About Us

Penang Friendship Association is a non-governmental organization which aims at connecting Penang to the rest of the world. Penang is a popular destination among the tourists, students and retirees for its richness of culture, food, tourist spots and education. Penang boasts its diversities of people coming from different ethnic, cultural and language backgrounds that well blend in together. Many overseas students come to Penang hoping to benefit from its multilingual environment. Coming to Penang will not only give you an international exposure to different cultures and people in one place. We are here to accompany your experience in Penang.

CNN：One of 17 best places to visit in 2017

What pops into your mind for the word "Penang"? Delicacies? Extraordinary sceneries? Decadent buildings? Actually, I will tell you Penang is more than just these words! It is a world renowned exotic holiday destination, it is also known as the pearl of the Orient and one of the most touristic locations of Malaysia. The island (285 square meters) is situated on the northwest side of Peninsular Malaysia. It is a multi-cultural place of the East and West. About 700.000 people inhabit Penang Island, of which 59% are Chinese, 32% are Malay and 7% are Indian. From the harmonious multiracial populace and well-preserved heritage buildings, we can see how Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. In 2018, once again, Penang is recognized internationally when named as one of 17 must-visit destinations and Asia's greatest street food city by CNN. Let’s explore why Penang should not be known just as a place for delicacies only!

UNESCO： World Heritage Site

Penang is an island of rich Chinese heritage, there are an array of temples, ruins, museums, preserved forests, and beautiful beaches that make a trip here more than worthwhile. With the inscription of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008, which makes the heritage sites in Penang under the spotlight of the world. The heritage sites of Penang encompass buildings constructed by the British during the colonial era, clan temples of the various Chinese clan associations, religious structures including temples, mosques, churches, and shrines, and other structures, including pre-war shophouses within the inner city. For example, from the water’s edge at the Clan Jetties to the brilliant blue sheen of the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang will definitely give you a glimpse into a world where nature, tradition and history blend into a rich cultural tapestry.

On top of this, Penang plays a big part as the hub for arts and culture in Malaysia. Ranging from arts showcases to cultural street performances, each unique in itself, Penang takes great pride in preserving its rich heritage, arts, and culture, and is greatly renowned for its unique street art on heritage buildings. Whether you are looking for performances to attend, performers to be a part of your show, a venue to perform or contacts for arts and culture bodies in Penang, this acts as a one-stop platform for all things arts and culture in Penang! You can totally immerse in a festival atmosphere of Chinese New Year Festival, Bon Odori and International Food Festival with the local residents. In this spectacular Island, you can live like a local and see what laid back Penangites love to indulge in - travel in trishaws and shop at the many quaint night markets. Be adventurous and explore!

Condé Nast Traveller：The 10 Best Places in the World to Retire

Be it as a retirement home or destination to travel, there is no doubt that Penang a place with a special comfort factor that will make you feel like home. It is a place where low cost of living intersects with modern healthcare facilities, excellent private schools and environmentally friendly environment for living. The low cost of living in Penang is one of the reasons why Penang is always listed in the top 10 best places for retirement by many travel magazines. Moreover, Penang is a nice melting pot of different races and religions and a fusion of working expats and retirees from around the globe, as well as the locals. Nearly about everyone speaks English which is very handy for foreigners to stay here. The locals are friendly and accommodating, they will be more than happy to accept you into their community! If you love to do shopping, the modern part of Penang can satisfy all your wills. You will never get bored of this charming city!

CNN Travel：Penang is one of Asia's best street food destinations

Foodies, are you ready to hear those mouth-watering delicacies in Penang?! Penang is known for being a food paradise and your to-eat list was longer than you knew that is for sure. If Singapore is a food hub for variety then Penang is the food capital for quality. Penang gourmet ranges from street food to fine dining but her myriad of flavors are definitely unique to the island state. Although every culture has their signature dishes, they are also influenced by other cooking styles and have managed to come up with their own special creations that represent a beautiful blend of tastes and spices. With each race offering their own traditional fare, foodies will be spoilt for choice. The hallmark of Penang’s great food culture is when even average stalls sell amazing food!

For example, the Nasi Kandar is a popular food among tourists and localities, Rice served with an unending list of curries and dishes meticulously prepared with fish, chicken, squid, prawns, and beef. It is a hearty meal for those who love aromatic spices!

Laksa is another food that you should not miss in Penang! Sweet, sour and spicy – those are the three magic words best described for fulfilling a satisfying bowl of Penang Asam Laksa. With a smorgasbord of slurpy white rice noodles, shredded fish, sliced pineapples, cucumber, onions, red chillis, lettuce, mint leaves steeped within the tamarind-flavored soup base, what’s not to like about this all-time Malaysian favorite?

On top of this, Penang Hokkien Mee (Prawn Noodle) is worth to try as well! It is a spicy soup in a stock made from prawn, dried shrimp, pork ribs or chicken stock. Since it is a local favourite, this traditional hawker food appear in many food stalls along the streets.

I know there are too many delicacies to choose just one, so, try them all! You will not regret it!

Norika
Japan

The best part of the exchange is trying the delicacies because I like spicy food! Malaysian food is heavily influenced by Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine. These influences extend from the use of the wok to the combinations of spices used in many popular dishes. My living environment is comfortable and tidy, I really appreciate it! Moreover, my friendly and nice host family always bring me to try the good food! People in Malaysia are full of passion for life and love helping each other. They treat me nicely even though they do not know me. I appreciate the human touch here in Malaysia. I hope I can visit Malaysia again!

Saori
Japan

What I have learned most is the traditional culture. I am very thankful for this exchange experience. During this programme, I did sightseeing with my buddies, they kindly introduced me to a lot of traditional site in Penang. I truly experienced Malaysia’s most distinctive culture. It was an unforgettable experience. My host family is very nice, we always have meals together. However, I think the duration of the programme can be extended because I really enjoy everything here! I hope I can experience more!

Sousuke
Japan

I'm glad that I had the best host family ever! They are keen to share their beliefs and cultures, and they even want me to share more things about Hokkaido! It's the people I meet during this program that shape my memories more than the places. I have made friends with people from diverse cultures. We have shared our different backgrounds through thousands of talks, games and cooking nights. Apart from this, Penang is really a spectacular place, there are countless mouth-watering delicacies, it is really an authentic food paradise! I think I got an addiction to the chicken rice in Malaysia! It is one of the famous meals for Malaysian. The fragrant rice together with the tenderness of the chicken is so delicious and irresistible! I hope I can try it next time!

Yuno
Japan

Participating in the exchange program is one of the most valuable experiences in my life. It has greatly broadened my horizon and improved my communication skills. I got used to the foreign food, local transport and public facilities etc. I felt humanity and kindness of my host family. I started to believe in some kinds of mutual feelings, communications, and connections between diverse people. I tried to get out of my comfort zone by chatting with others. They were very nice and willing to share their opinions. Furthermore, I really appreciate the cultural activity organized for us - Keh Lok Si Night Light Up. The view is breath-taking and I learned a lot! What makes me unforgettable, is that the mango I tried in Malaysia! I think I understand why Malaysia is a fruit-enthusiasts' paradise!

By Bus
Rapid Penang 104

By Car
5 minutes from the city centre of George Town, 30 minutes from Batu Feringghi, 20 minutes from the Penang Bridge, 35 minutes from the Penang International Airport.