Penang Travel Guide

Introduction

Penang is consistently cited as having the world’s best hawker food — a bold claim that’s difficult to dispute after eating here. The UNESCO World Heritage city of George Town adds architectural and cultural depth, while the island’s beaches and Penang Hill provide contrast.

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George Town

The old city of Penang — streets of British colonial, Chinese shophouse, and Indian architecture layered over each other. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Street Art

Ernest Zacharevic’s interactive murals are George Town’s most famous attraction. The “Children on a Bicycle” mural is the most photographed. A street art map is available from tourist information.

Clan Jetties

Water villages built over the sea by different Chinese clan groups in the 19th century. Chew Jetty is the most visited.

Little India (Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling)

Sri Mahamariamman Temple, flower garland sellers, spice shops, Kapitan Keling Mosque — everything within a few streets.

Penang Peranakan Mansion

Museum of Baba-Nyonya (Straits Chinese) heritage. Extraordinary collection of antique furniture and artifacts. RM 50.

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Penang Food (The Main Reason People Come)

Penang’s hawker food is the finest expression of Malaysian Chinese cuisine:

Char kway teow: Flat rice noodles stir-fried with soy sauce, cockles, eggs, bean sprouts over high flame. Penang’s most famous dish.

Hokkien mee (prawn mee): Rich prawn broth with yellow noodles and rice noodles.

Asam laksa: Sour, spicy fish broth with noodles. Intense flavor. Not for the timid.

Cendol: Shaved ice dessert with green rice flour jelly, palm sugar and coconut milk. Perfect in Penang heat.

Best hawker centres: New World Park, Air Itam Market, Gurney Drive (evening).

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Penang Hill

Funicular railway up to 830m above the city. Views over George Town, the mainland, and on clear days to Thailand. Funicular runs frequently, RM 30 return.

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