about Penang

Fifteenth-century Portuguese sailors from Goa en route to the Spice Islands often made stopovers on the island which they called Pulo Pinaom. Early Malays called itPulau Ka-Satu or "First Island", owing to the fact that it was the largest island .... beaches are home to Penang's famed hotel and resort belt. More secluded Muka Head, which hosts a lighthouse and a marine research station, and Monkey Beach â€" both within the Penang National Park â€" offer more pristine water. ...