Historic, colourful, multicultural Penang is one in every of my favourite locations in Malaysia – there’s a lot to discover on this various island – so that you’ll have to plan your itinerary for Penang rigorously if you wish to match all of it in!
I’ve visited Penang thrice now and have put collectively this complete information protecting tips on how 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 points of interest with nature and meals adventures and a few hidden gems then I hope you’ll discover this weblog helpful.
Why I Love Penang
I really like Penang as a result of it’s a melting pot of cultures and historical past, it’s some of the fascinating and delightful 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 positively can’t miss Penang island out of your Malaysia itinerary because the historic streets of Georgetown are dwelling to a number of the finest road meals in Asia because of the mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese language delicacies.
Penang is fascinating, very secure and reasonably priced place to go to and many individuals communicate English, however with a lot to see and do you’ll have to plan your itinerary for Penang rigorously in case you don’t miss out on something.
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Ideas for Planning your Itinerary for Penang
Earlier than you intend your itinerary for Penang you must contemplate the size of your journey, when to go to, the place to remain and tips on how to get there and get round, so I’ll cowl all this too on this weblog submit. Should you already know all this then click on right here to skip to the daily itinerary.
How Lengthy To Spend in Penang
Penang has the sort of vibe that makes you need to decelerate and keep awhile so even in case you have per week or extra you all the time discover one thing new to find and gained’t get bored. It’s additionally a really reasonably priced place to go to so you possibly can most likely afford to remain longer.
1 – 2 Days: Should you simply need to discover Georgetown and the most well-liked vacationer points of interest in Penang then you must spend at the least 2 days in Penang, nevertheless it may really feel a bit rushed and also you gained’t have time to see and do every little thing and actually take in the distinctive historical past and environment.
If you’re quick 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 driving force will probably be versatile so you possibly can 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 points of interest 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 Seaside.
4 – 7 Days: Spending 4 or 5 days in Penang, or perhaps a week, gives you sufficient time to discover the various points of interest, museums and eateries at a extra relaxed tempo. You probably have 4 days in Penang you possibly can discover past the favored vacationer spots, get off the overwhelmed observe, 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 points of interest that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Penang for 3 days, in addition to some solutions for in case you have extra time and need to get off the overwhelmed observe.
First off, I’ll undergo some important journey ideas for visiting Penang, then I’ll embrace an in depth itinerary for 3 days in Penang. Should you already know the fundamentals then click on right here to skip to the daily itinerary.
The Greatest Time to Go to Penang
When planning your itinerary for Penang it’s clever to think about the climate for the most effective expertise.
As a tropical island close to the equator, Penang is scorching 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 wreck your day.
The very best 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 cozy.
Throughout this era the times are principally sunny and dry, the temperature is gentle and the humidity is low, making it the right time to get outdoors and discover. Nevertheless, it’s additionally the most well-liked time so be sure to e book your transportation, lodging, and actions prematurely and anticipate crowds if visiting on nationwide holidays.
You’ll see all types of holidays being celebrated in Malaysia from Christmas to Deepavali from Chinese language New Yr to Eid which might be nice to expertise however be sure to e book prematurely and anticipate crowds and better costs throughout these intervals.
Penang’s wet season, which often falls between September, October and November, just isn’t a foul time to go to. Some cloud cowl and rain showers carry reduction from the recent, humid, summer season climate, carry an umbrella and poncho and the rain shouldn’t wreck 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 might be 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 obtainable. You too can pre e book an airport switch to your resort to make sure your arrival is clean and stress free.
Penang airport just isn’t as huge as Kuala Lumpur airport, so if you’re coming from additional afield you’ll most likely have to 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 every single day.
Stopovers: Should you do come by way of Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur it’s positively value spending a couple of days to verify these vibrant trendy mega cities out too! Learn my different itineraries for extra ideas 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 have to do an MDAC (Malaysia Digital Arrivals Card) earlier than you arrive. It simply takes a couple of minutes to do on-line.
