Once known as Betel Nut Island, Penang has been a melting pot of traders and artisans since the British East India Company discovered the charms of this spice island back in 1786. A Malaysian state, Penang is on the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on the Malaccan Strait. The capital George Town is so unique it’s been made a World Heritage site. From straits architecture to food and shopping, our three-day itinerary shows there’s plenty to discover in Penang.
Day 1: Penang Temples
Buddhist temples, Christian churches, Hindu temples and mosques – Penang’s multicultural history is evident at every turn. The largest Buddhist complex of temples and pagodas in Southeast Asia is Kek Lok Si , while one of the world’s largest reclining Buddhas stretches out at the Thai Wat Chayamankalaram. A standing Buddha peers over the Burmese Dharmmikarama Temple nearby. Chinese traditions are preserved at Khoo Kongsi, and Kapitan Keling Mosque rubs shoulders with St George’s Anglican Church and the Sri Mariamman Hindu temple.
Day 2: Eat Street
Malaysian hawker food is a highlight of any visit to Penang. To discover the traditions of Nyonya (or Peranakan) cuisine, start with a spicy bowl of assam laksa soup, choosing from tangy tamarind or creamy coconut milk. A blend of Chinese ingredients and Malay spices, Nyonya cuisine features lemongrass, kaffir lime, shallots, rice and galangal. Char koay teow noodles are a popular street dish, wok-frying seafood and chicken, and hokkien mee combines noodles and prawns with memorable results. For the best choice, head to the Gurney Drive Hawker Center or Chew Jetty floating market.
Day 3: Marine Park Snorkel
Pulau Payar Marine Park protects the waters surrounding Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast, for perfect snorkeling in pristine conditions. Catch a speedy catamaran from Penang to dive into waters thronged with parrotfish and damselfish swimming amongst the coral. You can hire jet skis and canoes on Penang’s beaches, from Tanjung Bungah to Teluk Bahang, or take an offshore excursion to the white-sand Monkey Beach for fun, sea and sand.
Tours & Tickets
Eat Like A Local: Penang Street Food Tour
Brown-sugar biscuits. Spiced pork rolls. Fresh guava. Taste these Malaysian treats and more on this private 3.5-hour tour of Penang’s best street food. A ... Read more
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Penang City Tour
Penang has perhaps the largest and well preserved colonial-era old town, with excellent examples of Chinese clan houses, colonial homes, public buildings and ... Read more
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple Afternoon Tour
Visit top sights in Penang on a half-day tour that includes a ride on Penang Hill Railway and a tour of Kek Lok Si Temple and Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas. ... Read more
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
A Taste of Penang: Small Group Food Tour
Penang showcases some of the best street food with Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine. On this 3-hour walking tour you get to sample more than a dozen ... Read more
Location: George Town, Malaysia
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
Private Penang City Sightseeing Tour
If you’d like to experience a bit of everything Penang has to offer, this grand tour of the island is for you! A private guide will accompany you by private ... Read more
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 6-7 hours (approx.)
Penang Island Discovery Morning Tour
Explore Penang the 'Pearl of the Orient' from its sandy shores to the quaint countryside. Visit a traditional Batik Factory, Snake Temple, International ... Read more
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
Experience Penang: Learn How to Make Malaysian Handicrafts
During your time in Penang, learn about the handicrafts of Malaysia by making your own pewter dish and batik painting! You’ll visit the famous Royal Selangor ... Read more
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)
4-Day Penang Heritage Tour with Malaysian Cooking Class
Spend three nights in Penang to explore historical Georgetown, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit colonial-era landmarks on a trishaw ... Read more
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 4 days (approx.)
Private Museums Tour: Pinaon Time Tunnel, Camera Museum and Made in Penang Interactive Museum
Let a knowledgeable guide take you on a private, 3-hour tour of three unique museums in Penang, all conveniently located in Georgetown. Travel by comfortable ... Read more
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)
ESCAPE Adventureplay Theme Park Entrance Ticket with One-Way Transport
Bring the family to ESCAPE Adventureplay Theme Park, Penang’s world-class eco-theme park, for a day of adventure amid natural surroundings. A full-day entrance ... Read more
Location: Penang, Malaysia
Duration: 9 hours (approx.)
