With a unique blend of cultures, world-renowned food, cool street art and gorgeous architecture, the beautiful island of Penang is an absolute joy to explore. It is easily one of my favourite destinations in Southeast Asia, somewhere I could happily see myself settling into for a longer stay.
Though Penang is actually a state in Malaysia, the majority of visitors will likely head to Penang Island. This vibrant island in the Strait of Malacca (just off of the mainland) has a fascinating blend of cultures – with Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences – in a way that feels uniquely Penang.
The island’s unique multicultural heritage brings with a utterly delicious cuisine. Penang is widely regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, and George Town has been named Asia’s best street food city numerous times. In fact, I’d say it’s worth visiting Penang just for the food alone, so be ready to dedicate some serious time to eating!
So whether you’re wandering through UNESCO-listed streets, hiking in Penang National Park, or devouring a bowl of asam laksa, you are sure to love Penang as much as I do. Read on to find out how to make the most of 3 days in Penang – experiencing the highlights of this magical island.
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Day 1 AM: Explore George Town – Walking Tours, Street Art and Penang Street Food
For your first day in Penang we will explore George Town, the state capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming part of Penang is full of beautiful colonial buildings, Chinese clan houses and colourful Hindu temples all within a few blocks of each other, highlighting the harmonious, multicultural nature of the city.
George Town’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot. You’ll find something interesting and eye-catching around every corner, like the Kapitan Keling Mosque, one of George Town’s most recognisable landmarks. This mosque welcomes visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and graceful Mughal-style domes. Modest dress is required, but robes and headscarves are provided, and interpreters are available to describe the mosque’s history.
There are also plenty of striking temples with classic Chinese architecture, such as Cheah Kongsi. Founded in 1810 by immigrants from Fujian Province, it is one of the oldest Chinese clan temples in Penang. The entrance fee is RM12 (Malaysian Ringgit), and the elaborate carvings and architecture make it well worth the visit.
As you wander through the old streets, keep an eye out for Penang’s famous street art. These whimsical murals – often depicting children, cats, or scenes of local life – are scattered across Armenian Street, Muntri Street, and Lebuh Cannon. They make for fun photo stops and reveal a lot about George Town’s playful, creative spirit.
Although George Town is easy to explore on your own, joining a guided walking tour is a great way to get your bearings. We did one on our first day, led by a friendly local guide, and enjoyed learning about the island’s rich history and cultural roots.
One of the most fun parts of George Town is the Little India neighbourhood. Here you will be treated to an energetic atmosphere, vibrant colours, Indian music filling the air and Penang’s oldest Hindu temple, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Built in 1833, it is an explosion of colour and intricate South Indian carvings. Just remember to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
Have lunch in Little India, letting the inviting smells of sizzling spices lure you to one of its many excellent restaurants. The most common food served here is of Tamil origin, thanks to Penang’s Indian population being largely descended from South Indian migrants.
A fantastic dish that is uniquely Malaysian with Indian-Muslim roots is nasi kandar. Hailing from Penang, this delicious, messy dish consists of steamed rice topped with a variety of rich curries and side dishes. The flavours are bold yet comforting, and I encourage you to do as the locals do and eat it with your hands!
If you’re not a fan of spicy Indian food, head to Lebuh Keng Kwee, a small street connected to Penang Road that is full of hawker stalls (street food stalls) and restaurants serving some of Malaysia’s must-try dishes like char koay teow, asam laksa, and cendol.
Day 1 PM: Penang’s Historic Sites and Buzzing Nightmarkets
After lunch, continue exploring George Town at a nice leisurely pace. Pop into little cafes for a cup of kopi (Malaysian coffee), navigate its small alleys and passageways and admire beautiful landmarks like the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. Built to honour Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, it stands at 60 feet tall, with each foot representing one year of her reign.
Top Tip! While Penang is full of interesting historical sights and landmarks to visit, one I cannot recommend is Fort Cornwallis. My husband is a sucker for these kinds of old 18th-century fortifications, but he said this structure is poorly maintained and pretty sad inside. Save your money and spend it on food instead!
