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Penang or its Malay name of Pulau Pinang is made up of a turtle-shaped island, a total of 280 square kilometers, and a strip of land called Seberang Prai on Peninsular Malaysia about 48 kilometers wide. Penang is also often called the Pearl of the Orient. It used to be the oldest British settlement in Malaysia predating Melaka. In 1786 Captain Francis Light took possession of the island. Today it is probably the most famous island of the country. It is not only known for its beach resorts, but for its colonial heritage you can especially witness in the Georgetown, the biggest city of the island.
The newest and most extensive beach resort is at Batu Feringgi. It sits on the northern rim of the island and features an enviable spread of seafood restaurants and boutiques along the beach.
Penang International Airport is one of the best in Malaysia, and it operates flights to major cities across Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. Peak season begins right before Christmas and continues through Chinese New Year, which usually falls in late January or early February. Hotels in Penang charge the highest rates at this time, with the best deals are offered to early bookers.
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