Historic, colourful, multicultural Penang is considered one of my favourite locations in Malaysia – there’s a lot to discover on this various island – so that you’ll must plan your itinerary for Penang rigorously if you wish to match all of it in!
I’ve visited Penang 3 times now and have put collectively this complete information protecting the right way to spend 3 days in Penang, Malaysia, or extra, that can assist you plan your individual journey.
So, if you’re on the lookout for a Penang itinerary that mixes the must-see vacationer sights with nature and meals adventures and a few hidden gems then I hope you’ll discover this weblog helpful.
Why I Love Penang
I like Penang as a result of it’s a melting pot of cultures and historical past, it’s one of the crucial attention-grabbing and exquisite locations in all of Southeast Asia and there’s a lot to discover.
From the historic UNESCO world heritage listed metropolis of Georgetown, dwelling to temples, church buildings, and mosques, to the scenic Penang hill station, the tropical seashores at Batu Ferringhi and Penang Nationwide Park.
Should you’re a foodie you undoubtedly can’t miss Penang island out of your Malaysia itinerary because the historic streets of Georgetown are dwelling to among the finest avenue meals in Asia as a result of mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese language delicacies.
Penang is fascinating, very secure and inexpensive place to go to and many individuals communicate English, however with a lot to see and do you’ll must plan your itinerary for Penang rigorously when you don’t miss out on something.
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Suggestions for Planning your Itinerary for Penang
Earlier than you propose your itinerary for Penang you need to think about the size of your journey, when to go to, the place to remain and the right way to get there and get round, so I’ll cowl all this too on this weblog publish. Should you already know all this then click on right here to skip to the day-to-day itinerary.
How Lengthy To Spend in Penang
Penang has the form of vibe that makes you wish to decelerate and keep awhile so even you probably have every week or extra you at all times discover one thing new to find and gained’t get bored. It’s additionally a really inexpensive place to go to so you’ll be able to most likely afford to remain longer.
1 – 2 Days: Should you simply wish to discover Georgetown and the preferred vacationer sights in Penang then you need to spend at the least 2 days in Penang, however it may really feel a bit rushed and also you gained’t have time to see and do every thing and actually take in the distinctive historical past and ambiance.
If you’re brief on time I like to recommend hiring a non-public driver for a tour of Penang to maximise your time and minimise time spent making an attempt to determine public transport. The motive force shall be versatile so you’ll be able to solely spend your time see the issues that curiosity you and never ready for a tour group so that you’ll get to see most locations in simply 1 day.
3 Days: I like to recommend spending at the least 3 days in Penang to wander the historic streets, discover the road artwork, attempt the meals, and go to all of the well-known sights and museums. 3 days gives you time to discover Georgetown and go to locations outdoors town like Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Nationwide Park, and Batu Ferringhi Seashore.
4 – 7 Days: Spending 4 or 5 days in Penang, or perhaps a week, gives you sufficient time to discover the numerous sights, museums and eateries at a extra relaxed tempo. When you’ve got 4 days in Penang you’ll be able to discover past the favored vacationer spots, get off the overwhelmed monitor, and immerse your self within the native tradition. A great way to do that is with a bicycle tour to discover the countryside and a cooking class to learn to cook dinner Malaysian delicacies.
On this Penang itinerary, I’ll provide you with my suggestions for the well-known sights that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Penang for 3 days, in addition to some solutions for you probably have extra time and wish to get off the overwhelmed monitor.
First off, I’ll undergo some important journey suggestions for visiting Penang, then I’ll embody an in depth itinerary for 3 days in Penang. Should you already know the fundamentals then click on right here to skip to the day-to-day itinerary.
The Greatest Time to Go to Penang
When planning your itinerary for Penang it’s sensible to think about the climate for the perfect expertise.
As a tropical island close to the equator, Penang is sizzling and humid all yr spherical with common temperatures of round 30°C most days. It will probably rain at anytime too, however a fast tropical downpour is definitely fairly nice and refreshing and unlikely to destroy your day.
The perfect time to go to Penang is within the winter between December and February when the climate is comparatively cool, much less humid, and usually dry and comfy.
Throughout this era the times are principally sunny and dry, the temperature is gentle and the humidity is low, making it the proper time to get outdoors and discover. Nonetheless, it’s additionally the preferred time so be sure you ebook your transportation, lodging, and actions prematurely and anticipate crowds if visiting on nationwide holidays.
