2-Day Local Family Adventure: Food, Sights & Outdoors in Penang

Penang, Malaysia

2 days

Kek Lok Si buddhist temple
Georgetown municipal council on Penang island
Kek Lok Si buddhist temple at sunset
Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah bridge
Rickshaw in front of Fatt Tze Mansion

About Penang, Malaysia

Discover the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes of Penang, Malaysia. Known as the "Pearl of the Orient", Penang offers a fusion of East and West in its architecture, food, and traditions. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, where colonial buildings stand alongside traditional Chinese shophouses. Savor the diverse street food, a delicious blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Visit the lush Penang Hill and the iconic Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Relax on Batu Ferringhi's sandy beaches or shop for local crafts at the bustling night market. Penang is a captivating mix of old and new, a place where every corner holds a surprise. Experience the warmth of its people, the beauty of its sights, and the taste of its world-renowned cuisine.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Georgetown's Heritage and Cuisine

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the vibrant and bustling Local Wet Market. Here, you can find a variety of fresh produce and local delicacies. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle.

Lunch

Enjoy a local Penang-style lunch. Try the famous Penang Assam Laksa, a tangy and spicy fish-based noodle soup, or Char Kway Teow, a popular stir-fried noodle dish.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown. Visit the Street Art Murals, Heritage Buildings, and Clan Jetties. Don't miss the chance to visit the Peranakan Mansion, a museum dedicated to Penang's Peranakan heritage.

Dinner

For dinner, head to one of the local hawker centers. These are open-air food courts offering a wide variety of local dishes. Try the Penang Rojak, a fruit and vegetable salad dish, or the Nasi Kandar, a meal of steamed rice and various curries.

Evening

End your day with a leisurely stroll along the Esplanade. Enjoy the cool sea breeze and the beautiful view of the Penang Bridge at night.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Penang Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the lush greenery and the peaceful surroundings. You might even spot some monkeys and other wildlife.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local seafood restaurant. Penang is known for its fresh and delicious seafood. Try the Chili Crab or the Butter Prawns.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Penang National Park. You can go hiking, bird watching, or visit the beautiful beaches. Don't forget to visit the Meromictic Lake and the Turtle Sanctuary.

Dinner

For dinner, enjoy a traditional Malay meal. Try the Rendang, a spicy meat dish, or the Nasi Lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Batu Ferringhi Night Market. Here, you can find a variety of local crafts, clothes, and souvenirs. It's a great place to experience the local night life.

Attractions in Itinerary (12)

Local Wet Market

1
Local Wet Market

A bustling market where locals buy fresh produce, meat, and seafood. It's also a great place to try local street food.

Shopping
Cultural Experiences
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown

2
UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown

A historic city with a wealth of preserved colonial buildings, temples, and mosques. It's known for its multicultural heritage and vibrant street art.

Attractions
Monuments
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Street Art Murals

3
Street Art Murals

These murals scattered across Georgetown provide a colorful and creative glimpse into local life and culture.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Heritage Buildings

4
Heritage Buildings

These buildings showcase Penang's rich architectural history, with styles ranging from colonial to Chinese and Indian influences.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Clan Jetties

5
Clan Jetties

These traditional settlements on stilts, inhabited by Chinese clans, offer a unique cultural experience.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Peranakan Mansion

6
Peranakan Mansion

A museum showcasing the opulent lifestyle and unique architecture of the Peranakans, a hybrid southeast Asian culture.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Esplanade

7
Esplanade

A seafront promenade offering stunning views of the Malacca Strait and featuring a historic fort and a war memorial.

Attractions
Parks
Landmarks
Penang Botanic Gardens

8
Penang Botanic Gardens

A public park featuring a wide variety of indigenous and exotic plant species.

Parks
Gardens
Penang National Park

9
Penang National Park

The smallest national park in the world, featuring diverse habitats, beautiful beaches, and hiking trails.

Parks
Attractions
Tours
Meromictic Lake

10
Meromictic Lake

A rare natural phenomenon where freshwater and seawater do not mix, creating distinct layers. It's located in Penang National Park.

Attractions
Parks
Nature
Turtle Sanctuary

11
Turtle Sanctuary

A conservation center located in Penang National Park that protects and rehabilitates endangered sea turtles.

Attractions
Parks
Nature
Batu Ferringhi Night Market

12
Batu Ferringhi Night Market

This bustling night market offers a wide variety of goods, from clothes and accessories to local food and souvenirs.

Attractions
Shopping
Food and Drink

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow

A popular noodle dish from Penang, Malaysia. It's stir-fried ricecake strips, typically served with shrimp, cockles, bean sprouts, and chives in a mix of soy sauce.

