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4. Reclining Buddha
This Thai Buddhist temple boasts a 35m gold-plated reclining Buddha,
considered to be the third largest in the world. Niches with urns containing
the ashes of devotees are found behind the statue. Outside, brightly painted
Naga Serpents form balustrades along the walkway.
5. Fort Cornwallis
Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang, first landed here in 1786. The
main attraction is a cannon, 'Seri Rambai', facing the North Chanel and it is
belived that barren women can become fertile by praying to the cannon.
6. Kapitan Kling Mosque
Reputedly the first mosque on the island, it was built around 1800 by
merchant Caudeer Mohudeen who was then also the Indian Muslim headman.
Painted an ochre yellow, it has a green roof and its shape and structure
reflects Islamic architecture of Indian influence.
7. Khoo Kongst
Built around 1905, this lingsi (clan house) harks back to ancient China as an
association for people with the same surname. The Leong San Tong (Dragon
Mountain Hall) is very picturesque with excellent paintings and sculptures by
Chinese experts. On the crescent of the roof, superb carvings of Chinese
myths and legends glow in the tropical sunlight.
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8. Komtar
The 65-storey Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) is the highest building in
Malaysia. Housing all the state government departments, it offers prime
commercial space and is equipped with modern facilities. The 27-acre project
is the focal point of commerce.
9. Penang Hill Railway
An approximate 800m above sea level, it is the island's highest point.
Vistors can ride the furnicular railway cars pulled by cables and the journey
offers one of the most panoramic vistas of the island. Food stalls, souvenir
shops and a cozy hilltop hotel are located on the top.
10. Kek Lok Si Temple
One of the largest and finest Buddhist temples in South-east-Asia, it is home
to many gardens, shrines, sculpltures and ponds. The main attraction-the
Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas-comprises many tiers which are ornamented with
intricately painted ceramic tiles, graceful arches, niches and statues of
Buddha. The tortoise pond is also popular. According to a Chinese belief, the
tortoise symbolises longevity and is therefore propitious.
11. Penang Bridge
Linking the island mainland Malaysia, it measures 13.5km in length and is
reputed to be the longest in Asia and third longest in the world. Costing
RM800 milion, the bridge was built in three and a half years and officially
opened to traffic on 1st September 1985.
12. Snake Temple
Built in 1873, this Chinese temple is dedicated to the 'chor soo kong' god
and venomous but docile green vipers coil around the altar, vases, and
candlesticks there. Devotees regard these snakes as 'officer' of the deity
and guardians of the temple.
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