You’ll see every kind of holidays being celebrated in Malaysia from Christmas to Deepavali from Chinese language New 12 months to Eid which could be nice to expertise however be sure you ebook prematurely and anticipate crowds and better costs throughout these durations.
Penang’s wet season, which often falls between September, October and November, is just not a foul time to go to. Some cloud cowl and rain showers carry reduction from the recent, humid, summer time climate, carry an umbrella and poncho and the rain shouldn’t destroy your plans an excessive amount of.
Attending to Penang and Getting Round
There’s a number of choices for touring to Penang, relying on the place you’re coming from, together with flights, buses, trains and ferries.
Flights: Penang Worldwide Airport (PEN) receives flights from close by Southeast Asian hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok, and even locations like Phuket, Vietnam, and Qatar.
The airport is situated a brief drive from Georgetown and there are many taxis and buses out there. It’s also possible to pre ebook an airport switch to your lodge to make sure your arrival is easy and stress free.
Penang airport is just not as large as Kuala Lumpur airport, so if you’re coming from additional afield you’ll most likely must fly into Kuala Lumpur (KUL) first or join by means of someplace like Singapore. It’s solely an hour flight from Kuala Lumpur and there are many flights daily.
Stopovers: Should you do come through Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur it’s undoubtedly value spending a number of days to examine these vibrant trendy mega cities out too! Learn my different itineraries for extra suggestions and inspiration.
Visas: Most individuals don’t want a visa to enter Malaysia, residents of UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe obtain a free 90 days go to cross on entry. You simply must do an MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrivals Card) earlier than you arrive. It simply takes a couple of minutes to do on-line.
Bear in mind that guidelines can change so at all times examine the most recent updates and particular necessities in your nationality on the official Malaysia immigration web site first.
You may decide up an area sim card on the airport or get a ESIM beforehand to make sure you keep related and keep away from excessive roaming charges.
Buses: It’s also possible to journey to Penang overland. Do you know, Penang isn’t just an island, it’s a province that features locations on the mainland of Malaysia and is related to the mainland by two bridges. This implies you’ll be able to take a bus straight to Penang metropolis.
Frequent buses run from Kuala Lumpur (5-6 hours) and likewise from Hat Yai in southern Thailand. Penang’s most important bus station is Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, close to to Penang Bridge, and there are Speedy Penang buses that cowl the island.
Trains and Ferries: The closest railway station is on the mainland in Butterworth. Trains run from Singapore by means of Malaysia and on to Thailand. After arriving at Butterworth station you’ll be able to stroll to the ferry terminal and take a brief ferry experience to Georgetown. Or take a taxi or catch a bus and go over the bridge.
Throughout busy durations, transportation can get totally booked so I like to recommend reserving prematurely to keep away from any stress or disappointment. The perfect place to ebook bus, prepare and ferry tickets in Malaysia is on 12 Go Asia.
Getting round Penang: Penang has a superb bus community that covers most locations of curiosity and getting round Penang is fairly straightforward.
Georgetown is sort of compact, secure, and walkable. Some inns provide shuttle providers and bike leases or, in case your legs get uninterested in strolling, you’ll be able to experience round in a colourful trishaw for a singular and enjoyable option to uncover town. There are additionally loads of guided excursions out there and hiring a non-public driver for the day could be fairly inexpensive.
Taxis are additionally out there and are fairly low cost however, when you take a taxi, be sure they use the meter or agree on a worth earlier than setting off to keep away from over paying. I like to recommend downloading the Seize App (Asia’s Uber equal) to simply hail taxis and order meals supply in Malaysia.
If you’re snug driving a scooter or bike in Asia, renting one could be an environment friendly, inexpensive and enjoyable option to discover town and its environment. Ensure you carry a global driving allow.
Prime Excursions, Actions, and Experiences
Penang has such a wealthy and various heritage and Georgetown is the form of place the place having a educated native information actually brings the fascinating historical past and tales alive and makes the expertise extra attention-grabbing and significant.
There’s quite a lot of guided excursions and attention-grabbing actions to get pleasure from in Penang, from heritage strolling excursions and avenue meals excursions, to household pleasant sights, cooking lessons, and biking excursions of the tropical countryside.
