penang day tour

Dive Into Malaysia

Top 9 Best Penang Tour And Package Options!

Penang is one of our favourite places in the world. Afterall, we did live here for over a year!

There is so much to love from the pretty buildings in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in George Town to the numerous cultural influences around the island, and of course, the world-renowned food!

The best way to experience all this is with a Penang guided tour. Tours and sightseeing in Penang are just so easy and affordable. There are many Penang day tours to choose from, whether you want to stay in George Town or explore further afield.

Below, we’ve listed our top holiday tour Penang recommendations that will have you experiencing the best of this awesome island!

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Why Book A Penang Tour?

Penang is easy to get around, but as with all places, planning can be a drag. It can also be hard to know if you’re really seeing the best of that destination.

This is where day tours Penang come in handy. You can simply read about what the tour offers and see if its right for you. Tours usually focus on areas like culture, food, nature etc., so it’s easy to find one for your interests.

Plus, there are many tour agencies in Penang and you will be shown around by a local. Local knowledge is super handy when it comes to something like a Penang heritage walking tour.

We often get much more value out of tours than by visiting alone.

Compare All The Best Travel Tour Penang Package Options

Here’s a quick comparison of all your Penang tours package options. They are all day or half-day tours.

You can read more about each of these options below.

Penang Food Tours

As Malaysia’s food capital, food tours are among the best tours in Penang! These Penang walking tours are as much about food as they are about culture and history. This is because Penang’s food really is a story of its cultures.

We recommend booking your Penang walking tours with Simply Enak Food Tours. Not only are they a super reputable tour agent in Penang, with a 5-star TripAdvisor rating, but they are also a family run, local business that know Penang’s streets and food culture better than anyone. I have taken their tours myself but alone and with my kids and had a fantastic time.

With a Penang local tour guide, plenty of food is included in both day and night options. They offer the best Penang guided tour options for foodies!

Plus, you can get an RM30 discount if you book using the coupon code DIVE30 !

Penang Street Food Tour – Best Penang Tour Guide

Whether you’re an early riser or breakfast lover, this Penang Street Food Tour is the best Penang George Town walking tour to sample popular street food available during the day.

This Penang tour itinerary starts at 9am with a light (or heavy) breakfast, and walks you through the eclectic city streets where you can experience Penang’s vibrant and rich food scene.

You’ll quickly see that Penang, as a melting pot of cultures, offers a diverse range of dishes from roti canai to Penang laksa, and, of course, nasi lemak. Indian, Chinese and Malaysian culture are most evident in Penang, bringing with them a rich history that is best showcased through its street food.

This is also a Penang sightseeing tour and a Penang street art tour. You’ll walk past important monuments signifying Penang’s history, like the five major Chinese built Clan Houses, the Indian temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, and you’ll also see some of Penang’s unique street art. The tour concludes at 12:30pm.

Families are welcome on this tour. Book with the link below and use the coupon code DIVE30 and you’ll get a RM30 discount!

Click here to see the latest prices.

Eat Drink George Town

Like many Asian cities, Penang comes alive at night. However, this can be overwhelming when you’re trying to experience the best fare in that region. This Eat Drink George Town tour is the answer!

This 4 hour George Town walking tour in Penang lets you experience the culture of eclectic George Town through its food. This really is the best way to immerse yourself into the history and multitude of cultures that have shaped this vibrant city.

This walking tour starts in the afternoon at 4pm, where you’ll meet your local Penang tour agent and make your way through the city streets, stopping at street food stalls and hawkers centres, and learning about the role different cultures have played in shaping today’s Penang. You’ll sample the super popular Char Kway Teow – one of Penang’s finest noodle dishes on the Clan Jetty. Egg tarts, Indian roti and delicious laksa are also possibilities on the menu.

This Penang food tour package concludes with a cocktail (included in your tour) at 8pm.

This tour is only suitable for adults 21+. Book with the link below and use the coupon code DIVE30 and you’ll get a RM30 discount!

Click here to see the latest prices or read my full review of this tour here.

You can also watch my video walk-through of this tour below from when I did it. Warning: It’ll make you hungry!

Best Penang City Tours

Explore george town half day city tour – best penang half day tour itinerary.

This 4 hour tour is the perfect Penang city half day tour. It takes you to all of George Town’s most historic and cultural spots. Included in this city tour in Penang is a visit to the British built Fort Cornwallis – the largest British fort still standing in Malaysia.

You’ll also see the Streets of Harmony on this Penang half day city tour which are among the oldest streets in Penang and a melting pot of cultures, as well as the huge Reclining Buddha Statue, Little India, Chinatown, the clock tower and nearby religious sites (if you wish). This is also a good option as a street art tour Penang.

This is a small and affordable tour, with some information on Penang’s history. There are two tour times offered – 9am to 1pm or 2pm to 6pm. This tour also includes hotel pick up and drop off.

George Town Heritage Tour – Best Penang Heritage Tour

Another great Penang tour Malaysia is this George Town Heritage Tour. This tour has the best Penang city tour itinerary to learn about its diverse cultural roots.

This is a 4 hour tour with the Penang tour agency offering two tour times – 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. It also includes return hotel pickup and drop off.

The most impressive Penang tour place on this itinerary is the Peranakan Mansion, a large museum filled with artifacts from the southern Chinese Peranakan, and previously among the buildings used by the Chinese secret society.

Chinatown, Little India and the Chinese temples Hock Teik Cheng Sin and Cheah Kongs are also on this Penang day tour itinerary. This is one of the tour operators in Penang that also takes you to some of the towns vibrant artwork along the way.

Heritage Tour And Trishaw Ride – Best Penang City Tour Package

A both affordable and authentic city tour of Penang Malaysia is this Penang trishaw tour! On this tour, you will ride in a traditional trishaw, a 3-wheeled taxi, which offers a unique and traditional way to experience Penang.

This is a quick 2.5 hour tour of Malaysia Penang to immerse you in the culture of George Town. There are two tour times – from 9:30am to 12pm or from 2:30pm to 5pm. The trishaw tour Penang takes one hour, after which your tour guide in Penang will drive you to other places on the itinerary.

As part of this Penang day trip tour you’ll visit Fort Cornwallis, the British built fort; Penang Town Hall, a stunning British built administrative building dating from the 1880s and adorned in pastel colours; Beach Street, one of the major thoroughfares; and Khoo Kongsi, an elaborately adorned, Chinese built clan house, among other spots.

This tour also includes convenient hotel pickup and drop off.

Best Package Tour To Penang Malaysia

Below are the best Penang holiday packages. These are great for mixing and matching for a complete experience!

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Tour – Penang Blue Mansion Tour

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a must see attraction, and this tour is one to add to your Penang island tour package. It is a super affordable way to see this impressive mansion, and can easily fit into a Penang full day tour.

Two Blue Mansion Penang tour times are offered – 11am and 2pm. Take a taxi or your own transport to the meeting spot – you can see a Penang tour map when you click on the link. From here, the tour agency in Penang will meet you and your guide will take you through the mansion.

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is one of the most impressive architectural sites in Penang, and you’ll get to see much of it throughout this 45 minute long tour. Your tour guide Penang will share the history of this impressive site which was built in the 19th century and owned by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze. It is now a hotel.

There’s also a restaurant and bar where you can have a drink and bite to eat after the tour.

Hiking Trail And Food Tasting Farm Tour

This 5 hour Penang package tour lets you escape the busy city centre and experience Penang’s natural beauty.

Departing at 8:30am, the tour starts at the meeting spots of either Green Acres farm or Balik Pulau bus terminal. This one day tour in Penang includes a hike to Green Acres, the 16-acre orchard where you can opt to swim and see wildlife like monkeys, butterflies, birds and lizards.

You’ll also visit the impressive Air Itam Dam which is surrounded by the scenic park. Your hike also includes the opportunity to see the best panoramic views of George Town.

A highlight of this tour is trying the delicious tropical fruit grown in Penang. Mangosteens, jackfruit, pineapples and the unique langsat are all available to sample. A fresh lunch is also served, as well as fresh juice.

Concluding at 1:30pm, this is among the best day tours in Penang Malaysia to experience Penang’s rural side.

Pose, Share & Connect Instagram Tour

If you’re looking for a full Penang one day tour package, this 8 hour tour is a great option. With both hotel pickup and drop off, the tour starts at 9am and takes you to some of Penang’s most scenic spots.

This tour includes a Penang street art walking tour and the Butterworth Art Walk where you’ll see some of Penang’s finest street art.

Visit the village of Kampung Agong beside the paddy fields for a Penang cycling tour. You can relax in the hanging birds nests, see the impressive coconut farms and tour the kampung houses.

You’ll also visit Frog Hill, a 45 minute drive away from George Town and one of the most scenic spots on the island. You’ll enjoy a short hike to this former quarry and enjoy views of lush greenery and numerous water pools.

The tour concludes at around 5pm with hotel drop off. With some excellent photo opportunities, this is one of the Penang tour packages that will make others jealous!

Penang Hill And Temple Sightseeing – Best Penang Hill Tour Package

This is another Penang 1 day tour package with two options – either a 9am morning tour or a 2pm afternoon tour.

The tour commences with hotel pickup and takes you to two of the best attractions around Penang, including the impressive Kek Lok Si Temple, where you’ll see its numerous sculptures, and Penang Hill, which includes a ride on the funicular train.

There is plenty to do at the top of Penang Hill like taking a walk on the Langur Way Canopy Walk, seeing colonial buildings and enjoying the stunning views of George Town below.

