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Are you looking to travel? Do you seek a place with a rich history, unique culture, religion, and architecture? Do you desire a destination with stunning natural beauty, turquoise sea, white sand beaches, and ample opportunities for Instagram-worthy photos? Penang Island offers all of this and more. Let's explore this beautiful island together!
Penang - Where Cultures Converge
2Penang Island is famously known as the pearl of the Orient for its enchanting beauty. Its capital, Georgetown, was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2008 for its 'unique urban landscape of architecture and culture unparalleled anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.' Malaysians often refer to Georgetown as Tanjung.
Exploring Georgetown - the Capital of Penang
Penang is the most populous island in Malaysia, with 704,376 people as of 2010. The ethnic composition includes 45.6% Chinese, 43.6% Bumiputera (Malays and other indigenous peoples), 10.4% Indians, and 0.4% others. This ethnic diversity contributes to linguistic, cultural, and religious diversity, creating Penang's unique charm.
The Malay language is the native language and the official language of the state. Additionally, English, a legacy from colonial times, is widely used in commerce, education, and the arts. When traveling to Penang, language is not a concern as most people, from taxi drivers to street vendors, have some proficiency in English with a local accent.
Indian Attire
Walking along the streets, it's easy to distinguish people from different ethnicities based on their traditional attire. Malay men wear Baju Melayu - loose-fitting tunics worn over trousers, some with Sampin - short sarongs wrapped around the waist, and topped with a Songkok hat. Indian men wear Dhoti - a 4.5-meter-long cloth wrapped around the waist and legs, paired with a shirt and a scarf. They also wear Kurta - long shirts reaching the knees, with loose trousers, and Sherwani - lightweight knee-length coats.
Malay women traditionally wear Baju Kurung - long-sleeved tops reaching the knees, paired with Kain - long skirts, along with a shawl or headscarf. Younger women may wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts paired with a headscarf. Indian women commonly wear Sari - a long piece of cloth wrapped around the body, adorned with various ornaments.
Penang is a melting pot of religions - Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism. Interestingly, they coexist peacefully, without conflicts often seen elsewhere.
Penang was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia. Its Western influence is evident with low-rise British-style villas lining the streets of this gem. Interwoven with the characteristic architecture of mosques, temples, and Buddhist monasteries.
The Central Fire Station building was constructed in 1908.
Penang boasts the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia. The Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, also known as Penang Bridge 2, is a cable-stayed bridge located southward, linking Batu Maung on Penang Island with Batu Kawan on the Malaysian mainland. The bridge has a total length of 24 km, with a 16.9 km span over water, featuring 6 lanes of two-way traffic.
The Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge
Penang features a tropical rainforest climate bordering on a tropical monsoon climate, with average temperatures ranging from 23 to 32 degrees Celsius, drier from December to February.
GMT +8 time zone, one hour ahead of Vietnam. At seven in the evening, it's still quite bright. It's not until eight o'clock that it really gets dark.
Exchange rate in June 2023: 1 RM = 5.152 VND (actual exchange rate)
Getting around is extremely convenient.
There are numerous flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to Penang, including direct flights by the budget airline Airasia, arriving at Penang International Airport.
Bus route 401 or 401E goes from Penang Airport to the city center of Georgetown. Additionally, there are plenty of taxis waiting right outside the airport. A four-seater taxi from the airport to a hotel 23km away costs 55RM. The fare is predetermined. The coordinator provides a voucher, you present it, and then you pay the driver upon arrival, with no worries about extra mileage.
Being a tourist city, Penang offers various transportation options such as buses, taxis, Grab, cyclos, motorcycle rentals, and bicycles. Taxis or Grab come in both four-seater and six-seater options. Make sure to take note when booking your ride.
Bus Routes
Bike Rental (or Electric Bikes):
Motorbike Rental:
Car Rental:
Cycle Rickshaw:
Cycle Rickshaw in Georgetown
Indulge in Penang's Culinary Paradise
Malaysia is a melting pot of Asian cuisine. Penang boasts the best food in Malaysia. Malaysian cuisine is divided into four main groups: Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Baba-Nyonya, a fusion of Malay and Chinese flavors with a unique taste.
