Penang Travel Guide π²πΎ | Explore Nanyang Heritage & Slow Life Experience π¦¦
Penang π²πΎ, nestled in the northwest of Malaysia, is a captivating destination split into two parts by the Penang Strait: the enchanting Penang Island and the mainland Province Wellesley. With a vibrant population of 1.7668 million, it’s a bustling hub of culture and history. The state capital, George Town, stands as Malaysia’s second-largest city, just behind the bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur.
As a first-time visitor to Malaysia, I was drawn to this city with its significant Chinese community, making it the perfect starting point for my adventure.
Before embarking on your journey βοΈ
Malaysia offers visa-free entry for π¨π³, simplifying your travel preparations. All you need to do is book your round-trip tickets and hotel (you can print out or save the itinerary on your phone). Don’t forget that the power sockets here follow the British standard π, so be sure to pack a suitable adapter.
Additionally, within three days before your departure (including the day of arrival), make sure to apply and fill out the MDAC entry information card online to ensure a smooth entry process!
Navigating transportation, accommodations, and currency π
While there are no direct flights to Penang, a quick and convenient transit through the capital, Kuala Lumpur, will get you there in no time. Hotels in Penang are predominantly clustered in George Town, offering a wide range of options. For our first night, we opted for a centrally located, comfortable hotel with a high floor and a stunning infinity pool on the top.
The price was surprisingly reasonable, making it an excellent choice. The local currency is the Ringgit, and if you haven’t exchanged it beforehand, no worriesβATMs at the airport have got you covered. The cost of living in Penang is quite affordable, so you wonβt need to withdraw too much cash. Many places accept credit cards and Alipay, and taking a taxi is incredibly budget-friendly.
During our stay, we found Grab to be a reliable and convenient option for getting around.
Regarding attractions π¨ and food π΄
To be honest, Penang’s heat can be quite intense, making a leisurely Citywalk nearly impossible. Fortunately, we did our homework in advance and had a clear itinerary. The good news is that the main attractions are relatively close to each other, with taxi rides taking about 15 minutes.
The Peranakan Mansion, famously known as the filming location of “The Little Nyonya,” and the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion) are must-visit spots. Both offer a ticket price of around 25 Ringgit per person, which is quite reasonable. These places are brimming with Nanyang charm, transporting you back to a bygone era.
On our first day, we arrived around noon, and due to the scorching weather, we decided to visit Penang Hill early on our last day (more on that in the next note). For lunch, we indulged in shrimp noodles at Green House, a first-time experience for me. The rich, flavorful shrimp broth was truly delightful.
In the afternoon, if the heat becomes unbearable, itβs a good idea to retreat to the hotel for a while and venture out again around 5 or 6 PM. We headed to a popular Chaozhou Cendol near Georgetown Art Street, and it was incredibly refreshing. The cool, sweet dessert instantly lifted our spirits. In the evening, we strolled around the Komtar building πΆ, capturing the beautifully lit Eastern & Oriental Hotel in the background.
From the rooftop of our hotel, we snapped a panoramic view of Penang’s old street, a scene that perfectly captured the nostalgic, vintage feel of Nanyang, with its well-worn yet charming atmosphere. Penang is also home to numerous guildhalls, including many Mazu temples from Fujian, as well as mosques π, creating a rich tapestry of cultural fusion, much like Quanzhou.
This is my first impression of Penang. Despite the sweltering heat, the city’s unique blend of history and culture makes it a worthwhile destination, bringing to life the Nanyang image I’ve always envisioned. To be continued π.
