Located near the northwest coast of Malaysia lies Penang- a modest-looking state that boasts an exotic cultural townscape unparalleled by others. Dubbed by both locals and tourists alike as the Pearl of the Orient, Georgetown (capital of Penang) was conferred as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
For travellers who are looking for an affordable, accessible getaway, bookmark Penang for your next vacation for it is culinary haven and a town steeped in history.
Here are the 10 activities you can do when you go Penang on your next visit!
#1 STREET ART HOPPING IN GEORGETOWN
It begun in 2012 when a young Lithuanian artist by the name of Ernest Zacharevic, painted mural art works as part of the Georgetown Festival festivities. His art piece gained a wide following, and instantly transformed the streetscape of Penang. Zacharevic’s mural works depicting the everyday life of Penangites (resident of Penang) injected a new breath of life into the old run down buildings that dotted the streets in Georgetown.
His street works have now sprung all over Georgetown and the next time you visit, be sure to take some photos with his now iconic masterpieces that have become such a hit for tourists.
#2 PENANG IS A STREET FOOD HAVEN
It is not without reason that Penang is hailed as a “culinary mecca”. Boasting an extraordinaire fanfare of local delights such as Char Kway Teow, Assam Laksa, Prawn Mee, Oyster Omelette, Bak Kut Teh and Grilled seafood, the streets of Penang are so diverse and there is bound to be something that will tantalize your taste buds.
If you are someone who loves food and gets hungry at all times of the day, the street food in Penang will not disappoint. There are local eateries and coffee shops tucked away at almost every corner junction, and food critics are scrambling to call Penang the town with the best street food in Asia.
#3 EXPLORE GURNEY
No trip to Penang is complete if you do not visit Gurney Drive, a long winding road that have hawkers peddling street food at affordable prices in both directions. Here, you can find a dazzling display of street food such as Chendol, Lok-Lok and wanton noodles…
A short distance away from Gurney drive is Gurney plaza, a shopping complex if you are looking for some retail therapy after all the eating. It boasts luxury and high-end outlets as well as affordable trendy stores for the youngsters that crowd the malls during the weekend. With shopping spanning 7 storeys, there is bound to be something for everyone.
Outside Gurney plaza is a quiet alfresco stretch that is flanked by cafes such as Starbucks and Dome. If you have a little time, you can consider sitting by one of the windowsills, latte in hand and watch as the world passes you by.
#4 KEK LOK SI TEMPLE
You can also plan a trip to the nearby sacred Buddhist temple of Kek Lok Si, otherwise known as the “Temple of Supreme Bliss” to get a viewing of the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. Royalty such as Empress Cixi was said to be so enamoured by its magnificence that she bestowed handwritten calligraphy scrolls to the temple celebrating its grandeur.
The main attraction in the temple include the Pagoda of Rama VI, which is a 7 story spectacular work inspired with elements from Thailand architecture as well as the bronze statue of Guan Yin.
Kek Lok Si Temple
11050 Georgetown
Penang, Malaysia
#5 CHEONG FATT TZE MANSION
There’s no better place than the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion to learn about some of the most prominent people who have lived and breathed Penang. This museum, which is also referred to as the Blue Mansion due to its blue exterior, has an interesting story behind.
Mr. Cheong, a rich Chinese merchant had intended this luxurious mansion as a gift for his wives. He had it built lavishly with a grand total of 38 rooms, at least 200 windows, and materials specially imported such as top grade Chinese timbre, gothic Louvered windows, as well as intricate floor titles all constructed according to the principles of Fengshui.
Admission to the blue mansion comes with a free-guided tour around the central places in the mansion, and is offered in English. If you are in the mood for a unique accommodation experience, you can also book one of their many rooms, some which has been converted into a boutique hotel.
14, Lebuh Leith
10200 Georgetown
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
#6 BATU FERRINGHI BEACH
If you do not like the hustle and bustle of towns, you can always escape to Batu Ferringhi beach, a pure slice of heaven that is catered for sun tanning beach lovers. It has sandy white beaches untainted with thrash, azure blue waters as well as palm trees that shroud the sidewalk.
Down by the beach, you can opt for a leisurely stroll and explore the many restaurants that line the area. Alternatively, if you are up for some adventure, you can rent their beach bikes and scour the entire area! There are also plenty of water activities to indulge in, such as parasailing, Jet Ski, and banana boat.
11050 Batu Ferringhi
Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
#7 CHECK OUT THE NIGHT MARKETS
As night falls, proceed to the night markets – affectionately known to us as Pasar Malams – and watch as the place comes to life as it is reinvigorated by the tourists that flock here in search for a good buy. Here, you can find an assortment of goods ranging from touristy memorabilia to imitation CDs.
Jalan Pantai Batu
Taman Pantai Batu
11200 Tanjong Bungah, Malaysia
#8 ESCAPE TO ESCAPE ADVENTURE LAND
A relatively new addition to Penang’s tourism scene is ESCAPE, an eco-friendly “amusement park” that promises no roller coasters, but plenty of adrenaline pumping rides such as flying fox and a miniature version of bungee jumping.
Some of the main attractions would be 1) Monkey Business, which is a 3 tiered high-elements maze consisting of lots of climbing, scaling and jumping; 2) Tubby Racer where you carry your “float” up to the highest point before ascending down the slopes in an exhilarating mess; 3) Jungle Swinger, where you do a Tarzan like swinging through the trees and also 4) Gecko Tower, a competitive contest where you have to scale the tower block and complete a series of challenges to emerge as the winner.
The most interesting aspect of ESCAPE is its emphasis on reconnecting with Mother Nature. Theme goers are encouraged to switch off their mobile phones and keep them inside their bags. The entire area is also superbly eco-friendly, with the toilets washed with collected rainwater and the food being served in biodegradable paper containers
ESCAPE Adventure Land
Jalan Teluk Bahang
11050 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
#9 PENANG HILL FOR ITS PEACE, SERENITY AND TRANQUILITY
Far away from the city centre is a cluster of hills collectively termed as Penang Hill. To get to the top of the hill, travellers would have to take the Funicular Railway, where they can get to enjoy the panoramic view of nature’s lush greenery along the way.
It is one of the few spots in Penang where you can escape to take a breather, and rejuvenate with nothing else but peace, serenity and tranquility.
#10 PENANG NATIONAL PARK – THE WORLD’S SMALLEST NATIONAL PARK
Teluk Bahang is the world’s smallest national park at only 2300 hectares, but do not let this fool you into thinking that is not a worthwhile place to visit. For many jungle trekkers, Penang national park is a beautiful romantic place that prides itself on having good terrain walks, an exotic turtle sanctuary, a monkey beach where primates scoot around unguarded, and even pools if you would like a cool respite.
About the writer:
A 23 year old looking at the world with fresh eyed wonder, Jane Lee has a deep appreciation (read: obsession) for bread, sweet potatoes and Harry Potter (cliched but true).
Woah Penang looks fun and tasty! Hahahah will bookmark that place thanks!!