soon travel penang

• SEE & DO
• EAT & DRINK
• Penang Mainland
• Itineraries

60 Unmissable Things to Do in Penang: the Ultimate 2024 Penang Travel Guide

Here's a list of all the quintessential things to do in Penang as compiled after 10+ years living on the island. Don't trust any other website: this is the ultimate list you need to plan your perfect holiday on Malaysia's hippest island.

Penang is a small island, but it packs in a big number of great travel experiences. From peeking above the skyline from the top of 200-meters-high KOMTAR , to browsing the charming UNESCO-inscribed heritage streets of the city of George Town, admiring some of Asia’s best street art, relaxing on a beach , trendy Penang cafes, famous Penang restaurants , or losing yourself into a tropical jungle, “Penang has it all”, as locals like to say.

Here I’ve compiled  60 of my favourite things to do in Penang , all things I’ve personally done in my 13+ years living here. They include the most popular Penang attractions as well as ideas for where to go in Penang to get off the beaten track and see some interesting places. Trust me: you won’t find a more comprehensive & free Penang travel guide online!

I hear you: deciding what places to visit in Penang can be tough as there are so many choices of Penang attractions, but this article is the best place where to have a quick start and arrive with a clear idea of where to go in Penang so that you can hit the ground running.

The suggestions in my below Penang travel blog are organized into sections based on location and type of activities. You’ll have a George Town and Penang Hill section, a Famous Penang Attractions section, and an Offbeat Things to Do in Penang section for those who know the island well and want to experience something different.

To find out how to map out the below attractions for your visit, please start by seeing my articles on what to do in Penang in 3 days and visit George Town in 48 Hours . And if you are a night owl, here is a list of the best things to do in Penang at night .

Article Contents

Penang Travel Essentials

• Use Klook to get discounts and great deals for a lot of activities around Penang. I use it myself all the time.
• If you are looking to rent an apartment in Penang, start by reading my article on the best Penang Airbnbs .
• Penang has some great 5-star hotels and inexpensive boutique hotels for a special stay. But you can also find some great Penang Budget Hotels that are a great bang for your buck
• If you are a backpacker on a budget, I have a complete guide to backpacking in Penang
• If you are short on time, consider taking this half-day tour or this heritage tour .
• If you want a private car to take you around, check out this link
• There is much to learn about Penang food and Penang breakfast . There are some great cooking classes and food tours, like this and this street food jaunt
• If you are coming to Penang from Kuala Lumpur, check out this guide to know all the best ways to travel to Penang.
• If you want to discover the offbeat side of Penang, check out my complete guide to Balik Pulau .
• Likewise, there are many attractions in Seberang Perai that few people ever see.

When to Travel to Penang

Penang island lays in the tropical zone and is a destination you can visit year-round, regardless of the rainy season — roughly between September and December, but truth be told it never really rains all day, and it brings some respite to the heat.

But there are best months to visit Penang, for sure, depending specifically on the different festivals and religious celebrations you may witness. I have written a dedicated article to help you choose the best time to visit Penang .

And here you go, the list of the 60 Best Things to Do in Penang!

Best Things to Do in George Town, Penang

1 survey penang from the top of komtar.

At 232-meters of height, KOMTAR is the highest building in Penang and was extended in 2015 to reach 65 levels of height. I have written a guide to the many things to do at KOMTAR , the most popular of which is taking an elevator to the top floor to enjoy a walk on the Rainbow Skywalk, the highest glass bridge in Asia — not something you’ll want to try if you suffer vertigo. If you don’t, you may as well consider trying the Gravityz, an obstacle course with ziplines perched right outside one of KOMTAR’s top floors, and one of the highest sports platforms in all of Asia.

You can buy discounted Gravityz tickets on KLOOK here .

The views above George Town and Penang island from The TOP at Komtar are sublime, and the best time to come is right before sunset when the sun goes down, and the lights of the city flare up below you. There’s a restaurant here if you thought of bringing a date for a very special meal.

You can get discounted tickets for The TOP using this link — a good idea to avoid lines, especially on weekends.

2 Lose Yourself in Little India

In a way, Little India is the heart of George Town, set between Padang Kota and the Esplanade on one side, the Butterworth ferry on the other, all encased by the backpacker enclave of Chulia Street . There are many cool things to see and do in Penang Little India , from trinkets shops to some of the best Indian food island-wide. If you are craving for samosas, masala dosa, tandoori chicken, and all sorts of southern and northern Indian delicacies, you’ll certainly find more than a restaurant to tickle your fancy — and budget. Don’t miss Nasi Kandar , Penang local rice with curries, as Little India has some of the best.

Want to visit Little India on an atmospheric trishaw ride? Check out this 3 hours tour of George Town .

Don’t forget that Little India also has some important shrines, like the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, one of Penang’s main Indian shrines, and the Nagore Dargha Sheriff, the oldest Indian-Muslim shrine built in Penang. A visit to the last songkok-maker (traditional Muslim skullcaps) and the many goldsmiths here can provide hours, if not days, of exploration and entertainment. One district you shouldn’t miss.

3 Check out the famous Penang Street Art

Like it or not, Penang island has become better known for its Penang street art than its heritage. Well, what to do… we understand the modern man’s obsession with belonging and the Gram… The very first “murals” were a series of 50-something iron-rod caricatures realized to spruce up the most historical corners of the recently UNESCO-inscribed old George Town, but street art in Penang really exploded in 2012 after Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic created the “Mirror of George Town” series for the George Town Festival.

The 9 murals and installations depicted scenes of life on the island: the most famous today, “Little Children on a Bicycle”, was voted by the British newspaper the Guardian as one of the world’s best pieces of street art in 2013. The Insta-craze started shortly afterwards: it’s constantly repainted on the farther end of Armenian Street, where on weekends, hordes of tourists local and foreign literally queue up to get the same ol’ shot next to it like other millions of people have done before. Creativity, anyone?

I do believe that the commercialization and gentrification of Penang and the murals have ruined the local art scene , but some locals think otherwise. Regardless, any visit to George Town cannot be complete without having browsed at least a few of these popular murals. The wish is that the artworks would push tourists to understand and delve deeper into Penang’s history, but that’s, unfortunately, not something the average Joe on holiday wants. So go with an open mind and you know what to expect. Again, some of the art is stunning — it’s just us locals who have had enough, ahahah.

4 Try Penang Food at a Hawker Food Court

Penang was a food paradise well before Lonely Planet voted it as the best foodie destination in 2014. The variety and quality of Penang hakwer food (meaning, sold from a street cart, or inside of a hawker center, also called a food court) is mind-blowing and you really need time to get to try it all. I have written an article that lists the essential Penang food to get you started that’s a great help for those who don’t know what to eat here. But the best way is to simply trust your nose and gut, and go for what tickles your nostrils and eyes.

Even remaining in George Town, the choice is endless: from Chinese noodles of different kinds, like the popular char koaey teow, tasty curry mee , wan than mee, to Indian food and Malay nasi kandar, you won’t have to go far from your accommodation to find some great eats.

5 Visit the Clan Jetties

Set right on the water, the ancestral homes of the immigrant Chinese workers during Malaya’s colonial times have become somewhat of a tourist trap (avoid Chew Jetty on weekends), but they are a very scenic place, and a real opportunity to understand how life was in old Penang. History says that the Clan Jetties — each one called with one of the popular surnames of migrants from China, such as Tan, Chew, and Lee — were built to cleverly avoid paying a land tax imposed by the British colonial rulers. In fact, these big wooden homes are made on stilts over the water, so that their residents could have a reason not to pay the tax.

There has been a big deal of commercial gentrification going on here which someone called UNESCOcide , but a visit to the Clan Jetties really is a must. The homes have barely changed in a century, and the charm of walking above creaky wooden planks has remained unchanged. Until a few years ago, it was most charming to come here at night and soak the atmosphere, but as of late, the residents have imposed a 9 pm curfew to have some much-needed peace and quiet. Please respect that, but by all means, come here for a stroll — it’s within walking distance from the end of Armenian Street, where some of the most known Penang street murals are.

Want to get more out of this experience? Try this Penang self-guided audio tour , which includes a lot of history on the clan jetties.

6 Take a Trip on the iconic Penang Ferry

Penang Ferry opened in 1894 as the only link between Penang island and the railway to Singapore. Believe it or not, it’s still operating despite the two bridges connecting Penang island to Seberang Perai — the mainland part of Penang state.

Penang Ferry, now under the administration of Rapid Penang, remains a very romantic and interesting way to reach George Town for the first time. It’s a no-frills trip over a very basic ferry that reaches Penang in about 20 minutes — don’t expect any luxury, and bring a little sense of adventure.

Even if the original fleet has been substituted in the midst of 2020, this is the most interesting way to travel between the Malaysian mainland at Butterworth and George Town. I have already written a complete guide to taking the Penang Ferry so you may find all the timings, costs and details on that page. Rest assured that by floating across the Straits Sea, the view of George Town’s ever-growing skyline right in front of you, is an experience to have at least once on a visit to Penang island.

7 Visit one of Penang’s Night Markets

Food, trinkets, and cheery people: what’s best doing on an evening, after your fill of great Penang food such as the famous Penang Laksa? Night markets are simple yet celebrated places where you can get away from tourists and have a more down-to-earth local experience. This article tells you about the best Penang night markets , when they open, where they are, and what you can buy there. It’s best to go on a light stomach, so that you may enjoy a bowl of local food as you browse for home appliances — souvenirs are not sold around here.

8 Go for a Trishaw Ride

Trishaws were the main form of transportation in old Penang, and today, the 200-something last remaining trishaw drivers are a real living heritage. It may be a bit touristy, but sitting for a half hour or more as the man cycles you around town, oftentimes dispensing some insider secrets that only street-savvy men like himself know, is a delightful Penang experience.

To make sure you get a fair price and a trishaw at the best time to suit your holiday (consider that right before sunset, let’s say starting at 6.30 pm, is a very good time to see George Town switch gears into the night), we recommend you book your trishaw ride in advance using KLOOK at this link . Avoid surprises and get the best bang for your buck.

9 Have a night out at one of Penang’s famous speakeasy bars

We have already compiled a list of 30-something things to do in Penang at night , and visiting a speakeasy bar is definitely a good one. Fancy finding your drink by hitting a Wing Chun dummy like Ip Man, pushing a hidden partition in a dimly-lit shopfront, or maybe even entering through a refrigerator? Well, Penang has got you covered.

Exactly what it means, “speakeasy” hints at the world of hidden bars and secretly hushed entry passwords. The whole thing has been done to death in Penang, in the sense that now there are more secret bars than one can handle, BUT some of them are pretty good for a chilled night, and most make a fun surprise for friends who have come to meet you from outside town.

The first to launch the trend was Magazine 63 , an Old-China-themed bar with waiters dressed like Chinese coolies and booze served in traditional rice jars. There are many now, the most notable being Out of Nowhere, accessed by a refrigerator, the cool Backdoor Bodega, a really small and funky place that doesn’t sell drinks, but drink-themed pins, and 12 Senses, with its fun martial art-themed tricky entry stunt. Definitely try one if you feel like having a night out.

10 Party with Backpackers on Chulia Street and Love Lane

Once the thriving home of the Indian community of Penang and a lane for mistresses and prostitutes, the intersection of Lebuh Chulia and Love Lane is Penang’s equivalent to any cookie-cutter backpacker haven on Southeast Asia’s Banana Pancake Trail. It’s certainly OK for a night out: you’ll find plenty of bars and some of Penang’s most famous western restaurants , all peppered with coin laundromats and everything else a foreigner needs to feel closer to his kind and the comforts of home. But if it’s a local experience you are looking for, you may better look elsewhere — the majority of locals don’t really go drink here.

This said the place is OK for a stroll, grabbing a bite in a casual, shabby-chic atmosphere, and meeting travelers passing through.

11 Check out a Museum (or even 25, if you fancy…)

After street art, George Town has seen a proliferation of… museums. Yes: and there are more than we can remember. From the Wonderfood Museum, with its quirky larger-than-life replicas of Penang’s most famous dishes — a good place to go in Penang with Kids —, to the Ghost Museum and the Insta-focused 3D Trick Art Museum, where you’ll be able to reach the highest level of selfie enlightenment, the choice is endless — and often poor.

If there is one museum that we feel like recommending that has to be Penang House of Music , set inside of KOMTAR. Curated by local musician and connoisseur Paul Augustin, the House of Music offers a unique insight into another of Penang’s main creations: popular music. Did you know that P. Ramlee, the father of Malaysian pop music, was born in Penang? His legacy has inspired decades of Malaysian rock and roll, hard rock, rock kapak, metal and punk, and you’ll find all the roots here. Starting from traditional bangsawan to the age of the radio, the British influence, and the arrival of rock and roll, Penang House of Music is a delightful introduction to all things that rock in Malaysia. Don’t miss it.

Famous Penang Tourist Attractions you Should Visit

Given its rich history, Penang has a lot of important buildings, temples, and clan houses that testify to its rich ethnic and historical legacy. Many are in George Town, but other parts of the island also treasure some very stunning places you should try to visit.

12 Kek Lok Si Temple

Penang’s most striking temple is Kek Lok Si, perched on a side of Penang Hill, and hosting a 36.57mt-high statue of Goddess of Mercy Kwan Yin. It’s the largest Buddhist Temple in Malaysia and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, and it’s particularly nice to visit right before Chinese New Year (in Jan/Feb every year) when it’s decorated with hundreds of beautiful red lanterns and colourful LED lights. For more information, read our ultimate guide to visiting Kek Lok Si Temple , and don’t forget to stop at Air Itam market to try one of Penang’s best laksa .

You can visit Kek Lok Si comfortably as part of this tour of George Town.

13 Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

The Blue Mansion of Penang tycoon millionaire Cheong Fatt Tze is a beautiful example of Straits Chinese architecture and one of George Town’s most iconic buildings. You can come here for a tour, but also eat at their fine dining restaurant Indigo, or stay overnight in one of their beautifully decorated rooms — certainly one very atmospheric way to spend a night in town.

The place is super photogenic and was used as a set for many films, which as of late include the popular mahjong scene in the blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians .

You can book a discounted tour of the mansion, a night stay, and included breakfast spread via our partners at KLOOK. Click here for details

14 Penang Peranakan Mansion

This green-hued heritage house in Little India is the place to come learn about the mixed ancestry of the Peranakan, or Baba-Nyonya — people of mixed Chinese and Malay blood. This 19th-century mansion has been now turned into a very interesting museum housing 1000-something objects and furniture of the time. This building also contains the Penang residence and office of Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee, who normally lived in Taiping , where you can see exquisite Chinese carved wooden doors and Scottish ironworks. A very interesting time journey to learn about a lesser-known Malaysian culture, and a very atmospheric place that, no wonder, is often hired out for events or used by local photographers to set up pre-wedding shoots in Penang .

Want to know more about Penang heritage with a knowledgeable local guide? Check out this perfect half-day tour .

15 Fort Cornwallis and the Esplanade

Perched on the easternmost corner of George Town along the walkable Esplanade, Fort Cornwallis was built in 1786 century by the East India Company helmed by Captain Francis Light to protect the island from attacks by the pirates of Kedah, on the opposite side of the coastline. It’s the largest standing fort found in Malaysia, although the cannons that can still be seen here never engaged in combat during its history. There is also a lighthouse next to it, the second oldest in Malaysia, which is an interesting sight to see.

These days the Fort has transformed into one of Georg Town’s best spots for an atmospheric drink. There’s a 5RM entry fee, but if you have a drink at any of the several bars and bistros, keep your receipt and you’ll exit free of charge. There’s also the fine-dining restaurant Kota where you can get a variety of foods, from high-tea to tapas, Western and Asian cuisine. The menu’s speciality is Baba-Nyonya style, and the ambience is casual chic — we believe it’s a better choice for a special dinner than an expensive afternoon drink.

Next to the fort is Padang Kota, a well-tended grass expanse next to a sea-facing walking promenade and Penang’s impressive colonial City Hall. This is a very nice place to come for a stroll or while away time at sunset. Many Malay families come here for picnics, too, so you may join in the fun.

16 Visit Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

The grandest Chinese clan house in Malaysia sits inside a courtyard off Lebuh Cannon and is one of Penang’s most important sights. It is a part of the goh tai seh (five big clans), the Khoos from Xiamen in the Fujian province of China, that formed the backbone of the Chinese immigrant community in Peninsular Malaysia. Located at the center of granite-paved Cannon Square, the clan house’s intricately carved pillars and gilded curved roof with four towering stone carvings are a real sight to behold.

These days, Khoo Kongsi can be visited with a small entry fee, and it is also often used as the backdrop for events such as lion dance on stilts or Chinese opera and martial arts showcases when access to Cannon Square is free of charge.

17 Take a peek at Southeast Asia’s Oldest Anglican Church

Sitting at the center of a well-manicured park at the end of Kapitan Keling Road, St. George Church is a 19th-century Anglican church and the oldest found in Southeast Asia. Opened in 1819, it celebrated 200 years of uninterrupted service in 2019.

A visit is very recommended: the church has an interesting neoclassical facade resembling a Greek temple topped by a pointed tower upon which the cross dominates above the quaint green surroundings. If you go inside, you’ll be able to walk on a mezzanine and see the whole building from a vantage position. The ancient organ here can still make some proud sounds, so try to time your visit during a service.

18 Visit Penang’s stunning Town Hall and City Hall

Set on the left side of Padang Kota, Penang City Hall dominates over the Esplanade with its white-washed Victorian facade, neo-baroque colonnades and arched windows, and a characteristic rooftop silhouette. Opened in 1903, today the Town Hall houses the Penang Island City Council offices and was built to expand the space of the adjacent Town Hall, completed in the 1880s. The Town Hall is George Town’s oldest municipal building, and back in the day also used to be the place where the ruling Europeans congregated for their social events. In 1999, the Town Hall was one of the settings for the movie Anna and the King .

Walking along this road today, you can’t avoid feeling a sense of grandeur as the two buildings, still in perfect condition, exude a prominent sense of history and are a delight to photograph, too.

19 Take a Stroll on Armenian Street

Armenian Street has become George Town’s tourist center, lined with all sorts of little trinket shops, art galleries, cafes, and the infamous “Little Children on a Bicycle” mural jotted at one of its ends. But come after dark, and the place still retains the charms it had just a decade ago: a beautiful narrow street punctuated by some of George Town’s most important clan houses and temples. Not counting the charming Armenian Park, a very nice green space to sit on a bench and ponder life passing by for a while.

Penang’s Armenian Street had great historical significance because, after starting as a Malay settlement, in the 19th century it changed into being inhabited by a majority of Armenian and Chinese, giving the area a distinct multi-cultural character that has come to define Penang. It was here that in 1910 Sun Yat-sen organized the Penang Conference in the house that today still functions as his memorial museum in Penang, raising the $8000 which served to topple the Qing Dynasty in China.

Don’t forget to visit the Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi, another beautiful Penang clan house that was recently renovated and has an ample garden and a double-story Chinese-temple-like main building, and the Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, also known as Poh Hock Seah , that traces back to 1844. Set inside a gated courtyard, this temple testifies to the history of the Penang Riots of 1867, open warfare on the streets that led the British to ban all Chinese clan associations as “secret societies”. On the ground floor of this temple, you can still see the concealed entry of a tunnel that members could use to leave or access the premises undisturbed. On the first floor, a wooden mezzanine towers above the courtyard and there’s a beautiful shrine to the patron deity Sin Long Siang Tay with wooden carvings painted in gold.

The Choo Chay Keong Temple — also fondly called Yap temple — set opposite the Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple on the corner of Cannon street is another remarkable building with intricately carved stone pillars and a striking emerald green gilded rooftop.

20 Pray at the Goddess of Mercy Temple

In George Town proper is the Goddess of Mercy temple on the edge of the very interesting Penang Little India . Fronted by a square where devotees go pray and light up joss sticks, it’s one of George Town’s oldest temples and was built in 1728.

Legend says that during the Japanese occupation of Penang in World War II, no bomb could ever destroy it because of the goddess Kwan Yin. Today it’s a great place in George Town to come see Chinese devotees pray and observe a whole world of characters, from the long-term beggars to the Hare Krishnas who bring them free food, to the old aunties selling joss sticks and predictions for the Chinese New Year ahead. It’s also very photogenic, too, with its open square and two ash burners that tower in front of the gates like black stone guardians.

21 See one of the world’s largest reclined Buddhas

Penang wouldn’t be the smorgasbord of cultures it is if it didn’t have at least one Thai Buddhist temple, and the Wat Chaiya Mangalaram in Pulau Tikus is the most important, oldest Malaysian Siamese temple in the state. The main feature here is the 32-meter-long reclined Buddha statue, one of the largest in the world, that lays over a columbarium where the burnt ashes of the cremated are housed. There are stupas and other colorful statues of Yaksha and other mythical creatures.

The temple is a focal point of Thai celebrations such as Songkran and Wesak Day in honour of Lord Buddha. Just in front of it is the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, another very important in Penang, with its striking collection of Buddha statues that imitate the Buddha figure as depicted around the world, from Cambodia to Afghanistan to India and beyond.

22 Soak the colonial charms of Beach Street

Beach Street runs from Fort Cornwallis all along the coast, encasing George Town, and historically was one of the oldest streets in George Town. Established in 1786, it quickly became one of the most thriving streets for business in old Penang. Part of that legacy is of course still visible today in the string of beautiful buildings — most converted into banks — that line both sides of the street, making it a magnet for couples on their pre-wedding photoshoots. A few notable to remember are India House, the Beach Street Fire Station, the Whiteaways Arcade, the George Town Dispensary, and the Khoo Si Toon Keng Tong Kongsi, a lesser clan house of the Khoos.

In the past few years, the street parade Occupy Beach Street came to enliven this area on Sundays, bringing in all sorts of arts and stalls where locals sold their wares. One of the main access points to  Penang Little India  is also along this famous road.

23 Experience Islam at the Masjid Kapitan Keling

The Masjid Kapitan Keling in central George Town is a special mosque, and not only because of its magnificent black domes, sleek architectural style, and white walls. It’s mainly because it was built in the 19th century by Indian Muslim traders in the multi-ethnic port of Penang. Its significance within the UNESCO-inscribed old city of George Town is that this was the first Islamic institution built in the city’s Tamil neighbourhood. “Keling”, in fact, was a Malay term to indicate persons of Indian origin, and even if today it is considered a racist slur, at the time it wasn’t.

You can visit the Masjid Kapitan Keling mosque outside of praying times when volunteers will be happy to show you around and answer your questions. Penang is very hot, but don’t worry, for if you will arrive without proper long clothes, the volunteers will be offering you a tunic to cover up and be allowed inside the Masjid’s grounds. Please don’t get impatient if some may go beyond their duty trying to convince you to convert to Islam.

24 Climb to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple

Set on a flank of Penang Hill in close proximity to Moongate and the Botanic Gardens, the Waterfall Temple, with its striking white gopuram, may be the most beautiful of Penang’s Indian temples. For this reason, it is often the backdrop of pre-wedding photoshoots in Penang.

This temple is the epicentre of the dramatic Tamil festival of Thaipusam, when local devotees, with lips and cheeks pierced by skewers in honour of the Lord of War Murugan, walk barefoot from the centre of Penang Little India  and end their pilgrimage here. This is a very busy and yet spectacular time to visit, but you can come any other time, and enjoy the peace of the surroundings sheltered by nature.

25 Tuck toes in the sand at Batu Ferringhi

On the northern side of Penang, Batu Ferringhi beach was once a hippie hangout and today harbors most of the island’s high-end hotels and resorts. The area is frankly touristy and overdeveloped, but the beach, which is public but accessed from the hotels, is still one of Penang’s most visited — albeit not the cleanest among all other 20-something Penang beaches .

Still, I think you should visit Batu Ferringhi at least once, maybe to have a sundowner at one of Penang’s famous beachside hotel bars, or even better, to catch a purple Penang sunset this part of the island is very famous for. Leave the watersports for the Arabian tourists and you’ll be fine.

READ MORE Best Hotels in Batu Ferringhi

26 Marvel at Penang Floating Mosque

The Floating Mosque is Tanjung Bungah’s most iconic sight. Opened in 2007 and built on stilts over the sea with great choreographic effect, it came to be this way to accommodate the larger number of Muslims where there was no space on land. Non-Muslims can appreciate this mosque best at sunrise and sunset when its prominent minaret and colorful rooftop glitter against all the hues of pink, red and yellow.

27 Play Monkey at ESCAPE Theme Park

This theme park in  Teluk Bahang  is perfect for a full day of action-charged activities. It’s a beautiful set of ziplines (pulleys connected to stainless steel cables, and attached to the trees) set into a patch of rainforest for maximum play effect. Kids and adults can come here to play together, climbing platforms and swinging like monkeys across some of Teluk Bahang’s most pristine canopy. Escape also has a newer park, too, Escape Adventureplay, that’s a good alternative to the beach, with water slides and all those fun water activities. The park has the world’s longest mat waterslide, a staggering 1,111 meters long and a full three minutes long, suspended among the trees.

It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm and closed each Monday for maintenance. Check more on Escape’s Official Website There are several categories of tickets and online discounts, starting at RM97 per child up to 12 years old and seniors, while adults pay RM147.  If you want an RM17 discount , you can buy your Escape Tickets online from our partner Klook  at this link .

28 Learn about World War II History at Penang War Museum

Malaysia’s own War Museum  in the southern Penang district of Batu Maung testifies the Penang’s history of occupation by the Japanese during World war II. But even if the museum’s management doesn’t like to admit it, Penang War Museum is better known around the world for having been portrayed in several documentaries as a “haunted museum”.

These are certainly urban legends, but what is true is that Penang really succumbed to marauding Japanese troops right at this fort, that the British built on Bukit Hantu (literally and ironically, it translates to ‘Ghost Hill’). National Geographic featured Penang War Museum among the most haunted places in Asia, telling the spooky story of merciless Japanese colonel Suzuki and the prisoners of war he tortured and killed here – the bullet holes in the walls serve as a grim reminder.

But beyond the spooks, a visit to the Penang War Museum today should be a good lesson to learn about the resilience of local Penang people against the invaders. It also offers a 100 Feet Underground Tunnel that’s guaranteed to test your nerves.

29 Have a Go at the Snake Temple

This temple situated only 3km away from Penang Airport was built in 1850 in honour of Chor Soo Kong, a famous Buddhist monk and healer. Devotees come here as far as Singapore, Taiwan, and China to pray to him, but the place has become somewhat of a tacky tourist attraction because of the tame snakes that are found there. Legend says that Chor Soo Kong used to shelter snakes inside of this temple and that after his death, they started to come on their own. What is true, however, is that a few snakes are always hanging on wooden poles set at the sides of the main altar. Don’t come with high expectations, but by all means, the place makes for a good photo opportunity.

30 See Penang Avatar Secret Garden

Did you know that Penang has a place that looks like the Tree of Souls of the blockbuster movie Avatar? It’s Penang Avatar Secret Garden in Tanjung Tokong, a place that has become a very popular attraction. The main thing to see is the landscaped park set on the hill behind the Thai Pak Koong temple. Its centrepiece is, of course, the big “Tree of Souls” decorated with LED strings. It comes alive as soon as darkness falls. The tree soars above a life-sized checkerboard, and there are stairs and a wooden boardwalk to complete a quick circuit around the tree and back down. I have written an ultimate guide to visiting Avatar Penang Secret Garden you will find very useful.

31 Take a dip at Monkey Beach

Perched on the westernmost corner of Penang Island in the beautiful Penang National Park , Monkey Beach is one of Penang’s most popular beaches. It takes its name from the population of macaques that live in the forest behind the crescent of sand, but these days you’ll probably see more day-trippers than primates, to be honest. The tourists have brought development, and there are a couple of bars here like Lazy Boys Cafe and Tiger Monkey Bar & Leisure where you can buy cocktails and stay for sunset — and also camping, too, at Lazyboys, where you can also rent A-framed huts. Swimming technically is not allowed all over Penang because of the box jellyfish hazard which can be deadly, but people usually dip at Monkey Beach. Do so at your own risk.

You can hike to Monkey Beach from the entrance of Penang National Park (remember that a group of more than 10 people need to get a guide from park headquarters) or, if you are unfit, lazy, or in a rush, can get on one of the shared boats that ply the route as soon as they fill up. They should cost RM50 per trip to share among passengers.

If you want to do it all in comfort from George Town, we recommend taking this Monkey Beach tour on KLOOK that offers pick-up from your hotel.

READ MORE – Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monkey Beach

Best Things to Do on Penang Hill

Straddling the central part of the island, Penang Hill was a colonial hill station and is the best place to feel the nature of Penang today. Hikers will love leaving George Town to spend hours, if not days, trawling the dozens of paths that crisscross the hill. For those who just want to have a trip to the top, a funicular train whisks visitors up in a few minutes. Read our ultimate list of the best things to do on Penang Hill , too.

32 Enjoy Penang Nature at the Botanic Gardens

At the bottom of Penang Hill, and within walking distance from Moon gate, are Penang Botanic Gardens founded in 1794. They are said to be the closest gardens to a city centre in the world, as they are only about 10min drive away from George Town — you can take a Grab car there . It’s a perfect place to stroll and observe some of the region’s, and the world’s, diverse flowers and trees.

A circular paved road goes around the Gardens and is popular with local joggers. You can take a walk and spend time in the many gardens and greenhouses that host a variety of endemic plants. For those who want to have a quick experience of the forest, a staircase leaves the gardens to Station 46, a popular rest stop for hikers. It’s a climb and you’ll get drenched in sweat for sure, but the views of the trees are superb.

33 Take the famous Funicular Train up Penang Hill

The original trains that have whisked passengers from the bottom to the top station of Penang Hill since 1923 have been upgraded in 2011, but getting up this hill station by train remains one of Penang’s main attractions. The train takes less than ten minutes to go up, sometimes stopping at the Middle Station en route, where in the past it was necessary to switch trains. The views over the thicket, Air Hitam and George Town in the distance are unique from this rail track. To be honest, at 30RM the ticket is quite steep for tourists, but the other option is walking up — and that will take you more than two hours one way. Here is our ultimate guide to visiting Penang Hill.

You can buy train tickets online on Klook to save time at the bottom of the hill where queues are normal, especially on weekends.

34 Fly across Penang’s Oldest Forest on a zipline

Penang Hill has a very cool zip line, the 5-course Flight of the Colugo zipline. Developed to give guests a feel for one of Penang’s oldest rainforest canopies — a staggering 130 million years old — this new attraction sends visitors gliding above the thicket like flying lemurs (the “colugo”, as the name suggests).

The complete Flight of the Colugo experience consists of a 5 zipline course which can be completed in about an hour. The cost is RM105 per person and includes equipment rental and guides. The “Honeymoon Zip” is a quick teaser on a single tandem zipline, and costs RM32 including tax. It’s an exciting 80mt-long single tandem zipline over a 5mt-high drop that gives guests one first look at the beautiful rainforest.

35 …and then visit the rest of the Habitat

Flight of the Colugo zipline is a part of the Habitat, an interesting forest walk along a colonial irrigation path that crisscrosses Penang Hill’s best-preserved patch of rainforest. I have already written an article on 7 good reasons why you should visit the Habitat Penang Hill but in brief, it has Penang’s highest viewpoint at the Curtis Crest walkway, and a 230-meter-long canopy walkway, the Langgur Way. It soars 40-meters above the forest floor underneath, and it’s been built entirely tree-friendly, without using any direct rigging of the steel cabins on the tree bark.

You can buy a discounted Habitat entry ticket on KLOOK to avoid queues and save some ringgit.

36 Have a power hike to Station 5 via Moongate

There’s nothing better than hiking to feel the mesmerizing power and sounds of Penang Hill’s forest. A popular Penang Hill hike starts at Moon Gate , the former entrance to a millionaire’s home. You can follow a concrete staircase up to the hill, which we don’t recommend, or strike off on a very interesting side jungle path that is called Wild Boar Trail. I have written a detailed guide on how to hike to Moon Gate Station 5 , a popular hiker rest stop, via the Wild Boar Trail.

Moderately fit people should complete the hike in 30–45 minutes one way, allowing some time to rest and enjoy nature and the free gym machines at Station 5. It’s best then not to strike off later than 5.30 pm to return down to Moon Gate before dark.

37 Take the Penang Hill Hiking Trail that Only Locals Know About

Tourists take the funicular train up, while local hikers love to get up to Penang Hill , or at least to the Middle Station, on foot. There is one beautiful hike I have described in this article that will take you from the Hye Keat Estate up to Penang Hill Middle Station.

The trek is completely paved and it’s possible to do it also by bicycle or small motorbike, but we believe that walking it is absolutely the best way to go. The views from the top are amazing, spanning from Kek Lok Si Temple to George Town and across the Straits Sea to Bukit Mertajam and Kedah state .

38 Find a slice of Myanmar on Penang Hill

You would think you just stumbled upon the Golden Rock of Kyaiktiyo in Myanmar, but no, you are on Penang Hill , walking from Hye Keat Estate to the Middle Station. You can’t miss them: take a side path on your right, and you’ll soon find yourself on a side of the hill filled with dozens of golden Burmese stupas. They are part of a small Buddhist Temple here, and are a very nice hidden spot to visit on Penang Hill — and tell your friends you have been to Burma instead!

Things to Do in Penang for Nature Lovers

39 discover penang national park.

The northwestern corner of Penang island is enveloped in the thick jungle and beaches of the world’s smallest national park at Teluk Bahang . A visit here offers a few interesting hiking trails, monkeys, beaches, and a lot more, including one of the world’s few meromictic lakes — meaning a lake where fresh and saltwater don’t mix but coexist in layers.

