Penang | Redefining MICE

CONTENT
Penang Factor
Land of Heritage
Facts About Penang
Global Connectivity
2
4
6
8
EXPERIENCES UNFILTERED
RADIANT CULTURE
MELODIOUS HARMONY
PRIZED HERITAGE
VIBRANT FESTIVALS
LUSTROUS NATURE
10
12
14
16
18
20
VENUES ABOUND
COLONIAL SPLENDOUR
GARDEN EXTRAVAGANZA
HERITAGE CHARM
RESORT LUXURY
CONVENTION CONVERGENCE
URBAN ELEGANCE
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
ABOUT PCEB
36
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
1
PENANG FACTOR
The Northern Malaysian state of Penang
is a magical place steeped in rich history
and heritage set amidst the backdrop of a
thriving and modern city.
The captivating fusion of old and new has
cultivated one of Southeast Asia’s most
vibrant cities and one of the world’s must
visit places. With its bold gastronomical
culture, charming colonial architecture,
and beautiful nature hotspots, Penang
offers the best of Asia to the world.
Penang’s incomparable
architecture, inspiring
cuisine, colourful culture
and sincere hospitality
offers visitors an authentic
and exceptional Asian
experience.
Wisma Yeap Chor Ee
© Norlman Lo
3
NIO MUN
D
•
NDIAL •
MO
RI
L
IA
PA
T
LAND OF HERITAGE
AG
I
N
R
E
MO
E
WORLD H
IT
E • PATRI MO
George Town is a living testimony of the
multi-cultural heritage and traditions of
Asia, where diverse cultures and religion
met and have coexisted in harmony for
generations.
In 2008, George Town was recognised
for its outstanding universal value by
UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention. The
heritage enclave, according to UNESCO,
represents a remarkable example of the
historic colonial towns on the Straits of
Malacca.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
The city reflects the coming together
of cultural elements from the Malay
Archipelago, India and China with those of
Europe, to create architecture, culture and
townscape unique only to George Town.
5
Facts About Penang
KOMTAR
LOCATION |
The Malaysian state of Penang sits strategically at the Northern tip of the Straits
of Malacca, a busy shipping route. Located in the heart of Southeast Asia,
Penang is a favourite international travel destination and is easily accessible via
air from anywhere in the world.
FERRY
| LANGUAGE
BOTANICAL
GARDENS
ktm butterworth
station
teluk bahang
penang hill
Climate |
Bahasa Malaysia is the official language in Penang with English being widely
spoken and used as the language of business and commerce. Mandarin is also
widely spoken in Penang, followed by Tamil and other Chinese dialects such as
Penang Hokkien.
Tow Boo Kong Temple
Butterworth
KEK LOK SI
temple
| VISA
cherok Tokun
Penang boasts a warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging from a low
of 21°C (70°F) to a high of 32°C (90°F) all year round. During the southwest
monsoon from April to September, Penang experiences plentiful rainfall, adding
a refreshing antidote to its tropical warmth.
Visitors to Penang must hold a valid passport or travel document valid for six
months beyond their period of visit. Visa is not required for most nationalities for
social or business visits, but for those that do, applications can be made at the
nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission.
st. anne’s church
Currency |
The currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), with ringgit (RM) being
the dollar equivalent. Foreign exchange booths are available all over Penang, with
the ones situated in shopping malls operating seven days a week. The exchange
rate for major currencies traded are displayed clearly at the booths. Major credit
cards, including American Express, Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most
places.
Bukit Panchor
State Park
Auto city
balik
pulau
teluk
kumbar
penang
airport
snake
temple
| INTERNET
Staying connected is not a problem in Penang as we are the only Malaysian state
offering FREE state-wide WIFI with 1,550 hotspots to date. High speed wireless
connection is also available at most conventions and exhibition centres, hotels,
cafés, and shopping malls, many with complimentary usage.