Remember that guidelines can change so all the time verify the newest updates and particular necessities in your nationality on the official Malaysia immigration web site first.
You’ll be able to choose up an area sim card on the airport or get a ESIM beforehand to make sure you keep linked and keep away from excessive roaming charges.
Buses: You too can 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 linked to the mainland by two bridges. This implies you possibly can 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 fundamental bus station is Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, close to to Penang Bridge, and there are Fast 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 possibly can stroll to the ferry terminal and take a brief ferry trip to Georgetown. Or take a taxi or catch a bus and go over the bridge.
Throughout busy intervals, transportation can get totally booked so I like to recommend reserving prematurely to keep away from any stress or disappointment. The very best place to e book bus, practice and ferry tickets in Malaysia is on 12 Go Asia.
Getting round Penang: Penang has a wonderful bus community that covers most locations of curiosity and getting round Penang is fairly straightforward.
Georgetown is kind of compact, secure, and walkable. Some inns supply shuttle companies and bike leases or, in case your legs get uninterested in strolling, you possibly can trip round in a colourful trishaw for a novel and enjoyable technique to uncover town. There are additionally loads of guided excursions obtainable and hiring a non-public driver for the day might be fairly reasonably priced.
Taxis are additionally obtainable and are fairly low cost however, in case you take a taxi, make sure that they use the meter or agree on a value 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 might be an environment friendly, reasonably priced and enjoyable technique 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 fascinating and significant.
There’s quite a lot of guided excursions and fascinating actions to get pleasure from in Penang, from heritage strolling excursions and road meals excursions, to household pleasant points of interest, cooking courses, and biking excursions of the tropical countryside.
Some experiences are very talked-about and have restricted area, just like the funicular trip as much as go to Penang Hill – I extremely suggest reserving a quick observe ticket prematurely to keep away from losing time queuing or doable disappointment, particularly if you’re visiting Penang within the peak season.
I prefer to get every little thing booked prematurely so I can loosen up and simply get pleasure from my journey. The very best place to search out, learn critiques and e book 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 critiques first in order that I do know I’m going to have expertise.
One other journey reserving platform that’s actually well-liked in Malaysia is Klook – it typically has cheaper costs so it’s nicely value testing too. Klook supply a Penang Go which may prevent cash in case you plan on visiting many points of interest.
A number of the prime rated excursions and actions in Penang embrace:
Should you’d prefer to make your individual tour itinerary for Penang is that this versatile personal tour with a automobile and driver and information is the perfect alternative.
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 essential historic buying and selling port. The previous a part of Georgetown, together with Malacca/ Melaka), is a UNESCO world heritage web site.
The wealthy historical past of Penang as a buying and selling port has given it a extremely multicultural really feel with many various cuisines and locations of worship for all faiths. The historic streets are stuffed with colonial structure and colourful Chinese language shophouses, boutique inns and cafes, quirky retailers and museums.
The trendy a part of Georgetown gives up to date price range and luxurious inns, residences, purchasing malls and facilities however, for the most effective expertise, I like to recommend staying within the historic half in a heritage resort.
Right here’s the most effective inns in Georgetown I can suggest for every price range:
Luxurious: The Jap and Oriental Lodge – A surprising 5 star resort (from the identical founders as Raffles Singapore) in a colonial type constructing on the waterfront with previous world appeal and an out of doors swimming pool boasting sea views.
Boutique: The Blue Mansion – An iconic, historic Chinese language courtyard type mansion and former dwelling of Cheong Fatt Tze. It’s develop into essentially the most well-known boutique resort in Penang after it was featured within the film ‘Loopy Wealthy Asians.’ E-book nicely prematurely!
Mid Vary: Campbell Home – A tastefully restored heritage resort and restaurant in a brilliant central location. The spacious air conditioned rooms all have ensuite bogs and low makers and the workers are tremendous useful.
