Penang set to diversify tourism attractions

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 14 ― Penang which is best known for its Unesco heritage in George Town city, as well as its street food is now diversifying its attraction to museums, eco and agro-tourism.

State Tourism Malaysia Director Mazlan Araju said the food and heritage in the city area do not need publicity anymore as they have been known internationally, but currently there are many other unique attractions in the state.

“We have many attractions such as in Phantamania and ghost museum which showcases ghosts from five different countries,” he said during the visit to the museums, here today.

Strategically located at Victoria Street which is in the heart of the George Town heritage enclave, five-minute walk from the ferry terminal and 15-minute walk from Komtar, Phantamania, the first castle of illusion in Asia has combined the elements of special effects and eye tricks.

Inside the museum, there are about 23 major attractions such as the Frozen theme area, mirror maze, Narnia door, passing through the space illusion and many more.

Its head of business development, Hazlami Rosli said the museum provides visitors with surreal experience and limitless creative photo opportunities.

“We provide customers with the costumes to suit the atmosphere and the photos taken here are guaranteed to be stunning,” he said.

The museum, opens daily from 10am to 7pm since last July has received an encouraging response from the public especially from tourists.

Besides Phantamania, the ghost museum which is located at Lebuh Melayu and only a 10-minute walk from Phantamania, will give visitors an understanding on ghosts from five different countries (Malaysia, Thailand, China, Japan and the Western countries).

The museum’s manager, Pauline Oon said that the management had spent approximately RM1.5 million to develop the museum and a year of research to choose which ghost and its history to be showcased.

“The museum will debunk the fear of people towards ghosts as every ghost has its story behind it created by their ancestors as a lesson towards the young generation besides amazing photo chances,” she said.

Pauline said that so far the response from the public was amazing and a majority of the museum’s visitors were locals.

Meanwhile, Mazlan also said that besides the attraction in the George Town heritage enclave, the tourism department is working closely with tourism and homestay operators in the southern part of Penang island.

Mazlan also said that the sales for Penang tourism that was recorded from the previous Matta fair conducted late last month was very impressive.

“In Balik Pulau, we have eco-tourism including archery, horse riding, All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) adventure ride and many more. We are planning to promote them on a large scale to boost local tourism,” he said. ― Bernama