Penang: Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🏙️ Penang Travel Guide | Attractions + Food + Transportation
Penang boasts not only historical architecture and street art, but also a wealth of delicious food. The relaxed pace of life here is perfect for strolling, eating, and taking photos.
📍 Penang must-see attractions
1. George Town
- Features : A world cultural heritage site, it retains many colonial buildings.
- Editor’s guide : There are painted walls, iron sculptures and nostalgic streets everywhere, which is a must-see for Instagram.
2. Penang Hill
- Features : Take the cable car up the mountain and overlook the beautiful scenery of Penang.
- Editor's note : It is recommended to go in the evening or at night, the night view is super romantic.
3. Kek Lok Si Temple
- Features : The largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, integrating Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture.
- Editor's must-take photo : Thousands of lanterns will be lit up during the Lunar New Year, creating a spectacular atmosphere.
4. Penang Street Art
- Features : The most famous mural is created by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic.
- Editor's Recommendation : Be sure to check out the "Sister and Brother Ride" and "Children's Swing" rides!
5. Pinang Peranakan Mansion
- Features : A mansion museum showcasing Nyonya culture, a testament to the fusion of Chinese and Malay cultures.
6. Penang Beach (Batu Ferringhi)
- Features : Penang's most famous holiday beach, where you can enjoy water activities and also have a night market.
🍴 Penang’s must-try food
| gourmet food | Reasons for recommendation |
|---|---|
| Penang Prawn Noodles (Hokkien Mee) | The noodle soup is based on shrimp broth, and the broth is rich and delicious. |
| Penang Assam Laksa | Hot and Sour Fish Soup Rice Noodles was rated as one of the best foods in the world by CNN. |
| Char Kway Teow | The wok is full of flavor, and the shrimp and sausage are super fragrant. |
| Penang White Curry Mee | It features a rich coconut milk broth with adjustable spiciness. |
| Nasi Lemak | A representative Malaysian delicacy, served with chili sauce, peanuts and dried fish. |
| Cendol | This ice dessert made of coconut milk, black sugar syrup and green vermicelli is a must-try to beat the summer heat. |
| Nyonya Kuih | Colorful little cakes, sweet but not greasy. |
🚆 Penang Transportation Guide
1. How to get to Penang
- Flight : Kuala Lumpur → Penang International Airport, approximately 1 hour.
- Train + Ferry : Take the KTM train from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth, then take the ferry to George Town.
2. Urban transportation
- Walking in George Town : The attractions are concentrated here, so it’s best to take photos while walking.
- Bus (Rapid Penang) : Covers major attractions and has cheap fares.
- Grab (ride-sharing app) : convenient and affordable, especially at night or when traveling with a group.
- Bicycles/Electric bikes : They are available for rent in the city, and it’s fun to ride one to see the street art.
💡 My personal 3-day, 2-night itinerary suggestion
Day 1
Arrival → George Town Street Art Tour → Nyonya Museum → Dinner: Fried Kway Teow → Overnight in George Town
Day 2
Breakfast: Nasi Lemak → Kek Lok Si Temple → Penang Hill for a scenic view → Afternoon tea: Cendol → Evening: Batu Ferringhi Beach Night Market
Day 3
Breakfast: White Curry Noodles → Souvenir shopping at Central Market → Lunch: Penang Laksa → Return to the airport
💬Editor 's ramblings <br>Penang is a "foodie paradise + cultural treasure trove" for me! Walking the streets of George Town, there's a surprise around every corner, whether it's a mural or a snack. And the food here is truly incredible. I could eat three days and three nights straight of char kway teow and Penang laksa alone 🤤.