Penang National Park is a perfect place to see and experience the wild side of Penang, the other side of the moon compared to the hectic streets of George Town.

40 Look for some strange and cute Malaysian Animals

The jungles of Penang hide at least 13 species of Malaysian animals including rare ones such as the flying lemur, the Sunda slow loris and the giant red squirrel. Some of them, like the long-tail macaques, are pretty easy to spot, but you must be very lucky to find others. The Botanic Gardens and Penang Hill are the obvious places to start looking — but remember that, whatever you find, keep your distance and don’t disturb them in their habitat. Most importantly, do not feed monkeys or any other animals. If you do, you are just an idiot tourist who doesn’t know anything about nature and the world beyond a shopping mall, and there are no excuses for your ignorance!

41 Meet a million butterflies at ENTOPIA

Formerly called Penang Butterfly Farm, ENTOPIA is one of Teluk Bahang’s best attractions. Read our full review of ENTOPIA here . In brief offers a much larger space to observe insects, creepy crawlies and other small animals. Take your time to stroll inside Natureland , a living garden vivarium with 15,000-odd free-flying butterflies, or browse the Cocoon , two floors of learning exhibits, and indoor activities all dedicated to insects and bugs. It’s a great place to visit in Penang with kids  but is certainly also educational for people of all ages.

Admission prices are RM69 for non-Malaysian adults, and RM49 for children and seniors, and include an all-day access pass. But we are sure you’d love to use a 10RM discount by buying your Entopia tickets directly from our partner Klook .

42 Enjoy the Rainforest at Taman Rimba

Right next to ENTOPIA is Taman Rimba, a 32-hectare natural park that serves as a great introduction to Penang and Malaysia’s rainforest. The park is equipped with all sorts of picnic areas, a forestry museum, and a decent number of hiking trails, some of which connect with other hiking circuits via Laksamana Hill until Penang Hill. The beauty of Taman Rimba is certainly its lush forest, some of the thickest in Penang. You can consider swimming in one of the many holes here, or bring a tent and camp overnight. Arrange your stay at the park headquarters.

43 Relax at one of Penang’s Best Beaches

Penang is an island, of course: to be frank, Penang beaches are not the best in Southeast Asia, but there are definitely a few hidden gems worth visiting. For example, on the southern side of Penang island, the areas of Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar have some quiet, long beaches such as Pantai Pasir Panjang and Gertak Sanggul, with their interesting fishing community and great seafood.

On the northern side of Penang, Batu Ferringhi beach was once a hippie hangout and today harbours most of the island’s high-end hotels and resorts. Penang National park at Teluk Bahang has more opportunities for nature and a few famous beaches like Monkey Beach and Pantai Kerachut, which have a small turtle sanctuary. Read more details on our detailed guide to Penang’s 20 Best Beaches .

44 Visit the Tropical Spice Garden (and take a cooking class)

Set in a beautiful location between the sea and a forested hill, the award-winning Tropical Spice Garden is a collection of tropical plants curated by local artist Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson. The garden is not only perfect as a location for pre-wedding photography , but also to take your kids on a discovery tour of some of Malaysia, and Southeast Asia’s, rarest species of plants.

Their Poison Garden is a very instructive walk among poisonous plants, whose uses and misuses are richly described with educational panels. We suggest you get an audio tour for yourself and your kids, in order to maximize your fun and learning experience. You can also participate in their guided day or night walks.

Don’t forget the Tropical Spice Garden’s cooking classes, limited to 8 people to maximise learning and give you a hands-on education to create some of Southeast Asia’s best dishes. You can book your spot here.

To enter the Tropical Spice Garden, adults pay RM31 for an audio-tour, while kids up to 12 years old pay RM18. To get your advanced and discounted audio-tour ticket please buy tickets online from our partners at Klook

45 Hike to Penang’s second-tallest peak, Bukit Laksamana

Soaring between Penang Hill and Penang National Park at Teluk Bahang, 805-meters-high Bukit Laksamana is the second-highest peak in Penang and a hiker’s delight. You can start your hike at Taman Rimba, Chin Farm in Batu Ferringhi, or Penang Hill itself. If starting from the northern side of the island, you’ll have to endure a steep incline all the way up to the Laksamana peak. The views from Eagle Point are incredible and worth the sweat and sore muscles.

46 Chase Supertrees at Cherok Tokun Nature Park

Right across the bridge in Bukit Mertajam is Cherok Tokun Nature Park, an expanse of wilderness with a bunch of less-trawled hiking trails. One of the best reasons to come here is to look for one of the four giant trees hidden away in the reserve. Contrary to Penang Hill, Cherok Tokun has some of Penang’s biggest and oldest trees, amazing natural sights that any nature lover wouldn’t want to miss. Don’t forget to check out the other great hiking in Penang Mainland , also called Seberang Perai. Want to explore it more? Stay at one of Bukit Mertajam’s best hotels .

And if you want to know more, our ultimate guide to Cherok Tok Kun has everything you need to know to hike this beautiful nature reserve.

47 Explore Balik Pulau

By far, the island’s most natural and unspoilt area remains Balik Pulau in the southwest corner of Penang. This is where you will find fishing villages, unspoiled beaches, a lot of nutmeg, durian and banana trees, some of Penang’s best and most famous laksa and a pace of life which is the opposite of hectic George Town.

READ MORE — 28 Great Things to Eat, See and Do in Balik Pulau

Balik Pulau is also ideal for cycling and relaxing, and also has a couple of hiking trails, such as the 3-mile circuit at Kalan Pondok Upeh. It’s a good idea to base yourself here if you are looking for a quiet and more natural experience of Penang island.

48 Ride Horses at Countryside Stables

Located in Balik Pulau not far from the serene Malindo Beach, Countryside Stables is a horse farm where guests can visit and ride horses in some of Penang’s most beautiful surroundings. The farm has miniatures horses, Pure Bred Arabian Horses, Polo Pony, Thai, Myanmar and Malaysian ponies, donkeys and deer, and is a perfect place to spend a day out with your family and children or, if you are a rider, come enjoy a stroll on horseback.

49 Enjoy a waterfall

Penang’s jungles are dotted by a number of beautiful waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip. The most famous may be almost vertical Titi Kerawang Fall in Balik Pulau , but there are others around the island. The Penang Botanic Gardens waterfall, which used to be one of the most famous in Malaysia, and is unfortunately closed to the public today. But you can still go check out the very beautiful Chin Farm waterfall near Batu Ferringhi, or the 25-meter-high fall behind the Mutiara Indah apartment in Bukit Gambir.

Offbeat Things to Do in Penang

If you have arrived all the way here, you certainly have seen and done a lot of things in Penang and you need something lesser-known and refreshing. The following are a few ideas we consider perfect for those who want to scratch the surface and dig deeper into Penang than most.

50 Take a trip to Bukit Mertajam

Few people know that right across the Penang bridge is Bukit Mertajam (fondly called “BM” by locals), a very overlooked town that has a lot of great things to do and amazing food to eat. Don’t forget that BM is a place where you can experience Penang life without the beautification and massive gentrification that has spoiled George Town. If you didn’t know much about Bukit Mertajam, I have written an article that lists all the best things to visit and the best food available in this offbeat Seberang Perai town.

51 Visit a Haunted Hotel on top of Penang Hill

The Crag Hotel is a beautiful property set in a stunning location in the secluded northern part of Penang Hill. The Crag Hotel was first opened by the Iranian-Armenian Sarkies Brothers in 1895, was then leased as a boarding building to Penang Uplands School and remained operational until 1977. In 1991 it was used once again as a set for the movie “Indochine”, but since then it has stayed closed — well, abandoned, for you can certainly go visit the premises today.

The latest news was the Crag Hotel was waiting for a much-needed 300-room eco-hotel upgrade which, for the moment, still seems a far-fetched opportunity. Next to the Crag Hotel is also the beautiful building that housed the Penang Uplands school.

Like with every abandoned property in Malaysia, locals believe the place is haunted by ghosts. I’ve heard a man say that a couple of food sellers with no home used to stay here at night, and they lamented hearing muffled cries, something definitely otherworldly. Whether you come here by braving the steep and wild hiking path via Botanic Gardens or Bukit Olivia, or by walking after you get off the Penang Hill Funicular Train, a visit to the Crag Hotel is a dive into old Malaysia — the furniture, the quirky English-written signboards abandoned on the floor, and the larger-than-life abandoned bathrooms, something scary in itself, make a visit to remember.

52 Marvel at Frog Hill, the Jiuzhaigou of Penang

Also called “Bukit Katak”, Frog Hill was an offbeat place in Seberang Perai, the mainland chunk of Penang State, that got famous thanks to the usual work of Instagram hype. Also called Lombong Kampung Guar Petai, Frog Hill Tasek Gelugor, or Guar Perahu, Frog Hill is an old tin mining site where water is collected into a series of pools crisscrossed by red earth ridges. It’s an otherworldly scenery of jagged red rocks emerging from viridian pools. Some people said that Frog Hill is like the “Jiuzhaigou of Penang” — quite an overstatement, but let the locals be proud of their backwoods.

READ MORE — A Complete Guide to Visiting Frog Hill

Frog Hill is absolutely stunning at sunrise, but you gotta get up pretty early to catch it. Indeed Frog Hill is roughly 30 minutes north of Bukit Mertajam , set at the end of a road that goes through a small village called Kampung Jarak Atas. Remember that the road to Frog Hill is not paved and gets often muddy, so don’t come here unprepared in the rainy season — good footwear and sandals you can quickly wash up are essential.

53 Discover Soundmaker and Penang’s underground music

Few people know that Penang had a music history — Malaysia’s most famous singer and actor, P. Ramlee, hails from here — and fewer know that the island has an underground music scene. Set on the first floor of a nondescript building in Bishop street, Soundmaker is the island’s longest-running alternative rock club. From punk to metal, hip-hop and alternative, you’ll find something up your alley here.

Soundmaker is also a good place to go meet Penang’s musicians, especially the owner Cole Yew , a multi-instrumentalist and the man who knows everything that’s rocking in Penang.

54 Pay a visit to the Jewish Cemetery

For a bit of unknown history, Penang Jewish Cemetery , the oldest single Jewish cemetery in Southeast Asia opened in 1805, is a quirk find in Jalan Zainal Abidin. First of all, it proves the existence of a Jewish community from almost as far back as when Penang was colonized, and second, it has some beautiful stone graves and interesting tombstones. The most recent tomb is from 2011, allegedly the last Jewish lineage on Penang island until now.

55 Explore Penang’s Yoga and Health Underworld

Penang may not seem like the right place, but it has quite a few places for yoga and wellness . The most accessible is Wholey Wonder on 61 Jalan Gurdwara, which has a vegan restaurant and yoga studio. Just next door, the garden of Hin Bus Depot hosts the fun acro-yoga sessions (a bunch of very flexible people striking acrobatic yoga poses to introduce the art to passersby) as part of their Sunday Pop-Up Market.

Another well-known studio is Sunalini yoga, set in a George Town shophouse along Hutton Lane. Classes are small and run by enthusiastic iyengar-style yoga, which places attention on detail, precision and alignment in performing the right posture (asanas). The Space, located in the expat-centric area of Tanjung Bunga, is an intimate, cozy studio offering traditional yoga sessions (RM45/US $ 10 for walk-ins), and other special classes such as prenatal and childbirth yoga, stretching sessions, chakra yoga, and yoga for kids. They also run Kundalini Yoga sessions on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 10 am.

56 Shop and Meet Artists at Hin Bus Depot Pop Up Market

This former bus depot has done so much to give a voice and space to Penang and Malaysia’s visual artists. Its rotating art and photo exhibits have definitely filled a hole in the island’s social and cultural life. Not only that, but they also organise a great pop up market (Saturday 11 am- 6 pm and Sunday 11 am- 5 pm) where EVERYONE can set up shop and sell ANYTHING by paying a mere RM44 (USD11) for the space. It’s certainly one of the coolest alternative shopping experiences in Penang .

From second-hand books to plants and flowers, home-made drinks and jewellery, and unique artist postcards there’s something cute, tiny and artsy for everyone at Hin Pop Up Market . And the best thing is, the stalls change mostly every week.

57 Explore Jerejak Island, a former Leper colony that’s too big to dismiss

You certainly have seen it, as it lays like a sleeping crocodile right in front of Queensbay: Jerejak Island. Set between Penang island and the mainland, Jerejak was once a quarantine station during British colonial times and has been staying semi-dormant until now.

A few years ago there was plan to develop it as Penang’s outdoor and recreation hub, but nothing really came to fruition. You can, however, take a ferry over from Bayan Lepas and even overnight at the Jerejak Resort. The island offers a bunch of useless Insta-worthy places such as a rainbow pier, giant swings and bird nests, and a stairway to nothing. What’s good, on the other hand, is trekking and cycling around the island.

58 Explore Penang by Bicycle

It may seem counterintuitive once you have seen Penang’s horrible traffic gridlock, but the island is a good place for cycling, too. For starters, the whole eastern coast from Karpal Singh Drive all the way to Penang Airport is connected by a cycle lane, whose two trunks connect at Queensbay Mall. A more experienced cyclist may want to attempt a full 83-kilometer round island circuit: if you are not that dedicated, you may break down this route into the Northern circuit, going from George Town all the way to Batu Ferringhi following the coastal route, or explore the Southern shore at Gertak Sanggul.

The interior of Balik Pulau is covered with paddy fields and small country roads that are a delight to cycle. If getting there on a bike sounds daunting, check out the Audi Homestay, a nice place to base yourself in Balik Pulau, which also has plenty of bikes for rental. And don’t forget that using a bicycle is also a good, quicker — but much sweatier — way to appreciate all of George Town’s nooks and crannies.

59 Take a herbal sauna or realign your chakras at Bodi Heart Sanctuary

Set on a stunning natural location at the bottom of Penang Hill, Penang’s Bodi Heart Sanctuary is an oasis of (Buddhist) meditation that few people know about. The center organizes meditation courses and international events hosting monks from as far as Myanmar, India, and around the world, but you can also just come to have a stroll and relax in its beautiful gardens.

One of the perks is their herbal steam sauna open to the public for a donation of RM10. It’s a very soothing experience to while away an afternoon in a part of the island that very few people know about.

60 Learn Silambam, an ancient South Indian martial art

Silambam Nillaikalakki, a form of stick-fighting martial art, originated more than five thousand years ago in the Kurinji mountains of South India and is one of Penang’s lesser-known heritages. It arrived with the Tamil migrants and survived in Malaysia, being mostly forgotten in favor of other types of Silambam in India.

Master Anbanathan has been teaching this art for decades from a rooftop in the Bali Rakyat of the Taman Tun Sardon area of Gelugor. The group meets almost daily from 7 pm to 9 pm and everyone is welcome to come to learn and experience the art. You can have more information on the Penang Silambam Nillaikallaki Group website .

Well, that sums up my list of the best things to do in Penang. I hope you’ll use them to plan a beautiful trip to Penang. To be fair, I couldn’t include everything, but if you feel I’ve made a major omission, please let me know in the comments below.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

MYAirline Review: Is It the Right Choice for Your Next Trip?

Paya Gunung Via Ferrata: Challenge Yourself on the Most Hair-rising Climb in Jerantut, Pahang

Sungai Relau Treetop Walk: A new attraction revives Malaysia’s oldest national park

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

EDITOR PICKS

9 Striking Things to See in Singapore’s Civic District

The 8 Best Must-Try Food And Cafes in Joo Chiat, Singapore’s...

Popular posts.

48 Hours in Penang the Smart Way

Blood Sweat and Tears: What I Learned about Friendship in Penang

Popular category.

• See & Do 76
• Getaways 59
• Eat & Drink 29
• Accommodation 18

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Travel & Food, Itineraries & Guides, Hotel Reviews

My PERFECT 2-Day Penang Itinerary (2024 Travel Guide) 槟城自由行

January 1, 2024 by Bino 8 Comments

One of Malaysia’s most popular destinations, Penang has always beguiled travelers with its age-old shophouses, fantastic street cuisine as well as enviable beaches. I have been to Penang quite a number of times over the years and there is always something new to check out with each visit. Whether you are a history buff or a foodie, this island off the Andaman Sea will always have something to offer. For a mix of all that Penang is known for (food, history, new attractions, etc), here is a well-balanced itinerary that I had easily implemented over a weekend in Penang.

Table of Contents

Day 1 – Georgetown

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown is an excellent place to start in the island. Choc-full of colonial buildings, charming shophouses, temples, mosques and fantastic places to eat. People come here to do two things – to see the heritage buildings and street art or to eat some of Penang’s specialties – so the amount of time you spend here will depend on your interest level in the two activities.

Tip: If you are arriving via Penang International Airport, you may wish to pre-purchase a 4G sim card in order to save time and avoid potential queues. Prices are also slightly cheaper versus buying it on the spot.

Georgetown is generally walkable and should not take more than 20 or 25 minutes from one end to another. However, it can get searing hot especially during midday so you may want to take public transport. I personally take Grab. Point to point rides in Georgetown typically range from 3 to 5 MYR.

penang clan jetty by justin lau

The area around the Georgetown Ferry Terminal is a natural starting point for exploring Georgetown. Almost immediately to the west of it are the Clan Jetties – a series of villages floating on stilts by the coast. In total there are 7 villages here, each owned by a specific clan / family that still inhabit the houses on stilts to this day. The most popular of these villages is the Chew Jetty (although each jetty has its own attraction) which has its own temple as well as souvenir shops lining the narrow alleys.

wonder food museum (source: wonder food museum)

From the Clan Jetties, it is a short walk to the colorful Wonder Food Museum (49 Lebuh Pantai), a showcase of Penang’s culinary heritage and over-sized versions of some local dishes. While the replicas are a feast for the eyes, the exhibition also gives one a better understanding of regional cuisines. 

boy on motorbike street art in penang

The heritage zone also has plenty of street art and you can easily spend an entire day hunting them down. To the casual visitor, one of the most popular is the Boy on Motorbike (12 Lebuh Ah Quee), a 3D artwork consisting of a painting of a boy against an actual motorbike. It’s also a good idea to come here early in the morning before a small queue forms over those wishing to take a photo of the street art.

khoo kongsi georgetown by WIL | CC 2.0

Next, head to the nearby Khoo Kongsi (18 Cannon Square) for what is one of the most intricately designed clan houses in Southeast Asia. Similar in purpose to those found in places like Singapore, Hoi An, Melaka, etc – these clan houses served as the headquarters of family associations. There is an entrance fee of MYR 10 – pretty steep for a temple in Malaysia but worth it for the architecture. On certain evenings, Khoo Kongsi is also floodlit which makes the building’s details stand out even more. 

kapitan keling mosque by Bex Walton | CC 2.0

From here, it is just a short walk to the Kapitan Keling Mosque (14 Jalan Buckingham), by far the most picturesque among Georgetown’s Islamic buildings. The mosque was built in the 1800s by Penang’s Tamil Muslim community and is today recognized as one of Malaysia’s most prominent mosques.

penang’s blue mansion

It is a short stroll to the Pinang Peranakan Museum (29 Church Street) which showcases a home typical of a wealthy family from Baba Nyonya origins that are unique to cities along the Straits of Malacca (Melaka, Penang, Singapore and Phuket to an extent). There are over 1,000 antiques inside and you can easily spend hours marveling at the house. For an insightful look into Baba Nyonya culture, join one of the free guided tours. Alternatively, you can head over to the photogenic Blue Mansion , another one of Georgetown’s famous houses that’s open to visitors. For the full heritage experience, you can also book a room stay there inside the mansion.

delicious nasi ulam at auntie gaik lean’s

If you are feeling peckish by this time, I can’t recommend Auntie Gaik Lean’s enough for its delightful Baba Nyonya cuisine. The restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star during Michelin’s inaugural listing in Malaysia. Top of my list of dishes to order is the Nasi Ulam (rice salad) and Sambal Fish. Make sure to try the refreshing Nutmeg Juice as well. Alternatively, Sri Weld Food Court down the road has one of the best nasi lemak in Penang.

eastern and oriental hotel penang

The searing afternoon heat gives you enough reasons to chill a bit at the plush and historic Eastern and Oriental Hotel . Similar to the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and The Strand in Yangon, the E&O was built by the Sarkies Brothers in the 1800s and is today undoubtedly the most luxurious hotel in Georgetown. Food here is pretty good. Purists may slam me for saying that I prefer the char kway teow here but the extra servings of cockles and extra large prawns really won me over.

fine views at the new observation deck in komtar

Sunset is a great time to head up to Komtar ( book here for tickets ), the tallest building in Penang and once a glaring white elephant. In recent years, a private company has turned it into a tourist attraction after building 2 extra floors and a rooftop observation deck with a section made in glass. It is a must-see during the blue hour – against the sunset, city lights and the lights coming up on the glass observation deck.

Have a relaxing evening at Love Lane , a small alley containing plenty of bars, restaurants and backpacker guesthouses.

Day 2 – Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si and Batu Ferringhi

Spend your second day exploring attractions further afield, namely Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si as well as Batu Ferringhi.

canopy walk at the habitat in penang hill

Start the day early and head up to Penang Hill before the crowds do. The typical way up for most visitors is via the train which costs MYR 30 per adult and MYR15 per child (foreigners). Malaysians can go up for MYR 10 per adult and MYR 4 per child. Do note the train runs from 6:30AM to 9PM daily. The top affords stunning views of the entire island. For an even higher view, head up to the new attraction called “ The Habitat ” for an educational guided tour of the local flora as well as the treetop walk and canopy walk. While up here, grab a cup of coffee or have a meal at the David Brown restaurant and appreciate fine views of the island. If you prefer to have someone else arrange these trips to the outskirts, you can also book a private tour that will pick you up from your hotel and take you to both Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si. The main benefit is you do not need to worry about how you can get a cab once you’re in those locations. You can book the tour here .

Tip: Alternatively, for a taste of Penang’s coffee culture, head to Mugshot Cafe at Chulia Street. Aside from coffee, the venue is also known for its freshly-made bagel muffins. kek lok si temple by Michael Coghlan | CC 2.0

Afterwards, head to Kek Lok Si (you might want to use a ride sharing service such as Uber or Grab or book the private tour ). While there is certainly no shortage of temples in Penang or in Southeast Asia in general, this particular temple is a must-see for its hillside setting. The highlight of the temple is the hard-to-miss seven storey pagoda containing 10,000 statues of Buddha.

Tip: There is an endless list of hawker food to try in Penang including char kway teow and fried oysters. The best fried oyster place in Penang is said to be at Seng Thor Coffee Shop at Carvarvon Street.

batu ferringhi by mikhail kotykhov

It’ll well be mid-afternoon by the time you finish which is good enough reason to end your day at Batu Ferringhi – the most accessible stretch of beach in Penang. The area is lined by several resorts and I would personally recommend having dinner while watching the sunset. Do note that sunset in Penang occurs pretty late, at around 7:30PM usually. Alternatively, if you are looking for a family-friendly activity around the area, check out Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm . The highlight here is the enclosed garden area with more than 15,000 butterflies flying around you. It’s truly a sight to behold and something that kids will definitely love. You can book discounted tickets here .

If you are heading to Kuala Lumpur as well, check out this suggested itinerary for Kuala Lumpur . If you are heading to Melaka, check out my Melaka travel guide .

Travel Tips for Penang

• Travel Insurance: I buy travel insurance to be safe in this era of viruses, flight cancellations/delays and last minute changes. If you reside in Singapore, check out Starr Travelead , one of the cheapest travel insurance. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 cash rebate that helps to cover the insurance cost. 
• Transport: In Penang, you don’t have to worry even if you are not staying in the city center. Ride-sharing apps such as Grab allow you to book a “cab” at the local price. Even if you stay in Batu Ferringhi for instance which is a 15 minute drive from the old town, the fare is only around 10 – 15 Ringgit.
• Car Rentals: In the post-pandemic era that we are in, some folks prefer to avoid public transport in order to minimize interactions with strangers. Car rentals have become more popular nowadays. You can check out deals here
• Dining Culture: The local cuisine is really one of the highlights in Penang. While the ambiance of most local eateries may be lacking, the food is superb. In this city, each eatery tends to specialize in just one dish – be it laksa, char kway teow (fried noodles), carrot cake, fried oyster, etc. Since the local taxis are so cheap, the idea of taking a cab from one eatery to another for multiple small bites isn’t at all far-fetched and is actually being practiced by many tourists in the know.

Where to Stay in Penang

Penang’s hotels are usually quite affordable even in the 4-star or 5-star categories so I would suggest splurging a bit for a more refined stay. Here are my recommendations after visiting Penang a number of times:

In Georgetown, staying at Eastern and Oriental Hotel is like hitting two birds with one stone. It is in itself a tourist attraction. At the same time, you get to bask in colonial luxury. Stay in the newer Victory Annex for some fine seaside views. Among midrange options, Campbell House offers one a colonial living experience, complete with antique phones in the guestrooms as well as Peranakan accents in the bathroom. For a budget option in Georgetown, you can check out SAVV Hotel which has been renovated recently. You can also check out other hotel options in Penang, including cheaper options here .

the parkroyal penang resort

In Batu Ferringhi, the Parkroyal Penang Resort is a good family-friendly midrange option. The Shangri-la Rasa Sayang Resort is the place to go if you’re looking to stay at Penang’s most luxurious hotel. The Rasa Wing in particular is noted for having a gigantic outdoor tub!

You May Also Like

Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

More Posts - Website

Reader Interactions

Older posts.

March 15, 2018 at 3:21 pm

Hello Bino… I stayed 4 years in Malaysia but never come to Penang. So pitty that time just got busy to work.

August 8, 2018 at 12:55 am

thank you very much for the recommendation Bino. Definitely will go to Penang this August with your itinerary,

September 25, 2018 at 10:09 am

What is the best transportation to reach from one place/to other place as your recommendation?

September 28, 2018 at 11:14 am

I usually take a ride share service like Grab when in Penang. It’s inexpensive.

April 6, 2019 at 4:38 am

I am considering to visit Penang. Please whats is best way to travel to Penang from Kuala Lumpur Any tour guide recomendation and contact. What to see in 2 days period.

April 6, 2019 at 10:16 am

That is already what this article is about – what to see in Penang in 2 days. To get from KL to Penang, you can fly domestic.

September 1, 2019 at 5:59 pm

Thanks for such a helpful and useful 2 days itinerary . Definitely go to Penang tomorrow.

January 20, 2020 at 11:48 pm

Thank you for sharing your ITI..Im a solo traveler and thinking to go to Penang this coming Jan 31, 2020.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Jetsetting Fools

Travel Far. Discover More. Spend Less.

Penang Itinerary: How To Spend 1 to 5 Days in Penang, Malaysia

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

George Town, Penang, Malaysia is a top travel destination – and it’s easy to understand why. Penang Island boasts incredible street art, delectable local cuisine, lush nature, amazing beaches and a well-preserved history. For our trip, we created an absolutely perfect Penang Itinerary and are sharing it with our fellow travelers!

How Many Days in Penang, Malaysia?

In our Penang, Malaysia Itinerary, we outline the best way to spend 5 days in Penang. We think that is the ideal amount of time to visit all of the George Town Penang attractions, abundant nature and sunny beaches. 

However, we understand that some are planning a Penang one day trip, while others only have 2 days in Penang or are trying to plan a 3 day Penang itinerary. To help travelers create the best itinerary to Penang, we outline alternative Penang itineraries for shorter stays at the end of the article.

About Our Penang Itinerary 5 Days

Our Penang 5 Day Itinerary covers the best Penang destinations. We highlight the top things to do in George Town Penang – as well as feature top Penang Island tourist spots, like beaches and temples. 

For each day, we detail what to see in Penang and include informational details about each attraction. Additionally, we provide a useful Penang attraction map with tourist spots so that you can easily route your way to each sight.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Penang Travel Guide to plan your trip to Malaysia!

George Town, Penang History

Before we jump into what to see and do in Penang, Malaysia, let’s talk a little about the history of Georgetown Penang. 

The city of George Town in Penang, Malaysia is the country’s second-largest city (after Kuala Lumpur ) – and the Penang tourist spot. Many of the top things to do in Penang are in the historical core of George Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but there are top attractions in Penang just outside the city center, too.  

Origins of Georgetown

Understanding the history of George Town in Penang, Malaysia is essential in making sense of the differing architectural styles and sights in the city.

Established as a port by the British East India Company in 1786, George Town officially became a British Colony in 1867. It wasn’t until 1957, when George Town became independent.

Because of the many different cultures that settled in George Town, the architecture is incredibly varied. Temples are found just steps from mosques and traditional Peranakan row houses are found just around the corner from grand colonial structures. The differing styles are what makes the George Town historical core the most interesting place in Penang. 

Penang Street Art

Whether taking a Penang 1 day trip or creating a 5 Day Itinerary Penang, seeing Street Art should be part of your trip plan. 

After earning the UNESCO World Heritage Site title in 2008, the city sought ways to present its history – and “Marking George Town Street Art” was the winning idea in 2010. Using steel rods, a team of artists created 52 sculptures that humorously tell the story of the town. The popular project, which integrated art into existing features on buildings, paved the way for other street artists.

Penang Art District

In 2012, Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic, painted a series of murals in George Town called “Mirrors George Town” that depict scenes of everyday life. His street art often incorporates tangible items into the murals and invites viewers to be interactive with the art. Since then, Penang has been flooded with artists leaving their mark on buildings all over town. 

Street Art Penang: What To See

Because seeking out street art is one of the top things to do in Georgetown Penang, we have included the most popular wall art murals in our Penang trip plan. That said, there are numerous works of art throughout the town that are lesser known, but still interesting. 

The Best Penang Itinerary  

Our day-by-day itinerary outlines what to see in Penang, Malaysia. In addition to must see sights, we also include a few unusual things to do in Penang. 

DAY 1: Visit Penang Itinerary

Day 1 of our Penang trip itinerary begins near the Penang port, Swetternham Pier, and includes the top 30 places to visit in Penang in George Town. We outline a self-guided walking tour of the must-visit places in Penang. In the afternoon, cool down with a cold drink at a café. Then, partake in the best night attraction in Penang, feasting on fabulous street food. 

What To Do in Georgetown Penang

Spend the day on a self-guided Penang city tour that features the best George Town, Penang attractions. On our self-guided George Town day tour, we have highlighted 30 Penang historical sites, Georgetown attractions and Penang street art sites.

Georgetown Penang Attractions Map

We’ve included a Penang attractions map of sights at the end of the post that include markers for all 30 stops on our outlined George Town city tour. You can also pick up a Penang tourist map at the airport or tourist information center.

Walking Tour Penang: A Self-Guided George Town, Penang Sightseeing Tour

Seeing George Town sights is a must-do in Penang! Gorgeous architecture and intriguing art murals are the highlight. No need to worry about where to go in George Town, Penang – our outlined Penang city tour itinerary includes the best places to visit. 

Our walking tour in Penang could take as little as 3 hours. However, we recommend slowing your pace, savoring the sights and spending an entire day sightseeing in George Town. 

#1 Queen Victoria Memorial Clock (Jubilee Clock Tower)

Start your Penang day tour walking expedition at the Queen Victoria Clock. Standing at Light Street and Beach Street is the Memorial Clock that was dedicated to the queen in 1897 to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee.

#2 Fort Cornwallis

Canons can be seen on the walls of Fort Cornwallis, a fort built in the 18th century by the British East India Company. It is one of the top places in Penang to learn about the history of the city. 

#3 Penang Town Hall and City Hall

Two historic places to visit in Georgetown Penang that are still used as originally intended are the Town Hall and City Hall. Built in the 1880s by the British, the Town Hall was used for social functions and administration offices. The City Hall building was completed in 1903. 

#4 St. George’s Anglican Church

Designated a National Treasure of Malaysia in 2007, St. George’s Anglican Church, which was consecrated in 1819, is one of the top Colonial tourist attractions in Penang George Town. The Neo-Classical structure features Doric columns, a gable roof and an octagonal steeple.

#5 Church of the Assumption

Designated a World Heritage Church, the Church of the Assumption dates to 1860 and is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Malaysia. 

#6 Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion

Designed as a traditional Chinese house, the Blue Mansion was built in the 19th century by Cheong Fatt Tze, a successful business man, for his family. Today, the landmark building is both a museum and a boutique hotel and it’s one of the most interesting places in Penang to visit. Tours are offered (for a small fee) a few times a day. 

#7 Trishaw Man Mural

As we mentioned, street art is a tourist attraction in Georgetown Penang – and the Trishaw Mural is the first artwork featured on our walking tour.

The 50-foot wall mural of a trishaw pedaler was painted by Ernest Zacharevic in 2012 and is one of his largest murals in the city.

#8 Thean Hou Temple

Renovated in 1995, the Thean Hou Temple features intricate stone carvings that depict Chinese stories and Hainanese culture. Although the temple is a Penang, Malaysia tourist spot, it is also a place of worship.

#9 Kung Fu Girl Mural

Also known as the Little Girl in Blue, the Kung Fu Girl mural was painted by Ernest Zacharevic and incorporates the building’s windows into the work of art. For many visitors, this artwork is a George Town sightseeing must-see. 

#10 The Indian Boatman Mural

Painted by Russian artist Julia Volchkova, the Indian Boatman mural is located on Stewart Lane, which is also called Boat Alley – a lane that once housed the Hainanese Mariners building.  

#11 Goddess of Mercy Temple  

Built in 1728, the Goddess of Mercy Temple is the oldest Taoist temple in the city. The temple is a Penang must-visit; both tourists and devotees visit with offerings and to light joss sticks.