Asam Laksa Noodles
Stir-Fried Char Kway Teow is another national dish that has spread beyond Penang, even beyond Malaysia. Thick and soft noodles stir-fried with chili, shrimp, eggs, clams, bean sprouts, chives, and garlic, very delicious. Price is only 6 RM/plate.
Nasi Kandar Curry Rice
A little tip is to eat at the night markets, where the food is extremely diverse and affordable. You can experience local cuisine while satisfying both your mouth and stomach.
Enjoying a bowl of Asam Laksa at the night market
Accommodation in Penang
Being a tourist island, it's very easy for you to find suitable accommodation for your trip. You can rent a room in Georgetown for convenience. Alternatively, you can go further and choose beachfront hotels, spending your days sightseeing and evenings strolling along the beach. Most attractions close at 5 pm, while it's still bright until 7 pm, giving you enough time to swim and explore the nearby eateries. Room prices vary depending on the time, starting from only 100 RM/night for 2 people.
View of Penang Beach from the hotel
Must-Visit Attractions in Penang
Georgetown
Georgetown, the capital of Penang, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's the heart and soul of Penang. If you're short on time, just book a hotel near the beach and take a stroll around Georgetown to get a good sense of this pearl of an island.
Penang is known for its cultural and religious diversity, and Georgetown showcases this best. As you walk along its streets, you'll see the solemnity of mosques on one end, the fragrant smoke of ancient temples on the other, and in the distance, the colorful statues of Indian temples. On one side, you'll find stately British architecture, while on the other, unique Chinese-style buildings. During meal times, your senses will be overwhelmed by the aroma of curry, the sizzle of noodles in hot pans. Your stomach will rejoice amidst the symphony of English, Chinese, Indian, and Malay voices.
Masjid Melayu Lebuh Acheh Mosque, built in 1808
One of Georgetown's highlights is its street art. This artistic trend began when Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist, painted murals during the Georgetown Festival. Take your time to hunt for the vibrant murals adorning the walls.
Street Art in Georgetown
You can also hire a trishaw to explore the streets and witness the convergence of life in this cultural hub.
A glimpse of Georgetown
Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si is a Buddhist temple in Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia, situated on a hillside facing the sea. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and a pilgrimage center for Buddhists from Hong Kong and Southeast Asia.
Constructed between 1890 and 1930 by abbot Beow Lean, Kek Lok Si features distinctive Chinese architectural style. The temple is divided into three main areas. The first is the courtyard area at the entrance, with souvenir shops, food stalls, and a turtle pond. According to Chinese belief, turtles symbolize health, longevity, and releasing them brings inner peace. The second is the main hall housing the Four Heavenly Kings and over 10,000 Buddha statues. The third is the seven-story Ban Po Thar tower located at the highest point. The tower combines octagonal Chinese temple architecture with Thai and Burmese influences, creating a unique architectural style found only in Penang. Each floor is adorned with meticulously carved jade statues and precious Chinese antiques. At the top of the tower stands the 36.5-meter bronze statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, built in 2002. The statue features a three-tiered canopy supported by 16 bronze columns.
Kek Lok Si Temple, established in 1890
Standing here, you can admire the panoramic view of the beautiful natural scenery, breathe in the fresh air carried by the salty breeze from the sea, and feast your eyes on the lush green hills.
During the Lunar New Year, the temple is adorned with grand decorations, shimmering lights, mystical lanterns, and an abundance of flowers and papers. Colorful ribbons are available for purchase for 1 RM, allowing you to write prayers for yourself and your family at the prayer hall near the entrance.
The temple is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Admission is free for general visitation. However, there is a fee of 2 RM per person to visit the Ban Po Thar tower.
To reach Kek Lok Si Temple, you can take bus 203 or 204 from Georgetown to Air Itam Market, then walk to the temple if you're up for the climb. Alternatively, you can take a Grab car for 31RM. Make sure to instruct the driver to drop you off at the temple gate, as there are three parking lots spread out quite far from each other.
Penang Hill
Penang Hill is located 3km from Kek Lok Si Temple. From its 830m elevation, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Penang. Exploring the Sri Aru Loli Thirumurugan temple, the love lock bridge, and traversing through lush green forests via the historic train station are all fantastic experiences.
