Penang, Malaysia

The urban island of Penang, Malaysia always ranks in the world’s top ten places to retire. Low cost of living, first-rate healthcare, nice beaches and ease of language contribute to its long list of amenities.

The island was a busy southeast Asia  trading post for over 500 years, under the control of various conquerors. Penang remains a mixed culture of different races (Chinese, Malays, Indians, Mamaks, Eurasians and Thais). This fusion has resulted in the its reputation as a foodie destination.

Georgetown (the capital and largest city), was founded in 1786 and remained a British colony until its independence in 1957. Today, colonial and traditional-style buildings mix with modern day skyscrapers.

Our original plan was to be here a month but our other adventures landed us on the island with just five days. We did our best to make the most of them.

Although I had done some research on Penang, Frank and I were shocked on our ride from the airport. It was night and we passed high rise after high rise. We never realized there were over two million people here!

Our hotel in Georgetown was recommended by some friends. The location was a perfect base from which to explore . . .

We chose to stay in Georgetown, adjacent to the historic core of the island.

Our room overlooked the Malacca Strait.

Old Town Georgetown

Old Town Georgetown

Cheong Fatt Tze, the Blue Mansion, was the home of a beloved Chinese entrepreneur. His story is fascinating. His home is now a museum and boutique hotel.

Penang is a mixed culture with many religious affiliations.

Georgetown

Georgetown

Wedding at the Jalan Mesjid Kapitan Kling Mosque

We went to Palm Sunday Mass at a Catholic Cathedral right around the corner from our hotel.

Georgetown is well-known for its street art.

Georgetown is well-known for its street art.

They even put their street art on their souvenirs.

To get a better feel for the rest of the island, we ventured out of Georgetown via the double decker red tour bus. It’s usually not our favorite thing to do but it was sooo hot outside and the bus had A/C and traveled everywhere we wanted to see.

Penang’s Gurney Drive is modern and on the beach. If we had stayed a month, we would have stayed and explored from here.

The Gurney Drive shopping was top-shelf. The area reminded Frank of Miami Beach.

In fact, we traveled past some beaches, including this one, which locals named “Miami Beach!”

The national forest had monkeys and snakes – no thanks.

For the short time, we were here, the historic area was the place to be. We enjoyed the sights, shops and many good restaurants.

The food in Malaysia is amazing!

A new friend from Singapore told me about this place which produced my favorite dessert,

Kuay Salat. It has rice on the bottom and a tapioca-type top that is not too sweet. I’m addicted.

Our hotel had a rooftop bar overlooking the city and the Strait. Such a beautiful and interesting city! Can’t wait to return!

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