In today’s post we would like to introduce you to Sonia Pańta of Mary w Plecaku. “Traveling, writing, photography and homeschooling my kid. And this is actually what is our blog about — living while traveling, working while traveling, teaching while traveling and getting education while traveling. Also about our love to Asia, good food, sun, mountains, ocean and this special feeling you can get while moving to other unknown places.”
Malaysia is not the cheapest place in Asia but it doesn’t mean you have to spend thousands. Most of all you will have big fun, full stomach and millions great memories.
Stay in heritage city
Named after Britain’s King George III gives you real feel of Chinese, Malay and Indian cultural diversity, although in colonial environment.
This is George Town and there is no better place to stay. If you want to feel the real ambience of the city choose one of the colonial mansion. There are many of them on the Love Street, Victoria, Chulia or Munri Street on nearby streets.
From there you can easily get to all places worth seeing, taste all that is worth to taste and feel the multicultural atmosphere of the old city. Make sure you pass by Khoo Kongsi, Cheah Kongsi, Hainan Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Blue Mansion, Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s Base, Kuan Yin Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple.
Take a morning walk through Clan Jetties and night walk through famous Armenian Street. If you want to take a look at the city from the distance climb the Penang Hill. Hiking is very rewarding but you can also take cable car.
Not far from there you will find one of the biggest Buddhist temples in South East Asia – Kek Lok Si Temple.
There is so much to see but don’t get frustrated – just walk the old streets and you will find all the best things just like this. To make your life easier and pick one of the maps available at the airport.
Feel same art
What is George Town famous for? Street art of course. Not scrawling on the wall but real art. Just look around very carefully while walking and you will be so surprised what you can find – many beautiful murals playing with city architecture. Little Girl In Blue, Children in a Boat, Boy on a Bike, Little Children on a Bicycle and many more.
Eat baby!
Penang is famous for its food and here you can eat 24/7. Check Little India, night market on Chulia Street and its intersection with Love Lane.
You can find hawker stalls everywhere and they start after dark. Try all the local dishes like Kuay Teow, Char Kway Teow, Laksa, Hokkien Mee, Loh Mee, Koay Teow Soup, Mee Goreng. And for dessert same Cendol.
Good appetite!
Find same jungle
Penang is quite busy with impressive skyline but there is also a different side of the island. After days in the city rent a motorbike and just go around.
Get a swim from one of the beaches in Batu Ferringhi, visit Tropical Fruit Farm and Butterfly Farm or just go ahead along the jungle road until you get to Balik Pulau. Here you can stop for famous Pokok Janggus Laksa. It is worth the trip.
Next follow the road to Fishing Villages and other silent beaches.
If you need more intensive touch of jungle visit Teman Negara National Park and take hiking trip to Monkey Beach or further to Lighthouse. Sit there in peace enjoying the views of Penang, eagles flying around and refreshing breeze. You can come back by boat from Monkey Beach.
How do you like this idea of exploring Penang?
28 thoughts on “Cheap And Fun In Malaysian Penang”
I love the photos with a girl and kids on graffiti :D They’re great!
Me too, it’s absolutely amazing! The photographer’s very talented!
all the murals are great in Georgetow. and very photogenic :) it is worth to go there just to see the street art they have.
Exactly what I was about to say. Great photos!! This girl is so cute and I love her “playing” with the graffiti
I know!!!
Oh yes. Mary loved Penang murals. She bought magnetic cards with all of them and was checking every day how many has left to see :)
We are going to Penang next month. Thanks for these tips, they are really helpful :).
The street art in Malaysia looks a lot more beautiful than anything in America! Our version of “street art” equals graffiti and horrible looking words all over walls.
That is bacause people of George Town do care about this and are really proud of the street art in their town. This makes it so special. In most of the Polish cities street art looks like you mention, but there is one exception: google ‘urban forms lodz’ and you will see voted the second best street art gallery in the world (lost only to NY).
Yes!
Great article Mary. I’ve only been to Malaysia once and Penang is now calling me! I’m sold.
I agree with the comments above, those street art pictures are amazing.
Thank you! Want see more check our family travelling blog ;) And definitely go to Penang, you will not regret.
I visited Penang once when I was 18, but I’d love to go back and spend some more time appreciating the street-art. I have a friend from Georgetown and spending time with him has really made me think about visiting again. Lovely post- thankyou!
It is going to be interesting to see how it is changed.
Penang’s pretty under rated I reckon. Nice post!
I agree, Andrew.
I loved Georgetown! Art + food = can’t go wrong. Never been anywhere that had great street food EVERYWHERE for THAT cheap!! Thailand has great street food, but it’s a bit hit and miss. Japan and Singapore also, but pricier :D
Agreed!
I still think there is no better street food than in Thailnad, but Georgetown gives you something more in such a small space – combination of food, art, history and religious experience. And it is so beautiful.
Penang is a fave of mine. Can’t wait to get back. :)
Is it? Nice!
I’ve been to Malaysia a couple of times but I’ve never been to Penang. This is lovely – I especially love the street art, and that picture at the basketball hoop :)
It’s on my bucket list now!! :D
I have see some of the street art photos of Georgetown before and I would love to go there sometime.
I’ve never been to Malaysia, but it has been a place I really want to visit and my Malaysian friend showed me some foods and I just got more determined to go there now :)
I hope you can make it there soon!
The art in this place is amazing … but the food is even better!
Totally agree!!
Penang has lots of great food and interesting places. Always remember my great time there in my younger days :-)