Itineraries for Your Trip to Penang
3 Days in Penang for First Timers
Each time I returned to Penang, I wondered whether it was better to leave my wonderful memories of Malaysia’s cultural crown intact. I’d loved this sensory banquet of a city so much that I feared it might not live up to the previous experience on subsequent visits. But no matter how many times you go, it’s hard not to become more enchanted with one of Southeast Asia’s culinary capitals, thanks to its heady mix of street food stalls and unique architecture that represent Penang’s Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures. Here are my suggestions of what to do if you're staying in Penang for three days.
If you only have time for one thing, make it George Town.
Penang gets hit by monsoons from September through October, so avoid these months to stay dry.
Spend your first morning getting your bearings in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town on a walking tour focused on the enclave’s rich history. Wander along the waterfront and learn about the heritage of the Clan Jetties before marveling at the antique collections inside the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Spend your afternoon exploring Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, famous for its cobalt blue facade and mix of Chinese and European architectural styles. Then, cap your evening with some cocktails on the atmospheric Love Lane, where bohemian bars regularly host live music and magnetize the city’s backpacker population.
This morning, swap the busy city streets for the serene countryside surrounding Penang on a cycling tour that takes you to a fishing village and a goat farm. After your ride, reward yourself with some time relaxing at Batu Ferringhi, where you can enjoy a wide range of water sports such as jet-skiing and parasailing.
Tonight, it's time to experience Penang's main event—its street food. Opt for an evening tour that tells you where to feast on everything from fragrant curries and crispy rotis to soy-soaked noodle dishes and steaming bowls of spicy laaksa (noodle soup) at food courts and night markets.
Now you've sampled Penang's local delicacies, it's time to master the art of making them. On your third morning, opt for a cooking class that teaches you the art of Penang's world-renowned fusion food. Learn the techniques behind classics such as delicately spiced chicken rendang and char siew (noodles served with glazed pork loin).
Dedicate your final afternoon to visiting the last of the must-see Penang attractions on a private tour that lets you tailor your sightseeing itinerary. Admire the lantern-lit colors of Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, before seeking out famous street art murals such as the Boy on the Motorcycle.
