Penang, 370km from Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia's northwestern coast, is a confusing amalgam of state and island. Everything of interest in Penang State is on Penang Island, Pulau Penang, a large island of 285 square kilometres which is connected to the mainland (Butterworth, also referred to as Prai) by a bridge (Penang Bridge) and by ferry services (on an RPL) from Butterworth.
Confusingly, the island's capital and Malaysia's second-largest city, Georgetown, is also often referred to as "Penang". Most visitors make day-trips out from Georgetown to the island's north-coast beaches of Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah, though you can also stay in both these resorts. |