Today’s post is going to be a little different, we’re sharing our roots with you, Penang. It is no stranger to us that Penang is the Pearl of the Orient, the food heaven, but there are so much more that makes up Penang rather than just food. Don’t forget that Penang is not just a regular city, it is also an island, and when in an island, you gotta be adventurous. So locals, stop being a couch potato and tourists, get your flight tickets ready! ( It’s going to be a long post, be patient and grab some snacks)
Penang, Where the Adventure Begin
Let’s take a look at some of the cool points of interest of Penang.
1. Walk through our heritage buildings and mural arts.
When in Penang, this is something you must not miss. Indeed, it’s a little typical buy hey, these are the essence of Penang, these buildings were built decades or centuries ago yet still standing strong til today, definitely lots of stories to tell so spend a day or two walking, learning, have fun, and take lots of photos because most of them are very picture-worthy.
Ps: Our island’s weather is a bit off these days and could stay like this throughout the whole month, so bring along umbrella, raincoat and thank us later. It could be sunny at first, but the next second you’ll see it starts to pour.
2. The Habitat @ Penang Hill.
A new addition to the island’s landmark, The Habitat features the 1.6km long Habitat Nature Trail, Canopy Walk, Tree Top Walk and more. A few minutes walk from the Top Station of Penang Hill Funicular Railway marks your starting point, and as you walk through the untouched rain forest, discover the beauty and power of nature. The easiest way to get to the top and start your adventure is by tram, again one of the attractions in Penang Hill, or, if you want some challenges, hike up the Penang Hill ! A step closer to the nature that would calm your body and soul, and it’s beneficial for your health.
Tram Price: http://www.penanghill.gov.my/index.php/en/ticket-service
Entrance fee to The Habitat: http://thehabitat.my/ticket/
A no secret tip to you foodies, get a bowl of ice kacang after all the activities to freshen up, their ice kacang is quite popular getting there is not a problem. Different from those typical ice kacang, they’re topped with fresh fruits of your liking.
3. ESCAPE Theme Park
Yes the island has a theme park, sounds ridiculous (in the right way) right? Located at Teluk Bahang, the very end of Penang, ESCAPE is a theme park filled with exciting, adventurous and challenging activities hosted in the natural environment. Now, they’ve expanded and even included a water park so be prepared to get wet ! Some of the activities include flying from one end to another, tree climbing, bungee jump and more that challenges you physically and mentally. It’s the best place to ESCAPE from the busy streets and get some physical activities done. Did we mention that the theme park is family-friendly?
Video link: Coolest Theme Park in Penang
Price and Info: http://www.escape.my/
EXHAUSTED, Where to RECHARGE?
For those in a budget but still wants a decent, contemporary “nest” :
1. Container Hotel
Designed with modern simplicity with black and white elements, Container Hotel offers a variety of rooms for the hip & adventurous urban explorers to savvy travellers looking for a chic and cool place to stay. If you’re a female and travelling alone, they have the female-friendly pod that is safe and comfortable.
Read also: Penang Hotel List
On the other hand, if you’re travelling in a pack with a mix of genders and doesn’t mind sleeping together, then mix pod would be your choice. Located at a strategic place, the famous Armenian Street is just a mere 5 minutes walk and the hotel is surrounded with cafes and local eats. Be sure to check the bakery, Ming Xiang Tai, down the street.
Address: 4, Gat Lebuh Chulia, 10300, George Town, Malaysia.
2. Sovereign Hotel
Set in a heritage building at the center of the town, The Sovereign Hotel offers affordable and clean lodging in Penang. Set within 1km is the Komtar, Prangin Mall and Sun Yat Sen Museum, with other tourists attractions nearby. Guests can reach the hotel by car from Penang International airport in 20 minutes. Here, you can get tour or ticket assistance, including trip to Thailand and more. They also provide free breakfast, serving local delights to fill your tummy before heading out to the next adventure.
Address: No 22 Lorong Kinta, Penang, Malaysia.
Tips: You can slurp down a bowl of delicious, hearty 888 Hokkien Mee( prawn noodle) at Presgrave Street and Chinese dessert tang yuan (glutinous rice ball) at All About Sugar & Gift within walking distance.
Related article: Top 10 Budget Hostels for Backpackers in Penang
The luxury seeker with A+ Comfort when in Penang:
1. Lone Pine Hotel
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, Lone Pine is Batu Ferringhi’s only luxury boutique hotel in Penang. Renewed and rejuvenated after a lovingly undertaken restoration, Penang’s favorite beach side boutique resort reopened its doors refreshed in design and facilities, but still infused with the same colonial spirit and idyllic charm with a touch of English style and surrounded by garden and beach. Lone Pine offers something for everyone, from cozy rooms to spacious suites opening out onto seafront terraces, balconies or private courtyards.