Some experiences are highly regarded and have restricted area, just like the funicular experience as much as go to Penang Hill – I extremely advocate reserving a quick monitor ticket prematurely to keep away from losing time queuing or doable disappointment, particularly if you’re visiting Penang within the peak season.
I wish to get every thing booked prematurely so I can chill out and simply get pleasure from my journey. The perfect place to seek out, learn opinions and ebook attraction tickets, actions and excursions in Penang is on Viator and Get Your Information. Native journey brokers additionally promote excursions however I like to have the ability to learn the opinions first in order that I do know I’m going to have a superb expertise.
One other journey reserving platform that’s actually well-liked in Malaysia is Klook – it typically has cheaper costs so it’s effectively value testing too. Klook provide a Penang Cross which might prevent cash when you plan on visiting many sights.
A few of the high rated excursions and actions in Penang embody:
Should you’d wish to make your individual tour itinerary for Penang is that this versatile non-public tour with a automobile and driver and information is the best selection.
The place to Keep in Penang
Penang gives loads of lodging choices for all budgets and kinds of travellers. Despite the fact that it’s not an enormous island, deciding the place to remain in Penang is a vital a part of planning your itinerary because it’s a really various place.
The finest place to remain in Penang is Georgetown for many travellers. Georgetown is the multicultural capital of Penang, an vital historic buying and selling port. The previous a part of Georgetown, together with Malacca/ Melaka), is a UNESCO world heritage website.
The wealthy historical past of Penang as a buying and selling port has given it a very multicultural really feel with many various cuisines and locations of worship for all faiths. The historic streets are crammed with colonial structure and colourful Chinese language shophouses, boutique inns and cafes, quirky retailers and museums.
The fashionable a part of Georgetown gives up to date funds and luxurious inns, flats, procuring malls and facilities however, for the perfect expertise, I like to recommend staying within the historic half in a heritage lodge.
Right here’s the perfect inns in Georgetown I can advocate for every funds:
Luxurious: The Japanese and Oriental Resort – A surprising 5 star lodge (from the identical founders as Raffles Singapore) in a colonial model constructing on the waterfront with previous world attraction and an out of doors swimming pool boasting sea views.
Boutique: The Blue Mansion – An iconic, historic Chinese language courtyard model mansion and former dwelling of Cheong Fatt Tze. It’s develop into essentially the most well-known boutique lodge in Penang after it was featured within the film ‘Loopy Wealthy Asians.’ Ebook effectively prematurely!
Mid Vary: Campbell Home – A tastefully restored heritage lodge and restaurant in an excellent central location. The spacious air conditioned rooms all have ensuite loos and occasional makers and the workers are tremendous useful.
Funds: Carnarvon Home – A captivating historic guesthouse with loads of character, carved picket options, courtyard and customary lounge with free espresso. There’s quite a lot of rooms to select from, the standard rooms share loos whereas the rooms within the new wing have non-public loos.
Backpacker: Home of Journey Hostel – A full of life backpacker hostel within the a restored historic constructing within the coronary heart of Georgetown. They provide shared dormitories and social actions making it an ideal place to remain in a funds and meet different travellers.
Prime Tip: An vital factor to pay attention to is that, as a result of listed historic structure, it’s not doable to supply ensuites loos in some conventional properties/ can solely provide shared loos / so learn the main points rigorously earlier than reserving to keep away from any surprises!
Different choices
Different good locations to remain in Penang embody Gurney Drive and Batu Ferringhi Seashore.
Should you’d desire to base your self close to the seaside there are many luxurious seaside resorts on Batu Ferringhi Seashore just like the Shangri-La Golden Sands Penang.
One other good choice is Gurney Drive, a well-liked seafront promenade the place you’ll discover Gurney Plaza shopping center and trendy inns just like the Ascott Gurney Penang, only a brief drive from the historic space of Georgetown.
There are buses and taxis providing quick access to Georgetown, so you’ll be able to nonetheless discover the historic elements of the island too even when you keep elsewhere.
So now all of the important Penang journey suggestions you’re prepared to start out planning your day-to-day itinerary!