#12 Pinang Peranakan Mansion

The opulent Peranakan Mansion museum is one of the historical places in Penang. Visitors can learn about the lifestyle of wealthy Peranakans (who are locally-born Chinese people, also called Babas and Nyonyas).

#13 Little India

Located in the heart of the city, the colorful Little India district is one of the top places to visit in Penang. Covering three streets, Little India is known for textile shops, Bollywood music and Indian cuisine. Visiting the Little India district is one of the top things to do in George Town, Penang.

#14 Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Built in 1833, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. The entrance tower (gopuram) is 23-feet-tall and features incredibly detailed statues of gods and goddesses. Note: Visitors can only enter the temple from 6:30am to 12noon and from 4:30pm to 9:00pm – so if you want to go inside, be sure to keep an eye on the time while exploring George Town.

#15 Kapitan Keling Mosque

Built in 1801 and renovated in 1930, the Kapitan Keling Mosque sits in the center of the city in the Tamil Muslim neighborhood (and just steps from the Sri Mahamariamman Temple). The mosque was the first Muslim structure built in Penang.

#16 Yap Temple

The small, but classic, Yap Temple is a clan temple of Lum Yeong Tong Yap Kongsi House and one of the Penang interesting places to see. Inside the temple, the Yap family ancestral tablets are on display.

#17 Sun Yat Sen Museum (formerly Sun Yat-sen Penang Base)

Built in 1880, the residential dwelling was used by Sun Yat-sen (known as the founding father of the Republic of China) as the headquarters of his political party in the early 1900s. It was from this site that Sun Yat-sen gave a rousing speech, which led to the China Revolution of 1911 and the overthrow of the Qing dynasty.

#18 Penang Islamic Museum

Dedicated to the role of Islam in Malaysia, the Islamic Museum is housed in the 1860 villa. It is one of the places to visit in Penang Island to learn more about the diversity of Penang.

#19 Lebuh Aceh Mosque

Built in 1808 in the heart of the Muslim settlement, the Lebuh Aceh Mosque is most-known for its unusual Egyptian-style minaret.

#20 Reaching Up Mural

A painting by Ernest Zacharevic, the Reaching Up street art mural depicts a little boy standing on a chair and reaching up toward a small, square window.

#21 Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

The Chinese clan, Khoo Kongsi, can trace its lineage back 650 years. On your Penang visit, find the impressive clan house that is hidden among shophouses and dwellings.

#22 Armenian Street Penang

Once called Malay Lane for the Malays that settled on the street, in the early 1800s, the name was changed to Armenian Street for the Armenian traders that took up residence there. Today, the street is multicultural and is popular with tourists, who come in search of street art. Strolling the length of the lane is one of the best things to do in George Town, Penang.

#23 Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple

The pretty Taoist Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple was built in 1845 – and was once the meeting place for a secret Chinese society (which is why a Kuan Kong statue is placed on the roof).

#24 Children on Bicycle Mural

One of Ernest Zacharevic’s most loved pieces of artwork in Penang, Children on Bicycle is a small painting of two kids enjoying a bike ride…on an actual bike. It’s one of the best places to visit in Penang to see how real items can be incorporated into street art.

#25 Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi Clan House

The ornate Cheah Kongsi dates to the year 1873 and incorporates multiple architectural styles, including Malay, Straits Chinese and European influences.  

#26 China House

The China House is a conglomeration of shops, cafes and galleries, which are housed in three historical buildings. The popular bakery is one of the best places in George Town, Penang for dessert – as the China House offers 30 different cakes.

Top Tip: Keep an eye out for the many opportunities to take fun Penang photos throughout the China House.

#27 Boy on Motorbike Mural

The Boy on Motorbike Mural, created by Ernest Zacharevic, depicts a familiar scene in the city: a motorbike driver looking over his shoulder for oncoming traffic. The mural incorporates the building doors and an actual motorbike in the painting.

To the left of Boy on Motorbike is Boy with Pet Monster Mural.   Also, painted by Ernest Zacharevic, Boy with Pet Monster Mural captures the imagination of a child. This is one of the most popular and best places to visit in Penang for Street Art. 

#28 Children Playing Basketball Mural

Artist Louis Gan (who is both deaf and mute) created Children Playing Basketball, utilizing a real basketball hoop.

#29 Brother and Sister on Swings Mural

The most popular painting in Penang by Louis Gan is Brother and Sister on Swings, which is on (now named) Step By Step Lane. The artwork uses a swing set and features the painting of two young kids standing on one swing, while the other swing is open for people to become part of the artwork. Top Tip: Go ahead, take a seat and snap a picture – posing with the artwork is one of the fun things to do in George Town, Penang, Malaysia!

#30 Chinese Clan Jetties

There are six clan jetties in George Town – and a top place to visit in Penang. Rather than sidewalks, planked boardwalks line the neighborhood of houses that stand on stilts over the water. Visitors are free to walk around, but should be mindful that they are essentially in someone’s ‘front yard’.  

Chew Jetty is the most commercialized and tourist-friendly of the clan jetties in George Town. Shops and cafes line the walkway and boats docked along the planks offer tours to visitors. However, respectful visitors are free to explore the other jetties as well. 

Kuan Yin Floating Temple Buddhist (Hean Boo Thean Temple) sits at the end of the Yeoh Jetty and is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Originally a small shrine on stilts, the temple was overhauled in 2012 and now features lights that illuminate the sea after dark.

After Your George Town Penang Walk

That wraps up our self-guided walking tour in Penang! After visiting the George Town attractions and famous places in Penang, give your feet a rest and cool off for a bit. Either head for a café, rest in the air-conditioning of your room or dive into the hotel pool (more on where to stay at the end of the post). 

In the evening, delve into the wonderful world of Penang food! We feature the best places to eat in Penang later in the article.

Looking for a Penang tour guide to lead the way through George Town? While our self-guided tour is one of the best free things to do in Penang, we understand that some travelers would rather the company of a professional guide for their city tour. Book one of the popular Penang tours – like this one. The private Penang city tour features the best of the city and includes hotel pick up!

DAY 2: Penang Activities on Penang Hill

Penang island attractions aren’t limited to the city of George Town! On Day 2 of your Penang itinerary, check out the top things to do in Penang Hill.

Located just 3.5 miles from George Town is a range of peaks, generally known as Penang Hill. Developed in the late 1700s as a British retreat, the hilltop remains popular today for it’s cooler temperatures and stunning views.

There are multiple top tourist attractions around Penang Hill. Temples, gardens and nature walks can be combined together to crate a one-day trip in Penang.

Getting from Georgetown to Penang Hill

Going to Penang Hill – and including multiple sites on your Penang day tour itinerary – requires transportation. While it is possible to use public transport to get to some of the attractions, we recommend taking a taxi or using the Grab app.

Renting a car for the day is another idea, but not an option we would recommend. Alternatively, you could hire a private driver or book a Penang Hill Tour Package.

Ascend to The Top of Penang Hill

The top things to do in Penang Hill…is go to the top of the hill! Although it is possible to trek to the top, riding the funicular is one of the fun things to do in Penang. The Penang Hill Railway transports passengers up the steep 1+ mile slope in about five minutes.

Once at the top, here are a few ideas of what to do in Penang Hill: Take in the vista from the viewing deck, take a nature walk to explore the flora and fauna and learn about the history of Penang Hill (including Bel Retiro and the bungalows).

Top Tip: Buy Skip-the-Line tickets in advance – this is essential if you plan on visiting more attractions near Penang Hill on this one-day Penang itinerary!

Kek Lok Si Temple

Located at the base of Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple is one of Penang’s top tourist attractions. 

The Buddhist Kek Lok Si Temple, which faces the sea, was built from 1890 to 1930. The complex is comprised of several structures – the most impressive being the seven-story, nearly 100-foot-tall Pagoda named Ten Thousand Buddhas. Also on site is a 99-foot-tall statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy (which was erected in 2002).

Top Tip: Book a private combo tour to Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple for a better experience! 

Penang Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is a top place to visit in Penang – and it can easily be included on your Penang Island tour on Day 2 of your itinerary. 

The Penang Botanical Garden, which was founded by the British, dates to 1884. Often called Waterfall Gardens, the park has numerous sections and is comprised of tropical rainforests, as well as collections of rare plants.

Walking paths weave through the park, where visitors might encounter resident monkeys. The Botanical Gardens are one of the most beautiful places in Penang to enjoy nature.

Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple

Located near the Penang Botanical Gardens, the Hindu Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple is a peaceful Penang place to go – and is a must-see sight to include in your Penang day trip itinerary. 

Nicknamed Waterfall Hill Temple, the origins of the temple date to the 1800s. (Although, the current temple was just built in 2012). The temple features the largest Lord Murugan temple outside of India – and to reach the hilltop temple, visitors must climb 513 steps.

Top Tip: The temple is closed mid-day, re-opening at 4pm – which is why we include it as a last stop on your Penang 1-day trip itinerary. 

DAY 3: Penang Beach and Temples

On Day 3 of your Penang trip plan, you will embark on another one day trip in Penang to see iconic temples and spend the afternoon on the beach. 

The two temples we recommend visiting are located just north of George Town in the Pulau Tikus suburb – and they sit on opposite sides of the street. Because they are on the way to the beach, it is an easy detour to visit the temples, too. 

While there are several beaches in Penang, Batu Ferringhi is – by far – the most popular. Most of your day – and into the evening – will be spent partaking in the best Penang beach activities. 

Getting from Georgetown to Batu Ferringhi

As the Batu Ferringhi Beach is a Penang must visit, there are several ways to get there. The bus is the cheapest (but also the longest) method of transport. While a one-way taxi can cost around 75rm, it also only takes about 25 minutes to get there. 

Visit Penang Temples

Before sinking your feet into the sand, make a quick stop to see two beautiful temples. Pro Tip: You can use the public bus to get to these two temples…then continue your journey and hop on the bus to Batu Ferringhi. 

Wat Chaiyamangalaram and Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

The Wat Chaiyamangalaram and Dhammikarama Burmese Temples are both found on the same street, Burmah Lane, standing on opposite sides. It is a popular place in Penang for both locals and tourists to visit. 

The typically Thai-style Wat Chaiyamangalaram features one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the world. Dhammikarama Burmese Temple dates to 1803, making it the oldest Buddhist temple in Penang, and is a colorful temple.

Batu Ferringhi

As an island, one of the top Penang places to go is the beach, which is why we recommend including Batu Ferringhi in your itinerary for Penang. Hands down, Batu Ferringhi has the best beach on the island. 

Boasting a 2.5-mile stretch of sand, the Penang beach in Batu Ferringhi is the most popular for both tourists and locals. The city evolved from a quaint fishing village to a resort haven in the 1970s.

The top things to do in Batu Ferringhi are beach activities, but other Batu Ferringhi attractions include a night market, cultural events and nature activities. We highly recommend staying into the evening to visit the Batu Ferringhi Night Market – it is a top Penang place to visit at night!

DAY 4: Discover More Things To Do in Penang Georgetown

After two long days of tours, spend Day 4 of your Penang Itinerary relaxing in George Town. Wander the streets without purpose, visit museums that you skipped on Day 1, go shopping or take a cheap ferry boat ride across the Straits of Malacca.

Explore Penang George Town without a Checklist

We featured some of the best places to to in Penang in our walking tour of George Town, but – trust us – there is so much more to see in the city!  Slow down the pace of your vacation in Penang and spend a few hours just rambling around town, letting your instincts guide the way. 

We guarantee you will find fun photo ops and other cool stuff to do in George Town when you just set off without a destination in mind. In fact, we think this is a must do in Penang! 

More Fun Activities in Penang

After a morning of freely exploring the city, spend the afternoon at a museum, shopping mall or on a ferry boat. We detail more options for top Penang, Malaysia things to do in more detail below.

DAY 5: Penang National Park Day Trip

What we love about longer Penang trips is that it really gives you enough time to discover the great diversity of the island. This is exactly what you will do on Day 5 of your Penang, Malaysia Itinerary. 

Penang National Park

For many people, the national park is one of the top Penang highlights of a trip. Home to secluded beaches and dense forests, Penang National Park can provide a full day of adventure. 

Penang NP is Malaysia’s smallest national park, but it offers an abundance of outdoor activities. Visitors can go jungle trekking, take a boat to visit the pristine Monkey Beach, stop by the Penang Turtle Sanctuary and hike up to Muka Head Lighthouse.

How To Get to Penang National Park (and How To Get Inside)

Travel in Penang is fairly easy using the local buses. From George Town, take the 101 bus to get to Penang National Park. The ride takes about 1.5 hours and costs 4rm. 

Once at the park, although it is free to enter, visitors are required to register with the park service (so bring a copy of your passport). Rather than sorting out the details on your own, join this half-day tour !

What To Do at Penang National Park

The National Park in Penang is a haven for nature lovers. The park features hundreds of species of flora and fauna – and it is a top spot to encounter wild monkeys. 

Trails lead through the thick canopied forests to stunning, untouched beaches – but it is not an easy trek. Hikers should bring plenty of water and be prepared for high humidity. 

More Things To Do in Teluk Bahang

Just outside the national park is the town of Teluk Bahang – and there are a few reasons to hang around after spending time in nature. 

Escape Theme Park

The Escape Penang Theme Park is an adventurous and fun attraction. The waterpark features pools and slides – as well as an obstacle course and ziplines. 

Penang Butterfly Farm

The Entopia Butterfly Farm in Penang is one of the fun things to do in Penang for families. The educational venue features butterflies and other insects – as well as lush gardens.

Tropical Spice Garden

A landscaped garden of herbs and spices, visitors can tour the grounds at their own pace with a helpful audio guide (via the app). Just be sure to grab some insect repellent for the mosquitos! 

Penang Food and Drink

Some people say the best thing to do in Penang is eat – which is why we dedicate an entire section of this Things To Do in Penang blog post to food. Even on a short trip to Penang, visitors should get a taste of the local food. We also include a few tips for where to go in Penang at night for a few drinks. 

Penang Foodie Haven

If you are wondering what to do in George Town, Penang for dinner, there is no need to agonize. Some foodies have labeled Penang as a Food Capital of the World for the incredible street food offerings that can be found throughout the city. In fact, many people travel to Penang just for the food (and we don’t blame them!). 

Penang food attractions include an array of cuisine – such as traditional Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes. We’ve heard it’s nearly impossible to have a bad meal in Penang, but we have a few meal suggestions for those interested in creating their own Penang food trip itinerary.

Street Food in Penang

Grazing on street food is one of the top things to do in Penang at night. Some of the best places in George Town, Penang for street food are in hawker stalls – and we always recommend eating from the stalls with the longest lines (which usually indicates the best food!). If you don’t have dietary restrictions, be adventurous! 

What and Where to Eat in Penang

We are highlighting the must-eat dishes in Penang – and the best place to eat them! We don’t have a separate Penang Food Map, but you will find all of our recommended dining establishments on our Penang Map below!

Char Koay Teow

Char Koay Teow (also sometimes spelled Char Kuey Teow) is a stir-fried noodle dish that ranks as a Malaysian favorite – and many stalls specialize in making this one and only dish. We like ours with chicken, shrimp and duck egg, but no cockles.

Recommended Place to Eat Char Koay Teow: Tiger Char Kway Teow located inside Kafe Ping Hooi, but they often run out of food by noon! Top Tip: Another stall at the cafe is Lobak King – order Siu Yuk Fried Pork and Lobak.

Tandoori Chicken

An Indian dish of marinated chicken roasted in a tandoor (clay oven).

Best Restaurant in Penang for Tandoori Chicken: Kapitan , open 24 hours. Also order Cheese Naan.

Beef Murtabak

Popular Malaysian street food, Murtabak is an omelet pancake folded around meat and vegetables and often cut into squares.

Top Restaurant in Penang for Murtabak: Hammediyah , a 100-year-old Penang restaurant; also order Nasi Kandar.

Like a spring roll, a thin crepe wrapped around a mixture of ingredients (turnip, jicama, beans, sprouts and bean curd being some key items).

Top Hawker Stalls in Penang for Popiah: New Lane Hawker Stalls .

Oyster Omelet (Oh Chien)

An egg-potato omelet made with small oysters and accompanied with spicy sauce.

Where To Get The Best Oyster Omelet Penang: New Lane Hawker Stalls.

Nasi Kandar

Originating in Penang by Indian Muslims, Nasi Kandar is a rice-based dish that comes with a variety of side dishes, such as fried chicken, beef or calamari and is topped with a spicy curry sauce.

Best Penang Restaurant for Nasi Kandar: Line Clear , which opened in 1930, is open 24 hours and is accessed via a narrow alley.

Considered the national dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lamek is a meal of fragrant rice garnished with cucumber slices, fried anchovies, peanuts, fried egg and sambal – a spicy sauce. It originated as a breakfast meal, but is now eaten any time of day.

Top Penang Foodie Breakfast Spot: Ali Nasi Lemak for a snack portion.

Crispy Duck with Rice

Chinese-style duck with rice. Crispy duck with noodles and crispy pork are two other popular items. 

Top recommended spot: Kimpo Famous Roasted , located inside Red Garden restaurant.

Noodle dish topped with char siew and pork-filled dumplings.

Best Street Food Wanton Mee: Chulia Street Wanton Mee Cart (the one with the longer line!).

Fruit Rojak

A Malaysian fruit salad with spicy, sweet and sour sauce. 

Best Place for Rojak: Gurney Drive Hawker Center

Penang Night Market

There is a Penang night market every day of the week – but in different places each night. The most popular one in George Town is the Monday Macallum Street Night Market .

International Food Penang

Need a break from Malaysian fare? There are a few international restaurants that might suit your palate! For a taste of Mexican, go to Holy Guacamole (quesadillas and tacos highly recommended!).

Food Tour Penang

If you are feeling timid about the experience of eating street food in Penang, let a guide lead the way on a Penang Food Tour! Local guides know where to find the best food in Penang – and sometimes share insider secrets with visitors. 

There are several food tours Penang that feature superb dining experiences – start your search for the top-rated tours on Get Your Guide . 

Penang Nightlife

We often struggle in Malaysia to find bars that fit our style and budget. As a predominantly Muslim nation, alcohol is not widely sold (or consumed) and it is never cheap. That being said, there are a few places to visit in Penang at night for a cold beer that should be on your Penang travel itinerary.

• Antarabangsa Enterprise – This liquor store with tables out front offers the cheapest and most fun drinking experience in George Town. 
• The Original Reggae Club – Chill bar where ladies drink for free until 9pm.

More Things To Do in Penang, Malaysia

Need more ideas? Well, we have a few more suggestions for Penang sights and activities. Use this list for ideas on the afternoon of Day 4 of our Penang Itinerary. 

Penang Museums

There are numerous museums in Penang. We already mentioned the Blue Mansion, the Peranakan Mansion and the Islamic Museum – but there are many other Penang museums to visit.

• Penang State Art Gallery – A good place to learn about the culture and people of Penang. 
• Penang War Museum – Built as a British fort, but used as a POW camp by the Japanese during WW2.
• Penang House of Music – Learn the history of Penang music in this highly-rated museum. Buy tickets in advance !
• Interactive Museums – Fun spots for Instagram photo ops, there are several museums in Penang that are designed to be interactive – like the Upside Down Museum, 3D Trick Art Museum and Made In Penang Museum.

Shopping in Penang

There are ample opportunities for Penang shopping – from wet markets to local products to mega malls. We are highlighting a few of our top choices.

• Hin Bus Depot Sunday Market – If you happen to be in Penang on a Sunday, support local businesses and artists at the Hin Bus Depot . 
• Chowrasta Market – For a traditional Malaysian shopping experience, head to Chowrasta – a wet and dry market, recently renovated.
• Gama Department Store – Visit the Malaysian Gama Department Store for a look at everyday shopping. 
• KOMTAR Mall and Viewing Platform – The 68-story KOMTAR building is an attraction on its own, but the lower floors host numerous stores and boutiques. Buy your ticket to access the top floor viewing deck in advance of your trip!

Penang Activities

• Escape Penang – We already mentioned this as an activity on Day 5, but it’s worth repeating. Escape is an adventure theme park that is fantastic fun for the family! It is often ranked as one of the most fun things to do in Penang with kids. Learn more !
• Snake Temple – As the name indicates, it is a temple filled with live snakes.
• Penang Spa – Pamper yourself with a traditional spa treatment! Read reviews for the best spa in Penang .

Google Map Penang

This Penang Travel Map includes all of the attractions and restaurants featured in our itinerary for Penang. You will also find the numbered sights that correspond to our Self Guided Penang Walking Tour on the Penang Map.

Use this  Google Map for an online version of our Penang tourist attractions map below.

Additional Penang Suggested Itineraries

Our above Penang tour itinerary features the top things to do in Penang in 5 days. However, we understand that vacation time is limited and not all travelers are planning 5 days on the island. To help, we have created ideal trip plans for shorter time – that squeeze in as much sightseeing as possible! 

Penang Half Day Trip

Visitors with only a half day in Penang will be challenged with creating a succinct trip plan. However, it is possible to see a lot of the city in a short time! On a DIY half day trip to Penang, we recommend using our outlined Self-Guided Tour to the top sights in George Town. 

Alternatively, visitors can book a Penang City Half Day Tour that highlights the best city sights – like this one!

Penang Itinerary 1 Day

For visitors limited to one day in Penang sightseeing, we created an ambitious itinerary. It focuses on the absolute best things to do in George Town, Penang and the surrounding region.

Begin your one day trip to Penang with one of the best activities in George Town: exploring the city on foot. Use our Self-Guided Walking Tour to discover the city sights. 

Because we think even a Penang 1-day trip itinerary should include sights outside of the city center, spend the afternoon at one of the must-visit places in Penang beyond the George Town. Select one place to see – like Penang Hill (buy your skip-the-line ticket in advance!) or one of the temples. 

End your Penang one-day trip by feasting on local Penang food specialties from street vendors or at top-rated restaurants.

2 Day Penang Itinerary 

Planning what to do in Penang in 2 days allows for more sightseeing and island exploration – but it is going to be a jam-packed trip! 

Day 1 – Take a quick self-guided tour of the best places in George Town, Penang. In the afternoon go to Penang Hill or Kek Lok Si Temple. If your hotel has a pool, cool off with a swim before indulging in tasty Penang Food for dinner.

Day 2 – Take a day trip outside of the city center to the best nearby attractions. First, visit Wat Chaiyamangalaram and Dhammikarama Burmese Temple and then continue north to Batu Ferringhi for an afternoon of sea and sun at the popular Penang beach. Stay for the Night Market.

Penang Itinerary 3 Days

Deciding what to do in Penang in 3 days is a little easier – as you will have much more time to explore at a more relaxed pace! 

Day 1: Tour George Town, Penang (as outlined in our Self-Guided Walking Tour) at a more leisurely pace, including time to relax in cafes and visit museums – and maybe even swim in your hotel pool in the afternoon. At night, join one of the Penang Food Tours or set off to explore the food scene on our own. 

Day 2: Spend the day at the beach in Batu Ferringhi – but first stop and see the temples on the north side of George Town. Stay in Batu Ferringhi for the Night Market – and when you get back to George Town, hang out at one of the bars. 

Day 3: On the last day of your 3 days in Penang, spend another day outside of George Town – this time going to Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, the Botanical Gardens and Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (time your visit to the temple for sunset, if possible). 

Alternatively, you could create a 3 Days Penang Itinerary by following the above 2 day plan and then take a trip to Penang National Park.

Penang Itinerary 4 Days

With 4 days in Penang, you have ample time to create an itinerary that showcases the best of Penang. Plus, have plenty of time to devour more incredible Penang food! Our Penang 4-Day Itinerary looks like this:

Days 1, 2 and 3: Follow the above Penang 3-Day Itinerary.

Day 4: Choose between a day in nature at the national park or day of shopping near George Town. Alternatively, fill your last day by visiting some of the unique museums. 

Penang Travel Tips and Trip Planning

Now that you know what to do in Penang, Malaysia, we have a few tips about how to get to Penang, where to stay and our top packing hacks . You can find all of our travel tips on our Travel Planning Page . 

Planning a Trip to Penang

You will need to stay organized as you make your plans! Use our Printable Travel Planner to keep track of your research and bookings in Penang and throughout Southeast Asia. 

Getting to Penang

The best way to get to Penang is by plane via the Penang International Airport (PEN). That said, the city can also be reached by car, bus or cruise ship. Our preferred method of getting anywhere is by flying, we are JetSettingFools, after all! We flew to Penang from Phuket, Thailand and departed on a flight to Bali, Indonesia .

If coming – or going – to  Kuala Lumpur , we recommend flying as the easiest route. We start our search for the best deals on airline tickets on Skyscanner.

Budget conscious travelers may opt to take the bus, but the time and hassle is not worth it, in our opinion. It’s also tempting to plan a stop in the Cameron Highlands between KL and Penang. Bear in mind that getting around Cameron Highlands without a car is incredibly difficult. Here is information about the bus from Penang to KL . 

Get The Best Of KL With Our 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary !

Getting Around Penang

There are many options when it comes to getting around Penang. In George Town, we walked everywhere – but hiring a trishaw is a unique way to get around the city…and there are plenty of peddlers who are willing to cart tourists around! Outside of the city center, options are: taxis, Grab, public bus, private guide and Hop On Hop Off Bus .

Where To Stay in Penang, Malaysia

We think the heart of George Town is the best place to stay in Penang. We stayed in a Chulia Street Penang hotel, Chulia Mansion . The reason we loved this hotel was for its central location, affordability, incredible included breakfast and rooftop views. 

However, there are many Penang Hotels to choose from in – or close to – the city center. Where you choose to stay will likely depend on your Penang trip budget. Start by checking out these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews) for your upcoming trip. The Edison George Town , Campbell House or Tien Hotel Residence.  

Budget travelers looking for a fun place to stay might want to check out Wassup Youth Hostel – which gets fabulous reviews!

Looking for a posh beachfront hotel? Check rates and availability at the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort in Batu Ferringhi Beach.

 Read our Tips for Finding the Best Hotels for Cheap !

What To Pack for your Penang Trip

Whether visiting on a day trip or spend an entire week in Penang, you will want to make sure you are properly packed for your trip. Get your Free Packing Checklist to make sure you don’t forget a single thing!

Walking Shoes for Penang

We cover some ground in our Penang Itinerary! While Penang is a very walkable place, you will want to pack comfortable shoes ! I like to wear these shoes by Columbia – and Kris prefers wearing his Merrell trail shoes for both city and nature exploration. For short walks in the city and nighttime feasting, I wear my favorite flip flops . 

Best Travel Camera to Photograph Penang

Penang is an incredibly beautiful city filled with unique architecture and intriguing artworks. It is best to use a real camera (rather than a phone) to capture the sights. We travel with a Canon Rebel and use a 18-135mm lens . The camera is easy to use and takes excellent, high-quality photos – plus it’s a great budget camera for travelers !

Penang Weather-Appropriate Gear & Day Bag

The weather in Penang is often sunny, hot and humid! Be prepared with sunscreen , a  travel hat or umbrella for shade.

Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase , you will certainly want a great day pack to organize all of your essential travel items .

Travel Insurance for your Penang Vacation

If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your trip to Malaysia, consider traveling protected with World Nomads .

Start planning your trip to Malaysia ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

Share This Story!

• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

An Incredible 2 Days in Penang: Best Penang Itinerary For A Short Visit

Penang, Malaysia is one of those places that we would return in a heartbeat. While we loved exploring Kuala Lumpur , Penang is easily a favorite place to visit in Malaysia. From the recognition as a top foodie destination to the gorgeous nature and hiking opportunities, we can’t get enough of this place!

We only had two days in Penang as we did a weekend trip with Justin’s colleagues. While two days is a short time frame, it was enough time to experience the Malaysian culture and to wander around the small island. We appreciate the laid-back and slower pace of the city’s vibe, friendly locals, and the affordability of accommodations and food .  

In this Penang 2 days itinerary, we’re highlighting the awesome things to do in Penang including the well-recognized street art, mouth-watering places to eat, best places to stay, and how to get around. As you know us by now, we’re including plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and relaxing on the beach. Feel free to mix up the itinerary based on the amount of time that you have and your interests. 

Now let’s continue to see how you can maximize your 2 days in Penang itinerary. 

* Disclaimer: Have a vacation in Penang? This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Appreciate the support.

Penang Itinerary: Day 1 – Explore George Town and Batu Ferringhi

On the first day in Penang, we’re off to explore George Town, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia since 2008 and later heading to the beach at Batu Ferringhi.

Whether you’ve landed in Penang in the morning or stayed in the city the night before, George Town is a great introduction to the capital city of Penang. The area is sprawling with rich culture from its food scene to the incredible street art to the beautiful temples.

At first glance, George Town may look a little dated and grungy compared to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur , and Singapore . Yet it’s such a charming area that still preserves its original look and feel of the buildings and lifestyle. 

Our itinerary below is based on a DIY walking tour. If you prefer to have an organized tour of George Town, consider making a reservation to take this tour. 

Walk around and look for amazing street art in George Town. 

We’re a fan of seeing street art around the world and George Town’s artwork doesn’t disappoint. It’s one of the top things to do in Penang!

In 2012, Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist, transformed George Town to a street art mecca. He created interactive artwork by combining everyday objects such as motorbikes and bicycles with paintings of local people. His artwork is playful and depicts Malaysian people in their everyday lives. 

You’ll recognize the famous artwork such as,

• The boy looking back on the motorbike (located near Lebuh Pantai and Lebuh Ah Quee)
• The brother and sister sharing a swing (located near Pengkalan Weld and Gat Lebuh Chulia, next to the 35@Jetty Building 潮人居 )
• The brother and sister reaching out of their window for the bike with the bamboo steamers  (located along Gat Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Victoria, next to the Ming Xiang Tai Pastry Shop 名香泰饼家)

Zacharevic’s influence paved the way for George Town to now have dozens of designated street art locations in the main George Town. Besides the interactive artwork, you’ll also notice wire artwork which also depicts the Malaysian culture and the city’s history.

Take the time to travel through the popular areas to spot the artwork such as along Armenian Street and Victoria Street . Consider wandering through quieter streets and alleyways to find some hidden gems.

One of our favorites is of two cats in a yellow tub that says, “Please care n bathe me.” The artwork is small and off an alleyway from Gat Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Victoria that you can easily miss. Plus, we like the PSA that the stray cats need care too!

If you’re interested in learning more about street art and its cultural influences, check out this post on the best street art books to read .

Wander around the Armenian Street and Little India.

Now we’ll head to the cultural areas of Penang. The first stop is Armenian Street . As a former street that housed Armenian traders, it’s now a hot spot to buy unique souvenirs, enjoy a cup of coffee at cafes, and of course, pose with the street art. 

Some highlights of the area include: 

• Umbrella Street is one of those Instagram spots in Penang with colorful umbrellas above your heads. While the street is small, it’s filled with restaurants and fun street art. It’s located in an alleyway near Zacharevic’s Children on Bicycle street art.  
• Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple 福德正神庙 is a great spot to see a Chinese temple.

Not far from Armenian Street is Little India . Embrace your senses and the vibrant colors with the yummy Indian cuisine and shopping in the area. You can stop by the Sri Mahamariamman Temple which is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. 

Head to the Chew Jetty.

Only a short walk away from Armenian Street is the Chew Jetty 姓周桥 (also referred to as Clan Jetty). It’s a floating village area with clothing and souvenir shops and restaurants along the walking route. If you’ve been to Brunei ’s Kampong Ayer or Hong Kong’s Tai-O Village, the look of the jetty area is similar. 

The walking route is an out-and-back once you reach the water area. The wooden walkway is tight and can get crowded with visitors so it’s not best for those with claustrophobia. You can also see some street art in the area too. 

If you’re hungry, grab a bowl of noodles at the Chew Jetty Big Bowl Noodles 姓周桥大碗公面. While we weren’t hungry, this place looked intriguing. You can order a big bowl of noodles (seafood, beef, pork, vegetarian) for up to five people. The noodles are placed in a giant ceramic bowl (the bowl is bigger than your head!) for everyone to eat out of. The restaurant is closed every Wednesday. 

Spend the Afternoon at Batu Ferringhi Beach.

Let’s take a break from exploring George Town by heading to the north side of Penang Island to Batu Ferringhi Beach . It’s 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) away and takes about 40 minutes (depending on traffic) to drive there. The beach stretches about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) so your Grab or taxi driver can drop you off anywhere.

While the water is not the greatest (we think it is a bit dirty) and the sand is coarse, the beach is a good spot if you’re dying for some sun, beach time, or want to get away from the city center. For our group, the beach was our bonding and hang out time. You can hire a boat ride or a jet ski for some water adventures.

Depending on how late you stay in the area, there is an evening night market along the main road, Jalan Pantai Batu, that starts around 8pm. You can purchase souvenirs and eat street food. 

If you prefer to have a more sit-down environment for a meal,  we recommend that you try Andrew’s Kampung . Located in an unassuming strip mall on the third floor, this place serves good Chinese food. The owner, Andrew, is super friendly and provided suggestions on what to eat. Prices are on the higher end compared to what you can get in George Town. We enjoyed our family-style meal of tofu clay pot, fried sea bass, fried squid, stir-fried veggies, and beef curry. There are plenty of vegetarian options here. 

Address: Eden Parade, Jalan Sungai Emas, Kawasan Perumahan Sungai Emas, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Return to George Town for the Night Market and Eat More!

George Town has a few night markets where you can eat your heart out such as Kimberley Street Food Market or Chulia Food Night Market .

