CLUELESS as to what you can do in Penang, famed for its delicious nonya delicacies?

Mr Paul Naidu, 51, a chief surveyor who travels to Penang once a year to visit family and friends, said that there is more to do than just eat. He suggests starting your day off with a bit of sightseeing.

What to do

He said: "Sign up for guided tours at attractions like The Penang War Museum, Little India, Chinatown, Kek Lok Si Temple, Khoo Khongsi and Cheong Fatt Tze mansion. It'll definitely be worth your while."

After that, you can take an evening jog at the scenic Ayer Itam Dam or head down to Penang's popular attractions such as the Penang Butterfly Farm, the Penang Strawberry Field and the Penang National Park.

Round off your tour of Penang's natural beauty at one of its exotic beaches.

Penang's Batu Ferringhi, for instance, teems with water activities like parasailing, water skiing and banana boat riding.

Other popular beaches in Penang, which has dazzled visitors over the years with its golden shores and sparkling waters, include Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang and Teluk Bahang.

To take home a piece of Penang, Mr Naidu said that Little Penang Street Market is one of the places where you will be able to find traditional pieces of handicraft, accessories and decorative items.

To add even more colour to your tour of Penang, he suggests visiting Penang's Spice Garden and the Peranakan Mansion.

Also, take the Oeding-Erdel factory tour, a jewellery factory established in 1906, which he said is "perfect for all jewellery fanatics".

If you are a true blue shopaholic, don't miss Queensbay Mall, which boasts 500 retailers within its 2.5 million sq ft premises. Other bargains await at Komtar, Prangin Mall, Gurney Plaza, Island Plaza and Midlands One-Stop Shopping Centre.

What to eat

If you are looking for the quintessential Penang experience, Mr Naidu suggests tucking into a range of spicy, aromatic and tangy traditional cuisines at places such as the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre and New World Park.

You can buy sticks of raw seafood, boil them in the soup and eat them on the spot.

There are so many other varieties of food available, including Penang laksa, char kway teow and tauhu goreng, that travellers will surely enjoy as well.

What to watch out for

Student Tay Yu Jie, 19, who visits his relatives in Penang twice a year, advises travellers to ask the locals in Penang for the normal rate taxi drivers charge.

He said: "Sometimes cab drivers will quote exorbitant prices and unassuming tourists may pay more than they should."

But if you are driving, Mr Naidu said: "Be prepared for traffic jams which can get quite bad these days.

"Have a good GPS navigator on hand as it will be useful."

Where to stay

Parkroyal Penang, Malaysia

THE Parkroyal Penang, Malaysia, situated on the famed Batu Feringghi beach, is offering two holiday packages catered specially for the perfect family getaway.

Parents can keep their children occupied with the resort's facilities like its two outdoor swimming pools and 21-metre long waterslide. The hotel also has a children's club called Koko-Nut Klub, which caters to children aged four to 12. It has activities such as face painting, badge design, T-shirt printing and ceramic workshops.

$$$: From RM540, two adults and one child below the age of seven can enjoy the 2D1N Deluxe Coastal Room Package.

Cititel Penang

THE four-star Cititel Penang, located in the heart of George Town, provides guests with a panoramic view of the city, including the iconic Penang Bridge.

It is conveniently accessible to key cultural and historical sites, shopping complexes, bazaars and a variety of popular local food fare.

Situated at Upper Penang Road - the city's entertainment and dining hotspot - Cititel Penang caters to leisure seekers. $$$: From RM125 per night. Other promotional room rates start at RM170 for twin sharing standard rooms.