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Celebrating 50 Years of Nationhood Malaysia celebrates 50 years of independence. She invites all visitors to share in the joy and excitement of this momentous occasion. Come and be mesmerised by a unique multicultural populace celebrating 50 years of nationhood in harmony and peaceful co-existance. You will truly be fascinated. Click here for more details.
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on climate, location, visa requirements and etc. Getting to Penang, moving around and guide to city busses, taxis and the free shuttle bus service within George Town. Check out where to stay, what to see, and more.
Map of Penang
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CHINESE NEW YEAR OPEN HOUSE 2008 Click here for photo gallery. Welcoming the Year of the Rat á la Penang
The ninth day of the new year (the Jade Emperor's birthday) is very significant for Penang's Hokkiens, and offerings of sugar cane, fruits and roast meats are prominently displayed in places like the Chew Jetty. Penang is definitely happening during the Chinese New Year with a host of activities – shopping, eating and partying. Of course, it is also a perfect time to imbibe one of the many fascinating cultures of Penang. Click here for full story. The legend of the ferocious beast called Nian
The art of making the perfect love letter: A panoramic view of Kek Lok Si Temple Among the myriads of magnificent buildings found in the sprawling complex that constitute the Kek Lok Si, the one that stands out as a shining beacon must surely be the Pagoda of Rama VI, the foundation stone of which was laid by the Thai monarch himself. Known popularly as the Wan Fo Pau T'a, or "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas", it towers just over a hundred feet and is reputed to be the largest pagoda in Malaysia. Click here for full story.
Which Chinese birth sign are you?
The French poet Lamartine once said that History teaches everything including the future. Indeed, if no efforts are made to remember the past, it will simply cease to exist. If there are precious lessons to be learnt from our ancestors, then Penang's clan houses are a living and thriving meeting point where past and present virtually meet. The Han Jiang Ancestrial Temple is the pround recipient of the 2006 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. Click here for full story. Chap Goh Meh -- oranges for my love
Just as the first day of the lunar new year is marked with merriment, the last day is no less celebratory. On this day, the 15th, girls and boys descend on the Esplanade for a night of fun, games, music and some matchmaking under the silvery moon. Click here for full story. |
Come February 7, Chinese the world over will greet the Year of the Rat with much celebration and socialising. It is a time when family members gather round the dining table for the reunion dinner. Chinese restaurants throughout the island take this opportunity to hold special packages specially for the season – besides the ubiquitous Yee Sang (raw fish salad), they will also come up with dishes named after prosperity, good luck and other good tidings.
A packet of good tydings – an ang pow story:
Han Jiang Ancestrial Temple of the Penang Teochew Association -- linking past and present
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Monthly updates – an inside look on places, people, cultures and festivals related to our calendar of festivals and events.
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The Sri Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang, built in 1883. Located in Queen Street, the temple is named after the goddess Mariamman who has devotees all over South India. During the Navarathri festival the statue of the latter is taken out in a decorated wooden chariot for a procession around Little Madras, where some of her most loyal devotees are found. Click here for full story. Thaipusam The word Thaipusam comes from 'Thai', a Tamil month (equivalent to January & February) while 'Pusam' is the name of a star that is at its zenith. The festival commemorates both the birthday of Lord Murugan and his defeat of the evil demon Soorapadam with a lance, or vel.
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Temple of an ancient goddess – Sri Mariamman 
Thaipusam is a huge event for Penang's Hindus, who will celebrate with street processions, prayers, fulfilment of vows, and the breaking of coconuts. The most spectacular display is the kavadi, attached to the devotee via 108 vels, pierced into the skin on the chest and back.
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Stories of interest – articles of perennial appeal celebrating the uniqueness, rich legacies, charms, foods of Penang, a paradise isle in the heart of Southeast Asia.
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Planning for that perfect Valentine's Day Restaurants, resorts and hotels promote attractive Valentine's packages. Use our Eating Guide to help you plan the perfect Valentine dinner. Click here for our Eating Guide.
While you're in the mood for love, use our Shopping Guide to help you find that extra special gift. We've listed jewellers, pewter shops and shopping complexes. Click here for our Shopping Guide. To call the Little Penang Street Market a microcosm of Penang and Malaysian cultures is no empty boast. Its multi-faceted makeup has little parallels elsewhere. But it is also an incomplete description. The Street Market isn't merely another weekend shopping spot. Click here for full story. The next Little Penang Street Market will be held on Sunday, 24 February 2008 at Upper Penang Road from 10am to 6pm. For more information, view www.littlepenang.com.my |
Love is in the air! Valentine's Day in a tropical paradise isle like Penang provides the perfect setting for sunset candlelit dinners with loved ones.
Little Penang Street Market: more than meets the eye
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Calendar of Events
Recommended Links
Penang Tourism Newsletter
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