Penang is a state in Malaysia. The state includes an area on the north western part of the Malay Peninsula and Penang Island. Although Penang contains a few beaches, they are hardly the best beaches in the country. Instead people visit Penang more for the cultural experience. The island also has a few excellent shopping malls and a terrific nightlife. One ‘must visit’ when in Penang is the State Museum & Art Gallery.
The Penang State Museum & Art Gallery is located in the Georgetown area of Penang. Although it currently houses many national and state treasures, the museum had quite humble beginnings. The museum was established in 1941 as part of the St Xavier’s Institution and became grander over time. The art gallery was only added on about two decades later.
In addition to a series of revolving temporary exhibitions, the museum and gallery houses a permanent collection. The museum’s permanent exhibit includes a large collection of jewellery, antique furniture and other historical artefacts. The gallery’s permanent exhibit features paintings by many local (Chong Hip Seng, and Loo Foh Sang) and international artists (Angela Smith).
The art gallery is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and is only closed during public holidays. The museum has the same operating hours but is closed on Fridays. Admission is free in both cases. All tourists holidaying in Penang should try and visit this place. Not only will visitors gain fascinating insights into Malay history and culture, but they will also have fun doing so.
Penang has excellent infrastructure and is a great place to take a vacation. There are plenty of restaurants around where one can get delicious Malaysian cuisine. The public transport is pretty good, although it can be a little confusing. Tourists can save themselves a lot of hassle by staying at a Tanjung Bungah hotel Penang which is quite close to Georgetown. Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang is one hotel in the area and is an excellent place to stay at. The Penang hotel not only enjoys a convenient location, it also offers elegantly decorated rooms and top notch service that helps to make your stay all the more memorable.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.
