It never came to mind to travel to Penang. But ever since I learnt that Penang was modelled after Singapore during a walking tour in KL, it piqued my interest. Besides, what’s not to love about visiting the street food capital of Malaysia, right?

7 Things to do in Penang (in 4 days)

1. EAT

Penang is famous for its street food. Expect a variety of cuisines, given its multicultural society. Must-try dishes include Char Kway Teow, Curry Mee, Hokkien Mee, Asam Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Kandar, and so much more! Even the cafe food here was tasty.

Bee Hwa Cafe

Bee Hwa is a halal Chinese restaurant established in 1992 and is located directly opposite the Penang Police Contingent Headquarters and across Chowrasta Market.

If I could only eat at one place in Penang forever, this place would be it. It is an unassuming shop, and the interior looks basic, but it is popular with both locals and tourists alike.

Try the Curry Mee, Char Kway Teow, and Hokkien mee. It cost about 33rm including three drinks. The soup-based meals will be served with a spoon of chili paste. We thought it would be spicy so we didn’t add it in, but the staff made sure we mixed it all in the soup. Turned out that was the highlight of the dish, and it wasn’t actually spicy, and made the broth much richer.

Address: 10, Lebuh Dickens, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7 am – 3 pm (closed on Sundays)

Sup Hameed

Sup Hameed is well known for sup ekor (oxtail soup), sup kambing (mutton soup), and sup torpedo (cow’s penis soup). It’s actually super rare to get this soup in Singapore, and it is difficult to cook it properly without the gamey smell and greasiness.

You can mix the ingredients in the same soup, and the bowl came with bread to dip in the soup. For someone who is not a fan, I was actually satisfied with the taste of the broth, especially with the non-existent meat smell. I think the main branch opens all day, so you could get breakfast and supper at the same place!

Address: 48, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Opening hours: 24 hours

Lagenda House & Cafe

Honestly did not expect much from this restaurant, but the taste and ambience were exquisite. The moment you enter the restaurant, you will be greeted with the warm melody of P. Ramlee tunes, themed walls that highlight his works and a wall mural of the man himself. The table was decorated in a traditional manner with a candle to keep it cosy.

The menu had a lot of P. Ramlee inspired dishes like Nasi Goreng Bujang Lapok and Ayam Percik Madu Tiga (IYKYK). The way they plated the food and condiments at this Muslim-owned restaurant had similar vibes to fine dining, as traditional Malay cuisine and Western-fusion meet. The Kerabu seafood and fried banana dessert tasted great here! We spent about 140rm for three pax.

Do make reservations, which can be done on the same day, because the place is always full, and walk-ins were usually kept on waitlist. It is a hot place since it is located right at the heart of Chulia Street Night Market.

Tip: Check out The Table Penang too if you have the stomach for it. Heard the place is tasty too, but I was too full.

Address: 2, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Opening hours: 11 am – 11 pm daily

Rumah Kacha

Rumah Kacha (literally means Glass House) is a halal glasshouse cafe which serves tasty fusion dishes. The aesthetics of the nature and wood decor makes the cafe ambience cosy and is right up your alley to take OOTD shots.

The staff were also friendly. We tried the Squid Ink Seafood Tomyum Pasta, their signature Lemak Chili Padi Pasta and Grilled Chicken. The drinks were served in a big cup, so it was a satisfying meal.

Tip: Visit the cafe on a Sunday, when the Sunday Pop-up Market occurs. The area becomes lively with handmade goods, more food stalls, and even live music.

Address: Hin Bus Depot, 31a Jalan Gurdwara, Penang, Malaysia 10300

Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 11.30AM-9.30PM (closed on Mon)

Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear

Ticked the food list with an all clear for Nasi Kandar!

Address: Beside 161 & 177 Penang Road, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operating Hour: 24 hours

Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng

We were too lazy to visit the food court that sold this famous fried noodle, so we used GrabFood. The stall is well known for mee goreng mamak, with additional ingredients that you don’t typically see in a mee goreng. This includes sambal sotong (squid marinated in sambal sauce that is more sweet than spicy), potato and tahu (fried tofu).