This four hour, half day tour is among the best holiday tours Penang offers for those looking for a Penang outer city tour package.

Final Words

We hope this article has been helpful for you.

Penang is a wonderful place to visit and we recommend you do as much as possible (or as much as time permits). Whether you choose to just tour George Town, or explore further afield, we’re sure a tour will make it all the more enjoyable!

Want to read more about all the things to do in Penang? Find our guide here . You can read more about where to stay in Penang here and find our full Penang travel guide here.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

The Perfect Penang Day Trip [2023 Ultimate Guide]

Planning for your perfect Penang Day Trip? But you only have one day?

Do not worry, in a day you will manage to cover Penang and come back home fresh, recharged, and rejuvenated.

But, why Penang?

Penang city, Georgetown is a multicultural trading city in SEA with a 200% increase of tourists in 2019 compared to the previous year. It offers plenty of the best foods and tourist-worthy attractions from historical to nature places, all under the sun.

What is more interesting, on the 7th of July 2022 , Georgetown will mark its 14th anniversary as a Unesco World Heritage Site ! The perfect place to have a Penang Weekend Trip! 

WWB writer, Zizi, will guide you on a memorable Penang day tour with 3 different options to enjoy the Penang day trip to the fullest!

15 Must Visit Places On Your Penang Day Trip 

• 1. Fort Cornwallis
• 2. Kapitan Keling Mosque
• 3. Pinang Peranakan Mansion
• 4. Pinang Thai Pak Koong
• 5. Choong Fatt Tze Mansion – Blue Mansion
• 6. The Habitat Penang Hill
• 7. Clan Jetties Penang
• 8. Batu Ferringhi Penang
• 9. Penang National Park 
• 10. Monkey Beach 
• 11. Pantai Kerachut
• 12. Muka Head Lighthouse Penang
• 13. Canopy Walkway Penang 
• 14. Pantai Teluk Aling
• 15. Meromictic Lake Penang

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

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• Malaysia Itinerary 3-Weeks: Secret Tips From A Local!

…No doubt, this island has endless recommended places to be visited for your Penang trip. Sit back and relax as this article will recommend places according to 3 different interests from historical places to nature sites and Penang national park day trips.

5 Historical Sites To Visit On Your Penang Day Trip

A one day historical trip in Penang is  a great choice if you are interested in walking down the history lane of the Pearl of Orient (Penang’s nickname).

Visit these 5 places for your Penang day tour and you will be back with 1001 golden nuggets of history information about Penang.

1. Fort Cornwallis 

Start your morning day trip in Penang by visiting Fort Cornwallis, a 235 years old fort that was built by Captain Francis Light in 1786 .

Plan your Penang trip in the morning to this fort as its operation starts from 9.00 a.m to 10.00 p.m daily and the price of the ticket ranges from 5 MYR to 10 MYR (USD 5 to USD 1) for adults and children.

Fun fact, this largest standing fort in Penang and even in Malaysia that spans 4490 sqft was built as a defensive military base against any possible attacks from pirates, Kedah forces, and even the French during the Napoleonic Wars which never happened. 

Rather than an active defensive structure, this fort which is located on the Eastern tip of Georgetown adjacent to the Esplanade served as an administrative function to the British East India Company in the late 18th century.

Once inside Fort Cornwallis, near the main entrance, do not forget to have a picture with the bronze statue of Captain Francis Light. 

Inside this star shape of Fort Cornwallis, are prison cells, storage areas, barracks, Penang lighthouse, the first chapel on this island, and numerous bronze cannons which are still preserved in the best forms for tourists to reminisce Penang’s history .

2. Kapitan Keling Mosque  

Next, have a visit to one of the Core Zone of Georgetown’s UNESCO World Heritage Site , Kapitan Keling Mosque.

It is a 5 to 10 minutes walk from Fort Cornwallis and is located near to many other historical places of worship on Kapitan Keling Street or known as the “Street of Harmony”.

This first and oldest mosque in Penang will be celebrated its 221 years of historical building in 2022 and is listed as a heritage building by the National Heritage Department , 

Kapitan Keling Mosque is a remarkable Penang landmark built by the leader of the Indian Muslim community back in the 19th century, Caudeer Mohidden Merican who is also known as Kapitan Keling (The Captain of Kelings).

The design of this mosque is unlike any vernacular mosque in the region as it combines the influences of Indian-Mughal architecture with Gothic, Moorish, and Roman Renaissance designs with the help of German architect Henry Alfred Neubronne.

Visitors are advised to wear proper attire especially women (long pants or skirts), no shorts are allowed and it opens daily from 09:00 a.m to 5:30 p.m and it is free entrance.

3. Pinang Peranakan Mansion  

In the evening of your Penang trip plan, visit this Pinang Peranakan Mansion to learn more about the rich Peranakan history and culture .

This impressive green mansion has been featured as one of the location sets for The Amazing Race and the famous Crazy Rich Asians film alongside The Little Nyonya and Road to Dawn films.

Do not miss out on the chance to learn the story of the mansion and the life of Peranakans from the friendly and knowledgeable guided tour that is included in the entrance fee of USD$ 5.

The daily tour runs at 11.30 a.m and 3.30 p.m daily and lasts for about 45 minutes. Book your ticket in advance .

Pinang Peranakan Mansion is near Fort Cornwallis ( 8 minutes walking) and you will be transported back in time to the Baba – Nyonya cultural revival with unique displays of over 1,000 Peranakan artifacts from Peter Soon personal collection. 

 Peter was a Peranakan architect who bought over this Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee’s residence after his descendants left it abandoned, as they lost their riches in WWII.

This 2 -story mansion has adopted a rojak (fusion with English) style with Chinese, English, and Scottish materials and a design that is known as Straits Eclectic style, a popular style among the wealthy Peranakan back in those days.

 A very nice spot for #ootd to your one-day Penang trip.

4. Penang Thai Pak Koong 

The next historical visit is would be to Penang’s 211 -year-old  temple, Ng Suk temple or also known as the Thai Pak Koong temple . 

This hidden attraction is located inside a traditional Chinese village and the best part is, it is near to the seaside as it’s located at Tanjung Bungah, a seaside area between Gurney and Batu Ferringhi. Nice spot to unwind for your Penang one day trip.

Most recently, this temple won the 2021 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Asia Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. 

It is a meaningful award not only for Penang but also for Malaysia, as this temple which was built in 1810, showcases the diverse culture and heritage of Malaysia. Visit this temple for your memorable trip to Penang.

5. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion – Blue Mansion 

Before the end of your Penang day tour package, visit this impressive Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion also known as Blue Mansion, a hotel boutique boutique hotel that gives a different vibe of colonial Penang.

Do not worry, even if it is a hotel boutique   boutique hotel they provide a 45 minutes tour to experience a dazzling indigo-colored facade that belongs to the late Cheong Fatt Tze, rags to riches businessman from Guangzhou, China.

The tour is would be available at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m from Monday to Friday , and for Saturday and Sunday, two-time slots available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m . It is better to book the tour first, to secure your place.

From this tour, you will learn that this blue Mansion with Straits Eclectic architectural style is a gift from Cheong Fatt Tze to his 7th wife out of the 8th wife that he married. 

The blue painting of this mansion is a natural blue dye from an indigo plant mixed with limewash paint to absorb moisture as this could prevent mold in the humid conditioner. Blue was chosen because it is cheerier and to avoid Chinese belief that white is associated with death and mourning. 

3 Nature Sites To Visit On Your Penang Day Trip

Nature is healing. You can heal on a Penang weekend trip by enjoying Penang’s nature. 

Here are the top 3 suggestions for a Penang nature day trip for you:)

1. The Habitat Penang Hill

The Habitat Penang Hill is a must-visit for your Penang day trip plan. Trip to Penang is incomplete without visiting this 130 million-year-old rainforest. It is suggested to visit this early morning to avoid the crowd .

This park opens daily from 9.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m . (last entry by 5.00 p.m .). It is recommended to wear comfortable sportswear, sport shoes and sun protection as it can get hot and humid.

This pristine forest reserve established in 1911 is located at the backside of Bendera Hill and visitors have 2 options to reach The Habitat Penang.

Bendera Hill is too common, so this pristine forest reserve since 1911 would be your next choice. It is located at the backside of Bendera Hil l and visitors have 2 options to reach The Habitat Penang.

One of the ways is by hiking ( 7.5 km from Bukit Bendera to Habitat Penang) or the easiest and recommended way is by taking the Penang Hill funicular at the Penang Hill Lower Station that will take you less than 5 minutes to reach the top hill. 

The roundtrip ticket for an adult is 30 MYR (USD 8) , you can opt for a one-way ticket which is 15 MYR (USD 5) . Good news if you do not want to queue, opt for the fast lane ticket which costs  60 MYR (USD 15) for roundtrip and 45 MYR (USD 11)   for a one-way trip.

5 main Habitat attractions are ready for you to explore including: 

•   Langur Way Canopy Walk,
•  Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, 
• Trail and Gardens, Sunset Walk, and 
• The Flight of the Colugo!

You can enjoy The Habitat Penang in 4 different ways depending on your ticket purchasing. For standard price tickets, MYR 55 (USD 14) for adults and MYR 35 (USD 8) for children and senior citizens. 

With the standard price tickets, you will enjoy the spectacular view of the Andaman Sea and beyond at Langur Way Canopy Walk and mesmerize the 360- degree views of Penang at approximately 800 m above sea level from Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk. 

