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Things to Do Near Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia

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  • In Georgetown there are several must-see old buildings. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, on Leith Street, was built in the 1890s and restored in the 1990s. This indigo-blue Chinese Courtyard House was the main residence of Cheong Fatt Tze, known as the "Rockefeller of the East." Fort Cornwallis on Light Street is built on the site where Captain Francis Light, founder of Penang, first landed on Aug. 11, 1786. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, on Cannon Street, was built in 1850 by the forefathers of the Khoo family who emigrated from South China, as a clan-house. Pinang Peranakan Mansion, on Church Street, was originally the home of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee. The mansion is a typical representation of the Straits Eclectic style of architecture - highly favoured by rich Peranakan families of old.

    Georgetown has a profusion of sites of worship of all different faiths that are interesting to see. Wat Chaiyamangalaram, on Burma Lane, was founded in 1845. This is a Thai-style Buddhist temple that is famous for its reclining Buddha, which is one of the world's longest. The Kapitan Keling Mosque, on Pitt Street, was built in the early 19th century. It is the most prominent historic mosque in Penang and features a dome-shaped minaret reflecting Moorish Islamic influence. Kuan Yin Teng ("Goddess of Mercy Temple"), on Pitt Street, is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang. Built in 1801 by early immigrant settlers from China, the building is decorated with intricately crafted dragons and a pair of stone sculptured lions, which are said to be its guardians. St. George's Church, at 1 Farquhar Street, was built by convict labor in 1818 and is the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia.

    Georgetown has a few other places to visit. The Penang State Museum, on Farquhar Street, is located near Fort Cornwallis. Komtar Scenic View is situated at level 60 of the KOMTAR Tower and is open daily, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Protestant Cemetery, the burial site of Captain Francis Light, is filled with crumbling, vegetation-covered tombs and bears witness to a century of colonization.

    Outside Georgetown, there are beaches to enjoy and three attractions worth visiting. The Butterfly Farm, at 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, is more than just a tourist attraction. The farm houses about 4,000 Malaysian butterflies of 120 different species, including the famous Rajah Brooke's bird wing. The large Toy Museum is located in front of the Copthrone Orchid Hotel. The Tropical Fruit Farm is a 25-acre tropical fruit farm, where about 200 types of tropical and subtropical fruits are planted.

    Penang celebrates all the major religious festivals, such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha (Muslim), Chinese New Year and Wesak Day (Buddhist), and Deepavali and Thaipusam (Hindu). Certain festivals are unique to Penang, such as the International Dragon Boat Festival and the Penang Festival, a yearly jamboree celebrating the island's colorful heritage. If you happen to be in town during any of these, they are events not to be missed.

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