Behind the magic of Penang

Tied to the sea: A ferry heading towards Penang. Trade and control of sea routes are an integral part of the history of Penang.

Of ALL the destinations lining the Straits of Malacca, Penang, Langkawi, Malacca and Port Klang are taken for granted as tourism and commerce destinations within Malaysia. But turning back the clock to an earlier era, it was not always so.

The island of Penang, long part of Kedah, saw visitors from China as well as the Portuguese during their travels between Goa and the Spice Islands of Sumatra. However, it was home only to fishermen and padi farmers. The 3km gap of water between Kedah and the site of Georgetown still posed a daunting barrier to movement between the mainland and the island.