Weekend in Penang: a complete itinerary
Penang might just be the perfect weekend destination with its historic centre, sandy beach and yummy street food. Malaysia's second largest city, George Town of Penang, was occupied by the Brits and set as a free port to attract settlers. The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage City filled with cultural and historical attractions like the 1880s Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, Chew Jetty and other buildings. These days, many come from the neighboring countries such as Singapore and Indonesia to enjoy the beauty and fun offered by Penang.
SATURDAY - MIDDAY
Assuming you are taking morning flight from Singapore, you will reach Penang around midday - 2PM ish. Since the heat is most likely to be somewhat unbearable during these period, seek shelter at one of the coffee shop in George Town while enjoying local street food like char kway teow or lor bak for lunch. Kedai Kopi Ho Ping at Jalan Penang (re: Penang Road) serves refreshing local drinks such as homemade iced lemon tea, teh-C peng (re: iced milk tea) or the famous white kopi (re: white coffee). Don't miss the char kway teow (re: fried kway teow) from one of the food cart parked at Kedai Kopi Ho Ping for the price of RM 6. You will not be disappointed. Nomz.
The weather in Penang would still be hot at this timing no matter what season you decide to go to Penang. Head out to Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendol at Lebuh Keng Kwee for a bowl of shaved ice filled with chendol (the green stuff), kidney beans, coconut milk and gula melaka. Don't let the long queue scare you because the queue is moving quite fast since it does not take long for the staff to serve chendol to its customers.
SATURDAY - 3PM
On the other side of George Town around Lebuh Kimberley are various museums such as Trick Art Museum and Dark Mansion, a 3D glow in the dark museum. Squeeze in a visit to Dark Mansion for unique picture taking experience under the glowing lights of a tropical forest and fountain/ volcano for the price of RM 35.
Next up to the Lebuh Armenian where most of the popular Penang's street arts are located. Take your time to discover the unique painted walls mimicking life in the city. These street arts describe the lifestyle of the early settlement days which gives memorable impression of the streets and landmarks which are George Town today.
SATURDAY - 5PM
Grab one of the many bikes available all around George Town to enjoy cycling experience in Penang. If you are just a casual cyclist, you can use one of the bikes provided by Link Bike which only requires online registration and scanning QR code. For those looking for real challenge, rent a mountain bike and cycle your way to Pearl Hill, a 2km road winding up past largely vacant residential lots to a point where you can see delightful views of Tanjong Bungah.
SATURDAY - 6PM
Ride your way to see iconic sights of George Town such as the UNESCO listed living community heritage, Chew Jetty, and the grandest temple in Malaysia, Khoo Kong Si Temple. If you are lucky, you may be able to catch some traditional Chinese performances such as the lion dance at the temple court.
SATURDAY - 8PM
Follow a long chilaxing time at China House, a 10-minute walk away from Lebuh Armenian. China House has 3 heritage buildings linked by an open air courtyard and converted into 14 spaces comprising shops, cafes, restaurant, galleries, live music and library. Have a go at their most ordered gula melaka and almond milkshakes while having delicious slice of one of their many cakes.
SUNDAY - 9AM
Stroll back to Lebuh Carnavon at George Town to try out the old school dim sum at Aik Hoe Restaurant. Founded by a humble Cantonese 60 years back, this neighbourhood dim sum place offers various traditional dim sum dishes such as siew mai (re: pork and prawn dumpling) and lo mai kai (re: steamed glutinous rice). On the way to Lebuh Carnavon, don't forget to visit some of the hidden street art at Lebuh Chulia.
SUNDAY - 10.30AM
Make your way back to Jalan Penang to buy traditional Penang biscuits and pastries for the loved ones back home at Ban Heang (M) Sdn Bhd or Ming Xiang Tai Pastry Shop. Testers are available at Ban Heang for the famous local Penang biscuits, tambun biscuits. This savoury and salty biscuit will surely create smiles on your loved ones back home. If you are adventurous enough, you may want to try out the durian filled pastry and biscuits.
SUNDAY - 11.30PM
Time to get a traditional Penang Assam Laksa for the last lunch fix before hailing cab to the airport. Make your way to Lebuh Keng Kwee to visit Penang Famous Assam Laksa for a bowl of sweet, sour and spicy fish base noodle soup. Best paired with a fresh coconut drink right from the fruit (and not some bottled coconut water or anything like back in Singapore).
WHERE TO STAY:
Accommodation was provided by Merchant Hotel (twins from SGD 41, with no breakfast), a non-fussy and conveniently located in the central of George Town at Jalan Penang. There are 93 rooms which were recently refurbished promising to provide most value added personalized services.
WAY TO GO:
Getting there: Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways will be your best premium flight choices with the price range around SGD 400 and above. Scoot, Jetstar and Tiger Airways are your budget flight choices with the price range starting from SGD 99 (exclusive of all the additions and charges).
Getting around: The best way to navigate yourselves in Penang is by cabbing. Once you are in George Town area, you can either stroll, take a rickshaw or rent a bike to check out the old town area of Penang.
For further information on Penang, go to www.tourismpenang.net.my
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