If you want to have a guided walk with a friendly, knowledgeable guide, go for Kancil Walk at MYR 85 (USD 21) per adult, for a maximum of 8 persons. You will also get MYR 10 (USD 2.50) , for gift vouchers.

A recommended option is Forest Bathing at Habitat Penang Hill . In Japan, forest bathing is known as “Shinrin-yoku” which is aimed to reduce stress and suicidal thoughts in society. 

By joining this 3 hour long ecotherapy experience it could help to heal and rejuvenate one’s soul. Pre-booking is required and please note this experience is offered only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at MYR 138 (USD 35) per adult .

Pre-book Premium Rainforest Experience, MYR 200 (USD 50) , now to have a lifetime experience exploring the biodiversity fully guided by The Habitat Naturalist. This package also includes refreshment and 2-ways Fast Lane Funicular Train Transfer. 

2. Clan Jetties Penang

After the nature healing at Habitat Penang Hill, visit Clan Jetties in the evening for your Penang one day trip.

Clan Jetties, a floating fishing village with 7 different jetties for different clans but now left with 6 jetties, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is a must-visit for your trip to Penang to enjoy a cluster of water villages along the southern stretch of Penang’s Weld Quay.

From Komtar, it is 4 minutes driving, straight down from Lebuh Chulia (besides the Kapitan Keling Mosque) to reach these jetties. You can opt to ride on trishaws or hop on the RapidPG bus ride from the center of Georgetown, bus numbers 307 and 401e.

These 19th -century jetties proved to be the booming and glory era of Penang’s maritime .  

Many Chinese immigrants from Fujian province came to Penang and worked at the docks as coolies and boat operators ferrying passengers and goods. They built their homes by the water’s edge as it was close to the port.

Visitors are welcome to stroll about these wooden pieces which are special, as they’re resistant to the influences of seawater, to witness their daily lives and cultures.

 In these 6 villages, each village lives in one clan and has its temple. 

You can catch a beautiful sunset shot with the sky painted with a splash of orange contrasting beautifully with the blue sky at the jetty.

3. Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi beach is a perfect spot to end your Penang day tour . It is a pristine beach with lots of adrenaline-pumping water sports activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing to make the best of your Penang day trip.

It is just a 15 minutes drive from the center of Georgetown to have some splashing fun time with family and friends.

Other than the beach, Batu Ferringhi has the best night market in town where you can shop till you drop. Hard Rock Cafe Penang i s also located at Batu Ferringhi and offers great live music performances where you can sit back and enjoy.

Along Batu Ferringhi, there’re lots of hotels and resorts by the beach such as : 

• Shangri – La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa ,
•   Hard Rock Hotel Penang ,
•   DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang. 

One of the best  parts of Batu Ferringhi is the Tropical Fruit Farm . Home to more than 250 types of tropical and subtropical fruit trees including the king of fruit, the durian fruit is ready for you. 

Drop by as this place is open daily from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  Penang National Park One Day Trip

Malaysia is blessed with an abundance of wildlife and nature. 

It has a number of national parks such as

•   Bako National Park , 
• Taman Negara National Park , 
• Gunung Mulu National Park ,
•   Niah National Park , 
• Endau-Rompin National Park ,
•   Kinabalu National Park and
•   Penang National Park .

Penang National Park can be one of your options for your Penang day trip, as it’s one of the smallest national parks at only 23 sq km! So, it can be visited on your one-day trip!

Located at the northwest of Teluk Bahang , this forested park sits close to magnificent coasts with all sorts of tropical wildlife that will amaze you.

Penang National Park, open all year from 8.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m ., has FREE entrance and is accessible via public transport (Rapid Penang Bus) from Georgetown or Batu Ferringhi for one and a half hour journey. 

The good news is that the first bus leaves at 5.30 a.m. and the last one is at midnight. The charges would be around 4 MYR (USD 1).

Once you have registered yourself at Penang National Park, be ready to explore 6 main attractions in the Penang National Park.  There are 2 options to enjoy Penang National Park; one is by jungle trekking (route options) and the other one is by boat ride.

Penang National Park: Jungle Trekking Routes

1. Route 1 is the easiest trail. 

From Penang National Park Entrance – Pantai Teluk Aling – Monkey Beach – Muka Head Lighthouse that will cover a distance of 5.2 km and the estimation time for trekking is 2 hours and 45 minutes (depends on your pace).

2. Route 2 is from the Penang National Park Office – Canopy Walkway – Meromictic Lake – Pantai Kerachut – that will cover a distance of 5.5 km and the estimation time for trekking is 2 hours (depends on your pace).

If trekking is not your cup of tea, you can have a boat ride offered by the boatmen services to Monkey Beach and Pantai Kerachut. For a one-way trip, prices are around MYR 40 – MYR 80 (USD 10 – USD 20) . 

Meanwhile, for a return trip, it is between MYR 80- MYR 100 (USD 20 – USD 25) . No worries, in Malaysia, bargain is quite a common culture. Thus, do negotiate with them for a better price.

6 Penang National Park Attractions

1. canopy walkway.

A 15 minutes walk from the main entrance and you can experience a 210 -meter long canopy walkway for a fee of MYR 5 adult (USD1.50).

It will  take about 20 minutes and there are 2 opening hours which are from 10.00 a.m to 1.00 p.m and 2.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m . It is open everyday except Friday. The latest info is, it’s closed for renovation, but can go here for confirmation.

2. Muka Head Lighthouse, Penang

This lighthouse will give you a panoramic view at 227 meters above sea level. The great thing is you can climb up into the 14m tall lighthouse that opens from 9 am to 3 pm .

From the Monkey beach trail, it will take around 30 minutes to walk. It’s worth every single sweat!

3. Meromictic Lake Penang

If you are hiking to Pantai Kerachut, on your way you will find this Meromictic Lake. 

If you are wondering what Meromictic lake is, it is a lake that has layers of water (freshwater and seawater) that do not mix completely! Because of different densities and temperatures between them.

This unusual lake has few in the world and Malaysia, specifically Penang National Park, is the place where you can enjoy this lake.

4. Monkey Beach Penang (Teluk Duyung)

One of the best beaches in Penang, Monkey beach offers a beautiful, long beach with fine and white sand for you to relax and enjoy the sea breeze.

There are two options on how to get to Monkey Beach. 

One is by hiking through Penang National Park that normally takes around 1.5 -2 hours hiking for 3 km. It’s a worthy hiking journey! But make sure to bring extra liters of water as it can be humid. 

Another option is by taking a boat ride that will take around 10 minutes. 

Do not worry, as there are a lot of boatmen services that will charge a boat (can fit for 10 people in a boat) for 50 MYR (USD 12) one way and 85 MYR (USD 22) for a return trip from Penang National Park jetty to Monkey beach park.

5. Pantai Teluk Aling

On your midway jungle trekking to Monkey Beach, stop by at Pantai Teluk Ailing.

It is a noticeable landmark “long pier”(perfect for picture spot) that belongs to the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMASC)  which is for the turtle sanctuary.

6. Pantai Kerachut

Pantai Kerachut, this paradise beach is one of the best places to have a magnificent sunset view.

You are not allowed to swim in Pantai Kerachut, as it is home to venomous jellyfish and a steep slope to the seabed. But you can enjoy the paradise view of Pantai Kerachut.

To get here, there are two options. One is by boat, riding from Penang National Park entrance to Pantai Kerachut will cost MYR 100 (USD 25) for a boat that can fit 10 people at a time. 

Or by jungle trekking for roughly an hour from the entrance point. It’s an uphill climb and a bit steep compared to the trail of Monkey beach.

How To Reach Penang Island

Penang is located on the northwestern part of Malaysia and is divided into 2 parts; mainland ( Butterworth ) and island part ( Georgetown , capital city).

3 easy ways for you to reach Penang. One is by taking an express bus from any main bus terminal. If you are from Kuala Lumpur, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) , is the central bus terminal. You can also buy online tickets and hop on at TBS.

Enjoy hassle-free experience traveling to Penang by taking Electric Train Service ( ETS ) from Kuala Lumpur. Book your ticket now and enjoy a panoramic view for 4 hours 30 minutes.

For your trip to Penang you can also take a flight to Penang International Airport and reach Georgetown for about 30 minutes where all the main tourist spots are located.

If you love driving, road-tripping to Penang is a journey to be experienced. From Kuala Lumpur, the journey will take around 4 hours and the best part is you can choose to cross over either one of the two Penang bridges .

The Best Time To Do A Penang Day Trip

Penang is the best place to visit all year round! From November to early January, it is a festive season plus school holidays so it might get crowded with people enjoying the holidays. 

From the end of February to April , the weather is quite warm and humid with a smaller crowd of tourists. It is nice to have a leisure stroll down the city and soak in the local atmosphere. 

From May to October , it is the wettest season in Penang, especially in October . Less crowd of tourists and do bring your poncho or umbrella during sightseeing.

Best Food for a Penang day trip

Penang is a food heaven of Malaysia. And do you know Penang Assam Laksa is in the top 10 best foods in the world listed by CNN in 2020? Do try this drooling dish only in Penang! Surely, no regret! 

For more info on Penang’s best breakfasts and street food , those articles are helpful guidance for you to explore Penang one day food trip.