clan
jetties
bukit tambun
6
7
global Connectivity
Direct air links between Penang and major Asian Cities:
FREQUENCY OF INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Sector
Airline
1
Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok)
MAS/Thai
7
2
Don Mueang (Bangkok)
Air Asia
7
3
Phuket
Firefly
4
4
Koh Samui
Firefly
3
5
Hong Kong
Dragonair
10
6
Singapore
Air Asia
29
Silk Air
35
Jetstar Airways
14
Tiger Airways
12
Air Asia
22
Sriwijaya Air
7
Lion Air
21
7
PENANG
Total/Week
No
Medan
8
Jakarta
Air Asia
7
9
Surabaya
Air Asia
3
10
Banda Acheh
Firefly
7
11
Guangzhou
China Southern Airlines
7
12
Taipei
Chin Airlines
4
13
Krabi
Firefly
3
14
Ho Chi Minh City
Air Asia
4
15
Yangon
Air Asia
3
209
Total
More than 20 direct flights
FREQUENCY OF DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
No
Sector
Airline
Total/Week
1
Johor Bahru
Air Asia
24
2
Kota Kinabalu
Air Asia
11
3
KLIA
Air Asia
72
MAS
56
Malindo
12
10
4
Kuching
Air Asia
5
Kuantan
Firefly
3
6
Kota Bahru
Firefly
14
7
Subang
Firely
102
Malindo
63
Air Asia
14
Firefly
10
4
8
Langkawi
9
Miri
Air Asia
10
Melaka
Malindo
Total
8
| By Air
| By Road
Penang is directly accessible from 22 major local and regional airports, and
over 100 local and international destinations via the Kuala Lumpur International
Airport (KLIA) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2).
The North-South Expressway (NSE) connects Penang to major
cities on the West coast of Peninsular Malaysia. From Mainland
Penang, there are three ways to access Penang Island:
90
Located in Bayan Lepas, the Penang International Airport is
50
•
16 km or a 30 minutes’ drive from George Town
•
30km or a 45 minutes’ from Seberang Perai
•
32 km or a 1 hour’s drive from Batu Feringghi
•
326 kilometres or a 50 minutes’ flight from KLIA
•
603 km or a 1 hour 30 minutes’ flight from Singapore Changi
| By Rail
Penang’s central railway terminal is located in Butterworth, Seberang Perai.
The railway station sits on the mainline that runs from Singapore (via the KTM
shuttle train from Woodlands to Johor Bahru terminal) all up way up North to
Bangkok. Train services run daily, with Kuala Lumpur a mere 4 hours ride on the
ETS and Bangkok a 12-hour overnight ride away.
First Penang Bridge
Penang Bridge or Route E36 was, until 2014, the only
bridge connecting Seberang Perai and Gelugor on Penang
Island. The exit for the 13.5 km dual carriageway tolled
bridge is after the Juru Toll for North-bound traffic and after
the Sg Dua Toll for South-bound traffic.
Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge @
Second Penang Bridge
The Second Penang Bridge or Route E28 connects Batu
Kawan in Seberang Perai to Batu Maung on Penang
Island via the Bandar Cassia Link Road. The 24 km dual
carriageway tolled bridge is the nearest link to Penang
Island for North-bound traffic.
140
By Ferry
165
For a nostalgic tinged experience, take the Ferry from
Butterworth to get to Penang Island. The ferry transports
both passengers and vehicles. Ticket for the ferry is
purchased only one way – island bound at the Butterworth
Terminal.
| By Bus
24
Penang is connected to all major towns and cities in Peninsula Malaysia via
bus, with numerous bus operators plying hundreds of buses daily to and from
KOMTAR and the Sungai Nibong bus terminals on the island and Butterworth
bus terminal.
4
399
Source: Malaysia Airports Berhad (Updated March 2016)
Information is correct at time of print and is subject to changes.
9
Experiences Unfiltered
Chew Jetty
© ...
Chingay
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
11
RADIANT CULTURE
2. Tabla (Indian Drums)
© Benson Tan
Set against the backdrop of this tiny Malaysian state is Asia’s loudest
and most colourful cultural convergences. Penang’s potpourri of Asian
cultures and world religions – Malay, Chinese, Indian, Islam, Buddhism,
Hinduism, Christianity and many more – makes Penang a multicultural
and multi-religious experiment that is not only successful, but also one
that is ever growing.
1. Kuda Kepang (Horse Riders)
3. Chinese Opera
© Ivan Lim
1 Be captivated by the mystical and magical elements of the Malay culture through traditional cultural
performances such as the Kuda Kepang, or Horse Riders. Experience Kuda Kepang’s transcendental energy
at sunset for a night of Eastern mysticism.
2 Take in the colourful energy of Little India. From the exotic spices and luscious sarees to the hypnotic beats
of the tabla and dhol, savour a slice of Penang’s rich Indian culture and its many traditional art forms.