It was not my cup of tea, or in this case, cup of mee, because it tasted sweet for a savoury dish. The mee goreng was 6.50rm, with additional delivery fee of 2rm.

Address: 102-H-19, New World Park, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operating hour: 9am – 6pm daily (closed on Mon)

Ah Basri Asian Satay

Was in the mood for satay, and by coincidence Ah Basri Asian Satay was nearby the thrift store that we wanted to check out. We were the only ones there for a late lunch. The cool thing about this place is that we get to try a variety of meat.

This includes chicken, beef, duck, horse, rabbit, lamb, ostrich, deer, prawn, calamari, tripe (stomach). The chicken meat ranges from black pepper to tandoori to normal grilled flavour. The texture of the individual meat is all different. For example, some meat is tougher, while others, chewier. We bought one stick of each to try. I wouldn’t recommend getting the prawn or calamari.

The satay sauce was not rich like the usual peanut sauce, and it tasted average. We spent about 100rm for an assortment of satay, drinks, and a nasi arab set.

I wouldn’t say it was the best satay place I’ve ever had, but it was interesting.

Tip: If you are not a fan of trying various meat but is interested in eating lots of meat, try exploring Satay MamaMia, which is a satay buffet located in the same area. Perfect for satay lovers!

Address: 303, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Krystal Point Corporate Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm

More by Arang Coffee (Halal)

People recommended to try out The Awesome Threesome, which is an open sandwich set. It tasted average to be honest (only 1 out of the 3 flavours tasted great to us), but the drinks here were not too bad. Online guides also recommended to try Signature Ink Pasta with King Prawns and Squid.

We paid about 97rm for a soup, the sandwich set, sweet potato fries, chocolate tart cake, frappe and chai latte. Overall, I would give this place a miss, comparing it to other cafes which had cooler vibes and menu situated in better locations in Penang.

Tip: Walk over to the Jawi Peranakan Mansion for photos!

Address: 170G-2 Livingston Tower Argyll Road, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operating Hours: 9am – 10pm

Do note that food in Penang is not automatically halal. There seems to be Chinese-owned establishments in Georgetown. Not all cafes are halal either as they sell alcohol and some do sell bacon and tiramisu etc.

Here are other recommendations that I believe would also taste good judging from whatever I’ve tasted so far:

• Sri Weld Nasi Lemak (Breakfast)
• Roti Canai Jalan Argyll (Breakfast)
• Roti Canai Transfer Road (Breakfast)
• Restoran Kapitan (Tandoori Chicken)
• Hameediyah Restaurant (Nasi Kandar)
• Jawi House Cafe Gallery (Malaysian & Jawi Peranakan food)
• Kota Dine & Coffee (Fusion food)
• Nasi 7 Benua (7 types of rice)

2. Thrift

Thrifting is quite common in Malaysia in general, and you can always find booths or thrift shops. However, you really need to look deep and know your vintage to shop well.

555 Thrift Penang

Doubt?

3. Dessert

We can’t really help it when it comes to the second stomach for dessert, right?

Cendol

Ais Tingkap

Address: 2, Lebuh Tamil, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Uncle Lim Poh Piah

We bought a piece (1pcs is 1.30rm) to taste the kacang tumbuk (peanut barley candy), and we were sold. It tasted light, crunchy, and fresh, and melts in your mouth. We immediately bought a few more to bring back home.

Address: 437, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Air Batu Kepal

Ciao Gelato | Penang

Pretty cool to find out the owner graduated and trained as a pharmacist in the UK previously, so we can be rest assured that this is pleasure without the guilt!

Address: 171-A, Lebuh Victoria, Street, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie

The bakery is a French patisserie run by a young French-Penang husband-and-wife team. We sat in front of the kitchen so we could see them preparing and baking with utmost focus. The bread was flaky and soft, and we also got some choc-dipped madeleines.

The drinks were cute as well. It had a warm and beautiful vibe, which made the experience enjoyable. They also provide self-served water.

