The state of Penang, located in the north-western shores of Peninsular Malaysia, is a traveller’s paradise. From lush green rainforest to pristine beaches, from exquisite pagodas and colourful temples to elegant mosques, from well-preserved colonial buildings to eye-catching street art, Penang has everything to satiate your desire to explore the unknown. Whether you are looking for an adventure filled vacation, a historic or cultural tour or an easy going family vacation, Penang has something to offer to everyone. While exploring the place, you are most likely to stay in George Town, the capital of Penang, from where all the major attractions are easily approachable.
Origin of the names – Penang and George Town:
Penang was named after the Malay word “Pinang”, which literally means the betel nut tree. Across the place, you can come across the words “Pulau Pinang”, which when translated to Malay, means “Island of betel nut trees”.
Once a British colony and a major trading hub of the British East India Company, George Town was named King George III of Great Britain. The city has preserved much of its rich cultural heritage till date, and this led UNESCO to confer the World Heritage status to George Town (along with Malacca) in 2008.
Geography of Penang:
First let me write a couple of lines on the geography of Penang, so that it is easier for you to navigate forward.
The state of Penang consists of 2 distinctive parts – Penang Island and the mainland, which is also known as Seberang Perai. George Town is located at the north-eastern part of the island.
The island is connected to the mainland by 2 bridges:
- The 13.5 KM (8.4 mile) long Penang Bridge.
- The Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, also known as the Second Penang Bridge. It is the longest bridge of Malaysia, measuring 24 KM (15 mile).
Our Itinerary of Penang:
- Day 1: Travel from Kuala Lumpur by road and reach George Town in the evening. On the way, visit few places of interest in and around the Ipoh city.
- Day 2: Explore places of interest outside the city of George Town –
- Penang Hill & Habitat Rainforest
- Kek Lok Si Temple
- Floating Mosque
- Batu Ferringhi Beach
- Gurney Drive
- Day 3: Local sightseeing within the city of George Town –
- Esplanade walkway and War Memorial
- Town Hall
- Fort Cornwallis
- Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
- Pinang Peranakan Mansion
- Little India
- Penang Street Art
- Armenian Street
- The Clan Temples
- Masjid Kapitan Keling
- Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple
- Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
- Upside Down Museum
- Clan Jetty
Reaching Penang:
On the morning of 10th of October 2024, we started from Kuala Lumpur by car. On the way, we explored the stunning cave temples of Ipoh, the Kellie’s Castle and the old town Ipoh.
Around early evening, we crossed the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, which is itself an architectural marvel. Our place of stay for the next 3 nights was the Armenian Suite Hotel, located in the middle of the heritage Armenian Street.
The weather was rainy, and the intensity of the showers increased by the time we settled down in our room. So we decided to take some rest.
After an hour or so, we went out for dinner, and found the “Jetty Food Court” nearby. It was a nice place, with small stalls catering a variety of cuisine from all over the world. There was a live music performance, which was very refreshing after a tiring day.
Day 2 Morning:
Penang Hill:
The Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera, with its highest altitude of 833 meters above sea level, is a popular escapade from the sweltering heat of the plains. Located at a distance of around 8 KM from the Armenian Street, it was our first destination of the morning.
From the base station of Penang Hill, we took the Funicular Train. The inclined rail track runs through a lush forest, and the view through the glass panes of the train blew our mind away. This short journey to the Top station lasted for around 10 minutes.
As we walked out, we were greeted by a majestic panorama of the city and the sea-link below. There was green vegetation all around, and that added to the charisma of the magnificent vista. We strolled along the walkway; and came across a theme garden called “Little Village” and a restaurant “David Brown’s Hilltop Restaurant”. Then we reached an open area, where tourists were lazing around and kids playing jovially.
We found a flight of steps, which brought us to another open area with a Hindu temple, a church, and a mosque co-exiting side by side.
Ticket of Funicular Train: RM 36 for adults, RM 26 for children (both way journey).
Habitat Rainforest:
A major attraction at the top of the Penang Hill is the Habitat Rainforest, a pre-historic rainforest with an exciting 230 meter long canopy walk and a rich flora and fauna.
