Penang, Administrative territory in northwest Malaysia
Penang is an administrative territory in northwest Malaysia divided into an island and a mainland strip called Seberang Perai. Two bridges link the two parts, and George Town on the island serves as the capital and main center.
Francis Light established a British settlement in 1786 that later became part of the Straits Settlements. After Malaysian independence, this territory became a state within the new nation.
Residents celebrate religious festivals from all traditions, and you can walk past Tamil temples, Chinese shrines, and mosques on the same street. Hawker centers and markets are where communities gather, each bringing its own cuisine and language into everyday life.
Buses run regularly on the island and on the mainland, and ferries offer an alternative to the two large bridges. Most places are easy to reach, but traffic can slow both crossings during peak hours.
In George Town, you can find street art that depicts everyday scenes and childhood games across entire building walls. These murals have turned the old quarter into an open-air gallery that visitors can explore on their own.
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