The Superb 3 Day Penang Itinerary
- Day 1 – Discover historic Georgetown and be part of a meals tour
- Day 2 – Go to Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill
- Day 3 – Hike at Penang Nationwide Park and chill out on Batu Ferringhi Seashore
Day 1: Discover Historic Georgetown and be part of a meals tour
One of the simplest ways to start out your Penang journey is by exploring the charming lanes of historic Georgetown, studying in regards to the cities distinctive historical past, and discovering the numerous and scrumptious cuisines of Penang.
Both be part of a guided tour of Georgetown, or observe my DIY strolling tour route. It’s rather a lot to see in someday so when you run out of time you’ll be able to come again on day 4.
Morning: George City was a free port and the primary British settlement in Southeast Asia. The finest place to start out is at Fort Cornwallis, the place Georgetown was based in 1786 when Francis Gentle from the British East India Firm acquired Penang Island from the Sultan of Kedah in change for navy support.
There’s not a lot to see contained in the fort so it’s value taking the guided tour that brings it’s historical past to life, or simply taking a wander across the outdoors, exploring the world the place Georgetown began and getting an perception into the origins of town.
As you stroll down the esplanade and discover the world surrounding the fort you’ll see plenty of spectacular British colonial structure just like the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, City Corridor, Metropolis Corridor, and St George’s Anglican Church.
You would pop into the Straits and Oriental Museum earlier than strolling up Muntri Road, it’s one of the crucial charming streets lined with historic Chinese language shophouses, a few of that are lovely boutique inns.
The Cheong Fatt Zhe Mansion (The Blue Mansion) is a should go to. This distinctive historic blue mansion was dwelling to Cheong Fatt Tze, often known as the Rockefeller of the East. You may recognise it from the film ‘Loopy Wealthy Asians.‘
It’s now a boutique lodge and museum providing small group guided excursions at 11am and three.30pm. It’s value reserving prematurely as tickets do promote out. There’s a bar, restaurant, and courtyard cafe right here too which is a bit of expensive however value it for the distinctive ambiance.
Afternoon: Head again into the core heritage zone to proceed exploring. One among my favourite streets in Georgetown is Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, also referred to as Concord Road!
Right here you’ll discover Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, Christian church buildings and Muslim mosques all on one avenue. That is the place you’ll see the Goddess of Mercy temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Okapitan Keling Mosque nearly reverse one another – it reveals the inspiring cultural range and spiritual tolerance.
Don’t miss exploring Little India, one of the crucial atmospheric elements of Georgetown. The full of life streets are filled with vibrant saree retailers, the odor of spices, flowers and incense, the sound of Bollywood music and genuine Indian eating places. Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant is an effective place to eat genuine Indian meals, or simply seize a chai and a samosa.
One other should see Penang attraction is the Pinang Peranakan Mansion – that is an opulent, historic mansion which is now a museum providing a captivating glimpse into the life and historical past of the Peranakan’s (Straits Chinese language). It’s additionally dwelling to Nyonya Palazzo the place you’ll be able to attempt some distinctive and vibrant Nyonya dishes.
Afterwards, head south and proceed wandering retaining your eye out for avenue artwork together with the well-known kids on a bicycle mural which you’ll discover on Armenian Road not removed from Cheah Kongsi Temple and the colorful Umbrella alley, a well-liked Instagram spot.
One other spotlight is Khoo Kongsi – a historic Chinese language clan home, temple and museum. The constructing is extremely intricate and there’s some attention-grabbing shows that specify the historical past of the Chinese language clans in Penang.
Should you fancy a espresso and cake pop into China Home Cafe, on Seashore Road. It’s the longest cafe in Georgetown with plenty of completely different areas to discover and a singular vibe. In addition they present crayons and paper so you may get inventive and draw whilst you get pleasure from your espresso and cake.
As soon as your refreshed, head to the Clan Jetties, conventional waterfront communities with picket jetties and homes on stilts the place Chinese language settlers nonetheless stay. The principle jetty is Chew Jetty and the waterfront Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple is gorgeous and gives nice views over the water.
Guided Excursions of Georgetown
Wandering round Georgetown is a really secure and fulfilling option to spend the day, however having an area information will enable you to perceive extra in regards to the historical past and tales behind this fascinating place.
The free strolling excursions ran by the Georgetown Vacationer Info Centre are sadly now not working, however there are many different choices:
Georgetown’s Multicultural Historical past Strolling Tour – The Concord Road historical past stroll run by passionate native information, Tiger, is the perfect strolling tour in Penang providing a captivating perception into the multicultural historical past of Georgetown.