The highlight of the rainforest is the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, a circular walkway among the tall trees. The tree-walk has been constructed at a height of a four-storey building. We climbed up the steps to reach the walkway, which catered to a stunning 360 degree view of the entire surrounding.
We came across beautiful flowers, giant squirrels, dusky leaf monkeys, vividly coloured butterflies and unknown insects. It took us around one and half hours to cover the 1.6 KM nature trail.
If you are on a leisure tip to Penang (unlike us), you can easily spend half a day amidst nature in this eco-park.
Ticket: RM 60 for adults, RM 40 for children. Family combo of 2 adults & 2 children – RM 160.
Kek Lok Si Temple:
Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, and located around 2.5 KM from the Penang Hill Lower Station. Perched on top of a hill, the temple area is accessible either by a series of steep steps or by an inclined elevator.
The temple complex is dotted by a number of ornately decorated shrines & pagodas and beautifully landscaped gardens. We were mesmerized the intricately carved giant statue of the Goddess of Mercy, the idols of Chinese deities and mythological characters and the figures of various animals.
Ticket: RM 12 for the inclined elevator.
Day 2 Afternoon/ Evening:
Rapid Penang Bus Journey:
The plan for the second half was to visit Gurney Drive, Floating Mosque and Batu Ferringhi Beach, all located along the route of Bus Number 101. Every city we visit, we try to avail local public transport at-least once. And as I found in Google Maps, this bus journey is very convenient.
We decided to have lunch at the restaurant “Restoran Kapitan”. The bus stop also has the same name – Restoran Kapitan, the nearest from our hotel on the Armenian Street.
Bus 101 starts from Jeti (Weld Quay Jetty Bus Terminal), which is just one stop before Restoran Kapitan. So, the bus was mostly empty.
It took us a little more than half an hour to reach our first destination of the afternoon – the Floating Mosque.
Floating Mosque:
Masjid Terapung, popularly known as the Floating Mosque of Penang, is located on the shores of the Strait of Malacca, just 5 KM before the Batu Ferringhi Beach. The milky white mosque with blue domes provides a spectacular display of Islamic art and architecture. Standing on concrete pillars over water, the mosque seems to “float” during high tide.
When we alighted from the bus, it was drizzling. Soon a heavy rain lashed the entire area and we took refuge inside the mosque’s prayer room.
As the intensity of rain reduced, we moved towards the boundary of the mosque. Protruded over the water, we were mesmerized the beauty of the deep blue sea, with small fishing boats floating gently on the water.
Batu Ferringhi Beach:
The best time to visit the Batu Ferringhi Beach is during the sunset. The Sun here sets after 7 PM, and that meant the rain earlier in the day couldn’t play a spoilsport.
We reached Batu Ferringhi around 5.30 PM, and found a Starbucks outlet near the bus stop. We needed something hot to energize ourselves. So, after helping ourselves with some coffee, we headed straight to the beach and settled down on the velvety soft sand.
The Sun was still shining bright, and the beach was teeming with tourists enjoying a bath in the cool water or exploring different water sports or just relaxing under large umbrellas.
When the Sun started leaning towards the western horizon, we got up and started walking along the beach, with the gentle waves wetting our feet. The golden rays of the setting Sun against the backdrop of the small hillocks made the entire surrounding magical.
As it got dark, we exited the beach and chanced upon the Batu Ferringhi Night Market along the main road. It was lined with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes and electronic items. It was buzzing with people trying to get a good bargain. We purchased some snacks and waited for the bus to Gurney Drive. But with no bus in sight even after 15-20 minutes, we hailed a Grab cab.
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre:
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is an open air food court, lined with small stalls serving variety of food. The environment is lively, where foreigners and locals alike enjoy food served on small tables. We tried cuisines from different stalls, but felt that the quality and taste of food to be mediocre. We will surely give it a miss if we visit Penang again.
Day 3 Morning:
Esplanade River Walk, World War I Memorial and Town Hall:
The sky was cloudy when we woke up in the morning, and there was a forecast of rain. So, we freshened up quickly and booked a Grab cab for the Penang Town Hall. The plan was to reach quickly to the first spot and then walk back while exploring the places of interest.
