A trip itinerary for Penang can be a tiresome thing to plan because there’s so much to see and do! And this is even if you just limit your itinerary to George Town!
We have been to Penang several times and still haven’t seen everything.
These itineraries are suitable for first timers (based on our opinion) but if you have been to Penang before, check out the itinerary for longer durations!
Table Of Contents:
- Penang Itinerary
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
- For The Family
- Best Time To Visit Penang
- Where To Stay In Penang?
Penang Itinerary
The classic Penang itinerary usually includes the following highlights (listed here in no particular order):
- Penang food
- Penang Hill (and The Habitat)
- Kek Lok Si Temple
- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (or The Blue Mansion)
- ESCAPE Theme Park
- Khoo Kongsi
- Penang Street Art
- Clan Jetties of Penang
- Batu Ferringhi
Keeping this in mind, you can experience the food, heritage, culture, and nature. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities in Penang.
How Long To Stay In Penang
Honestly, you can’t see much in 1 day. Or 2 days, for that matter!
3 days is the best duration to see the top attractions in Penang! So, try to consider this into your two weeks Malaysia itinerary!
Still have doubts? Read on!
Penang Itinerary – Day 1
Sometimes, you just have less than 24 hours before you must go elsewhere. And that’s okay, just keep in mind you’ll probably want to come back to Penang again!
Hopefully, you’re visiting on a weekday and not a weekend. Else you must be wary of heavier traffic and longer waiting times at popular hawker stalls.
For your first day, aim to spend the whole day in George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! As we said before, there are already so many things to do in Georgetown Penang.
Morning
- Make your way to the historic centre of Penang, George Town!
- Depending on how much time you’ve got, you can find Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.
- Stroll (or hop on a trishaw) along Penang’s heritage streets, Armenian Street and Love Lane where you can spot some street murals too!
- Continue to Little India
Afternoon
- Have lunch in Little India (Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant)
- If you have time to spare, step into the Sri Mahamariamman Temple
- Next, admire the lovely Penang Peranakan Mansion (Read our detailed guide on Penang Peranakan Mansion). Or have some giggles while learning about Malaysian cuisine at the Wonder Food Museum instead!
Evening
- Chew Jetty or Tan Jetty – There are many clan jetties of Penang but these two are the most picturesque!
- Dinner option 1: Village Fish Head Bee Hoon at Pengkalan Weld!
- Dinner option 2: Enjoy street food at Kimberly Street
Note: Don’t stay out too late! You’ll need an early start for the next day in Penang!
Penang Itinerary – Day 2
Day 1 follows the previous itinerary. But on Day 2, it’s time to visit the main attractions in Ayer Itam, Penang – Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple!
These are very famous attractions so try as much as possible to visit on a weekday instead. Otherwise, queues are likely.
First night in Penang: Stay anywhere between George Town and Ayer Itam. Especially if you want to see the sunrise at Penang Hill!
Morning
- Go to Ayer Itam – If going by public transport, allow at least 2 hours. If you have a car, it takes 30 minutes from George Town!
- Start early if you want to hike up to Penang Hill from Penang Botanical Gardens or you can take the train up (preferably before 8am).
- The main attraction at Penang Hill is The Habitat with guided nature walks, a long canopy walkway, and a spectacular 360 degrees viewing platform (Open daily from 9am – 7pm, with last entry being at 6pm), Curtis Crest!
- To beat the crowds, try to complete your visit before noon! Then, it’s on to Kek Lok Si Temple!
Afternoon
- You can head over to the nearby Air Itam Sister Curry Mee for lunch before your temple visit! Or the Penang Air Itam Laksa (Only open on weekends)
- Explore Kek Lok Si Temple (Approximately 1-2 hours required)
After sweating a lot, go for some refreshing cendol at Lebuh Keng Kwee, George Town.
And if you have extra time on your hands, you can visit more museums like the Upside Down Museum, Glass Museum, or hunt for some murals.
Evening
- Freshen up at your hotel.
- Dinner option #1: 888 Hokkien Mee at Lebuh Pesgrave
- Dinner option #2: Time to try some more of that delicious Penang food at Kimberley Street Night Market (kway chap, char kway teow)
- Hit the scenic Straits Quay Marina Mall – always good for a harbor stroll, coffee, or a nightcap!
