Penang Day Tour

Gees Travel Guide and Adventure

Welcome to our Penang day tour guide as visit Penang’s historical culture, artistic streets designs, and dip its all time favorite food-Laksa. It was Singapore National Day when we visited Penang and since it was a holiday we took the opportunity to travel to Penang. So last August 9 2013, we went on a journey to Malaysia’s UNESCO heritage site called George Town.

Penang is located in the northwest coast of the country’s capital Kuala Lumpur.  It is an island which is the home of its famous landmarks like Fort Cornwallis,  Chinese clan house of Khoo Kongsi and the Kapitan Kelingand.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. How To Enter Penang
  2. How To Get There
  3. Transportation
  4. Places That We Have Been
  5. Local Foods We Have Eaten
  6. Penang Day Tour Guide Itinerary

how to enter penang

"Love Lane Street"

Considering its tropical climate, Penang weather consists of both hot and humid almost all year-round.  From May-October monsoon season is prevalent while during December–March occasional rain can also be experience. When we visited Penang, last August 2012 the weather was hot and humid all day. The George Town Festival (Jul/Aug) is a month-long celebration of culture with music, theater, and film. Butterworth Fringe Festival (Aug), it features art exhibitions, street performances, live music, and dancing. The 9 Emperor Gods Festival is celebrated at the temple of the same name in the 9th lunar month.

Foreign nationals visiting Malaysia must possess a valid national passport or internationally recognized Travel document. For Filipinos since we are a member of ASEAN countries we are not required to have visa-on-arrival, a passport with validity for at least 6 months will be required.  An equivalent of 30 days social visit will be given by Malaysian Immigration.

how to get there

Welcome Sign to Penang Malaysia

We took an overnight bus/coach from Singapore to Penang and we booked it through Easybook.  It was at Golden Mile Complex when we rode the bus at around 9 pm leaving Singapore by bus carrier Sri Maju.  It was almost a 9 hours journey and arrived early morning the next day at Sungei Nibong Bus Terminal. We were sleeping on the coach for the whole travel and the cost was S$88 for two persons. On the other hand, we booked our return flight through Jetstar and paid for RM230 for two-persons on an evening flight around 9 pm at Penang International Airport.

transportation

Route Map of Rapid Bus in Penang Malaysia
Trishow Rider in the Street of Penang Malaysia

The best way to explore Penang’s George Town is by bus and foot since most of the places of interest are just nearby. Other alternative options are taxis, private car, and rickshaw. When we arrived at Sungei Nibong Bus Terminal, we took a bus heading to the city proper because the terminal is located few kilometers from the main town.  It was a 20 minutes travel from the terminal and alighted at a nearby Penang Town Hall.

Places that we have been

"Penang Municipal Town Hall"

Penang Town Hall

Jalan Padang Kota Lama
Entrance Fee: RM 4
Opening Hours: 8.00am–4.15pm (Monday-Friday)
                              8.00am–12.45pm (Saturday) 

The City Hall of Penang local government headquarters which built by the British. It is a big building with unique design and architecture.

Entrance to Fort Cornwallis in Penang Malaysia

Fort Cornwallis

Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah
Entrance Fee: RM10
Opening Hours: 9:00am-10:00pm (DAILY)

Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia which was built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century. We passed by the fort and we are unable to enter the place because we came at around 7 am in the morning and gate will only open at 9 am.

Inside Peranakan Mansion in Penang Indonesia
Dining Room Peranakan Mansion in Penang Malaysia

Peranakan Mansion

29, Church St, Georgetown
Entrance Fee: RM 17
Opening Hours: 9:30am-5:30pm (DAILY)

This is the Penang’s way of introducing people to the historical Peranakan culture. A recreation of a typical rich 19th century Baba home, the elegantly restored museum is a testament to the Baba-Nyonya cultural revival and displays over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles.

"Kek Lok Si Temple Penang"
Penang Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si

 Malaysia, Penang, Air Itam
Entrance Fee: FREE
Opening Hours:  8:30am-5:30pm (DAILY)

It is the largest Malaysia’s Buddhist temple, comprising a series of monasteries, prayer halls, temples, and gardens. A national icon, built in 1890, which has turtle liberation pond, houses temples, gardens, a pagoda, and the four heavenly kings pavilion and enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin.

Entrance to Penang Hill Malaysia
View from Penang Hill Tram Ride

Penang Hill

11500 Bukit Bendera, Penang
Entrance Fee: RM 30 (2 way ticket-tram)
Opening Hours: 6:30am-11:00pm (DAILY)

Penang Hill is the first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia, comprising Western Hill, Bukit Laksamana, Tiger Hill, Flagstaff Hill, and Government Hill, it is located six km away from Georgetown. The hilly and forested area is the state’s primary hill resort.
"Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Penang"

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200
Entrance Fee: RM 25 (Guided Tours 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM)

Also known as Blue Mansion, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is one of the most visited historical site in Penang, Malaysia. The mansion was built in Georgetown area during the 19th century by Chinese merchant Cheong Fatt Tze which also serve as his residence. The distinct blue color of the mansion makes it attractive for visitors passing along the Lebuh Leith street. Currently the mansion serve as hotel open to all visitors who wish to experience living on the mansion. Due to hotel guest privacy visitors are not allowed to enter the mansion, unless for guided tours which occur every day at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

Local Foods we have eaten

"Chicken Rice with Chye and Chili Sauce in Penang"
"Chocolate Cake and Ice Cream in Penang"
"George Town World Heritage Inc"

Our trip to Penang was definitely good as we really enjoyed the places that we have been and also the local food. It was a place where culture is preserved and that people are warm as well. We loved the place because of its peace that we cannot feel we were in a city.  The environment is different as if we were frozen back in time.

One day might not be enough but at least we get to experience Penang on our Penang day tour guide as witness how it embraces its modern city while retaining the old traditions which charms us as a tourist.  They have a mixture of Chinese, an Indian and Malay culture which was well preserved as seen on heritage buildings and shopping centers.  The vibrant streets let you experience the British colonial history. 

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Penang
Day Tour Guide Itinerary

  • 09:00pm Depart Singapore
                      Bus Coach – EasyBook
                      Golden Mile
                      Ticket Fare: S$44/each
                      Head to Penang
                      Sleep on Bus
  • 05:30am  ETA Penang
                      Sungei, Nibong
                      Bus Terminal
  • 06:00am Ride Bus
                      Georgetown
  • 07:00am Breakfast
  • 08:00am Fort Cornwallis
                      Penang State Museum
                      Penang City Hall
                      St George Church
                      Penang Street Art
  • 10:30am  Cheong Fatt Tze
  • 11:30am   Lunch
  • 12:30pm  Ride Bus
                      Head to Kek Lok Si Temple
  • 01:00pm  ETA Kek Lok Si Temple
  • 02:00pm Penang Hill
                      Ride Tram
                      ETA Penang Hill
                      Tram Fare: RM30
                      Overview of Penang
  • 03:30pm Head Back To Georgetown
                      Snack
  • 06:30pm Head to Airport
  • 07:00pm ETA Airport
                      Penang Intl Airport
  • 07:30pm Dinner
  • 09:00pm Depart Penang
                      Jetstar 3K 678
                      Ticket Fare: S$38/each
  • 10:15pm   ETA Singapore
  • 11:30pm   Home

the gees travel

A wife and a mother of three toddlers | Previously working as customer service executive in a logistics supply chain | working at home mom. But in spite of this added responsibilities I still find time to travel and explore together with my family.

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