An ideal holiday

Penang, known as the Pearl of the Orient is my choice for a holiday destination. It is a small
island off the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Historically, it was founded by Francis
Light and was once part of the Straits Settlements. It is linked to the mainland by the Penang
Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Asia.
ne of the most pleasant places to !isit is Penang Hill. For me, a trip to Penang is not complete
without a ride up the funicular railway to the top. From there, I can get a panoramic !iew of
twinkling lights of the city below is simply breathtaking. I also like the cool weather and
peaceful en!ironment, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a place where I can rela"
and feel as if I am in another world.
n the lowlands, the palm#fringed sandy beaches are a paradise for sea#lo!ers. I can choose to
stay in the lu"urious, but e"pensi!e fi!e#star beach hotels along $an%ung &ungah or rough it out
in the cheaper chalets. Here, I can go swimming in the crystal#clear, pollution#free water or sit
under shady trees, sipping refreshingly cool coconut water. I also look forward to seeing the
troops of monkeys in the Botanical Gardens. I cannot resist feeding them with peanuts %ust like
other !isitors to this popular place. $he monkeys are really not afraid of people and actually
roam all o!er the grounds freely.
$here are also many other interesting places to !isit. Firstly, there is the Butterfly arm.
Situated ne"t to the Forest 'ecreation Park, it has (,))) multi#coloured butterflies. $he farm also
includes a water garden with waterfalls and duck ponds. Another place that is a must is the !ek
"ok #i $emple in Air Itam which is reputed to be the largest and finest temple in South#east
Asia. It has giant#si*ed statues of the four hea!enly kings in +hinese mythology, who are meant
to guard the northern, southern, eastern and western frontiers of the temples in hea!en. $he ne"t
temple to see is the famed #nake $emple where you can see snakes entwined round twigs and
branches on the premises. ther famous religious places are the first %nglican &hurch and the
Malay mos'ue. $he former is distinguish by white columns rising from a marble floor whilst the
latter resembles ,oorish architectural designs.
Finally, one of the chief attractions that lures me to Penang is the (ariety of food - especially
hawker food - a!ailable. $his is the place to sa!our the unbeatable Penang laksa, char kway teow
and nasi kandar. .ust mentioning these delicacies makes my mouth water. $here really is no
other place in ,alaysia where you can find food that is as cheap, plentiful and delicious/
In short, Penang Island is my ideal getaway for a holiday. $here is the the peace and 0uiet of the
hill and beaches. $here are the tourist spots to go to, and best of all, the mouth#watering food to
en%oy.