Penang is a beautiful island with an abundance of places to explore. Make sure you take a short break from training at some point and take a look!

Georgetown – A Unesco Heritage Site – steeped in history from the first settlements in the 18 century, through immigration from numerous countries to the present eclectic mix of races and religions living side by side.

Penang Hill – Enjoy the cool refreshing air and the beautiful views afforded by the 821m elevation at the top of the hill. Travel up on the newly refurbished railway and don’t forget to look out for the monkeys sat by the side of the rail on the way up. At the top are many old grand colonial mansions now converted into restaurants and guest houses.

Kek Lok Si Temple –

Wat Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple – Site of an enormous reclining Buddha.

Dharmikarama Burmese Temple –

Snake Temple – This temple, thought to be unique in the world, is located very near the airport and is home to numerous pit vipers. Wandering around the temple you will come across snakes draped, sleepily,  around branches and with a sharp eye you can see even more in the trees in the temple grounds. It is best to err on the side of caution and not handle the snakes because even though it is claimed their venom has been removed, this can not be guaranteed, and they do still have very sharp fangs!

Butterfly Farm –

Batu Ferringhi – This is within easy reach by taxi from the training hall and is a favourite with students looking for souvenirs or presents for family and friends back home. In the evening there is the “pasar malam” (night market) where you can shop for that little gift. Make sure you haggle to get that extra special price!

Sam Poh Footprint Temple –

Fort Cornwallis – On the site of the original fort build by Captain Light who took possession of the island in 1786. The present building was begun in 1804. During its entire history the fort has never seen any military action.

Sun Yat Sen Museum – Commemorating the father of modern China.

Penang Museum – A fascinating insight into the history and culture of the island.