Penang Island free essay sample

Penang Island was founded in 1786 by a multilingual maverick, Captain Francis Light of the British colonial firm, the East India Company. The Sir Francis Drake of his day, Captain Light envisaged his new town as a harbor for China-bound ships in pursuit of tea and opium. Under Captain Light, Penang was given duty-free status and new arrivals were allowed to claim as much land as they could clear. According to one story, he ended up bombarding it with silver dollars from cannons, in the hope that Malays would clear the forest to retrieve them. Penang, also known as the pearl of the orient, is one of the most touristic locations of Malaysia. The island (285 square meters) is situated on the northwest side of the Peninsular Malaysia. There are loads of activities and sights on the island. Hanging around on the beach is also considered a fine option. About 700. 000 people inhabit Penang Island, of which 59% are Chinese, 32% are Malay and 7% are Indian (2% are of other origin). We will write a custom essay sample on Penang Island or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The state of Penang has a population of 1,5 million (of which 43% are Malay and 41% Chinese). Penang has an eventful history; the diversity of the inhabitants clearly indicates this. Penang is especially known as the best place to enjoy wonderful local dishes; it is seen as the food capital of Malaysia. There are many hotels and resorts on the island, most are located in and around the city of Georgetown and around the towns Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah. Main Attractions in Penang Island Georgetown The 115-square mile (300-square-kilometer) island has plenty to see, more than Malaysia capital Kuala Lumpur, even. Much of the action happens at the island’s colonial capital, Georgetown. Georgetowns grid makes it easy to navigate the streets that teem with the bazaars and bucket seat restaurants that underpin the city’s gourmet reputation. The diverse menu runs from limejuice spiked with sour plum to duck-meat noodle soup. One is tempted to hang around downtown and eat and eat. (The more fastidious might complain that the streets are often shabby and populated by vicious dogs, but the dedicated foodie can look beyond these with little effort). Beyond Georgetown’s hedonistic sphere, Penang has some engrossing natural attractions, not least the bird sanctuary. Flycatchers, kingfishers, fairy bluebirds, pheasants and flowerpeckers are just some of the birds on parade at the sanctuary, which is threaded with waterfalls. The sanctuary’s sister, the butterfly park, houses over 4,000 tropical butterflies encompassing 150 species and is touted as a live museum. At time of writing, plans are underway to add a night zoo stocked with nocturnal creatures and tropical insects. Georgetown Attraction Visiting Georgetown is like visiting a world where time stands still – a world where history, nature and traditions are weaved into a rich cultural tapestry. Containing the best of Penang’s sights, sounds, smells and tastes, it wouldn’t be too much to say that Georgetown is easily Penang in a nutshell. From heritage buildings to nature parks. Penang’s capital city has a multitude of attractions to appease the curious visitor. This historic town is best enjoyed on foot or trishaw, enabling you to take in the sights and sounds better. For example, Penang Hill was the first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia. Comprising Western Hill, Bukit Laksamana, Tiger Hill, Flagstaff Hill and Government Hill, it is located six km away from Georgetown. The hilly and forested area is the states primary hill resort. Set 821m above Penang’s capital, islanders call it Bukit Bendera and it is generally about five degrees cooler than Georgetown. It is the last patch of tropical rainforest in Penang so the flora and fauna here have been protected since 1960. Georgetown Activities There are plenty of things one can do around Georgetown. The town is filled with historical relics in the form of beautiful colonial buildings, so taking a walk around town can be quite an eye-opening experience, not to mention a pleasant one. From magnificent heritage buildings in the centre of town to lush landscapes from the top of the hills, there are many ways to explore this multi-faceted town. Go by foot or hop on a trishaw, and go to the places the locals like to go to and do as the locals do – no matter what you partake in, the journey never seem to end and the excitement never seems to stop. BATU FERRINGHI Batu Ferringhi, situated along the coastal road north-west of Georgetown and lined with a string of international- standard resorts, is the most popular beach in Penang. Batu Feringghi consists of a long stretch of soft, white sandy beach along a winding road named Jalan Batu Feringghi, soak in the sun or unwind on the beach while you enjoy a host of aquatic thrills from wind-surfing to canoeing. For a spine-tingling adventure, try parasailing to enjoy the view of the beach from the sky. As the sun sets, Batu Ferringhi comes alive with a carnival-like atmosphere with an open-air bazaar selling anything from ornate curios to enticing souvenir items. Watch local artisans demonstrate the intricate art of craft-making and batik- painting. Dubbed the Feringghi Walk, the bazaar offers shoppers a host of attractions. Its night market is quite legendary, while its waters are popular spots for a range of water sports activities such as parasailing and windsurfing. Batu Ferringhi Attraction Batu Ferringhi doesn’t really have any attraction within its vicinity aside from the beach and the night market, but plenty can be found in the neighbouring Teluk