Enjoyable Georgetown Bicycle or Trishaw Tour – Select between using a bicycle or stress-free in a trishaw for a enjoyable and distinctive option to discover the highlights of Georgetown with an area information.
Historical past of Georgetown Non-public Tour – You would additionally take this non-public tour which visits the highlights of Georgetown in addition to the Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple and the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. These are situated outdoors of Georgetown so it’s not doable to incorporate them in my DIY strolling tour.
Night: Penang is legendary for it’s various meals scene and scrumptious avenue meals so becoming a member of a meals tour is one thing I actually advocate doing in your first day in Penang.
The Penang Plates Meals Tour is a tasty and enjoyable option to study in regards to the islands distinctive historical past and combination of Malay, Chinese language, and Indian tradition by means of it’s superb meals. You style 15 completely different dishes so that you’ll uncover that are your favorites and get to know the perfect locations to eat so you can also make essentially the most out of the remainder of your journey in Malaysia’s high foodie hotspot.
Should you’d desire to discover Georgetown’s avenue meals independently head to the Hawker facilities or Chulia Road Evening Market the place the largest number of hawker stalls are. Search for ones with queues of locals ready to seek out the perfect dishes. Afterwards, take a look at the bars and speakeasies on Love Lane for nightlife.
Day 2: Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill
Penang Hill, a former British hill station providing lush rainforests and gorgeous views over the island, is without doubt one of the high sights in Penang. It may be simply mixed with Kek Lok Si temple, the most important Buddhist temple in Malaysia, which is situated on the foot of the hill in Air Itam, for the proper option to spend your 2nd day in Penang.
Morning: Begin your 2nd day in Penang by heading out of Georgetown to discover the colorful Kek Lok Si Temple, one of many best Buddhist temples in all of Southeast Asia.
The sprawling hillside advanced gives superb views and has rather a lot to discover together with the Pagoda of one million Buddhas and the large 30 meter Guan Yin statue.
Subsequent, head to to Penang Hill, (Bukit Bendera) the oldest British Hill Station in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Standing at 833 meters (2,732 ft) above sea degree, it gives unbelievable views, climbing trails, refreshingly cooler temperatures and many to discover.
You may hike as much as Penang Hill, however it’s steep and fairly difficult and would take many of the day. So I like to recommend taking the funicular railway for a straightforward and enjoyable option to go up the hill.
The Penang Hill Railway is an incredible feat of engineering which has been working for over 100 years and makes for a enjoyable experience. Keep away from the lengthy queues by reserving a quick lane ticket prematurely.
Whenever you arrive on the high you’ll be handled to spectacular views over the island and funky, recent air. There’s varied sights, together with a small museum and artwork gallery, a mosque, Hindu temple and a few colonial bungalows the place Europeans got here for respite from the tropical warmth.
Attempt David Brown’s Terrace Restaurant or, when you’re on a funds, the meals courtroom, for lunch with a view.
Afternoon: My spotlight was visiting The Habitat, an award profitable rainforest discovery middle with an accessible nature path, an extended suspension bridge cover stroll, tree high walkway and viewing platform, and a zipline.
Even within the refreshing mild rain it was a magical expertise to be immersed within the lush tropical nature, we even noticed some monkeys within the bushes.
If you wish to discover additional there’s loads of nature trails with unspoilt nature and superb viewpoints, you’ll be able to even stroll all the way in which all the way down to the Penang Botanical Gardens, or simply get a taxi there once you get down from the hill.
You will get from Georgetown to Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill by taxi, bus, or guided tour. For the perfect expertise I like to recommend a non-public, customisable Penang tour so you’ll be able to spend so long as you need having fun with solely the locations you wish to go to.
In your means again to Georgetown you would cease on the Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple, dwelling to the worlds third largest reclining Buddha, and the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple for extra perception into multicultural Penang.
Night: When you get again into Georgetown stroll alongside the Esplanade at sundown, have a cocktail on the Japanese and Oriental Resort, or head to Three-Sixty, a revolving restaurant and rooftop bar at Resort Bayview for drinks and dinner with a view.
Or dive again into town’s avenue meals scene for a funds pleasant dinner and have drinks at Manchu, a Chinese language themed cocktail bar with stay bands, or examine what’s on at China Home Cafe, they typically have stay music and occasions within the evenings.
