3-day Penang itinerary

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When planning short holidays, we often think about booking a day trip to JB or a weekend retreat in KL. But if you just venture out a bit further, you’ll find Penang, which has a lot more to offer than just nasi kandar and laksa. If you’re thinking of heading to the city, we’ve taken the planning off your hands with this 3-day Penang itinerary.

The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.29 as of 3rd September 2024.

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How to get to and around Penang?

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There are a few ways to get to Penang. The fastest way is via direct flights to Penang International Airport from Singapore. It will take you just 1.5 hours and it’s quite affordable, with tickets priced from $67 from AirAsia and Scoot. You can also rent a car in JB and drive to Penang, though that will take roughly 8 hours.

If you prefer to let someone else take the wheel, companies like KKKL, Konsortium, and Sri Maju have bus services that can send you there; you can expect this journey to take approximately 10.5 hours. Read more about it in our guide to getting from Singapore to Malaysia by bus.

You can also head from Singapore to Penang by train, although that will take up to an entire day. Once you’re in Penang, you can use Grab as your main mode of transport to get as much done as possible.

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Where to stay in Penang?

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Image credit: Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang

Georgetown is the most frequented area, with its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site a major draw. Beach lovers may lean more towards Batu Ferringhi, known for their beach resorts and night markets.

Butterworth is also another option, with attractions like Penang Bird Park and Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest. It’s suitable for those looking for cheaper lodging and grub. Regardless of where you choose to stay the night, travel times between these places takes between an hour and 90 minutes.

Since you’ve only got a few nights in the city, you could treat yourself to a stay at one of these luxury hotels in Penang. There are also these cheap hotels in Penang, which are located close to well-known attractions so you can get there in a jiffy. But if farmstay experiences are what you want, you may consider a treehouse at Penang Green Acres for a private retreat in nature.

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– Day 1 –

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To get the most out of the trip, plan to arrive in Penang a night ahead, so you can rest before being up and running the next day.

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7.30am – The Habitat Penang Hill

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Beautiful hilltop views of Penang

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Image adapted from: @thehabitatpenanghill, @steinlygirl_mom via Instagram

Get up for a morning stroll at The Habitat Penang Hill, an eco-park, to catch beautiful views of the sunrise and Penang. There are also other trails like the Langur Way Canopy Walk, which is the world’s longest double span stressed ribbon canopy bridge.

It’s also the only such bridge in the world that’s found in a rainforest. Take the funicular train up the hill from Penang Hill Railway Station from as early as 6.30am.

Entrance tickets to the park are priced at RM60.

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10am – Penang Road Famous Laksa

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Renowned laksa & street food

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The place is located in a cafe-esque setting, so you won’t have to worry about feeling hot and stuffy.
Image adapted from: @katethefoodosaur via Instagram, 葉謹榮 via Google Maps

After soaking in the morning views, there’s nothing better than a bowl of piping hot Assam laksa from Penang Road Famous Laksa. It’s slightly different from the nonya laksa we’re used to back home. Assam laksa uses mackerel as its base for the broth, whereas the nonya laksa uses coconut instead. Other than laksa, there are items like char kuey teow and oyster omelette.

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11am – Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

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130-year-old heritage building & hotel, featured in Crazy Rich Asians

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Image credit: @cheongfatttzemansion via Instagram 

The Peranakans were one of the first settlers in Penang, and their influence can be heavily seen in almost every nook and cranny. Discover more about them at the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, a 130-year-old building that was even featured in Crazy Rich Asians. Although the mansion now functions as a luxury hotel, you can join any of their guided tours for just RM25.

If you miss the 2 slots at 11am and 3.30pm, there’s also an option for a self-guided audio tour between 11am and 6pm. Do note that non-hotel guests are only permitted to explore certain parts of the mansion for privacy reasons.

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1.30pm – Nasi Kandar Line Clear Restaurant

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Well-known nasi kandar spot

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Image credit: @lineclear.png via Instagram

It’s almost criminal not to try nasi kandar when you visit Penang, and Nasi Kandar Line Clear Restaurant is an unmissable spot to try this iconic dish. It’s open till midnight, so you can even go visit it for supper. There is no fixed price point, since you can pick as many dishes as you want, like with cai png. Expect to fork out between RM15 and RM30 for a meal here.

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3pm – ESCAPE Penang

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Home to the longest zip-coaster & water slide in the world

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Adrenaline junkies can head to Escape Theme Park and experience the Zip Coaster, the world’s longest zip-coaster ride. Once done exploring the “skies”, head back down to the “ocean” the Tube Water Slide. It is also the longest in the world, and will have you sliding around the forest and enjoying its views for 3 entire minutes.

There are also the usual water park activities and outdoor obstacles that are on the more normal side for the faint of heart. Take the Speed Racer, a twin slide that will unleash your competitive edge to see who is faster at sliding down.

