Penang

Penang (or Pulau Pinang in Malay) has acquired a number of nicknames over its 250-year history – Pearl of the Orient, Isle of the Betel Nut (pinang meaning betel nut in Malay), and the food capital of Malaysia, to name a few. Still considered a bit of a travel secret outside of Asia, Penang Island has a lot of history and intrigue crammed into a small place.

The jewel in Penang’s tourist crown is the historic capital, George Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site retains much of the Colonial-era charm, in particular the streets and lanes full of Straits shophouses. This is definitely a destination to pack your comfortable walking shoes. And don’t forget to sample the food, reported to be some of the best street food on offer throughout South East Asia.