Penang

Also known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is a blast from the past, with the city preserving its narrow side streets, colonial British buildings, temples and famed kongsi. Immerse yourself in its culture with a visit to the Kek Lok Si temple, Snake Temple and the Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple, where the 108ft-long reclining Buddha image resides.The influence of the British can be visibly seen at Fort Cornwallis and Penang Hill while a stroll along Gurney Drive and the up and coming Straits Quay, shows the metropolitan element of the island. Don’t miss out on the local cuisine ranging from nasi kandar, char kway teow, penang laksa and the “Tau Sa Piah” (mung bean pastry) amongst others.