The Penang Town Hall is a British era building in George Town. Now it serves as an office of the local government. It is located near the promenade along the sea shore, popularly known as the Esplanade Walkway. Another prominent landmark here is the War Memorial.
Fort Cornwallis and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower:
Fort Cornwallis was built in 1882, and is situated off the Esplanade Walkway. It was named after Charles Earl Cornwallis II, the then Governor-General of the British India. The remnants of the star-shaped fort now have a trimmed lawn in the middle, with a number of rooms along the periphery. There is also a lighthouse in the fort complex, as well as an array of bronze canons in their original shape.
Down the lane from the fort, we came to a crossroad, where stands the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. It was constructed in 1897 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s accession to the throne.
After a short photo stop near the clock tower, we continued with our walking tour of Georgetown. On the way, we came across the Sri Weld Food Court, with different stalls serving variety of breakfast items. After a quick bite of sandwich, toast and coffee, we started towards the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion:
The Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas, were a community of Chinese who resided along the Strait of Malacca. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a museum to showcase the tradition, culture, custom and artefacts of the community.
The building exhibits the luxurious lifestyle of the Peranakans in different rooms like the bedroom, drawing room, and kitchen. There are more than a thousand antiques on display, which include painting, furniture, flower vase, glass & ceramic work, metalware, gold ornament, doll and statue. As we strolled along the balconies, rooms and halls, we were engrossed by the specimens of exotic art throughout the length and breadth of the mansion.
Ticket: RM 25 for adults, RM 12 for children. The ticket price includes a guided tour of the mansion.
Little India:
The bustling Little India neighbourhood is mostly inhabited by the people of Indian origin, who have made Penang their home since the British era.
As we strolled down the narrow roads, we came across shops selling colourful dress, bangles, flowers, sweets and spices. Then there were lines of Indian and Pakistani restaurants that filled the air with a spicy aroma.
Armenian Street and Street Art:
The most visited and the most beautiful lane of George Town is the Armenian Street, where we were staying. This narrow road and the adjoining ones are lined with well preserved heritage buildings that date back to the British rule.
And not to forget the vibrant Street art, which has converted the area to an open art gallery. These include aesthetic wall painting, vivid murals and the metallic caricatures; and reflect the daily life of people of Penang. The most notable ones are – Kids on Bicycle, Old Motorcycle, Ah Quee etc.
The Clan Temples around Armenian Street:
Located in and around the Armenian Street are the Chinese Clan temples. The largest one is the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi. Other important ones are – Yap Kongsi Temple, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple.
There are several Chinese clans in Penang, and each has its own place of worship. The temples mainly consist of a centrally located pagoda, which is decorated by beautiful lanterns, idols of deities, carvings, wall paintings and murals.
Ticket: Only Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi has an entry fee of RM 15 for adults, RM 1 for children.
Day 3 Afternoon/ Evening:
Masjid Kapitan Keling:
After our morning exploration, we came back to our hotel for having bath and lunch. For lunch, we went towards Little India. On the way, we took a detour and passed by the graceful Masjid Kapitan Keling. The mosque was built Indian Muslim immigrants in the 19th century, and is the oldest mosque in Penang.
Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple:
After a yummy lunch at the Deen Claypot Biryani Restaurant, we hailed a Grab for the Wat Chaiya Mangalaram, located around 5 KM away. We moved away from the old heritage part of George Town and passed modern high-rises.
This Thai Buddhist Temple was originally constructed in the year 1900. Here, a beautiful golden statue of Lord Buddha reclines inside the main shrine. Around the sleeping Buddha, there are several other statues of the Lord, other deities and some mythical characters crafted to perfection.
We found the devotees offering prayers and lighting incense sticks, and the entire environ was very peaceful.
Dhammikarama Burmese Temple:
This Burmese Buddhist temple is located just opposite to the Wat Chaiya Mangalaram.
Spread across a large area, the temple compound has a number of shrines and prayer halls, with beautiful idols of Lord Buddha housed inside.
We wandered around the temple complex, appreciating the specimens of Burmese architecture. Then we took some rest in the nicely manicured garden, while the kids enjoyed running around the water bodies with turtles and colourful fishes inside.