You can ascend the hill via a funicular train from the base. Consider purchasing a half-day tour to visit both Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill, departing from Georgetown.
Entopia – Penang Butterfly Farm
Entopia is a paradise of creatures, housing over 15,000 butterflies and insects nurtured in natural habitat recreations. Witness free-flying butterflies and insects, as well as admire various exhibits. Additionally, there are over 200 species of lush plants. Prepare to be amazed as you encounter many species for the first time in your life.
Entopia comprises 2 exploration zones: The Cocoon indoor area and the outdoor Natureland garden.
The Cocoon features two floors where you can explore the world of invertebrates through various interactive stations. Some highlights include the Pandora forest, Lumino city, breeding zone, underground mysteries, and hidden tales.
Natureland serves as a shared ecological space for various species ranging from invertebrates to reptiles. It's a charming miniature forest with waterfalls, ponds, and beautifully arranged caves.
Ticket prices for international visitors: 75 RM/adult, 60 RM/child. Family combo tickets are available.
Entopia – Penang Butterfly Farm
Tropical Spice Garden
Tropical Spice Garden
Spanning 8 hectares, Tropical Spice Garden boasts over 500 species of flora. It's a miniature tropical rainforest with countless spice trees, nestled under majestic ancient canopies, quietly exuding fragrant aromas.
Escape the city's hustle and bustle, the everyday worries. Here, you're enveloped in lush greenery. Inhale the fresh air, listen to the gentle babble of streams, observe the birds, and squirrels frolicking. Utterly serene. After exploring, visit the outdoor cafe overlooking the Malacca Strait, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Ticket prices for international visitors: 40 RM/adult, 28 RM/child.
Museum
If you're traveling with little ones, they'll delight in exploring the museums. From the Teddy Vyle Teddy Bear Museum, Dark Mansion Museum, Glass Museum, to the interactive Made in Penang Museum...
Ticket prices for international tourists: 32 - 40 RM/adult, 20 – 30 RM/child depending on the location.
Teddy Vyle Teddy Bear Museum
Discover the Beach
If you're seeking to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of bars, restaurants, cafes, and bustling night markets, Batu Ferringhi Beach is the ideal choice. The beach along Jalan Batu Ferringhi is dotted with countless eateries offering nighttime delights. During the day, enjoy lively activities like jet skiing, surfing, and snorkeling...
Sunrise on Penang Beach
For a serene experience, opt for the stretch of beach along Jalan Tanjung Bungah, where you can sway in the calm waters while admiring the sunrise in the morning and witnessing the sunset in the evening.
Penang Sunset
Recommended 4-Day 3-Night Itinerary
This itinerary is tailored for families with young children. If traveling with adults only, you can explore more attractions.
Day 1
Flight from Ho Chi Minh City (or Hanoi) to Penang Airport. I flew from Ho Chi Minh City, departing at 13:30 and arriving at 16:15. The check-in process took quite some time, and it was nearly 18:00 when everything was sorted out. After getting a SIM card, I took a taxi back to the hotel by the beach, which was 22km away. I arrived at the hotel around 19:00 (if there was no traffic, it would only take 30 minutes). In the evening, I strolled around and had dinner to experience the nighttime beach atmosphere.
Day 2
Musang King Durians in Penang
Day 3
Day 4
Morning and evening should be reserved for strolling. Penang boasts numerous greenery, with dedicated walking and biking lanes, making it perfect for leisurely walks.
Streets in Penang feature dedicated lanes for walking and cycling.
A helpful tip is to keep the contact information for the Vietnamese embassy handy during your travels abroad.
Vietnamese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Address:
Phone Number:
Email:
Consul:
Hotline for Vietnamese citizens:
When in Penang, leave behind all the daily hustle and bustle. Just slow down, take a deep breath, immerse yourself in a world full of colorful cultures, and rich flavors, leaving you reluctant to leave.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go, explore the wonderful things in Penang!
Hope these insights are helpful for your trip. Wishing you and your family a fantastic journey.
Mytour Goglobal is a blogging program introducing beautiful destinations around the world, under the framework of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote new travel destinations worldwide to everyone. For each qualifying article, you will receive 1,200,000 VND and the opportunity to become a Contributor with Mytour. For more details about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/goglobal
