Get to know more about Penang, Malaysia

Penang is one of thirteen states in Malaysia. It is located to the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak.

Situated in the tropics, Malaysia stretches across the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia is at the tip of mainland Southeast Asia while the states of Sabah and Sarawak are on the island of Borneo.

Penang is located at the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia which, together with Sabah and Sarawak, make up Malaysia. Malaysia is, located in the centre of the Asia-Pacific region.

Penang is one of thirteen states within Malaysia. The island occupies an area of 285 square kilometres. The state also encompasses Province Wellesley (Seberang Perai), a strip on the mainland. The island is separated from the mainland by a channel three kilometres wide at the narrowest point. The Penang Bridge -- completed in 1985 -- as well as the 24-hour ferry service links the island to the mainland.

George Town is the capital city of Penang with a population of approximately 400,000 people. Named in honour of King George lV by the British, it is the seat of the state administration and the commercial hub of the state. George Town is located on the northeastern part of the island. Outside the busy city centre are mushrooming surburbs and townships dotted by fishing villages and the rustic countryside. To the north of George Town runs the sun-kissed beaches punctuated by luxury hotels, brightly coloured shops and residues of tiny hamlets.

Get to know Penang's geography, history, culture, economy, weather, people and language