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3-Day Penang Itinerary – Street Food, Easy Hikes & Malaysia’s First Glow In The Dark Museum

3-day Penang itinerary


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.


How to get to and around Penang?


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.


Where to stay in Penang?


Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang 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.


– Day 1


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.


7.30am – The Habitat Penang Hill


Beautiful hilltop views of Penang


Beautiful overhead views of PenangImage 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.

Funicular Service Penang Hill
Google Reviews
4.3
(1,924)
Address
422, Jalan Bukit Bendera, 11500 Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 06:30 AM - 11:00 PM Show More Timings
Google Reviews
4.4
(3,232)
Address
Jalan, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT S$32.25

10am – Penang Road Famous Laksa


Renowned laksa & street food


Assam Laksa & oyster omlette 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.

Penang Road Famous Laksa
Google Reviews
4.3
(1,363)
Address
5-7, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

11am – Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion


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


Cheong Tze Fatt Mansion in Penang
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.

Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion
Google Reviews
4.4
(4,925)
Address
14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information

1.30pm – Nasi Kandar Line Clear Restaurant


Well-known nasi kandar spot


Nasi Kandar at Line Clear restaurant 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.

Restoran Nasi Kandar Line Clear
Google Reviews
4
(5,280)
Address
Beside 161 & 177 Penang Road, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information

3pm – ESCAPE Penang


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


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.

Speed Racer water slide

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.

Google Reviews
4.6
(5,965)
Address
828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 10:00 AM - 06:00 PM Show More Timings
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT S$54.55

7pm – Frendy Beach Bar


Beach bar with sunset views


Frendy Beach Bar
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.

Frandy Beach Bar & Restaurant
Google Reviews
3.9
(1,313)
Address
363,Gerai kilat,Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 12:00 PM - 01:00 AM Show More Timings

8.30pm – Pasar Malam Batu Ferringhi


Iconic night market nearby


Browsing through night market

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.

Pasar Malam Batu Feringghi
Google Reviews
3.8
(5,302)
Address
Jalan Pantai Batu, Taman Pantai Batu, 11200 Tanjong Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 07:00 PM - 11:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

– Day 2 –


8am – Gurney Bay 


Coastline park with playground, skatepark, & sunrise views


Penang Itinerary - Gurney Bay
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.

Gurney Bay
Google Reviews
4.5
(42)
Address
Persiaran Gurney, Georgetown, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings

9.30am – Toh Soon Cafe


Traditional Hainanese breakfast


Egg breakfast toast set 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.

Toh Soon Cafe
Google Reviews
3.7
(2,632)
Address
Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Closed Show More Timings
Contact Information

11am – Glow Planet


Malaysia’s first 3D glowinthedark museum


Glow Planet glow-in-the-dark museum exhibitImage 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.

Glow Planet Penang
Google Reviews
4.5
(20)
Address
145, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

1pm – Siam Road Char Koay Teow


Michelin Bib Gourmand recognised stall


Char Koay Teow 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.

Siam Road Charcoal Char Kuey Teow
Google Reviews
4.2
(2,014)
Address
82, Jalan Siam, George Town, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Closed Show More Timings

2.30pm – Hin Bus Depot


Vibrant space with workshops, weekend markets, & live performances


Penang itinerary - Hin Bus Depot stalls & waresImage 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.

Hin Bus Depot
Google Reviews
4.6
(1,102)
Address
31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM Show More Timings

4pm – Munchkin & The Gang Cat Cafe 


Unlimited playing time from RM25


Cats 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.

Munchkin & The Gang Cat Cafe
Google Reviews
4.3
(240)
Address
64, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10010 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

5.30pm – Keng Kwee Street


Home to famous chendol


Penang road famous teochew chendul & ice kacang
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.

Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul
Google Reviews
4.1
(7,057)
Address
27-29, Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 09:00 AM - 06:30 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

6.30pm – Penang street art & Clan Jetties


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


Penang street art murals of kids on bicycle

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.

Street Art – Kids on bicycle by Ernest Zacharevic
Google Reviews
4.5
(633)
Address
2, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings
Contact Information
Clan Jetties of Penang
Google Reviews
4.2
(3,731)
Address
Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 09:00 AM - 09:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

8pm – Restoran Kapitan


Indian cuisine at affordable prices


Indian cuisine 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.

Restoran Kapitan (Chulia Street)
Google Reviews
3.9
(5,392)
Address
Halal
93, Lbh Chulia, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 08:00 AM - 11:45 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

Day 3 –  


9.30am – Frog Hill


Short hike for beautiful views of the quarry


Scenic view of Frog Hill 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.

Frog Hills Tasek Gelugor
Google Reviews
4.5
(136)
Address
14400 Tasek Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings

12.30pm – New World Park 


More than 55 stalls to choose from under 1 roof


Mee Goreng & Chee Cheong Fun at New World ParkImage 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.

Bangkok Lane Mee Goreng
Google Reviews
3.8
(1,373)
Address
102-H-19, New World Park, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

1.30pm – Fort Cornwallis


Largest standing fort in Malaysia


Fort Cornwallis entrance

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.

Google Reviews
3.5
(3,650)
Address
Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information
RECOMMENDED TICKETS AT S$43.55

1.30pm – Wat Chayamangkalaram


One of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues


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

Penang itinerary - temple with long Buddha statueImage 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.

Wat Chayamangkalaram
Address
Wat Chaiyamangalaran (Thai Buddhist Temple), 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday Open 24 Hours Show More Timings

3pm – Gurney Paragon


Shopping mall with over 200 stores


Movie theatre

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.

Gurney Paragon Mall
Google Reviews
4.3
(11,371)
Address
163d, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information
GurneyWalk
Google Reviews
4.4
(366)
Address
18A, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information
Gurney Plaza
Google Reviews
4.4
(19,864)
Address
170, Persiaran Gurney, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours:
Sunday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Show More Timings
Contact Information

6pm – Return to Singapore 


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


Air Asia plane 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.


The ultimate 3-day Penang itinerary

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:


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