2025 Northeast Penang Island Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

✨ Penang is truly stunning!! 💐 No wonder the entire city is a cultural heritage site, known as the 'Garden of the East' 🌸 No wonder it was rated as the 'Best Travel Destination in the World' by Lonely Planet In Penang, you can not only see many well-preserved colonial buildings and historical sites but also experience a diverse culture and enjoy delicious food from around the world. Penang Transportation 🚄 Bus: Take a bus from Kuala Lumpur 🚗 Plane: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Penang 🛳 Cruise: Take a cruise from Singapore Penang Attractions Penang Hill: The highest point in Penang, offering a panoramic view of the island, with a distant view of George Town's port, Penang Bridge, and urban development. Batu Ferringhi Beach: Known for its clear waters and fine sand, this charming beach is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. George Town Art Street: Featuring artworks that reflect Penang's culture and life, adding a splash of color to the city. Clan Jetties: A village of wooden houses built on stilts along the coast, named after the surnames of the families who live there. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion: Also known as the 'Blue Mansion,' it is one of the residences of the famous Chinese entrepreneur Cheong Fatt Tze, named for its iconic blue exterior. 🥣 Penang Cuisine Nyonya Michelin Restaurant, Laksa, Penang Prawn Mee, Bak Kut Teh, Nasi Lemak, and more. 🚗 Itinerary D1: Nationwide to Kuala Lumpur D2: Kuala Lumpur City Tour D3: Stroll through Ipoh Old Town, taste white coffee, and visit historical sites D4: Wander around Penang, explore the old town and enjoy the local food D5: Half-day leisure in Penang, then back to Kuala Lumpur D6: Visit Malacca and experience the Nanyang style D7: Kuala Lumpur to Nationwide

Located in the heart of George Town, Penang, the Chulia Mansion offers an ideal stay with a night market right downstairs. Whether you're planning to visit Penang Hill or explore local shops on a city walk, this hotel provides great convenience. It features amenities such as a laundry room, TV, gym, and swimming pool. The Wi-Fi speed is excellent, and the breakfast variety is impressive, with particularly delicious butter. Note: The hotel is less than a 30-minute drive from the airport. However, durians and mangosteens are not allowed in the hotel.

#PenangTravel #100TravelTips 🌳 Penang Hill is located in Penang, Malaysia. This is considered an important tourist attraction that tourists cannot miss…! Taking the Penang Tram to the popular viewpoint in Penang is also a good experience. Penang Hill is located on a hill 823 meters high, with shady trees and cool air. 🌸 Advice! At times, there will be quite a lot of people. It takes almost half a day to get to Penang Hill, but the view from the top is beautiful. There are also restaurants and cafes. Travel, enjoy the view, eat, drink, and have fun. 🚟 Travel: Take bus number 204 to the end of the line at Penang Hill Tram Station.

This newly opened thai food restaurant in Sept 2024 serving very authentic thai food. The cook was from Bangkok 5 star hotel chef. Recommended to try the tomyam soup, lemon grass satay, pandan chicken, pineapple fried rice, prawns glass noodles and steamed fish. The restaurant open from 11am to 12 am midnight , nice place for lunch, dinner and supper. With reasonable price and friendly service. #deliciousfood

My day trip to Penang Hill was unforgettable, starting with the scenic tram ride up the steep hillside. The journey offered breathtaking views of the lush surroundings and George Town below. At the top, the cooler air and panoramic vistas made for a refreshing escape from the city. I wandered around, exploring the colonial architecture, relaxing in the gardens, and enjoying local treats from the food stalls. Penang Hill’s peaceful atmosphere and stunning views made it a perfect day out. #traveldiaries #penang #malaysia

#closetonature Taking a stroll through Penang Botanic Gardens is such a calming experience. The pathways are well-maintained, nice for a leisurely walk. As you wander around, you’ll spot beautiful flowers and towering trees that seem to have been around forever. There’s a small stream that runs through the garden, adding a peaceful touch with its gentle flow. The garden is also home to some playful monkeys, so you might spot a few jumping around the trees or crossing your path. Just be careful with your belongings, though! One of my favorite spots is the lily pond—it’s so serene, and the reflections on the water are simply beautiful. The fresh air and natural beauty really make it a nice place to clear your mind and relax.

