Penang is one of the Malaysian states found on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Malacca Strait. It consists of Penang Island and the mainland Seberang Perai, with both areas having connected by Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge. Bordering the state of Kedah to its north and east as well as the state of Perak to its south, Penang is the runner up for the smallest Malaysian state in terms of landmass. Nevertheless, this state has among the highest population densities in the country, with the Seberang Perai mainland city being the runner up to the largest city by population size. Famed for its industries which earned it the title 'Silicon Valley of the East, its George Town capital on the Penang Island is also known for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When it comes to history, Penang is originally part of Kedah. Yet, not much is known regarding the early history of the state except for the fact that there is evidence that proved that it was inhabited as early as 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. It had been placed under control by the Hindu-Buddhist rulers who reigned over the Bujang Valley around the same period. It later continued to be part of Kedah as Kedah state further transitioned into sultanate rule.

Much of the modern history that made up Penang to what it is today came during the 18th century. This is when Francis Light would come over in the 1770s under the instructions of the British East India Company to form trade relations in the peninsula, resulting in his landing in the state of Kedah, which was a vassal state of Siam at the time. In exchange for protection from external and internal threats, he proceeded to obtain Penang Island from the then-sultan of Kedah, Sultan Muhammad Jiwa Zainal Abidin II, as an offering to Britain. However, it was only in 1786 when Light managed to rectify an agreement regarding the island's cession to the British East India Company. Formal possession of the island took place on the 11th of August in the same year. A new settlement of George Town has established to honour King George III.

Later in 1800, Sir George Leith would secure the hinterland across Penang Strait named as Province Wellesley, now present-day Seberang Perai. This agreement superseded the earlier arrangement made between Francis Light and the earlier sultan and allowed the British to have permanent sovereignty over both areas. Yet the Province Wellesly area was much smaller and later expanded to its current borders in 1874. As a result, the Sultan of Kedah was paid around 10,000 Spanish dollars annually for the exchange. This would continue till the present day. The Malaysian government continues to pay the state 10,000 Malaysian ringgit annually as a form of symbolism.

After securing the areas that makeup Penang, the state underwent various developments under the British colonial rule, which intended for the state to be a capable free port enticing traders from the Dutch trading posts. Around the same period, spices are also harvested on the island area. While it later became less significant due to the acquisition of Penang by the British, its function as a vital entrepot continued till the end of the 19th century by becoming a major tin-exporting harbour. This further drove George Town to be the principal financial hub of Malaya. At the same time, other towns in the state thrived with various agriculture and logistical developments, subsequently driving its population growth, improving law enforcement, healthcare and public transportation.

The status quo and peace would continue until World War I when the Battle of Penang occurred, followed by World War II a few decades later. Penang state fell to the Imperial Japanese Army in 1941. Penang would be placed under the Japanese rule as Tojo-to after then-Prime Minister Hideki Tojo for four years before being liberated by the British Forces in the year 1945 under Operation Jurist. Subsequently, Penang would continue to be placed under military rule before being part of the Malayan Union. The following Federation of Malaya years later in 1957, and Malaysia in 1963.

Penang is among the most developed states in the country with much modern entertainment and retail choices, but it has its fair share of historical attractions in the form of colonial buildings, museums and historical sites. Despite its urbanisation, there is also a considerable amount of natural environment in the state that is being conserved, such as the Penang Botanical Gardens and the City Park, which are the major parks in the capital, as well as the Penang Hill which is the green lung for the island. There is also the strong food culture that is going on around the island that is the pride and joy of many Penangites and at times are exported to many parts of Malaysia too, such as nasi kandar as such one can certainly look forward to a good time when coming to Penang, either if you just come to enjoy the island vibes or just to go around to have a taste of their famed food culture at the source.