Address: 19, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

4. Markets & Fairs

Chowrasta Market

My mum loved this market so much we went twice, and she bought more items on the second visit.

Like all markets, you can expect to find both wet and dry goods as well as food. The market has two levels and also extends outdoor. There were produce, meat, fruits, nostalgic tidbits, and even household shops. We even bought a steamer!

Interestingly, the famous Penang White Coffee here is sold a lot cheaper than at the supermarkets (13rm vs 18rm), so we bought a lot.

Check out Pots Kitchenware for kitchenware located at the nearby shophouse, which sold some cute plates too.

Adress: Lot 124, Jln Penang, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Jeruk Madu Pak Ali

The queue is always long for this shop with most customers buying things in full baskets, but it moves quickly.

Address: 36 2, Lebuh Tamil, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Hin Bus Depot Sunday Pop-up Market 

The pop-up market was actually a lot livelier than I expected. We were greeted with a beautiful and thought-provoking art exhibit indoor, and then live band outdoors! You could buy some drinks and then chill at the old-school seats to enjoy the music.

The weekend market felt very original, in the sense that there were many handmade items, and designs by local artists up for sale. There were also lots of plants and vintage clothes booths spread around the old bus depot, and mini pop-up restaurants selling their signature dishes. Expect homemade snacks like cakes and tarts, pana puri, ice cream and more. We even spotted a coffee car!

Note: The weekend market only opens on Sundays.

Address: 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Pesta Pulau Pinang

There will sometimes be carnivals in Penang, especially year-end. The locals would visit Pesta Pulau Pinang, a mega carnival located at Tapak Pesta Sungai Nibong. It is a bit far out from the city centre, but it boasts fun fair rides, carnival games, food, shopping, and live music from well-known Malaysian acts every night! The singers really not bad (Tomok, Ramli Sarip, Zamani etc).

Address: 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

5. Photos

Penang Street Art

There are murals everywhere, so you could just roam around the streets in Georgetown and you will spot them!

The most popular one was the Little Children on a Bicycle along Armenian Street. The only one that was a bit further was the “Fisherman” mural at Lorong Stewart. There were so many cute ones at random locations, including Love Ln, Lbh Armenian, Penang Little India, Chulia St, and Cannon St and more.

Jawi Peranakan Mansion

6. Wonders at Sea

Chew Jetty

The Chew Jetty is one of six wooden clan jetties in Georgetown, and it is backed with history and traditions. The Chew Jetty is a waterside village that is entirely on wooden stilts along an unexpectedly narrow walkway. There are residents still staying in the houses, and a glimpse of it reminded me of a kampong house. There is also a small shrine at the entrance of the Jetty.

It takes about 10 minutes to walk straight down the end of the jetty, where you can take a boat ride for a fee. Along the path, there are also shops that sell the slushies, the shaved ice ball I was talking about and handmade crafts. We visited in the evening, so most shops were already closed and the residents were already relaxing at home. The sea view was still good though.

Note: There is no shelter if it starts raining at the Jetty.

Tip: Explore the other seven clan jetties, like Tan Jetty which had a concrete walkway out to the sea, so you can take Insta-worthy shots, especially during sunset.

Address: Pengkalan Weld, 59A, Chew Jetty 10300 George Town Penang

Batu Ferringhi Beach & Pasar Malam Batu Feringghi

You can enjoy a long stretch of the coastal beach, accompanied by hotels, restaurants, and food stalls. I think you could also do water sport activities and there is a horse ride available. At night, the street will turn into a night market with roadside shops selling souvenirs, food and more till late night.

Honestly, I have seen both positive and negative reviews about this area, so it is up to your own discretion.

Address: Jalan Pantai Batu, Taman Pantai Batu, 11200 Tanjong Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

7. Shopping Malls

1st Avenue Mall

The mall was located right beside our hotel, so it was easy to buy some necessities that can only be bought in Malaysia (Tealive, I’m looking at you!) There were familiar stores like Guardian, and also a department store where my brother bought clothes.