#forest Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve is a natural gem in Penang. It’s the country’s third UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve, known for its lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and rich biodiversity. This place is perfect if you're a nature lover or just looking to escape the city and enjoy some fresh air. The reserve covers over 12,000 hectares, stretching from Penang Hill all the way to the nearby coast. As you explore, you’ll come across thick tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and unique plants. Some of the trees here are centuries old, towering over the walking trails. Whether you're into hiking, bird watching, or just relaxing in nature, the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve is a peaceful escape that showcases the best of Malaysia’s natural beauty. #100waysoftravel #penang

#hikingtrails If you’re looking for a refreshing outdoor adventure in Penang, the hiking trail starting from Penang Botanic Gardens is a great choice. The gardens themselves are a peaceful spot to explore, but for those who want a bit more activity, the trail offers a chance to get into nature. The most popular trail here leads up to Penang Hill. The hike starts off easy, with a paved path through lush greenery. As you go further, it gets steeper, so be prepared for a bit of a workout! Along the way, you'll see different kinds of trees, plants, and occasionally spot some monkeys hanging around. There are also small streams, and if you’re lucky, you might catch the sound of waterfalls nearby. The hike can take around 2 to 3 hours depending on your pace, and once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Penang and beyond. If you don’t feel like hiking all the way back down, there’s an option to take the funicular train from Penang Hill to the base. All in all, the trail from Penang Botanic Gardens is a great way to enjoy some fresh air, exercise, and stunning nature views. Just remember to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, and start early to avoid the midday heat! #100waysoftravel #penang

#closetonature Walking through the gardens, you’ll find yourself surrounded by tall trees, colorful flowers, and the soothing sounds of birds and insects. There's a beautiful lotus pond adding to the relaxed vibe. If you’re lucky, you might spot some playful monkeys swinging in the trees. They’re fun to watch, but it’s important not to feed them. Feeding monkeys can make them dependent on humans for food, and they might become aggressive or cause trouble around visitors. The park has clear signs reminding people not to feed the wildlife to keep both the animals and visitors safe. The gardens are also a great spot for morning walks or jogs. Many people come here to enjoy the cool shade and well-maintained trails. You’ll come across beautiful sculptures and fountains, giving the place a peaceful, almost magical feel. Whether you want to take a slow stroll, or just soak in the natural beauty, Penang Botanic Gardens is a refreshing retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. #100waysoftravel #penang

#traveldiaries The Ayer Itam Market in Penang is a bustling and vibrant spot, perfect for experiencing local culture and cuisine. Located near the famous Kek Lok Si Temple, this market is known for its variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique items. One of the highlights is the asam laksa stall across the road, which often has long queues due to its popularity. Inside the market, you can also find a food court with delicious options like the famous Sister Curry Mee, curry laksa, Nasi Briyani, Char Kway Teow, Char Kway Kak, Kway Teow Soup, Wanton noodles, Jawa Mee, Roti Canai, Hainanese Kopi, and many more.

Georgetown, the capital of Penang, is one of the oldest towns in Malaysia and is also listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site. The name "Georgetown" is inexplicably cute, and the best way to appreciate it is to wander around the city. Take a rickshaw or walk the streets and alleys to find murals, which is a great way to explore Penang. These paintings are full of life and warmth, and they seem to tell stories of the past, mixed with the scent of the ancient city. As you continue to wander, you may come across a church-like building, a Teochew-style arcade, or the sea... As you walk and look around, you may wonder if the scenery before you is exactly the same as your imagination of Nanyang. Penang Hill is the Chinese name, while the English name is Penang Hill, which means "betel nut hill". Take the cable car to the top and enjoy a panoramic view of the city surrounded by green vegetation. Memories are often intertwined with various senses, such as the picturesque scenery before your eyes, the charming scent in the air, and the exciting taste buds... Penang in my memory is closely related to a bowl of cendol. Whether it's a street stall or a tea room, you can always find it. Green "noodles" topped with coconut milk, red beans, crushed ice, etc. In a season when the air is hot, a bowl of this is icy, sweet, and refreshing. No matter how much you eat, you won't get tired of it. The "Toh Shun Tea Room", hidden in the alley, is still there today, and it seems to be just as popular. At that time, I went there early after waking up, so I didn't have to queue. The toast with kaya jam and the old-fashioned coffee are the perfect way to start a day of walking. Penang's cuisine is a blend of Southeast Asian flavors and Fujian coastal specialties, so you won't be disappointed. Unlike the crowds and skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi's nature and villages, Penang has everything you need. If I ever visit again, I would love to see how time has changed the streets I once walked.

#penangtrip #penang #streetart #100waysoftravel One of our favorite things to do in Penang is to hunt for the famous street art, such as the iconic "Children on a Bicycle" on Armenian Street, "Boy on a Motorcycle" on Ah Quee Street, "Little Boy with Pet Dinosaur" on Ah Quee Street, and "Little Girl in Blue" on Muntri Street. These spots can get very crowded, so we ventured out during a hot afternoon, armed with thick sunblock and sunglasses 🕶️ to beat the heat while enjoying the vibrant and creative artwork scattered throughout the city.

