Penang Penang's climate is equatorial, with a very pleasant mix of warm, sunny days and the occasional cooling rain storms. It is widely know as the Pearl of the Orient and is an island that has been attractive to travelers and visitors over the centuries. Penang has perhaps more on offer per square mile than any other place in the world. For sheer variety of locals, cultures and foods. Penang is hard to beat. Georgetown the capital boasts Southeast Asia's largest collection of intact prewar buildings. Stroll past a century old church, a Chinese temple, an Indian temple and a Muslim mosque all with a short distance of each other. Sample the delicious hawker foods which seem to be available on every corner of the city twenty four hours a day seven days a week. Festivals occur throughout the year and life goes on at a slow pace that most visitors can only envy. Of course should one wish to leave the city there is always the peace and tranquility of the beaches and the hills. Many attractions abound outside the city including a Butterfly Farm, a Tropical Spice Garden, Fruit Farm, Penang Hill Railway, Batik Factory and of course the food is an experience in itself.