Upside Down Museum:
Bored by the sightseeing since morning, the kids were craving for some excitement and enjoyment. So we went to visit the Upside Down Museum.
The ticket price included a tour of the museum and the friendly staff guided us from one room to another. Here all the items here are either hanging from the ceiling or attached to the walls. They advised us how and where to pose, took our phone and captured surreal photos and videos to create the impression that we are defying gravity and literally posing upside down.
The artistic and optical illusion created in the museum is bound to make you laugh – a welcoming change after a long tiring day.
Ticket: RM 36 for adults, RM 26 for children.
Clan Jetties of Penang:
Clan Jetties of Penang are small fishing villages along the waterfront, each jetty belonging to a separate Chinese clan. The biggest and most famous of them is the Chew Jetty. Other important ones are Lee Jetty, Tan Jetty, Lim Jetty etc.
All these jetties are characterized by a wooden walkway, with small huts on both sides, built on stilts over the sea water. Some of these houses have been converted into eateries, gift shops, ice cream parlours etc.
We ventured into the Chew Jetty, and walked down the wooden pier till we reached the open end. This place is amazing, with charming views of the Penang mainland and the connecting bridges.
The gift shops were selling their wares at a lower price compared to other places in Penang, and we purchased magnets, small handbags, purse, t-shirts from one of the shops.
Due to the higher footfall of tourists, only the Chew Jetty has imposed a strict visiting hours of 9 AM to 9 PM.
After coming out of Chew Jetty, we went to the Jetty Food Court, just across the road. There we had an early dinner and went back to our hotel.
Today was our last day in Penang. We retired early, as we had an early morning flight to catch for Langkawi.
Some useful information and tips:
How to reach George Town:
- By Air: Penang has its own international airport, and has regular flights to the major cities within the country. The city also has direct international connectivity to the neighbouring nations.
- By Train: You can avail the KTM Intercity train that runs from Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral station) or Ipoh to Penang Butterworth station. The tickets are available at the respective stations and also from the Official site: https://online.ktmb.com.my/Trip. Once you reach Butterworth, you can take a ferry to cross the sea link or take a Grab directly to your destination.
- By Bus: You can also travel by bus from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Cameron Highlands etc. The tickets can be purchased directly at the bus station or online from aggregators like RedBus, EasyBook, 12Go, CheckMyBus etc.
Private Taxi service from Kuala Lumpur to George Town:
We travelled from Kuala Lumpur to Penang by a private taxi. On the way, we explored a few places in and around the city of Ipoh.
For this entire journey, we availed the service of Mr. AD Chan (+60 105 099 313), which had cost us RM 700.
A soft-spoken gentleman, Mr. Chan drives a Perodua Alza minivan. He speaks nice English, and I would definitely recommend him if you are looking for a car rental for exploring Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Ipoh, Cameron Highlands etc.
Mode of transport within the city:
- Rapid Penang Bus: The Penang Island has a good network of bus routes and the ticket fare is also cheap.
- Grab taxis are available at every corner of Penang, and they arrive within minutes.
- Trishaws are 3-wheeled vehicles pulled by humans. We found them in and around the Armenian Street, and are a good mode of transport to explore the heritage zone.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit the entire West coast of Peninsular Malaysia is between November and March. During these months, the weather remains dry and sunny, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. It also coincides with popular festivals like Chinese New Year and Thaipusam.
The shoulder season is from April to June. The monsoons lash the area between July and October, which you should avoid.
We explored the West Coast of Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang and Malacca) from October 6 to October 16, when the monsoon was receding. So, we experienced mostly sunny weather, with occasional afternoon showers.
Review of Armenian Suite Hotel, where we stayed in George Town:
The Armenian Suite Hotel is a no frills hotel, and is located on the happening Armenian Street. Most of the local attractions of Georgetown are nearby. There are also a lot of food options around.
Our Deluxe Family Room was really big, but basic, with 2 large beds and a sofa. Compared to the size of the room, the capacity of the AC was low, and so the room was not getting cool easily.
This Family room is located on the terrace on the 3rd floor, and the building has no lift. Unfortunately, I had injured my leg during the trip and it was difficult for me to climb the stairs every time.
The Deluxe Family Room had cost us RM 144 per night.
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