Penang Travel Guide For First Timers

Penang, listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, is world famous as an exotic holiday destination. When it comes to cultural sights and natural scenery, Penang will keep you spoiled for choices. Fondly nicknamed as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang is famous for its soft sandy beaches, temples, and gardens. It is very easy to reach Penang as Flights are readily available. You can travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang via AirAsia. You can book the AirAsia ticket via Traveloka at an affordable price. Get ready to explore Penang which is a cocktail of Asian cultures living together happily and nature is as diverse as its culture.

Where to stay

Penang includes the island of Penang, and most visitors stay in Georgetown. Penang is a state in Malaysia that includes the island of Penang. For most visitors when they say they are going to Penang, they are going to Georgetown, which is Penang’s liveliest district. One can opt for a range of accommodations options such as comfortable backpacker inns, luxurious heritage hotel or rentals. Chulia Street and Love Lane is the area for backpackers and guesthouses.

Getting around in Penang
Traveling around in Penang is indeed a joy, and there is definitely an easy way to reach your destination no matter where it is. All major touristic spots are well connected and easily accessible. Public buses are the most popular and common transport in Penang, and the public transportation system is a lot better and improved than before. Other than the paid buses, you can also avail of the free shuttle bus or rent a car. A rented car offers you much more freedom and flexibility.

Things to do and explore

The diverse and cosmopolitan Penang is fast developing to an idyllic destination, and there is a steady rise in the number of tourists. George Town, located at its center is a bustling urban city. However, as you move away from the urban area, you will find yourself amidst mountainous jungle and farms, charming fishing villages and palm-fringed beaches. However else can you enjoy the stunning natural scenery as well as the melting pot of culture. There are plenty of hipster cafes, atmospheric temples and other attractions in Penang which offers a myriad of cultural sights and natural sceneries. The best part is that one can easily walk from one attraction to another.

• Explore the modern metropolitan city of Georgetown known for its mixture of British colonial and Asian architectures.
• Visit KOMTAR, Penang’s tallest skyscraper in Georgetown and wander around the city to see the temples and museums.
• Enjoy the festival Cheah Kongsi, when the streets are decorated with lanterns and exude festive vibes during Chinese New Year festivals.
• Make a trip to Bukit Bendera, the highest hill in Penang and one can easily hike all the way up.
• Penang is famous for its beaches, and there are lots of beaches for the beach-lovers. Batu Feringghi is popular among locals and tourists and offers horse-riding, fish spa, jet-skiing as well as reflexology treatments.
• Another famous beach is Monkey Beach in Teluk Bahang where one can enjoy the picturesqueness nature and jungle trek in the Penang National Park.
• Visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion, which is a nineteenth century mansion now converted to museum and showcases more than a thousand antiques.
• Penang is also famous for its food that boasts of a great variety. You must try the famous Indian-Muslim food, Nasi Kandar as well as the spicy noodle soup of Peranakan cuisine- Laksa Penang. You will like the bowl of shaved ice, Chendol with chewy green rice and fresh coconut milk.
• There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes where one can enjoy the Japanese and western cuisine.