Top Rated Attractions in Penang

This quaint church was officially opened by Bishop R. F. Lundry in 1967, with a directive to bring Christianity to the relatively small Cantonese-speaking community on the island. It lies adjacent to the YMCA. World-renowned English and Chinese pastors at its premises often hold forums and discussions. Sunday masses, all conducted in Cantonese, are held at 9:00, 10:00 and 10:30. Extra masses are also held on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00. The main chapel is closed to the public except during mass.

In the old days, craftsmen, artisans and carpenters newly arrived in Penang from Guangdong would call here before setting out to look for work. The guild is also known in Chinese as the "Loo Pun" temple for worship of the deity Loo Pun. A gethering spot of sorts for early local Chinese carpenters, who crafted much of the Straits Chinese and colonial-era furniture, it was a place for catching up with friends and for leisurely activities. ThePenang Heritage Trust is undertaking a project to restore the premises of the guild.

One of the most conspicuous colonial-style buildings fronting Light Street, along with other architecturally aesthetic neighbors such as the Southern Bank headquarters. Now serving as the Dewan Undangan Building (State Legislative Building), the historical edifice is distinguished by its expanse and a faint resemblance to Greek temples with massive white colonnades supporting a large pediment. It now houses the offices and meeting places of the lawmakers of the land. At one end, on the side of the Clock Tower, is an administrative block that was added in 1890 and now serves as the Immigration Building.

George Town (Georgetown) is a bustling and an important city located in Malaysia. It is the capital of Penang and is named in the honor of King George III of United Kingdom. Like the other Malaysian cities and islands, Georgetown boasts of a rich cultural heritage and is included in the prestigious list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. With its mix of British, Hindu, Chinese and Muslim cultures and population, it has an interesting itinerary of varied landmarks. The major tourist attractions here include Georgetown Waterfront, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, Wat Chaiyamangalaram and Penang State Museum. It also celebrates festivals of different faiths like Chinese New Year, Pongal, Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad's Birthday), Navratri Festival and so forth. When you are around, do visit this city and experience the real Malaysia and its colorful dimensions. Check website for more details.

Founded in 1852, the church is located behind the Catholic Information Center and Citidel Hotel. The majority of the parishioners in attendance are Tamil-speaking. The Godfrey family donated the land that the church's foundation lies upon. The construction of the church started in 1867. The church is especially named after the famous apostle of the Indies, St Francis Xavier, who brought Christianity to Malacca in the 16th century.

The oldest Sikh temple in Malaysia, built in 1900, soldiers of the British Army initially occupied it. It is kept meticulously clean and undergoes renovations every few years. To start off your itinerary, come at 4am to see first-hand, how Nitnam (prayers) are performed upstairs, then chat with a devotee over a hearty vegetarian Sikh breakfast downstairs. Before you depart, greet the temple caretaker with a smile and soon enough, you will be enthralled with heroic British war stories spun by a master storyteller. You could do a bit of research at the library.