#penangtrip #100waysoftravel #penanghill The last time I visited Penang Hill with friends, it was afternoon, and the place was packed with people, making the wait for the funicular train quite long. This time, I hesitated about whether to go again since we didn’t rent a car and had to rely entirely on public transportation and our feet. Just as I was in doubt, I stumbled upon an early morning ticket offer—round trip for only RM5. It was too good to pass up, so we decided to forgo our night out and wake up early. The bus ride from the city was just RM2.70, proving once again that Penang is a city made for travelers. Despite the weather forecast predicting cloudy skies and rain, it seemed like the heavens smiled upon us, as the sunrise turned out to be quite beautiful. At that moment, every early wake-up and wait was worth it.

#citydaytours I stumbled upon Hameediyah Restaurant while exploring the vibrant streets of George Town. The restaurant’s quaint, old-world charm instantly caught my eye. As I learned it was over a century old, I knew I had to give it a try. Stepping inside, I was transported back in time. The rustic decor and warm atmosphere created a cozy and inviting ambiance. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of spices and simmering curries. I decided to start with a classic murtabak, a savory pancake filled with minced meat and spices. It was absolutely delicious, with a crispy exterior and a flavorful interior. For my main course, I couldn’t resist trying the chicken briyani, a fragrant rice dish layered with tender chicken and aromatic spices. It was a feast for my senses, with every bite bursting with flavor. To finish off my meal, I indulged in a sweet roti jala, a delicate lace-like pancake served with a creamy coconut milk gravy. It was the perfect ending to a truly memorable dining experience. Hameediyah Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a piece of George Town's history. The restaurant's commitment to preserving its heritage while offering delicious food is truly commendable. If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend visiting Hameediyah and experiencing the magic of this century-old culinary gem. #HameediyahRestaurant #GeorgeTownFood #PenangFoodie #IndianCuisine #AuthenticIndian #Foodie #FoodReview #MustTry #LocalDelicacies #CulinaryHeritage

#myhiddengems #familytravel #100waysoftravel Penang Hill is a great destination for a family trip! Enjoy cool weather, beautiful views, and fun activities like nature walks and visiting the Skywalk. It's perfect for a relaxing day out with your loved ones. Bring your family to Penang Hill for an unforgettable experience! 🕰️Business Hours: 6:15 AM - 9:15 PM 💰Average Price per Person: MyKad : RM8/25 Tips: you can either get a train to the top or love adventure you can hike to the top

🎇This holiday, bring your friends and family on a cruise trip and enjoy a relaxing vacation. 🎟Book your Royal Caribbean cruise now(-2 Sep 2024) to experience incredible savings ✅Booking mechanism：receive a discount of up to 60% off the second passengers and 30% discount applies to guest 3 and 4 ✅Booking window：1 Aug-2 Sep 20224 ✅Sailing window Anthem of the Seas: 21 Nov 2024-13 Apr 2025 Quantum of the Seas: 15 Oct 2024 Ovation of the Seas: 16 Apr 2025; 9 Oct 2025-12 Mar 2026 🚢One-stop solution for dining, accommodation, transportation, shopping and entertainment. Each friend can find their own perfect way to relax!🎊 Culinary delight🍽：With 27 dining options, you can experience global flavors right on the cruise. Highly recommended is the North Star bar.🥂 After you’ve taken a ride on the North Star, featuring brilliant 360º views from 300 feet above sea level, celebrate your breathtaking ascent with something sparkling, mixed, or frosty and tropical from the North Star Bar. 🛏Comfortable accommodation：from the interior to the balcony room each room simply decorated a peaceful homely atmosphere。Don’t forget the suit. The suit fully equipped luxury accommodation. Usually includes a private balcony. Butler service and other VIP services are available. Exciting entertainment🎢: Royal Caribbean cruises include a variety of cruise entertaining facilities. The most rewarding part of the experience is the seaplex. 🎪SeaPlex is the largest indoor active space at sea, including the world’s first-ever bumper cars at sea, a roller rink, circus school and more. 🎉More cruise excitement awaits you! Of course, the cruise destinations are equally spectacular! 🤿Penang & Phuket Both destinations offer an unparalleled”3C” experience: sand, sea, and sunshine. Enjoy intimate moments with the ocean. 📍Penang Rich in historical atmosphere, visitors can admire well-preserved colonial architecture and mural art. You can also climb Penang Hill for a breathtaking view of the entire city. 📍Phuket Unique water activities: snorkeling, diving, sailing, and kayaking. Various water activities allow you to fully enjoy. Vibrant nightlife: from bustling bar streets to traditional Thai cultural performances, every night is full of surprises. Book now📣 Or contact us📧: infocruise@trip.com #cruise #trip #cruiselife #vacation #beachlife #singapore #wheretogo #royalcaribbean