We went to the Chulia Food Night Market where many hawker stalls set up shop along Chulia Street selling noodles, BBQ seafood, sandwiches, and more. A small bowl of wonton noodles will set you back 4.50 MYR ($1.08 USD). Prices are reasonable so you can stop by multiple shops.

You can also find more restaurants and bars along Love Lane . 

Penang Itinerary: Day 2 – Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si 

On our second day in Penang, we’re off to get some exercise hiking up Penang Hill and also the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si. These two places are some of the most memorable  

Hike or Take the Cable Car Up Penang Hill.

Penang Hill is a top place to visit in Penang. With a summit of 833 meters (2,733 feet), it’s the perfect place to work up a sweat to hike up Penang Hill and see the beautiful views of the city. Once you reach the top of the mountain, there are many attractions to visit so you can spend half a day here. 

We love hiking so we decided to trek up to Penang Hill summit. There are several hiking routes you can take depending on your starting location.

We took the Heritage Trail which you can get to from the Penang Hill Lower Station . This trail is not technical as you don’t need hiking boots yet it’s humid and hot if you start later in the day. Most of the hiking trail is shaded so that helps and you’ll pass by lots of greenery and trees. There are a few resting spots along the way so you can take a break.

Give yourself a huge pat on the back once you hike to the top as it’s no easy task. It’ll take between 1.5-2 hours to reach the top of Penang Hill.

Read more about our experiences hiking Penang Hill here.

Tip: If you want to hike the trail, go early to beat the heat – before 7am! Don’t be like us and start around 10am! Don’t forget to bring lots of water as you’ll sweat a lot. 

Even though we’re sweating like crazy hiking Penang Hill, we’re rewarded to an awesome view of the city and also see the cable car pass by.

Penang Hill Cable Car

Not into hiking? Don’t worry, you can purchase a round-trip cable car ticket for 30 MYR ($7.20 USD) for adults or 15 MYR ($3.60 USD) for children. 

The lines for the cable car can be very long and you can wait 30-60 minutes in line! If you want to bypass waiting in line, you can purchase a round-trip express ticket for 80 MYR ($19 USD) for adults and 40 MYR ($9.60 USD) for children.

Skip the line to purchase the cable car tickets and buy them ahead of time here . 

With your cable car ticket, you can feel free to get off at the sub-stations to hike up or down Penang Hill. The sub-stations for the cable car are only available at the top of every hour such as 9am, 10am, 11am, etc. 

At Penang Hill Summit

Once you reach the summit of Penang Hill, feel free to check out the various free attractions such as the observatory tower, locks of love, the colorful Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan temple, and grab a snack to eat at the Cliff Cafe. 

We also recommend that you visit The Habitat where you’re surrounded by the forest. It’s a fun spot to walk around on the suspension bridges, swing on the giant swings, see the view of Penang Hill on the top of Curtis Crest, and enjoy nature. The best part is that this place is quiet and doesn’t have crowds!

You do need to pay a separate admission ticket to enter yet it’s worth the price. For the adventure lovers, you can also do zip lining between the trees (for an additional fee). 

The standard admission cost is 55 MYR ($13.10 USD) for adults and 35 MYR ($8.40 USD) for children, seniors, and students. We purchased tickets at the counter, yet you can save money by purchasing tickets ahead of time. 

Save money with The Habitat tickets by clicking here .

A visit to Penang Hill’s The Habitat is a must-visit during your two days in Penang. The views of the forest are stunning!

Awe at the Kek Lok Si Temple.

Once you’ve reached the bottom of Penang Hill, take a Grab car to go to the Kek Lok Si Temple , the largest and one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Malaysia .

Your Grab driver will most likely drop you off at the lower level where you need to take cable cars to each of the levels. If possible, ask them to drop you off at the top level so you can bypass the tourist trap of the cable cars and walk your way down to the other levels.

The top area is lovely with the impressive Guanyin statue (Lady Buddha) standing tall at 30.2 meters (99 feet high). The pavilion around Lady Buddha is still in construction. Behind the Lady Buddha statue is an area with over 10,000 smaller Buddhas.

As with any temple, please be respectful when entering the temples as there will be people making prayers. You can buy good luck wishing ribbons for yourself,  family members, or friends. 

If you prefer a tour of Kek Lok Si Temple, combine the opportunity with a visit to Penang Hill. Consider this tour option. 

Although it just rained, Lady Buddha is still stunning at Kek Lok Si Temple.

Stroll through Air Itam Dam.

Our friend who lives in Penang showed us this off-the-beaten-path place nearby the Kek Lok Si Temple. From the temple, if you drive (or walk) along the paved path for 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), you’ll reach Air Itam Dam .

It’s a reservoir area where you can also walk and run around the lake. It was a pleasant and quiet walk where we saw a few families of monkeys (macaques and dusky leaf monkeys – so cute!). Be careful when approaching the monkeys as they are wild animals!

The monkeys at Air Itam Dam are shy as they don’t see too many tourists.

At the end of the day, head back to George Town area to do some last-minute shopping or see things that you didn’t get to on the first day.

If You Have 3+ Days in Penang

Two days in Penang is not enough time to visit everything, especially when it comes to trying all of the different food. If you have three or more days in Penang, consider visiting these other Penang attractions which are on our bucket list when we return. 

• Penang National Park has plenty of hiking trails to keep you occupied for the day and you can even head to the beach. It’s on the bucket list to visit Penang National Park’s Meromictic Lake in the future. We also like how there is free admission to the park. If you decide to go on the canopy walkway, there is an admission fee. 
• Penang Botanic Garden is an oasis of an area with greenery and beautiful plants. There is a hiking trail that leads to Penang Hill. You can also relax along the waterfall in the area . 
• Go shopping in the Gurney Drive area . We didn’t have time to explore the glamorous area of Gurney Drive so we’ll check it out on a return trip.

How to Get to Penang

Most visitors will fly into Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport  (airport code: PEN). For us, it was an easy 1.5-hour flight via Air Asia (one of our favorite low-cost airlines in Asia) from where we started in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

If you’re starting your Malaysia trip in Kuala Lumpur, you can take a domestic flight or consider other modes of transportation to get to Penang .

We loved how the airport was so convenient and orderly with immigration. It took us only five minutes to pass through immigration, considering that the line was short. 

To head to the main city area, the easiest way is to take a taxi, Grab car, or hire a private driver from the Arrivals terminal. Grab is Southeast Asia’s equivalent to Uber ride-hailing. It’s an efficient way to travel throughout the city and often cheaper than taking a taxi. Download the Grab app here . 

Don’t forget that you’ll need to have a data plan in order to use Grab or to browse the internet. Check out this post on the best Malaysian SIM card to purchase. We recommend that you buy one before leaving the airport. 

Save money and pre-purchase a 4G SIM card for pick-up at the Penang International Airport .

If you’re from the U.S. and looking to upgrade your international phone plan , consider getting Google Project Fi . You can use data and text on this plan in over 200+ international countries without having to buy a SIM card and/or pay extra. We’ve used this plan since 2016 and love it! Sign up for Google Project Fi and get $20 off your bill .  

How to Travel Around Penang

If you’re staying in George Town, then you can walk around everywhere . It’s a walkable area with decent sidewalks (unlike what we’re used to in Ho Chi Minh City). 

Another unique opportunity is to hire a cyclo . You get to sit in a carriage and the driver bikes around the city to major attractions. Depending on your driver, he can also act as your tour guide. Compared to other cyclos that we’ve seen in Southeast Asia, the Penang cyclos are adorable as they’re decorated with stuffed animals and streamers for a more inviting ambiance. 

Consider taking the Penang Hop On and Off double-decker bus to visit the top highlights of Penang. Purchase your ticket ahead of time and save money !

For a free bus alternative, take the Central Area Transit (CAT) bus which stops by the popular and interesting places of Penang. Click here to see the route s . 

For distances farther away, it’s recommended to hire a Grab car . We didn’t see too many taxis driving around in George Town. The traffic in Penang can be slow so you’ll need to be patient or travel during the off-peak hours.

A unique way to explore George Town is on a cyclo tour.

What to Eat in Penang

Oh gosh, what to eat in Penang is the million-dollar question. It’s no doubt that the food in Penang is amazing! There is so much delicious food to eat from the assam laksa to the char koay teow. With our limited time in Penang, we barely made a dent to try all the Malaysian and Chinese food. 

To get a taste of Penang street food, take one of these local tours:

• 3-hours George Town Street Food Tour
• 4-hours Penang Street Food Tour 

Below are some of the restaurants in George Town that we tried and would recommend.

• Mew’s Cafe is a fabulous spot to try traditional Malaysian food. You can choose to sit inside the restaurant or enjoy the patio. Choose from dishes such as beef rendang, nasi lemak, or noodle dishes. We tried the beef rendang which had tender beef with turmeric rice, pineapple salad, and crackers. We also had the ikan samal with steamed sea bass in banana leaf served with blue rice. The fish was cooked perfectly and had a lot of good flavors from the coconut milk. Try the sago gula melaka for dessert as the pandan sago isn’t too sweet with syrup and coconut cream. Main entrees are around 26-30 MYR ($6.20-$7.20 USD).

 Address : 77, Muntri St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

• China House is a must-visit spot to eat in Penang to satisfy your sweet tooth. Come to this place with an empty stomach as you’ll drool over the 30+ fresh-baked desserts from baklava to tiramisu. We tried two pieces of cake – passion fruit coconut butter cake and the fresh ginger cake. Both were heavenly yet the passion fruit coconut butter cake was the winner! It was moist and had a burst of flavor from the passion fruit cream. Each slice of cake is between 11-15 MYR ($2.60-$3.40 USD) and can be easily shared with two people. Besides dessert, you can also have meals for lunch or dinner. Just note that this place is busy so there will be a wait to grab a table and to get waiters’ attention. 

 Address: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

 For more information: Website 

Did we say dessert?! Check out China House during your Penang itinerary. It’s a fabulous place to try over 30+ desserts.

• Toh Soon Cafe is a recommended place to eat a cheap breakfast. Locals and tourists line up to find a seat in a tiny alleyway. The menu only has a couple of items. The most popular item is the buttered toast with a running egg. It’s one of those dishes that is so bad for you with the richness from the butter yet oh so good! We also recommend that you try one of the paper-wrapped items on your table. At first, it was a mystery to us yet it was a surprise to see a ball of rice with fried fish, hard-boiled egg, and spicy sambal. The flavors tasted similar to Indonesian food and brought us back to Bali . Three toast with eggs, 1 rice ball, and 3 drinks set us back 21.20 MYR ($5 USD). 

 Address: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Come to Toh Soon Cafe for breakfast. Locals and tourists enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a plate of buttery toast with egg. Simple yet delicious.

• Hong Kee Wan Thun Mee (Hong Kee Bamboo Noodle 鸿记(廣式) 竹昇云吞面 ) is your place if you want Hong Kong-style noodles. The restaurant makes their noodles daily and you can see them in person at 10am and 3pm. From one person pressing the dough down with a giant bamboo stick with his thigh to another person placing the dough in the noodle flattening machine and cutter, it’s such a sight to see the process. 

 We recommend that you try the wonton noodles and the egg tart (it’s one of the best ones that we’ve eaten!) If you   decide to upgrade to a large size, you’ll get more than double the amount of noodles as the regular size. 

 Address: 37, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

 For more information: Facebook  

If you’re missing Hong Kong food, try the noodles at Hong Kee Wan Thun Mee!

• Khoon Klanng Bak Kut Teh is further away from the main tourist attractions yet it has delicious bak kut teh, braised pork ribs in a broth. While this bak kut teh version doesn’t have the pork bone in the broth, unlike what we’ve had in Singapore, it comes with a nice addition of mushrooms and tofu. Our Grab driver recommended that we eat bak kut teh with yam rice and it didn’t disappoint. 

 Address: 320, Jalan Perak, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Where to Stay in Penang

Finding accommodations in Penang is relatively easy depending on your budget and comfort. We suggest that you stay closer to the street art area (near Armenian Street) as it’s a prime location.

As you can see from the Penang 2 days itinerary, you’re in a central location for the sites and have easy access to affordable street food. Plus, wouldn’t it be cool to stay at one of the guesthouses in the traditional Straits-Chinese architecture ?! You’ll recognize the tall buildings attached to other buildings and all having reddish rooftops.

Click here to find the best accommodations in Penang’s George Town .

Our group stayed at the Carnarvon House in George Town which provided enough space and was a central location to the major Penang sightseeing places. We rented the entire building. If your group is smaller, you can rent individual rooms. The lower level has a huge living room and dining area. Upstairs has two levels of guest rooms and shared bathrooms with 2 shower rooms and 2 combo toilet/shower rooms with body wash provided. All rooms come with towels and air conditioning. The only bad part about this place was that there are mosquitoes everywhere. The cost is $30-$50 USD per room per night. Find availability and reserve a room at the Carnarvon Hotel.

You can also consider staying in the chic Gurney Drive area or at one of the resorts along the Batu Ferringhi beachside.  Here are some splurge/luxury options to consider:

• G Hotel Gurney is located next to the Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon so it’s perfect if you want to go shopping. The cost is $125-$190 USD per room per night.  Check availability and reserve a room at G Hotel Gurney .
• Park Royal Penang Resort is within walking distance from the Batu Ferringhi Beach and has all the amenities of a resort including a water theme park for children. The cost is $120-$300 per room per night. Read more about the hotel and make a reservation at Park Royal here .

Our two days in Penang went by way too quickly. We feel like we scratched the surface here. Regardless, we hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post on what to do in Penang in 2 days. Since there is so much to do here, we’ll be back to Penang soon!

Have you visited Penang? What other places should we visit on a return trip? Share in the comments below.

Enjoy this post? Save it to your Asia Pinterest Board.

I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. I love planning things whether it is a trip or an upcoming event, exploring nature, hiking up mountains, and seeing new places. I'm notorious for getting lost, so you may see me circling a place a few times.

Our 15 Favorite Off the Beaten Track Destinations in Vietnam To Visit

Hiking penang hill – a must-do adventure in penang, you may also like, how to spend 1 day in ipoh, malaysia, where to find vibrant street art in melaka,..., 6 delicious & affordable places to eat in..., traveling from kuala lumpur airport to melaka by..., a complete guide: melaka to kuala lumpur international..., the ultimate guide to 24 non-spicy korean food..., how to travel from ipoh to penang georgetown..., 18 must try places to eat in penang’s..., a step by step guide on taking the..., exploring melaka, malaysia in one day – a..., 20 comments.

I visited Penang on a cruise a few years ago and hardly had a day there. We visited Georgetown which was a fantastic idea because it was my favourite part of the city. The street art was amazing and so was the street food! Also, going up the Penang Hill was a great thing to do. So glad we managed to squeeze that in given our limited time. I wish to return to Malaysia someday with more time to explore its cities and eat their food because I love it so much!

Wow! Can’t believe you only had less than a day in Penang! You managed to see a lot during your time there. Hope you can return back to Penang again soon!

I think I had recently heard that George Town was put in a top 10 list of places to retire in the world recently…we should have checked it out when we went to KL last year! You’ve really sold me with photos of the food…Toh Soon Cafe will definitely be visted one day!

George Town would be a lovely place to retire! We would just eat our way through this amazing area.

Wow! Thanks for the lovely blog on Penang. You have nicely described how to travel Penang so nicely with awesome 2 days Itinerary – explore George Town, which one is the UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia since 2008 and then how to headed back to Batu Ferringhi. I didn’t know the fact that in the year 2012 a Lithuanian artist transformed George Town to a street art mecca which one is really interesting for me

Shreya – We’re glad that you enjoyed the Penang itinerary. It’s such a fascinating place to visit. Hope you can visit in the future!

I would love to see Little India. I remember I stumbled upon Little India in Bangkok and loved the atmosphere. As I have never been to India, seeing Indians with turbans wrapped around their head was fascinating.

I didn’t know there was a Little India area in Bangkok. Thanks for the tip! Will need to check that out on a return trip.

Penang sounds like a fascinating destination! The street art looks incredible and so life-like! I love exploring frescoes – we have some great ones here in Switzerland, we also found some very famous ones in Lyon.

We spent the entire day looking at street art in Penang. Although there is a map of the location for the street art, it’s a bit of a treasure hunt since the artwork could be in an alleyway somewhere. Good to know about the frescoes in Switzerland! Would love to see those on a future visit.

I’ve never been but have heard such great things – especially about the murals there. How fun that you got to meet a furry friend at Air Itam Dam and the Botanic Garden is defs calling my name. Seems like I gotta book a weekend trip here sometime!

Hi Jas! Hope you can visit Penang in the future. A weekend in Penang sounds like a fabulous plan!

Very interesting street art works! I really like this installation with a swing, it’s really ingenious. I have never even heard of this place, but after reading your blog post I would love to visit it.

Ewa, the swing artwork is so much fun to pose with. There are other street art in Penang with props such as with a motorbike, bicycle, basketball hoop, and more!

I love street art myself, Penang has been on my list for quite sometime now. The one with the swing looks so life-like. It’s quite an instagrammable place for travellers.

Yes!! Visit Penang as soon as you can! Many of the street art is fading away from sun damage and/or usage (especially the interacive ones). Hope you can travel there sometime this year.

I really like how the street art and murals in Penang are meant to be interactive with travellers for photos. I’d definitely like to hike up to the viewpoint on Penang Hill, but if it was too hot I’d probably take the cable car! I really like your detailed itinerary, very informative.

Sara – The street art in George Town, Penang is so much fun to explore. We didn’t have enough time to see everything as there are street art hidden in random alleyways. Would love to go back to explore more.

What a beautiful street art!

Hi Niry. Yes, Penang has some of the best street art that we’ve seen on our travels. Hope you get a chance to see them in the future.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

By submitting a comment, you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Refer to the Privacy Policy and Disclaimer for more information. *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Please accept or opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Your Appetizing Penang Travel Guide – Delectable 3 days in Penang 

Update 2024 : Malaysia reopened its international borders on 1 April 2022. Get Malaysian government’s complete rules for travelers planning to visit Malaysia on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tourism website . I’ve also listed down the guidelines and compliances in this article on Kinabatangan River Wildlife Sanctuary . My guide to  Malaysia visa is recommended, too.

What to do in Penang in 3 days

• Introduction to Penang
• 3 days in Penang — My Penang itinerary to fun and food-filled trip to Penang.

Day 1 — Art, Street food, and historical places to see in Penang

Day 2 — Penang hill, Clan jetties, and a seafood dinner at hawker center with live music.

Day 3 — Penang National Park for nature or Hin Bus Depot for street art and Batu Ferringhi beach to end the day with a golden sunset and good food.

• Have only two days in Penang?

Important information – Planning your trip to Penang

Where is penang island, where to stay in penang city.

• How to reach Penang, Malaysia?

What is the best time to visit Penang Island?

Where to exchange currency in penang, what would be your penang trip budget.

• Resources to help you visit some of the Penang famous places.

Supplementary reads to this Penang Travel Blog

Introduction to penang .

After a short walk under the bright sun from the bus stand to my guesthouse in Georgetown at Lebuh Carnarvon, I put my bags in my room and went out for a stroll. For those who don’t know, Georgetown is the capital of Penang state or the Penang island.

I was famished after a long bus drive from Taman Negara, and Carnarvon street seemed like the right place to be. Little did I know that soon I was to be lost in the labyrinth of the streets of Penang flaunting exquisite art and some delicious Penang food .

The streets seemed empty, and I wondered if there were any tourists. A friend had questioned my Malaysia trip by saying that the only thing to see in Malaysia was Penang.

I found many more reasons to travel to Malaysia during my month-long trip to the gorgeous country, and, soon, I discovered a crowd of tourists huddled around visceral murals that were stuck to Penang street walls. Some pointed their Nikons towards the art murals, some jumped into the mural scene making it seem even more alive, and some, like me, stood on the side and wondered how Penang became Asia’s most thriving art and food capital.

Penang was acquired from the sultanate of Kedah and established as a British East India company colony by Francis Light in 1786. Georgetown was set up as the modern center of the island. Penang soon became the trading hub of Asia and attracted wealthy traders from India and China along with laborers from both the countries.

While you will see the grand Chinese-Peranakan Blue Mansion, the Peranakan Museum, and the Khoo Kongsi temple aging in the streets of Penang, you will also stumble into old South-Indian temples and grand mosques towering above the Penang city.

The cultural hot pot of Penang merged with Malaysia just before Malaysia’s independence in 1957. Almost after 50 years of post-colonial development, Georgetown was declared as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008.

This declaration flipped the future of Georgetown as the government of Penang further marked Georgetown and eventually all of Penang with historical and cultural street signs and real-life inspired murals.

These vibrant murals and the delicious potpourri of Indian, Chinese, and Malay food in Penang drew travelers from all around the world.

I also joined the parade of the tourists walking from one street to another and discovered the most thought-provoking and hilarious pieces of art in narrow Penang streets. And when I got tired of getting lost in the Penang street art, I gulped down bowls of Asam Laksa (a tangy fish soup) and found excuses to rush to the nearest Nasi Kandar joint to indulge in spicy fish curry and rice adorned with some crispy okra.

Though I spent 6 days in Penang, I was writing for a freelance client for about three of those days. But when I wasn’t writing , I let the streets of Georgetown and Penang overwhelm me. While walking, overeating, looking up to ancient temples and skyscrapers, hiking hills, watching sunsets on a beach, and getting shocked by the Chinese new year celebrations, I found a Penang that tempted me to visit her again.

And why wouldn’t I go? Batik painting shops and abandoned graffiti centers, ghost museums and surreal portraits on streets, live music bars and Chinese tea shops, high-end restaurants and rushed hawker stalls, organic spas and nature hikes, Hindu temples and protestant churches — Penang seems to be the sum up of an ideal travel brochure.

But for the moment I was happy to indulge in the ever-evolving art and food courtyard that Penang island is. So though I prefer slow travel, I tried to make peace with a 3 day visit to Penang.

In this Penang travel guide, I have put together the best things to do on your 3 day Penang itinerary. Let’s go.

3 days in Penang — My Penang itinerary to fun and a food-filled trip to Penang.

Day 1 of your penang trip.

Start your first day in Penang with eating and discovering the street art. The best place to overeat and stumble into art in Penang is Georgetown.

Though my detailed Penang food guide and Penang street art guide will take you through the street food and the art pieces in detail, I would suggest start walking towards Lebuh Chulia or Lebuh Armenian for these two have the most of the street art and murals in Georgetown.

Lebuh Keng Kwee has some of the must-try street food. Try the asam laksa and the world-famous chendol which is a sweet-coconuty soup made with green-glass noddles and ice shavings at the world-famous shops on Keng Kwee Street.

Insider Tip: If you love Asian food and are on a Southeast Asia trip, I suggest you visit the Inle Lake in Burma that has some amazing Shan food full of lemon, fish, and soupy noodles. 

Don’t forget to get into some side streets for hidden murals and delicious food.

With some food in your belly you can now see some Hindu and Chinese temples, mosques, and other historical places in Penang.

Some of the major historical and cultural places to go in Penang —

• Cheong Fatt Tze or the Blue Mansion — Named after a rich Chinese merchant who built the mansion as a home and office in the 19th century. 38-room minions with brilliant architectural design. Head off on a sunny afternoon to spend some time in the shade watching engraved furniture and old Chinese living style. You can check out their rooms and other services and timings here . 
• Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling — Build in 1801 by Penang’s first Indian Muslim settlers, the mosque stands tall and bright white.
• Kuan Yin Teng or the Temple of the Goddess of Mercy — Originally a temple devoted to the gods of the sea, now this ancient temple is dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.
• Sri Mahamariamman Temple — One of the rainbow-colored and figurine-engraved South-Indian temple in Little India. The temple was made by the Tamilians when they migrated to Penang in the 1800s to trade or work as laborers.
• Khoo Kongsi Temple  – Build in 1906, Khoo Kongsi is another clan temple in the center of Georgetown in Cannon Square. I recommend just walking past by this temple as I wasn’t very inspired by this one. But you can check out the events held at the temple here . 

Choose amongst these places as per your time and preference. I was more interested in staying outdoors and searching the street art or indulging with food and saw most of these above historical and religious attractions from outside.

You can also get an audio 4-hour Penang city tour that takes you through the popular Penang temples, Jetties, and mosques — GetYourGuide tour of Penang .

End your day with some spicy street food at Chulia night market or the Nasi Kandar Line Clear restaurant for some Nasi Kandar. Have drinks at Love Lane if you like. I just grabbed some beer at a local hawker center and watched the avalanche of tourists pour-over food stalls.

Just behind the Goddess of Mercy temple, Antarabangsa Enterprise is a good spot for some affordable drinks.

Another possible pit-stop — Chowrasta street market where Indian immigrants came during the British era and named the area Chowrasta — adapted from the word Chowk(junction) and rasta(way). But Chinese took over the Indians in 1860 and since then mostly Chinese house shops and street vendors run the place. Head here to see some live shopping and Penang food action.

Insider Penang Travel Tips #1 — Don’t miss the glassy Rainbow Skywalk in Georgetown. It changes colors soon before you notice.

Day 2 of your trip to Penang — Get out of Georgetown to get a panoramic view of Penang, hit the clan jetties, and watch a spectacular sunset with some great seafood and music.

Hike up or take the steepest train to penang hill, penang.

I highly recommend Penang hill for when I hiked up the hill, I could see Penang from a height and make some sense out of the modern-vintage fusion of Penang island. Grey-glassy skyscrapers towered over the city while from that height the real hustle-bustle of the Penang streets was missing.

Amongst the many routes that you can take to climb the Penang hill, I took the one that starts from the Penang hill gate near the train station. You can also get to the top of the hill from various paths that fork out from the Botanical gardens.

For doing the Penang hill hike or taking the train to the top of the hill, take a Grab or a bus to Air Itam or directly to Penang hill which is the last stop of bus number 203 or 204 running from the Komtar Bus Terminal.

Head towards the Penang hill gate, find a gravel road to the left of the train station and walk on. The guard might dissuade you from doing the hike claiming that the walk is steep, but the climb was safe and fun.

Depending on your speed, you would take about 2-3-4 hours to reach the top whilst going through a gravel road, staircases, and a jungle trail. The number of squirrels you spot on the trail would also determine how much time you take to complete the trek. If at any point you want to give up the hike, you can get to the nearest stop of the train that goes up the hill and take the train from there.

While coming down the Penang hill, I took the train as it had already rained much and the walks weren’t dry and fun to walk anymore.

Check out the official Penang hill website to see if any festival is going up at the hill.

Insider Tip:  Another gorgeous train ride to take is the  Circular train in Yangon, Myanmar

After getting down the hill (or even before climbing up) you can eat either the curry mee at Sister Curry Mee or the asam laksa at the Air Itam Asam Laksa (in the Air Itam market) as I described in my food guide to Penang also.

I skipped the Laksa but I ate a fabulous Ice Kachang at the top of Penang Hill in the Cliff cafe. The Peranakan couple with whom I did the trek told me that was the best place to have Ice Kachang.

You can also visit the Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple that was built in1891 and is close to Penang hill. As I trekked to the top of Penang Hill, I didn’t have enough time to visit the temple.

After watching the golden sunset from the Penang Hill, I took the return bus to Georgetown and walked towards the clan jetties.

The clan jetties are Chinese villages on the eastern coast of George Town. In the 1800s when the Chinese migrated to Penang to get their chunk of sea trade and work as laborers, many Chinese clans settled at the shore in stilt houses to avoid paying land taxes and to stay close to the coast to work.

Visiting the clan jetties was one of the many fun things to do in Penang. For not only you can see old Chinese stilt houses standing in the ocean, but you can also explore the by lanes of the jetties to find some great seafood being freshly sizzled out of lucky woks. The decoration of the balconies of the houses was particularly Chinese and gave great insight into the Chinese living style. Small almost-antique dusted-rusted cars lined the streets near the Jetties.

As a bonus, you will see some sea folklore murals painted on the walls near the jetties.

And to end the day, just hang out at the jetty food court for some live music, great seafood, and lovely banter with the locals.

From the Clan Jetties, you can go to Fort Cornwallis, which is what I did on another day, but I don’t feel like recommending it for there was nothing spectacular about the fort.

Day 3 in Penang — Fill the last day of your 3 day Penang trip itinerary with some nature, beach, and food or more street art, beach, and food.

You can choose to either go for more food or you can head for some nature.

For nature, either visit the Botanical gardens or go to the Penang national park . In the National Park, choose between many short and long trails depending on your time and mood.

From the Komtar bus terminal, take bus number 101 or 103 to get to the Park. A hike in the national park would only leave enough time for dinner which you can either have at Gurney Drive or Batu Ferringhi beach.

If you are not in the mood of a national park, spend your day discovering the street art outside of Georgetown in and around the Hin Bus depot area. If the day is a Sunday, find the Sunday market there and eat away. You can also head back to the clan jetties to see them during the day and get lost around to find more murals and street art there.

Now about Gurney Drive and Batu Ferringhi beach.

Gurney Drive is the North Eastern shore of the island. Though Gurney Drive is a cluster of imposing shopping malls, five-star hotels, and expensive homes, remember you are in Penang.

In the middle of all the luxurious hotch-potch, you will find the Gurney Drive hawker center that is said to have the best Rojak, amongst other things.

But I would prefer Batu Ferringhi beach to Gurney Drive any day.

Sea shacks on the beach, colorful parasails floating overhead, an option to eat from an assortment of seafood at the Batu Ferringhi night market — what more can you ask for?

Sit by the beach, watch the golden sunset while sipping a beer, and order that sweet and sour grilled fish you thought about all day long.

Have only two days in Penang? What can you do on a 2-day Penang Tour?

If you only have two days and thinking about what to do in Penang in two days, here are my best places in Penang to cut short this three-day itinerary to two days. 

• Follow the Day One itinerary for your first day in Penang. 
• Penang hill should be on your Penang to do list for you will get amazing bird’s eye view of Penang city from the top of the hill. 
• From Penang hill get to the Clan jetties or go to the Batu Ferringhi beach for sunset and seafood dinner.

If you are on a really short Penang one day trip, then just follow the Day 1 itinerary from above and you will get the essence of Penang. But one day isn’t enough to explore Penang, so if you can, do take out at least one more day for this gorgeous island.

Insider Penang travel tips #2 – Penang’s best Ice Kachang at the top of Penang hill in Cliff Cafe is another reason to visit Penang Hill.

Penang island is off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Penang comprises two parts — Penang Island and Seberang Perai, a small part on the mainland Peninsula.

On my Penang trip, I stayed in Georgetown and loved the area.

Georgetown is a cultural mix of Chinese, Malaysians, and Indians. If you are visiting Penang at a Chinese/Malay/Indian festival, you would definitely get to see a procession passing from Georgetown or Deepawali celebrations.

Georgetown is dense with street art, and you can always find some great hotels close to the colorful wall murals. From Georgetown, I could explore most of Penang by walking or the free shuttle buses that run frequently from there.

As per me, the best place to stay in Penang is Georgetown for it has all kinds of food, lively street art, culture, hip cafes and bars, and add anything else if you like.

When I went to Penang, I didn’t know about the many vintage and heritage hotels of Penang that has been constructed out of restored buildings that once housed a lineage of Chinese or Indian and Malay families. A lot of such heritage buildings now serve as hotels. I have picked the best of some of these cultural properties and have listed them here as per their price range.

Affordable stay options in Georgetown:

Just Inn, Georgetown – I stayed at Just Inn in Georgetown which is at the junction of Lorong Carnarvon and Lebuh(street) Carnarvon, a very happening street of Georgetown. When I visited Penang, the Chinese new year celebrations were going on and the entire procession walked past by us on Carnarvon street. What a sight! 

Just Inn has affordable dorms and private rooms. It is 5 minutes walking to Khoo Kong Si Temple and KOMTAR. I remember walking from Just Inn to all important locations of Penang either by foot or with the free buses that run throughout Penang. While some of the rooms were fan-cooled and some air-conditioned, I chose a fan room to save money. The ventilation of the room was so good that I never felt hot even during the month of November when temperatures were soaring in Malaysia.

The staff was very friendly and helpful. Just Inn also has a cafe that serves breakfast and is a great place to hang out.

I wouldn’t think twice before booking Just Inn again.

See the prices and book Just Inn here on Booking for your Penang trip.

Other affordable options in Georgetown that I would definitely consider for Penang.

My Guesthouse 109 – My Guesthouse 109 is an earthy-toned family-run hotel in Georgetown. The property offers air-conditioned double and queen rooms with shared and private bathrooms.

Known for its helpful owners, lovely cats, and an in-house washing machine to use, My Guesthouse gets booked weeks in advance. Oh, you can also help yourselves with free coffee and tea in the kitchen.

Find out the prices and book My Guesthouse on Booking .

Le Dream Boutique Hotel, Georgetown (Heritage Property)- La Dream is a modern Boutique hotel that comes with a rooftop spa and bar and free shuttle service around town. The property has double, quadruple, and king rooms furnished with all the amenities you might need.

The hotel provides a breakfast buffet, afternoon tea and snacks, and even free happy hours with complimentary wine.

You can have a look at the availability and prices of La Dream here .

WeLuv Travel Guesthouse, Georgetown – WeLuv is a very affordable property in Georgetown near the famous Laksa and Cendol stalls. The hostel offers double and family rooms with shared and private bathrooms.

WeLuv is recognized for its friendly staff who help out travelers in navigating Penang the local way.

Browse through the availability and prices of WeLuv Travel here .

Mid-range properties in Georgetown:

Ren I Tang Heritage Inn (Heritage Property) – Ren I Tang is another stunning vintage property that has been constructed out of a restored building. Equipped with timber flooring, wooden staircases, and Chinese roof tiles, the property offers courtyard, china, tub rooms, and lofts.

