Is Penang Worth Visiting? Things to Know Before Your Trip

Is Penang Worth Visiting? This is one thing we requested ourselves earlier than our journey to Malaysia. After visiting Penang, we will extremely suggest Penang for its various tradition, delicacies and historic attraction.

Our Penang journey information will show you how to uncover the true spirit of Malaysia’s “Pearl of the Orient”. Come together with us as we shine a highlight on Penang’s finest points of interest, locations to eat and high suggestions for getting essentially the most out of your journey.

Why is Penang Worth Visiting?

When you’re visiting Penang, be ready for sensory overload. George Town is the place Malaysia’s multicultural soul meets. The charming rhythm of Indian music merges with time worn Chinese shophouses and the elegant Victorian buildings of the British colonial period.

Within this vibrant setting you’ll be able to take a trishaw to find George Towns dynamic artwork scene or enter a foodie’s heaven with Penang’s fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and worldwide cuisines.

End your day of sand and sea with a spectacular sundown over Batu Ferringhi Beach or escape town and discover the rainforest and rural landscapes of Penang.

Shopaholics can bask in somewhat retail remedy on the ultra-modern buying malls of Gurney.

Is Penang value visiting? You will quickly start to grasp why Penang Malaysia is a perfect vacation vacation spot.

Where to Stay in Penang Malaysia

Penang Tours

There are quite a lot of methods to discover the points of interest of Penang. You can both take an organised tour, a day tour or journey independently. Which you select will rely in your most well-liked journey type, funds and the size of time visiting Penang.

Is Penang value visiting on an organised tour?

What I like about organised excursions is that the planning is all carried out and you’ll calm down figuring out that flights and floor transport, entry into vacationer points of interest, lodging and meals are included within the value of the tour.

Penang Organised Tour Example

This all-inclusive tour of Penang is probably one among Asia’s biggest adventures. The tour is an 18-day Asian extravaganza that provides you two days in Penang and features a fabulous vary of Asian locations.

Places visited embrace:

• Singapore
• Malacca
• Kuala Lumpur
• Cameron Highlands
• Penang
• Phuket
• Hua Hin
• Bangkok

Click right here for evaluations and to ebook an 18-day Asian extravaganza

If you favor to take Penang day excursions or discover independently, we’ve got extra Penang vacationer info and suggestions beneath.

3 Day Penang Itinerary Ideas

The fantastic thing about taking a Penang day tour is that you just save time by ticking off a big amount of points of interest in a single go. This means that you can return to your favorite locations or take pleasure in down time in Penang. 

For these eager to take Penang day excursions we share a Penang 3-day itinerary which supplies a very good overview of historic George Town and the encompassing island.

Penang Itinerary Day 1

This full day Penang tour is sweet worth because it takes you to all kinds of George Town vacationer points of interest and scenic Penang Hill.

Full Day Penang Tour Highlights:

• Kek Lok Si Temple                                                          
• Penang Hill
• Street Art Penang
• Pinang Peranakan Mansion
• Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple
• Chew Jetty
• Khoo Kongsi

Click right here to ebook the Full Day Penang Tour

Penang Itinerary Day 2

What higher method to expertise Penang’s culinary delights than to take a meals tour. This Penang Plates Food Tour offers you an introduction into Penang’s culinary scene as you discover the streets of Little India and Chinatown.

Penang Plates Food Tour Highlights:

• 15 Food Tastings inside Little India and China Town

*Note that this tour is probably not appropriate for these with dietary restrictions.

Click right here to ebook the Penang Plates Food Tour

Penang Itinerary Day 3

When you go to Penang, you will see that that the island is greater than town and seashores that vacationers flock too. Seemingly a world away from the hustle and bustle of George Town are lush inexperienced rural landscapes which can be residence to quiet nation cities and fishing villages.  

Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour Highlights:

• Balik Pulau Town
• Kuala Sungai Pinang Fishing Village
• Saanen Dairy Goat Farm
• Sungai Rusa Countryside

Click right here to ebook the Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour

Is Penang Worth Visiting Independently?

Penang is a straightforward place to go to for the impartial traveller. The points of interest of George Town are inside simple strolling distance of one another, and you’ll cowl rather a lot in at some point. Of course, how a lot you cowl will rely in your warmth tolerance as it’s sizzling and humid all through the day.

Using Grab taxi makes it simple to get round however do remember that visitors can get busy and are available to nearly a stand nonetheless at sure elements of the day.  

We completely loved our time in Penang, and our solely remorse is that we didn’t keep longer. Here is an introduction into the treasures of Penang Malaysia.

