The slogan is catchy and distinctive, inviting and invigorating. It whets the appetite to discover and explore the islands’ wealth of attractions and holiday options. The destination: Malaysia, “Truly Asia.”
As if on cue, Ajish Morris, the personable general manager of Silkair, was on the other line inviting a few media practitioners to a familiarization tour of Singapore, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
Within days, we found ourselves at the lounge of the Mactan International Airport, where we met up with Ajish Morris and Allen Andre Suarez, reservations and ticketing officer and our official escort.
Silkair, we discovered, flies one of the youngest fleets in the Asian region. It puts much emphasis on providing unequalled, excellent service. The carrier’s flair is experienced through both its efficient cabin crew and exquisite cuisine.
Our first destination was Penang, located on the northwest coast of peninsular Malaysia. It has long been known as one of Southeast Asia’s finest destinations. Allow me to enumerate why it is so.
George Town, the capital, was named after King George III of Great Britain. It is full of significant cultural relics and a slew of historical buildings built in a variety of styles. They include the Chinese clan houses, mosques, churches, Chinese temples, Indian temples, shops, the fort, and many more. Their architecture bears witness to multi-ethnic settlers like the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Arabs, Burmese and Europeans, who lived harmoniously in Penang.
The Wat Chayamangkalaram is one of the many Buddhist temples in the area and is famous for its reclining, gold-plated Buddha, which sits at 33 meters long and is believed to be one of the largest in the world.
Located by the sea at the Esplanade is Fort Cornwallis, built in 1786 by the British under Captain Francis Light. It has a small lighthouse, a chapel and a gunpowder bunker within its walls. Several old cannons, including one that is believed by some locals to have magical fertility powers, can still be found at the fort. There are also small artifacts recovered from archaeological diggings inside the fort.
Clan jetties are unique Chinese settlements along Weld Quay, with homes built along wooden piers that extend to the Penang Channel. It has been in existence since the 19th century. The residents of each clan jetty are descendants of Chinese immigrants that reflect the distinct historical, geographical and lineage of its populace.
The Sri Mahamariamman Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity. It is one of the oldest temples in Penang with its history dating back to 1801.The gateway features magnificently sculptured gods and goddesses and 38 Hindu deities.
The Guan Yin Temple, also known as the Goddess of Mercy, is the oldest Chinese temple in Penang. Dragon-entwined pillars carved from a type of green stone support the main hall. The statue of Kuan Yin as a serenely composed woman with 18 arms sits in an inner chamber.
Penang has a maze of narrow streets that offer an insight into the past where little has changed. The best way to get lost among joss stick shops, fresh noodle makers and other heritage sites is on the trishaw, a three-wheeled human-powered vehicle whose drivers are knowledgeable tour guides.
Penang offers a wide selection of accommodations. There are guesthouses in the UNESCO heritage site for those who wish to savor the old charms of George Town. There are also hotels and resorts near the beaches and hills for those who like to commune with nature. Highly recommended is Cititel Hotel, strategically located in the heart of George Town and the six-story Hard Rock Hotel at the famous Batu Ferringhi area. It offers affordability and
business-friendly services that mark the epitome of Penang’s warm hospitality.
Penang, being a unique state in Malaysia, has a truly extensive range of attractions for tourists — rich history, diverse culture, fantastic food, bargain shopping, lush nature, fun-filled beaches and cozy resorts. Surely more than enough reasons to visit Penang. And why not via Silkair?