To be honest, there’s no need to specially go to Penang when traveling abroad.

Because it really doesn’t feel like going abroad, hhh. If you’re coming from Guangdong or Fujian, the familiarity is almost uncanny. The local cuisine also shares a lot of similarities with what you might find back home. However, the unique Peranakan flavors are a delightful discovery that’s harder to find in China.

Although Penang may not be bursting with activities, it still offers a wonderfully comfortable stopover. It’s incredibly Chinese-friendly, and you can easily hop on a train to explore other nearby destinations. A visit to Ipoh is just a short trip away, and Kuala Lumpur is only a 4-hour journey.

My impression of Penang is that it exudes a sense of comfort and politeness. The Chinese locals I met were incredibly enthusiastic and welcoming [red heart]. Two days and one night is more than enough to get a good feel for the place.

By the way, you can’t enter Penang directly with just your passport. So, if you’re flying into Penang, be prepared for potentially long lines at immigration.