What to Do in Penang: Not a Checklist — Just the Good Stuff
This was our first proper trip to Penang — and we let our parents take the lead since they know the city well. Best decision ever.
We only had a few days, but it was packed with great eats, unexpected gems, and the kind of slow mornings and long meals we love on short getaways.
This guide is a mix of our personal favourites, local gems, and easygoing stops — perfect if you’re planning a relaxed trip filled with food, coffee, and a little wandering.
How to Use This Guide
This isn’t a “Top 50 Things to Do in Penang” list — it’s more like a personal travel journal. We weren’t trying to do it all. Instead, we followed our parents’ lead (they know Penang well!) and filled our days with good food, easy mornings, and wherever our curiosity took us.
Inside, you’ll find:
Where to Eat – Comforting meals and sports we’d go back to
Best Cafés – stylish hideouts with surprisingly good bites
Bars & Nightlife – including a vinyl listening bar worth a visit
Shops & Markets – weekend markets and creative local finds
Places to Explore – slow-paced walks, scenic views, and a few cultural stops
Where to Stay – where we stayed + places we’ve bookmarked for next time
FAQs – things like Grab availability, how many days to stay, and more
Feel free to scroll through or jump to the section you need most — and don’t forget to bookmark for easy access while you travel.
Where to Eat: Our Favourite Restaurants in Penang
Hon Kei Food Corner
📍 43, Kampong Malabar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
This place won my heart. I loved the pork noodle soup so much that I went back twice in three days. You get to build your own bowl, picking the ingredients you like. Rich, flavourful broth, tender meat, and just the right level of comfort food goodness. If you're a soup noodle person, this is a must-try.
BaBa Phang
📍 6, Jln Perak, George Town, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
We spotted Baba Phang while walking near our hotel (OZO George Town) — the long queue outside totally caught our attention, and we thought, “The food has to be good.” And it really was.
They’ve since moved to a new location, so we’re hoping the food still hits the same — definitely one to check out if you’re in the area.
Him Heang Sdn Bhd
📍 162A, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Famous for their tau sar piah (mung bean pastries) — a classic Penang snack and great souvenir to bring home. It’s a well-loved local bakery and often busy, so try to go earlier in the day when everything’s freshly packed.
Sin Nam Huat Roasted Chicken & Duck Rice
📍 175, Jln Macalister, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Discovered this spot through Instagram and it looked so good — perfectly roasted skin, glistening sauce, juicy meat. Sadly didn’t get a chance to try it this time, but it’s high on my list for the next trip.
Cafes We Liked in Penang
Norm Micro Roastery
📍13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
A very aesthetic café tucked away in a beautiful industrial-style space. I was expecting just vibes — but the food was actually really good too! We loved the pumpkin risotto, which was surprisingly rich and well-balanced.
It’s a great spot to escape the Penang heat, get some work done, or enjoy a slow brunch. Spacious, photogenic, and genuinely delicious — one of our favourites this trip.
Forest Cloud Beverage Company
📍 132, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
We popped by Forest Cloud for a quick coffee run from our hotel (OZO George Town) and it hit the spot.
The space is clean and minimal, with a strong focus on good coffee done well. It’s not a sit-for-hours kind of café, but perfect for a quick breather or a reliable cup on the go. Great option if you're staying nearby or just want a caffeine fix between meals and wanderings.
Bars & Nightlife
Kool Kongsi Listening Bar
📍 Level L, 61, Jalan Argyll, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Cool little vinyl bar with a great vibe at Hotel Mokozoyo. Feels hidden and intimate, like you’ve stumbled into a friend’s secret spot. A good place to wind down the evening with a cocktail and some good music.
Shops & Markets in Penang
Hin Market (Hin Bus Depot)
📍 31a, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Only open on weekends, so plan accordingly. It’s not huge, but we liked browsing the local crafters and stalls. There was a live DJ playing while we were there, which made it extra fun — perfect for a relaxed afternoon with a beer in hand.
Sixth Sense Store
📍 157, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Sixth Sense Store is a fashion boutique that stocks both women’s and men’s wear. I picked up a linen dress here that I love, and Alex walked away with a denim jacket — so yes, we both left happy.
The aesthetic is minimalist and modern, with breathable fabrics and easy silhouettes that are perfect for tropical weather. Definitely worth popping in if you’re in the neighbourhood and looking for a style refresh.
P.66
📍 66, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
We didn’t get a chance to visit this on our trip, but it’s high on our list for next time. P.66 is a boutique Airbnb that also houses a stationery and lifestyle store — the kind of place that appeals to design lovers and people who appreciate thoughtful details. From what we’ve seen, the space is beautifully styled and makes for a great little retail detour in the George Town area.
If you’re into boutique stays or love browsing curated stationery and homeware, this looks like a spot worth making time for.
Jetty 35
📍 35, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Jetty 35 is a local art, craft, and vintage collective tucked inside a quaint little warehouse space. It’s positioned as a creative hub with rotating vendors showcasing handmade goods, retro finds, and indie art — the kind of spot that sounds like it could be a hidden gem.
That said, it was a lot smaller than we expected, and we honestly didn’t find it all that exciting. If you’re already in the area and have time to spare, it might be worth a quick browse — but if your time in Penang is limited, we’d recommend skipping this and prioritising other markets or shops instead.
Places to Explore in Penang
Georgetown
We only spent a couple of hours in Georgetown — it’s charming, but also quite touristy. Think murals, souvenir shops, and a lot of foot traffic. That said, it’s still worth a short visit if you’ve never been — the heritage architecture and street art give a nice glimpse into Penang’s character.
