Introduction Penang - Pearl of the Orient

Penang, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in all of Asia. This tropical island lies in the Indian Ocean, just off the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Penang received its name from the Pinang, or Betel Nut tree, once commonly found on the island. Established as the first British trading post in the Far East in 1776, Penang today is a bustling metropolis reflecting a uniquely exotic blend of East and West.

The state of Penang consists of the island of Penang and a strip of land on the mainland known as Seberang Prai.

On Penang Island sits the capital, Georgetown, a city steeped in history and tradition yet sparkling with progress and modern development. Certain sections of Penang present a quaint picture from the past where narrow side streets, trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods, seeming to belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise for goods old and new, at bargain prices.

There is a wide, competitive choice of cameras, electronic and electrical goods, clothing, batik souvenirs, antiques and knick-knacks.

The island also boasts some of the best food in the region, ranging from Nyonya Cuisine to foodstall favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang laksa, all of which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang' way.

Penang Bridge is the longest bridge in Asia and the 5th in the world.It was officially opened by our visionary Prime Minister, Dato' Dr. Mahathir in 1985. The Penang Bridge costs RM 800 million and took 5 years to build. Before the bridge was built, people depended upon ferry services to cross the Penang Straits.
It is a 13.5 km long bridge stretching from Seberang Prai on the mainland to Gelugor on the island, this is one of many architectural wonder in Malaysia and was officially opened in September 1988, offering a beautiful view of the open sea, ships and a sprawling coastline.

Built to withstand earthquake of up to 7.5 Ritcher scale. Middle vertical span of 225 metre which allow ships to pass. It has now a total of six lanes. The Penang Bridge Sdn. Bhd. (PBSB) is responsible for managing, operating, upgrading and collecting toll from the 13.5 km bridge

Since it was opened to traffic on 14 September 1985, daily traffic volume has reached over 50,000 vehicles. Penang Bridge has contributed significantly to the development of Penang both as a tourist and manufacturing centre.

Info: Structural Type: Cable-stayed bridge
Function: Road bridge
Location: Georgetown, Pulau Pinang (Malaysia)
Built: 1985