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 plan 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 this city before, check out our suggestions for longer durations!
Penang Itinerary
The classic itinerary usually includes the following highlights (listed here in no particular order):
- Penang Hill (and The Habitat)
- Kek Lok Si Temple
- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (or The Blue Mansion)
- Khoo Kongsi
- Street Art
- Clan Jetties of Penang
- Batu Ferringhi
- Penang food
Keeping this in mind, you can experience the food, heritage, culture, and nature. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities!
How Long Should You Stay?
Honestly, you can’t see much in 1 day. Or 2 days, for that matter!
3 days is what we consider the idealduration to see the top attractions in the city as well as some time for the more rural areas!
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!
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). 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 in our opinion!
- 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!
First night in Penang: Stay anywhere between George Town and Ayer Itam. Especially if you want to see the sunrise at Penang Hill!
Day 2
Day 1 follows the previous itinerary. But on Day 2, it’s time to visit attractions over in Ayer Itam, Penang – Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple!
These are very famous spots so try as much as possible to visit on a weekday instead. Otherwise, queues are likely.
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. This is still our favorite cendol in the city. It has a very rich and distinct flavor.
And if you have extra time on your hands, you can visit more museums like the Batik Painting Museum, Straits & Oriental 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 the delicious local 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!
Second night in Penang: Stay anywhere in George Town
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 beach close to the city if you feel like it.
Start the day with a tour of notable structures around Penang! And as evening approaches, make the journey to Batu Ferringhi.
Morning
After breakfast, venture around George Town to see British colonial buildings and other famous landmarks:
- Goddess of Mercy Temple Penang
- George’s Anglican Church
- 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!
Third night in Penang: Stay in Batu Ferringhi
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.
Teluk Bahang is 8 minutes’ drive from Batu Ferringhi. Or 30 minutes by public transport.
4 days in Penang gives you an extra day to fully immerse yourself in more nature-related places of interest in Penang! Like the 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)
Fourth night in Penang: Stay in Teluk Bahang
Day 5
If you still have energy for an additional day to the earlier 4D3N plan, this last day will ensure some unforgettable experiences in your memories of Penang!
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 A Family-Friendly Plan
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
The following places are also 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 We Recommend For Families
- Hard Rock Hotel – The variety of pools and slides here almost feels like a water park!
- Wonder Food Museum
- Youth Park
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?
1. Budget Options
- 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
- 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
- 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 Teluk Bahang attractions too! Check best price on: Agoda
2. Mid-Range Options
- 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, eateries as well as China Town! Rooms are beautiful, cozy, and clean. Check best price on: Agoda
- 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! This hotel is10 minutes’ drive from Batu Ferringhi! Check best price on: Agoda
- 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! Check best price on: Agoda
3. Luxury Options
- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion – A heritage mansion turned into a boutique hotel in George Town, here, you’ll be treated to Peranakan luxury, delicious breakfast and complimentary evening tours! Check best price on: Agoda
- 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
- 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
Conclusion
Our suggested Penang itinerary starts with a basic 1-day plan. You can extend it to a 5-day plan too if you want to cover George Town, Ayer Itam, Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang!
Things To Do In Penang
There is enough to keep you busy from morning to night if you’re wondering what else there is to do in Penang in 3 days!
Full Guide To Penang
Visiting Penang for the very first time? You might want to look at our full Penang guide too for pointers on how to navigate the city and more!
What To Buy In Penang
Plan on bringing back a bit of the city with you? We have suggestions on what would make terrific gifts! Including handicrafts and of course, local snacks!