Assam Laksa

Assam Laksa

A sour, fish-based soup. It's a Peranakan cuisine, which is a blend of Chinese and Malay cooking styles, and is particularly famous in Penang.

Nasi Kandar

Nasi Kandar

A popular northern Malaysian dish, which originated from Penang. It is a meal of steamed rice and a variety of curries and side dishes.

Rojak

Rojak

A traditional fruit and vegetable salad dish commonly found in Penang. It's typically made using a mix of cucumber, pineapple, benkoang, bean sprouts, taupok and youtiao.

Cendol

Cendol

A sweet, cold dessert that's popular in Penang. It's made from green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, shaved ice, and palm sugar syrup.

Hokkien Mee

Hokkien Mee

A noodle soup dish that's popular in Penang. It's made with egg noodles and rice noodles, and served with a hot soup, often including shrimp and pork.

Satay

Satay

A popular dish in Penang, Satay is skewered and grilled meat, served with a peanut sauce. It's often sold by street vendors.

Otak-Otak

Otak-Otak

A grilled fish cake made of ground fish meat mixed with tapioca starch and spices. It is widely known across Southeast Asia, with Penang version being steamed.

Mee Goreng

Mee Goreng

A spicy fried noodle dish that's popular in Penang. It's typically made with yellow noodles, and can include meat, shrimp, and vegetables.

Roti Canai

Roti Canai

A type of Indian-influenced flatbread that's popular in Penang. It's often served with dal or other types of curry, but can also be eaten with sugar or condensed milk.

Teh Tarik

Teh Tarik

A popular hot milk tea beverage which can be commonly found in restaurants, outdoor stalls and kopi tiams throughout Penang. Its name is derived from the pouring process of 'pulling' the drink during preparation.

Ais Kacang

Ais Kacang

A colorful Malaysian dessert made of shaved ice, red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly and cubes of agar agar as the base, and topped with evaporated milk, palm sugar syrup, and brightly colored syrups.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Penang, Malaysia is between November and January. During these months, the weather is cooler and more pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city. This period also coincides with several festivals such as the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival and the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, providing tourists with a unique cultural experience. However, it's worth noting that this is also the peak tourist season, so attractions may be crowded and prices may be slightly higher.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day (regional holiday)

January 14

Sun

Birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Besar (Negeri Sembilan)

January 15

Mon

Birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Besar observed (Negeri Sembilan)

January 25

Thu

Thaipusam (regional holiday)

February 1

Thu

Federal Territory Day (regional holiday)

February 8

Thu

Isra and Mi'raj (regional holiday)

February 10

Sat

Lunar New Year's Day

February 11

Sun

Lunar New Year Holiday (regional holiday)

February 11

Sun

Second Day of Lunar New Year (regional holiday)

March 4

Mon

Anniversary of the Coronation of the Sultan of Terengganu (Terengganu)

March 12

Tue

First Day of Ramadan (regional holiday)

March 23

Sat

Birthday of the Sultan of Johor (Johor)

March 28

Thu

Nuzul Al-Quran (regional holiday)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday (regional holiday)

April 10

Wed

Hari Raya Puasa

April 11

Thu

Hari Raya Puasa Day 2

April 15

Mon

Declaration of Malacca as Historical City (Malacca)

April 26

Fri

Birthday of the Sultan of Terengganu (Terengganu)

May 1

Wed

Labour Day

May 17

Fri

Birthday of the Raja of Perlis (Perlis)

May 22

Wed

Wesak Day

May 22

Wed

Pahang State Holiday (Pahang)

May 30

Thu

Harvest Festival (regional holiday)

May 31

Fri

Second Day of Harvest Festival (regional holiday)

June 1

Sat

Gawai Dayak (Sarawak)

June 2

Sun

Gawai Dayak Holiday (Sarawak)

June 3

Mon

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday

June 3

Mon

Gawai Dayak Holiday observed (Sarawak)

June 16

Sun

Day of Arafat (regional holiday)

June 17

Mon

Hari Raya Haji

June 18

Tue

Hari Raya Haji (Day 2) (regional holiday)

June 30

Sun

Sultan of Kedah's Birthday (Kedah)

July 7

Sun

George Town World Heritage City Day (Penang)

July 7

Sun

Muharram/New Year

July 13

Sat

Penang Governor's Birthday (Penang)

July 22

Mon

Sarawak Independence Day (Sarawak)

July 30

Tue

Birthday of the Sultan of Pahang (Pahang)

August 11

Sun

Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Hol Day (Johor)