In the evening, it’s time to experience some of Penang’s famous street food night markets. Hawker stalls are open during the day in the city, but it is in the evening when the markets are in full flow. As night falls, the streets fill with sizzling food stalls, a lively buzz fills the air, and hungry locals and visitors alike gather to savour the city’s incredible flavours. I suggest starting with Kimberly Street or Chulia Street, two popular food hubs in the city. If you are travelling with someone, definitely order a few different dishes to try more. Or just order lots for yourself to enjoy – no judgement from me!
My husband and I were happy to potter around the night markets, choosing what looked appealing to us. If you’d rather navigate the markets with a local guide, here are some well-rated tours which take you around Penang, tasting different dishes and discovering the magic of the city’s food scene:
Day 2 AM: Kek Lok Si Temple
Start your second day in Penang off with a hearty plate of kaya toast. This classic Malaysian breakfast dish consists of chargrilled slices of bread toasted spread with butter and kaya – a sweet, delicious jam made from coconut milk, eggs, pandan leaves, and caramel. I could eat it by the spoonful! Kaya toast is typically served with some runny, soft boiled eggs on top and a cup of coffee or tea to wash it down with. You can find kaya toast in various cafes in Georgetown, but I can highly recommend Roti Bakar Hutton Lane for its fun and lively atmosphere.
Once you’ve finished up this filling but energy-packed breakfast, make your way to Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest and most impressive Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. Perched on a hillside in Air Itam, about 30 minutes from George Town, this vast temple complex is a dazzling mix of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architecture. The whole area is filled with ornate pagodas, prayer halls, lotus ponds, gardens, and hundreds of colourful lanterns.
There is much to see in this complex, including the iconic Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, a seven-tiered tower combining Chinese, Thai, and Burmese design influences that houses (you guessed it!) 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha. Climb to the top for great views of the surrounding hills and the complex below.
There is also the Giant Guan Yin Statue. Standing 36.5 metres tall, this bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy is the tallest of its kind in the world. You can reach it via the inclined lift, which takes you past well-maintained gardens and koi ponds.
We really enjoyed our time at Kek Lok Si Temple, exploring the narrow pathways, prayer halls, and temples, while admiring the fantastic colours on display. To enhance your visit, consider joining this Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill Guided Tour to gain a local’s perspective and insight on this fascinating complex.
Top Tip! Visit during the week to avoid the crowds, and in the morning to enjoy the most comfortable temperatures. Wear comfortable shoes – there are lots of steps! Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) is required.
- How to Get There: From George Town, you can reach Kek Lok Si by Grab taxi (around RM15-20) or by taking Rapid Penang Bus 201 or 203 from the Komtar Bus Terminal to Air Itam (around 45 minutes). From the bus stop, it’s an easy 10-minute uphill walk through local markets and food stalls to the temple entrance.
- Admission: Entry to the complex is free, while the inclined lift to reach the giant Guan Yin statue costs RM3 one-way / RM6 return.
Day 2 PM: Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)
After exploring Kek Lok Si, it’s time to take in some fantastic views from the top of Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera). To get to the summit – which sits 833 meters above sea level – you can take a scenic five minute journey on the Penang Hill Funicular. It’s one of the oldest funiculars in the world, and one of the longest funicular tracks in Asia at roughly 2km long! I always find taking a funicular so nostalgic and fun, and this one is no exception.
You can also hike up to the summit using several trails if you are feeling fit. However, this did not appeal to me in the slightest as the Penang climate can be brutally hot and humid!
Once at the top you will be treated to amazing panoramics of Penang Island from the viewing platform. You’ll see lush rainforest surroundings, quaint Georgetown in the distance, the iconic Penang Bridge, and even the mainland coast on a clear day.
There are also forest trails that you can explore, as well as cafes and restaurants to refresh yourself in. You can also visit The Habitat, a peaceful eco-park with a canopy walk, rainforest trails, and birdwatching platforms (entry RM50 adults / RM30 children).
