Penang Travel Guide

The Malaysian island of Penang is every bit the tourist spot. Beaches? Check. Scenic attractions? Check. Places to eat? Check. Great shopping? Check. Delicious dining? Absolute check. In the capital of Georgetown alone, one day is not enough to see all there is to see. Aside from sightseeing and picture-taking, you can also swim, snorkel or dive at secluded beaches or take a jungle trek and camp in the reserve forest of Teluk Bahang. And, as mentioned, the food here is something to be celebrated. Indeed, Penang is a veritable tourist paradise.

Sights

In Georgetown begin your sightseeing with a visit to the magnificent religious structures along Burma Lane. These include the Wat Chayamangkalaram and the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple opposite it. The Goddess of Mercy Temple is the oldest in Penang and is intricately designed. Outside the capital, the must-see sights just keep coming. The Temple of Supreme Bliss with its Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower is definitely worth a visit. If you're up for a little challenge, you can hike up Penang Hill, whose summit offers the best view of Georgetown and gives you the chance to eat lunch, breathe cool crisp air and take pictures. Other family-friendly attractions that you should not miss are firefly watching at Sungai Kerian, the Penang Butterfly Farm and the Bukit Jambul Orchid, Hibiscus and Reptile Garden. Fort Cornwallis and Penang's surprisingly well-maintained Chinatown are also must-sees.

Dining

Considered the gastronomic hub of Malaysia, Penang has many specialties that you should sample, including Char Koay Teow, Penang Nasi Kandar and Penang Sar Hor Fun. For cheap but delicious fare, you should also try the hawker stalls found in Georgetown and Chinatown. Lebuh Kimberly, Lebuh Cintra and Jalan Penang also have a delicious selection of street food. For fine dining, the restaurants found in Georgetown's seaside resorts and five-star hotels offer great choices. There are also many eating establishments along Gurney Drive, although they can be a bit pricey.

Shopping

There are many malls and markets for shopping in Penang. You can get local handcrafts and batik at the Chowraster Bazaar in Jalan Penang, Georgetown's main shopping hub. You can also get souvenirs in the Pasar Malam, located along Batu Ferringhi. For mall shopping, head to Queensbay Mall, Gurney Plaza and Prangin Mall. The Midlands Park Center combines fun and shopping, with its own water theme park. If you're on a budget, Mydin Wholesale Emporium is the way to go.  

Where to Go in Penang