August 24

Sat

Birthday of the Governor of Malacca (Malacca)

August 31

Sat

Malaysia's National Day

September 16

Mon

The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

September 16

Mon

Malaysia Day

September 29

Sun

Birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan (Kelantan)

September 30

Mon

Birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan (Day 2) (Kelantan)

October 5

Sat

Birthday of the Governor of Sabah (Sabah)

October 12

Sat

Birthday of the Governor of Sarawak (Sarawak)

October 31

Thu

Diwali/Deepavali (regional holiday)

November 1

Fri

Birthday of the Sultan of Perak (Perak)

December 11

Wed

Birthday of the Sultan of Selangor (Selangor)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Rapid Penang is the main public bus service in Penang. It operates numerous routes throughout the island and mainland, connecting various towns, tourist spots, and shopping malls. Buses are air-conditioned and equipped with free Wi-Fi.

The Penang Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is a double-decker tourist bus service that covers most of the major attractions in Penang. It operates two routes: the City Route and the Beach Route. Passengers can hop on and off at any stop along the route.

Trishaws, also known as beca, are a traditional mode of transport in Penang. They are three-wheeled human-powered vehicles that can carry up to two passengers. Trishaw rides are a fun and leisurely way to explore the streets of George Town.

Taxis are widely available in Penang. They can be hailed from the street, booked through a hotel, or called directly. Most taxis do not use meters, so it's advisable to negotiate the fare before starting the journey.

Ridesharing services like Grab are popular in Penang. They offer a convenient and affordable way to get around. You can book a ride using the app on your smartphone, and the fare is usually cheaper than a taxi.

The Penang Ferry Service is the oldest ferry service in Malaysia. It operates between the city of George Town on Penang Island and Butterworth on the mainland. The ferry carries both passengers and vehicles, and offers scenic views of the Penang Strait.

Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore Penang at your own pace. There are several car rental companies in Penang offering a wide range of vehicles. Remember to bring your international driving license.

Bicycles are a popular mode of transport in Penang, especially in George Town. There are several places where you can rent a bicycle for a day or longer. Some areas in George Town are pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on a bike.

Motorcycles are also available for rent in Penang. They are a convenient way to get around, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Remember to wear a helmet and follow the local traffic rules.

The Penang Hill Funicular Railway is a fun way to reach the top of Penang Hill. The journey offers panoramic views of the island. At the top, you can enjoy a cool climate and visit various attractions like the Owl Museum and The Habitat.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

CurrencyRM MYR

Time zoneUTC+8

Driving sideLeft

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 999; Fire: 994; Police: 999

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type G

Voltage240 V

Things to know about Penang, Malaysia as a first time visitor

1

Penang is a state in Malaysia that is divided into two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula.

2

The official language is Malay, but English is widely spoken and understood, especially in tourist areas.

3

The currency used is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's a good idea to carry some cash for small vendors and street food stalls.

4

Penang is known as the 'Food Capital of Malaysia' and is famous for its street food. Don't miss trying local dishes like Char Kway Teow, Penang Laksa, and Nasi Kandar.

5

The weather in Penang is tropical and humid throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C).

6

The best time to visit Penang is during the dry season, which is from December to March.

7

Penang is one hour ahead of GMT (GMT+8).

8

Taxis and Grab (similar to Uber) are the most common ways to get around. There is also a public bus service, Rapid Penang, that covers most of the island.

9

Penang is a multicultural city with a diverse mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Respect for local customs and traditions is appreciated.

10

The tap water in Penang is generally safe to drink, but most tourists prefer to drink bottled water.

11

Penang is generally safe for tourists, but as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

12

The standard voltage in Malaysia is 240V and the frequency is 50Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type G, which is the same as in the UK.

13

Penang has a sales tax of 6%, which is usually included in the price of goods and services.

14

Tipping is not customary in Penang, but it is appreciated, especially in restaurants and hotels.

15

Penang has a tropical rainforest climate, so it's a good idea to carry a raincoat or umbrella, especially during the monsoon season from April to November.

16

Penang is known for its vibrant street art, particularly in George Town. Keep an eye out for murals and installations as you explore.

17

If you're planning to visit religious sites, remember to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering a mosque or temple.

18

Penang has a no-smoking rule in all eateries, air-conditioned hotels and public places. Violators can be fined up to RM10,000 or face two years’ jail.

19

Penang is a shopper's paradise, with everything from modern shopping malls to traditional markets. Remember to bargain in markets to get the best price.