For domestic travellers, it is fairly easy to access Penang as you have the options to travel via train and bus or even by car if you have your own. If you are an international traveller coming in, you have a rather similar plating of options as well. Penang can be accessed by direct flights as well as by car, train or bus if your first point of entry into Malaysia is the Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Kuala Lumpur city or Klang Valley in general. If you are coming by car, you can opt to be coming in via North-South Highway. Be prepared to be charged to pay for toll and fuel when coming into town. If you are coming by bus, you can either come from Kuala Lumpur to Penang or opt to take buses from any other major city, come to Kuala Lumpur, then take another different bus trip to Penang. That said, typically, other major cities like Johor Bahru, Melaka and Ipoh, among others, would also have direct trips to Penang as well. Typically the fares are charged at MYR20 to MYR70. As for the trains, be prepared to pay around MYR40 to MYR80 for a train ride from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. You would still need another mode of transport, be it a car or bus, to get into the island area once you arrive since the train station is only ending on the Penang mainland.

Nevertheless, it would be best if you always kept in mind to be careful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as there could be travel restrictions being imposed and specific guidelines to adhere to, which can change from time to time. Be aware of the standard guidelines and procedures and be mindful to adhere to them at all times.

Penang's only one main airport that typically serves both local and international travellers coming from Kuala Lumpur and other places within Malaysia: Penang International Airport, which is in Bayan Lepas on the island. If you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the best destination airport is typically the Penang International Airport.

Among the handful of airlines operating at this airport include AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Malindo Air. Some of these airlines may offer nonstop or direct flights to Penang, but this should not be an issue if you are coming from within Malaysia since most flights should be nonstop and within an hour or two of flying.

Typically, the one-way ticket price from Kuala Lumpur to Penang would cost anywhere from MYR60 to MYR200 if you choose to book at the Traveloka website using airlines such as AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines. These would typically come with cabin baggage about 7-10 kilograms for economy class. The pricier fare in the same class would also include allowances for 25 kilograms of baggage and a free meal, and in-flight entertainment.

With the rich history and nature as well as many urbanised areas, there are many things to explore in the state of Penang. There are certainly a handful of things to do in Penang regardless of whether you are coming as a solo traveller, a family, or a dynamic duo. Following are the short recommendations of places you can visit in Penang and what can you do there. It is hoped that the information presented below would suffice for the road and future trips.

Being one of the prominent attractions of Penang Island, Penang Hill is super easy to reach from the state capital of George Town. Covering a number of hills with the highest at an elevation of 833 meters, Penang Hill peak can be accessed via the Penang Hill Railway, which begins from its base station at the Hill Station Railway Road. The railway system used is unique and one of a kind in the country. Also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, it is a reference to its most developed peak, Flagstaff Hill.

It is among the last patches of tropical rainforest that can be found throughout Penang Island and has been protected since the 1960s. Many visitors, local or foreign, would come here because of its temperature, which is much cooler than the town proper of George Town. The summit area has an average temperature from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius, with a mean minimum temperature consistently below 20 degrees Celsius.

Ticket fairs for Penang Hill Railway is MYR12 per adult and six ringgit for child aged between 3 to 12 years old. Foreign tourists otherwise are charged at MYR30 per adult and MYR15 for children aged between 7 to 12 years old. Senior citizens and students enjoy cheaper rates at six ringgit person as well.

Located at the address 193 Lebuh Victoria, which is easily found within the vicinity of George Town, the location of Magical World Penang certainly makes it easier to access by simply walking if you are staying within the state capital area. Magical World Penang is a unique attraction that is a small-scale theme park that focuses more on the titular magical elements.

Among the highlights here would include the optical illusion sets allowing you to get photographed distinctively, as well as the mirror maze, which challenges your focus and wit. There is also a café serving food and beverages for people who want some refreshments.

Magical World Penang is open on a daily basis from 10 am to 6 pm, with the tickets being charged at MYR18 for adults and MYR12 for children aged 17 years and below. Foreign tourists otherwise are charged at MYR28 per adult and MYR18 for children aged 17 years and below. Senior citizens can enjoy cheaper rates at MYR18 per person as well.

Set on Persiaran Bayan Indah, which is merely within walking distance to the hotel, Queensbay Mall is sandwiched between the Penang Bridge and the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. It is the largest mall in the state, with the main anchor tenant being AEON and a Golden Screen Cinema complex housed within its top floor.