We didn’t go out of our way to see everything, just wandered a little, grabbed a drink, and moved on. A good spot to explore if you’ve got time, but not something we prioritised this trip.
📝 Tip: Drop by on a weekday morning if you want to avoid the crowds.
Chew Jetty
Chew Jetty is one of the oldest and most iconic of the Clan Jetties — traditional Chinese settlements built on stilts over the water. Walking along the wooden walkways, you’ll pass stilt houses, small shrines, and stalls selling local snacks and souvenirs. It’s a glimpse into Penang’s maritime heritage and a contrast to the more modern parts of George Town.
We only spent a short time here as it was quite touristy, but it’s still worth a visit if you’ve never been. It offers a different slice of Penang life and some nice photo ops, especially around golden hour.
📝 Tip: Go earlier in the day to avoid the crowds, and take your time to read the signboards about the families and history behind each clan jetty.
Kek Lok Si Temple
📍 86s, Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Kek Lok Si is one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia, located in Air Itam, Penang. Construction began in the late 19th century and the site has continued to expand over the decades. The highlight is the 7-storey Pagoda of Rama VI, which blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles. There’s also a 120-foot bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin) that overlooks the temple grounds.
It’s an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a serene place to wander — with gardens, prayer halls, turtle ponds, and great views across the city.
We felt a real sense of calm and zen as we explored. Despite the bustle of visitors, there were quiet corners and beautiful viewpoints that made us pause — it wasn’t just a sightseeing stop; it felt like a breath of stillness.
Penang Hill
We were pleasantly surprised by how cool it was up here — literally. The moment we stepped off the funicular train, the air felt fresher, and the city felt far away. The view over Penang was stunning, and it was such a nice break from the afternoon heat.
After exploring the hill, we ended up chilling at David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace with outdoor seating, just soaking in the breeze with drinks in hand. There was a peaceful, slow-travel kind of vibe we really appreciated — like a mini reset in the middle of the day.
Tips:
The funicular ride is quick and scenic — a fun way to get up the hill.
Consider hiring a golf cart (RM10 per pax) if you’d like to explore around the hill without too much walking.
Great spot for sunset views, especially if the skies are clear.
Where to Stay in Penang
OZO George Town Penang
📍 166, Jalan Argyll, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
We stayed at OZO George Town and really enjoyed it! It’s tucked away on a quieter street, which gave us a bit of a breather from the buzz — but still close enough to walk to most of our favourite food haunts in George Town.
The rooms were clean, the beds were super comfy, and we got a solid night’s rest (which is important when you’re eating your way through Penang!). The reception and rooms are located on the higher floors, so you also get lovely panoramic views of the city — a nice bonus to wake up to.
If you're looking for a hotel that’s modern, convenient, and quiet without being too far from the action, this is a solid pick.
Hotel Mokozoyo
📍 61 Jalan Argyll, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
We didn’t stay here this time, but it definitely caught our eye — and we’ve bookmarked it for our next Penang trip.
Hotel Mokozoyo has a hipster-vibe industrial heritage design with a focus on blending the past and present. Its design features include exposed elements, bamboo blinds, and repurposed antique furniture, creating an airy and well-used space.
They’ve also got a family of cats that roam the lobby and outdoor areas — a fun surprise that somehow makes the space feel even more welcoming.
The location’s great too, with cool food and lifestyle concepts housed within the same space:
Cafe: @thesandwichbar_mokozoyo — great for a coffee or a quiet bite
Vinyl Bar: @kool_kongsi — a relaxed listening bar concept
Restaurant: @beton_dining — minimal, modern interiors with a focus on small plates and natural wines
Tip: Even if you’re not staying here, it’s worth dropping by for a coffee or vinyl night — the space is beautifully done and has a creative, community-led vibe.
Staying Connected: eSIM for Data
I always opt for an eSIM when I travel—it's super easy to set up and activates as soon as you land.
I used Airalo and had no issues with coverage in Penang.
Plans are affordable and easy to top up if needed.
Use my referral code DAPHNI0645 for USD3 off your first purchase (I’ll get USD3 credits when you use my code so it’s a win win!)
Currency & Spending: YouTrip Multi-Currency Wallet
We paid for most things using our YouTrip cards, which saved us money on foreign exchange fees.
You can withdraw up to SGD400/month from overseas ATMs with no extra fees.
After that, a 2% withdrawal fee applies.
Some ATMs may charge an additional local fee (usually minimal).
Penang Travel FAQs
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Penang is a state on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, made up of Penang Island (where George Town is located) and a portion on the mainland. Most travellers spend their time on the island, especially in George Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its street food, architecture, and rich blend of cultures.
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There are a few ways to get to Penang from Singapore:
By Flight: The fastest and most convenient way — direct flights take about 1.5 hours. We flew in via [Scoot / AirAsia / your airline] and had no issues.
By Bus: A cheaper but much longer option. It takes around 9–10 hours by coach and costs roughly SGD 35–50, depending on the operator.
By Train + Bus: Not the most efficient, but you could take a train to Butterworth (on the mainland) and a ferry or Grab to George Town.
By Car: If you're up for a road trip, driving takes around 7–8 hours, depending on traffic and immigration clearance.
Tip: If you're short on time, flying is the best option.
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Yes, Grab works well in Penang and is our go-to for getting around. It’s reliable, affordable, and much easier than flagging down taxis. We used it for everything — from getting to food spots to heading up Penang Hill.
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We’d recommend at least 3 days if it’s your first time — enough to explore the food scene, visit key sights like Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill, and take it slow. If you're planning to wander through cafes, check out markets, or just chill, you could easily stretch it to 4–5 days.
Tip: Don’t try to squeeze everything in — Penang’s best enjoyed at a slower pace.