20

Healthcare in Penang is of a high standard. However, it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Basic Malay to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hai

Hi

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Selamat tinggal

Se-la-mat ting-gal

Leaving or saying goodbye to someone

Please

Tolong

To-long

Making a request

Thank you

Terima kasih

Te-ri-ma ka-sih

Expressing gratitude

You're welcome

Sama-sama

Sa-ma sa-ma

Responding to someone who thanked you

Excuse me

Maaf

Ma-af

Getting attention/ apologizing

Yes

Ya

Ya

Agreeing or confirming

No

Tidak

Ti-dak

Disagreeing or denying

I don't understand

Saya tidak faham

Sa-ya ti-dak fa-ham

When you don't understand what was said

Do you speak English?

Bolehkah anda bercakap dalam Bahasa Inggeris?

Bo-leh-kah an-da ber-ca-kap da-lam Ba-ha-sa Ing-ge-ris?

Asking if someone speaks English

I'm sorry

Maaf

Ma-af

Apologizing

Where is the bathroom?

Di manakah tandas?

Di ma-na-kah tan-das?

Asking for the location of the bathroom

How much does this cost?

Berapa harga ini?

Be-ra-pa har-ga i-ni?

Asking the price of something

I would like to order

Saya mahu memesan

Sa-ya ma-hu me-me-san

Ordering food or drink

Help!

Tolong!

To-long!

In an emergency or needing assistance

Can I have the bill, please?

Boleh saya minta bil?

Bo-leh sa-ya min-ta bil?

Asking for the bill in a restaurant

Where is...?

Di mana...?

Di ma-na...?

Asking for directions

Water

Air

Ai-r

Asking for water

Food

Makanan

Ma-ka-nan

Talking about food

Good morning

Selamat pagi

Se-la-mat pa-gi

Greeting someone in the morning

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Swimwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Flip flops

  • Hat

  • Sunglasses

  • Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • First-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers

  • Prescription medications

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or other ID

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and car rental reservations

  • Emergency contacts and important addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Universal power adapter

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Headphones

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Snacks

  • Bottled water

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel guidebook for Penang

  • Reusable shopping bag

  • Umbrella or raincoat

Weather Conditions

When planning a trip to Penang, Malaysia, it's important to consider the tropical climate. The weather here is warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures typically ranging from 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C). Penang experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the monsoon season. The dry season, from December to March, is the best time to visit if you want to avoid heavy rainfall. However, even during this period, brief showers are common in the afternoon, so it's always a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat. The monsoon season, from April to November, brings heavy rainfall, especially in September and October. If you're planning to visit during these months, be prepared for sudden downpours and potential flooding in some areas. Despite the rain, the temperatures remain warm, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Regardless of when you visit, it's important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun. The UV index in Penang can be high, so don't forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Also, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Lastly, if you're planning to explore Penang's beautiful outdoor attractions like Penang Hill or the National Park, it's advisable to start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat and potential rain showers. Enjoy your trip to Penang, and stay safe!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

32° / 23°

January is a great time to visit Penang, with temperatures ranging from a low of 23°C to a high of 32°C. The weather is typically warm and humid, perfect for exploring the city's attractions.

February

33° / 23°

February is slightly hotter than January, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 33°C. It's a great time to hit the beach or enjoy outdoor activities.

March

34° / 24°

March sees temperatures ranging from 24°C to 34°C. It's a great time to explore Penang's natural beauty, but do remember to stay hydrated.

April

34° / 24°

April is similar to March, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 34°C. It's a great time to visit, but do remember to carry sun protection.

May

34° / 24°

May is a warm month with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 34°C. It's a great time to explore the city's cultural heritage and try local cuisine.

June

33° / 24°

June sees temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C. It's a good time to visit, but do remember to carry an umbrella as it's the start of the rainy season.

July

33° / 24°

July is similar to June, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C. It's a good time to visit, but do remember to carry an umbrella as it's the rainy season.

August

33° / 24°

August sees temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C. It's a good time to visit, but do remember to carry an umbrella as it's the rainy season.

September

32° / 24°

September sees temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. It's a good time to visit, but do remember to carry an umbrella as it's the rainy season.

October

32° / 24°

October is similar to September, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. It's a good time to visit, but do remember to carry an umbrella as it's the rainy season.

November

32° / 23°

November sees temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C. It's a good time to visit, but do remember to carry an umbrella as it's the rainy season.

December

32° / 23°

December is a great time to visit Penang, with temperatures ranging from a low of 23°C to a high of 32°C. The weather is typically warm and humid, perfect for exploring the city's attractions.

Did you know?

Did you know that Penang, Malaysia is known as the 'Pearl of the Orient' due to its rich cultural heritage?

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