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7pm – Frendy Beach Bar

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Beach bar with sunset views

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Image credit: Frendy Beach Bar via Facebook

Nothing beats unwinding to a view of the sunset with some grub after a long day. Frendy Beach Bar has just that, serving a variety of cuisines ranging from Indian to Mediterranean. Try their Island Burger Chicken (from RM25) with a Strawberry Daiquiri cocktail (RM28) for all the beach club feels.

They even have beach bags for you to chill on if the bar seats are too far for you. There’s weekly fire shows to keep you on the edge of your seat too.

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8.30pm – Pasar Malam Batu Ferringhi

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Iconic night market nearby

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Located just a short walk away, along the same long stretch as the bar, is Batu Ferringhi Night Market. If you’re there for more than the vibes, they’ve got souvenirs, handicrafts, apparel, and street food for some tasty supper. It’s open until 10pm, though the crowd peaks at around 9.30pm, so be wary of pickpockets as a general travel safety tip.

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– Day 2 –

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8am – Gurney Bay 

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Coastline park with playground, skatepark, & sunrise views

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Image credit: @silentcontempl.tions via Instagram

Start the day at Gurney Bay, a new coastline park with amenities like playgrounds and skateparks for the youthful ones. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely bike ride by downloading the LinkBike V2 app (App Store | Google Play). For just RM5, you’ll get to cycle along the promenade alongside beautiful views of the oldest port in Malaysia.

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9.30am – Toh Soon Cafe

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Traditional Hainanese breakfast

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Those in favour of runny eggs will love this.
Image credit: @my_kitchen_my_story via Instagram

Once done at Gurney Bay, get your energy levels up at Toh Soon Cafe, well known for their egg toast breakfast set (from RM5.60). Pair that with a piping hot kopi o as you admire the vibes of Campbell Street. It may be hidden in an old-school alleyway, but all you’ll need to do is find the line of hungry customers to locate it.

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11am – Glow Planet

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Malaysia’s first 3D glow–in–the–dark museum

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Image adapted from: @tanjanggner via Instagram, Glow Planet

Experience Malaysia’s first 3D glow-in-the-dark museum at Glow Planet. A light spectacle similar to Luna Lights Wonderland or i Light Singapore, there are a whole slew of light displays, 3D waterfalls, space explorations, a mirror maze, and luminous garden, just to name a few. Tickets start from RM39, although you can get a family bundle for 4 at RM136.

While it is a visual feast, there are also signages and displays to educate visitors on the wonders of all these places, so your little ones can learn and have fun at the same time. There is also an ice cream buffet that you can indulge in for RM10.

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1pm – Siam Road Char Koay Teow

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Michelin Bib Gourmand recognised stall

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Image credit: @expeditionfood via Instagram

For some wok hey goodness, head over to Siam Road Char Koay Teow, selling, you guessed it, char koay teow. You know it’s legit when it’s listed under the Michelin Bib Gourmand, and is always seen with a snaking long queue. Dig into a smoky mix of stir fried flat rice noodles, beansprouts, shrimps, and pork lard for a bussin’ meal from just RM8.

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2.30pm – Hin Bus Depot

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Vibrant space with workshops, weekend markets, & live performances

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Image credit: @junjing1117 via Instagram

You can’t say you’ve soaked in Penang’s art scene without visiting Hin Bus Depot, an arts and culture space packed with exhibitions, workshops, live performances, and cafes. On weekends, there’s also a huge market set up with a variety of stalls selling handicrafts and cute knick-knacks.

So, whether you’re here to get some souvenirs, learn about batik painting, or enjoy some music, they have it all. You could even upgrade your OOTD at the thrift stalls here.

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4pm – Munchkin & The Gang Cat Cafe 

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Unlimited playing time from RM25

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10 out of the 14 cats are Munchkins, while the other 4 are Maine Coons.
Image adapted from: Munchkin And The Gang Cat Cafe Via Facebook

Fulfil your need to hang around with fluffy kitties at Munchkin & The Gang Cat Cafe. Enjoy the company of their 14 adorable resident cats from just a RM25 entrance fee. It also comes with a complimentary drink of your choice. Plus, there is no time limit, so, feel free to indulge in cat therapy for however long you need.

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5.30pm – Keng Kwee Street

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Home to famous chendol

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Image credit: @kamilulihsan via Instagram

There’s no avoiding the whiffs that come from street food in Penang, especially if you’re walking along Keng Kwee Street. It is home to famous stalls like Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul and Penang Road Famous Chendol. Online reviews seem to be split on which stall is better, so we’ll leave it to you to decide. Other desserts like ice kachang and gula melaka are sold here too.

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6.30pm – Penang street art & Clan Jetties

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Explore beautiful murals & “floating” villages from the 19th century

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Get your Penang travel IG stories and posts’ worth of pictures at Penang street art. You can find it along the stretch of buildings from Ah Quee to Beach Street. If you thought the murals at Hin Bus Depot were impressive, you’re in for a treat. There are many beautiful adorned murals and artworks, including the iconic Kids On Bicycle artwork by Ernest Zacharevric.

