Top 5 things to see in Penang, Malaysia By Becky R

Penang, the pearl of the Orient, is an Island off the Northwestern Coast of Malaysia.

A great option for holidays in the Far East, with lots to see and do for all ages and interests. Here are my top 5 things that you do not want to miss when you visit this tropical paradise.

1.Kek Lok Si Temple

The largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The construction of the temple began in 1890 and took 40 years to complete. The main pagoda had Chinese, Thai and Burmese tiers making it unique. There is also a bronze statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, which was completed in 2002. Visitors can visit the prayer rooms, look around the beautifully kept grounds and even purchase items to leave as offerings. The temple is built on the hills of Ayer Itam, facing the sea - the views from here over the island are amazing.

2.Penang National Park

Malaysia's smallest national park, but its beach-fringed forests are home to silvered leaf monkeys, flying lemurs, leopard cats and abundant bird, amphibian and reptile species. You can easily fill a day with activities such as jungle walks and boat trips to serene golden-sand beaches. There are plenty of interesting jungle trails of varying challenges and pristine sandy beaches. Boats can also be hired for day trips, BBQs and tours around the mangrove swamps.

3.The Street Art in George Town

The capital of the island, George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to a wide array of street art. The most famous being "Children on a Bicycle" but many other beautiful pieces of art can be found on the streets. Head to Armenian Street to find the majority and then enjoy finding the pieces around the city dotted between the mix of modern and colonial buildings.

4.The Botanical gardens

Malaysia's only botanical gardens. Situated in George Town, you'll feel like you're in a completely different country never mind an area! huge gardens to walk around with a variety of flora and fauna, a waterfall and lots of animals wandering freely. Expect to see Monkeys and Monitor lizards snoozing in the sun on the paths as you walk. There's a lovely cafe at the end too so you can rehydrate and cool down with an ice cream or a fresh coconut. Bliss.

5.Street Food

Penang is known for its food and the best place to get this food is from the hawker stands. In every town, there are hawker markets which are basically big food halls with different stalls selling some of the best food you will ever eat in your life! My top tip is to ask the locals where they go and head there. Our driver took us to one near to Kek Lok Si temple one afternoon - the food was out of this world!

There's never a dull day in Penang, plenty to see and do... and some beautiful beaches to spend the day soaking up the sun on. If you're looking for a beautiful beach hotel look towards Batu Ferringhi - but if you want an ultra-modern city chic George Town is the place to be. There are some wonderful shopping centres that blow the UK ones away. Some other notable things we did and really enjoyed were to visit Entopia, a Butterfly farm and The Upside Down museum was a great, quirky, trip that the kids loved!