Penang, Malaysia

In this episode we’re off to Penang, the fabled island off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Colonised by the British in the early 1700s, Penang today is one of Malaysia’s most ethnically diverse and cosmopolitan regions, a dynamic business hub as well as a repository of local cultural history. Its capital George Town is known for its Unesco World Heritage listed zone, but there is much more to discover on the island - as you’ll find out in this episode’s love letter, narrated by local journalist Marco Ferrarese, who leads us on a two-day hike from the north to the south of Penang via its mountainous, rainforest-clad interior.

Penangite Alan Tan, managing director of Habitat Penang Hill, shines a light on the island’s lush environment and its complex, fascinating mingling of cultures.

Rounding out the episode is Bettina Chua Abdullah, a local broadcaster, writer and passionate foodie, who waxes lyrical about Penang’s lip-smacking culinary scene, one of the best in Asia.  Bettina is also director of Hikayat, bookshop and events space in George Town.

Episode producer: Simon Richmond

Presenters: Belinda Dixon & Simon Richmond

Sound editing: Belinda Dixon

Co-producers: Kate Armstrong, Doug Murray & Tasmin Waby

Theme Music: Instant by Nettson

Music in episode: Buddha Beat