5 Things to do in Penang

Penang is an island state in north-west Malaysia and is as cultural as it is beautiful.
The eye-catching capital George Town is well worth a visit during your travels in South East Asia for the views, arts, and world famous food! Enjoy the diverse and vibrant ethnicities, religion, culture, landscape and flavours that make Penang so memorable.
Here are my top 5 do-not-miss moments for making the most of travel in Penang:

George Town from my hotel window

 1. Penang Hill

As the highest point in Penang, this is the best place to take in the stunning views of the capital city George Town. The only way up to the top is a short train ride- foreigners pay more but the student rate is only RM15. Once you're at the top there are loads of extra-cost activities like a rainforest walk or owl museum. I found just exploring and looking at the city views was more than enough entertainment.

George Town hides behind the lush green rainforest on Penang Hill

A boardwalk of love heart locks is one of the many extra attractions to see on the hill

2. Find the Street Art

My favourite thing to do in Penang was to wander the quirky colonial streets of George Town hunting for the more creative street art. There are loads of different paintings and cartoons to find scattered around the city. Some are even 3D and allow you to sit in and be a part of the art. Plenty of photo opportunities! Ask for a map to make sure you can find the best ones.

 If you really want to go all out, consider hiring one of the eccentric 4-person bikes. It makes light work to find the artworks and the journey is far more entertaining than walking-- but it's not exactly subtle!

These tour bikes are available for hire in the main street art area

3. Eat, eat and eat

This is what Penang is known for. A trip there is worthwhile just for the food alone.
I was lucky enough to have a Malaysian friend travel with me and order all my food from the best hidden places.

If you don't happen to have a local guide- get some inspiration and ideas of where to find the tastiest hawker food from one of these guides:

danielfooddiary.com/2014/08/21/penangfood/ 

misstamchiak.com/10-must-try-hawker-food-in-penang/ 

gopenang.my/top-food-in-penang/
timeout.com/penang/50-things-to-do/food-drink 

Do not settle for standard restaurant food- there are amazing flavours to be found!

My favourite noodle dish perfected in Penang

4. Kek Lok Si Temple

This stunning temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Malaysia. It's quiet, colourful and extensive. Spend about at least an hour walking around and taking in all Kek Lok Si has to offer.

5. Keep on exploring!

There's plenty more to find in Penang or onwards if you have the time. There are heaps of nearby islands to discover. I caught a 3 hour ferry to Langkawi Island and spend a few days soaking up the sun. Head to one of the tour companies at the dock to book your next destination!

Enjoying the pristine beaches in Langkawi

I travelled to Penang in July staying 2 night sin George Town and 3 nights on Langkawi Island. This is from my 4th trip to South East Asia. Check out some of my other posts on the right and subscribe to my posts to keep reading my next adventures!

Most of my posts are from a 5-month trip to Southern Africa, check out my blog HERE.