Budget Cost Traveling in a Penang day trip

For a budget Penang day tour package, it can cost roughly around MYR 150 ( USD 35 ) per person. Price breakdown includes:

• Food from hawker streets can be around MYR 6 – MYR 12 (USD 1.5 – USD 3) per dish. It depends on your appetite so the more food you want to try, the more allocations needed.
• Taxi or e-hailing services can cost around MYR 5 (USD 1) as the minimum charge. So it depends on your location and the destination you want to visit. Roughly for a Penang day trip it can cost about MYR 40 (USD 10) .
• Entrance fee depends on the place you visited. Some places give FREE entrance meanwhile tourist places for example The Habitat Penang it will cost a certain price depending on your tour package. Normally the entrance fee is around MYR 10 – MYR 50 (USD 2.5 – USD 12). 

FAQ: Penang day trip

What can you do in penang for one day.

Penang for one day is more than enough to visit all the tourist attractions. It has historical sites, nature places and great beaches to be explored. So plan your Penang trip with your friends and family soon according to your preferences!

Is Georgetown Penang worth visiting?

Without doubt, it is a BIG YES! Why? Because it is a vibrant holiday island with different cultures and religious live harmoniously, it is worth the trip to Penang. 

And most recently, Penang was named the third best island in the world to retire in 2021. New York Post in 2019, also named Penang as the best 12 places in the world to retire.

Is there a red light district in Penang?

Back in 19th century, Cintra Street had the most prostitutes along the streets which mostly were Japanese origin.This street gained a seedy reputation as a red-light district. 

Now, it is a history of the past and visitors can visit Cintra Street as it has great foods to devour and street art to explore.

Penang day trip: What is there to buy in Penang?

Souvenirs in Penang are a must. There are a lot of souvenirs that you can buy. But Jeruk Madu Pak Ali (pickled fruits) is one of the most recommended. It originates from Penang, locally made so do try it out!

That sums up the recommended places for your upcoming Penang Day Trip and hopes to help future travelers out there.

What are you waiting for? Pack your bag and let’s explore Penang.

The Perfect Penang Day Trip [2022 Ultimate Guide]

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Top Tours in Penang, Malaysia

Penang tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Penang: Flexible 6-Hours Highlights

2. Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour

3. Full Day - Penang Tour Including Penang Hill Tickets (Fast Lane) & Lunch

4. Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour

5. Explore Georgetown Penang Half Day City Tour

6. 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Dinner Hop in George Town Penang

7. Penang: Flexible Full-Day Adventures

8. Buggy Ride in Paddy Field, Balik Pulau and Penang

9. Penang Countryside Small Group Cycling Tour by Matahari

10. Penang Round Island Tour With Tropical Spice Garden & Entopia Butterfly Farm

11. Private George Town UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour

12. Georgetown City & Temple Tour: Penang Hill(FastLane) & Kek Lok Si

13. Penang Cooking Class:Dive into Malaysian Cuisine with PenangChiak

14. Penang: Afternoon Walking Foods Tour

15. Countryside Cycling Tour by Matahari

16. Guided Tour of Cheong Fatt Tze's Blue Mansion in George Town

17. 3-Hour Heritage on a Plate Lunch Hop in George Town Penang

18. Penang Hill and the Kek Lok Si Temple

19. Penang: Flexible Half-Day Escapes

20. Penang Plates Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

21. Penang's Night Eat-Venture

22. Penang Food Tour - Georgetown

23. Penang George Town All-In-One Heritage Tour By Bicycle & Trishaw (Metro Bike)

24. Half Day Penang City Tour (5 Hours)

25. Private Half-Day George Town History Tour

26. Private Tour: Full Day Center Penang Island Tour

27. 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour

28. Chef Samuel's Private Malaysian Cooking Class with Wet Market Tour

29. Penang Hill Funicular Ticket

30. Good Morning Penang Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

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Penang 1 Day Tour | Penang Hill + Temples

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Trip Overview

Price & terms, send your message.

Penang 1 Day Tour | Penang Hill + Temples offers you to watch sunrise in Penang Hill and visit most of the famous temples in Penang.

We are providing many other packages in Penang: Penang Day Tour | Culture Trip ; Penang Full Day Tour | Return to Nature ; Penang Day Trip | Air Hitam + Georgetown in a day ; Penang 2 Days 1 Night from Kuala Lumpur ; 2 Days 1 Night Penang Tour Package | Rainbow SkyWalk ; Penang Food Trip Itinerary | 3 Days 2 Nights ; Penang 3 Days 2 Nights Package from Kuala Lumpur ; 4 Days 3 Nights Penang Tour Package with Ipoh .

Day 1: Penang Island

6.00am – Pick-up from hotel in Penang. Start our Penang 1 Day Tour.

6.30am – Arrive at Penang Hill. We will drop you at the foot of the hill and you will catch the first train to go to the top of the hill to watch the sunrise under cool air. After that, you can have a cup of coffee or enjoy breakfast at the restaurant in Penang Hill. Besides that, you can enjoy the fresh air by visiting rainforest or join the Nature Walks. Heritage attractions and cultural attractions are must visit places in Penang Hill.

10.30am – We will visit Kek Lok Si Temple. It is one of the biggest temple in Southeast Asia.

12.00pm – After Kek Lok Si, we will have Penang’s most famous asam laksa at Pasar Air Hitam. At own expenses. Expected to pay USD 1 to USD 4.

1.00pm – We will visit Buddhist Temples in Pulau Tikus. These 2 temples are located opposite to each other – Thai temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram) and Burmese temple (Wat Dharmikarama).

2.30pm – To visit Kapitan Keling Mosque, the largest mosque in Georgetown, you must wear proper attire with long pants or skirts and shirts. Kapitan Keling Mosque is a landmark in Penang and it looks like sublime at sunset.

3.30pm – We will drop you at Armenian Street. Beautiful preserved temples and building are nearby there, such as  Khoo Kong Si, Si Hock How Kong Kongsi, Sun Yat Sen Museum, Teochew Puppet and Opera House, and Yap Khongsi.

5.30pm – Back to hotel in Penang. Tour end.

What is included?

• All land transportation as per itinerary using fully AC car.
• Tour guide/driver.
• Private Tour.
• Mineral Water in car.
• Penang Hill railway ticket.

What is not included?

• Tour insurance.
• Personal expenses.
• Entrance fee.

Penang 1 Day Tour | Penang Hill + Temples enable you to watch sunrise in Penang Hill by taking the first train to go to the top of the hill. Besides that, Penang 1 Day Tour | Penang Hill + Temple will take you to visit most of the famous temples in Penang such as Kek Lok Si, Thai temple (Wat Chayamangkalaram) and Burmese temple (Wat Dharmikarama),  Kapitan Keling Mosque and other preserved temples and buildings.

Tour Style:

Private Journey

Sightseeing

Minimum pax:

Minimum two person

Accommodation:

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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 !

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One Day in Penang Itinerary – Top things to do in Penang, Malaysia

Malaysian travel is focused prominently on Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi which are usually regarded as must-visit spots for most travelers. Shift the focus to the north of Kuala Lumpur and you will arrive to the idyllic state of Penang. Divided into two sections, the Penang Island and Seberang Perai, this Malaysian state is home to fascinating attractions, natural scenic landscapes and leisure areas. Among the two sections, Penang Island appeals the most to visitors.

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Known as  Pearl of the Orient, Penang Island has an exceptional amalgamation of Asian culture, British colonial history, nature’s beauty and contemporary lifestyle. Its capital city – George Town  – is the second largest city in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur, yet it keeps a slow-paced way of life. An underrated Malaysian destination from the global point of view, you are in for a surprise when you see Penang’s mix of culture, scenic views, and multi-ethnic cuisine upon visiting this fascinating destination.

What is the best time to visit Penang?

Penang usually has a year-round tropical climate. However, from November until January is the optimum time to visit as the climate becomes cooler and has perfect sunny days for a stroll around the city. Christmas and New Year also mark the onset of vibrant events among the liveliest settings with the crowd surging up to celebrate and take in the warmth of the pleasant climate. This time of the year is the very crowded, so accommodations and services can see a steep rise in prices.

Once the holiday season wears off, Penang gets quieter and gets fewer tourists from February till April. If you want to visit this destination without flocks of tourists, then these months are the ideal season for you. However, the temperature tends to soar as the months pass. It is better to come prepared with light clothing, plenty of water and sunblock for the harsh afternoons. The rate for services and accommodation also drops after the peak season of Christmas and New Year.

The onset of monsoons from May till October discourages visitors. It is not recommended to visit during this season as Penang has some of the wettest showers during this period, leaving visitors with no choices for taking sightseeing tours, which is what this place is most famous for. But this part of the year is when Penang slashes its rates and provides unbelievable discounts on hotel stays and other services. Hence, it is a good time to look for relaxation holiday packages in Penang’s scenic regions. Visitors who are not keen on exploring the island much and are looking for a blissful getaway can stay in luxury hotels and get pampered with good food and wellness.

A few facts about Penang

Penang is a state that has two sectors – Penang Island and Seberang Perai – both connected by the Penang Bridge. Among these sections, Penang Island is comparatively huge and has a diverse topography which makes it appealing to tourists. George Town in particular is popular for its colonial-era architecture fused to Asian charms. Tagged as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city embraces modernism while keeping alive its cultural heritage. The unique street arts on the paint-peeled walls of George Town are something you won’t witness anywhere else in Malaysia. The city is a pleasure to explore on a walking trip. George Town is the ideal spot for those who are spending only one day in Penang.

One Day in Penang Itinerary

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Penang.

Explore the street murals

Start your day in the charming George Town. The city is compact enough to be explored on a walking tour or on a bike ride. Head to Lebuh Armenian, Love Lane and Lebuh Muntri heritage streets in the morning where you can explore some fascinating Penang tourist attractions.

A stroll through these streets lets you discover amazing murals and paintings by the Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic. His art and murals captivate tourist attention making these lanes a flourishing photo-stop for visitors. Some of his much-talked street murals are the ‘Little Girl in Blue’, ‘Little Children on a Bicycle’ and ‘Reaching Up’. You can even explore these street arts on a trishaw ride which costs about 40 ringgits for a 30-minute tour of these winding colourful alleys.

Visit the Penang Clan Jetties

George Town feels like a place where time stands still. The bygone years of the city still have a lasting impact on it. The early Chinese settlements in Penang can be witnessed at Penang Clan Jetties,  one of the last remnants of Chinese influence on Penang. Located at the end of Lebuh Chulia Street, set close to the Penang ferry terminal, Penang Clan Jetties are one of the popular places to visit in Penang. Saunter around houses built on stilts adorning the waterfront area for insta-worthy photo stops and a leisure walk on the dockside.

Marvel at the heritage treasures of Khoo Kongsi

One of the popular landmarks in Penang, Khoo Kongsi has kept its ancestral vibes well preserved. Located on Jalan Acheh, at Lebuh Pitt, Khoo Kongsi reflects the olden Hokkien clan culture through its structure and designs. Its architecture infuses genuine Chinese accents with ornate stone carvings, ceramic structures, murals and paper lanterns.

Experience the Chinese influence on Penang at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Wandering through the Le ith  Street, you will come across an indigo blue mansion that reflects the traditional  Hakka – Teochew style architecture . What is fascinating about this mansion is that it takes you into the era of Chinese traditions, interspersed with Western elements  – depicted throughout the mansion’s architecture.

This traditional-style Chinese courtyard house  originally had  38 rooms,  five  granite-paved courtyards, and 220 timber-frame windows.  Today it has been  transformed into a  18 room  heritage  boutique  hotel,  and  the structure has undergone a  Grade-1 r estoration. You can even opt to  spend the night  here and find yourself amid the best Penang tourist attractions.

Travel back to the British era at Fort Cornwallis

Set next to Penang clock tower, Fort Cornwallis is one of the oldest structures in Penang and the largest fortress in Malaysia. The fort is structurally built in a star shape as a measure to get better defense from enemies. Inside the fort is a bronze statue of Captain Francis Light, a harbour light tower, Penang’s first chapel and several bronze cannons, barrack areas and an enclosed park.

Visit Penang’s tribute to the British – Queen Victoria Memorial

George Town was once a British colonial settlement, and this is still accentuated through the fragments of the British era. Queen Victoria Memorial is one such testimony of Western influence. It was built to remember Queen Victoria’s 60 years of reign. Situated to the left of Fort Cornwallis, the memorial’s 60 feet tall clock tower is one of the iconic landmarks of Penang.

Enjoy the night at Gurney Drive

Wondering what to do in Penang in the evening? Head to Gurney Drive as the day fades into twilight. Step away from the old world charm and experience the modernity of Penang. Referred as the ‘New Esplanade’, Gurney Drive is a fusion of Penang’s best shopping, dining and night venues along the breathtaking stretch of Penang coastline.

Shopping at Gurney Drive

For shopaholics, Gurney Paragon Mall offers a massive beachfront shopping complex brimming with merchandises from luxury brands and famous designer labels. Gurney Plaza is another waterfront shopping mall that caters to a blissful retail therapy experience.

Nightlife at Gurney Drive

Penang has an eclectic nightlife. The wine bars and pubs are ideal places to enjoy your favorite drink and mingle with locals. Nightspots such as Three Sixty Rooftop Bar, 75°C Restaurant & Bar, The Canteen at China House and Martini’s Café offer elegant ambiances for nonchalant moments. If you want to dance away the night, head to Cuvée @ Precinct 10 or Soju Room which are the hot spots to get footloose on live DJ bands and enjoy drinks.

Dining at Gurney Drive

The Penang food scene is an extraordinary experience – right from a simple local dish of icy pandan-flavoured cendol or mouthwatering assam laksa to sophisticated grilled steak or hand-tossed pizza, you get an assorted range of lip-smacking epicurean treats.

Some amazing dining venues to check out are Michelangelo’s Restaurant & Bar, Bagan Bar & Restaurant , and Sesame+Soy Restaurant. Coffee Island offers an alfresco Kopitiam ambiance where you can enjoy a hot piping coffee under the starry skies.

New Gurney Drive Food Court is a first-class night street food arena where you can indulge in delicious delicacies of Asian and international menus at really affordable prices. The hawker stalls in New Gurney Drive Food Court start their business daily by 6 pm and remains open until late night.

Where to stay in Penang?

Penang offers plenty of options that suit all type of travelers. If you’re looking for budget stays, then Armenian Street Heritage Hotel   is a great choice. The hotel looks pretty nice, has a great location, very close to George Town, and plenty of features for children, as well as very comfortable rooms. East Indies Mansion in the middle of George Town is another great choice in this category. Its beautiful design follows the philosophy of Chinese merchant houses, and the garden here is indeed beautiful and quite relaxing.

When it comes to luxury stays, Seven Terraces Hotel is an excellent choice. It is close to some very popular sights, has an outdoor pool and every room there has a balcony and is very well equipped. Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang takes everything one step further because this is a five-star hotel with an excellent Chinese restaurants. Marble bathrooms in every room give you a sense of luxury you would expect from a hotel of this category. Finally, Eastern and Oriental Hotel in George Town is another five-star wonder but in an 19th-century building. You will get newspapers delivered to you daily for free, that’s how exquisite the service here is. So, if you want to live it up, there are plenty of great choices.

For a heritage experience, you can choose the Blue Mansion . Yes, this is a real mansion which was turned into a boutique hotel with its own library. It is an incredible blend of Chinese tradition and modern amenities, with fascinating exterior and wooden floors, so if you can spend your one day in Penang here, don’t hesitate for a second.

If you are spending the night at Gurney Drive , then the opulent G Hotel and Palanquinn Heritage Suites are your ideal options for elegant stays. The first one is an imposing but luxurious five-star skyscraper from whose pool you get a truly incredible view of the city. The second, a boutique hotel, is in a beautiful Colonial house with a garden next to it and some fascinating traditional furniture. Depending on what you like, you really can’t go wrong whichever place you choose.

Extra tips while visiting Penang

– Travelling to Penang is easy. All you need to do is to book your Malaysia fight tickets and get your Malaysia visa online .

– Arrive directly at Penang International Airport located around 20 kilometers from city center. However, taxis from the airport are available at fixed costs, which can be quite expensive. Travelling by local transport is a value for money option. Local buses are your cheapest option as they cover most parts of Penang. However, George Town is ideally explored on a bike, trishaw or by strolling around its streets. You can even rent a car to explore the city as you please.

– Check the Malaysian holiday list before your Penang tour as the state is a multiethnic destination. Locals take their religious ceremonies and traditions very seriously and have grand celebrations and festivities. These periods tend to draw large local crowds and clog up roadways. Hence better to work your travel dates while considering Malaysian holidays.

– Keep cash in your wallet. Though there are ATMs available and restaurants do accept credit cards, the local coffee shops, hawkers, and certain attractions would demand cash for payments.

– Ensure you have all travel documentations in order. A valid passport and Malaysian visa is mandatory for visiting Penang. Also, keep your documents, passports and immigration card securely with you to avoid any pointless difficulties in your Penang trip.

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If you have any other propositions for this One day in Penang Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

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What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Priya is an avid travel writer who specializes in adventurous travel writing. My blogs and articles give deep insight into various tourist places and act as a perfect travel guide for someone who is traveling to a place for the first time. My blog is extensively about my travel experience while traveling to several places like Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Europe, Dubai, the USA, Canada, etc.

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• Things to do

Penang Day Tour

Penang Day Tour Includes

Pick-Up & Drop

Penang Day Tour Overview

Trip Starting From: Kuala Lumpur

Trip Location: Penang

A must visit part of Malaysia, Penang is abode to rich culture and cuisine which is worth exploring. On your Penang full day tour, you will be able to get acquainted with the local’s everyday life as you visit one of the fishing villages of Malaysia. Acknowledge yourself with Thai, Chinese and Burmese history and enjoy a pewter-crafting lesson with Royal Selangor on your tour. The certified English guide accompanying you on the tour will cater you with all answers to your curious questions you would face at each location.

What to Expect

Explore the Batu Ferringhi Beach

One of the best beaches is Penang Malaysia is Batu Ferringhi Beach where you can spend time exploring its tons of options like night market, water sports activities like jet-skiing, parasailing and windsurfing, great dining options and others. It is also lined up with some great accommodations worth nestling in that offers exquisite sea views.

Visit the Penang Batik Factory

Nestled in a fishing village, the Penang Batik Factory is worth visiting to sight the artisans performing their arts of shaping wax and creating classic Malaysian textile art by dying them. This would surely be an exceptional experience for you that you would not have seen anywhere.

Catch a glance of tropical fruit farm

Visit to the Tropical fruit farm will get you acquainted with the commonly grown spices and fruits in the region like clove, nutmeg and others. The professional guide will get you all the interesting facts about the place. Don’t forget to shop for some produce from the farm as souvenirs of your visit.

Admire Kek Lok Si Temple & Penang Hill

Kek Lok Si Temple is known as one of the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia that is built in styles varying from Chinese, Thai to Burmese kind. The final destination of the tour is Penang Hill which is Malaysia’s oldest Hill station that offers widespread views of the island.

Know before you go

Tour timings: 7 AM-9 AM (approx.)

Tour Duration: 12 to 15 hours

Type of transfer: Private Transfer (for your group)

Pickup & Drop off area: Hotel in Kuala Lumpur City Centre Only. Be ready 15 minutes prior to your scheduled pickup.

Insider Tips:

Wear masks at all times and carry your hand sanitizer with you.

Note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible.

• Sightseeing
• Pick up and drop from KLCC, Bukit Bintang and Chinatown in a van
• Shared Vehicle

Things To Carry

• Comfortable clothing
• Please carry your valid ID proofs during the tour.
• Pick up from Sunway Hotel, Damansara are subjected to additional charges
• This activity can be availed as a private or group tour

Penang Day Tour: Cancellation Policy

• If cancellations are made 30 days before the start date of the trip, 25% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• If cancellations are made 15-30 days before the start date of the trip, 50% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• If cancellations are made within 0-15 days before the start date of the trip, 100% of total tour cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
• In case of unforeseen weather conditions or government restrictions, certain trips or activities may get cancelled. In such cases operator will try their best to provide an alternate feasible. However a cash refund will not be applicable for the same.
• Cancellations are strictly subjected to cancellation policies mentioned on the website & are irrespective of the date of booking.

Penang Day Tour: Refund Policy

• The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days
• All applicable refunds will be done in traveller's thrillophilia wallet as Thrillcash

Penang Day Tour: Booking Confirmation Policy

• The customer receives a confirmation voucher via email within 24 hours of successful booking
• In case the preferred slots are unavailable, an alternate schedule of the customer’s preference will be arranged and a new confirmation voucher will be sent via email.
• Alternatively, the customer may choose to cancel their booking before confirmation and a full refund will be processed.

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Penang private half day tour & full day tour.

You can have your own Penang private half day or full day tour with our experience driver bring you tour around in Penang Island with all the flexibility.

• Penang Culinary Tour
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You can view sample of the penang tour itinerary .

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Penang itinerary 1 day — how to spend one day in penang & what to do in penang in a day.

Penang has long been considered an interesting tourist destination, chosen by many tourists as an ideal getaway, a “must go” when coming to Malaysia. Dubbed by many magazines as the second Singapore of Asia, Penang is increasingly developing with diverse nature, rich places to visit but still retains the inherent “healing” quality in both material and spiritual nature. Not only that, Penang also has extreme new innovations which makes travel experiences even more interesting. The green nature and the settling time make Penang the number one familiar healing place in my heart.

• Penang in a day — What to do in Penang in 1 day & How to spend 24 hours in Penang perfectly?
• Penang day trips — 10+ best day tours in Penang & day trips from Penang
• Penang travel tips — Some best tips for traveling and dining in Penang Island, Malaysia
• Best areas to stay in Penang — Top 5 best places to stay in Penang for the first-timers
• Penang itinerary — How to spend 3 days in Penang?

So, what to do in Penang in 1 day (Penang in a day, one day in Penang, 1 day in Penang) perfectly? Let’s check out our suggested Penang 1 day itinerary (Penang itinerary 1 day) with the Penang one day trip blog (one day trip in Penang, Penang one day trip) on how to spend 24 hours in Penang as follows!

The last time I came back, I had the opportunity to rest more, to explore this land slowly and gently. Here are some very interesting “new” places that you should note when visiting Penang in a day!

How to get to Penang? (# penang itinerary 1 day)

There are many ways to get to Penang. You can take direct flights from Hanoi to Penang or Saigon directly to Penang with a round trip ticket of about $149. You can also take a bus or KTM train from Kuala Lumpur with a ticket of about $8.5, it takes about 6 hours to reach the beautiful island. Tickets you just book on Klook are the cheapest, there are no hidden fees and there are many discount deals. This trip, I booked a round-trip ticket for only $125 on Klook .

The day time in Penang will be longer than the night time, people will often get up very late, so you can choose the early morning trip to noon to arrive to go out is suitable. If you go at night, the shops will not open in the morning, most hotels in Penang will not allow you check in early, so choosing to go in the morning will be the most reasonable.

Highlights I went in 1 day in Penang (# penang in a day)

Weekend picnic at miami beach in batu ferringhi, penang (# 1 day in penang).

One of the things that makes me excited about coming to Penang is that it has beaches that are not only clean but also extremely lyrical, very different from the places I’ve been to. Is it that the ancient features have been deposited for a long time, feeling that what is the freshest, most comfortable and most relaxing will be complete when you stand in front of the bay on this small island. The most beautiful and indescribable space I have ever seen.

To get to this beach, you can book a taxi, Grab or take a bus from the center of Penang. The price will fluctuate around $3.5 if you take a taxi or only $0.9 if you choose a bus. The day time in Penang will be the day is longer than the night, so 7pm is the sunset time, you should go around 5pm will be the most suitable time, just cool without worrying about the sun going out to have a good time and have stunning virtual photos.

I choose to sit at a cafe called “Miami Cafe Beachfront”, the shop looks very popular but the “view” is super nice, coffee and drinks are very cheap, watching the most beautiful rocky beach of the sea!

If you want to see a larger area, you can walk around the sea, the upper part will have more private and beautiful beaches.

Indeed, the nature of Southeast Asia still has so many wonderful destinations that we have not yet discovered. I believe, this is the perfect place for you to come when you visit Penang, where all your worries can disappear as you silently look at the ocean.

• Location: 19 Mk 17, Beach St, 11100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
• Price: Only around $0.85 for coffee cup and $4.5 for wine cup.

Jio Ba Restoran – a popular small restaurant in Penang (# one day in penang)

I have to admit that I don’t appreciate food in Malaysia, almost all the places I went, experience food, I find Malaysia is not really unappetizing or boring food! I believe it’s definitely because we haven’t found the “right” place, but the food, depending on each person’s taste.

I like Jio Ba because this shop is really “organic”, surrounded by green trees and gives me a cool and clean feeling. I ordered a delicious, flavorful Hainanese noodle soup with a Malay-style coffee in a plastic cup. This flavor makes me nostalgic forever, because until I write these lines, I still make myself “floating”.

It’s not the perfect taste, all in all, everything suits me. You can choose noodle dishes, or other “homefood” dishes, the restaurant cooks like home but has to admit it’s better than other places I’ve tried.Malay-style coffee in real plastic cups It’s an experience worth trying.

• Location: 63, Jalan Gurdwara, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
• Price: About $1.67 each dish, coffee only costs about $0.63.

Visit the exhibition at the complex “HIN BUS DEPOT” with a new look (# what to do in penang in 1 day)

The complex “HIN BUS DEPOT” is certainly no stranger to tourists when they come to Penang, the complex has just been upgraded and reopened, so it has been visited by many “travelers”. Previously, this place used to be an old bus depot, but it was transformed into a diverse complex, combining indoor and outdoor exhibitions for young artists from all over the world.

With an upgraded interface, HIN BUS DEPOT has more exciting new spaces for all visitors to Penang to visit. In addition to the rich art space, there are also many areas for outdoor activities, weekend markets, coffee shops, and meeting areas that are much larger and newer than many years ago.

I just went in June 2023 and saw a lot of free exhibition activities. This is a place that can definitely heal you by the spirit of art and the quiet, open space, a familiar place that is always refreshed and worth visiting every year when you return to Penang!

• Location: 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Price: Open to visit for free.

Famous Hidden Bar Penang – Good Friend Never “Bojio” – Good Friends Club (# penang in a day)

Tucked away on Jalan Gurdwara Road, this hidden bar made me very hard to find. Indeed, everything is beyond my initial imagination, this is one of the top “top” bars in Malaysia as well as a cocktail bar that gathers extremely talented bartenders. “Good Friend Never Bojio” is also the local name of this place. And I myself, too, “coming uninvited”.

The bar is hidden in the neighborhood, but it is not ordinary when it is chosen to decorate with Chinese Fujian details in the style of “Nostalgic Penang”. The two tones of green, pink and red are also the highlight at the restaurant, with the menu with extremely “indigenous” drink style, making me feel wide open.

The bartender of the bar is extremely talented when being a guest at the most famous bars in Singapore, he chose to spend his time in Penang, making me admire their efforts. Think about it, it’s really “healing”, isn’t it? With a great space, this island gradually becomes an interesting place to live, without the hustle and bustle, with a gentle sound, why do we have to “crash our heads” into the boring city?

Regarding drinks, I think the bartender and the bar staff have a lot of stories around, they are also very open to ask where you are, do you have any troubles? The fee is also extremely cheap, ranging from $8.35 – $12.35 for a special cocktail that is hard to forget. Each glass of cocktail will have interesting stories about local culture, the bartender will explain it to you, so don’t worry about “confusing”.

Come here once, I believe you will not be disappointed.

• Location: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Price: $8.35 – $12.35 for each drink.

Tasting Mookata buffet at the island’s hottest restaurant “The Pink Elephant Thai BBQ & Steamboat”

It’s strange that eating Mookata buffet in Penang is much better than in Thailand, this is a bit of a subjective opinion but I find it completely true with “The pink elephant”. Each serving is about $10.5 – $12.35 but extremely worth the money, in addition to the line counter full of “excellent” hot pot balls, the shop also has a lot of fresh food to eat forever.

Some of the best hot pot drops, the side dishes only available in Malaysia are the best, green mussels, squid and shrimp are also extremely fresh and delicious hotpot sauce, bringing Thailand ”vibe” for those who don’t know where to eat.

The shop located in the complex is also very crowded, right next to the shop is a shopping center, so there is no shortage of places to play after eating.

• Location: 71-54 & 72, 56, Jln Kepong, Jinjang Selatan, 52000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Price: Around $10.5 / each adult meal.

Your Local Club – where to stop near Penang Street Art

Surely anyone who comes to Penang will also stop by Penang Street Art as a familiar place to see Malaysia’s most famous mural street. Right next to it is a very prominent coffee shop – Your Local Club, the cafe is like a very suitable resting station for believers who like to live virtual.

With an elegant white appearance, the shop is like a yacht watching the whole flow of people going in and out of the mural street. Moreover, the drink menu is quite diverse, the shop also opens quite early compared to other places, you know how “lazy” Penang is.

What I like about the restaurant is the open courtyard space, even though it’s crowded, it doesn’t feel suffocating, the area is also convenient to travel and rest after visiting.

• Location: Near Penang Street Art. 264, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
• Price: About $1.67 VND – $2 / coffee drink.

Penang Island will always be a place I will go to continuously for many years to come, not only has many beautiful places that are constantly renewed, Penang has a rich cuisine, the island has a pleasant weather that brings gentle healing breath. This place is very suitable for solo travel, couple travel or with a group of friends, spending time to rest in Penang is an experience you definitely should not miss.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Penang you can refer to

• Private Penang Airport Transfers (PEN) for Penang
• Private City Transfers for Penang and Surrounding Cities
• Shared Penang International Airport (PEN) Transfers for Georgetown or Batu Ferringhi
• Explore Georgetown
• The Habitat Penang Hill Ticket
• Klook Pass Penang
• The TOP Penang Ticket
• ESCAPE Penang Ticket
• Explore Georgetown Half Day City Tour
• Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm Ticket
• Dark Mansion Museum Ticket
• Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing
• Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Tour in Penang
• Georgetown Penang Private Car Charter
• Boutique Aquarium Ticket at The TOP Penang
• Heritage Tour and Trishaw Ride in Penang
• Penang Heritage & Street Food Tour
• Georgetown Scenic Night Tour
• KL TravelPass (Metro Card) in Kuala Lumpur
• [SALE] 4G Prepaid SIM Card (MY Airports Pick Up) for Malaysia
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Malaysia

Are you looking for more top things to do in Penang: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Penang travel blog — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Penang of Malaysia . And Penang in 1 day: Let’s check it out here.

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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 .

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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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!

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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! 

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On board the most luxurious train journey Asia has to offer

I took the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express three times last year. As a passenger, not as a pot-scrubber or a stowaway. I cannot imagine what good deeds I must have done in a previous life to merit such spoiling. By the end of the third trip, I had concluded that the entire VSOE operation was all but unimprovable. Crisp as new banknotes. No faults worth mentioning, nothing missing. 

However, having just got back from a trip between Singapore and Penang on the rebooted Eastern & Oriental Express – another gorgeously tricked-out time-machine of a train, operated by the same people, Belmond, as the VSOE – I find myself wondering whether I need to revise my earlier perception slightly. If the VSOE is missing something, it is the possibility, remote but real, which does exist while you are on the E&O, of spotting a Malayan tiger lurking watchfully in the leafy embankment beside the tracks. 

Despite its old-fashioned appearance – approximately Victorian with Art Deco elements; dark green and cream with polished brass lettering and a rampant-tiger motif on the outside; gleaming cherrywood panelling and silky, velvety, jewel-toned fabrics on the inside – the E&O is not an old train. It was launched in 1993. The service was suspended in 2020 and resumed in 2024, the rolling stock having been refreshed and tweaked in the meantime. Two new seasonal, three-night itineraries through Malaysia have been introduced and a new Culinary Curator has been appointed, the Taiwanese superstar André Chiang, who came to global prominence at the three-Michelin-starred Le Jardin des Sens in Montpellier . 

On this particular outing, the sybaritic stakes were even higher than usual. It was a special Solaire Journey organised and hosted by Veuve Clicquot, the first in a series of three such journeys that will take place in 2024 on Belmond trains in different continents (details below). 

Minutes out of Singapore’s Woodlands station, we had crossed the causeway and entered Malaysia. I joined half a dozen passengers in the open-air observation car. Rain drummed on the roof. A warm breeze blew the rain in a little, causing the group to cluster in the middle of the carriage. The corridor of palms through which we passed glistened darkly. “Well,” someone quipped. “It really is a jungle out there.” 

From start to finish the journey flowed as easily as the champagne (Veuve Clicquot, naturally). Not exactly smoothly, since there was constant swaying, tilting, jolting, squeaking and clanging as the train made its unhurried way along tracks that had been laid more than a century ago. Far from being bothersome, these unavoidable disruptions soon came to seem as soothing and reassuring as the sound of corks popping. 

I was surprised by the diversity of the crowd. High rollers, loved-up couples, trip-of-a-lifetime types, foodies, train nuts. Champagne nuts, too, of course, on this trip. A broad spread of nationalities and ages. Two amusing young women from Los Angeles, one of whom wore head-to-toe Chanel, all day, every day, including, at dinner on our first night, a feathered headdress that might have caused the rhinoceros hornbills and blue-throated bee-eaters beyond our windows to stare in open-beaked wonder. 

The dinners were magnificent occasions, worth dressing up for. André Chiang explained that he intended to take us on a journey from Asia to Europe and back, navigating by means of spices; Veuve Clicquot’s cellar master, Didier Mariotti, promised to complement that journey with a parallel adventure of his own into the history of the maison as expressed through a selection of its vintages. 

We stopped for excursions on days two and three, the first in Taman Negara National Park, in the middle of the country, the second in George Town, on Penang, off the west coast in the Straits of Malacca. I had distant memories of George Town from a childhood visit more than 40 years ago but was struck by the intensity of its swirl and bustle. This impression was enhanced by the fact that I saw much of it from the back of a Vespa, riding pillion behind a local guide who, between pauses to inspect works of street art, a temple that hosted a traditional puppet theatre and other sites of interest, chatted excitedly about her dinner plans. “Whatever you do,” she said, “do not leave Malaysia without having a curry.” Her advice took on an air of prophecy when, back on the train that same evening, André Chiang delivered a sensational Penang duck curry with Muscat grapes and pineapple, paired with a luscious Veuve Clicquot Cave Privée Rosé 1989. 

But it is the national park that lingers most vividly in my memory. Taman Negara is a place of extraordinary beauty and a verticality more dizzying than anything you might experience among the forest of steel and glass in Kuala Lumpur. Thanks to an agreement Belmond had reached with the local authorities, we had the park to ourselves for a couple of hours before its official opening time. And thanks to our guide, a locally born biologist, aspects of the conservation challenges modern Malaysia is facing were brought compellingly into focus. The conversation touched on the plight of the critically endangered Malayan tiger, of which, by some estimates, there may be fewer than 50 still in existence in the wild. About the same number of tigers in the entire country as there were passengers aboard the E&O.

It is a peculiarity of these Belmond train journeys that, although in theory you have plenty of time to do nothing at all, the days and nights fill up without any deliberate effort on your part and rattle by with never a dull moment. Magic tricks were performed in the Piano Bar along with Nanyang jazz and hypnotic traditional Malayan music for the sape and gambus. I promised myself I would find someone to teach me mahjong but in the end the closest I got to a board game was preventing a fellow passenger from swallowing a Go pebble that she had scooped up from a bowl brimming with them, mistaking them for sweeties. I suppose it would be possible to keep yourself to yourself if you wished to do so – cabins in all three categories, Pullman, State and Presidential, are extremely comfortable, and even the smallest have their own bathrooms. But a journey by train, or a train such as the E&O at least, is a fundamentally social affair, a catalyst for conviviality and an antidote to jadedness.

A word of advice regarding the end of the journey. You are unlikely to want the embroidered-dragons-and tasselled-lampshade fantasy to hit the buffers at the same moment as the train. I strongly recommend a night or two at Raffles in Singapore after disembarking, to ease the re-entry process. Surely lovelier today than at any point in its long history, it will provide the softest of soft landings. 

The Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia offers two three-night itineraries, “ Essence of Malaysia ” (from November to February) and “ Wild Malaysia ” (from March to October, except June), from USD3,750 (£2,992) per person. For booking and more information, visit belmond.com . Raffles Singapore (00 65 6337 1886; raffles.com ) has rooms from SGD 2,000 (£1,180) per night.

Champagne railing: the Solaire Journeys

The yellow Veuve Clicquot label, the famous carte jaune, is among the most recognisable of all champagne-brand liveries and an irresistibly cheering sight. Its upbeat associations of sunshine, growth and the rhythms of nature provide a convenient link with the maison’s Solaire Journeys concept, developed in partnership with Belmond. Further to the inaugural Solaire Journey through Malaysia on the Eastern & Oriental Express in April, two further trips will follow in 2024, also on Belmond trains: from Vienna to Reims on the Venice Simplon Orient Express in July, and from Cusco to Arequipa and Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer in October. (Note the east-to-west sequence of the journeys – a typically thoughtful touch in keeping with the solar theme.) 

These Solaire Journeys provide a unique opportunity for champagne lovers to enjoy rare and exceptional Veuve Clicquot vintages in the company of cellar master Didier Mariotti, in settings and against backdrops of an equally rare and exceptional nature. “There is no doubt that our environment and surroundings affect our experience of champagne,” he told me during our recent trip on the E&O Express. “Colours, sounds, temperature, light, atmosphere, mood – they all play a part.” Over breakfast, lunch and dinner on these Solaire Journeys, and during organised tasting sessions in between, serious oenophiles can contemplate the impact of such factors on the aroma, flavour and texture of the array of Veuve Clicquot champagnes on offer, and compare notes, in person, with the man who knows more than any other about them. The rest of us can simply sit back, raise a glass and drink in the views. 

The next Veuve Clicquot Solaire Journeys are from Vienna to Reims on the Venice Simplon Orient Express (from £6,900 per person, July 4-6 2024), and from Cusco to Arequipa and Machu Picchu on the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer (from £11,970 per person, October 21-26 2024). For bookings and more information, visit belmond.com and veuveclicquot.com .

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Northern lights on full display across US, Europe on Friday: See photos

The northern lights provided a rare sight for residents across the U.S. and around the world Friday night, with a powerful solar storm fueling a spectacle seen as far south as the Florida Keys.

Strong solar flares  the sun has been emitting since Wednesday morning were responsible for  the northern lights being visible across a wide swath of North America and Europe.

Seven coronal mass ejections began entering the Earth's outer atmosphere on Friday, said the  National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration . The agency issued a rare  Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch  this week for the first time in 19 years, but announced Friday evening that extreme (G5) conditions reached Earth at 6:54 p.m. Eastern time. The last extreme event occurred with the "Halloween storms" in October 2003.

Because the sun is at the height of its 11-year-cycle, conditions were optimal for the auroras to put on a light show that electrified sky watchers and appeared to far more Americans than usual .

"I never in my wildest dreams thought I would see it from my front yard in Key Largo (Florida,) said Mike Theiss, a veteran extreme nature photographer and storm chaser . He'd been seeing the news about the solar storms all day Friday and was "a bit jealous" he would miss out on the auroras. But then he started seeing photos posted in real time on social media, in South Carolina, then Georgia and then the Bahamas.

Incredulous about that sighting, he figured he'd take a chance. "I walked out the front door and there were the lights. I could see a faint red glow with the naked eye," Theiss told USA TODAY. "I was looking at the northern lights. I still can't believe it."

Sky gazers, if you didn’t have a chance to catch the northern lights on Friday, May 10, you can try again today. Forecasters are predicting that the aurora will be visible across many parts of the United States if the weather permits. There have been several reports of power grid irregularities and functional decreases in high-frequency, communications and GPS systems, according to a report from NOAA . 

Although the northern lights did interrupt some system functionalities, the phenomena has caused major mishaps in the past. In 1989, the aurora managed to knock out the power in Quebec for nine hours. However, the aurora was the strongest in 1859 when the lights shined so bright it was mistakenly for daylight and lasted for a day, The Planetary Society reported .

Here's a look at some of the images captured around the U.S. and in Europe.

Northern lights: What's your chance of seeing the northern lights tonight? A look at Saturday's forecast

Geomagnetic Storm: Solar storm is powerful enough to disrupt communications: Why NOAA says not to worry

'Absolutely incredible'

Unbelievable illumination of the aurora borealis in florida, aurora borealis 'dazzle' in the sky in europe.

Contributing: Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY.

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Studying abroad gave these young folks the chance to travel

Friday, 10 May 2024

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Zahirah dedicated a lot of her time exploring the beautiful mountains of New Zealand. — ZAHIRAH YASMIN MUHAMMAD MUNJIT

For most people, the opportunity to study abroad is a privilege that comes with a rewarding experience, as you not only get to explore a new country, but be exposed to various cultures too. And not forgetting, you also get to meet people from different backgrounds along the way.

Of course, pursuing an education overseas presents an opportunity to travel to new places, too.

Malaysian students who studied abroad and international students who pursued their tertiary education here share their travel experiences with us.

When he was a medical student at the Royal College Of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, Chan Weng Kit, 28, certainly did not miss the chance to explore the various interesting sights and experiences the country has to offer.

He managed to travel extensively around Ireland and a few countries in Europe while studying there for two-and-a-half years, some time ago. He later returned to Malaysia to complete the remaining half of his five-year degree in medicine and surgery in Penang.

From climbing two mountains in one day to walking all the way to a neighbouring town, Chan said he is immensely grateful to have had the chance to experience “life” in this part of the globe.

“One of my most memorable trips here was hiking up Mount Errigal, a 75m-tall mountain and the tallest peak in Donegal. Interestingly, Errigal translates to the ‘king of the hill’, and I indeed felt like one when we reached the top,” said Chan, who was part of the Climbing and Mountaineering Society back in Ireland.

Chan and his friends trekked for nearly four hours before arriving at the peak, where the group was then treated to sweeping vistas of the mountain ranges. As they were descending, someone suggested they scale the smaller king of the hill, the Wee Errigal. Full of spirit and eagerness, everyone went along with the idea. “Two mountains in a single day!” Chan exclaimed.

On another occasion, he visited Bray, a coastal town in Wicklow.

“I actually went there twice to visit my close friend. He took me to the McDonald’s in town. I assure you this was no ordinary McD. In fact, it is deemed one of the ‘coolest’ in the world,” he shared. This particular fast food outlet was housed in a historic building from the 19th century.

When not busy cramming for exams, he frequently found himself playing tourist in Dublin. “Some of the places I went to were the Guinness Storehouse, the Book Of Kells at Trinity College and Dublin Castle,” he shared.

“Ireland is packed to the brim with rich history and architecture as well as some rather picturesque views featuring Mother Nature. During my time there, I explored most of the touristy sights and some hidden local gems.”

Apart from Ireland, Chan also travelled to see the spectacular Northern Lights in Estonia, and visited other Nordic countries, including Sweden and Finland.

Zahirah Yasmin Muhammad Munjit, 27, led an adventure-filled life while living in New Zealand’s South Island for more than five years. She had gone to the country to study Adventure Tourism Management at Queenstown Resort College (QRC), but continued to stay there for a few years after graduating to gain some work experiences.

She worked as a photographer for Shotover Jet, and then later as part of a boat crew.

When she was still studying, she would go on short road trips with friends during her semester breaks to check out the small towns around Queenstown. “Sometimes, the trips were for concerts; I saw my favourite artists on stage such as Khalid and Post Malone,” she said.

Zahirah is passionate about the great outdoors, which pushed her to explore more of New Zealand’s vast natural landscape.

“I’m an avid hiker, so my time there was mostly spent in the woods and the gorgeous mountain ranges,” she shared. Zahirah added that she preferred going on multi-day hikes, either with friends or on her own.

Her favourite spot is Milford Sound, located in the Fiordland National Park. She said that there were always plenty of activities to do there besides hiking, such as kayaking, swimming or picnicking at the waterfalls, and going on a river cruise.

“There are several trails in the national park with interesting terrains like the Routeburn Track and Kepler Track. The former takes you through the Routeburn River, which is an amazing experience, while the latter is also equally enjoyable, as sometimes you have to walk in the rocky stream,” she said.

Zahirah noted that hiking was a good activity for students and tourists on a tight budget in New Zealand, as it is usually free or doesn’t cost much. “I was receiving a monthly allowance from my scholarship, but I worked part time on weekends to fund my travels,” she explained.

“Studying overseas has given me a sense of purpose and shaped who I am today.”

Malaysia is loved for – among many reasons – its cultural diversity, and one such thing that illustrates this is her delicious food. Aynabat Muhammet-niyazova, who hails from Turkmenistan and was a former accountancy student at Quest International University in Ipoh, Perak, could not agree more.

“You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food in Malaysia. Having tried various dishes, a few of my favourites include nasi lemak, laksa and pisang goreng,” Aynabat, 25, said, adding that she also loves local fruits like mangoes and papaya.

Over the course of her stay in Malaysia, she visited Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands (Pahang), Penang and Langkawi in Kedah. These holidays were taken with her family when they came to Malaysia to visit her. She especially enjoyed holidaying in Cameron Highlands, as she found herself fascinated by the stunning panoramic landscapes of the town.

“Imagine having tea while gazing over the sprawling tea plantations. My family and I tried strawberry picking at a farm, too. It felt like a good break from the daily grind,” she shared.

Aside from visiting the different states, Aynabat said she also made friends from various cultural backgrounds.

“I even became close with one of my friends’ family, and I learnt first-hand about other international students’ cultures and experiences in Malaysia, too.”

One of the upsides of studying outside of your own country is that the experience teaches you how to navigate life on a foreign land on your own, said Aynabat.

“Getting to celebrate different cultural events was the highlight of my stay in Malaysia as an international student at Quest International University,” said 28-year-old Nabila Sidek from Brunei, who studied journalism in Ipoh.

She said that the experience was meaningful to her as she was able to be part of a diverse and multicultural setting.

Nabila also said that besides the fact that Malaysia was close to home, one of the main reasons she chose to study here was because of the cultural similarities we shared. This made it easier for her to adapt to university life.

“Assimilation of culture was a non-issue for me, as it’s pretty much the same where I live,” she said.

She spent most of her weekends discovering local gems with her friends, who were from Ipoh. These little trips helped her unearth many interesting locales in the city.

“I also enjoyed going to the amusement parks,” she said, adding that it was a way for her to unwind.

Nabila and her friends would travel to other states like Penang and Melaka during short semester breaks. “The local street food in Penang was unbeatable. The historical city of Melaka was great for sightseeing, especially for a history buff like myself,” she enthused.

As a student, Nabila would sometimes look for places which offered student discounts, to save money.

She said that studying in a new environment can really change a person in many positive ways. For her, the experience has widened her lens and helped her look at things from a new angle.

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Tags / Keywords: Students studying abroad , Ireland , Brunei , Dublin , Attractions , Cameron Highlands , Penang , Melaka , Mount Errigal , tourism , edutourism , education tourism , university

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