The real Far East (Orient) (Penang)

Member Name: Legless

Product:	Penang
Date:	31/05/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A great tourist destination especially if you enjoy Far Eastern culture and good food.

Disadvantages: None that I can think of.

Penang is my ultimate destination now and it is the place that I foresee that this legless fool will finally retire in and hang up his false leg for good. It is without a doubt my favourite place in the world, it is just so old-worldly, cosmopolitan, it is steeped in culture and it has lots of history and atmosphere. Penang is also a gourmet's paradise, the diversity of different ethnic food outlets available can suit everyone's taste and you do not have to travel very far to find what you like, just a fairly short stroll around the main roads and small back streets in Georgetown and you will surely find something ideal for your taste or fancy.

Having visited Penang and seen all of the tourist attractions many times over the past fifteen years, the one that really stands out for me is the one that is the least advertised and that is a trip up to the top of Penang hill. The hill is accessible via a funicular train which was first opened for use in 1923. The train operates in two sections and passengers have to change railcars at midpoint. It takes about thirty minutes to reach the top and the train service operates regularly at half hour intervals. Once you reach the top, the view of Penang Island is truly wonderful and there are lots of small shop stalls and outdoor cafe stalls around and at that height the temperature is very comfortable even on the hottest day.

To me Penang is the epitome of the Far East as I know it and as I would like to know it and lastly, but by no means least, the people in Penang are genuine people they are ever so friendly and very inviting to visitors!

Summary: For me Penang is definitely the epitome of the Far East