How to Get to Penang Hill from Kek Lok Si
Penang Hill is only 2 km away, so you can either walk (about 25 minutes), take a short Grab ride (RM6–8), or hop on Bus 204 from Air Itam to Stesen Bukit Bendera Pulau Pinang (the base funicular station).
Penang Hill Funicular Prices
A two-way ticket for non-Malaysian adults costs RM 30 for the Normal Lane, and RM 80 for the Express Lane. The Express Lane offers ticket holders a shorter wait time compared to the Normal Lane queue, which can be long. Online booking is recommended on weekends and holidays to skip queues.
Once back in George Town, spend your evening eating more delicious Penang street food and enjoying the local atmosphere. After you’ve eaten, swing by Café Antarabangsa. This small, no-frills shop tucked away near Lebuh Chulia serves some of the most affordable beer, wine, and liquor on the island. Take your drinks and sit outside on plastic chairs, and spend the rest of your evening chatting with locals and travellers. It’s a great place to enjoy the laidback, social vibes that capture Penang’s easygoing charm.
If you fancy heading out of the Old Town, I suggest getting a Grab to Gurney Bay. This modern part of Georgetown, with its high-rise buildings and fancy shopping malls, hosts the nightly Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. There is also the new Gurney Bay Park, which has a nice waterfront promenade to stroll down in the evening.
Day 3 AM: Penang National Park and the Clan Jetties
Today’s adventure takes you to Penang National Park, located on the island’s northwestern tip. Easily reached from George Town by bus 101 or a Grab taxi, it’s one of Malaysia’s smallest but most diverse national parks – an ideal day trip for nature lovers.
Despite its modest size, the park packs in a lot: lush rainforest trails, quiet beaches, a canopy walkway, and even a meromictic lake (a rare natural phenomenon where layers of salt and fresh water don’t mix). Visitors can go fishing, kayaking, or canoeing through the mangroves, making it a great mix of relaxation and adventure.
What to See and Do in Penang National Park
Monkey Beach Hike
One of the most popular routes is the Monkey Beach trail, which takes about one hour each way. The path is mostly coastal and relatively gentle, though parts are occasionally closed due to fallen trees or path maintenance. If that’s the case during your visit, you can still reach Monkey Beach easily by boat from the park entrance.
Named for its cheeky long-tailed macaques (keep your snacks hidden!), Monkey Beach has a lively, laid-back vibe. You’ll find a few simple beach bars and food stalls selling drinks, snacks, and coconuts – handy for refuelling after your hike or boat ride.
If you’re looking to relax for a while, stop at Tiger Monkey Bar & Leisure, a super-chilled beachfront spot where you can unwind under the shade of the trees. Kayaks can be rented here and at other beach bars for RM35 per hour (lifejackets included). There are also ATVs available for short rides through the nearby jungle if you’re feeling adventurous.
Turtle Beach Hike
If you’re after something quieter and more remote, the Turtle Beach trail (Pantai Kerachut) is the one for you. The hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours each way (around 3.5 km) and is a little more demanding, with steep climbs, muddy stretches, and thick jungle sections. You can also choose to go by boat if you’d rather save your energy for exploring the beach.
Unlike Monkey Beach, Turtle Beach is undeveloped and peaceful – there are no food stalls, so bring your own water and snacks. The highlight here is the turtle sanctuary, a small conservation centre dedicated to protecting sea turtle hatchlings. If you’re lucky, you might even spot baby turtles during nesting season!
Hiking Tips
You’ll need a decent level of fitness and plenty of stamina for the park’s trails – the humidity here is no joke! When we visited, I don’t think I’ve ever sweated so much in my life. Try to arrive early to avoid the heat and crowds. Pack lots of water, a hat, and some salty snacks to keep your energy up.