George Town Attractions

Is Penang value visiting for historic points of interest? George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic coronary heart of Penang. The metropolis was the primary English settlement in Southeast Asia, and this may be seen within the grand Victorian administrative buildings of this bygone period.

Surrounding these majestic buildings are character stuffed Chinese shophouses, the stilted homes of the Clan Jetties and the vigorous Little India space. Within these streets you will see that a vibrant assortment of avenue artwork, temples and mosques.

George Town is jampacked with locations of historic significance and vacationer points of interest, listed here are among the high locations to go to in George Town.

George Town Street Art Scene

Is Penang value visiting for avenue artwork? If you like avenue artwork strolling by way of the laneways of George Town is an actual deal with. The metropolis makes use of artwork to inform the story of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site by way of a vibrant assortment of wall murals and metal rod caricatures.  

Marking George Town – Steel Rod Sculptures

Scattered all through George Town are over fifty metal rod caricatures which inform the historical past of Penang beneath the theme “Voices of the People”. These often-hilarious caricatures are the creation of artists Tang Mun Kian, Lefty, Reggie Lee and Baba Chuah and they’re full of wit and humour.

George Town Street Art

In and round Armenian Street are a vibrant assortment of wall murals depicting every day life in George Town. Some mix artworks with bodily objects, these embrace “Brother and Sister On Swing”, “Children Playing Basketball” and probably essentially the most well-known, “Kids On Bicycle” by artist Ernest Zacharevic.

Armenian Street

As properly as being the positioning of many avenue artwork murals, Armenian Street is residence to a captivating assortment of boutiques and retailers, eating places and temples.

Shooting off the road are alleyways shaded with multicoloured umbrellas, right here you’ll be able to go looking for extra avenue artwork gems. As you stroll across the space you will notice the brightly embellished trishaws that supply excursions round George Town.

Armenian Street additionally marks the doorway to Cheah Kongsi, the oldest Hokkien clan affiliation in Penang.

Little India

It’s simple to search out your manner too Little India, the melodic throb of Indian music immediately lures you to the centre of this bustling neighbourhood.

Lusciously embroidered saris, conventional Indian jewelry and homewares retailers tempt you to return in and browse. The heady scent of spices from the meals stalls and eating places announce that you’ve got arrived in Little India.

The Clan Jetties

The Clan Jetties had been Chinese fishing and stevedore communities that had been housed in floating villages constructed over the ocean. Today the remaining Clan Jetties belong to the Ong, Lim, Chew, Tan, Lee, combined and Yeoh clans.

These easy dwellings are a reminder of George Town’s previous and the multi-cultural variety of town. Here are two of the must-see clan jetties on a go to to George Town, the Chew Jetty and the Lee Jetty.

Chew Jetty

Chew Jetty is without doubt one of the most visited clan jetties. Along with a group of homes you will see that retailers promoting clothes, artwork and souvenirs.

The spotlight of Chew Jetty is the character stuffed murals that beautify the darkish wood partitions of the buildings that overlook the ocean.

Lee Jetty

If you’re after probably the most lovely pictures of George Town head straight over to Lee Jetty. As you stroll alongside the slim wood walkway take time to admire the gathering of small household houses that line the jetty.  

Continue strolling down the walkway to the tip of the jetty. Here the ocean opens out to the horizon and pink and gold lanterns sway gently within the breeze.

Temples & Mosques

Is Penang value visiting for tradition and spiritual websites? When you discover the streets of George Town you’ll encounter a big assortment of mosques, temples and church buildings. Some of those embrace the Han Jiang Ancestral Temple, the Acheen Street Malay Mosque and Khoo Kongsi.

It is stunning to see these vastly completely different religions residing facet by facet. Within a brief stroll you will see that the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Goddess of Mercy Temple and St George’s Church.

Kapitan Keling Mosque

The Kapitan Keling Mosque is essentially the most outstanding mosque in Penang. The mosque was initially in-built 1803 with supplies from India for the Indian Muslim settlers. The mosque was expanded and renovated over time with the present mosque being in-built 1916.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Sri Mahamariamman Temple was constructed on the positioning of a shrine in 1833 and is the oldest Hindu temple within the state. The temple may be discovered within the centre of Little India not removed from the Kapitan Keling Mosque.

The entrance to this historic Hindu temple is adorned with golden archways and brightly hued statues of gods and goddesses.  

Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the start line for the annual Penang Thaipusam Festival procession. Thaipusam is a Hindu pageant which falls in both late January or early February coinciding with the total moon within the Tamil month of Thai.

Goddess of Mercy Temple

The Goddess of Mercy Temple or Kuan Yin Temple as it’s also identified was in-built 1800 by the Hokkien and Cantonese communities and is the oldest Chinese temple in Penang.