Ren I Tang is popular for its beautiful architecture, good breakfast, and the in-house museum. The hotel is at the borderline of affordable and mid-range.

Look at the availability and book Ren I Tang Heritage Inn here .

Jawi Peranakan Mansion, Georgetown (Heritage Property) – Well, the pictures of this restored Anglo-Indian mansion are enough to convince anyone to stay here. Jawi Peranakan offers double rooms, villas, and suites in the heart of Georgetown.

The property has an outdoor pool and is known for its friendly 24-hour desk. The hotel also provides a buffet breakfast.

Look at the pictures and availability of Jawi Peranakan here .

Note: I am putting this property under mid-range for the suites and villas are huge and can accommodate as many as 4-5 people.

Luxury stay options in Georgetown

Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Georgetown  (Heritage Property) – If you are looking for a colonial-style luxurious place, then Eastern & Oriental is the place. Known for its seaside pool and a bar, this hotel has fancy suites and in house restaurant with local and international food.

If you want to be at a cultural yet comfortable place close to the sea, then Eastern & Oriental seems like a really good choice.

See the prices and book Eastern & Oriental Hotel  here  on Booking.com.

Areca Hotel, Georgetown, Penang – Areca Hotel Penang is a restored heritage building that now serves as a luxurious hotel that comes along with a decorated lobby and a green courtyard. The decorations and furniture seem like from an old era and have antique looks.

Areca Hotel offers heritage rooms and family suites.

Check out the prices and availability of Areca on Booking .

Noordin Mews, Georgetown Penang (Heritage Property) – Noordin Mews is a boutique hotel that is also made out of a restored heritage building. Noordin Mews offers double rooms and suites with or without breakfast.

Known for the friendly staff and its quiet location, Noordin definitely seems like a place to relax and read in between Penang sightseeing.

See the prices and book Noording Mews here .

Stay options in Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi or Feringgi is a seaside locality of Penang. Needless to say, the Batu Feringgi beach is popular amongst locals and tourists to relax with ocean views.

If you are looking for some vibrant beach life after a few days of visiting temples and museums, get a seaside place in Batu Feringgi to watch the sun setting over an azure horizon along with some Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) and a Malaysian beer.

Some of the Batu Ferringi stay options

Rasa Motel  – Rasa Motel is an affordable property and is just about 3 mins walk from the Batu Feringghi beach. The hotel offers air-conditioned single, double, triple, and family rooms.

The property is known for its cleanliness, location, friendly owner, and budget prices.

Check for the availability and book Rasa Motel  here on Booking .

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang  – Shangri-La is Batu Feringgi’s luxurious resort at the beach that is set amidst a lush tropical forest. Equipped with swimming pools, a gym, and yoga Pavillion, the hotel offers all kinds of rooms with landscaped garden or ocean views.

Shangri-La has very friendly staff and even some beach chairs in its lush garden.

Book Shangri-La  here  for your next Penang trip.

If you don’t like these options, then  click here  to see some other stay options in Batu Feringgi.

Accommodation options in Gurney Drive, Penang

Gurney Drive is a high-class suburb of Penang dotted with tall buildings, luxurious malls, and skyscraper hotels.

If you would love to stay at Gurney Drive to experience the locality and the exquisite seafood at Gurney Drive hawker center, here are some luxury options to stay there:

G Hotel Gurney – G Hotel overlooks Gurney Drive, a popular seafront promenade featuring delicious local street food. Equipped with an outdoor pool and an in-house restaurant and bar, the property offers double rooms and suites.

Known for its friendly staff and a relaxing spa, G Hotel is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable stay in with an ocean view and abundant street food a stone’s throw away.

Check the prices and book G Hotel here .

G Hotel Kelawai – G Hotel is a luxurious hotel with a rooftop bar and is about 500 m from Gurney Drive. The hotel offers deluxe double, twin, and premium rooms with panoramic city views.

Known for its contemporary decor and friendly staff, G Hotel also has an in-house restaurant with local and international food choices.

Look at the availability and prices of G Hotel Kelawai here .

Accommodation options in Tanjung Bungah, Penang

I stayed at Tanjung Bungah for a day and didn’t appreciate the area much. Far away from both Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah was a quiet and expensive residential area by the beach. With minimal nightlife and no cultural insights, I think you should only go to this area if you have some work there.

If you are heading to Tanjung Bungah, check out Sea Lion by the beach which was a comfortable place to stay.

Sea Lion by the Beach  – Sea Lion by the beach is an ancient bungalow that is just 2 minutes away from the beach. The property has single and double rooms with shared and private bathrooms.

Some of the rooms also come with a patio, and guests can use the kitchen, too. I loved the ancient bungalow and the property manager was friendly and offered me toast and tea when I arrived really late at night and had nothing to eat.

Also, the large garden of the house is visited by many birds and cats.

Browse through Sea Lion’s pictures and book your stay  here on Booking .

Penang accommodations are of various kinds. From homestays to hotels to hostels to resorts to boutique stays to villas, you can opt for any kind of place. Now it is up to you to choose your Penang stay as per your budget, your preferred activities, and your comfort.

How to travel to Penang, Malaysia?

By Air – You can fly to Penang from many international or domestic airports. Getting to Penang is especially easy from Thailand or Singapore as you have direct flights to Penang from these destinations. Kuala Lumpur is also a good stop to take a flight to Penang.

By Train  – Kuala Lumpur Central station to Butterworth station in Penang (mainland) is connected by a direct train which takes about 4-5 hours. In Butterworth, get a ferry or take a bus to reach the Penang island. Taking a train to Penang seems like a fun option if you have some time on hand. I couldn’t get the train for I was first going to Cameron Highlands (CH) but changed my mind on the CH bus stand to continue traveling to Penang.

By Bus – A convenient option to reach Penang is by bus. Buses are comfortable in Malaysia and run on time. My travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang by bus took me about 6 hours.

Though I can imagine how travel in Penang can be always fun, visiting Malaysia in monsoon should be avoided.  

November to January: This is the best time to go to Penang as the weather is pleasant and dry.

February to April: Travel to Penang during these months for dry but warmer weather.

May to October: Wettest months of Penang. I traveled to Penang at the peak monsoon season in October. While I was hiking Penang hill, the rain beat down hard on us hikers. I did a lot of random treks even in the rain, but I was limited due to the slippery terrains. But I must admit that I enjoy rains, and I was happy to be in Penang during the monsoon. 

You should get a small amount of money exchanged into local Ringgits at the airport. This small money will help you get into the city by taxi or bus. Later on, go to one of the street shops in Georgetown to exchange more. I always exchange at local licensed shops instead of banks or bigger money changers as the smaller shops give better rates.

I always use my ATM cards to withdraw cash. Though I need to write a detailed guide on how to manage money on international travel, I take out enough money that I will survive for a week, at least, to avoid paying the bank charges on international withdrawals frequently.

You can explore Penang for as cheap as you like. But you can also splurge easily in Penang. Your budget would depend on your choices. 

Accommodation — Look at the accommodation options that I have mentioned above, and choose a place as per your budget. 

Meals — My biggest expense in Penang. Though food is generally cheap in Penang, I spent around 5-10 ringgits on each meal. Damn you fried fish.

Transportation — I took Rapid Penang buses or walked to most of the places to visit in Penang. The buses were cheap or free, and, of course, walking is free. If you take taxis, you would have to pay more. Don’t expect a transportation cost of more than 10 ringgits per day even if you take short taxi rides coupled with rolling on legs or wheels.

Tickets to attractions of Penang— Some of the things to see in Penang such as the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the temples, and the train ride to Penang hill would cost you a little bit. So keep those costs in mind while planning your budget.

Resources to help you visit some of the Penang famous places

Georgetown Penang street art map — Get the map here . A Penang tourist map by Penang government that lists the main Georgetown Murals and the street signs. The map doesn’t describe all the street art in Penang, like the next one, but this map talks about the history of Georgetown coming up as a tourist and art hub amongst other things.

Street art map Penang by Penang tourism board  — This one is my favorite as it is a detailed map to Penang art. This map tells the story behind all the major murals (by major I mean the popular ones as a lot of murals in Penang are good) and the description of all the 52 street signs in Georgetown Penang. You can get a hard copy this at the Penang airport and also at your hotel.

Georgetown Penang map covering the traditions and heritage of the Peranakan Chinese – and how they migrated to Malaysia. You must have heard of the Nyonya cuisine that is basically the food of Peranakan Chinese influenced by the local Malaysian food. Download or see this map here to read more about the Peranakan Chinese and their migration to Malaysia.

READ NEXT: What to eat in Penang —  Penang food guide

READ NEXT: A detailed guide to street art in Penang —  Penang street art guide

If you plan to spend some time in Malaysia, you should definitely check out Kinabatangan river, one of the two places to see Orangutans in the wild – Kinabatangan River Cruise Guide .

If you are still wondering whether to visit Malaysia — read some amazing things about Malaysia that would make you travel to Malaysia. 

Process of the Malaysia eVisa for Indians — Online visa to Malaysia  

Heading off to Bali after Malaysia? Check out my My Bali Travel Guide   – Best Things To Do in Bali and Beyond.

Are you clear about what to do in Penang in 3 days? Did you like my Penang guide? Let me know in the comments.

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to products and services I love. If you choose to click through and make a purchase or a booking, I will earn a little bit at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

Want similar inspiration and ideas in your inbox? Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter "Looking Inwards"!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Work with Me
• Start a Blog
• Yearly Roundups
• 101 in 1001 Goals
• how to start a travel blog
• tips for new bloggers
• write me a guest post!
• Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

Penang Itinerary: What to do in Penang in 3 Days

last Updated: January 18, 2022 malaysia penang

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Have a few extra days in Malaysia and thinking about planning the ultimate 3 day Penang itinerary? Well, my friends, this Penang travel blog will surely help you plan your trip! Keep reading for not only what to do in Penang in 3 days, but for the best ways to get around, key phrases to learn in Malay, and where to stay!

Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and legendary street foods featured in numerous magazines, Penang is one of the best destinations in Malaysia and even Southeast Asia. Planning a trip to Penang soon? Here’s the Penang itinerary you’ll need! 

However, to be completely honest, 3 days in Penang is juuuust enough time to explore the must-see attractions, but it’ll be tight. If you’re more into experiencing cultures or you’re a “I’m gonna try all the street foods” kinda guy, you’ll definitely need more than 3 days in Penang.

But don’t fret – if a long weekend is all you’ve got, Yen from Swing Abroad is here to show you how to make the most of it!

Hopefully you’ll find this article useful in planning your Penang itinerary, so let’s dive in and get right to it!

Psst: Looking for other 3-day itineraries of other Asian cities, check these out: 3 days in Tokyo , 3 days in Singapore , and 3 days in Hong Kong .

Language And Basic Phrases

Not to confuse anyone, but Malaysia is a multilingual country, with the official language being Malay. While the majority of Penangites are Chinese, almost all Malaysians understand Malay language. The good news? The majority of Malaysians speak English too, basic or advanced, which is so lucky for us English-speaking folks.

However, I always feel it’s respectful to at least learn a few phrases (enough for basic communication) in the home language of the country you’re visiting, so  here’s some simple Malay phrases to learn before your trip:

• Thank you – Terima Kasih
• How are you – Apa khabar?
• You’re welcome – Sama-sama
• How much – Berapa harga?
• Toilet – Tandas (but everyone knows the word ‘toilet’ here, so… Just stick to ‘toilet’ if it’s a real emergency)

Getting Around in Penang

To be honest, public transport is not the best option in Penang (it’s the opposite of time-efficient and let’s face it, they never arrive on time), but if you’re counting your ringgits (the currency of Malaysia), it’s the most economical way.

To get around in the city center, or UNESCO Heritage Site, GrabCar is the most popular choice. It works just like Uber, but the fare is fixed instead of metered.

However, for traveling longer distances, for example, from the city center to Batu Ferringhi, it’s better to wait for the public transport. But where will I catch my ride, you ask? The main bus station is in Komtar, which is nearby where you’ll probably end up booking accommodations.

Motorcycles are also popular among backpackers in Penang, but I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have experience riding a motorbike in hectic traffic. And since it’s not cheap renting a motorcycle either, I’d stick to either public transit or GrabCar if you’re in more of a rush.

What to Pack for Penang

Penang is the warmest city in Malaysia, so you probably won’t be needing your long pants. Here are some essentials to bring to Penang.

• Insect repellent
• Baseball Cap

Where to Stay in Penang

There are basically three ‘bases’ for travelers in Penang, depending on your favorite destinations and travel style. Pick one for your Penang itinerary! For this article, I’ll assume you’ll be basing yourself out of the Georgetown  UNESCO Heritage Site, as it’s where most visitors end up staying.

Georgetown UNESCO Heritage Site

The UNESCO Heritage Site is the main highlight of Penang Island. It’s located in the city center, and close to several attractions, which we’ll get into later. Other than that, you’ll be staying near Komtar, the main bus station. This makes traveling around the island much more convenient if you prefer taking public transportation.

Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi is a paradise for beach lovers in Penang. Located 30 minutes north of the city center, Batu Ferringhi beach is full of nightlife and beach-goers. With plenty of water activities going on during the evening, Batu Ferringhi is the most happening place in Penang.

You’ll find plenty of restaurants offering cuisines from all around the world along the main street. Also, if you’re planning a visit to Penang National Park, Batu Ferringhi is a great place to stay because it’s just a few minutes’ drive away. You could also try hitchhiking as well! I’ve picked up a German backpacker camping in Monkey Beach in the national park.

Balik Pulau

While all tourist attractions are concentrated in the eastern side of Penang island, let’s not forget about the western side, Balik Pulau. It’s the rural side of the island, where you’ll feel yourself being transported to the simpler Old Penang decades ago.

There are several home-stays around here, which are well worth a few nights if you want to escape the crowds and you’ve got more than 3 days in Penang. 

Best SIM Card in Penang

Major SIM Cards in Malaysia include DiGi, Maxis, UMobile, Celcom, etc. But the one that works the best in Penang is DiGi, which is preferred by most Penangites. Maxis work best in Kuala Lumpur but not as good in Penang. In short, just go for DiGi if you want to guarantee great service.

And now what you’ve been waiting for in this Penang travel blog → a full itinerary and what to do in Penang in 3 days! Start taking notes!

3 Days in Penang Itinerary

A quick note before we get started: As I’ve said for this Penang itinerary, I’ll assume that you’ll be staying in Georgetown UNESCO Heritage Site. Therefore, it only makes sense to refer to everything from this perspective. If you’re itching to stay in other places, this Penang itinerary is possible, you may just want to shuffle things around a bit due to transportation options. Now, let’s dive in!

Day 1 in Penang:

Start off with a typical Malaysian Breakfast

First up on this Penang trip: trying out the typical classic breakfast of Malaysia →  a set of half-boiled eggs, toasted bread, and a cup of local coffee. The best place to try this out would be at Toh Soon Café in Campbell Street.

However, due to recent popularity, the prices of menu items have skyrocketed. And chances are, you’ll be spending some time waiting on line, but fear not, it’s worth it! And busy for good reason!

If busy breakfasts aren’t your thing or you don’t wanna wait around, go to Tho Yuen Restaurant on the same street. It’s a dim sum restaurant that has been around for more than 80 years, and obviously very good (I mean, they’ve been around for the better part of a century…)

Exploring The UNESCO Heritage Site

Before exploring the heritage site, give this article a read to learn more about the history of Penang.

While you’re there, go hunt for the street art which can be found scattered all over the area. If you haven’t figured this out by now, Penang is famous for its street art, with the most classic one being the Kids on Bicycle painting by Ernest Zacharevic.

Not sure where to start? Grab a map, which can be found everywhere within the area, or just refer to  this handy-dandy electronic map .

There’s plenty of restaurants within the area, so it’s wise to plan to have your lunch here. Plus, after all that exploring, you’ll probably be a bit hungry. How to find the best one? Follow the locals’ crowds. Always follow the locals.

Visit The Clan Jetties

Along the coast, there are several jetties, each belonged to different clans, differentiated by surnames. They’re one of the oldest Chinese settlements on Penang island! The tourism in Penang has given birth to the commercialization of the jetties, so therefore you’ll find plenty of gifts and souvenirs shops along the jetty.

Try the durian ice-cream there too, you might  just end up loving it. And psst – if you’re a photographer, the jetties are also famous for sunrise photography, so wake your butt up early and come on down!

Since it’s the first day of your 3 day Penang itinerary, let’s not make it too packed (don’t wanna tire you out right away!) For now, head over to Kimberley Street for an abundance of street foods. In the evening, you’ll find hawkers setting their stalls up here, transforming the street into a night market.

Order as much as you can, because most of the street foods you find here are way up to par. Want some recommendations? Go for Char Koay Teow, Indian Mee Goreng, and oyster omelets. And yes, you can thank me later. 🙂

Day 2 in Penang:

My favorite breakfast in Penang is Hokkien Mee. While you can find them everywhere around the city, it becomes challenging to find the very best one. But don’t worry, I got you covered. Head over to Star Hotel Coffee Shop on Carnarvon Street for a bowl of flavorful Hokkien Prawn Noodles. Be sure to arrive before 10 am because it’ll most likely get sold out by then.

If you prefer a lighter breakfast , then Pitt Street Koay Teow Th’ng on Carnarvon Street is also a great option.

And on day 2 of this Penang itinerary, we’ve got two great options for you:

Adventure in ESCAPE Theme Park

ESCAPE Theme Park is the most recommended destination on this Penang itinerary for those who’re looking for an adrenaline rush and swoon over adventurous outdoor activities. The theme park is equipped with tons of facilities, high ropes courses, zip lines, slides, climbing towers, and more.

It’s located far away from the city center so you might want to take the public transport from Komtar bus station to get there. The journey will take around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the traffic.

The water park was opened just a couple of years ago, and the ticket is now inclusive of both the water park and theme park. You’ll need an entire day to explore everything there!

Hiking in Penang National Park

If you’re not a fan of theme parks or you just so happen to like national parks more, head over to Penang National Park on the same bus. The national park is located at the end of the bus route, taking almost an hour to get there from Komtar.

The great news is that there’s no entrance fee charged to the National Park! Yes, it’s free! While you’re there, be sure to check out Pantai Kerachut and also Teluk Kampi to enjoy the nature side of Penang island.

Pay a visit to Muka Head Lighthouse too. The whole trek will probably take you 2 hours or so. With all the photographs and chilling, you can easily spend a half-day here. If you’re planning to do camping inside the national park, be sure to register at the entrance counter.

Watch the Sunset in Batu Ferringhi

If you’re opting for hiking in Penang National Park, chances are you’ll finish everything before evening. To get to Batu Ferringhi, I recommend waiting for the bus.

Batu Ferringhi is the most happening beach in Penang, with lots of water activities going on, like paragliding, banana boats, and jet skis. If all you want to do is enjoy the sunset without the crowds, go for the beach behind Starbucks Café.

For dinner, head over to the main street in Batu Ferringhi and you’ll find restaurants all over the street, serving cuisines from all over the world. If you’re not pocket-sensitive, try the western cuisine in The Ship Restaurant.

Tight on budget? I’ve tried most of the restaurants there and most of them were satisfying. Feel comfortable to choose whichever you like! Be sure not to stay until late night there, you might miss the bus back to your hostel! If that happens, you’ll need GrabCar to get back.

Day 3 in Penang:

Pay a visit to Chowrasta Morning Market in Chowrasta Road. There’ll be food stalls everywhere, serving local Penang street foods. You can find any street food here, literally.

If you haven’t tried Hokkien Prawn Mee, you could try it here. Yea, I love Hokkien Prawn Mee, quite a lot. Go shopping around the morning market, and take in the local vibes and the way of life here. It’s a great place to start your last day in Penang.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

A highly recommended destination for foreigners planning their Penang itinerary is the Peranakan Mansion. The mansion was built way back in the 1890s, a unique mansion portraying the cultures and influences of Nyonya and Baba.

With over 1,000 antiques and collectibles on display, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of what it’s like to be a millionaire a century ago. Tours are also available at a fixed time every day, be sure to arrive on time if you want to catch one. Note that entrance fee for adults is MYR10.

Visit to Kek Lok Si Temple

At Komtar, take the bus to Kek Lok Si temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the city, and most definitely an interesting place in Penang. The temple is very popular among tourists so expect huge crowds of tourists here.

If you’re visiting around January or February, consider visiting at night. 15 days before Lunar Chinese New Year, there are LED light shows all over the roofs of the buildings. Kek Lok Si temple has a lot of ways to dig your cash out from your pocket.

But you don’t have to necessarily pay for most of the things here. Skip the train ride and hike up from the gravel road instead. Saves you some money.

Enjoy the City Views atop Penang Hill

Penang Hill is located near to Kek Lok Si Temple, which is why I recommend doing them together in one go. To get to Penang Hill, you’ll need to buy a train ticket at the train station at the base of the hill. A return ticket for a foreign adult is MYR30.

Penang authorities have been paying lots of attention and funding  the development of Penang Hill. You’ll find lots of attractions up there, with gardens very well-maintained. It’s the best place to escape the extreme Penang heat.

Try the ice-kacang in the café. Or Mango Ice, or anything with ice… You’ll love it! Take a walk along the gravel road around Penang Hill and enjoy the scenery. If you’re staying until dark, then you’ll be enjoying the best viewpoint on Penang City night view. The last train runs on 11 pm, don’t be late or you’ll screw up!

If you’re staying in Penang Hill until the sun sets, have your dinner in David Brown’s Restaurant. If not, there are abundant of local cafes near the train station below.

Again, don’t stay until too late there or you’ll miss your bus!

So what do you think of this Penang itinerary? Hopefully this Penang travel blog helped you figure out what to do in Penang in 3 days!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

• About Jessica
• How to Plan a Trip
• Fave Travel Companies
• Shop My Faves

Destinations

• World Travel
• San Francisco
• Northern California
• Southern California
• Central Coast

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Southeast Asia » Malaysia » Penang

INSIDER PENANG ITINERARY for 2024

Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia and consists of two main parts. The Penang mainland, and Penang Island. The island is connected to the mainland by two road bridges, one of which is the longest oversea road bridge in Southeast Asia.

The province boasts great diversity in culture, ethnicity, language, and religion- which makes it a very interesting destination for travel. It also has an incredibly beautiful coastline and cities that seem to rise up along the ocean.

The area is perfect for sunset chasers, adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by culture and diversity. It’s time to start planning your very own Penang itinerary for one incredible holiday!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best time to visit Penang

Where to stay in penang, penang itinerary, day 1 itinerary in penang, day 2 itinerary in penang, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in penang, day trips from penang, faq on penang itinerary.

While planning your itinerary, you need to know when to visit Penang.

Penang has a very stable climate with temperatures varying very little throughout the course of the year. This means planning your Penang trip will be an absolute breeze.

The only thing you really need to consider is the rain, humidity, and whether or not you’re willing to visit during monsoon season. These monsoons are not particularly dangerous most of the time, however, they certainly will interfere with your planned outdoor activities.

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Monsoon season takes place in April and May, and should probably be avoided if you don’t enjoy a good deal of rain.

Penang’s busy season takes place between mid-November and February. The weather is warm (just like the rest of the year), but the lack of rain makes Penang travel a whole lot easier!

Every traveler has a different preference for their travel, so here’s what you can expect from Penang all year round!

Penang is a world-renowned exotic holiday destination, which means there’s an overwhelming amount of places and areas to stay in . Whether you’re into the hustle and bustle of city living or prefer to rough it in a small fishing village, Penang is sure to have something to suit your taste.

George Town is the capital city and our first recommendation for where to stay in Penang. It has been named one of the most interesting and colorful cities in all of Malaysia, it’s no wonder it made the top of our list.

The city has a charm like no other. Walking down the streets you’ll see an eclectic mix of colonial buildings, Chinese storefronts, and ornate mosques. You can indulge in top-class street food and delicious coffee while exploring its many landmarks.

Bayan Lepas is situated on Penang island, just an express route away from George Town. It’s a highly affordable option that still gives you easy access to Penang attractions. The area was started as an agricultural village and has now become the industrial hub of Penang.

However, it is more than just a charming village and is now home to some incredible Penang points of interest. So if you’re spending more than two days in Penang, consider adding this area to your Penang itinerary.

Best Hostel in Penang – House of Journey

House of Journey is located in the heart of George Town’s historical zone, making it easy to access many of the best Penang landmarks. The cozy interior makes you feel right at home, and the buffet breakfast provided every morning doesn’t hurt either! They also offer free city maps and guidance for those planning on touring Penang.

Best Airbnb in Penang – Central apartment great for City- Breakers

Situated yourself right in the cultural heart of Penang ith this George Town apartment. This affordable and well-maintained place is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the eclectic mix of sights, sounds and aromas that abound in Penangs city centre.

Best Budget Hotel in Penang – Tune Hotel

Tune hotel, located in George Town, has a colorful exterior that hides the modern, stylish interior. The hotel offers free WiFi in all it’s rooms and is just a five-minute walk away from Penang’s famous skyscraper. The air-conditioned rooms also offer a much-needed break from the warm climate.

Best Luxury Hotel in Penang –  Eastern & Oriental Hotel

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel offers absolute luxury accommodation for travelers looking for just that little bit extra from their trip to Penang. An outdoor swimming pool is perfect to cool off from the heat, and their on-site restaurant and bar come in handy when spending a relaxing afternoon sunbathing by the pool.

• Best Backpacker Hostels in Penang
• Best Airbnb Rentals in Penang

While you’re planning a trip to Penang, you’re going to need to find out the best ways to get around the province. If you’re traveling from Penang Island to the mainland, taking a bus or ferry is your best option.

If you’re traveling long distances across the province, or from town to town, taking a bus is a great option. Unfortunately, Penang’s public transport system is severely lacking, so buses are the main form of public transport.

Hailing a taxi is also an option, however, transport costs become exponentially more expensive when traveling via taxi.

Hiring a scooter is a great way to get around Penang. It gives you a great amount of freedom and means you won’t have to plan your Penang itinerary around bus routes and times. You can also travel anywhere in the province on your scooter, which allows you to take a trip a little off-the-beaten-track.

Most of the cities and towns in Penang are easily walkable, in fact, we actually recommend that you walk. This allows you to find hidden gems apart from the main landmarks during your vacation in Penang.

Now that you know how to get around Penang, you can start putting together your very own Penang itinerary with the activities below!

Tropical Spice Gardens | Fort Cornwallis | Suffolk House | Khoo Kongsi | Little India | Batu Ferringhi Night Market

Spend the first day of your Penang trip itinerary exploring the many interesting cultural sites and landmarks that make up the wonderful Penang district. Take a Penang walking tour, or explore on your own, either way, you’re sure to stay well entertained!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Stroll Through the Tropical Spice Gardens

• Why it’s awesome: The tropical spice gardens were created to pay homage to all the beautiful herbs and spices found in this part of the world.
• Cost: Entry – USD $4, Guided Tour – USD $6
• Food nearby: Tree Monkey is a fantastic restaurant with outdoor seating in a beautiful and green setting. They serve absolutely delicious Thai food, and the presentation is exquisite. Be sure to order one of their many famous vegetable dishes, they’re sure to keep you coming back for more!

There’s no better way to spend your morning than walking around the aromatic and beautifully scented garden. The incredible Penang Tropical Spice Gardens cover an impressive six acres of land and are home to over 500 different plant species. As you walk through the gardens, you’ll be blown away by the myriad of smells and tastes that you encounter.

The Tropical Spice Gardens are ranked as one of the top attractions in Malaysia and are an absolute Penang must-do!

The tour is perfect for anyone interested in Malay flora and fauna, as your knowledgeable guide will teach you about the plant-life during the tour. You can even take a cooking class on the premises that will teach you how to use herbs and spices in your cooking to create fantastic Malay style dishes.

There are also plenty of audio tours that allow you to explore the gardens on your own, and experience the wonderful power of these aromatic plants.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Visit Fort Cornwallis

• Why it’s awesome: Fort Cornwallis was built in the 18th century, but never actually engaged in any combat.
• Cost: USD $5
• Food nearby: Hameediyah Restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but is an absolute gem! They serve a variety of really great seafood and meat dishes, as well as a variety of wonderful vegetarian meals. This restaurant truly has something for everyone’s taste.

Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia and was built by the British East India Company three centuries ago! The fort was named after the governing general of Bengal at the time, Charles Cornwallis.

The main building in the fort is the oldest roofed building still standing from the colonial times. This gives it a great history, which you will certainly learn about during your time at the fort.

There is also a small chapel on the premises, which has become a very popular place for weddings to take place in Penang.

You’ll discover a range of old canons that decorate the fort, the largest of which has been named Seri Rambai and was cast all the way back in 1603!

There is also a lighthouse at the fort that looks like a ship’s mast and serves absolutely no navigational purposes, but it makes the fort all the more interesting. Spending the mid-afternoon exploring the fort gives you great insight into the history of Malaysia, especially during the colonial period.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Have Tea at Suffolk House

• Why it’s awesome: Suffolk House is a prime example of colonial architecture in Malaysia and is located on a very scenic part of Penang Island, called Air Itam (meaning Black Water).
• Cost: Entrance is free!
• Food nearby: China House is a mixture between a bar, cafe, gallery and shop, and it serves all of these purposes so well! They serve a wonderful assortment of patisseries and cakes, as well as making delicious meals for their guests.

Just a 15-minute drive from Fort Cornwallis, Suffolk House is a colonial-style building in a very beautiful part of Penang Island. The house is also known to be the only surviving Georgian Mansion in Penang, making it all the more special!

Suffolk House was home to a few of the British Governors that governed Penang, giving the place a great history to discover! The house has been wonderfully restored to its former glory, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the things to see in Penang that you simply must visit!

The house is furnished with original Anglo-Indian antiques giving it a very vintage feel and adding to the romantic atmosphere.

Be sure to stop by for high-tea or lunch at the Suffolk House Restaurant on the premises that offer an assortment of great meals. However, if you’re already full, then amble around the grounds while enjoying the many beautiful sights along the way!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Explore Khoo Kongsi

• Why it’s awesome: Khoo Kongsi is an iconic Penang attraction that was once a clan-house.
• Cost: Free to enter!
• Food nearby: Kebaya Dining Room is just a six-minute drive from Khoo Kongsi and serves an exquisite array of dishes. A fine-dining atmosphere paves the way perfectly for their well-presented meals! You’ll be able to order from their Chinese-style menu before tucking into a wonderful dessert.

If you’re wondering what to do in Penang, then visiting Khoo Kongsi simply must be on your Penang Itinerary. It was once a clan-house, but has now been turned into a museum that features many interesting stone carvings with heavy Chinese influences!

The temple was built in the 19th century and has a few astounding features that are likely to blow you away! The architecture in itself is amazing, and shows off a myriad of different colors! One of the temples’ signature features is it’s alter. It has been decorated with gold leaf, and inlaid with ancestral tablets!

Ornate decorations also hang from the ceilings, making this museum a whole lot of fun to explore! Be sure to take your camera along for this epic adventure into the interesting history of Malaysia’s past.

The ancient clan-house has managed to retain its historic setting, which can be seen in the association building, a traditional theater and the row-houses that were built for clan members in the 19th century.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Wonder Around Little India

• Why it’s awesome: Small but vibrant area in Penang that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a different country.
• Cost: Free to explore!
• Food nearby: There are plenty of street food options in Little India, but if you feel you want to sit and have a meal, then Indigo Restaurant is a great option! Here, you’ll be able to indulge in a delicious three-course meal and even enjoy their late-night dining option. They serve some of the most Instagrammable dishes in Penang, so be sure to snap a pic before you tuck into your meal!

Take the evening to stroll through the streets of Little India, a small area just outside of George Town that has a completely different feel to the rest of Penang. You may even think you took a wrong turn and landed up in the wrong country! (But that isn’t the case.)

Little India is where you’ll find a large collection of Tamil people who add a cultural vibrancy to the area. You’ll notice a wide selection of shops, selling everything from Sari’s to perfume and incense at great prices! Take this opportunity to do a little bargain hunting during your trip; brush up on your haggling skills , and you’re sure to buy some souvenirs at a steal.

Many of the shops blast Bollywood music into the streets, making the whole area come alive in the evenings. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Penang to sample Malaysian street food , so save your stomach for a taster or two.

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Go Shopping at Batu Ferringhi Night Market

• Why it’s awesome: The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun sets! Spend the night shopping for bargains at one of the best things to do in Penang at night.
• Cost: Free to browse!
• Food nearby: After all the eating you’ll be doing during your first day in Penang, you’re sure to be stuffed. However, if you’re still feeling peckish, there are plenty of snacking options at Batu Ferringhi Night Market.

Stroll around the Batu Ferringhi Night Market and browse the many interesting stores. You’ll find handmade jewelry, knock-off designer goods, and many other inexpensive souvenirs. Clothes, bags, watches, and DVDs are all things you can expect to find.

Soak up the lively atmosphere as you walk around the market, and don’t forget to try some of the tasty treats on display. It really doesn’t get better than freshly prepared Malaysian meals on the go!

Insider Tip: Keep in mind that it’s important to haggle with the stall owners, as you’ll more than likely end up paying more than you should!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque | Batu Ferringhi Beach | Peranakan Museum | Snake Temple | Penang Hill

If you’re spending a second day in Penang before traveling elsewhere in Malaysia , you’ll need a two-day itinerary. Here are a few of our favorite activities that are a must-do during your travels.

