Author’s NotePenang is a tiny turtle-shaped island at the Northern extremity of the Straits of Malacca and is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Washed by the warm clear waters of the Indian Ocean, it is fringed by golden beaches and coconut palms.
It was to Penang that brave and adventurous men came, after it was discovered by the English Captain Francis Light in 1786.
They made huge fortunes, built enormous mansions in the English style and settled in happily with the Malays and the Chinese.
At the time I have written about in this book two infamous Secret Societies were being hunted by the Authorities. They committed murder and fought dangerous duels for the newly found wealth in the country.
Penang was of great importance to the East India Company and it became an important Trading Post for the whole of the British Empire.
It is now a popular holiday resort, but there are many monuments, houses and buildings to remind one of its fascinating history and I would hope an even more fascinating future.