The temple is devoted to the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Mercy, Guan Yin. The candy scent of incense drifts off the big ornamental incense sticks which stand on the entrance of the grounds. Inside are alters surrounded by wealthy golden material and deep pink lanterns.

St George’s Church

When you get your first glimpse of St. Georges Church you’ll be able to simply think about the church being proper at residence within the English countryside.  

St. Georges Church is the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia and was accomplished in 1818. The constructing was significantly broken in the course of the Japanese occupation of Malaya throughout WWII. Today the church is without doubt one of the National Treasures of Malaysia.

The Esplanade

The Esplanade is a heritage zone which marks the spot the place Sir Francis Light claimed Penang Island for the British Empire in 1786. Surrounding this picturesque seaside stroll and park are a group of heritage buildings, the Town Hall, City Hall, Fort Cornwallis and the Queen Victoria Clock Tower.

Town Hall

Town Hall is a buttery yellow and white confection of Victorian architectural splendour. Opened in 1880 the Town Hall has been used as a municipal workplace, a non-public faculty and is at the moment run as a venue for civic occasions.

Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis was constructed by the British East India Company between 1804 and 1805. This spectacular brick fort changed the unique palm trunk stockade in-built 1786. The excessive partitions of the fort function cannon installations and a metal lighthouse was erected within the grounds in 1882.  

Queen Victoria Clock Tower

The Queen Victoria Clock Tower was constructed to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The clock tower was paid for by Penang millionaire Cheah Chen Eok and offered to George Town in 1902.

City Hall

City Hall was in-built 1903 and is one other prime instance of Victorian structure. Gleaming brilliant white, the corridor was utilized by the Municipal Council and was the primary constructing in Penang with electrical lights and followers.

Where to Eat in George Town

Is Penang value visiting for culinary tourism? One of one of the best methods to find the essence of a vacation spot is thru its delicacies.

George city has an intensive selection of eating types. You can eat low-cost and cheerful at a hawker centre or attempt one of many myriad of Chinese, Indian, Malay and western type eating places inside George Town.

The Jetty Food Court is throughout the highway from Chew Jetty and serves a big selection of native Penang dishes. If you feel somewhat spicy, the Little India neighbourhood could have you coated.

For an genuine foodie expertise head over to the Chulia Street Night Market hawker stalls. Here you’ll be able to pull up a chair and absorb the environment as you watch distributors cooking up a mouth-watering choice of dishes.

Top dishes to attempt on a go to to Penang Malaysia:

• Char Koay Teow – Stir fried rice noodles with prawns, egg and bean sprouts
• Nasi Kandar – Curried meat and vegetable dish served with rice
• Penang Assam Laksa – Sour & spicy noodle dish
• Cendol – Sweet deal with of inexperienced jelly noodles, shaved ice, kidney beans and coconut milk

Where to Stay in George Town

The finest locations to remain within the coronary heart of the motion of George Town are round Armenian Street, Chulia Street and Little India.

Within these areas you will see that that lots of the resorts are housed in outdated store homes. For outdated world luxurious you’ll be able to’t go previous the historic Eastern & Oriental resort.

Penang Hill & The Habitat

Is Penang value visiting for nature? Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera as it’s identified in Malay is made up of a number of hills with Flagstaff Hill being the principle attraction. During the British colonial period the cooler local weather made it a welcome refuge from the humid warmth of the coast.

Today the realm is a part of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and listed within the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Penang Hill

Escape the frenetic power of town with a funicular journey as much as Penang Hill. Once there you’ll be able to admire the views overlooking Penang and discover the luxurious greenery of this biosphere reserve.

Be looking out for dusky leaf monkeys and black large squirrels. If you’re hungry seize a fast chew to eat on the Cliff Café.

Penang Hill is a spot that shouldn’t be missed on a visit to Penang. There is a lot extra to see and do when you get to Penang Hill.

Click right here to ebook the Penang Hill Funicular Ticket

The Habitat

When you enter “The Habitat” get able to be enthralled by the natural world of this 130-million-year-old rainforest. You might simply spend the day strolling alongside the 1.6km path, visiting the butterfly backyard, bromeliad pavilion and outside theatre.

Step into the rainforest cover on the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk or check your worry of heights on the Langur Way Canopy Walk, the longest double span harassed ribbon bridge on the planet.

Click right here to ebook The Habitat Penang Hill Ticket

Penang Beaches

Is Penang value visiting for a seaside vacation? Being an island Penang has its fair proportion of picturesque seashores. If you’re searching for a seaside vacation in Penang look no additional than the seashores of Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi.

*Note jellyfish could also be current within the waters surrounding Penang.