Day 3: Penang Nationwide Park and Batu Ferrinighi Seashore
Ensure you embody getting out of Georgetown to discover the pure magnificence and chill out on the seashores of this tropical island too!
On day 3 I like to recommend heading to the north west coast of Penang island to hike in Penang Nationwide Park and chill out on the seaside at Batu Ferringhi.
Morning: Make an early begin to benefit from the cooler morning climate and head to Penang Nationwide Park (Taman Negara Pulau Pinang) on the Northwest coast of Penang island. You may take the quantity 101 bus from Georgetown, it takes about 1 hour and a half to get there and entrance is free!
Whereas it’s the smallest nationwide park in Malaysia there’s nonetheless lots to discover and revel in with nature trails and cover walks by means of the plush tropical jungle to pristine seashores and a lighthouse.
Probably the most well-liked trails is to Teluk Duyung, also referred to as Monkey Seashore. The trek takes about 1 hour and a half, carry loads of water and snacks however watch out that the cheeky monkeys don’t steal your belongings!
Whereas lovely, the humidity could make the trek fairly tiring so I like to recommend hiring a ship to take you again to the beginning.
Afternoon: Not removed from the nationwide park you’ll discover the Tropical Spice Backyard which is dwelling to over 500 species of crops and runs backyard excursions and cooking lessons. In addition they have a jungle seafront cafe so it makes a pleasant cease to refresh after the hike and study extra in regards to the natural world.
Proceed heading again in the direction of Georgetown and cease at Batu Ferringhi Seashore the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from swimming and watersports or simply stress-free on the sandy seaside. You would even have a drink at one of many seaside bars like Bora Bora and watch the sundown.
Another choice on the route is to take a look at the Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque – if it’s excessive tide the mosque appears to be like prefer it’s floating on the water.
Night: Spend the night looking the stalls on the Batu Ferringhi night time marketplace for scrumptious avenue meals, clothes, equipment, souvenirs and items to take dwelling.
Another choice is to move again to Georgetown and go to The Prime on the Komtar, the tallest constructing in Penang. There’s a theme park with 18 sights right here, however I believe the perfect cause to go to is for the Rainbow Skywalk 360 diploma panoramic views over Georgetown.
The views are particularly gorgeous at sundown, plus there’s a restaurant up right here too for a memorable final night meal. Or you would head to the close by Kimberly Road Meals Market in your final avenue meals feast.
Extra Locations to Go to in Penang
The primary 3 days of this Penang journey itinerary covers locations that I really feel are a should go to to get a style of all of the completely different sides of the island, however there’s lots extra to do in Penang you probably have extra time.
So you probably have 4 or 5 days to spend in Penang, or extra, there are some attention-grabbing museums and household pleasant sights which might be effectively value visiting.
Right here’s some extra locations and actions that you just may wish to additionally think about including to your Penang itinerary:
- Malaysian Cooking Class
- Offbeat Countryside Bicycle Tour
- Jalan Kek Chuan – seventeenth most lovely avenue on the planet
- Excessive tea and the Japanese and Oriental Resort
- The Snake Temple
- Wonderfood Museum
- Ghost museum
- Batik Portray Museum
- Solar Yat Sen Museum
- Penang Warfare Museum
- Upside Down Museum, Glow Planet, 3D Trick Artwork Museum
- Hin Bus Depot – Artwork gallery and market with stay music within the previous bus station.
- Escape Penang – Theme park and water park with excessive ropes programs, zip traces, waterslides and many others
- Entopia Penang – A spectacular butterfly farm
- Tropical Fruit Farm
Day Journeys From Penang
Whereas there usually are not as many choices for day journeys from Penang as they’re from Kuala Lumpur there’s nonetheless some very particular locations close by which might be value visiting.
Some choices for day journeys from Penang embody:
Ipoh: A former tin mining metropolis with charming Moorish and colonial structure surrounded by limestone hills and pure sights like Kek Lok Tong and Perak Cave Temples. Should you take this Ipoh Day Tour, you even get the prospect to go to Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island on the way in which which is ideal when you don’t have time to go to Borneo.
