Penang Golf Resort: Promoted as Malaysia's Jewel in the North, this large and expansive tract of former palm oil plantation, has been transformed into two very similar championship golf layouts. The East and West courses are in many ways identical twins, although the marginally longer East is usually selected to host the bigger tournaments (such as the Malaysian Amateur Open). Earthmounding, numerous well-designed bunkers, fairway contouring and a light scattering of trees help to break-up the essential flatness of the terrain. As you look across the open parkland, there are golf holes just about as far as the eye can see, although once on the course you'll be surprised how much space there is between them, and how "intrusions" from other fairways are rare. Water hazards are also relatively infrequent, although the green at the par-4 18th should be approached carefully, with water dangerously in play on your approach shot. The good-width fairways (sometimes generously wide) and light semi-rough give the course an easy-going feel from the tee, but accurate approach play will be needed as well as a good short game in and around the greens. Maintenance of the course is satisfactory, without being immaculate; the greens, however, are usually presented in excellent condition. The only OB you'll come across is around the perimeter, inside of which all 36-holes of the East and West are laid out, without any housing or other constructions detracting from the seemingly endless array of golf holes. A bit of traffic noise might be heard from the North-South highway, which skirts the par-4 3rd hole.