Mixed feelings, foreignness, mottled sense Lazy days are long Under the scorching sun, in the torrential rain Like a Nanyang old dream · 🚄 Regular Major Transportation Airplane: Kuala Lumpur-Penang, ticket price within 100 RMB, flight time 1h, but Kuala Lumpur International Airport is far from the city center of Kuala Lumpur Train: KL Sentral- Butterworth, ticket price 63-84 MYR, train time 4h, arrive at Butterworth station, the station is at the pier, follow the crowd and take the 1 MYR ferry to reach the old town of Penang, GeorgeTown · 🏝 Tested photo spots, worth 👍 Bank Street Feels like a European financial city, this place was once the location of many foreign banks Blue Mansion The former residence of Cheong Fatt Tze, the building is predominantly blue, hence the name Blue Mansion, with Chinese garden style, part of it is now used as a hotel Overseas Chinese Museum Also known as the Peranakan Museum, the filming location of 'The Little Nyonya', here you can find not only luxurious decorations, furniture, and jewelry but also the cultural history of the Peranakans, highly recommended to listen to the commentary Penang Hill Take the cable car, go to the mountain top, see the panoramic view of GeorgeTown, a summer retreat · 📷 Fujifilm 🎨 NC straight out ·

As a child learning history, I learned about the major population migrations in China, which included venturing to the Northeast, moving to the West, and settling in Nanyang. The charm of Nanyang has always been something I yearned for, and Penang is the first stop on my journey to the South Seas. A 40-minute flight transfer from Kuala Lumpur took me to Penang, where I chose to stay near Shantou Street. Char Kway Teow, Jian Dui, Curry Mee, Hokkien Mee, Durian... truly a food paradise, there are so many delicious foods worth trying. 【First Stop】Street Art and Peranakan Museum The ancient Nanyang-style architecture paired with interesting and lively street art is just perfect for a city walk. Strolling leisurely here, every snapshot is filled with artistic flair. Of course, I couldn't miss the most famous murals. The Peranakan Museum, also known as the Penang Overseas Chinese Museum, is one of the most beautiful historic mansions in George Town, Penang, displaying the daily life of the prominent Zheng Jinggui family. 【Second Stop】Penang Hill The highest peak in Penang, offering a panoramic view of the entire city. The most famous attraction of Penang Hill is the funicular train, which allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty as if you were in a comic book. Unfortunately, it was under annual maintenance when I visited, and I regretfully missed it. In the end, I had to take a jeep up the hill, the winding mountain roads even had cute monkeys to see! Reaching the top, the view over Penang was breathtaking. 【Third Stop】Durian Farm Penang is very famous for its durians, and if you like durians, you must not miss this! This is the most recommended part of my entire trip! There are many durian farms on the back of Balik Pulau. Find a farm with beautiful scenery, where you can eat durians and enjoy the view at the same time, it's simply therapeutic! 【Fourth Stop】Batu Beach The beautiful sunset beach in Penang is perfect for relaxing in the evening. It's best to arrive at the beach at 5 pm to secure a good spot to watch the sunset. Waiting quietly for the sunset, the moment you see the pink and purple twilight, you realize that the beauty of this world is just so~

#familytrips2024 We had a great family gathering in Penang after a long time without seeing each other. We went to one of our favorite seafood restaurants where the food is yummy and not too expensive. We ordered lots of dishes like Crispy Salad Prawn, Steamed Fish, Salted Egg Mantis, Honey Pork Ribs, Lime Clams, Teppan Tofu, and Seaweed soup. It was so delicious, and it felt really good to catch up with everyone after such a long time apart. Address: 1235-C, Lebuh Paya Terubong 3, Bandar Baru Air Itam, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

#winhkflight 📍Iconic Hill View Point Went on a hike at Iconic Hill View Point and the view from the entire hiking trail was magnificent and stunning! We managed to get bird’s eye view of George Town and Penang bridge from the hike. We were there on a sunny day, love the occasional breezy air and the sun! The hike was quite an easy one, but with a lot of roads uphill. We were a little out of breath during the hike up. The trails are mainly tar road, they are well maintained, haven for natural enthusiasts, joggers and cyclist! I wish to travel to Hong Kong for the food!