Catch a different side of Penang that has remained largely untouched since the 19th century – the Clan Jetties. There are 6 clan jetties in total, but we’d recommend you start with the Chew Jetty first, as it is the biggest one with souvenir shops, street food, and murals. Regardless, they are all situated along the same stretch, so you can easily cover them all within an hour.

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8pm – Restoran Kapitan

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Indian cuisine at affordable prices

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Image credit: @miezavsrory via Instagram

Another restaurant in Penang to check out would be Restoran Kapitan, located just a 5-minute walk away. Dig into their cheese garlic naan (from RM12) and claypot briyani (from RM11) for a hearty Indian meal. They are also known to be pretty generous with their portions, giving you as much bang for your buck in an already affordable menu.

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– Day 3 –  

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9.30am – Frog Hill

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Short hike for beautiful views of the quarry

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Image adapted from: @nigel_photoz, @froghill_penang via Instagram

If you were itching to go to the mainland, here’s your chance. Challenge yourself at Frog Hill, a former tin mining site. It’s so beautiful that some people even use it as a backdrop for their wedding photoshoots. Yes, the hike may be a tad steep, but it will take you just 30 minutes to complete. After all, the best view comes after the hardest climb.

Just make the necessary preparations beforehand, as there aren’t any toilets available. You will also have to set around an hour to commute there, since it’s in Butterworth, after all. Check out our hiking guide article to know all general dos and don’ts when hiking overseas.

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12.30pm – New World Park 

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More than 55 stalls to choose from under 1 roof

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Image adapted from: Ai Fu Chin, Huifaan via Google Maps 

Once back on the island, refuel from the hike at New World Park, with more than 55 stalls to choose from. Try the Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng (from RM10), or crowd favourite chee cheong fun (from RM8.90). If your palette desires something a bit more atas, there are air-conditioned restaurants like Rutin, Cluck Bowls, and Mixue within the vicinity too.

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1.30pm – Fort Cornwallis

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Largest standing fort in Malaysia

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Having already seen Penang’s peranakan history, visit Fort Cornwallis to learn more about Penang’s colonial history. There are many distinguished displays, like the Seri Rambai, a bronze cannon that was said to boost fertility back then. There’s also the Penang Harbour Lighthouse, the second-oldest in Malaysia.

The entrance fee for adults’ costs RM20, which is affordable considering you get to step into a different era. Speaking of which, fans of the Victorian era can check out the nearby Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower too.

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1.30pm – Wat Chayamangkalaram

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One of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues

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Alternatively, those who prefer admiring unique architectural elements of religious sites, can check out Wat Chayamangkalaram – the oldest Siamese temple in Penang.

Image credit: @angelinagustiani via Instagram

It is also home to the world’s third-longest reclining Buddha statues, measuring 33m in length. The temple was built by a monk in 1845, and according to legend, he loved Assam laksa so much that it was used as an offering to the shrines there. If that’s not testament enough to its tastiness, we don’t know what is. Bonus: entry is free for all.

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3pm – Gurney Paragon

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Shopping mall with over 200 stores

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A vacay wouldn’t be complete without the mandatory shopping trip, and you can get that done at Gurney Paragon Mall, spread out across 9 floors of retail, dining, and activities. It’s also a great way to treat yourself to some AC after a long day outdoors. There’s a TGV cinema with IMAX, a Decathlon for all your sporting needs, lifewear brands like H&M, and BookXcess for bookworms.

If that’s not enough, there are 2 other malls just a stone’s throw away for more options. Gurney Walk and Gurney Plaza have plenty of al fresco dining spots and massage places respectively.

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6pm – Return to Singapore 

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Night flight or overnight bus back to Singapore if you’re not driving

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Image credit: @wst_syd_planes via Instagram

AirAsia offers cheap late evening flights starting from $95 on Trip.com, where you’ll depart at 8.30pm and arrive at 10pm.

You can also opt for an overnight bus ride back to SG (from S$26.29) by booking on the redBus app (App Store | Google Play). Just keep in mind that the journey will take roughly 10.5 hours, so you’d arrive back in Singapore at around 6.40am if your bus departs at 8.15pm.

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The ultimate 3-day Penang itinerary

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Sure, there are many new things to do in Penang, but very often we find ourselves unsure on what to do, in which case you can use this guide to get the most out of your trip. Leave with no regrets so you can have a splendid time in Penang to unwind and explorer what the city has to offer.

For more Penang guides, check out:

• IG-worthy spots in Penang
• Best things to do in Penang
• Cat Beach Sanctuary 

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Cover image adapted from: @cheongfatttzemansion, @thehabitatpenanghill via Instagram, The Smart Local