Penang

Introduction

I've always wanted to visit Penang and I finally got the chance. Penang is known for great food and the city delivered on that. I ate my way through the whole city and everything was so flavorful and cheap - I would honestly come back just to eat!

Make sure to get some cash out of the ATM and some change for coins. I found that restaurants, stalls and merchants mostly relied on cash. For the bus, you’ll want to make sure you have exact change in cash since the drivers don’t carry change. The fare is distance based, so the further you go the further you pay. The most common amounts I was charged was MYR 1.40/2/2.40/2.80/3.40, so ideally you’ll have coins readily available. When you get on the bus, tell the driver which stop you’ll be getting off and they'll tell you the cost.

The city center is walkable (to a certain extent) and there is also a free bus system within the city center (CAT). I would tread carefully on the sidewalks since sometimes there wasn’t one and the cars drive really fast, but just apply your common sense.

When you get food from a restaurant or a hawker stall, it’s common for you to place your order first, take a seat, and then pay when your order is delivered. Also, it’s common for people from other stalls to ask if you want drinks and you pay as each item hits the table vs. all at the end. It’s an interesting way of dining and did throw me off but I got used to it!

Penang is a great city that should be on your list to visit. Until next time!

*** bolded = highly recommended

food

Chulia Street Hawker Food - a small stretch of hawker stalls, all with great options.
Hameed Pata Mee Sotong
Village Fish Head Bee Hoon - very yummy tom yum, I got it with the fried fish. One of the better places I’ve tried!
Penang Road Famous Laksa
Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow
Toh Soon Cafe - place was kind of crowded for a menu that is very basic, but the kaya toast was tasty.
Sister Yao's Char Koay Kak
Sri Weld Food Market

Attractions

Cheong Fatt Tze (The Blue Mansion) - very beautiful exterior but felt too lazy to pay for the tour.
Georgetown UNESCO Historic Site
Penang Street Art
Padang Kota Lama (Esplanade)
Fort Cornwallis
Chew Jetty - not much is here but it’s cool to see all the houses close together on the pier.
Chowrasta Market

Nature

Penang National Park (hike to Turtle Beach) - very easy day trip from the city center. You can take the bus to the park entrance and pay 50 MYR to hike to Turtle Beach or Monkey Beach. Budget 2-3 hours if you’re doing the hike. The beach is beautiful but you can’t swim in it. If you’re pressed for time, there are boats that will take you to the beaches and back for a few.
Batu Feringghi Beach
Penang Hill - the view was really pretty, but the hike was too strenuous for the view you get. It’s straight uphill for 4 miles + 2 hours, and the top was incredibly touristy. Honestly, the hike had nicer views vs. the top.