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Explore Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque

• Why it’s awesome: This interesting architectural feature of the Penang skyline accommodates 1,500 worshippers at a time.
• Cost: Entrance to the mosque is free, but if you’d like to take a guided tour then additional fees will apply.
• Food nearby: The Hillside is just a few minutes’ drive from the floating mosque. They have various indoor and outdoor seating options that provide wonderful views. The restaurant is stylish and makes for the perfect breakfast spot for the second morning of your weekend in Penang! Their breakfast options are absolutely delicious and range from healthy fruit salads to breakfast pizzas.

Waking up early in the morning to take a stroll through the floating mosque is arguably one of the best ways to start your morning in Penang. The mosque was built on stilts over the water, which is why it’s referred to as ‘floating’.

The mosque is placed in a beautiful part of Penang. You’ll get the chance to appreciate the stunning views of serene beaches while you amble through the ornate building on the water.

The mosque has many Middle-Eastern elements that are sure to leave you awe-inspired. The essence of this building is sure to stay with you throughout your visit to Penang! The mosque is the first and only mosque to have the ‘floating’ element to it, so you’re guaranteed a unique experience.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Bask in the Sun at Batu Ferringhi Beach

• Why it’s awesome: Batu Ferringhi is known as one of the best beach areas on Penang Island!
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: The Ferringhi Garden Restaurant is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. Eat surrounded by lush greenery. It includes options for every diet, including gluten-free.

If you’re on sole reason for a vacation in Malaysia is to dip your toes in the sand and bask in the glorious sun, then spending the mid-morning on Batu Ferringhi beach is the best way to catch a killer tan!

This long strip of golden sands stretches as far as the eye can see, and gives you plenty of space to escape the crowds if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday! Part of the beach is lined with resorts that look over private sections of the beach. Spending the day at one of the resorts is sure to be a treat, and will see you sipping on cocktails as the hours pass you by.

Take a picnic along with you for the adventure, or simply try some of the incredible street food that the vendors have to offer.

Insider Tip: You simply must try Malaysian curry and a variety of noodle dishes while you visit Penang! They are completely unique from the Asian and Indian dishes that you’ll find in other parts of the world, and use a comprehensive blend of flavors that bring each dish to life.

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Visit the Peranakan Museum

• Why it’s awesome: The Penang Peranakan Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Peranakan people that moved to Malaysia.
• Cost: Adults – USD $5, Children under 6 – Free!
• Food nearby: Tek Sen Restaurant is a simple eatery that isn’t much to look at, but the food is absolutely delicious and it has become a local favorite. Choose between a range of Thai and Malay fusion dishes, or indulge in a buffet-style meal that allows you to try a little bit of everything!

If one thing is for certain, it’s that Malaysia and Penang in particular is a very diverse area. It contains cultures from all over the world, making it a very interesting place to explore!

The Peranakan Museum in Penang is dedicated to telling the story of the Peranakan people that moved to Malaysia many years ago. These people are also often referred to as Straits Chinese. The Peranakans are descendants of Chinese settlers that moved to Malaysia between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Within Malaysia, they developed a unique culture that was a blend of Malay and Chinese customs. The Peranakan Museum will teach you about the customs and traditions of these people, as well as showcasing some of their traditional art and antiques found in many of their homes.

On display, you’ll also see a recreation of a 19th-century traditional Peranakan house to get a better feel for their culture.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Take a Walk Through Snake Temple

• Why it’s awesome: The snake temple is also known as the temple of Azure Cloud and Pure Cloud Temple.
• Food nearby: Uncle Lim’s Recipe serves a variety of unique Malay dishes with a twist. The food is absolutely delicious and served in generous portions. Many of the locals that work nearby stop at Uncle Lim’s Recipe for lunch before heading off to finish their workday.

The snake temple is located in the southwest region of Penang Island, and was built in honor of Chor Soo Kong, who was a Buddhist priest and healer. The legend tells the story of the monk who provided the shelter for snakes in the temple, and after his death they welcomed themselves in on their own.

It was then thought that all these snakes were disciples of the monk, so they were allowed to stay. You’ll now find a variety of venomous Wagler’s pit vipers and green tree snakes that have taken up residence in the temple.

The temple was completed in 1850, and ever since then, it has been the home of many snakes.

If you’re looking for a heart-pumping and thrill-seeking adventure, then taking a trip to the snake temple is enough to get your adrenaline pumping. The snakes are fed, and so a little less dangerous than you might imagine, but it still makes for a very interesting activity!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Stop Off at Penang Hill

• Why it’s awesome: After a full day of exploring, we recommend you take a tram ride to Penang hill and kill two birds with one stone!
• Cost: Free to visit Penang Hill!
• Food nearby: David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terrace offers a delightful ambiance, and is the perfect place to have a romantic dinner after visiting Penang Hill! Enjoy a glass of wine with your delicious meal under sparkling fairy lights that add a bit of magic to the beautiful garden setting! Be sure to order one of their wonderful desserts to share after your meal.

Penang Hill is one of the main attractions in Penang, and it rises an impressive 812 meters above sea level. Penang Hill actually covers a number of hills but the most prominent being Western Hill, which is exactly where you should visit!

The hill is a beautiful forested area and the best way to get to the top is via Penang Hill Railway, which has a funicular that transports guests to the top. The trip to the top is all part of the fun, and is completely unique to Penang Hill as there are no other funicular railways in Malaysia!

Once you’re at the top, you’ll get the chance to see stunning views of Penang City below! The reason we suggest this activity as the last one of the day, is because being on top of Penang Hill while the sun sets is absolutely spectacular.

Because it’s so warm all year round, you can stay on the hill for hours enjoying the twinkling lights of the city below you. Be sure to bring your travel camera so you’ll never forget these picturesque views! This is an activity you simply must add to your itinerary for Penang!

House of Journey

House of Journey is located in the heart of George Town's historical zone, making it easy to access many of the best Penang landmarks. The cozy interior makes you feel right at home, and the buffet breakfast provided every morning doesn’t hurt either! This is definitely one of the best places to stay in Penang!

• Free Breakfast

Butterworth | Upper Penang Road | Penang National Park | Batu Ferringhi | Butterfly Farm

If you’re staying a little longer in this wonderful district of Malaysia , you’re going to need a few more Penang things to do! You need to know where to go in Penang to find the most interesting activities and tourist destinations that this area has to offer.

Visit Butterworth on a Ferry

• Take a ferry from Penang Island to Butterworth.
• Experience part of the Malaysian mainland.
• Take in unique views of George Town from the mainland!

Butterworth is well worth a visit while you’re in the area, and could be considered the best place to stay in Penang in three days. It has easy access to Penang Island and George Town, as well as being a part of the mainland, which gives you easy access to other parts of Malaysia.

Just a short ferry ride from George Town will land you in the wonderful town of Butterworth. While you’re there you should spend some time relaxing on the magnificent beaches and enjoying views of the crystal clear water, as well as of George Town just across the water.

You should then visit Apollo Market, which is a huge marketplace that consists of over 500 hawkers. You can really pick up a great bargain at this market, or simply indulge in some delicious street food and browse the other stalls!

For a cultural experience of note, catch a movie at the Lotus Five Star Movie Theater. Here you can watch the latest Hollywood reruns, or try something completely different and catch some of the best Bollywood films on the circuit! Many of them are in Hindu, but subtitles are provided, so you’re sure to understand what’s going on!

Before you head back to Penang Island, be sure to check out a temple or two and go on a little exploration of the town. This will help you get a little familiar with the other side of Penang!

Explore Upper Penang Road at Night

• Penang has a thriving nightlife scene, especially when compared to other parts of Malaysia.
• Boogie the night away with locals and tourists alike.
• Variety of bars and nightclubs.

Penang has a thriving nightlife scene and has more to offer than anywhere else in Malaysia! The center of this hub is in Upper Penang Road where you’ll find a great variety of bars and nightclubs to dance the night away!

Many of the nightclubs and bars have happy hour specials or nightly deals, so be sure to walk along the length of the road to find the best deals, as well as the atmosphere that best suits your taste! Whether you’re down for a night of partying and tequila shots, or chilled drinks at a bar, Upper Penang Road will have something to suit your fancy!

Some of the most famous and popular joints on the block are Slippery Senoritas and Soho Free House, which are both must-visits while you explore the wonderful nightlife of Penang!

When you’re done with all the partying you can handle, sit down at one of the many 24-hour restaurants on the block to regain your energy before heading back to the hotel.

Visit Penang National Park

• Experience nature at its best while visiting Penang National Park!
• The park is used by scientists, conservationists as well as nature lovers.
• See an array of fascinating wildlife.

The Penang National Park consists of overgrown jungle with winding footpaths that will lead you through the immense natural thickets. This national park is the smallest in Malaysia but by far one of the most beautiful!

It is located just an hour outside of George Town, making it easily accessible to locals and tourists alike. Walking through the National Park is an absolute delight. You’ll experience nature at its best and even spot fascinating birds and other wildlife.

You’ll eventually reach a beach where you can spend a good portion of the day sunbathing, or get one of the locals to take you on a boat trip to see a little more than the island.

If you’re an adventurer at heart, spending a night in the National Park is an option, just be sure to rent a tent and camping gear before you head off Bear Grylls-style into the bush!

Indulge in Water Sports at Batu Ferringhi

• Get your heart pumping as you glide over the water
• Try a variety of thrilling water sports provided at Batu Ferringhi Beach
• Be a thrill-seeker or simply take a relaxing day to fish

Batu Ferringhi is known for its great variety of activities on offer at the seashore. Locals have set up many businesses catering to the adventurous needs of the tourists that visit the quaint island.

If you’re in the mood to get your heart pumping, then rent a jet ski and go gliding through the water at great speeds! Parasailing is also an option for those who want to try something a little different.

If you’re looking for a good few laughs with your travel buddies, be sure to take a banana boat ride to see who can hold on the longest.

If you’re in the mood for a relaxing afternoon, then going fishing is a great way to spend a few hours. There are boats in the bay that are even willing to take you deep sea fishing. This is highly recommended for those who have a decent amount of experience.

Spend a Day at Butterfly Farm

• Plenty of beautiful flora and fauna to be seen
• You’ll find over 4000 butterflies
• 120 different species of butterflies call this farm their home!

Butterfly farm was opened in 1986, and has been working to preserve the natural environment of these lovely creatures. They also breed butterflies at the farm before releasing them into the wild.

The colorful gardens are home to a colorful variety of flora and fauna, which is perfect for anyone that loves plants. But the main attraction is the beautiful fluttering creatures that spread their wings and flutter about the gardens.

Butterfly Farm is known for the unique and rare species of butterflies that it contains, these include the Yellow Bird Wing Butterflies as well as Indian Leaf Butterflies.

There are narrow stone pathways that lead you through the garden, giving you the opportunity to explore the lush premises. Within the farm, there is also a 25-acre organic orchard, where you’ll be given the opportunity to sample incredibly delicious fruits!

If you love nature and all the magic it has to offer, then a visit to Butterfly Farm is highly recommended. They do so much good for conservation, as well as provide wonderful sightseeing opportunities for travelers and local guests!

If you’re going to travel to Penang, you’ll need a few useful tips about how to stay safe in the area. While Penang is generally a safe place in Malaysia to visit , there are still safety precautions that every traveler should take or know about before visiting Penang Malaysia.

The first thing you should watch out for is the wild monkeys that live in the cities and towns. While many of them are used to humans and are fairly tame, all monkeys are unpredictable and should be left well alone.

Even the nicest monkeys attack if they feel intimidated or scared. They’re also known to steal food from locals and foreigners, so it’s best to keep your snacks hidden! 

There have been a few reports of pickpockets on buses. They often use disguises or scams to distract you while they pinch your belongings. Be aware of this and always keep your valuables in a security or travel money belt that you can see and feel around you.

The weather in Penang is another thing you should watch out for. When it rains, it tends to rain for a long time, so it’s best not to visit during their rainy season. Many of the best Penang attractions are outdoors and won’t be any fun during a downpour.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Penang

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re spending three days in Penang or more, you’re going to need a few more activities to add to your Penang itinerary. Here are a few of our favorite day trips from Penang that are sure to spice up your trip!

Self-Guided Audio Day Trip From Penang Island

During this day-trip from Penang island, you’ll be able to take your sightseeing experience at your own pace, and see the many highlights that the island has to offer.

You’ll learn about the island’s rich cultural history and see the melting pot of cultures and influences that make Penang the diverse place that it is.

You’ll meet many merchants and traders along the way from countries like India, the Middle East, China, and Europe. If you’re looking to spend one day in Penang, this is surely the best way to spend it, immersed in the culture and meeting the interesting people that make up Penang Island.

Penang Street & Local Food Tour

On this four-hour tour, you’ll be lead around George Town’s neighborhoods and the surrounding area, by an expat that’s passionate about Penang and all it has to offer. You’ll be taken to a minimum of four different foodie destinations, tasting a variety of delicious Penang food.

This will range from small tasters and street food to full sit-down-meals at some of the best restaurants in the city. You’ll also explore markets that are known for their incredible and delectable variety of food choices!

If you’re looking for the perfect Penang tour that will help you understand the area and it’s people all the better, this is the perfect one for you!

Kuala Lumpur City Day Trip From Penang

During this wonderful sightseeing tour, you’ll be lead to the mystical city of Kuala Lumpur. You’ll explore Kuala Lumpur’s many iconic landmarks and historic sights . You’ll visit the sky-high Petronas towers, and see the country’s national mosque, which has become a prized treasure to the people of Penang.

You’ll explore the magnificent architecture of the Kuala Lumpur railway station before visiting a range of other wonderful Penang sights. You’ll be picked up from your hotel at the start of the tour and dropped-off safely afterward, saving your money on transport costs. This Penang trip itinerary will leave you with a hunger to see more of this incredible area!

Cameron Highlands Tour

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life, the Cameron Highlands tour is the one for you. You’ll head to Malaysia’s gorgeous countryside to experience absolute tranquility!

Your Penang travel guide will lead you to the Highlands and tell you about the great history of the area. You’ll explore many Buddhist temples that are nestled amongst the lavender and rose gardens before stopping to admire views over the tea plantations that stretch on for miles.

If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet during your Penang day tour, this is the perfect one for you!

Batu Caves, Waterfalls and Hot Springs – Penang Day Trip

If you’re looking for a day of excitement and adventure, as well as getting opportunities to take stunning photos, this is the right day trip for you!

You’ll start the day by heading to Batu Caves with their decorative and picturesque entranceway, before witnessing the cascading Kanching Falls. You’ll even get a chance to take a dip in the waterfall catchment area before continuing on your tour!

You’ll then visit the Selayang Hot Springs where you can dive into the water yet again. This is often considered one of the most Instagrammable tours in Malaysia, so don’t miss out on this picturesque experience!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Penang itinerary.

How many days do you need in Penang?

Three full days are plenty for exploring Penang’s top attractions.

What should you include on a 3 day Penang itinerary?

Make sure to include these Penang hotspots: – Tropical Spice Gardens – Khoo Kongsi – Batu Ferringhi Night Market – Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque

When is the best time to visit Penang?

November-February offer the best weather for exploring and are peak season for Penang. Crowds are smaller from September to October, but be prepared for rain!

Are there any day trips from Penang?

There are loads of epic guided tours and trips from Penang. Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands, and the Batu Caves are all within reach.

The wonderful state of Penang has so much beauty, culture and exciting experiences to offer. Now that you know all the best places to visit in Penang, you can start planning your very own Penang itinerary!

Whether you enjoy a holiday filled with lazy days by the pool or beach, or you prefer an adventurous fun-filled vacation of exploring small fishing towns, Penang is the place to be.

In recent years it has grown exponentially in popularity among tourists, as it offers an authentic eastern experience while still providing all the western luxuries we’ve come to love in a holiday destination.

Now that you’ve decided on what to do in Penang, put together your own ultimate itinerary to suit your personal taste! Don’t hesitate any longer, the wonderful state of Penang awaits your arrival! 

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

[email protected]

• Expats Around the World
• Philippines
• Home Exchange
• Kirsten Who?
• Hire Me, I’m Awesome

My Ultimate Penang Itinerary: What to Do in Penang in 3 Days

Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia

Penang had me at hello. I didn’t want to like it. I certainly didn’t want to move here . But George Town sucked me in like a Kardashian at a Chanel store.

Obviously, I have a soft spot for Penang and know it like the back of my hand. If you are wondering what to do in Penang in 3 days, wonder no more, my friends. This Penang itinerary has you covered!

But first, you should know a few things. Sometimes this gem of an island gets overshadowed by Kuala Lumpur. A lot of travelers never make it here. But they are missing out.

Penang Island, especially George Town, is a living museum. It was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2008, which means the cultural landscape and architecture must stay the same as it was centuries ago.

So much has changed, and so much remains the same. It is that mix of rustic life and western amenities that is so attractive to many travelers and expats .

Penang is a beautiful island overflowing with culture, and after nearly seven years, I’ve never been bored here, not for one day. There is so much to discover: history, cultural diversity, nature, and of course, food. This little turtle-shaped island has something for everyone.

I’ve added a map of Penang and all the the sites down below.

Without further ado, let’s start your Penang Island tour!

WHAT TO DO IN PENANG IN 3 DAYS…

If you are thinking about doing a day trip in Penang, think again. You’ll barely scratch the surface and leave unhappily. So, is 2 days enough in Penang? Not really. But you could do it. Just pick you fave two days out of this Penang tour and start running!

PENANG ITINERARY DAY 1

Since this is your first day in Penang, you need to stroll through the streets of George Town. It is one of the most exciting places in Penang. There is so much history and culture, and there is no better way to absorb it than to wander around and get lost in the streets. As a Chicago girl, I usually don’t recommend walking into alleyways. It’s not wise in Chicago.

But in George Town, it’s a must. It’s the best way to get a feel for the local culture and get a slice of life in Penang.

There are a lot of sites to check out on day one. It may seem like a lot to tackle, but it’s really not. These places are why George Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

KHOO KONGSI

Khoo Kongsi is one of my absolute favorite places to go in Penang. It’s a Chinese clan house that dates back to the mid-19th century. It has been lovingly restored to the most ornate detail.

Back in the day, a clan house was a place where everyone with the same last name could live. Any Khoo, from anywhere in the world, could come to Penang and know they had a roof over their head. They’d have to work to support the clan, but it made for safety in numbers.

It started as a small area, and as more and more Khoo’s arrived, they built an enclave right in the heart of George Town. Now it is a stunning magnificent temple and an opera house surrounded by shophouses.

• How much? The fee to get in is RM30 and it is a self-guided tour.
• Time needed? 30 minutes to an hour.

CHEONG FATT TZE MANSION

Cheong Fatt Tze mansion , or Blue Mansion, is one of the top things to do in Penang. It was the home of a very wealthy Chinese man who built the mansion in the late 1800s. He was a very successful businessman and politician who played a large part in putting Penang on the map.

Taking a tour of his home gives you so much insight as to how Penang used to be. It is immaculately cared for and now houses one of the most beautiful boutique hotels on the island. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable.

• How much? The tours are RM25.
• Time needed? The tours take about an hour and are daily at 11, 2, 3:30. You can’t just go and wander around; you must take a tour.

PINANG PERANAKAN MANSION

Most people don’t realize just how diverse Malaysia is. It’s not just Malays, Chinese, and Indians. There is a large group of people called Peranakans or Baba/Nyonyas that dates back to when Malaysia was Malaya.

The Peranakan Mansion is a museum in a typical home filled with artifacts from that period. It is a fascinating look into a time gone by. No Penang trip would be complete without visiting this mansion and learning about the history of the island.

My favorite part of the museum is the jewelry section in the back. It showcases incredible designs from centuries ago. Pieces that the wealthy people wore on the daily, as well as exclusive pieces for weddings. So extravagant!

• How much? RM20 for entry.
• Time needed? One hour.
• Insider tip: They will take you on a free tour if you ask.

LITTLE INDIA

Follow your senses though the streets of Little India. This is one of the best things to do in Penang.

Prepare for sensory overload as you wind your way through the streets listening to the blaring Bollywood music. Between the incense wafting out of each store and the curries cooking in each restaurant, you’ll be transported to a bustling India town (if only for a few blocks).

Try a pakora from a street food vendor, have a bespoke sari made, and buy some spices from the colorful mounds the shop owners put out daily.

• How much? Free except for all the goodies you might buy.
• Time needed? 1-3 hours depending on how much wandering, shopping, and eating you want to do.

KAPITAN KELING MOSQUE

This is the oldest mosque in George Town. The original brick building was built in 1801 by Penang’s Tamil Muslim community. It’s been rebuilt over the years to the beautiful structure that it is today.

It was really interesting to go inside and learn more about the Islamic culture in Malaysia.

• How much? It is free to go in, and they will give you a guided tour throughout the grounds.
• Time needed ? 30 minutes. The tour itself is pretty quick, depending on how many questions you have.
• Insider tips: If you aren’t wearing the appropriate attire, they will give you robes with hoods so you can go inside. It’s best not to go on Fridays during prayer times. There are a few bunnies and cats that live happily on the grounds. They are fed and cared for by the mosque-goers and are happy to be pet.

Street art is def a Penang top tourist attractions. Grab a street art map and start the hunt. The map at the airport is pretty comprehensive, although I am not sure how often they update it and there is always something new being painted.

There are painted murals and welded iron sculptures. The sculptures explain everyday scenes of the history of Penang and are strewn about George Town. Most people just focus on the murals, because well, they are cool and very impressive.

However, what I like about the sculptures is that they tell a story. One shows a man firing a cannon during the Penang Riots in 1867, which explains why the street is called Cannon Street. So it’s art with a history lesson attached.

• How much? It’s free.
• Time needed? You could spend a few hours hunting or just find them as you go from point to point as you follow my itinerary in Penang.
• Insider Tips: A lot of them are hidden in alleys. Look up, look down – they are everywhere and not always in the most obvious places.

If you don’t feel like walking the streets, you can hire a trishaw driver for an hour to take you to the top sites. A lot of the guys have been driving trishaws for decades and know all the popular spots. They don’t all speak English so you might have to play charades a bit. Also, you can negotiate with them for a price.

If you would rather see some of the sites without walking (it’s friggin hot here) you can take a trishaw tour . An English speaking guide will ride you around town to all the top spots and explain what you are looking at you along the way. We did it when we first came for a holiday and it was quite fun. Book it here

PENANG ITINERARY DAY 2

Today you are going to get our of George Town. This is a Penang itinerary, not just George Town.

CLAN JETTIES

Walk gingerly on wooden plank walkways through ancient floating villages. Each jetty is named after a clan who still resides there today. The villages are built on stilts over the water and are over a century old –they haven’t changed much. Tan, Lim, Chew, and Yeoh jetties are the oldest.

Chew Jetty is the most commercial and has become one of the top places of interest in Penang for a lot of tours. However, I would avoid it if you are looking for authenticity. Pick 2-3 other jetties and take a stroll. Most of the jetties have their temple because clans always built their temples to suit their needs.

• How much? Free.
• Time needed? 45 minutes to 1 hour.

KEK LOK SI TEMPLE

Kek Lok Si is on every Penang travel itinerary. And it should be. It is the biggest temple complex in Penang and one of the largest Buddhist Temples in Southeast Asia. They began construction in 1885 and are still adding to it today. There are more than ONE MILLION images of Buddha within the temple grounds. Think about that for a minute…1 Million! That’s insane!

The seven-story pagoda holds a statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. But not just any ol’ statue, it’s 36 meters high and made out of bronze. There are also lovely gardens and a turtle pond to explore.

If you are lucky enough to be here during Chinese New Year, they light the temple up with 10,000 fairy lights, so the entire place looks like it is glowing. It is pretty incredible!

• How much? Free or RM3 if you want to take the incline lift but it’s not a hard walk to the top.
• Time needed? It’s a massive temple with beautiful grounds and loads of photo ops. I would allow 1.5-2 hours including travel time.
• Insider tip: You can walk here from the base of Penang Hill. It’s a little over 2 km, however, it is hotter than hades here and if you aren’t used to the heat I wouldn’t recommend it. Truthfully, Grab (our version of Uber) is so cheap that it will only cost you a few bucks to arrive in style (or a Myvi 😉).

If you want to combine a street art tour with a visit to Kek Lok Si and a few other temples, you can book it here .

THE HABITAT ON PENANG HILL

Penang hill.

Penang Hill is the highest peak and one of the coolest places to visit in Penang. I mean that literally. Back in the day, the wealthy locals had summer homes up there so they could escape the heat.

Take the funicular up to the top of the hill, or you can hike. Although I never have. That would be too hard and a lot like exercising. For those of you who like to hike, go for it, Mark does it all the time, but he’s crazy like that. The funicular suits me perfectly and is the steepest tunnel track in the world. 

THE HABITAT

Anyway, once you reach the top, you can have afternoon tea at David Brown’s, a quintessential British colonial restaurant. Or have a cocktail at their newly built cantilevered deck, the highest bar in Penang.

After wandering around the top of the hill, head to the Habitat . It’s an eco-tourism site overlooking a 130 million-year-old rainforest. There is a canopy bridge, a canopy walk, and a nature trail. But the highlight is the oval-shaped Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk. It is 800 meters above sea level, on a clear day, you can see as far as Langkawi .

• How much? The round trip funicular ticket to get to the top of the hill is RM30. The price for the Habitat varies depending on how far in advance you buy the tickets and what you want to do once your inside. There are ziplines, guided walks, a night walk, and nature walks the – price depends on what you choose. Basic entry starts around RM55. You can buy tickets here .
• Time needed? This also depends on what you want to do. But I would allow half a day.
• Insider tip: Go in the afternoon and stay for sunset. The transition from day to twilight is stunning.

PENANG ITINERARY DAY 3

Today you are going to get out of the hustle and bustle of George Town.

PENANG NATIONAL PARK

Now, if you’ve been following my blog, you know that I’m not much of a hiker, it’s too hot, and I end up having heat stroke and migraines…no fun. However, I have done this hike once , and it was beautiful and easy – just my style.

You can take a bus or Grab to the entrance of the National Park in Teluk Bahang. From there, you can hike to Monkey Beach and hire a boat to take to you back to the entrance. Not gonna lie, my favorite part was the boat ride back.

The hike only takes about 1.5 hours. If your more into the leisurely aspect of things (no judgments here) you can hire a boat to take you both ways and spend more time on Monkey Beach.

• How much? There is no entrance fee for the park. Boats are around RM50 per way, but that is per boat.
• Time needed? It depends on how much time you want to spend at the beach.
• Insider tip: If you could care less about hiking, you can hire a boat to take you to Monkey Beach and Turtle Beach. Spend a few hours and then head back. The beaches in Penang aren’t the most spectacular in the region. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go; you are on a tropical island. Just don’t expect the magnificent beaches of the Perhentians or Kota Kinabalu in Borneo.

TROPICAL SPICE GARDENS

The Tropical Spice Garden is a beautiful escape. Have you even seen a pepper tree? Do you know where cinnamon really comes from? Take a self-guided tour that leads you to 69 different stations that explain the history of each tree, the spice, and how it made it to Penang.

Or you could take a guided tour with an enthusiastic and knowledgable guide which I recommend. I always get more from an actual tour vs. listening to it on a recording.

What really cool about the tropical spice garden is the history of each plant, its folklore , its medicinal benefits, annd houw it came to be important on the splce route that helped put Penang on the map. Yoou can take a cooking class there as well and use some of the spices you just learned about.

Otherwise, take a walk up the hill to the Tree Monkey restaurant, a little Thai restaurant with views of the Andaman sea.

There is also a gift shop to buy all the spices and blends grown in the garden.

• How much? A self-guided audio tour is RM31. A guided tour is RM48 and is daily at 9 am, 11 am, 1:30 pm. You can buy tickets here .
• Time needed? The guided tour is 1.5 hours.
• Insider tip: There are buses that will take you out to Batu Ferringhi, but it will double the time it will take you in a Grab. If you are short on time, go for the Grab – it should be around RM20-30.

SUNDOWNERS AND DINNER IN BATU FERRINGHI

There is nothing better than watching the sunset while sipping a cocktail. Since there is no real beach culture here, there aren’t too many bars on the beach. However, go to Bora Bora . It is the most laid back, no-frills bar with a good vibe. Unless you need a snack, don’t eat there. The food is just ok.

If you have transportation or don’t mind using a Grab, Frandy’s Beach Bar is another good option. But, it is at the far end of the beach and far from the main action of Batu Ferringhi.

After dark, there are a couple of food options. If you want a basic hawker stall experience, head to the Long Beach hawker stalls. For something fancier and visually stunning, go to Ferringhi Garden .

• How much? Well, this depends on your taste in booze and food. Drinks at Bora Bora are generally around RM20. If you go to a hawker stall, the food is super cheap, just a few bucks, and you’ll have a yummy local meal. Ferringhi Garden is a white tablecloth kind of place. Still way cheaper than any white table cloth restaurant in the US, but more expensive for Penang standards.
• Time needed? A few hours, no need to rush.

BATU FERRINGHI NIGHT MARKET

Running parallel to the beach and the main road is the Batu Ferringhi night market. It goes from 7 pm-11 pm. This is the market for you if you are looking for Faux-lex watches and pirated DVDs or knock offs, Penang T-shirts, and souvenirs.

One of our fave stalls sells small paintings of local scenes from Penang artists. They are super easy to pop into your suitcase and will remind you of your time here.

• How much? Free until you start shopping
• Time needed? 1.5-2 hours depending on how much you like to shop.
• Insider tip: You should def haggle. Do not buy any of the “name brand” make-up. It’s fake, and who knows what they put in that stuff.

PENANG ITINERARY 4 DAYS

There are so many things to do in Penang, Malaysia, that three days isn’t enough. If you have more time, here are some other great ideas.

• Escape Theme Park (the most adventurous attraction in Penang)
• Entopia Butterfly Farm

PENANG 5 DAY ITINERARY

Your 5th day is spent in George Town and the nearby burb called Pulau Tikus.

• Fort Cornwallis
• Komtar Walk
• Thai Temple with massive reclining Buddha (in Pulau Tikus)
• Burmese Temple (right across the street from the Thai Temple in Pulau Tikus)
• Botanical Gardens

PENANG ITINERARY 6 DAYS

Today is spent wandering around Balik Pulau village. It is considered the back of the island and is more traditional with rice paddies and farms. You’ll get to see real-life Penang that has been mostly untouched by tourism.

• Matahari Bike Tour
• Search for massive murals
• Betong Beach and fishing village

There are so many Penang attractions that you could spend a week or more here. If you need more suggestions I’m happy to help, just reach out.

WHERE TO EAT IN PENANG

If you don’t know your char kway teow from your laksa, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with my what to eat in Penang post. It has descriptions of my fave local foods that you CANNOT miss while here. I’ve also written about the best cafes and restaurants on the island because you can’t survive on hawker food alone.

Insider tip: After dinner, head to Love Lane. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also where the locals and expats hang out. It is a fun area, full of nightlife.

But wait, there’s more.

If you are looking for things to do in Penang at night, check out all the speakeasies and hidden bars here as well. These bars are super cool, and our visitors love them as much as we do.

WHEN TO VISIT PENANG

The only time of the year I would avoid is July and August. That is when we have terrible haze from all the burning fields to make palm oil (don’t get me started).

The rest of the year is hot and humid. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it doesn’t. October has the most rain, but it usually rains at night and is a wee bit cooler throughout the day.

WHERE TO STAY IN PENANG

You are in luck. I wrote a big ol’ post all about that. Check it out here .

HOW TO GET AROUND PENANG

In George Town, everything is walkable. If you get too hot, you can hop in a Grab. It is super cheap, even for longer distances. Our 1-hour Grab ride to the airport is rarely more than RM35.

If you are a budget traveler, there is a very clean and air-conditioned bus system that covers most of the island.

If not, there are also options to rent a bike, scooter, or car depending on your license and comfort level for driving in Malaysia.

HOW TO GET TO PENANG

When you travel to Penang, there are a few accessible routes. You can fly directly to the international airport. There are direct flights from pretty much every country in the region, as well as Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Qatar.

If you fly into Kuala Lumpur from anywhere else in the world, the flight is only 45 minutes.

You could also take a train or bus to Butterworth on the mainland and then take a ferry to the island.

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED DURING YOUR 3 DAYS PENANG ITINERARY

There is free WiFi everywhere in Penang. Of course, in some places, it is better than others. However, I suggest getting a SIM card. They are cheap and easy to get. You can get one at the airport or if you are super organized, buy one ahead of time.

BOOKS TO READ ABOUT MALAYSIA

One of my fave books of all time is Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng . He is a wordsmith, a magician, and transports you to every scene he creates. The book isn’t a particularly light one, but it tells the story of Penang during the Japanese invasion of WWII.

Even though the topic is heavy, his writing is almost lyrical. And while the war is the underlying theme there, it’s about betrayal, love, courage, and the human condition.

His other book, Garden of the Evening Mist, is about the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. It is also beautifully written. They made a movie out of it in 2019. I heard it was incredible, but I missed it.

THE WRAP-UP

Now you know what to do in Penang!

When people come for a visit, we pretty much follow this Penang itinerary, but we tailor it to our visitor, which is exactly what you should do. Not one person has been disappointed. And they all wished they could spend more time in Penang.

Penang grows on you. It’s not perfect, it can be dirty, and frustrating, but something about it creeps under your skin, and before you know it, you’ll be sucked in as well.

If you’ve been to Penang, tell me your fave places to go in the comments below .

If you are planning a trip to Penang and can’t be bothered to design it yourself, I’d love to help. After a one on one call to decipher your travel style, I can create a detailed itinerary for you (including accommodation, restaurants, and activities – the whole shebang). Shoot me an email ( [email protected] ) or comment below, and we can go over the options.

