There is no place in the world where city and nature meet like Penang.
Divided into two parts, this colorful, vibrant and visually stunning destination shines a light on culture, heritage, adventure, nature and events that will have it all and more for even the most invigorated traveler.
But unfortunately for the avid traveler, you never have enough time to fully explore a destination.
Luckily, we’re here to provide you with a quick guide to getting the most out of Penang in just a few days.
Places you must visit
Every destination in the world has iconic sights that tourists simply cannot afford to miss and Penang is no different.
To begin, we will introduce you to George Town, the capital of Penang Island.
The essence of George Town is brimming with history that is perfect for the most dedicated historian and the occasional traveller. Beautiful street art lines the walls of George Town and foodies will find it hard not to satisfy their culinary cravings with amazing, well-priced street food all around.
The historic core of George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which a readapted traditional architecture as well as a multitude of trades and heritage arts.
For those who want to explore the city with ease, try the George Town Traditional Crafts Walk. The walk starts at George Town World Heritage Incorporated and takes travelers through sites like Campbell Street Market, Jalan Masjid Kapitan KelingQueen Street, Market Street, Beach Street and Armenian Street.
Or if walking isn’t quite your style, then the Penang Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is the sightseeing experience for you. The Penang Hop-On Hop-Off service covers two circular routes within the city. The two routes – namely the City Route and the Beach Route – are joined at the city’s Gurney Drive, allowing passengers to switch effortlessly between the two routes.
Within George Town is the suburb of batu Ferringhiwhere beautiful stretches of beach line the coastline and beautiful scenic sunsets bless locals and tourists alike at the end of the day.
If water activities are the order of the day, resorts next to Batu Ferringhi offer direct access to fun experiences like parasailing, water skiing, and jet skiing. On a clear day, you’ll be lucky enough to catch picturesque views of the Andaman Sea and Mount Jerai, located in neighboring Kedah state.
If the ocean isn’t your thing, check out the batu Ferringhi night market, known for its wide variety of goods and street food.
Go for a day
If you are looking to explore some of the more remote areas of Penang, a beautiful day trip is perfect for you.
The absolutely stunning Kek Lok Si Temple is located outside of George Town on Penang Island and is a place not to be missed.
The bright century-old temple is the perfect place for history buffs, architecture fanatics, or anyone who can appreciate beauty.
If you are there at the right time of year, you can witness the beautiful lighting Kek Lok Si Temple during the annual lighting exhibition which features over 10,000 lights and an enchanting display of lanterns.
Hop over to mainland Penang and experience an incredible one-day attraction on Orang Utan Island, which is believed to be teeming with orangutans.
Travelers can take a tour and see orangutans up close while learning fascinating facts and information about Penang’s wildlife.
It’s perfect for the whole family and the proceeds go towards caring for the resident orangutans and maintaining the centre.
Australians looking for a getaway will be absolutely enthralled by all that Penang has to offer, so set aside some time and prepare for an incredible trip to this gem of West Malaysia.
