the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Khoo Kongsi clan house and shops selling quaint products depicting the artistry and needs of Penang's multi-racial communities.
If business draws you to Penang, and you must be near commercial establishments and government departments, like Immigration, then you should check in to the Shangri-La Hotel, Penang with the added advantage of direct access to the biggest shopping mall or the Cititel Penang, Hotel Grand Continental Penang, Sunway Hotel Georgetown, Hotel Malaysia or the Grand Paradise Hotel.
William Holden's character in The World of Suzie Wong would feel at home in the Cathay Hotel and the Oases Hotel.
Batu Ferringhi
Leaping into the modern world of surf and sand, discover the hotels of Batu Ferringhi such as the Rasa Sayang Resort, Lone Pine Hotel and the Golden Sands Resorts. This is the place for the true-blue tourists who come just for the beaches. To keep you from an overdose of sun, local distractions flourish at the Tropical Fruit Farm, Penang Butterfly Farm and the Pinang Cultural Centre. Right in their midst sits the Yahong Art Gallery.
All these hotels and resorts are spaced out along the main road and frequent Pasar Malam (Night Markets) hit the scene exclusively for tourists.
Pulau Tikus
Between the Old World charm and the rough and tumble of the sea, look over the region of Tanjong Bunga/Tokong and Pulau Tikus where you can have the best of both worlds. Uncover the area's shopping havens and visit temples, old heritage buildings, the Botanical Gardens and the beaches. For these, check in to the Crown Prince Hotel,
Sandy Bay Paradise Penang, Copthorne Orchid Penang, Evergreen Laurel Penang, Paradise Tanjung Bungah, and, last but not least, Berjaya Georgetown Hotel, which is annexed to the Midlands 1-Stop Shopping Mall.
Industrial Areas
Those strictly in Penang for business might consider the Hotel Equatorial Penang. Both are located in the Bayan Baru/Lepas region near the industrial area. Similarly, the Pearl View Hotel in Perai, just across the Penang Bridge, proves ideal for business people commuting frequently to Mak Mandin Industrial Estate, Seberang Jaya Industrial Park and Perai Industrial Park. Shopping complexes also lie close by. Furthermore, go for a round of golf at nearby Bukit Jambul Penang Golf Resort or the Penang Turf Club (Golf Club Section) to seal the deal.
Whichever hotel you choose, rest assured you will receive the finest in service, facilities and amenities.
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 Penang Hotels Guide
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