Penang is known throughout the world as the Pearl of the Orient.

Penang is known throughout the world as the Pearl of the Orient. It is an island situated off the northwest coast of peninsular Malaysia. In the local language of Malay, the island is called Pulau Pinang which means the Isle of Betel Nut. Penang is also the name of the state which includes the island and part of the mainland. George Town is the state capital and is situated on Penang island itself.

The island has a heritage embedded in British Colonial history. Back in the year 1786, Penang and the entire state of Penang belonged to the Sultan of Kedah. His state was perpetually under the threat of attack from the neighboring country of Siam (now know as Thailand). As long as he made gifts to the King of Siam, Kedah was safe. The Sultan grew tired of this arrangement and turned to the British government for help. In exchange for protection, Kedah agreed to give the island to the British and was persuaded to give up part of the mainland as well so that the British could defend the island if need be.