Before Pulau Pinang was named so, the locals on the mainland called this island Tanjung Penaga; from the tree that commonly grew at the promontory where Fort Cornwallis later stood. The short form Tanjung was believed to be used in all grants issued by the government until 1800 and today remains as a state constituency.

Ragam, a sea rover and trader, referred to this only larger isolated land he came across when on his trading trips between Lingga and Kedah as Pulau Ka Satu or The Single Island. This name was retained until 1786 when Captain Francis Light officially claimed the island for the British East India Company, and it became known as Pulau Pinang after the areca palm that grew in abundance here.

Visitors who want illuminating historical snapshots of this island state must not miss the Penang Museum and Gallery, which also offers you a crash course on her multi-ethnic people,favourite food,dance, music and much more.
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