Tanjung Bungah Beach

Tanjung Bungah is a reasonably seaside surrounded by resort and condominium complexes. The seaside is quiet and ideal for these wanting a peaceable seaside vacation away from the crowds.

If you feel hungry the Viva Local Food Haven hawker centre is inside strolling distance of the seaside. From Tanjung Bungah the points of interest of George Town are a 25-minute drive, and the buying of Gurney Plaza is a 15-minute drive.

Where to Stay in Tanjung Bungah Beach

Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi is one among Penang’s most well-known seashores. This vigorous space is residence to seaside resorts, seaside bars and eating places, vibrant night time markets and a choice of water sports activities together with jet-skiing and parasailing.

From Batu Ferringhi the points of interest of George Town are a 35-minute drive, and the buying of Gurney Plaza is a 25-minute drive.

Where to Stay in Batu Ferringhi

Where to Eat in Batu Ferringhi

You can be spoilt for selection in the case of consuming out in Batu Ferringhi. Along with the tremendous eating eating places of the resorts you will see that avenue meals stalls and small household run eating places serving a wide variety of dishes.

During our keep we loved a scrumptious lunch with expat pals at Knife and Fork Restaurant within the Eden Parade constructing throughout from the Shangri-La Golden Sands Resort.

Gurney Drive Shopping

Is Penang Worth visiting for buying? If you need to store in airconditioned consolation the buying malls of Gurney give you all the pieces you want.

Both Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon are chock stuffed with an fascinating number of retailers and boutiques, electronics shops, cinemas and supermarkets.

Where to Eat in Gurney

Gurney Drive Hawker Centre has a superb laid-back environment and is known for its genuine and scrumptious vary of native Penang dishes.  

Both Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon have meals courts and small eating places promoting a variety of Malaysian and worldwide cuisines.

For a particular deal with you’ll be able to select one of many many eating places in and across the G Hotel Gurney. If you need to calm down with tea or a cocktail head straight as much as the G Spot on stage 3 of the G Hotel Gurney for views overlooking seafront parade.

Where to Stay in Gurney

Gurney is an effective place to reside in case you are planning a lengthy keep in Malaysia. The space is surrounded by condominium complexes which guarantee a house away from residence in your go to to Penang.

Both Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon home supermarkets that inventory many western type staples. The closeness to eating places and the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre means that you can get a style of residing in Penang.

How to get to Penang

For most individuals travelling to Penang the primary port of name can be Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Other transport choices from Kuala Lumpur to Penang embrace flights, bus and practice.

Penang By Air

There are a number of flights from Kuala Lumpur to Penang every day. Popular carriers alongside this route are Malaysia Airlines, Batik air and Firefly. The direct flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is one hour.

You may also discover direct worldwide flights into Penang International Airport from Singapore and Bangkok.

Penang International Airport is 18km from George Town and the journey takes round forty minutes by automobile relying on visitors. Make certain to take visitors into consideration in case you are catching a flight as visitors can get heavy all through the day.

Kuala Lumpur to Penang Sentral by Train & Bus

The Kuala Lumpur to Penang practice and lots of the Kuala Lumpur to Penang buses arrive at Penang Sentral in Butterworth which is on the mainland. To get from Butterworth to George Town on Penang Island you’ll be able to both take the ferry or a taxi.

Butterworth to George Town is a 23km drive and takes round twenty minutes relying on visitors. When planning your return journey give your self loads of time because the visitors can get heavy particularly throughout peak hour.

Penang by Ferry

The Penang Ferry takes passengers and autos throughout the Penang Strait from Butterworth on the mainland to George Town on Penang Island.

The ferry leaves from Penang Sentral and is a brief fifteen-minute journey from Butterworth (Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim) to George Town (Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda).

More Penang Travel Tips

Penang Weather

Penang has a tropical monsoon local weather with the wettest months being between April and September. The finest time to go to Penang is in the course of the dry season from December to February.

Currency

The foreign money of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit. Though bank card is accepted in most upmarket institutions, money is the popular technique of cost at hawker centres and small native eating places.

Penang Transport

The best method to get round Penang is with Grab taxi. Just obtain the Grab App to your telephone and both add your bank card for direct cost or pay in money.

Language

When visiting multicultural Malaysia, you will see that that English is broadly spoken together with the Malay, Chinese and Indian languages.

Last Words on Is Penang Worth Visiting? Things to Know Before Your Trip

Is Penang Worth Visiting? There is a lot to see and do in Penang Malaysia and we’ve got solely scratched the floor. If you’re planning a visit to Malaysia, be certain to place Penang in your listing of locations to go to.

Have you been to Penang Malaysia? What was your favorite attraction on this charming island? Feel free to remark we might love to listen to from you.

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