#winhkflight Eggs Benedict featured a surprising but delightful Malaysian-infused hollandaise sauce, adding an unexpected twist to the dish. However, the eggs were hard-poached instead of the desired soft and runny consistency. Squid ink risotto offered a delectable experience with its creamy texture and rich black hue. The squid imparted a delightful charred flavor, and its tenderness perfectly complemented the dish without becoming mushy. The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Tiramisu cake, adorned with candied nuts, cocoa powder, and a hint of coffee atop a delicate sponge cake. Hope to win flight tickets to Hong Kong Ngong Ping 360 and take cablecar 🚠🚡

#winhkflight 📍Penang Botanic Gardens One of the hottest work out spot in town for Penangites would be Penang Botanic Gardens. The entire park is huge, we spent around half an hour for a round at the park! It is indeed such a relaxing and tranquil spot for a break from the hustling bustling Penang city. The park is filled with lush greeneries and well maintained in the form of walking trail, plants. There are many benches for visitors to rest as well! There are a few spacious areas in the park where visitors can play badminton, have a little picnic. This park is also a great photoshoot area for tourists! I wish to travel to Hong Kong for the food!

#winhkflight 📍Air Itam Dam, Penang One of the famous work out spot in Penang for the locals would be Air Itam Dam! It is a picturesque and scenic walk around the dam, filled with lush greeneries, refreshing breeze, and a dam! It is definitely worth a drive and walk here, many photo spots here and there. We managed to spot a little bit of the magnificent Kek Lok Si temple from this dam as well. There are ample parking spaces at the area, but might be a little crowded on weekend mornings. Nature lovers would love this place, away from the hustling bustling Penang city! I wish to travel to Hong Kong for the food!

#winhkflight 📍The Barn, Gurney Plaza, Penang The Barn, GP-170-G-43, Gurney Plaza, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang Strategically located in Gurney plaza mall, The Barn restaurant is a nice place to chill and hang out after shopping at the mall. They have both indoor and outdoor seatings, visited a few times and we always opted for the outdoor seatings as it is more airy and breezy. You can enjoy people watching sitting at the outdoors too! The ambiance was great, very cozy and comfortable we love it! They have a great choices of alcoholic drinks, like beer, wines, cocktails. Nice place to hang out with friends and family. The food served is mainly western cuisine. The food that we ordered was decent and was served pretty quickly I wish to travel to Hong Kong for the food!

#penangtrip Penang Botanical Gardens, nestled at the foot of Penang Hill, is a verdant oasis bursting with natural beauty and tranquility. Spanning over 29 hectares, the gardens boast a diverse collection of flora, including exotic orchids, towering trees, and fragrant spices. Visitors can wander along scenic pathways, marvel at picturesque waterfalls, and unwind in lush greenery. The gardens also offer recreational activities such as jogging, picnicking, and birdwatching, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. With its serene ambiance and stunning landscapes, Penang Botanical Gardens provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

#penangtrip 📍Rumah Kacha 31a, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang Visited this glasshouse café in George Town Penang and it was amazing! This café has both indoor and outdoor seatings, might be quite hot and humid for outdoor seatings during afternoon. It is located in the heart of Penang island, spacious and can accommodate larger groups of visitors! Love the vibes and ambiance, lively and delightful! Indeed a great spot for hang outs with friends and family. As it is located at Hin Bus Depot, you get to have some live music session and pop up markets on weekends as well! Food was great, pasta was served with a twist of fusion flavours. Coffee was pretty good too. Great place for a meal while visiting Hin Bus Depot.

#penangtrip Hindu temple in Penang is a must visit. After climbing 513 steps, I reach the main temple. I am very impressed with the architecture of this Hindu Temple. From here, I can enjoy the marvelous panorama view of Penang Island. The Grab driver advises me to visit the temple at night. With the colorful led light, the temple will be much more attractive.....

#penangtrip If you are heading to Penang Hill, pop by this small temple for a quick visit. There is a small bat cave inside the temple. Opposite the temple there is also a small tortoise pond. The temple caught fire early this morning and was completely destroyed. The badly destroyed temple marks the end of an epic landmark for Taoist devotees to this majestic temple. The caused of the fire has yet to be ascertained. There are no gimmicks involve, its an actual cave with life bats numbering about 100 odd inside the temple cave. Not a very big Taoist temple though, the shrine is said to be 200 years old and the housed deity is Tua Pek Kong (God of Prosperity) made from granite stone. Like any Chinese temple besides the main deity there are usually a number of other accompanying deities. Devotees far and near throng the temple praying for good luck. For those intended followers who wished to be blessed with good luck will have to wait until the temple have been repair, if any repairs are to be carried out. Those who have never visited this temple hard luck, faith is not on your side until then good luck and may you have another chance to visit this temple again.