If you’re visiting Penang for the first time, then this article for you. Even if you’re a local, you can check this article out if you can’t figure what to do when you have a free day. This is a rough itinerary for you to have an idea on what to do when you’re in this amazing island. Obviously, this is by no means that you have to follow it strictly. You can be creative with your own itinerary because there are so many more places for you to eat or check out!
A Small Island With So Many Enjoyable Places
Day 1
1) Breakfast @ Sister Curry Mee
You won’t want to miss out on this 73-year-old business. The concept of this business that’s been run by the Lim sisters is very different. Now, this business is mostly run by the grandnieces and grandnephews of the two sisters. This bowl of curry mee will leave you wanting more. The preparation before starting their business daily starts at 4:30 am. Curry mee is a local favorite so it should be on your list while visiting Penang.
Address: 612 T, Jalan Air Itam, Pekan Ayer Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Operation hours: 7:30 am – 1 pm (Closed on Tuesday)
2) Penang Hill
Take a walk around Penang Hill while enjoying the fresh air and breathtaking view. Burn off some calories before enjoying lunch at the hawker center. You’re able to see the whole of Penang on the top of the hill. Take pictures and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.
Funicular Operation Hours: 6:30 am – 11 pm (Daily)
3) Lunch @ Astaka Bukit Bendera (Cliff Cafe)
After a good walk around Penang Hill, you’re sure to feel hungry but don’t worry because you can get food even at the top of the hill. This cafe has a lot of food to offer so you don’t have to worry about limited choices. Don’t forget to try the delicious shaved ice from Lily Ice Kacang stall.
Address: Astaka Bukit Bendera, Jalan Tunku Yahaya Petra, 10000 Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang
Operation hours: 9 am – 6 pm (Daily)
4) Habitat
If you love to learn more about nature or check out exotic wild creatures, Habitat is the place to be. Besides walking around and be surrounded by nature, you’re able to get amazing shots for your Instagram post as well. There are the 3 large swings that are located at different locations, the canopy walk and the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk. If the day is clear enough, you will be able to see Langkawi island from the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk.
Address: Jalan Bukit Bendera, 11500 Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang
Operation hours: 9 am – 7 pm (Daily)
5) Tea @ David Brown’s Restaurant
Feeling hungry again after the walk around Habitat? Sit down and relax at this classic British colonial restaurant. David Brown’s Restaurant is known to be the highest restaurant in Penang as well.
Address: Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Air Itam, Penang
Operation hour: 11 am – 10 pm (Daily)
6) Dinner @ Sin Kim San Hawker Center
Can’t decide where to go for dinner and want to try all the local food? Well, we have just the spot for you. Here at Sin Kim San hawker center, you can get almost all of the local food. From Char Koay Teow to grilled seafood and curry fish head, make sure to try it all!
Address: 168, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation hours: 7 am – 1 am (Closed on Monday)
Day 2
7) Breakfast @ Arati Vilas
What better to start your day than starting it like the locals? Arati Vilas serves fresh ‘roti’ that you will definitely enjoy. There are different kind of ‘roti’ that you can get here such thosai, roti canai, roti canai and many more. Pair your ‘roti’ with the various kinds of curry that they have. Don’t forget to order a glass of ‘teh tarik’ (pulled tea) as well.
Address: 9, Tanjung Bunga Park, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Operation hours: 8 am – 10:30 pm (Closed on Monday)
8) Entopia
Entopia feels like a fairytale forest with all the butterflies flying around. It is indeed a place that you should check out. Besides walking around with the butterflies flying around, you’re able to learn more about butterflies and the different species as well. There are other creatures that you can learn about too.
Address: No.830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Pulau Pinang
Operation hours: 9 am – 6 pm (Daily)
9) Lunch @ Tree Monkey Restaurant
Enjoy some North-Eastern Thai cuisine for lunch while being surrounded by nature. Nothing sounds like a holiday than having lunch with a view of the Andaman sea. The restaurant is reminiscent of ‘kampung’ style dining. You can dine at the tatami-style dining area as well. The food here is prepared using fresh herbs and spices that are grown in the Tropical Spice Garden.
Address: Lot 595 Mkm 2, Lone Crag Villa, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11100, Pulau Pinang
Operation hours: 10:30 am – 10:30 pm (Daily)
Here at Tropical Spice Garden, you can learn about all the local spices that are planted here while walking around this tranquil garden. There are knowledgeable guides that can explain to you about all the spices and herbs that can be found here. Of course, this is an Instagrammable spot as well!
Address: Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Operation hours: 9 am – 6 pm (Daily)
11) George Town Heritage Walk
Your visit to Penang will not be complete without a walk around the UNESCO area. There are street arts that are scattered everywhere that you should miss and also buildings that are history-filled. You can cycle around instead and all you have to do is find the Link Bike stations that are located at various different locations.
12) Dinner @ Jawi House
What better way to end your trip than with a Nyonya cuisine? This last meal in Penang will make you want to come back again for your next vacation. The location of this restaurant is perfect after your George Town Heritage walk because it is located in the heart of George Town. Make sure to try their ‘Nasi Ulam’, ‘Nasi Lemuni’ and Laksa Lemak. The food that’s being served here will leave you wanting more.
Address: 85, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 Penang Malaysia, Pulau Pinang
Operation hours: 11 am – 10 pm (Closed on Tuesday)
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