IF YOU LIKE WHAT YOUR READ, PLEASE SHARE IT OR PIN IT FOR LATER

Disclaimer – If you book through any of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you . This reminds me that my mom isn’t my only reader and that my site is actually helpful to someone. And that makes me super happy. So thank you in advance for your support!❣️

6 thoughts on “My Ultimate Penang Itinerary: What to Do in Penang in 3 Days”

Love this article. Visited Kuala Lumpur a few years ago. Dying to visit Penang as I have heard much about it. I may follow your 3-4 day itinerary soon. The food is amazing, the people and culture are wonderful. May consider it as a retirement destination in a couple of years. Thank you for a great article.

Hi Joseph, Thank you! You were sooo close to Penang, you came so far!!

You must come for a visit! We’d be happy to show you around! We are fab tour guides!

Another amazing post! I’ve pinned it and will use for Home Exchange recommendations too – absolutely brilliant. Thank you for making me even more homesick than I already am…!! The only other thing I’d add, and we take visitors to, is the Botanical Gardens to see the monkeys!

Thank you so much! Oooh, good idea about the Home Exchange pin. We do take people to the gardens sometimes, it is so beautiful there.

Hope you get back here soon. XO, K

Hello Kirsten,

Thank you so much for an Unbelievable, amazing & enticing info. I am fortunate enough to read all of your posting. My dilemma is since we only have 3 weeks vacation, I also wanted to see Singapore and eat some amazing food. Mike suggested after this trip in 2021, we can go back and stay longer to determine if Penang is the place for us. His parents are 82 yrs old. He told me he does not want to be in Asia/retire by 2022. Because just in case he needs to be around for an emergency. I told him is all about compromising so, I will give it some time but can’t be a long time. Being that said how long do you think we should be in Penang?

Mike told me wherever I want to stay is fine with him which makes difficult due to too many options (out of 17 hotels you have chosen)! We are not that into antique hotel, some charming character is fine. We like modern with a gym. Quiet room ( will need a suite or 2 rooms for his snoring). I refuse to sleep next to him on vacation. LOL

1. Gurney area seem nice. The G Hotel Gurney & Kelawai 2. George Town – I like Prestige. Attic hotel seem nice too but no gym. 3. Tanjung Tokong/Bungah – Jazz hotel, The Landmark, Taunjong Point & Hampton By the beach. They all seem nice. Do you have a preference, based on this list?

BTW: love The Panty Dropper, Who Am I, well actually I love every article!!!! I could be your #1 fan. I am planning to read (Shadow of the Banyan and Music of the Ghosts), I get excited just thinking about being in Penang & reading all the articles.

I wanted to come in 2020 but Mike doesn’t think is a good idea. I am looking at March of 2021 to visit. Hopefully by that time, COVID 19 will not be a major issue.

Hi Sandy, Thank you for being sooooo super supportive! You’re the best!

If you aren’t scoping out Penang for a retirement location just yet then 3-5 days here is will do. It will give you a quick feel for the place. In that case, I’d stay in George Town, at the Prestige but as I’ve mentioned, a lot of hotels are closing here so be patient and don’t book yet. Plus by the time you are coming, there might be new hotels.

Shadow of the Banyan is about Cambodia and Gift of Rain is about Penang, Both are must-reads!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

5 de Diciembre Puerto Vallarta: Insider’s Neighborhood Guide

11 of the Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Expats

12 Pueblos Magicos in Jalisco: Discovering their Magic

Ask me about your trip!

AI Travel Agent

3 Days in Penang Malaysia Itinerary

Penang, Malaysia

Exploring Georgetown and Beyond

Nature and adventure awaits, cultural immersion and relaxation.

Penang travel FAQs: everything you need to know for a smooth visit

Posted on Last updated: May 29, 2024

Penang is an intoxicating fusion of cultures and alongside its deep-rooted history, this tropical island is being catapulted into the modern world. It’s vibrant, chaotic, and very hot and humid. For those travellers visiting Southeast Asia for the first time, the differing sites, sounds and smells hit immediately and may be unsettling initially.

However, any worries about visiting Penang for a first time can be dissipated with some local knowledge before your arrival, and we’re here to help.

Where is Penang?

Penang is a state of Malaysia situated on the northwest peninsular coast, close to the Thai border. It is a four hour drive north of the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.

To the north and east of Penang lies the Malaysian state of Kedang, to the south is Perak, and to the west are the the Melacca Straits, a sea that divides Malaysia with the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Penang is not just an island. Many travellers mistake this. Penang as a state comprising of both Penang Island and a section of mainland Malaysia that includes the cities of Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam. These two halves are physically connected by two bridges,  Penang Bridge  and the  Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (more commonly known as Penang Second Bridge ). There are also regular passenger ferries that run between Butterworth and Penang Island.

What time zone is Penang?

As with all of Malaysia, Penang is 8 hours ahead of GMT. There is no daylight savings.

This time zone is known formally as Malaysia Time (MYT).

Malaysia is in the same time zone as China, The Philippines, Singapore, and Western Australia.

Is Penang worth visiting?

READ: 10 reasons to visit Penang

Absolutely! Otherwise we would never have set up this Penang travel blog. Although as Penang is our home, we could be considered rather biased. But there’s a reason (well a few) we decided to move our family across to the other side of the world to live here!

Penang is such a historically rich, culturally vibrant, and naturally stunning island, offering so much diversity for the discerning traveller to explore.

Indeed, there are so many things to do in Penang , from the street art and culinary delights of historic George Town , to the rainforest hikes and animal encounters of Penang National Park , and let’s not forget the epic view points of Penang Hill and the holiday vibes of Batu Ferringhi.

Plus, the range of accommodation options on Penang Island means that every style of traveller is catered for; whether your a budget backpacker looking for a hostel, a digital nomad looking for a month-long stay at a serviced apartment, or a young family in need of waterslide, kids clubs and beach access from a high-end Penang hotel , you’ll find it on Penang and often at excellent value compared to accommodation prices in Europe, North America, or Australia.

But the main reason most people visit this tropical island? The food. Oh my, the food is so good. The variety, quality and price of eating out arguably makes Penang one of the top destinations in the world for foodies.

Trying to decide between visiting Penang or Kuala Lumpur ? Click here to read our comparison guide.

How long should I stay in Penang?

Penang Island is one of those places where travellers stop for a night or two, and then end up staying a month or longer (guilty as charged!). It’s become the most popular base in Malaysia for digital nomads who are looking to slow down their travels.

Many travellers only visit Penang Island as a day trip on a Malaysia tour or a cruise excursion. But really, you should allow at least week to settle into the tropical vibes and soak in all that the island offers.

However, if you are short on time and only have one day to explore Penang Island, then check out our one day in Penang itinerary .

One day Penang itinerary

For such a small patch of land, Penang Island squeezes in enough sights and activities to keep you occupied for a lifetime. So what’s the best approach to visiting Penang if you only have one day to spare?

Is Penang safe?

READ: Emergency numbers and contacts in Penang

Penang is a safe place to visit and you’ll find the vast majority of people to be friendly and welcoming with your chances of encountering an incident of violent crime extremely rare.

As with all major cities, it always pays to keep an eye out for pickpockets if you’re in a crowded place such as the Jetty bus station or Batu Ferringhi night markets.

Perhaps the biggest risk you’ll encounter is the occasional health and safety ‘contravention’, with exposed wires, broken footpaths and missing railings all part of the experience. With a little care and perspective though, these won’t case you many problems.

If you need an ambulance or the police in Penang, tourists can dial 999 (or 112 from mobile phones) for Malaysian General Emergency Services.

When is best time to visit Penang?

READ: Visiting Penang in the rainy season

Penang is in the tropics, which means that it is hot and humid all year round with temperatures hovering around 30°C., and rain can always be expected.

There is a rainy season in Penang (historically the months of September, October, and November see more rainfall). However, this is considered a mild rainy season compared to other regions in the tropics and the start and end of the season can be rather blurred. Plus, when it does rain in Penang, it’s often a short and sharp burst of rainfall, and it can often be quite exciting to watch! Personally, we don’t feel the rainy season is a time to avoid.

The best time to visit Penang is considered to be December through to February, with historically clearer skies, although the occasional rain cloud should still be expected. However, these months tie with school holidays, Christmas, and Chinese New Year, accommodation prices increase and many Penang hotels get booked up.

How to get to Penang

READ: How to get to Penang

Penang has it’s own international airport, and as well as servicing flights around Southeast Asia (including Vietnam and Singapore), there are also international flights direct from Doha (Qatar airways). However, Penang Airport only sees a fraction compared to the Malaysian Airlines hub of Kuala Lumpur, and many travellers will find themselves transiting through KL if arriving to Penang by air.

There are two bridges that connect Penang Island with the mainland ( Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge ), which means buses connecting major cities within Malaysia can drop you right on the island. Penang Island’s main bus station is at  Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal , near to Penang Bridge. 

Those travellers riding the rails from Thailand or Kuala Lumper to Penang will find themselves in the mainland city of Butterworth. From the train station, it’s a short walk to the ferry terminal, from where you can catch one of the regular Penang ferries direct to George Town on Penang Island. For more details on the Penang ferry, check out our guide for taking the ferry from Butterworth to Penang Island .

How to get around Penang

READ: How to get around Penang

Being a relatively compact island, it doesn’t take too long to get from one side of the island to the other. Although on a rainy public holiday day, you may beg to differ!

Penang benefits from a comprehensive bus network linking many of the most frequently visited areas of the island. In particular, the service is excellent in the arc between the airport in the south, George Town , and Penang National Park on the northwest corner. Most visitors to Penang find themselves using either the 101   (from/to the  Jetty ) or 102 (from/to the airport) buses, run by Rapid Penang which links George Town, Batu Ferringhi, National Park, and most places in between.

However, if you’re wondering – is there Grab in Penang? Well yes, there is! This e-hailing taxi service is probably the easiest way way to get around Penang and no journey is considered too short or too long. Whether you’re hopping across the centre of George Town, or taking a island-wide journey from the airport to the national park, Grab taxis are the way to go. Install the app before your first journey and you’ll soon be booking a ride. You can link your credit card (international ones included) to the app to pay, which saves scrambling around for cash. On a side note, Grab also has a food section, great for ordering takeaways after a long day sightseeing.

Although if you fancy experiencing a more traditional form of transport during your visit to Penang, how about riding a trishaw around George Town?

What type of electric plugs are used in Penang?

READ: what plug sockets are used in Malaysia?

Handily for us Brits, the same plug type is used across Malaysia. This is plug type G, which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Malaysia operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.

However, a travel adaptor is always handy, especially if you’re travelling to different countries, or if you charge your devices via USB.

This travel adaptor adapts to all plug types and comes with 4 USB slots.

• Worldwide Adapter – Compatible in over 224 countries with 4 US/EU/UK/AU plugs, you can plug…
• 2 USB-C Smart Charging – Our universal travel adapter features 2 Type-C+ 2 USB-A+ Universal AC…
• High Power All-in-One Travel Adaptor – Compatible with all USB-charged devices and most of…
• Dual Fuses & Safe Protections – Certified by UKCA, CE, RoHS. Buit with 8A overload double fuses and…
• 2 YEARS Quality Guarantee – Trust in us- Giving You Peace of Mind with our universal adaptor. If it…

What language do they speak in Penang?

The official language in Penang is Malay but, reflecting Penang’s multicultural heritage, several other languages are in everyday usage.

You’ll hear English spoken a great deal, particularly for official purposes. The Chinese population speak a variety of dialects, notably Hokkien which has only relatively recently been overtaken by Mandarin, largely due to the latter’s usage as the main Chinese dialect in schools. Meanwhile, the majority of the Indian community speak Tamil.

As you can see (and hear), Penang has a rich linguistic streak, so it’s handy to know some basic phrases in some of the languages. Most Penangites are multilingual though and English is widely understood throughout Penang.

What to do about money in Penang

The Malaysian currency is the ringgit (RM), which is divided into 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of RM100, RM50, RM20, RM10, RM5, RM1.

Cards are increasingly overtaking cash in Penang with many smaller shops and restaurants preferring card payment, although cash is of course still widely used. The exception is food markets and street stalls where cash is usually only accepted. It’s a good idea to always have some cash on you.

Try and break your big notes up whenever you can and save small change, it just makes life easier.

There’s an almost unlimited supply of ATMs in Penang, you’re never more than a short walk away from them. Most international cards are accepted but make sure you’ve informed your bank of your travel plans to avoid any holds being placed on them.

Current exchange rates

Check xe.com for current exchange rates. But as a guide, the current exchange rates are (April 2024):

100 MYR = £16.88 100 MYR = €19.61 100 MYR = US$21.06

Is tipping expected in Penang?

Tipping is not expected in Malaysia, including Penang. However, many higher-end restaurants, particularly the hotels, include a service charge directly to your bill.

But if no service charge is added, a tip is always very much appreciated. If you would like to tip, then 10-15% extra is a good amount. If paying by cash at a small street vendor, rounding up is a nice thing to do.

What to wear in Penang

Light clothing that is loose and breathable is the key to being comfortable in the tropics. Avoid jeans and other heavy fabrics. Moisture-wicking T-shirt, trousers, and even underwear, are an excellent idea. Jay will always be in a moisture-wicking T-shirt, whereas I (Jenny) prefer floaty skirts and trousers. Linen is also better than cotton as it dried much quicker (we’re talking about your sweat).

• ▶HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPORT FABRIC◀: 47% CATION, 47% POLYESTER,6% SPANDEX. The fabric is specially…
• ▶GOOD VALUE OF VARIETY PACK◀: We offer a good deal of 3 packs. The dry fit moisture-wicking tees…
• ▶WORKOUT & DAILY WEAR◀: The crew short sleeves basic T-shirt is designed in the function of…
• ▶US SIZE◀: The men’s actives shirt is in US size, NOT Asia size, a little bit loose. Choose your…
• ▶EASY CARE & SERVICE◀: Machine washable, Easy to wash, Not fade, Not shrink, Wrinkle free, Not…

• Slightly tailored fit through the waist
• Ultra-soft, quick-dry, moisture-wicking knit fabric with a gentle stretch
• An Amazon brand
• Please note, the size located on the care label in this garment corresponds to US sizing. Please use…

Malaysia is Muslim country. Whilst it’s common to see many tourists in spaghetti straps and short shorts and skirts, it’s culturally respectable to wear clothes that covers both knees and shoulders, especially when visiting temples. This isn’t really an issue at the beaches or around the pool where swimwear, including bikinis, are very much the norm.

Some high-end restaurants and hotels have a strict dress code, such as the Eastern & Oriental Hotel where after 3pm smart-casual attire is required (Polo T-shirts are acceptable but guests are discouraged from wearing shorts, singlets, flip flops and gentlemen’s sandals).

As for footwear, again, light and breathable shoes or sandals are best. Penang is great for walking, whether it’s around the heritage sites on our George Town walking tour or hiking to Turtle Beach through the rainforest of Penang National Park , so make sure you pack a shoe that will take you the distance. Our personal go-to travel sandals for all the family are KEENS; they’re lightweight, breathable, have excellent grip and support, and are very comfortable. We’ve been purchasing KEENs for our travels in the tropics for over 5 years now. For evenings where you want to dress up a little, smart sandals are worth packing in your suitcase. Similarly, flip flops are handy for the pool and beach.

• MATERIALS: Recycled plastic knit uppers to help sustain the environment; An ultra soft microfleece…
• A quick cinch bungee closure creates a more secure fit around the foot and the slip on style offers…
• TRACTION: Non marking rubber outsoles leave no trace or imprints while indoors; The grippy rubber…
• FIT: KEEN Original Fit gives generous space for toes to spread out
• CARE TIPS: KEEN recommends you gently brush with a soft damp sponge to remove loose dirt; Treat…

• Feminine and sporty sandal featuring webbed-look straps at vamp and signature rubber toe bumper….
• Adjustable hook-and-loop strap
• AEGIS Microbe Shield lining
• Metatomical EVA footbed
• Non-marking, multi-directional traction outsole

Finally, a poncho and/or umbrella is a necessity for travels in the tropics. A rain jacket is fine, but you’ll just sweat underneath. A poncho packs up small and is much more breathable for those short, sharp downpours. Please consider purchasing a reusable poncho , rather than packing disposable plastic ones. A foldable umbrella is handy to have in your day bag. There may be blue skies at the start of your day exploring, but trust us, those dark storm clouds can roll in very quickly in the tropics.

• PORTABLE POCKET The poncho for men includes a waterproof pocket for a cell phone or some other…
• LIGHTWEIGHT & EXTENDED DESIGN: Weight only 0.3kg, the size is 217*143 CM. The size is large, it can…
• LIGHTWEIGHT & PORTABLE & BREATHABLE: The Waterproof Poncho is large size and lightweight, it can…
• DURABLE & RESUABLE: Rain poncho are made of ripstop nylon material for better weather protection,…
• MULTI-FUNCTION: This is a versatile product. The hem has eyelets that unfold into a very large tarp…

• Easy 1 Handed Operation: We built our black umbrella with an automatic operation system, opening and…
• Stays Put Through All Types of Weather: Strong wind gusts and heavy rains can make it hard to hang…
• High Quality, High Praise: Featured on TV and on Wire Cutter, our portable umbrella is known for its…
• Included Wrist Strap for Added Convenience: Use the sturdy wrist strap on our travel umbrella to…
• A Color to Match Any Style: Don’t let a rainy day ruin your fashion sense. Our portable umbrellas…

And don’t forget the sunglasses and sun hat!

Is the tap water in Penang safe to drink?

READ: Penang drinking water safety tips

Whilst the majority of locals drink the tap water, if you are only visiting Malaysia for a short time, the last thing you want is a stomach bug. Best to stick to filtered or bottled water, and avoid ice cubes in your drinks at restaurants and cafes.

To save on water bottles, consider buying a water filter bottle . The WaterWell™ Travel Ultra 2 Stage Filter 700ml Water Bottle removes bacteria and parasites (including Salmonella, E-coli, Giardia) and chemicals. It’s the perfect water bottle for travellers.

• 💧 DITCH THE DISPOSABLE WATER BOTTLES – Stop relying on single-use plastic water bottles! With the…
• 💧 FILTER 99.9% OF WATERBORNE PATHOGENS – The 2-stage filter in the WaterWell 700ml Travel Water…
• 💧 KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED – Whether you’re out camping, hiking, or on a long journey, make sure…
• 💧 NO AFTERTASTE – Unlike some other water filter bottles on the market, the WaterWell doesn’t…
• 💧 EASY TO USE: Simply fill the bottle with water from any source, screw on the filter cap and…

Can you swim in the sea in Penang?

No. Unfortunately we don’t advise it. It’s not the cleanest of waters and they are teeming with jellyfish. You will see warning signs about the jellyfish along Batu Ferringhi beach.

If you have images of running into the sea every morning from your tropical beach accommodation, you will be sorely disappointed. Despite being a tropical island and there being some stunning beaches , Penang is not a good beach holiday destination.

But a swim in the tropical climate feels like a necessity. So we recommend staying in a Penang hotel with a pool . Many of the Airbnb options also come with a swimming pool.

Alternatively, some of the the resort hotels in Batu Ferringhi offer day passes to use their swimming pool, such as the PARKROAYAL day pass .

Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:

The best things to do in Penang Top 10 tips for visiting Penang One day Penang itinerary Best hotels in Penang How to get around Penang A brief history of Penang

Best Time To Visit Penang: When Not To Go & Special Events To Look Out For

The best time to visit Penang largely depends on what you’re after. Are you looking for a quieter vacation with fewer crowds, or when the island is at its liveliest?

And while you may not escape Malaysia’s tropical humidity and heat, you may want to consider how to avoid the rainy season.

Other things to bear in mind are the annual festive events in Penang! We’ll cover all these and more down below!

Table Of Contents:

• When Is The Best Time To Visit Penang

Monthly Weather In Penang

Overall penang travel experience by month, getting around penang.

• Frequently Asked Questions

When Is The Best Time To Visit Penang?

To be honest, there is no particular month that is optimum to visit Penang.

With a  warm and humid  climate for the entirety of the year, you can expect a shower  every few days .

Note: Except at the beginning of the year (February to March) when they usually suffer from water shortages.

The real downpours tend to be between  August and November  and from  April to May .

If you prefer a drop in temperature (regardless of how small):

It is a  few degrees cooler  around the last few months of the end of the year, coinciding with worldwide holidays. Hence, this is the  peak season  that many tourists will want to visit Penang!

Be warned – things get  more expensive  too!

Naturally if you only have a few days in Penang, it may ease your mind to examine Penang’s climate month by month according to average temperatures, rainfall, and humidity.

1. Average Penang Temperatures By Month

As you can see from the table below, the average temperatures in Penang are  around 30°C .

The warmest months are around  April and June . While the cooler months are from September to the end of the year .

Though it’s only by a difference of  1 to 2 degrees Celsius ! In any case, prepare to sweat a lot when sightseeing on foot.

2. Average Penang Rain By Month

To be on the safe side, you can avoid the rainy season that occurs between  April to May and between  September to November .

October  typically has the  rainiest days , while  January and February  (sometimes until March) tend to be the  driest  months.

3. Average Humidity By Month

Penang’s humidity hovers around 80% . Although, if you go in January and February , this can be down by 10%!

There is more breeze at the start of the year too. Even if it’s only around 5 mph!

Rain adds to the humidity so the rainy months like October and November do have higher humidity than other months of the year.

Data Sources:

• https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Penang,Malaysia
• https://championtraveler.com/dates/best-time-to-visit-penang-my/

Before you book your trip solely on the weather, here’s what to expect when it comes to festivals and crowds of tourists!

1. Peak Season

Don’t be alarmed to see Penang attractions full of visitors during November and all through February, as this happens to be peak tourist season for the island!

This is due to a more  festive city atmosphere. And hence, you can expect  malls , hotels, and bars to be packed and pricier than usual.

2. Off Season

April and May  have some downpours and showers, but these are usually later in the day. But while they  don’t last long , it’s still a major inconvenience if you plan to spend most of your time outdoors.

The serious downpours, however, occur between  September to November , so you might want to avoid visiting Penang at the time.

Other than smaller crowds, an unexpected positive point are the  lower accommodation prices , alongside  good deals  for certain activities and attractions as well.

3. Penang In January & February

Lower temperatures (relative to the middle of the year) and lower humidity  make  New Year events  much more enjoyable:

The Chinese New Year display at  Kek Lok Si Temple is a crowd puller during this time since the temple is open for longer too.

Additionally, there are the vibrant Thaipusam festivities as well as the last day of Chinese New Year ( Chap Goh Meh ) which is coincidently, Chinese Valentine’s day!

Kek Lok Si Display Of Lights

A sight to behold during Chinese New Year, visitors will be treated to beautiful lights  hanging throughout the temple complex up to the Kuan Yin statue and pavilion temple!

Lights are usually put up a few weeks before Chinese New Year. And visitors can go see them for the duration of Chinese New Year. The lights will be up for the whole month that Chinese New Year takes place too.

Read our post on Kek Lok Si for more tips on how to visit the temple during Chinese New Year.

4. Penang In March, April & May

It’ll be  very hot  in March, but you’ll find  less crowds  too after all the New Year festivities have ended!

Some rain in April will help to keep temperatures more bearable in the evening.

April is also when the annual  Penang International Food Festival  will be held for  2 weeks.

Note: For 2023, the Penang International Food Festival was held in June.

Furthermore, the month also plays host to the lively  Vaisakhi Celebrations  (or Sikh Harvest Festival) in the second week.

As for  May , there may be  a higher risk of rain,  but you can look forward to a 10,000-strong holy procession on  Wesak Day (The Buddha’s Birthday)!

At the end of May there may be durian buffet events to look out for too. Between May 27 to 28 in 2023, Maybank sponsored an all you can eat durian festival, Eat All You Can, Durian Festival.

There are also the numerous  Ramadan Bazaars,  which will be happening from  April to May this year during the Ramadan period .

Penang International Food Festival

The highly anticipated annual Penang International Food Festival (or PIFF) goes on for 16 days . Giving you plenty of opportunities to try Penang food and more!

Due to the pandemic, the Penang International Food Festival was held over a three-day event in December 2021 instead.

Event Date: To Be Confirmed

5. Penang In June, July & August

Brave the  occasional mid-afternoon showers  and the heat during this period. Because there are a lot of festivals to look forward to! Plus, this is peak durian season!

George Town Festival

This is held yearly in honor of the city’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During the festival, expect a celebration of local art, music, theatre, dance, and film featuring creative talents and exciting programs.

• Event Date: 19 Jul 2024 – 28 Jul 2024
• Website: https://www.georgetownfestival.com/

Penang Hill Festival

Penang Hill Festival (PHF) sees the return of their Music on the Hill event (21 Jul 2024).. Here, you can get some education on the history and nature surrounding Penang Hill too through exhibitions and workshops right on Penang Hill.

• Event Date: 19 Jul 2024 – 21 Jul 2024
• Website: https://www.penanghill.gov.my/phf/

Penang Durian Festival

Coinciding with the durian season, this is the best time to sample the many types of durians (D16, Ang Bak, Ang Jin, Ang Hae, and D700) we have in Malaysia.

Other popular fruits that are in seasons such as custard apple (locally known as nona), langsat, and mangosteen are also worth trying.

Look for them at these places:

• Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau
• Jalan Burma
• Jalan Anson
• Bao Sheng Durian Farm
• Jalan Macalister

Event Date: –

Can’t make it for the festival?

Here are the top places to eat durian in Penang !

Hungry Ghost Festival

For the Chinese community in Penang, this is an important month for prayers and offerings. Because this month is time when the Gates Of Hell are open and ghosts can travel to our world.

During this month, there will also be opera shows for the public (and ghosts) every night around George Town.

• Event Date:  16 Aug 2023 – 30 Aug 2023 (2024 dates not out yet – we last checked in March 2024)

Merdeka Day

The end of August marks the Independence Day of Malaysia. And Penang celebrates it with a yearly Merdeka parade at Penang Esplanade.

• Event Date:  31 Aug 2024

6. Penang In September, October & November

There will be more rain in September and October . It’s possible for the rain to last for days ! As such, there won’t be many tourists during these months.

But those who do decide to visit Penang can take advantage of  better prices  for accommodation, food, and activities!

Nine Emperor Gods Festival

Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand recognize this 9-day festival that begins on the 9th Day of the 9th Lunar month, September. During which, believers will follow a vegetarian diet.

There will be vegetarian food stalls, a  fire walking ceremony , and herbal medicine demonstrations. You will also get to witness a  colorful float procession  on the  last day !

Event Date: 2 Oct 2024 – 11 Oct 2024

7. Penang In December

With December comes cooler weather . This is the busiest time in Penang with Christmas and New Year’s Eve to look forward to!

Penang International Dragon Boat Festival

Penangites love their dragon boats! There will be dragon boat races at the end of the year at Teluk Bahang Dam !

Note: Unfortunately, the pandemic has made it difficult for the dragon boat races to be held for the past two years, having been cancelled since 2022.

Event Date: 02 Dec 2023 – 03 Dec 2023 (2024 dates not out yet – we last checked in March 2024)

Penang Bridge International Marathon

Penang Bridge International Marathon is another  annual  event that has been held since 1984. The  full and half marathons  will usually take place in  mid-November  on the  First Penang Bridge .

These full and half marathons will take place in mid-November on the First Penang Bridge .

Registrations are now open!

Event Date: 15 Dec 2024

Christmas & New Year’s Eve Countdown Party

We recommend heading over to either Penang Hill or The Top Penang  to celebrate both Christmas and the New Year countdown.

In previous years at The Top Pennag, there was a line-up of live music entertainment and other performances leading up to a spectacular fireworks  show !

Whichever venue you choose, try to go before sunset if you don’t want to fight with the crowds.

Event Date:  (2025 dates not out yet – we last checked in March 2024)

Public transport is cheap and widespread in Penang. But waiting and transiting from one bus stop to the next can really sap your energy quickly – especially in the tropical heat!

A private tour service doesn’t have these inconveniences!

Reasons to book a trip with a private tour service:

• Parking fees included
• Direct pick-ups anywhere on Penang Island
• Professional service
• You can customize your own Penang itinerary !
• Knowledgeable and reliable guides

Book a highly-rated private tour service here.

Frequently Asked Questions For A Trip To Penang

Q1. how many days should you stay in penang.

Plan to stay for at least 2 full days. Better yet, stay for 3 or 4 days for a more relaxed pace! Extend your trip by visiting Langkawi, Cameron Highlands or Ipoh!

Q2. What are the best things to do in Penang ?

There are heaps of things to do in Penang such as trying out the local food, exploring the clan jetties or clan houses. And hunting for famous street art . There are also lots of interesting museums.

Outside of exploring George Town, you can visit Penang Hill (The Habitat), Kek Lok Si temple, ESCAPE theme park, Penang Botanic Gardens and Entopia by Penang Butterfly Garden !

Read more: 13 Best Things To Do In Georgetown Penang

Q3. What are Penang’s best beaches ?

Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah are the most accessible with luxury beachfront accommodation while Penang National Park has more isolated beaches like Monkey Beach !

Q4. What can you do in Georgetown Penang at night ?

Book a slot for The Habitat Sunset Walk – you can have a guided nighttime jungle trek right after!

Or take some lovely photos at  the KOMTAR Rainbow Skywalk that overlooks the whole Penang city. Follow that up with a drink at one of Penang’s many bars!

Or you can go check out Kimberley Street Food Night Market, a famous Penang night market .

Q5. What are some must-try Penang food?

Penang food that you should try includes  Assam Laksa , Hokkien Mee, Oh Chien (Oyster omelette), White Curry Mee, Chendol, Char Koay Teow, Rojak & more!

Further reading:

• How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown (4 Easy Ways)
• How To Get To Penang Island From Kuala Lumpur (KL)
• Best Way To Travel From Langkawi To Penang (All Methods + Cheap Option)

Recommended Tour Services For Penang

It’s great to have someone who actually lives in Penang to show you the sights first-hand!

And the benefit of a tour service is that you don’t have to worry about how to best utilize your time. Or use up your energy planning and deciding where to go (and how to get there).

Here are 2 different but highly-rated tour services if you want to have a better understanding of the food, history, and culture of Penang:

• 4-hour Walking Food Tour – mixed group (9 pax max), food and drinks included, pick-ups not provided
• 6-hour Tour Plus Transport – private tours, customizable itinerary, pick-ups (anywhere on Penang Island) included

To conclude, the best time to visit Penang is from November to January. The weather is a tad cooler and thus, more comfortable if you plan to explore Penang on foot.

But with the year-end festivities, there are also more people, and you must anticipate queues and higher prices for everything.

For a more peaceful visit, consider going between February (after CNY) to April or in May to October! The latter is the low season period and the wettest time of the year!

Other post you might like:

• Where To Stay In Penang – 15 Best Hotels In Penang
• Top 21 Penang Museums – Perfect Rainy-Day Activity In Penang
• Clan Jetties Of Penang: Floating Villages Like Chew Jetty In Georgetown
• 17 Best Cafe In Penang With Great Coffee (Includes New Cafes)
• 21 Fun Things To Do In Penang With Kids (Ultimate Guide) + Food & Hotels

Similar Posts

Monkey Beach In Penang: Visit This Small Slice Of Paradise

Named after the macaques that hunt for crabs along the beach, Monkey Beach goes by a few other names too – Penang National Park Monkey Beach, Monkey Island or Teluk…

13 Things To Do In George Town Penang (Must-See Attractions)

An abundance of things to do in George Town Penang means you can easily spend a full day here! Most attractions are accessible on foot. Or by trishaw! And many…

Penang Hill The Complete Guide (2023) – Attractions, Food & More

Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera is one of the top must-see places to visit in Penang with glorious panoramic views of Penang during clear weather! You can either get to…

Penang National Park – Spend A Delightful Day Hiking In Nature

Penang National Park or Taman Negara Penang (Malay) may be Malaysia’s smallest national park at only 23 sq km! But it is not without its treasures! The forested park sits…

How To Get From Penang Georgetown To Butterworth

If you’re not sure how to get from Penang Georgetown to Butterworth, refer to this travel guide. Getting to Butterworth from Georgetown Penang is pretty straightforward. Let’s take a look…

How To Get To Penang Island From Kuala Lumpur – A Simple Guide

Kuala Lumpur to Penang – what is the most convenient way to do it? Especially since everyone’s travel plan and budget is different. So taking that into consideration, we will…

Leisure World Schedule

• Check-in open at 0900hrs
• Embarkation Closed at 1030hrs
• Vessel Departure at 1100hrs
• Vessel Arrival at 2000hrs
• 2 meals onboard (Lunch/Dinner)
• Passenger Handling Charges
• Check-in open at 2000hrs
• Embarkation Closed at 2115hrs
• Vessel Departure at 2145hrs
• Vessel Arrival(next day) at 0800hrs
• 1 night onboard (excluding cabin)
• 2 meals onboard (Dinner/Breakfast)

Instagram #AegeanParadiseCruise

Book your cruise.

Monthly Horoscope

Solo Travel Tips: Penang, Malaysia

What are the best places to visit in Penang, aside from Georgetown? I know there are a lot of things to do there, but when I went, it was so hot I just went around looking for the cat street art in Penang and then stayed in my hostel the rest of my visit.

Thankfully, Ryan O’Rourke from Treksplorer contributed this guest post and has some more tips on things to do in Penang. Read, bookmark, and use when you visit this charming Malaysian city!

With popular destinations like Thailand and Vietnam just around the bend, Malaysia doesn’t often get the love it deserves from travelers on the Southeast Asia backpacker trail.