Bahang. Just a short ride away from Batu Ferringhi, the attractions in Teluk Bahang are located close to one another and are mostly nature-based. Attractions such as Penang’s Cultural Centre, Batik Factory and Yahong Art Gallery bring visitors closer to the island’s culture. Batu Ferringhi Activities Batu Ferringhi is famed for its beaches. Acres and acres of smooth, sandy beaches along its coastline provide the perfect avenue for a variety of beach sports and water sports activities, with a few companies along its length offering such facilities. Foot reflexology and fish spa centres are also aplenty here, with many hotels and resorts along Jalan Batu Ferringhi offering foot massage services. The contrasting beaches of neighbouring Teluk Bahang are popular spots for snorkeling. The smooth sands of Batu Ferringhi’s beaches are ideal spots for beach sports. Beach buggy, horseback riding, Frisbee throwing and beach volleyball are some of the games that are commonly enjoyed here. There are a few companies along Batu Ferringhi coastline that offer water sports facilities such as jet-skiing, parasailing and deep-sea fishing, such as Wave Runner Watersport Centre. Alternatively, aside from indulging in some physical activities, visitors have been known to come here for a spot of sunbathing or just for lounging and relaxing on the beach. The beaches of the neighbouring Teluk Bahang has contrasting yet equally beautiful landscape with huge rocks and boulders lacing its coast, offering perfect spots for snorkeling. BAYAN LEPAS Home to the Free Industrial Zone, Bayan Lepas is the island’s main industrial hub. But it’s not all factories and industrial areas here, Bayan Lepas has its own charms and attractions that lots of people still flock to throughout the year. Connected to Georgetown via the Bayan Lepas Expressway which takes approximately half an hour, Bayan Lepas is also home to the island’s international airport and Penang’s biggest shopping mall. Bayan Lepas Attraction Bayan Lepas may be a predominantly industrial area, but it also has plenty of noteworthy attractions that are worth your while. The War Museum on top of Bukit Maung gives you a glimpse of the nation’s bloody past with its well-preserved fortress and historical relics. For a temple with a difference, head on to the Snake Temple at Sungai Kluang, where you can get a chance to take a picture with its slithery residents. Or if your interest is more towards natural history, then a visit to the Penang Aquarium and the Bukit Jambul Orchid Hibiscus Garden is a must. Bayan Lepas Activities There’s plenty to do around Bayan Lepas. For golf enthusiasts, there’s the Bukit Jambul Country Club near Hotel Equatorial, and for movie buffs, there’s the eight-hall Golden Screen Cinema in Queensbay Mall. For some much-needed muscle relief after a day of walking around the many attractions of Bayan Lepas, Queensbay Mall’s Reflexology Zone will help ease those aches away. For something with a difference, take a day trip to Pulau Jerejak, now a beautiful resort island with a wide range of facilities for your recreational needs. Activities in Penang Penang Water Sports Centre A private water sports centre in Tanjung Bungah, Penang Water Sports Center is the hub of water sports action. Offering kayaks, canoes and boats for rent, this centre boasts complete facilities which include shower rooms, camps and hostels. The best thing about this place is that the rates offered are pretty reasonable and affordable. The centre has also played host to a number of water sporting events such as the Dragon Boat Festival; members of the dragon boat teams often come here to train for the competition. Beach volleyball, beach soccer and spot fishing are also some of the activities available at the centre. Ferry Ride Penang Ferry Service is the oldest ferry service in Malaysia. The ferry terminal is conveniently connected with the railway station and bus terminal via covered walkways a rare example of good public transport planning in Malaysia. Caution when using the toilets. The trip across the 3km channel takes about 20 minutes. Theres great photo opportunities both of the landscape and the birdlife that make the most of the free ride and the tourists handing out food. On a real humid day, this is one very inexpensive way of beating the heat as the cooler sea breezes flow through the relatively open ferry. Sailing Sailing is a popular activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. There are catamarans and small dinghies available for hire at most of the seaside hotels and resorts. If youre inexperienced, lessons are often available, as is necessary safety gear. The waters here are warm and pleasant, and on a day when the seas are calm, sailing can be an agreeable and relaxing activity. Jungle Trekking There are lots of options when it comes to jungle treks. Most of the beach hotels and resorts organise treks that leave early in the day: these are typically easy walks that go to waterfalls and follow jungle streams. For families who want to venture out on their own, theres a useful guide published by the Malaysian Nature Society called The Nature Trails of Penang, available at tourist information offices. Its an excellent resource for families with children who want to follow interesting trails through the unique jungle environment. Diving Penang is one of Malaysias main tourist draws, although for scuba diving there are better options as the waters can be a bit murky. Its beaches are also a little lackluster when compared with those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated by the islands rich multicultural history which is full of colonial and Chinese influences. Penang is also