Things To Do In Penang (Day Tour)

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Where Is Penang
  2. How To Get To Penang
  3. How To Enter Penang
  4. Best Time To Visit Penang
  5. How To Get Around Penang
  6. Where To Go In Penang
    A. Penang Town Hill
    B. Fort Cornwallis
    C. Peranakan Mansion
    D. Kek Lok Si Temple
    E. Penang Hill
    F. Cheong Fatt Tze
  7. Local Foods We Have Eaten
  8. Final Thoughts
  9. Penang Day Tour Guide Itinerary

Where Is Penang

Penang is a state located on the northwestern coast of Malaysia. It consists of Penang Island and Mainland, where Penang Island is the capital. Penang is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant street food scene.

How To Get To Penang

Welcome Sign to Penang Malaysia

There are several ways to get to Penang, here are the list of the options.

  • By Air
    Penang International Airport is the main airport to the island, it connected to both domestic and international flights. Travelers within Malaysia can take local flights ex. Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, and Johor Bahru.
  • By Bus
    Buses from major cities of Malaysia, especially Kuala Lumpur, are a popular and affordable option to get to Penang Bus terminals. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Penang by bus takes around 4–5 hours, depending on traffic.

How To Enter Penang

"Love Lane Street"

All foreign nationals traveling to Malaysia are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card three (3) days prior arrival. 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.

Best Time To Visit Penang

Considering its tropical climate, Penang weather consists of both hot and humid almost all year-round.  The best time to visit Penang, Malaysia, is generally during the dry season.

  • December to February
    During these months, the weather is cooler and less humid, making it ideal for outdoor activities like sightseeing, beach visits, and exploring the island’s cultural sites.
  • May to October
    The monsoon season typically run during this period where the heaviest rainfall usually in September and October. The wet weather might limit some outdoor activities, but Penang still offers indoor attractions during the rainy period.

How To Get Around Penang

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

Getting around Penang is quite straightforward, their are variety of transport options for every visitors. Here are the list of transportation options to get around the island:

  • Public Transport (Rapid Penang)
    Rapid Penang buses covers most of the island, including main places George Town, Batu Ferringhi, and Penang Hill. The bus is the most affordable ways to get around, especially for sightseeing.
  • Ride-Hailing (Grab)
    The Grab Transport is the typically use ride-hailing service in Penang. popular in Penang. Visitors can easily book a ride to destination, which makes traveling around George Town more convenient.

Where To Go In Penang

Penang is a vibrant and diverse destination with a mix of cultural, historical, natural, and modern attractions. Here’s our guide to some of the top places to visit while in Penang.

#1 Penang Town Hall

"Penang Municipal 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.

#2 Fort Cornwallis

Entrance to Fort Cornwallis in Penang Malaysia

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.

#3 Peranakan Mansion

Dining Room Peranakan Mansion in Penang Malaysia

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.

#4 Kek Lok Si Temple

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

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

Kek Lok Si Temple 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.

#5 Penang Hill

View from Penang Hill Tram Ride

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.

#6 Cheong Fatt Tze (The Blue Mansion)

"Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Penang"

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 To Try In Penang

"Chicken Rice with Chye and Chili Sauce in Penang"

Penang is often called the food capital of Malaysia, and for good reason! The island’s cuisine is a delightful mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, making it a paradise for food lovers.

Final Thoughts

"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.

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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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