Being at a strategic seaside location facing Jerejak Island, it has been open since 2006, covering up to 2.6 million square feet of gross built-up area with 400 shop lots over five floors with several international brands. Queensbay Mall has a multitude of entertainment and dining options. You will never run out of things to do when you are here.

Found at Cannon Square, which is yet another attraction that is totally reachable in minutes by mere walking from the state capital, the Khoo Kongsi is a huge Chinese clan house with very detailed and highly ornamented architecture, marking the dominant presence of the Chinese in the state of Penang, Malaysia. It is the grandest clan temple in Malaysia, being a major historical attraction in the city.

The Khoo Kongsi's history can be traced as far as its construction which finished more than 100 years ago, a point in which the Khoos, whose forefathers came from Xiancheng in Fujian province, would then become wealthy traders in Penang and Melaka around the 17th century and reached their pinnacle. It is here where all the Chinese families sharing the surname Khoo would gather to worship their ancestors, as well as to act as a place of solidarity and a representation of the family's social and spiritual commitments between extended relations, ancestors and the outside community.

Welcome to the bird sanctuary! Located within the vicinity of Seberang Jaya, the Penang Bird Park is the first and the largest of its kind in the country, opening to the public since 1988. It operates on a five-acre land. This park amasses a collection of three thousand birds of 300 species from all over the world, with half of these species being native to Malaysia. It consists of two walk-in aviaries and two geodesic-domed enclosures that mimic the natural habitats of the birds.

Opens daily, the ticket fee is charged at the cost of MYR45 for adults and MYR20 for children below 12 years old, with discounts for students wearing uniforms at a price of MYR10.

Penang Botanical Gardens or also known as the Waterfall Gardens is the state’s very own version of its botanical gardens. Found on Jalan Air Terjun in George Town, it occupies 29 hectares in a valley of greeneries, including a cascading waterfall. The garden has an extensive history since 1794, with the modern-day gardens being established by Nathaniel Cantley with Charles Curtis as his assistant later in 1884. The garden continued to be properly developed, with many commercial plants being cultivated and decorated all over. After the independence and formation of Malaysia, the garden administration was handled by the Penang government under the Botanic Gardens Department.

Located at 128, Lebuh Acheh, which is not too far off and totally accessible in minutes by mere walking, the Penang Islamic Museum is a museum dedicated to the religion of Islam. Once a residence of a wealthy Acehnese pepper merchant, the building that was used to be a villa is now renovated to its current form. The museum highlights the roles and contributions of the many local leaders in the growth and spread of Islam in Penang and Malaysia, as well as their influence in the state. In addition to that, it also houses a slew of beautiful collections of 19th-century furniture and also a life-sized diorama of a dock scene, which depicts a maritime-oriented hajj that was prominent way before commercial flights were even as viable as in the present day. The museum is open from Wednesdays to Mondays from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm.

Located at 49, Lebuh Pantai, which is again really close in the vicinity of the city and totally accessible in minutes by mere walking if you just happen to be in town, the Penang Food Museum itself is placed in a 1940s colonial building setup. Rather than becoming an exhibition place of sorts, the museum takes a fun approach by putting into the display larger-than-life hyper-realistic displays of Malaysian dishes, which the visitors would indulge by taking creative photos as they pay a visit to the museum. It has three galleries, named Info Zone, Wow Zone and Educational Zone.

It is common to make a plan when travelling as planning really helps to ensure that your travel is smooth sailing and does not go off the rails. However, you should take extra steps when it comes to planning to travel in the pandemic era. Some places may not open just like they were before COVID-19. They may either close shops or even change their way of serving the customers. Be patient when things do not go as you expect, and be creative and open to doing other things that may become available to you when you travel while still keeping it within limits. This way, you can still have an enjoyable holiday regardless.