As much as the urban delights of its capital, Kuala Lumpur , seem to be front of mind for most first-timers to Malaysia, there’s one destination here that’s bound to convert even the fussiest of wayfarers: Penang .

Penang’s got a little of everything—from Southeast Asia’s most interesting colonial architecture to secluded beaches to hiking trails through dense jungles. Oh, and food — lots of mouthwatering food!

Not sure where to get started? Plan your complete Penang itinerary with these useful tips for solo travelers.

Arriving in Penang, Malaysia

Even if you’re starting in Kuala Lumpur and only have a few days spare for Malaysia, it’s not so difficult to get to Penang.

Although there are frequent buses between KL and Penang, I’d recommend hopping on a short flight instead. AirAsia flies several times a day between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Penang International Airport (PEN).

If you book your flight a little ahead of time, you’ll find that the cost isn’t much more expensive than a bus. (Plus, it’ll save you several hours in transit.)

From Penang International Airport, you can easily catch a bus to Komtar in George Town, Penang’s main urban center. For a quicker and more convenient trip into town, download Grab, a ride-hailing app that’s über-popular in Malaysia.

Where to Stay in Penang

There are plenty of excellent options for accommodations on Penang Island. For most travelers, George Town is the top choice as most of Penang’s top attractions are easily accessible from here, including the city’s unforgettable UNESCO World Heritage area.

Accommodations in George Town range between everything from dorms to swanky historical luxury hotels with postcard-worthy sea views.

Some budget-friendly choices for rooms in the center of town include the WeLuv Travel Guesthouse (private rooms from US$18 up) and B Street Hotel (private rooms from US$23 up).

Aleah stayed at Kimberley House in George Town (dorm beds from US$3 up). While the dorm rooms aren’t that big (and no windows!), the hostel itself looks really lovely and location is great.

Things to Do in Penang for Solo Travelers

Whatever your travel style, you’ll find something compelling to match in Penang. George Town’s an absolute nirvana for culture lovers & foodies while the island’s less urbanized quarters are blissful for hikers, wildlife watchers, and sun worshipers.

Here are a few of the best places to visit in Penang.

Enjoy the Atmosphere of George Town

Among one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling attractions, George Town ‘s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is a brilliant place to start exploring the city (and, of course, one of the best places to stay in Penang ).

Get dazzled by its crumbling colonial architecture, indulge your tastebuds, and allow the area’s quirky street art (cats and more cats!) to bring a smile to your face.

Visit Lebuh Armenia, One of the Most Popular Penang Attractions

One of the most famous streets in Old Town lined with temples, small restaurants, and souvenir shops rustled into old Chinese merchant houses.

Don’t miss Lebuh Armenia ‘s most popular attraction, Ernest Zacharevic’s famous 3D street art depicting two children riding a bicycle through Penang.

Visit Penang National Park

Penang National Park , the smallest of its kind in the entire world, is among the best places on the island to get away from the buzz of George Town. For an active adventure, choose between one of the two main hiking trails to hike between the park entrance and Monkey Beach or the even quieter & more serene Turtle Sanctuary at Pantai Kerachut.

An alternative option is to hire a boat captain near the entrance and travel to the park’s top beaches by water.

Go on a Food Trip in Lebuh Kimberley

If you’ve chosen Penang as a destination for your next Southeast Asia trip, I assume that you’re in it (at least partially) for the food. One of the best places to eat in Penang is Lebuh Kimberley .

Show up after sundown and watch as vendors push their carts onto the streets to serve up yummy Penang food like char kway teow , Hokkien mee , and assam laksa .

You can also go on a half-day food tour of Penang (US$19) if you want something more organized.

Check Out the Clan Jetties

Among Penang’s most unique places to visit, these water “villages,” clinging to George Town’s eastern shores, glean into Penang’s maritime past with their stilted houses jutting up from the strait.

Although they’ve become quite the tourist attraction, the Clan Jetties are still home to many families. Be sure to obey the “no photography” signs when posted and stay respectful to the area’s residents.

For the most tourist-friendly, visit Chew Jetty.

Shop at Batu Ferringhi Night Market

Carve out some time for the 30- to 40-minute trip along the coast to Batu Ferringhi , a beachside town that’s a wonderful place to relax among the sea breeze. Although there are certainly better beaches in Penang, time your trip in the evening to experience the island’s best night market ( pasar malam ).

You’ll find everything there from knock-off clothing & fashion accessories to some of the tastiest food in Penang.

Hike Penang Hill

Escape the heat of George Town and head for the breezy heights of Penang Hill . Among Malaysia’s most famous former British hill stations, Penang Hill delivers some top-notch views over George Town from its summit.

Although taking the funicular railway is the most popular route up, test your endurance with the Penang Hill Heritage Trail just around the bend. Bring plenty of water, and of course, don’t forget the hat or umbrella!

Tips for Solo Travelers in Penang

Compared to other destinations in Southeast Asia, Penang’s an absolute delight for solo travelers for many reasons.

Thanks to its British colonial past, it’s unlikely that you’ll encounter significant language barriers in Penang as you might elsewhere on the continent. Whether you’re checking into your hotel, ordering food, getting directions, or buying something, it usually goes relatively smoothly.

The costs of traveling in Penang are also friendly to solo travelers. Even if you decide to skip out on dorm rooms, you can grab a private room with a private bathroom for the price of a cramped hostel in other travel destinations like Western Europe or North America.

Since Penang’s the most popular travel destination in Malaysia, as a solo traveler, you’ll rarely be all alone. As you wander through the hawker stalls of George Town or trudge through the island’s hiking trails, there’s a good chance you’ll meet other like-minded travelers to share a meal or a drink with.

Have you been to Malaysia? What other Penang solo travel tips can you add?

Text by Ryan O’Rourke, all photos by Aleah Taboclaon.

• Recent Posts

• Solo Travel Tips: Penang, Malaysia - May 16, 2019

Related Posts

Solo Travel Tips: Rishikesh, India

Solo Travel Tips: Sydney, Australia

Solo Travel Tips: Paris, France

2 comments . leave new.

What a cool place Ryan. I have been there; 1 month trip in 2012.

It’s definitely a special place 🙂 And has some of the best food in Asia, no doubt!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Singapore Tours & Attractions

Yacht Promotions

Universal Studios Singapore Promotions

Singapore Cruise Promotions

Bintan Promotions

Batam Promotions

Soon travel.

Soon Travel is set up by a group of passionate, energetic young talents revolving in giving affordable, memorable and tasty short retreat tour in our nearby countries. All package is specially and carefully planned by offering our clients the most competitive rates and quality service as well as happy memories. We also listen and understand each individual travel plan and will try the best and economic way to deliver the service. Our friendly travel team serve with responsibility and pride, try to make your vacation a smooth and enjoyable one. We appreciate your business and look forward to your next trip with Soon Travel.

Travel with Soon Travel, Your Journey Smooth Sailing.

Destinations

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

4 Night Penang & Phuket Cruise

Your ship ovation of the seas.

SPACE AGE SURPRISES

North Star ®

Splashaway Bay℠

RipCord ® by iFLY ®

Bumper Cars

A full-on flavor fest.

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

Coastal Kitchen

Fish & Ships℠

An adventure onstage.

Bionic Bar ®

Live. Love. Legs.

Day 1: singapore, singapore.

Multicultural Medley

Two Sides of Nature

Zoom In, Zoom Out

Local Cuisine

Day 2: Penang, Malaysia

popular Shore Excursions

Amazing experiences coming soon..

Malaysian Mansions

Neighborhood Flavor

Rich in Religions

Day 3: Phuket, Thailand

Big-Screen Islands

Get Underwater

Day 4: Cruising

FlowRider ®

Adventure Ocean ®

Rock Climbing Wall

Day 5: singapore, singapore.

• The Star ePaper
• Subscriptions
• Manage Profile
• Change Password
• Manage Logins
• Manage Subscription
• Transaction History
• Manage Billing Info
• Manage For You
• Manage Bookmarks
• Package & Pricing

Tourist arrivals on the rise in Penang

Wednesday, 29 May 2024

ONCE a beacon of nightlife and cultural vibrancy, Chulia Street in the heart of George Town, Penang has seen a dramatic shift in recent years.

Pre-pandemic, this popular street buzzed with energy, drawing locals and tourists alike into its lively embrace every evening.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic turned the thriving hotspot into a shadow of its former self.

Today, business operators are grappling with a reality that is not favourable, but hope flickers on the horizon.

Pub operator Lee Chavin, 31, paints a picture of the current landscape.

“It’s not the same, although we are seeing signs of recovery. Sales and the arrival of foreign tourists in the area have dropped by about 30%,” he said.

Lee believes the allure of destinations like Singapore and Thailand, seen as offering more vibrant experiences, might be drawing tourists away.

He suggested that easing some of the strict regulations could breathe new life into the area.

“Maybe they can ‘relax’ a bit on the licensing fees and the rigid regulations, for example, by allowing us to use the five-foot way in front of our premises,” he added.

Similarly, How Ee Tan, a 50-year-old pub owner, noted that while business was improving, it had not reached the pre-pandemic vibrancy.

He attributed this to the global economic downturn of the past three years that had led to widespread disruptions, severe declines in consumer spending, and significant job losses.

“I think some people are still feeling the pinch, which affects their livelihoods,” he said.

How, who has been in the business for over five years, stressed the importance of proactive promotion for Chulia Street to help bring back the glory of its heyday as a multicultural food paradise and entertainment venue.

Similarly, burger seller Abdul Halim Shahul Hameed, 42, is also feeling the pinch from the subdued atmosphere.

He noted that over the past two years, there had been fewer foreign tourists on the once-famous street.

“I can feel it. My business has dropped by about 30%, and most of my customers are local tourists and regulars,” he said.

Abdul Halim, who has been in the business for the past 24 years, however, dismissed the notion that there were fewer foreign tourists in Penang.

“What I can say is that foreign tourists are now more prudent, and there are more dining options available. They are only paying for value.

“For instance, a group of German tourists wanted to try my burgers, but they only ordered one first. They would only buy more if they liked it,” he said.

Despite the challenges, signs of resilience and adaptation are beginning to emerge. Some businesses have reinvented themselves, offering new attractions and menus to cater to changing consumer habits.

Others have diversified their offerings, transforming into daytime cafes or hybrid spaces that combine dining with retail.

Unique appeal

Hungarian Peter Kovac, on his first visit here, felt that Chulia Street was an attractive place with a unique scene and architecture.

“I have been to many Asian countries, but Penang seems more multicultural, and the people here speak good English,” he said.

The 34-year-old data engineer said the atmosphere on Chulia Street was pleasant and he felt safe enjoying his night.

A couple from the Netherlands was also spotted enjoying the night at a pub on Love Lane, off Chulia Street.

Civil servant Eric Slingerland, 40, from Amsterdam, described George Town as a lovely and vibrant town.

“Chulia Street has its own unique feel and it has a lot of food choices. The people here respect each other, which I love. The multicultural setting in Penang is also interesting and unique to Malaysia,” he said.

His girlfriend Kim De Jager, 35, also from Amsterdam, liked the plentiful street food on Chulia Street.

“It’s a lively city with a lot of food with many different people from various backgrounds,” she said.

Besides foreign tourists, local patrons also have a deep affection for Chulia Street.

Businessman Robby Raj, 38, said Chulia Street brought back sweet memories of his younger years.

“At that time, Chulia Street was vibrant and full of people. But now, it is kind of laid back,” he said, adding that he would come to the street once a week to hang out with his friends.

Restaurant operator Shankar Nair, 42, and his wife Ranjani, 38, from Kepong, said: “Penang is a must-stop destination for us, and Chulia Street will be our main rendezvous to rest and relax.”

He said Kuala Lumpur had become so expensive, and Penang offered them a cheaper alternative for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.Influx of tourists.

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said foreign tourist arrivals during the first three months of the year had increased compared to the same period last year.

“The numbers, especially those from Indonesia, China, and Australia, have shown a significant increase. For instance, tourists arriving from China recorded a massive 370.22% increase from 4,746 in 2023 to 22,420 this year.

“Arrivals from Indonesia also showed an increase, from 75,141 in 2023 to 98,013 in 2024, or equivalent to a 30.44% hike.

“The number of Japanese tourists has also surged from 2,541 in 2023 to 3,652 in 2024, or a 43.72% rise,” he said.

Wong noted that arrivals from Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and other Commonwealth countries increased between 30% and 75%.

These figures, he said, indicated a positive outlook for the tourism industry in Penang, with more international direct flights compared to the previous year.

Wong added that Chulia Street and its neighbouring lanes, such as Love Lane, were set to come alive over the next few months, as the state will host a series of festivals and celebrations that will highlight the rich cultural heritage and lively spirit of the city.

He said the George Town Festival (GTF), an annual celebration of arts and culture, would showcase a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and workshops.

The festival, which runs from July 19 to 28, is set to attract artists and audiences from around the world, turning the area into a melting pot of creativity and inspiration.

Its diverse programming ensures there will be something for everyone, from contemporary art installations to traditional music performances.

“In conjunction with Heritage Day on July 7, Chulia Street will transform into a living museum. The event celebrates George Town’s rich history and cultural diversity, with activities ranging from heritage tours and cultural performances to traditional craft demonstrations and food fairs.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the historical tapestry of the area,” Wong said.

Wong said another event is the Chingay procession in December, which often sees spectators lining the main route on Chulia Street, standing or sitting on stools to catch a glimpse of the performers.

“This traditional parade, characterised by its elaborate floats, acrobatic stunts and colourful costumes, draws crowds from near and far.

“The procession is not just a visual feast but also a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage,” he said.

Beyond the Chingay procession, Chulia Street is also the epicentre for several other significant events.

Wong said to enhance the experience for visitors, the local council had also organised street performances, night markets, and pop-up events along Chulia Street and the connecting lanes.

“These activities not only provide entertainment but also support local businesses by drawing more foot traffic to the area.

“All these events will be the highlight of Penang’s tourism industry, which is expected to witness a surge in activity and economic revival.

“The collaborative effort between local authorities, businesses, and cultural organisations aims to showcase the unique charm of George Town, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and attractive destination for both residents and visitors,” he said.

Wong believes these events lined up at Chulia Street will breathe new life into the area, from the spectacular Chingay procession to the GTF, Heritage Day celebrations, and Chinese New Year festivities.

“There is an abundance of activities to look forward to, as these events not only celebrate the rich cultural heritage of George Town but also play a crucial role in revitalising the local economy and fostering a sense of community,” he added.

Found a mistake in this article?

Report it to us.

Thank you for your report!

Exploring South Korea, the ultimate MICE destination

Next in metro news.

Trending in Metro

Air pollutant index, highest api readings, select state and location to view the latest api reading.

• Select Location

Source: Department of Environment, Malaysia

Others Also Read

Best viewed on Chrome browsers.

We would love to keep you posted on the latest promotion. Kindly fill the form below

Thank you for downloading.

We hope you enjoy this feature!

Opening date set for Jose Salazar's new wine bar in Over-the-Rhine. And it's very soon

James Beard Award finalist Jose Salazar has officially announced the grand opening of his latest restaurant concept.

Safi, a Moroccan-inspired wine bar, will open at noon on Saturday in the former Salazar space, at 1401 Republic St., in Over-the-Rhine. Salazar told food writer Keith Pandolfi in March that the new concept was inspired by a recent trip to Morocco.

During the trip, Salazar and his wife, Ann, learned about the different spices and cooking techniques of Moroccan cuisine. They even ventured into the Atlas Mountains, where they learned how to roll couscous by hand from indigenous North African women.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

Now, Salazar is using the techniques he acquired during his visit to bring a brand-new dining experience to Queen City.

“As I’ve said before, it’s bittersweet to be opening Safi in the same space that housed Salazar for a decade,” Salazar said in a press release. “However, we are super excited at the prospect of another successful business. The neighborhood has been vocal in sharing our excitement, and we can’t wait to host everyone in this brand-new space.”

Once open, Safi's menu will feature a variety of small plates, including marinated olives, Moroccan spiced almonds, shaved duck salami, beef kafta, lamb tagine and more. The wine bar will also serve Moroccan sweets such as briwat, an almond pastry, and dark chocolate-cinnamon truffles.

Its expansive beverage menu features a variety of draft, bottled and canned beers, wine, cocktails and non-alcoholic options like espresso and Moroccan mint tea service.

The menu wasn't the only thing to get a makeover. Salazar worked with Indio, a local interior design studio, to redesign the space to give it a "Marrakesh nightlife vibe."

Per the release, Safi will look and feel completely different from the original Salazar restaurant. Dark and moody colors will be used throughout the space, as well as pillows and cushions for an "intentionally lounge-like feel." Other changes include a new bar top, floors and lighting.

Safi will open at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon on Saturdays, and 5 p.m. on Sundays. The wine bar will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Opening date set for Jose Salazar's new wine bar in Over-the-Rhine. And it's very soon

Future of Airports in India: DigiYatra for International Travel, Coming Soon

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

May 27th, 2024 at 7:33 AM EDT

Turning international travel into “a walk in the park” may take time, but wouldn't it be nice to skip those endless queues at airport gates, airline counters, immigration, and security checks? DigiYatra has made domestic travel a smoother ride. If rolled out for international travel, we could all breathe a little easier!

Peden Doma Bhutia

India is actively working on expanding the DigiYatra facility for international travel. The DigiYatra Foundation expects to start prototype testing on e-passport based enrollment from next month, the CEO of DigiYatra Foundation, Suresh Khadakbhavi, said recently at an event in Saudi Arabia.

What Is DigiYatra? This digital initiative, aimed at revolutionizing airport check-ins, uses a mobile app that allows passengers to use facial recognition as a boarding pass.

When Was This Launched? Launched on December 1, 2022, at three airports — New Delhi, Varanasi, and Bengaluru — DigiYatra has swiftly expanded its footprint, now operating in 14 airports across India and set to launch in another 14 next month.

Now, DigiYatra for International Travel

The next frontier for DigiYatra is international travel.

AIrport entry queues and ID / ticket checks – India is the only major country I am aware of that requires this. Wonder if there is a way forward that does not require this bottleneck. Digiyatra helps for the digitally-savvy, but is not there for International yet pic.twitter.com/wjJRYV0GkK — Sanjiv Kapoor (@TheSanjivKapoor) May 26, 2024

The integration of chip-enabled e-passports into the app is a crucial step, enabling verifiable credentials for foreign travelers.

Speaking at the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh last week, Khadakbhavi said the prototype testing will progress significantly in the coming months, although the DigiYatra Foundation must collaborate with the Bureau of Immigration and the Ministry of External Affairs, indicating a potentially lengthy process.

IATA’s One-ID

The DigiYatra Foundation, co-owned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and private airports, also plans to align with International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s One-ID initiative for global interoperability. This initiative, backed by the IATA, representing around 320 airlines in over 120 countries, seeks to streamline passenger journeys through biometric-enabled identification.

Travelers prioritize speed and convenience and are increasingly embracing biometrics, according to IATA’s 2023 Global Passenger Survey.

Croatia, the Netherlands and Canada are testing digital travel. Finland last year launched the world’s first digital travel document pilot program at Helsinki Airport.

“Passengers want technology to work harder, so that they spend less time ‘being processed’, standing in queues. And they are willing to use biometric data if it delivers this result. But we need cooperation across the value chain and with governments to make it happen with secure technology that is available today,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president for operations, safety and security.

DigiYatra Vision

DigiYatra’s vision extends beyond airports as it looks to facilitate hotel check-ins and provide hassle-free access to public places.

Over the past year, more than 20 million users have experienced DigiYatra, and with its forthcoming availability at 28 airports, the service will cover approximately 90% of India’s flying population, according to Khadakbhavi.

With the use of face as a single token, passengers can just walk through every process giving them an experience of a “walk in the park,” he said.

Khadakbhavi said a key feature of DigiYatra is its emphasis on self-sovereign identity, which ensures that passenger data is not stored centrally. “The self-sovereign identity base is something which perhaps people can easily adopt,” he explained, emphasizing the need for bilateral agreements to share credentials between nations.

He cited the European Union’s digital identity framework as a successful example of this concept.

Challenges and Privacy

Despite its advancements, DigiYatra faces challenges, particularly in educating passengers about the privacy and security of self-sovereign identity—a complex but crucial aspect of the system. Recently, DigiYatra performed what it calls “a significant backend upgrade,” and asked users to install a new app. This had led to speculation about a potential data breach .

However, the foundation clarified that the upgrade was in preparation for the upcoming expansion to additional airports.

Digi Yatra’s old app had over 4.5 million users while according to the foundation the new app already has over 2 million users.

Looking ahead, DigiYatra plans to implement fully homomorphic encryption, a feature that ensures third parties cannot misuse data shared with airports. Explaining the homomorphic encryption, Khadakbhavi said that once the airport uses data shared by the passenger no one else would be able to open the data for a second time, preventing further misuse.

“If you want to look at an implementation of self-sovereign identity at scale and volume, we are the biggest,” Suresh asserted, highlighting the system’s growing adoption rate, which stands at around 30-40% at major airports, with some Indian airports seeing up to 50% usage.

In the next decade, DigiYatra envisions a single-process airport where passengers can walk straight to the boarding gate, with all processes handled seamlessly in the background. “This future is achievable with the use of technology; however, we need to change our perspective to fully utilize it,” he said.

Skift India Report

The Skift India Report is your go-to newsletter for all news related to travel, tourism, airlines, and hospitality in India.

Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

Tags: airport technology , asia monthly , digital experience , digital health passports , digital travel , india , india outbound , indian airlines

Photo credit: India is keen to introduce Digiyatra for international travel. JoshuaWoroniecki / Pixabay

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Air travel has gone to the dogs — literally. Here’s what to know about BARK Air

Rachel Treisman

BARK Air officially launched this week, completing its first flight from New York to Los Angeles on Thursday. It also flies to London and aims to add more routes in the coming months. Joe Gall/BARK hide caption

Flying with your dog in first class may sound like a far-fetched dream for many pet lovers. But a new boutique airline launching this week aims to make the “white paw experience” a reality.

BARK Air describes itself as “the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second.”

“BARK Air has taken the white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches – from booking to arrival, to in-flight services and disembarkation, dogs will truly be the VIPs and treated to a positively luxurious, curated experience,” it said in an announcement last month .

Grounded: Emotional Support Animals No Longer Guaranteed Free Flights

BARK Air officially got off the ground on Wednesday afternoon, when its inaugural flight ferried six dogs of varying breeds — from Chihuahuas to a Golden Retriever — and 11 humans (both passengers and crew) from New York to Los Angeles.

The Very Important Pups were treated to chicken-flavored puppuccinos, special cupcakes and a shoe — on a platter — to snack on, according to BARK Chief of Staff Katharine Enos. She told NPR over email that there was “no drama on board.”

“Brooklyn (dachshund) and Eddy (golden) [were] friends and played and the little dogs took nice long naps most of the way,” she added. “After lunch it was nap time for everyone. No potty accidents on board or stolen food either! Everyone felt connected in the way we were obsessed with our dogs.”

Introducing BARK Air: A 100% totally real airline for dogs. We're dog people, and we are tired of there being no truly dog-friendly options when it comes to air travel. Now booking the best-in-class dog focused flight imaginable at https://t.co/eZqVYMC5W3 pic.twitter.com/bzcY2rSO4h — BARK (@bark) April 11, 2024

The airline is a subsidiary of BARK, the company behind dog-focused brands like the subscription service BarkBox. Co-founder and CEO Matt Meeker says he’s been working towards this idea for over a decade.

He was inspired by his late Great Dane Hugo, who traveled with him often but could never fit on a plane — like many non-lap dogs, Hugo would have had to fly in the cargo area rather than the cabin. (Meeker even flew from Florida to New York in a cargo crate to show how disorienting that experience can be, as part of Bark Air’s promotional campaign.)

Many airlines have tightened restrictions for emotional support animals on board in recent years. The logistics and cost of travel can be a highly emotional issue for many families who don’t want to leave their dogs behind when relocating, let alone vacationing, Meeker says.

“We don't think of ourselves as selling dog toys or seats on an airline,” Meeker told NPR in a phone interview. “We think of ourselves as selling awesome emotional experiences with your dog.”

Shots - Health News

The cdc issues new rules for bringing dogs into the u.s., aimed at keeping out rabies.

It’s also an expensive one: BARK Air flights between New York and LA cost $6,000 for one dog and one human (or one human and two dogs collectively under 50 pounds) in each direction, and one-way flights between New York and London go for $8,000.

Potential customers were quick to bemoan the cost, with one social media user joking that her pup would need to start selling “paw pics” to make it work.

Meeker acknowledged that “the price is high, and it’s too high.” But he said innovations, especially related to transportation, often become less expensive over time — and he hopes that will be the case with BARK Air, too.

“We have pretty clear ways of bringing those prices down if the demand is there, and that’s what we aim to do,” he added. “We want to make this affordable and accessible for as many dogs as possible.”

The airline aims to pamper passengers, both pups and people

The airline doesn't have dog size or breed restrictions but only allows humans over age 18 (or 126 in dog years). Joe Gall/BARK hide caption

On BARK Air, the drinks come in bowls, leashes replace seat belts, champagne is made of chicken broth and the bathroom is, well, anywhere.

“When they feel they need to go, they go,” Meeker said of the dog. “And then we clean up after them. And then we clean the plane between every turn.”

It’s one of the many unique perks — and logistical challenges — of an airline for dogs. BARK has partnered with a New York-based charter company called Talon Air, which provides the pilots, flight crew and plane, a Gulfstream V.

The jets accommodate 14 human passengers, but BARK is capping them at 10 to offer extra space. Meeker says it aims to make the experience as comfortable as possible for dogs, starting “even before the flight.”

BARK Air will do a “pup intake” to learn about the dogs’ temperament and preferences. On the day of the flight, humans are advised to show up an hour early to the terminal, where they’ll present their ID and walk straight onto the plane.

Do your kids want a dog? Science may be on their side

“And so what we've bypassed there is a busy commercial airport and a very rigid TSA environment, and treating the dog as just another piece of luggage,” Meeker said.

Dogs and humans get served their meals — and stow away their toys — before the flight takes off to avoid potential territorial disputes. Once in the air, dogs are offered perks like a spa treatment and blankets covered with pheromones for extra comfort. Meeker says the in-flight crew is trained in dog CPR and “fear-free behavioral practices.”

The airline has no dog size or breed restrictions, but humans must be over 18 (aka 126 in dog years). Once on board, humans are advised to keep their dogs leashed as much as possible and ask before approaching others’.

Meeker, who traveled with his dog on two recent test flights between Florida and New York, says people hoped the dogs would misbehave for purposes of the experiment — but they did anything but, even during moments of “pretty significant turbulence.”

“They calmed everyone down, they floated around, they'd take someone’s seat,” he said. “A strange dog, like, not your dog, would wander up, sit on the couch next to you, put their head in your lap, and it’s like, ‘Oh, that’s great.’ ”

He added, “I don’t know why I’m surprised by this, but the dogs made it magical.”

Demand already appears to be taking off

BARK Air is partnering with charter company Talon Air to offer several flights per month. Some are already sold out for June and July. BARK hide caption

Meeker said the initial reaction to BARK Air’s launch has been “really overwhelming and positive.”

BARK Air is offering about four round-trip cross-country flights a month, with several already sold out for June and July. It’s already planning to expand its routes, starting with a New York to Paris trip beginning in the fall.

“About a third of people apparently buy their air travel six months in advance,” he said. “So we just published our schedule through the end of the year in order to serve that crowd better.”

The airline is soliciting requests for additional destinations, and Meeker said it received over 15,000 in the first week alone.

How to keep your pets cool and safe during a heat wave

They’ve heard from military families who are moving, people who travel for business and New Yorkers spending summers outside the city — all of whom want their dogs there too. Meeker also noted significant demand from snowbirds who want to go south with their dogs for the winter and many requests for flights in and out of Chicago.

“We're just processing that information and choosing the dates, and we're learning a lot,” he added.

He hopes the forthcoming data will allow the company to make more cost-effective decisions soon.

“We’re probably doing this the most expensive way we could, which is chartering a private plane from a private owner,” he explained.

The next step would be to make a longer commitment with the charter company, leasing the plane for a month or even a year to bring down costs. Even better would be buying and outfitting a plane. Meeker has his eye on a Boeing 747 model with a back half dedicated to cargo that could serve as an additional source of revenue.

He says this team already has a design that would feature private cabins with lay-flat beds, a central “dog park” and a bar, for dog and human socializing, respectively.

“That’s the dream,” he added. “But it’ll take a little bit of time to get there.”

• airline industry

Advertisement

Trump Has Been Convicted. Here’s What Happens Next.

Donald J. Trump has promised to appeal, but he may face limits on his ability to travel and to vote as he campaigns for the White House.

• Share full article

By Jesse McKinley and Maggie Astor

• Published May 30, 2024 Updated May 31, 2024, 12:09 p.m. ET

The conviction of former President Donald J. Trump on Thursday is just the latest step in his legal odyssey in New York’s court system. The judge, Juan M. Merchan, set Mr. Trump’s sentencing for July 11, at which point he could be sentenced to as much as four years behind bars, or to probation.

It won’t stop him from running for president, though: There is no legal prohibition on felons doing that . No constitutional provision would stop him even from serving as president from a prison cell, though in practice that would trigger a crisis that courts would almost certainly have to resolve.

His ability to vote — for himself, presumably — depends on whether he is sentenced to prison. Florida, where he is registered, requires felons convicted there to complete their full sentence, including parole or probation, before regaining voting rights. But when Floridians are convicted in another state, Florida defers to the laws of that state, and New York disenfranchises felons only while they are in prison.

The Trump Manhattan Criminal Verdict, Count By Count

Former President Donald J. Trump faced 34 felony charges of falsifying business records, related to the reimbursement of hush money paid to the porn star Stormy Daniels in order to cover up a sex scandal around the 2016 presidential election.

“Because Florida recognizes voting rights restoration in the state of conviction, and because New York’s law states that those with a felony conviction do not lose their right to vote unless they are incarcerated during the election, then Trump will not lose his right to vote in this case unless he is in prison on Election Day,” said Blair Bowie, a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit watchdog group.

Mr. Trump will almost certainly appeal his conviction, after months of criticizing the case and attacking the Manhattan district attorney, who brought it, and Justice Merchan, who presided over his trial.

Long before that appeal is heard, however, Mr. Trump will be enmeshed in the gears of the criminal justice system.

A pre-sentencing report makes recommendations based on the defendant’s criminal record — Mr. Trump had none before this case — as well as his personal history and the crime itself. The former president was found guilty of falsifying business records in relation to a $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, a porn star who says she had a brief sexual tryst with Mr. Trump in 2006, in order to buy her silence.

At the pre-sentence interview, a psychologist or social worker working for the probation department may also talk to Mr. Trump, during which time the defendant can “try to make a good impression and explain why he or she deserves a lighter punishment,” according to the New York State Unified Court System.

The pre-sentencing report can also include submissions from the defense, and may describe whether “the defendant is in a counseling program or has a steady job.”

In Mr. Trump’s case, of course, he is applying — as it were — for a steady job as president of the United States, a campaign that may be complicated by his new status as a felon. Mr. Trump will likely be required to regularly report to a probation officer, and rules on travel could be imposed.

Mr. Trump was convicted of 34 Class E felonies, New York’s lowest level , each of which carry a potential penalty of up to four years in prison. Probation or home confinement are other possibilities that Justice Merchan can consider.

That said, Justice Merchan has indicated in the past that he takes white-collar crime seriously . If he did impose prison time, he would likely impose the punishment concurrently, meaning that Mr. Trump would serve time on each of the counts he was convicted of simultaneously.

If Mr. Trump were instead sentenced to probation, he could still be jailed if he were later found to have committed additional crimes. Mr. Trump, 77, currently faces three other criminal cases: two federal, dealing with his handling of classified documents and his efforts to overturn the 2020 election , and a state case in Georgia that concerns election interference.

Mr. Trump’s lawyers can file a notice of appeal after sentencing, scheduled for July 11 at 10 a.m. And the judge could stay any punishment during an appeal, something that could delay punishment beyond Election Day.

The proceedings will continue even if he wins: Because it’s a state case, not federal, Mr. Trump would have no power as president to pardon himself .

Jesse McKinley is a Times reporter covering upstate New York, courts and politics. More about Jesse McKinley

Maggie Astor covers politics for The New York Times, focusing on breaking news, policies, campaigns and how underrepresented or marginalized groups are affected by political systems. More about Maggie Astor

Our Coverage of the Trump Hush-Money Trial

Guilty Verdict : Donald Trump was convicted on all 34 counts  of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal that threatened his bid for the White House in 2016, making him the first American president to be declared a felon .

Next Steps: The judge in the case set Trump’s sentencing for July 11, and Trump already indicated that he plans to appeal. Here’s what else may happen .

Reactions: Trump’s conviction reverberated quickly across the country and over the world . Here’s what Trump , voters , New Yorkers , Republicans  and the White House  had to say.

The Presidential Race : The verdict will test America’s traditions, legal institutions and ability to hold an election under historic partisan tension , reshuffling a race that has been locked in stasis and defined by a polarizing former president.

Making the Case: Over six weeks and the testimony of 20 witnesses, the Manhattan district attorney’s office wove a sprawling story  of election interference and falsified business records.

Legal Luck Runs Out: The four criminal cases that threatened Trump’s freedom had been stumbling along, pleasing his advisers. Then his good fortune expired .

Connecting the Dots: As rumors circulated of Trump’s reported infidelity, two accounts of women  being paid to stay silent about their encounters became central to his indictment.