3 Elaborate costumes, colourful paints and bold martial art moves come twilight: You’ll find all this and more at
the various Chinese operas based in Penang. Listen to their refined literary stories that have been performed
unchanged for centuries.
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
13
MELODIOUS HARMONY
2. Goddess of Mercy Temple
© Penang Global Tourism
Nowhere in the world can you find a Malay mosque, an Indian Muslim
mosque, a Taoist temple, a Hindu temple, a Protestant church, and
a Catholic church all along the same street. Aptly dubbed “Harmony
Street”, this social wonder symbolises the diverse people of Malaysia
that live united and worship side by side.
1. Kapitan Keling Mosque
© Penang Global Tourism
3. St. George’s Church
© Penang Global Tourism
1 Named after the Indian Kapitan Caudeer Mohuddeen who commissioned the building, the Kapitan Keling
Mosque is George Town’s largest historic mosque. The mosque is famous for its iconic British Moghul
Revival-style architecture, featuring grandiose Mughal domes, turrets and the imposing minaret that soars
above the streets below.
2 This 18th century temple is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy and is the oldest Chinese temple
in Penang. Intricate sculptures and carvings adorn its roofs and the main altar, where scowling stone dragons
encircle its columns.
3 St George’s Church was the first Anglican church established in Malaysia, and received its name from the
patron saint of England. Its distinct architectural style is named Georgian Palladian, a fusion of Georgian
architecture and the Grecian influences of Andrea Palladio.
15
PRIZED HERITAGE
2. Khoo Kongsi
© Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Clan
Architecture in the heritage enclave of George Town reflects the diverse cultures and religions
practiced in Penang. Experience this historic place and its stunning sights up close on the
uniquely Penang trishaws, with the “trishaw uncles” serving as your personal city guide.
1. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
1 The Peranakan Mansion is one of the most ornate houses in George Town with over
a thousand Chinese and Straits Chinese antiques and collectibles on display. Built in
the 19th century, its splendour reflects the mansion’s history as the headquaters of
the notorious Ghee Hin mobsters before it became the residence and office of the
Chinese Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee.
2 One of the grandest clan temples in Malaysia, Khoo Kongsi is a fine specimen of the
highly ornamental and elaborate architecture that is characteristic of the clan houses
and temples found in Penang. This historic venue with its traditional theatre and vast
granite-paved square is perfect for hosting gala events and performances.
17
VIBRANT FESTIVALS
2. Contemporary Dance Performance on the Penang Ferry
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
Penang is undeniably the land of festivals, and no one throws a
celebration quite like Penangites; we love taking our revelries to the
streets when possible. With a wealth of unconventional and gorgeous
venues that make for perfect artistic and cultural stage, Penang’s grand
appetite for drama and entertainment dictates larger-than-life festivals
for all occasions. Be it the Malay boria performance unique to Penang,
the Chinese acrobatic lion dance or the hypnotic drumming of the
Indian tabla, the cultural diversity of Penang provides a rich backdrop for
spectacular gala celebrations.
1. International Performance Art (George Town Festival) @ Dewan Sri Pinang
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
3. Lion Dance @ Esplanade
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
1 Penang’s vibrant arts and festival scene has attracted many internationally renowned performing arts
groups. The Dewan Sri Pinang multi-purpose venue with its state-of-the art infrastructure has hosted
gravity-defying and sensory stimulating performance arts.
2 For a truly unique experience with the sea breeze and frothing waves, host your event on one of Penang’s
iconic ferries. Your guests will find it unforgettable and it will be the talk of the industry for time to come.
3 Feel your heart in your mouth as you watch the gravity-defying acrobatics of the lion dancers, leaping
nimbly across stilts. Allow the burst of frantic drum beats, dense festive colours and thrilling excitement
to give any gala event the X-factor boost it needs. The beating of the drums will resonate with you even
after the performance.
19
LUSTROUS NATURE
3. Pantai Kerachut
© Penang Global Tourism
Warm sandy beaches, lush green heartland and voluptuous rolling hills - Penang offers plenty of experiences
to enjoy the bounty of nature. Beyond the modern façade of Penang is some of the country’s best-kept
natural secrets. The state is home to one of four meromictic lakes in Asia, an award-winning tropical garden
that is home to 500 species of tropical flora and fauna, and the first and among the largest tropical butterfly
sanctuary in the world.
