Hotel Grand Continental Penang

Fort Cornwallis - a stockade that was built during the time of Sir Francis Light in the 1800's now stands as a historic gallery in Penang. Together with the famous Dutch cannon that was presented to Sultan of Johor by the Dutch, the fort is open daily from 8.30am till 7.00pm. For only RM1.00, visitors are able to enjoy the magnificent view of Fort Cornwallis. It is only a five minutes drive from the hotel to Fort Cornwallis.

Near the fort, lies the famous clock tower, Pesara King Edward that was built in the late 1800's. Presented by a local millionaire, the late Mr. Cheah Chen Eok to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. it is located near the fort and takes about three minutes by foot. A fine example of the British Palladian architectures, City Hall, Esplanade was one the state of the local government. it is only a brisk walking distance from the clock tower, which takes less than five minutes.

The Penang Museum & Art Gallery was built in the 1820's. The gallery houses a fine collection of antiques from various cultures and other historical relics. Open daily from 9.00am till 5.00pm. For RM1.00, it's a must to visit. Only ten minutes drive from the hotel.

The Khoo Kongsi, located in Lebuh Cannon was built as a house for the Khoo clan. It features a magnificent hall bearing the mark of master carftsmen from China. It is open daily from 9.00am till 5.00pm on Mondays to Fridays and on Saturdays, it is open from 9.00am till 1.00pm. Permission to enter the clan house can be obtained from the office located within the premises. Just about 15 minutes by car to get there.

An Indian Muslim merchant who was also a headman at that time, "Kapitan Keling Caudeer Mohudeen", built Kapitan Keling Mosque in the 19th century. A place rich in culture and architecture, another spot definitely not to be missed. Permission to enter can be obtained from the office within its premises. It only takes about fifteen minutes to get there by car.

Just a few blocks away from the Kapitan Keling Mosque is the oldest temple known as the Goddess of Mercy. With beautiful crafted dragons and phonies and breathtaking interior designs. The temple is just within walking distance from the Mosque.

Sri Mariamman Temple - dedicated to Lord Subrammaniam has the most beautiful statue in the whole of Malaysia. Inside the temple lies a priceless statue that is made from silver, gold, emerald and diamonds. The temple is located at Lebuh Queen, the temple is open from morning till late evening. Permission to enter can be obtained from the temple officials. it only takes about fifteen minutes by car from the hotel to the temple.

In Air Itam is where the famous Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the finest temple in Malaysia. it took twenty years to build, it has the most remarkable scenic views from the mountain to the valleys of Penang. Built in tiers, the temple is a home to more than 2,000 turtles of various sizes. In the temple itself, it accommodates more than 10,000 Buddha statues. it is open daily from wee hours in the morning till late evenings where visitors can enjoy the sunset view. it is about twenty minutes by car to the temple.

Besides these mosques and temples belonging to the 3 major etchnic groups, we do have interesting places from the minority groups such as the Thais and Burmese. Two magnificent temples built directly opposite each other. Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, a Thai temple that is built with the richness of Thai architecture and houses a 33-metre gold plated reclining Buddha. The statue of Buddha is said to be one of the longest in the world. Dharmikarama Burmese Temple is just opposite the Thai temple. A pair of white elephants guard its entrance. Each of these temples has its own unique features that attract thousands of tourists each year. It takes about then minutes by car from the hotel to reach the temple.

Chinatown - plays an important role in the Chinese culture. Ranging from shop houses to old ancestral clan buildings, visitors can have a glimpse of the Chinese businessmen whose jobs are simple yet traditionally carried down from the time of their forefathers. Just about ten minutes car ride to the destination.

Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, or better known as KOMTAR a house for shops, restuarants, government and commercial departments. This sixty-five-storey structure is the tallest building in South East Asia. From the top of the building visitors can catch a glimpse of Penang City in the night and also the Penang Bridge, the longest in the whole of Asia and ranked, third place in the world. This 13.5km bridge spans the channel from the mainland to the Penang Island. it will take approximately 10 minutes to get to KOMTAR.

For nature lovers, Botanical Gardens is just the right place to visit. The garden offers peace and tranquillity amidst lush green surroundings, tropical plants and the vibrant colors of Penang. It is open from 7.00am till 7.00pm daily. Admission is free. It takes about ten to fifteen minutes drive from the hotel to the garden.

At Batu Feringghi, lies the popular Butterfly Farm. it accommodates three thousand living specimens of over fifty different species. It is open dialy from 9.00am till 5.00pm. The Butterfly Farm is thirty-five minutes ride from the hotel to the outskirts of town.

Malaysia's first hill station, Penang Hill is 830 meters (2700ft) abouve sea level, visitors can take a ride on the cable car or hike to the top of the hill. Visitors can also indulge in refreshment and snacks at the convenient tea kiosks on top of the hill. The foot of Penang Hill is aobut twenty-five minutes from the hotel.

Queensbay Mall - the new shopping mall in Penang is just 20 mins drive from the hotel. It has attractive outlets, ranging from high to middle range clothings, food, electronic gadgets, etc. Borders bookstore and GSC cinema are also located in the mall.

Gurney Drive - the famous nightspot with various local food stalls offering tourists an authentic hawker style dining of Penang. You can also take an evening stroll along the esplanade of Gurney drive while enjoying the warm sea breeze and sun. The Gurney Plaza shopping mall is also situated there promising shopaholics a definite fun time. Gurney Drive is just 10 mins journey from the hotel by taxi and it will cost you only MYR15.

New World Food Centre - the new food arena in Georgetown with the famous "Ice Kacang" (shaved iced with condiments). Besides that, you can find a huge variety of local delights to fill your stomache. Opens daily during lunch hour till 4pm. Just 2 mins walk from the hotel.

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