Article and Photos by HELEN ONG

One of the most endearing memories we will have of life is, of course, the day we say “I do”, so it is a really special day bar none. So if you’re considering your nuptials, what better way to do it than in Penang, which can offer the works: a gorgeous location, a magnificent reception, and an unforgettable honeymoon destination all rolled into one.

Here in Penang, we have all-year-round sun, sea, and beach, so one place might be one of our splendid beach hotels, like the Parkroyal Penang Resort for instance, where couples can opt to say their vows in their beautifully manicured, bougainvillea-filled grounds overlooking the sea.

Their wedding planners will help to turn your dream wedding into a hassle-free reality, with four different themes: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. And to go with this, opt for one of their new Wedding Reception Packages which offer full 8-course Chinese Dinners.

For 2012, there are two new menus planned: a Fantasy Romance Package, and an Eternity Wedding Package.

The former starts with a 5-combination Platter of 3 hot and 2 cold items, followed by a 5-Treasure Soup. After that, the couple will be blessed with a Double Happiness Chicken Platter, which is chicken served into two ways: boned then deep-fried with a mango sauce over, and crispy Pei Pa with prawn crackers. Tiger prawns poached in Chinese herbs are then followed by Braised Assorted Mushrooms and greens, and a deep-fried Seabass with Soya Garlic Sauce. The final savoury course is Rice fried with dried shrimp served in a steamed lotus leaf, and dessert is a creamy chilled jackfruitwith coconut milk and sago.

The Eternity Package includes an 8-combination platter followed by Shark’s Fin Broth, after which there’s steamed, herbal Emperor Chicken. Tiger prawns are fried with butter and oats come next, after which there’s the vegetable course of Braised Black Mushrooms, Abalone Mushrooms and Brocolli. As for fish, it’s garoupa this time, steamed then served with a spicy nyonya sauce, and to fill any remaining gaps, it’s braised Ee Foo noodles with seafood sauce. Pudding is the Parkroyal signature Banana Strudel with Vanilla Sauce.

All packages come with a champagne fountain and an 8-tier display cake, a 1-kg cake with royal icing, and all the other accoutrements vital for that special day, complete with floral arch and photography.

For more information, call +604-881 1133 or email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it