Penang Guide: Accommodation, Food, Sites, & Tips
- samgorton9
- Aug 2
- 6 min read
Penang, Malaysia, is a vibrant state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and historic charm. Its capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for colonial architecture, colourful street art, and a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Often called the food capital of Malaysia, Penang is especially famous for street food like char kway teow and laksa. With beautiful beaches, lush hills, and attractions like Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill, it’s a popular destination for both history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
This blog will include some fun activities that we enjoyed, our favourite food places (suitable for vegans and vegetarians), and where we stayed.
Accommodation - Citadenes Connect George Town
When choosing accommodation in Penang, George Town is the best place to stay. It is the capital of the island and everything is easily accessible by either a quick Grab ride or a short walk. We stayed in Citadenes Connect and it was perfect - super clean and tidy, modern, and had a good buffet breakfast selection. The hotel was also quite central and was within a 10-20min walk to most sites.
Travel Tips
While it is actually quicker to walk to some places given the city's traffic, some of the streets don't have footpaths or pedestrian crossings, and paths may be uneven. Be sure to travel safely, wear good walking shoes, and be aware of your surroundings on the road.
Make sure you pack sunscreen and a hat because Malaysia is hotttt.
Use Grab. This is South East Asia's equivalent of Uber and is an easy to use app on your phone. The fares are quite affordable and it means you don't risk getting ripped off by a taxi.
Tipping is not mandatory in Malaysia
No need to haggle either, this country has set prices!
Card is accepted at most places however, I would still carry around cash in case you visit street vendors.
Dress modestly when visiting temples, many require you to have your shoulders and knees covered.
While I didn't drink straight tap water, I did brush my teeth using tap water and had no issues (our hotel had a filtered water cooler)
Restaurants
Bombay Kitchen & Bar
This was, hands down, the best Indian food I have had in my life. No butter chicken has compared since I ate here. The staff were lovely too and I loved the interior design of the restaurant. While it was not an exclusively vegetarian restaurant there were heaps of great vego options on the menu, which my friend also agreed was the best Indian she'd had too.
Pinxin Vegan Cuisine
This restaurant offered an all vegan menu. The Laksa I had was incredibly refreshing with hints of mint and citrusy flavours, and just like the Indian food, I fear no Laksa will ever top it.
P.66 Cafe
We loved this place so much we went back twice. It is a Japanese stationery store with a great café up the back so you can browse cute stationery and celebrate your purchases with a drink. I definitely recommend the matcha and the biscoff latte!!
Activities
Kek Lok Si Temple - Free
Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and a major pilgrimage site for devotees across Southeast Asia. Located in Air Itam, it features a striking blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles. Highlights include the towering 36.5-meter bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin), the seven-story Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, and beautifully landscaped gardens. The temple offers panoramic views of George Town and is especially magical when lit up during Chinese New Year. This was one of our favourite temples from the trip!
They were doing construction when we were there, so part of the temple was inaccessible and we couldn't go up to the massive statue but here's what it looks like ⤵️(honestly the temple grounds were so big, there was still so much to explore).
The Blue Mansion - 25MYR (~9AUD)pp
The Blue Mansion, officially known as the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, is a beautifully restored 19th-century heritage home. Built by wealthy Chinese merchant Cheong Fatt Tze, the mansion features striking indigo-blue walls, traditional Chinese architecture, and eclectic elements of Eastern and Western design. It's now a boutique hotel and museum, offering guided tours that highlight its rich history, feng shui principles, and cultural significance.
We would definitely recommend getting the guided tour. While my friend and I weren't able to get one, we overheard some of what the guide was saying and they sounded incredibly knowledgeable. I think it would make the experience far more immersive and enjoyable. The tour is approximately 10AUD and sells out quickly, so make sure you book your tickets at least a week in advance.
Armenian Street - Free
Armenian Street is a charming, walkable lane famed for its vibrant street art, quaint cafés, and heritage shophouses. A cultural hotspot, it beautifully blends local history with modern creativity, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Penang’s artsy side.
Heritage Tour and Trishaw Ride ~ $103AUDpp
The Heritage Trishaw Ride is a 2.5-hour tour and a relaxing way to explore George Town’s historic streets. We had an English speaking driver who drove us to each of the temple sites and let us explore each one at our own pace, before arranging our one-hour trishaw ride. This was such a fun and unique experience where we could stop and take pictures with all of the street art!
Also, don't be worried about the traffic, as trishaws are respected on the roads and have right of way! Click below to check out the tour and see if it's right for you.
Additional Activities
Here's a list of activities that we didn't get around to doing but you may be interested in.
Ferringhi Heart Beach Club
Ferringhi Heart Beach Club is a lively beachfront spot on Batu Ferringhi, Penang, offering relaxed dining, live music, and stunning sunset views. A highlight is the nightly fire show by local troupe Fire Phantom, featuring fire juggling, poi spinning, fire breathing, and dazzling spark effects. Shows run around 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm most nights (except Tuesdays) and are set to dramatic music for an exciting atmosphere. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy a memorable night by the sea.
Chew Jetty
Chew Jetty is a charming waterfront village in George Town, Penang, where wooden houses sit on stilts above the sea. Built by Chinese immigrants from the Chew clan in the 1800s, it’s still home to local families and offers a unique glimpse into traditional life. Visitors can stroll along narrow wooden walkways, explore small shops and food stalls, and enjoy views of the water and local street art. It’s a peaceful yet lively spot that blends history, culture, and tourism.
Penang Hill Funicular ~ $13AUDpp
The Penang Hill Funicular Railway is a scenic train ride that takes you up to the top of Penang Hill in just a few minutes. It’s one of the steepest funicular railways in the world and offers stunning views as it climbs through lush rainforest. At the summit, you’ll find panoramic views of George Town, and attractions like The Habitat and the Skywalk. It’s a fun and easy way to experience one of Penang’s most popular spots.
Georgetown Food Tour ~ $70AUDpp
The Penang Plates Food Tour is a 4-hour guided walking tour through the streets of George Town, where you'll sample over 15 different local dishes. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll get to taste a variety of Penang’s best eats, from noodle dishes and street snacks to traditional Nyonya desserts, while learning about the rich food culture behind them. The tour starts near the Pinang Peranakan Mansion and ends at the lively Kimberly Street Night Market, making it a delicious and immersive way to explore Penang. This tour is given an overall rating of 5 stars by over 300 people and is more reasonably priced in comparison to other Penang food tours!
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