- National Park Entrance Fee: RM50 for non-Malaysian adults. RM10 for children aged 3-12, under 3s and over 60s are free.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
You’ll need to pay the National Park fee before entering, unless you’re just taking a return boat trip to Monkey Beach. Payments are cash only, so bring enough for entrance fees, lunch, and small purchases at the beaches – credit cards aren’t accepted.
Day 3 PM: Clan Jetties & Farewell to Penang
After returning from the park and having a rest back at your accommodation, take a leisurely stroll along the Clan Jetties. These rows of traditional wooden piers were built over the water by Chinese immigrant families more than a century ago. Each jetty still carries its family name and unique charm, and it’s a peaceful, photogenic spot, especially in the late afternoon light.
If you are still in a sightseeing mood, you could explore the interiors of some of Penang’s opulent colonial mansions. Pinang Peranakan Mansion showcases the lavish lifestyle of the Peranakan community. This grand home contains ornate furniture, antique jewellery, and over 1,000 artefacts. The guided tour (included with your RM30 ticket) lasts about 45 minutes.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (better known as the Blue Mansion) is also well worth a visit if you are a fan of colonial-era architecture. Blending Chinese and European styles, this indigo-coloured gem is one of Penang’s most photographed landmarks and offers guided tours about its restoration and history (advanced booking required). You can even stay at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion if you are feeling fancy!
For your final evening in Penang, revisit your favourite street food stalls, discover a cosy café to relax in or treat yourself to a cocktail at one of the city’s swanky bars. However you spend your last night, chances are you’ll be dreaming about your next visit to Penang!
Where to Stay in Penang
I suggest basing yourself in George Town’s historic centre for easy access to most attractions. You’ll find everything from budget hostels in restored shophouses to charming boutique hotels full of character.
Here are some well-rated options to consider:
- Moon Hotel George Town (£) – This hotel offers modern, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi and free private parking.
- Citadines Tanjung Tokong (£) – A modern serviced apartment, with bright kitchenette-equipped suites, an indoor pool and free parking. A great choice for people who want easy access to both the beach and city.
- Eastern & Oriental Hotel (££) – A historic colonial-era landmark overlooking the sea, this hotel combines old-world grandeur with modern luxury, with elegant suites, two outdoor pools and a full-service spa.
Getting Around Penang
One of my favourite things about Penang is the free shuttle bus service – I wish more cities had something like this! The Central Area Transit (CAT) bus runs every day from 6:00 AM to 11:40 PM, with buses arriving roughly every 10–15 minutes.
The CAT bus is a free hop-on, hop-off service that starts at the Weld Quay Bus Terminal and loops around George Town, stopping at 18 designated points a short walk from many of the city’s main attractions. Whether you stay on for the full 40-minute circuit or just hop between stops, it’s an easy and convenient way to explore. You can find the full list of stops and a map on the official website: Free CAT Bus – MyPenang.
If you prefer to travel independently, Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) is reliable and affordable, while Rapid Penang buses connect George Town with destinations like Air Itam (for Kek Lok Si Temple) and Teluk Bahang (for Penang National Park). Traffic can be slow, so give yourself extra time if you’re heading across the island.
There’s also the Pulau Tikus Free Shuttle Bus, which runs in an anti-clockwise loop every 15–20 minutes and connects the Pulau Tikus neighbourhood with nearby attractions – another great, free local transport option.
How to Get to Penang
- Flying: Those arriving into Penang International Airport can take a taxi/Grab or bus 401E (around RM4) directly to George Town in around 45 mins to an hour.
- Train & Boat: A scenic option is by taking the train into Butterworth Railway Station. From there you can walk to Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal and take the Penang Ferry across to Pangkalan Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal in George Town. Departures are roughly hourly and cost RM2 one-way.
- Bus: Coaches or buses to Penang Island will cross over the Penang Bridge and take you directly to George Town. These are cheaper options if you are travelling from places such as Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur.
I hope this post has convinced you to add Penang to your Malaysia itinerary! From spicy street food and colourful heritage homes to humid national parks and conversations on plastic chairs, the island captures the essence of Malaysia in one perfect package.
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow
