Explore and Discover the beauty of Penang
The Pearl of the Orient comprises of the island of Penang (285 sq km), which lies off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Seberang Perai (760sq km) on the mainland. They are linked by the longest bridge and across-channel ferry service.
The history of modern Penang can be traced back to 1786 when Sir Francis Light persuaded the Sultan of Kedah to cede ' Pulau Penang ' ( Betel Nut Island ) to the British East India Company.
The stated of Penang then comprised of an island originally named Prince of Wales Island, after George V, and the strip on the mainland which was christened Province Wellesley. after the goverment of India. The former was later named George Town, after King George III.
In 1832, Penang formed part of the Straits Settlement with Malacca and Singapore. Fore more than a hundred years, it remained under British Colonial Rule until 1957 when it gained independence and became part of the Federation of Malaya. The Penang maritime port was among the busiest in the region, attracting rich merchants involved in the lucrative trade of tea, spices, porcelain and cloth.