Funds: Carnarvon Home – A captivating historic guesthouse with loads of character, carved wood options, courtyard and customary lounge with free espresso. There may be quite a lot of rooms to select from, the normal rooms share bogs whereas the rooms within the new wing have personal bogs.
Backpacker: Home of Journey Hostel – A vigorous backpacker hostel within the a restored historic constructing within the coronary heart of Georgetown. They provide shared dormitories and social actions making it a terrific place to remain in a price range and meet different travellers.
Prime Tip: An essential factor to concentrate on is that, because of the listed historic structure, it’s not doable to supply ensuites bogs in some conventional properties/ can solely supply shared bogs / so learn the small print rigorously earlier than reserving to keep away from any surprises!
Different choices
Different good locations to remain in Penang embrace Gurney Drive and Batu Ferringhi Seaside.
Should you’d favor to base your self close to the seaside there are many luxurious seaside resorts on Batu Ferringhi Seaside just like the Shangri-La Golden Sands Penang.
One other good possibility 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 quick drive from the historic space of Georgetown.
There are buses and taxis providing easy accessibility to Georgetown, so you possibly can nonetheless discover the historic components of the island too even in case you keep elsewhere.
So now all of the important Penang journey ideas you’re prepared to begin planning your daily itinerary!
The Ideally suited 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 loosen up on Batu Ferringhi Seaside
Day 1: Discover Historic Georgetown and be part of a meals tour
One of the simplest ways to begin your Penang journey is by exploring the charming lanes of historic Georgetown, studying concerning the cities distinctive historical past, and discovering the numerous and scrumptious cuisines of Penang.
Both be part of a guided tour of Georgetown, or comply with my DIY strolling tour route. It’s quite a bit to see in at some point so in case you run out of time you possibly can come again on day 4.
Morning: George City was a free port and the primary British settlement in Southeast Asia. The finest place to begin is at Fort Cornwallis, the place Georgetown was based in 1786 when Francis Mild from the British East India Firm acquired Penang Island from the Sultan of Kedah in change for army 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 realm the place Georgetown began and getting an perception into the origins of town.
As you stroll down the esplanade and discover the realm surrounding the fort you’ll see numerous spectacular British colonial structure just like the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, City Corridor, Metropolis Corridor, and St George’s Anglican Church.
You possibly can pop into the Straits and Oriental Museum earlier than strolling up Muntri Avenue, it’s some of the charming streets lined with historic Chinese language shophouses, a few of that are stunning 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, referred to as the Rockefeller of the East. You may recognise it from the film ‘Loopy Wealthy Asians.‘
It’s now a boutique resort 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 somewhat expensive however value it for the distinctive environment.
Afternoon: Head again into the core heritage zone to proceed exploring. One in every of my favourite streets in Georgetown is Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, also referred to as Concord Avenue!
Right here you’ll discover Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, Christian church buildings and Muslim mosques all on one road. That is the place you’ll see the Goddess of Mercy temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Okayapitan Keling Mosque nearly reverse one another – it reveals the inspiring cultural variety and non secular tolerance.
Don’t miss exploring Little India, some of the atmospheric components of Georgetown. The vigorous 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 efficient 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 an interesting glimpse into the life and historical past of the Peranakan’s (Straits Chinese language). It’s additionally dwelling to Nyonya Palazzo the place you possibly can attempt some distinctive and vibrant Nyonya dishes.
Afterwards, head south and proceed wandering holding your eye out for road artwork together with the well-known youngsters on a bicycle mural which you’ll discover on Armenian Avenue 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 fascinating 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 Seaside Avenue. It’s the longest cafe in Georgetown with numerous completely different areas to discover and a novel vibe. Additionally they present crayons and paper so you will get artistic 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 wood jetties and homes on stilts the place Chinese language settlers nonetheless dwell. 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 pleasing technique to spend the day, however having an area information will assist you perceive extra concerning 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 Avenue historical past stroll run by passionate native information, Tiger, is the most effective strolling tour in Penang providing an interesting perception into the multicultural historical past of Georgetown.
