Climate

Penang's year-round tropical climate is surpassed only by the warmth of the people you will meet. Rain makes an appearance during the southwest monsoon between April and September. Breezy days are not uncommon either, especially along the coast. After all, it is an island.

Population

Approximately 1.4 million people make their home on the island of Penang. Ethnic Chinese, Malays and Indians mingle easily with a sizable expatriate community. Penang's distinctive Peranakan community, also known as Straits Chinese or Baba Nyonya, are descended from early Chinese immigrants who settled in the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore.

Language

While Penangites (the colloquial term for locals) take immense pride in their ethnic dialects, English is widely spoken everywhere although Malay is the national language. In a population as diverse as Penang's, one can experience a multitude of languages on its busy streets, from English and Malay to Mandarin, Penang Hokkien and Tamil.

Festivals

Both religious and cultural festivals are intrinsic parts of Penang life. The Hindu Thaipusam Parade, the annual Taoist Nine Emperor Gods Festival as well as the Catholic St. Anne's Feast in Bukit Mertajam provide a colourful counterpoint to more recent additions such as the Japanese community’s Bon Odori Festival held annually at the Esplanade.

Feasts

Where there are festivals, there are also feasts. Penang is justifiably famous for its extraordinary array of cuisines, ranging from the fusion flavours of its Peranakan heritage to world-class fare from across the seven seas. But it is Penang’s street-hawker offerings drawn from its multi-cultural milieu that truly set the taste buds tingling.