Penang
Although it is Malaysia’s smallest state, Penang Island (Pulau Pinang) is one of Asia’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan destinations, combining the influences of half a dozen cultures. Within sight of the west coast of the Malaysian peninsula – and linked to it by road bridges – the island is the birthplace of tourism in Malaysia: with great beaches, a mellow climate, a colourful collection of attractions, and several of them claim to be the largest, tallest, longest or oldest of their kind.