Penang Travel Guide: Must-Visits, And Must-Eats For Your Penang Trip

Penang is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait. It has two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula. Penang has always been a popular getaway destination known for its good food, artistic murals, and charming old-town vibe. We've put together a complete guide that comprises everything you need to know to plan your trip, from must-visit spots to the best food places and other travel tips!

Penang Must-Visit Spots

1. George Town

George Town, on the island of Penang, is a Malaysia's street art mecca. Without a doubt, Penang Street Art is one of the most famous things to do in Penang and among the island’s prime tourist attractions. Practically anyone coming to Penang has to dart to George Town to take some pictures in front of the extremely famous Penang mural art.

Best George Town Street Art

1.1 Kids on Bicycle (2012)

(image © Timothy Tye)

It is one of the two murals along that street painted by London-trained artist Ernest Zacharevic, in conjunction with the 2012 George Town Festival. You are able to find this masterpiece in the Armenian Street. The happiness from both faces, especially the younger brother adds joy and cheerful character into Armenian Street.

1.2 Brother and sister on a swing(2012)

(image © www.expatolife.com)

This mural is painted by a local deaf-mute self-taught artist, Louis Gan. This beautiful mural is located in the Gan Lebuh Chulia Street. As this swing is pretty solid, you can sit or stand and take some creative photos.

1.3 Rope Style(2012)

(image © Peter Loud)

“Rope Walk” is a steel-rod sculpture based on the caricature of Tang Mun Kian. It is installed on a wall at Jalan Pintal Tali. In Mun Kian's rendition, the rope making is replaced with hair braiding.

2. Penang Hill

(image © www.penanghill.gov.my)

(image © weekitong)

Penang Hill is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks on Penang Island, Malaysia. It is located within the Air Itam suburb, 9 km west of the center of George Town. Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, which actually refers to Flagstaff Hill, the most developed peak.

The most popular and convenient way to get to Penang Hill is riding the iconic Penang Hill Funicular Train Located at the foot of Penang Hill, this Swiss-designed funicular runs on one of the oldest funicular systems in the world, and will take you to the top past lush greenery. The funicular's tunnel track is also the steepest in the world and the longest track in Asia, adding to its uniqueness.

The Habitat Penang Hill allows the visitors to reconnect with nature. Go on a nature walk and you will be surrounded by flora and fauna. This world-class tourism site is a must-see sites in Penang Hill. Make sure you don't miss out the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk where you can soak in mesmerizing 360-degree panoramic views of Penang Island from the highest viewing point in the city.

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3. Batu Feringghi Beach

(image © www.tripadvisor.com)

Batu Ferringhi is a beach resort northwest of George Town, on Malaysia’s Penang Island. It’s known for water sports and seafood restaurants. Street food, household goods and batik clothing are sold at the seafront night market. Batik pieces are also on display at local galleries and shops. The Tropical Spice Garden has spice terraces, a bamboo garden and tropical flowers to the west.

4. Chew Jetty

(image © Clan Tan)

Chew Jetty was one of 5 wooden jetties constructed in 1888 as part of a development project on the quay side in George Town. 2 other wooden jetties were built in the same area in the 1960s. One of the jetties burnt down which means there are are now six remaining.

Do be mindful that people still live in these houses, so be respectful and keep your voices down while you explore the area. You can also consider chasing the golden glow at the less-crowded Lim Jetty or Tan Jetty.

(image © www.crispoflife.com)

At the 8th day night of the Lunar New Year, the Chew Jetty will celebrate the Jade Emperor Festival. Hence, there will be many local Hokkien people flocked into Weld Kuay to celebrate. The altar was extended meters long to the Jade Emperor's shrine and full of various offerings by the residents' of Chew Jetty. Besides foods, you will see lots of paper offerings laid on it too. This is definitely a great opportunity for yall to experience the Jade Emperor Festival.

5. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

(image © Hai Kee Chan)

The Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, was a prominent community of acculturated Chinese unique to this part of the world, especially in the Straits Settlements (Penang, Malacca and Singapore) thus its other name, the Straits Chinese. Adopting selected ways of the local Malays and later, the colonial British, the Peranakans had created a unique lifestyle and customs which had not only left behind a rich legacy of antiques but its cultural influences like cuisine and language are still evident in Penang today. 

At the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the typical home of a rich Baba of a century ago is recreated to offer a glimpse of their opulent lifestyle and of their many customs and traditions. With over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles of the era on display, this Baba-Nyonya museum is also housed in one of Penang’s heritage mansion of eclectic design and architecture.

The admission fees is RM 20 approximately 5USD per adult while kids below age of 6 are free of charge.

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Penang Must-Try Foods

Why Penang is known for foods

These cultures—Malays, Indian Muslims and Hindus, Thai, Chinese Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Hakka, and Hainanese, and of course British colonialists—each contributed to Penang's distinct cuisine, one that has made the island a hunting ground for the food-obsessed.

1. Penang Laksa

(image © Thexeilia Yeap)

Penang Laksa is a noodle dish in spicy fish broth topped with various shredded vegetables. Penang Assam Laksa–commonly referred to as “laksa” by Penangites–is one hawker food you don’t want to miss if you come to Penang. You should try Air Itam Laksa which has over 60 years of history in Penang. Their broth has a stronger mackerel taste which can get fishy sometimes, but is balanced off with other condiments. It is ranked world's 7th on World Best Food list by CNN.

2. Char Kuey Teow

Char Kuey Teow is famous and there is a spot we would like to recommend which has the most delicious Char Kuey Teow in Penang——Siam Road Char Kuey Teow

Siam Road Char Kuey Teow’s founder is a 79 years old uncle, Mr Tan Chooi Hong. He is still working his magic every day at the stall even with the implementation of MCO(Movement Control Order). BBC described him as the ‘Humble King of Noodles’ recently. He has been doing what he loves forover 60 years, which he said will continue on as long as his health permits.

If your accommodation is around Batu Feringghi, I will strongly recommend you to try the Char Kuey Teow which is located in Long Beach Café. Other than Char Kuey Teow, Long Beach Café also offers dozens of flavor-packed meals that won't break the bank.

3. Hokkien Mee

Prawn mee (Penang Hokkien mee) is a specialty noodle soup popular among the Malaysian Chinese. The soup base is prepared with a humongous amount of prawn heads and shells coupled with pork bones concentrated to a thick, creamy, and highly aromatic broth.

A fairly popular Hokkien Mee in Penang, Super Hokkien Mee usually sells out by 11 a.m, sometimes even earlier. Be prepared to queue for at least 30 minutes and you’ll be awarded a hot bowl of savoury goodness.

4. Penang Rojak

Rojak is also an iconic food in Penang. The most famous Penang Rojak is Hock Seng Rojak. Hock Seng Rojak King is a small family business stall that pairs rojak with their own gooey Malt Sugar Paste. They’ve been around in the neighbourhood for over 40 years.

5. Penang Cendol

A Malaysian shaved ice dessert with soft fresh pandan-flavored palm flour noodles which is green in colour immersed in light coconut milk, sweetened by gula melaka and cooked kidney beans. Penang Road Teochew Chendul is one of the most popular cendol stall in Penang, it has own many franchise store throughout whole Malaysia.

Have Fun!

Overall Penang is one of the best places in the world, it is a relaxing place in which to retire. Thanks to its low cost of living, tropical climate and high standard of health care. You can also explore many interesting things throughout the trip in Penang. If you have any suggestion or question, feel free to tell us at the comment section or through email. Lastly, thanks for stopping by and spend time in Penang! My hometown Penang welcomes you!

Credit to: Jayden, Victor, Zhi Jian, Khang Henn

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