Address: 97 Batu Ferringghi, Batu Feringgi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
2. Malihom Retreat
45 minutes away from Heritage George Town and a stone’s throw away from the airport, Malihom is a hidden retreat closest to nature. Perched on the southern crest, overlooking the paddy fields and hills of Penang, this is the best place for those who seeks for privacy and inclusion. Named after the rice barns that make up the retreat, Malihom means ‘village of the fragrant rice’. Each barn has its own unique name. This could also be the perfect place for a small honeymoon.
Address: Kiri N/T 168, Bukit Penara, Mukim 6 Balik Pulau, 11000 Penang, Malaysia.
For the heritage lover of Penang:
1. 23 Love Lane
A boutique heritage hotel located at, you know, Love Lane with its own walled garden in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town. Originally a private residence owned by a European and later a Chinese. Along the way, it became the Oasis Hotel, until it was bought by the present owner in 2008. The hotel offers 6 different types of rooms, with each having their own unique elements and style. Camera museum and other tourist attraction is within walking distance.
Quick tip: Within walking distance, try out the curry mee and wanton mee located at Chulia Street, just opposite the Mugshot cafe, definitely a thumbs up !
Address: 23, Love Lane, George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
2. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Known as the Blue Mansion, one of only three UNESCO heritage award-winning buildings, discover the lifestyle of Cheong Fatt Tze “The Last Mandarin and The First Capitalist of China”, his family, his favorite seventh wife and the era in which they represented the cream of Penang society. The hotel includes 4 types of suites with a total of 18 rooms, each beautifully decorated by the family’s private collected that is preserved till today.
Address: 14, Leith St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
These are just a few on our recommended list, we do have other articles dedicated to heritage hotels in Penang with different price point, so do check them out.
Eat, Drink & Chill
Almost every corner of Penang is filled with food, whether be it local eateries, cafes, bar or restaurant. There’s no need to emphasize how good our food is, and we’ve actually covered lots of hawker food and cafes, so we’ll just link in some of the awesome articles and photos.
Not that we’re lazy, it’s just too much to cover (like 10,000 pages), and please, don’t skip this part it’s damn important. Since we’re not suggesting specific places, we’ll cover streets okay? The must-go streets to hunt for the best hawker food would definitely be Chulia Street (curry and wanton mee), Kimberly Street (koay chiap), Penang Road, and Gurney Drive.
#Hawker/ Street Food: 10 Best and Famous Hawker Food Stalls in Penang 2018
#Night Market: 7 Best Night Market in Penang
#Cafes: 5 New Cafes in Penang You Have To Try Before 2018
Top 22 Most Instagrammable Cafe in Penang
Okay, last but not least, nightlife. We have lots of bars and pubs in the corner, some are well-known, but some might be a hidden gem. Nevertheless, it’s always fun to have a drink with your friends, peers or even the crowds. Don’t be shy, join them and who knows, you might make new friends over there.
1. Good Friends Club
Good Friends Club opens its door after sunset at Gurdwara Street, their neon pink store name is definitely easy to spot. They aim to create a network that better portrays the island with a creative touch of design towards nostalgia and the playfulness of contemporary art space. Their special cocktails have a special localized name, such as “Lao Hao Peng” and “Pat Poh Peng”. They also serve chilled beer, snacks and other variety of alcohol.
Address: 39 Jalan Gurdwara (Hin Bus Art Depot), George Town, George Town, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. (Closed on Tuesday)
2. Antarabangsa Enterprise
Known as the cheapest place for drinks, this place is flooded with tourists and locals every night. Antarabangsa is not a new born place for drinks, in fact, it has long opened since the era of our parents, or even longer. The setting of the store is nothing fancy and more of a “kopitiam,” reminiscing the older days of Penang. You might end up sitting by the side of the road on plastic chairs chatting over beers and it’s the best place to meet new people and watch the world go by.
Address: 21, Lorong Stewart, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Operating Hour: 2 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Penang Is Amazing!
Oops hope it’s not too long or boring to read, but we’re delivering the best to you in hopes that your trip in Penang won’t be a let down because this island has a lot more to offer than you could possibly imagine. Of course, this might not be the best guide ever to everyone because everyone’s preferences are different. Anyways, do follow Penang Foodie for more guides (we have a lot) and share them to your friends to let them know how awesome Penang is. Cheers foodies!