well known for being the food paradise of Malaysia if not the whole of Asia. Horseback Riding Riding on horseback along a beach or through the rolling hills of the island can be an enjoyable way to appreciate the beauty of the natural environment here. There are a number of stables catering to horseback riding, and some hotels work with the stables to include riding on the list of activities available to their guests. Typically hotel concierge staff can provide details o horseback riding and make arrangements for you. Beach Sports and Activities All of the beach hotels and resorts provide facilities for numerous water sports that can be enjoyed by children, including canoeing, snorkelling, waterskiing and windsurfing. Depending on the age of your children, parasailing and scuba diving are also possibilities, each of which are offered at the islands more popular resorts. Speedboats are available for hire to take you to the uninhabited islands of Pulau Bidan, Pulau Song and Song Pulau Telur off Batu Ferringhi, where you can enjoy fishing and snorkelling. Impact of the Activities in Penang Positive Impact Opportunity of jobs for local people. Developments of the activities and building for tourists, there need more peoples to handle all these kind of jobs. So that the opportunity of employment are become more. Local people also can involve with tourism, they can work because more work opportunity to can apply. Direct employment in tourism occurs in areas such as hotels, transport operators, travel agencies, tourist attractions, tour guides, government departments and tour operators. Tourism also creates indirect employment in industries not directly associated with the sector, for example in construction, banking, design and transport companies. The main economic developments in Penang that realize the tourism sector is the major contribute towards the income and financial growth of the Penang. Based on the record by the Tourism Ministry, Penang has recorded a 40 per cent increase in the number of international tourist arrivals between January and June this year (2010). There were 405,932 tourists up till June, as compared to 244,146 in the same period last year. Tourism helps preserve rural services. As well as generating revenue and creating jobs, tourism development also contributes to infrastructure improvements in destination areas, e. g. buses, village shops and post offices. In this way, local people can bene? t from improved facilities that are provided for tourists Tourists increased demand for local food and crafts. For promoting and tourists wanted to try our local foods, or buying local crafts. This can expand the local business to let the tourists enjoy the traditional of the Penang and also can get benefit. Negative Impact Traffic congestion and pollution. For to develop resort and places holiday to become effects for environment quality although can attract tourist come visit in country. Besides, effect of globalization in country. Local goods can become expensive because tourists will pay more. When tourist comes to Penang and the government know that tourist willing to spend more money, so the government increase the money to get profit from the tourists but who realize that local peoples also be implicated in these situation. Shops stock products for tourists and not everyday goods needed by locals. Nowadays, the market target tourists to buy things but they didn’t realize that local peoples doesn’t need all the stuff they sell. If that time less tourists come to Penang and will affect their stock being stuck because no one want to buy. Tourists demand for holiday homes makes housing too expensive for local people. Not only housing, the in? ux of visitors to a holiday area can push up the prices of goods and services, particularly when demand is high in peak season. This disadvantages local people who may have to pay higher prices for food, drinks, entertainment, transport, events, etc. Extra charges may be levied on the local community to ? nance facilities and services for visitors. Jobs are mainly seasonal, low paid with long hours. Seasonal character of the tourism industry creates economic problems for destinations are heavily dependent. Problem with job insecurity, no guarantee of employment from one season to the next, difficulties in getting training, medical benefits, recognition of their experience, unsatisfactory and working conditions. Tourism development can lead to the loss of traditional jobs, when workers move from industries such as farming, forestry, mining and ? shing into service jobs in tourism CONCLUSION Penang is a beautiful, magnificent and historical state in Malaysia. Penang which is also known as the Pearl of Orient might be a second smallest state in the country of Malaysia but has a magnificent tourist attraction which is full of flora, fauna and many historical sites. It is not only famous for the tourist attraction sites but also its uniqueness in its food variety. In Penang, there have many attraction places that tourists can get around but not only one or two attraction place, it’s seem like the whole Pulau Penang is the main attraction. There also have different kind of activities to let tourists to experience the games that only in Malaysia. The impact of tourism on Penang Island, we found that tourism has indefinitely brought about many changes to the used-to-be-peaceful island. The most apparent changes would definitely be on the environment of the island. Noted as one of the best and most relaxing destination in Malaysia, Penang was once a very serene and calming place to holiday at. Currently however, many unplanned and unorganized development had cause many environment degradation.