Read more: 11 Best Night Markets In Penang – Monday To Sunday (Especially #5)
Penang Itinerary – Day 3
Add this plan to the previous 2-day itinerary if you’re staying in Penang for 3 days.
Day 3 allows you more time to appreciate George Town and its British colonial past. And to see at least one of Penang’s prominent beaches!
Start the day with a tour of notable structures around Penang! And as evening approaches, make the journey to Batu Ferringhi.
Second night in Penang: Stay anywhere in George Town
Morning
After breakfast in Penang, venture around George Town to see Penang’s British colonial buildings and other famous landmarks:
- Goddess of Mercy Temple Penang
- George’s Anglican Church
- Penang State Museum
- Penang High Court
- Town Hall
- City Hall
- Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
- Fort Cornwallis
Note: You can do this 20-minute walking route in reverse to avoid visiting Fort Cornwallis at mid-day when it’s usually very hot and sunny!
Afternoon
- Have lunch in George Town. (e.g. Esplanade Park Food Court for Hameed Pata Mee Sotong!)
- Visit the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
- Travel to and have a tour of Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque
- 10 minutes’ drive away is Batu Ferringhi beach where there are kayak, jet ski or banana boat rentals (Waverunner Beach Chalet).
- Before Batu Ferringhi Beach, you can visit the lesser known and quieter Moonlight Bay. It isa 6 minutes’ drive away from Batu Ferringhi Beach.
Note: Facilities and maintenance at Moonlight Bay are lacking though.
Evening
- Dinner option #1: Romantic garden setting at Restaurant Ferringhi Garden
- Dinner option #2: Long Beach Café Food Court (Char kway teow, satay, fresh seafood, etc)
- Browse the Batu Feringghi Night Market (Open from 7pm)
- Or choose a beautiful bar in Batu Feringghi for sunset viewing (BoraBora bar)
- Retire early to be fully rested for the next day!
Penang Itinerary – Day 4
After 3 days of checking out George Town, Ayer Itam and Batu Ferringhi, it’s time to head to the west coast of Penang! Or more specifically, Teluk Bahang.
Note: Teluk Bahang is 8 minutes’ drive from Batu Ferringhi. Or 30 minutes by public transport.
Third night in Penang: Stay in Batu Ferringhi
4 days in Penang gives you an extra day to fully immerse yourself in more nature-related places of interest in Penang! Like Penang National Park!
Notes:
- There are boat operators who are obviously exploiting tourists who don’t want to hike through Penang National Park to see the beaches.
- Furthermore, despite the entrance fees imposed, some parts of the park (namely Monkey Beach and hiking trails) need repair.
Morning
- Have breakfast or take your breakfast with you to Penang National Park (Open from 8am). Decide ahead whether you’d like to hike through the park or take a boat transfer.
- At the entrance of the Penang National Park, register before you start your hike (1 to 1.5 hours with moderate fitness) or get on the boats!
- At Monkey Beach; Climb up to Muka Head Lighthouse to get the blood flowing! Go for a dip in the shallows. Or sit down to a picnic.
Afternoon
- Take a boat ride to Pantai Keracut (Turtle Beach) to stop at the turtle sanctuary and glimpse the meromictic lake! Penang National Park closes at 5pm.
- If you get back around 3pm, you still have time to take a peek at Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm (Closes at 5pm)
Note: Another attraction that you can check out in this area is the Tropical Fruit Farm (also closes at 5pm).
Evening
- Of course, you can always stop here and call it a day!
- Or, you can see where the locals enjoy their evening walks at Teluk Bahang Dam (Closed at 7:30pm)!
- Dinner option: Tai Tong Seafood Restaurant (Typical Chinese seafood restaurant but price is higher than average)
Penang Itinerary – Day 5
If you still have energy for an additional day to the earlier 4 days 3 nights itinerary, this last day will ensure some unforgettable experiences in your memories of Penang!
Fourth night in Penang: Stay in Teluk Bahang
Spend most of the day at Escape theme park trying out the high-rope obstacle course, slides, zip lines and more!
Keep the last 3 hours for getting to the airport and as a buffer for any unforeseen circumstances.
Notes:
- It’s a 1-hour drive from Teluk Bahang to the Penang International Airport. Or 3 hours by public transport!
- There is a tropical fruit farm worth stopping on the way to the airport, especially in durian season! Allocate 30-90 minutes to visit!