While you should not bring all the money with you to avoid getting mugged in the middle of your travel, it does not mean you do not need to keep extra money on standby for surprise plans or activities or unexpected situations like breakdowns or having to pay extra for food. While it is equally important to have some extra cash with you, these days, in order to maintain social distance, many places are accepting payments with cards as well as electronic wallets. There are even more options than ever to stash away money at hand if you do not feel like bringing too much cash.

In many places that are famed as tourist destinations, they are well-developed to cater for travellers outside the state. Undeniably while it is nice to splurge on some niceties, you should definitely try to experience the place in a similar fashion as a local would. This will come in handy when you are travelling to a rural place far from the city or in places where English is not their first, second, or only language at all. Being able to experience the everyday lives of the locals, their food, their language as well as their way of living may give you a different perspective on things as well as allow you to blend better with them.

Having brought fewer things when travelling is always a good idea. It would spare you the lesser hassle of having to account for a long list of items, opening up options to shop to support the local economy, buying souvenirs if you want to and even reducing your carbon footprint as you move. These days, many things can be done conveniently with your smartphone and with a simple touch of an app, reducing the need to have paper tickets and proofs of purchase, among others. Yet you still need to be prepared just in case your phone battery dies or in the circumstances like having stomaches from the food you are not used to. As such, a power bank, extra wires and cables and even medications could also be really useful to be a must-have when travelling. Masks and hand sanitisers are also equally crucial during this pandemic era to keep yourself sanitised and protected most of the time.

People would always say to disconnect with the world and be in the moment when you are travelling. However, you will need to ensure that regular updates are sent to friends and family so that they are aware of your whereabouts, your travel plans and the things that happen throughout the way. If you feel this is a tedious process, then it's time to brush the dust off your social media and use them anyway! Make some posts and stories to share with the friends and family that are already connected to you there; it is more convenient too. This way, should anything happen, they will be able to get the context shortly and assist the authorities should the need arise.

Singapore has handled the pandemic really well with good vaccination rates among its population and swift and effective legislations that listen to science. While it is now much safer to go around compared to the earlier days of the pandemic where the circuit breaker is implemented, we should remember that the virus is still around and can still infect groups with high health risks. As such, it is always a wise move to continue practising 3Ws (Wear, Wash, Warn) and avoiding the 3Cs (Crowded Places, Confined Places, Close Conversations) concept. A high level of hygiene and social distancing must be observed at your best in all situations. Ensure that while we are in the midst of having fun, everyone around us remains safe as well. This is the same for both solo and group travellers. If you are travelling in a group, it is a group responsibility to ensure that everyone is maintaining social distancing and are keeping themselves hygienic at all times.

It is more important than ever to have contact tracing in place for cases in which superspreader events or an outbreak occur at specific areas, then a list of people coming in and going out of the area can be extracted and contacted separately for further actions and health inspections. In Malaysia, the MySejahtera app is the official app commissioned by the government of Malaysia to be used when going around, be it for work or leisure. Many premises would enforce checking in using MySejahtera in addition to temperature scanning and sanitising hands in order to keep track of people movement that will be beneficial to the health and safety officials should the need arise. As such, you should consider having the app installed when going to Penang, as many premises would require you to record your presence in the app.

There is no need to do quarantine after coming to and going from Penang since the ease of restrictions from MCO allows vaccinated travellers from around the country and even international travellers to come over to Penang if they are fully vaccinated. However, you do need to conduct a COVID-19 test using the COVID-19 self-test kit before and after travelling. Prior to travel, if you have done the test and the results are positive, you need to adjust your travel plans to accommodate ten days of quarantine and the subsequent testing to see if you are still infected. If you are tested positive after travelling to Penang, similarly you need to self-quarantine at home for ten days. After ten days, you need to get tested again to see if you have recovered.

While the restrictions are eased now, there is no way of telling that things would continue to be this way or will the restrictions be lifted completely or will it get worse and MCO gets implemented again. As we learn more about the development of the pandemic around the world, the variants that emerge, the patterns that surge from areas in the world, guidelines may also change from time to time. As such, it is ever more important than ever to stay alert to the news and be aware of the new guidelines that are in place.

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