1. Penang Hill
© Penang Global Tourism
2. Penang National Park
1
Our flourishing flora is a testament to the rich biodiversity of Penang Hill, home to many endemic
species. Take in the cool, dewy air as you ascend on the funicular train and enter a world of natural
tropical wonders with one of the best views in the country.
2
Become one with nature and get your creative juices flowing. Places such as the Tropical Spice
Garden, Teluk Bahang and Bukit Panchor provide team building opportunities for your team to romp in
the sun, the sea and the jungle.
3
Pantai Kerachut shelters a meromictic lake, and is the nesting ground of green turtles and Olive
Ridley turtles. Get close and personal with these gentle creatures at the Turtle Conservation Centre
for your next Corporate Social Responsibility event.
© Penang Global Tourism
21
VENUES ABOUND
Fort Cornwallis
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
23
COLONIAL SPLENDOUR
2. David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces
3. The Royale Bintang Penang
© David Brown
© The Royale Bintang Penang
Experience Penang’s splendorous Colonial past, an era that celebrated
understated opulence, languorous garden soirees complete with
sumptuous food and courtly entertainment.
1
Suffolk House is Malaysia’s only surviving Georgian house, and was
home to a succession of British governors of Penang and the Straits
Settlements. Built to reflect the style of Anglo-Indian garden houses
of Colonial India, explore its mesmerizing rooms which have been
lovingly refurbished with authentic Anglo-Indian antiques.
3
Nestled along the gorgeous oceanfront of Penang is The Royale
Bintang Penang. With its 124-year history, the hotel melds
contemporary luxury with old-world glamour in the heart of George
Town’s UNESCO Heritage Zone.
4
Walk in the footsteps of literary giants Somerset Maugham, Rudyard
Kipling and Hermann Hesse who once visited this iconic hotel. The
Eastern & Oriental Hotel remains timeless with its opulent interior
and elegant ambience.
1. Suffolk House
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
4. The Eastern & Oriental Hotel
© The Eastern & Oriental Hotel
25
GARDEN EXTRAVAGANZA
2. Tropical Spice Garden
© Tropical Spice Garden
Penang’s year-round warm tropical climate never fails to beckon
one to the beautiful gardens, sequestered and private, a world onto
themselves. The lush green verdant punctured by the gorgeouslyhued tropical flowers provide a stunning natural backdrop for a
variety of events.
3. David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces
© David Brown
1 & 3 The historical David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces is surrounded by immaculate English
landscaping that makes your dream garden soirees come true. Resting atop Penang’s Strawberry
Hill, enjoy a panoramic view of Penang that comes a-twinkle at nightfall.
2
For a unique occasion unlike any other, hold your event at Tropical Spice Garden, surrounded by
exotic Malaysian spice plants and vividly coloured wild flowers. The Garden’s glass-walled pavilions
provide the immersive experience of being in a rainforest with expansive breath-taking view of Teluk
Bahang as your backdrop.
1. David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
27
HERITAGE CHARM
2. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
1 Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia, commissioned by Francis Light to defend Penang from
pirates and military forces from Kedah. Today, this magnificent testament to Penang’s maritime heritage is a
popular venue for gala events, themed dinners and contemporary and cultural performances.
2 Penang’s iconic Blue Mansion features delicate Su Chow Dynasty Period-style architecture with a blend of
European elements. This UNESCO ‘Most Excellent’ Heritage Conservation Award winner has provided the
set for numerous international films, and its ornately decorated rooms and halls bear proof to the wealth of
Penang’s founding traders.
1. Fort Cornwallis
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
3 The architecture of pre-war shophouses in Penang is so unique that it has its own term: the Straits Eclectic,
a fusion of European architecture into Asian-style buildings. Tastefully refurbished and curated, these chic
and sophisticated East-meets-West buildings offer ample space for private dinners, cocktail receptions and
business meetings.
3. Black Kettle
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
Home to one of Southeast Asia’s largest collections of pre-war buildings,
Penang’s tangible heritage is a legacy of its multicultural history. A
single street can host architectural designs of different time periods and
from various cultures: South Chinese, Indian Muslim, Anglo-Indian and
Indo-Malay architecture styles. Some are truly artistic masterpieces of
cultural fusion with Cantonese glasswork, Scottish ironwork, Victorian
floor tiles and Art Nouveau styles.