Suggestions For Family-Friendly Itinerary
Visiting Penang with kids in tow need not be complicated! The following places will enable your kids to unleash their pent-up energy too.
Theme Parks
- Adventure Zone (Batu Ferringhi)
- Adventure Play at Escape Theme Park (Teluk Bahang)
And here are some family-friendly venues that have educative value:
Education Venues
- Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm (Teluk Bahang)
- Tech Dome at KOMTAR Penang
And the following places are great for the whole family to sightsee. Although those with knee problems will have difficulty exploring the whole area.
Landmarks/ Penang Attractions
- Penang Hill and Funicular Railway
- Kek Lok Si Temple (Ayer Itam)
Other Interesting Places
- Hard Rock Hotel – The variety of pools and slides here almost feels like a water park!
- Penang Museums (Teddyville Museum or Wonder Food Museum)
- Youth Park
Read more: Penang Nightlife – 23 Best Things To Do In Penang At Night
Best Time To Visit Penang
The best time to visit Penang is towards the end of the year. Think mid-November to mid-February! This is when daily temperatures are more favorable and there is festive cheer in the air!
At the same time, do expect more crowds and higher prices for accommodation.
The rest of the year in Penang is warm and humid with minimal variation except for the amount of rain. Rainy season is typically between May to April and September to mid-November!
Where To Stay In Penang?
It’s hard to decide where to stay when there are so many options!
We’ll make it a little easier for you with this appealing selection of the best hotels in Penang!
1. Budget Option
1.1. ZEN Rooms Eden Parade
An affordable hotel in Batu Ferringhi with clean rooms and a strategic location close to eateries, a convenience store, and a night market!
Check best price on: Agoda
1.2. Chulia Mansion
In the midst of George Town attractions, the elegant rooms and fine details at Chulia Mansion are an alternative if The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) is out of your budget!
Check best price on: Agoda
1.3. Eco Capsule Resort, Teluk Bahang, Penang
Although unsuitable for families with young children or elders, Eco Capsule Resort is simple rustic living without having to do away with air-conditioning!
It’s close to the main Teluk Bahang attractions too!
Check best price on: Agoda
If you’d like other budget options, check out our list of the top budget hotels in Penang for our choice recommendations!
2. Mid-Range Option
2.1. Areca Hotel Penang
Location-wise, you will be getting your money’s worth with this hotel as it is in George Town close to shopping centers (KOMTAR), eateries as well as China Town!
Rooms are beautiful, cozy, and clean.
Check best price on: Agoda
2.2. Lost Paradise Resort
Big rooms, Bali vibes and a delightful outdoor infinity pool with sea views! The only downside is there’s no private beach!
10 minutes’ drive from Batu Ferringhi!
Check best price on: Agoda
2.3. JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La
Next to KOMTAR, this high-rise hotel delivers when it comes to service!
Recent renovations, food haunts, modern rooms, a swimming pool and a fitness centre are all reasons to book Hotel Jen Penang!
Check best price on: Agoda
3. Luxury Option
3.1. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
A heritage mansion turned into a boutique hotel in George Town?
At The Blue Mansion, you’ll be treated to Peranakan luxury, delicious breakfast and complimentary evening tours!
Check best price on: Agoda
3.2. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang
It’s a short drive (3 minutes) from Rasa Sayang to Batu Ferringhi.
Even so, get ready to be spoilt with wonderful service and surroundings at this 5-star hotel with its own private beach!
Check best price on: Agoda
3.3. G Hotel Gurney
G Hotel Gurney is a clear first choice for keen shoppers (Gurney Plaza) and it is walking distance to Gurney Drive Hawker Centre!
You will likely return for the classy environment and great service!
Check best price on: Agoda
Further reading:
- How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown (4 Easy Ways)
- How To Get To Penang Island From Kuala Lumpur (KL)
- Best Way To Travel From Langkawi To Penang (All Methods + Cheap Option)
Conclusion
This complete Penang itinerary guide starts with a basic 1-day plan. You can extend it to a 5-day, 4 nights plan easily to cover George Town, Ayer Itam, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang!
There is enough to keep you busy from morning to night if you’re wondering what to do in Penang in 3 days!
You might want to look at our full Penang guide too.
Read more: 13 Best Penang Souvenirs – What To Buy In Penang