Enjoyable Georgetown Bicycle or Trishaw Tour – Select between driving a bicycle or stress-free in a trishaw for a enjoyable and distinctive technique to discover the highlights of Georgetown with an area information.
Historical past of Georgetown Personal Tour – You possibly can additionally take this personal 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 known for it’s various meals scene and scrumptious road meals so becoming a member of a meals tour is one thing I actually suggest doing in your first day in Penang.
The Penang Plates Meals Tour is a tasty and enjoyable technique to study concerning 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 most effective locations to eat so you can also make essentially the most out of the remainder of your journey in Malaysia’s prime foodie hotspot.
Should you’d favor to discover Georgetown’s road meals independently head to the Hawker facilities or Chulia Avenue Evening Market the place the largest number of hawker stalls are. Search for ones with queues of locals ready to search out the most effective dishes. Afterwards, try 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 beautiful views over the island, is without doubt one of the prime points of interest in Penang. It may be simply mixed with Kek Lok Si temple, the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, which is situated on the foot of the hill in Air Itam, for the right technique 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 complicated gives superb views and has so much to discover together with the Pagoda of 1,000,000 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 stage, it gives unbelievable views, mountain climbing trails, refreshingly cooler temperatures and many to discover.
You’ll be able to hike as much as Penang Hill, nevertheless it’s steep and fairly difficult and would take a lot of the day. So I like to recommend taking the funicular railway for a simple and enjoyable technique to go up the hill.
The Penang Hill Railway is a tremendous feat of engineering which has been working for over 100 years and makes for a enjoyable trip. Keep away from the lengthy queues by reserving a quick lane ticket prematurely.
While you arrive on the prime you’ll be handled to spectacular views over the island and funky, recent air. There’s varied points of interest, 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.
Strive David Brown’s Terrace Restaurant or, in case you’re on a price range, the meals courtroom, for lunch with a view.
Afternoon: My spotlight was visiting The Habitat, an award profitable rainforest discovery heart with an accessible nature path, an extended suspension bridge cover stroll, tree prime 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 possibly can even stroll all the best way right 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 most effective expertise I like to recommend a personal, customisable Penang tour so you possibly can spend so long as you need having fun with solely the locations you need to go to.
In your method 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 Jap and Oriental Lodge, or head to Three-Sixty, a revolving restaurant and rooftop bar at Lodge Bayview for drinks and dinner with a view.
Or dive again into town’s road meals scene for a price range pleasant dinner and have drinks at Manchu, a Chinese language themed cocktail bar with dwell bands, or verify what’s on at China Home Cafe, they typically have dwell music and occasions within the evenings.
Day 3: Penang Nationwide Park and Batu Ferrinighi Seaside
Ensure you embrace getting out of Georgetown to discover the pure magnificence and loosen up 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 loosen up 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’ll be able to 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.
One of the vital well-liked trails is to Teluk Duyung, also referred to as Monkey Seaside. 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 stunning, 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 courses. Additionally they have a jungle seafront cafe so it makes a pleasant cease to refresh after the hike and study extra concerning the natural world.
Proceed heading again in the direction of Georgetown and cease at Batu Ferringhi Seaside the place you possibly can get pleasure from swimming and watersports or simply stress-free on the sandy seaside. You possibly can 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 seems prefer it’s floating on the water.
Night: Spend the night searching the stalls on the Batu Ferringhi night time marketplace for scrumptious road meals, clothes, equipment, souvenirs and items to take dwelling.
Another choice is to go again to Georgetown and go to The Prime on the Komtar, the tallest constructing in Penang. There’s a theme park with 18 points of interest right here, however I feel the most effective cause to go to is for the Rainbow Skywalk 360 diploma panoramic views over Georgetown.
The views are particularly beautiful 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 Avenue Meals Market in your final road 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 in case you have extra time.