29
RESORT LUXURY
2. Pinang Ballroom
© Hotel Jen
Penang’s world-famous beach strip, Batu Ferringhi, is home to some of the best hotels and resorts in Northern 1
Malaysia. From the only Hard Rock Hotel in the country and the ultra-luxurious Rasa Sayang by Shangri-La to
PARKROYAL Penang Resort (photo), working while playing has never been easier.
George Town boasts some of the finest luxury and business-oriented hotels in the country. A popular
destination for international corporate events, George Town’s strategic location is matched with the modern 2
amenities of its city hotels that allows for seamless planning of inspired events.
1. PARKROYAL Penang Resort
© PARKROYAL Penang Resort
3. Batu Bar
© Lone Pine Hotel
Settle for nothing less than the very best. With plush interiors,
gorgeous scenery and impeccable service at your fingertips, your
next event is guaranteed to drop jaws. At Penang’s many world
class hotels and resorts, play and leisure take place side by side with
working as our service providers cater to your guests’ every whim.
Pamper yourself, wherever you choose – sandy beach, heritage city
or lush forest – life in the lap of luxury awaits you.
Kick back, relax and unwind Penang-style. With established house bands, visiting jazz musicians and
international bands rocking the stage every night, Penang’s hotels and resorts are famed for their entertainment 3
lounges and bars that never fail to captivate.
31
CONVENTION EXPLOSION
2. Straits Quay
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
Go big, or go home: Host your world-class event at any one of Penang’s convention centres. Penang’s
state-of-the-art convention centres and arenas are equipped to accommodate thousands of guests
at once with ease. With the technical equipment and expertise in these convention centres, every
precise detail is executed flawlessly for the resounding success of your production.
1. SPICE
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
1 The Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre
(SPICE) is an integrated business and leisure hub, and Malaysia’s largest
of its kind outside the capital. Consisting of a convention centre, an indoor
stadium, a retail and F&B space, an Aquatic Club and an upcoming 4-star hotel,
convenience is an understatement here.
2 The first waterfront convention centre in Northern Malaysia encompasses
25,300 square feet of space for grandiose and prodigious events. The Straits
Quay Convention Centre adjoins the F&B and retail centre of Straits Quay, and
is in close proximity with hotels and resorts in Tanjung Bungah.
33
Urban Elegance
2. Church Street Pier
© Penang Global Tourism
Arts! Music! Performances! Culture!
All the elements converge to create energetic and contemporary spaces
where dreams come true. Blends of no-frills architecture with chic style
make for an ambience of raw and edgy, and give cosmopolitan events
the X-factor that no one can resist.
Lion
1. TheDance
Place Show
Raja Uda
© Sherwynd Rylan Kessler
3. Hin Bus Depot
© Hin Bus Depot
1 Get the artsy-industrial feel at The Place Raja Uda with its bare concrete walls and The Star, an awardwinning light sculpture installation. From art exhibitions, fashion shows to gala celebrations, every event
here is guaranteed to be an experience unlike any other.
2 Penang’s strategically located marina has the gorgeous waterfront as its backdrop for its happenings. In
juxtaposition with the elegant architecture of George Town’s UNESCO Heritage Zone, Church Street Pier is
much sought-after as a contemporary event venue.
3 Don’t be fooled by first appearances. Hin Bus Depot – for all its exposed brick and crumbling plaster – is THE
hip place to be. Decked with contemporary art murals by the renowned Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic,
this site is regularly booked for its cultured and authentic ambience.
35
| About PCEB
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is a state bureau established in 2016 to
develop the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry in Penang.
PCEB aims to position Penang as the preferred location for MICE activities in the region.
With its rich UNESCO heritage, thriving multicultural society, state-of-the art facilities and
vibrant natural attractions, Penang offers a truly eclectic tropical experience.
In line with our mission to incubate the growth of MICE in Penang, PCEB serves as
Penang’s focal point for the coordination of all MICE activities. We provide expert assistance
to organisations and MICE planners at every step of the planning to ensure their enhanced
experience in Penang.
Georgetown
© Penang Global Tourism
36
penang
convention &
exhibition
bureau
No. 14A & 16A (First Floor)
The Whiteaways Arcade,
Lebuh Pantai, George Town,
10300 Penang,
MALAYSIA
T +604 261 6161
F +604 261 6171
E [email protected]
W www.pceb.my
PCEB is a member of
Cover Image:
A view of Penang Island and
Seberang Perai from a top
Penang Hill.