At the time we were there, Guardian had a Kundal sale, where you can get a pack of Stray Kids photocards for each Kundal item. The staff were super nice about it. In less than 24 hours, the box that was full of photocards were scooped up by fans, and I only managed to get four sets.

We also ate at Da Seo Korean Food to satisfy our cravings.

The only thing I dislike was how people are inconsiderate when using the lifts. But that is something that is universal in any part of Malaysia and around the world, unfortunately.

Address: 182, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Queensbay Mall

This mall was absolutely huge! A modern, 5-storey mall with local and international brands, it felt even more huge than the malls in Australia and Singapore. There’s even indoor street basketball courts and a cinema and more. The size and offerings feel similar to Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Bahru.

There is huge food court at the highest floor. We were a bit confused if all the shops were halal or not, so we asked around. It is something like Bagus, where the whole food court is halal, but there is no halal certification required for the shops, though some of them do display a halal certificate. The food was average, but it was all good.

Note: The mall is about a 20-minute drive away from Georgetown.

Address: Queensbay Mall, 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

ICT Digital Mall @ Komtar & Prangin Mall

These two malls are across one another, and they have a bridge connecting them. My verdict is that if you are not looking for electronics, mobile phones or general unbranded goods (like clothes, toys, luggage, cosmetics etc), then it not worth your time visiting the mall.

The malls are also old and confusing to navigate as well.

8. Nature

My trip did not cover sightseeing, but here are some places to appreciate nature:

• Penang Hill
• Teluk Bahang Dam
• Cat Beach Sanctuary
• Audi Dream Farm
• Bao Sheng Durian Farm (宝盛园/宝盛园民宿)
• Chin Farm Waterfall

What’s your itinerary?

By now, you should probably be a little bit convinced to visit Penang, so you may ask how many days do you need in Penang?

To answer your question on how long to stay in Penang, here is my trip itinerary. Personally felt that four days is just nice to explore the main city centre, Georgetown, plus a little bit on the outskirts.

Day	Activity
1 Sun, 3 Dec	Hin Bus Depot
	Rumah Kacha
	555 Thrift Penang
	1st Avenue Mall
	ICT Digital Mall @ Komtar Prangin Mall
	Street Art – “Fisherman” mural Love Ln Lbh Armenian Penang Little India Chulia St Penang Street Art Cannon St Street Art – I want Bao
	Ciao Gelato | Penang
	Chew Jetty
2 Mon, 4 Dec	Sup Hameed
	Chowrasta Market Jeruk Madu Pak Ali
	Ais Tingkap
	Doubt?
	Ah Basri Asian Satay
	Queensbay Mall
3 Tues, 5 Dec	Bee Hwa Cafe
	More by Arang Coffee (Halal)
	Jawi Peranakan Mansion
	Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng (Grab)
	Lagenda House & Cafe
4 Wed, 6 Dec	Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear
	La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie

Where should I stay in Penang?

It depends on your trip objective. If you are looking at exploring the culture, seeing heritage sites, do hip things, it would be better to stay in Georgetown.

I stayed at the JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La, which had great service, including renting a wheelchair for free throughout your stay. The hotel had a relaxed lobby with a vending machine, pool tables, and a restaurant and bar. It is also near some tourist attractions.

If your trip is geared towards relaxing and enjoying the scenery, an option would be Batu Ferringhi, which is on the other side of the island, and where there are more plantations, beaches, and resorts.

How do I visit Penang from Singapore?

How do I get around?

To get around Georgetown, I think you could easily walk depending on your accommodation. Otherwise, taking a Grab is quite affordable too, but expect some traffic jams at certain roads in Georgetown. There are a lot of alley and small roads, so you can reduce your walks by renting a bicycle or the electric scooter. It is quite popular at the murals area.

There are really a lot of things to uncover in Penang and this is only a tip of the iceberg. We have not even explored Penang on the mainland (heard there is a huge outlet mall).

Hopefully this helps you determine if Penang is worth a visit. Do share your recommendations for Penang too!