So in case you have 4 or 5 days to spend in Penang, or extra, there are some fascinating museums and household pleasant points of interest which are nicely value visiting.
Right here’s some extra locations and actions that you just may need to additionally contemplate including to your Penang itinerary:
- Malaysian Cooking Class
- Offbeat Countryside Bicycle Tour
- Jalan Kek Chuan – seventeenth most stunning road on this planet
- Excessive tea and the Jap and Oriental Lodge
- The Snake Temple
- Wonderfood Museum
- Ghost museum
- Batik Portray Museum
- Solar Yat Sen Museum
- Penang Battle Museum
- Upside Down Museum, Glow Planet, 3D Trick Artwork Museum
- Hin Bus Depot – Artwork gallery and market with dwell music within the previous bus station.
- Escape Penang – Theme park and water park with excessive ropes programs, zip strains, waterslides and many others
- Entopia Penang – A spectacular butterfly farm
- Tropical Fruit Farm
Day Journeys From Penang
Whereas there should 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 are value visiting.
Some choices for day journeys from Penang embrace:
Ipoh: A former tin mining metropolis with charming Moorish and colonial structure surrounded by limestone hills and pure points of interest like Kek Lok Tong and Perak Cave Temples. Should you take this Ipoh Day Tour, you even get the possibility to go to Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island on the best way which is ideal in case 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 beautiful nature to discover. My highlights have been taking a ship by means of the mangrove rivers of the Geo park, driving the cable automobile as much as the Langkawi sky bridge, and happening an island hopping boat journey.
Sadly, the ferry from Penang to Langkawi doesn’t appear to be working anymore which suggests day journeys from Penang to Langkawi should not really easy. You’ll be able to fly in lower than an hour or take a bus to Alor Setar to catch the ferry which is value it in case you have time to spend a couple of days on Langkawi.
What and The place to Eat in Penang: Prime Dishes to Strive
Penang is Malaysia’s meals capital with a various delicacies that blends Malay, Chinese language, Indian, and Thai influences. Whereas there isn’t any scarcity of cute cafes and gourmand eating places in Penang a number of the finest meals is discovered on the road, in meals courts, and in hawker facilities so it’s actually reasonably priced and straightforward to attempt all of it!
A number of the finest locations to eat in Penang embrace New Lane Hawker Middle, Chulia Avenue Hawker Middle, Kimberly Avenue Evening Market, and Gurney Drive Hawker Middle.
Right here’s a number of 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 hen 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 in every of Penang’s most iconic dishes.
- Hokkien Mee – A hearty noodle soup with a wealthy prawn and pork broth, yellow noodles, prawns, pork slices, and typically egg.
- Curry Mee – A coconut milk curry soup, served with both yellow noodles or rice vermicelli, topped with prawns, hen 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 preferred breakfast dish.
- Satay – Grilled skewers of marinated meat (often hen or beef) with a peanuty sauce.
- Penang Hainanese Rooster Rice – Steamed or roasted hen and aromatic rice cooked in hen inventory. Often a good selection in case you don’t like spicy meals.
- Nasi Kandar – Muslim-Malay rise dish with varied curries, meats (fried hen, beef rendang, or fish), and greens. Strive 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 pink beans and candy corn. The right deal with to chill off on a scorching day.
- Durian – Malaysia’s “king of fruits.” It has a powerful, distinctive odor however is adored by locals for its creamy, candy flesh.
Now tips on how to spend 3 Days in Penang, Malaysia
As you possibly can see, there’s lots to do on Penang island so that you gained’t get bored even in case you spend per 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 thrice now and spent per week every time – there’s all the time one thing new to see.
That’s why I like to recommend spending a minimal of three days in Penang so you possibly can 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 ideas that can assist you plan your journey and that you just love Penang as a lot as I do! Be at liberty 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, try my Malaysia itinerary to know tips on how to see the most effective of each peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.
Should you want extra ideas try my different Malaysia blogs: