Your 101 to 🇲🇾 Penang tourist spots
“First time in Penang!?!”
That was the first thing a local said to me on my Grab ride when I arrived in Georgetown. The incredulity in his tone was crystal clear — I am 1.5 hours away by plane and given the proximity, how is it possible that I’ve never been to Penang before? 😅
Pre-trip, I dug long and hard on the internet for things to do, what to eat and where to stay in Penang. I never thought I would spend 7 Days on the island but I did, and I enjoyed myself fully.
3 days were spent by the beach in Batu Ferringhi and in the next 4 days, we were thronging the streets of Georgetown and having a swell time.
Read more about where I stayed and what I did in Batu Ferringhi 🇲🇾
Pulled together my 101 on where to go in Penang:
1️⃣ Floating Mosque
The prettiest mosque I’ve ever seen in Asia! And it floats at certain times of the day — when the tide comes in. Non-Muslims are not allowed to step foot into the mosque (duh!) but they allow tourists to tour the exterior which gives Santorini vibes.
Time spent: 30 minutes or less
(depends on how many photos you want to take)
2️⃣ Tropical Spice Garden | Events Venue | Cooking Classes | Spice Store
Wow, this jungle was a mozzie haven and I wasted no time in applying the critonella oil on every exposed surface of my skin.
Come only if you enjoy being in nature (and feeding mozzies) and would like to find out more about the spices used in your food. Especially in Malaysian food.
Time spent: 1.5 hours
3️⃣ Hainan Thean Hou Temple 天后宮
Impressive architecture from the yesteryears. A popular photo spot for tourists. You can stay to check out the temple.
Time spent: 15 minutes (snap and go!)
4️⃣ Hin Bus Depot
Cafe(s), small local designers’ booths and an architectural practice. Come for the vibes, come to check out the local art scene. Bustling on weekends. Be sure to check out their social media pages for the latest updates on what’s on.
Time spent: 2 hours
5️⃣ Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion
Take your pick - a guided tour (advanced reservations are a must!) or book an expensive, overpriced fine dining meal at the Indigo restaurant and pretend to be a Crazy Rich Asian. We opted for the latter because we were looking for exquisite fine dining experiences in Penang.
Service was excellent. Food was decent but not worth the price-tag. Maybe it would have been better if we opted for the guided tour.
Extremely crowded in the day, quieter by night. If you’re feeling like a Crazy Rich Asian too, then book a stay here.
Time spent: 2.5 hours (dining)
6️⃣ Kimberley Street Char Koay Kak
LOTS of street food stalls here. This particular one has a really long queue. Food was mid but I came for the experience. 🤭
This massive temple complex has stunning architecture and views of Penang from the top. Most people would visit this and Penang Hill but we opted for the former. Would go once just because it was our first time, but wouldn’t go again. Be prepared to walk a lot. Wear comfortable shoes.
Time spent: half a day
8️⃣ Sixth Sense
They are also available online but hey, ever wondered where to purchase (StH, OSN, Klarra) linen clothes at an affordable price point? It’s here. Don’t say never share. Happy shopping!
If there is ONE place you must visit in all of Penang to learn about the Peranakan culture, it’s here. Getting up close and personal with my heritage roots here was … very nice. My parents came along and they enjoyed themselves very much! Even had the patience to follow the guided tour.
Wander the streets and you’ll be pleasantly surprised to discover that there is just so much to see, eat and do here. The cafe culture is pretty insane. The price points are slightly more competitive as compared to JB, but offer better quality. I will definitely be back for more!
P.s. I stumbled upon a salon where I got my hair wash for SGD15. DM if you’d like a recommendation.
What does your 101 for Penang look like?
P.s. I went to the budget version of Bali in Penang.
Read about it here 👇🏼
Penang is not just about the popular attractions but also offers a rich tapestry of experiences for every traveler. Beyond the famous temples and heritage buildings, the island’s vibrant night markets are a must-see. For example, Penang’s night street markets burst to life with a dazzling array of local street food and crafts, reflecting the diverse culture of the island. If you love nature, Penang Hill provides breathtaking views and a cool escape from the tropical heat, although in my trip I focused more on Kek Lok Si Temple and found it quite a workout, so comfortable shoes are essential if you plan to explore the temples extensively. For those curious about cultural icons, the Moongate in Penang is a symbolic piece worth visiting, offering beautiful photo opportunities and deeper insight into Chinese heritage. For travelers wanting to immerse themselves in local culture, visiting the local spice markets and taking cooking classes at places like Tropical Spice Garden can be rewarding, letting you understand how Malaysian flavors come alive. If you're an art enthusiast, the Hin Bus Depot showcases the local creative scene and often hosts events featuring contemporary Malaysian artists. Shopping lovers will enjoy a visit to Sixth Sense, especially for affordable stylish linen clothes, blending traditional and modern Malaysian fashion. Lastly, a walk in George Town is perfect for exploring Penang’s unique cafe culture and historic street art. Trust me, each corner holds a story and a delicious snack waiting to be discovered! Overall, Penang combines heritage, cuisine, nature, and art in a way that caters to all kinds of travelers. Planning a balanced itinerary covering these elements ensures a rich and memorable experience on the island.
hi, the 1st photo, may i know the location? thanks.