Cameron Highlands: Just a few extra hours from Ipoh are the rolling hills, misty mountains and scenic tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands. One other spotlight of any Malaysia itinerary however a bit too removed from a day journey from Penang – higher to go to enroute to Kuala Lumpur and keep at the least 1 night time.
Langkawi Island: Dwelling to a few of Malaysia’s finest seashores with loads of gorgeous nature to discover. My highlights had been taking a ship by means of the mangrove rivers of the Geo park, using the cable automobile as much as the Langkawi sky bridge, and occurring an island hopping boat journey.
Sadly, the ferry from Penang to Langkawi doesn’t appear to be working anymore which implies day journeys from Penang to Langkawi usually are not really easy. You may fly in lower than an hour or take a bus to Alor Setar to catch the ferry which is value it you probably have time to spend a number of days on Langkawi.
What and The place to Eat in Penang: Prime Dishes to Attempt
Penang is Malaysia’s meals capital with a various delicacies that blends Malay, Chinese language, Indian, and Thai influences. Whereas there isn’t a scarcity of cute cafes and connoisseur eating places in Penang among the finest meals is discovered on the road, in meals courts, and in hawker facilities so it’s actually inexpensive and straightforward to attempt all of it!
A few of the finest locations to eat in Penang embody New Lane Hawker Middle, Chulia Road Hawker Middle, Kimberly Road Evening Market, and Gurney Drive Hawker Middle.
Right here’s among the finest dishes to attempt once you’re in Penang:
- Nasi Lemak – Malaysia’s nationwide dish of rice served with spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, hard-boiled egg, cucumber, and fried rooster or beef rendang.
- Char Kway Teow – Stir-fried flat rice noodle dish is cooked in a smoky wok with prawns, Chinese language sausage, egg, bean sprouts, chives, chili and soy sauce.
- Penang Laksa (Asam Laksa Soup) – A tangy, bitter and spicy noodle soup made with tamarind (asam) and mackerel fish, served with thick rice noodles, cucumber, onions, mint leaves, and a spicy shrimp paste. One among Penang’s most iconic dishes.
- Hokkien Mee – A hearty noodle soup with a wealthy prawn and pork broth, yellow noodles, prawns, pork slices, and generally egg.
- Curry Mee – A coconut milk curry soup, served with both yellow noodles or rice vermicelli, topped with prawns, rooster or tofu.
- Penang Rojak – A refreshing fruit and vegetable salad served with a candy and spicy shrimp paste dressing topped with peanuts and sesame seeds.
- Roti Canai – Indian-influenced flatbread served with dhal (lentil curry) or a meat curry. A well-liked breakfast dish.
- Satay – Grilled skewers of marinated meat (often rooster or beef) with a peanuty sauce.
- Penang Hainanese Rooster Rice – Steamed or roasted rooster and aromatic rice cooked in rooster inventory. Often a good selection when you don’t like spicy meals.
- Nasi Kandar – Muslim-Malay rise dish with varied curries, meats (fried rooster, beef rendang, or fish), and greens. Attempt it at Line Clear Nasi Kandar.
- Chendol – Refreshing dessert created from shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and inexperienced rice flour jelly topped with purple beans and candy corn. The right deal with to chill off on a sizzling day.
- Durian – Malaysia’s “king of fruits.” It has a powerful, distinctive odor however is adored by locals for its creamy, candy flesh.
Now the right way to spend 3 Days in Penang, Malaysia
As you’ll be able to see, there’s lots to do on Penang island so that you gained’t get bored even when you spend every week right here, or extra! Whereas some individuals say that 1 or 2 days is sufficient time in Penang I disagree. I’ve visited Penang 3 times now and spent every week every time – there’s at all times one thing new to see.
That’s why I like to recommend spending a minimal of three days in Penang so you’ll be able to discover the historical past and completely different cultures, attempt all of the scrumptious meals, and discover the pure fantastic thing about this tropical island – in any other case you’ve solely seen one aspect to this fascinating, multicultural, distinctive vacation spot!
I hope my Penang itinerary has given you loads of inspiration and suggestions that can assist you plan your journey and that you just love Penang as a lot as I do! Be happy to select and select from my suggestions to create your individual itinerary relying in your pursuits.
And, if you’re planning an extended journey round the entire nation, take a look at my Malaysia itinerary to know the right way to see the perfect of each peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.
Should you want extra suggestions take a look at my different Malaysia blogs: