This super-detailed Penang itinerary will guide you through the best sights and things to do during your 3-day stay on this stunning island.
Plus, I’ll share with you must-try foods on the island that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
So, let’s check out my Penang 3-day itinerary below for the best places to explore and eat in this amazing island! 🙂
Table of Contents
Kickstart your Penang itinerary in the beautiful and colorful Georgetown. There are lots of spots to explore here, from museums to mansions. You’d also come across different religious and cultural sites.
And of course, I’ll recommend the best places to eat in the area. So, ready yourself for a fun-filled trip!
If you’re looking for a fun morning activity to include in your Penang schedule, make sure not to miss the Wonder Food Museum.
Inside this unique gallery are impressive food-themed creations and interactive installations.
Be amazed by the oversized food sculptures and life-sized local cuisines displayed around the tables. There’s so much to uncover in each section that highlights the history and culture of Malaysian dishes.
One of the famous exhibits in the museum is the Penang Asam Laksa. Take a closer look at this famous dish and marvel at the realistic designs.
Surely, this is a great way to learn more about the country’s rich culture and food history.
Ways to Save Money on Tickets:
Get your Wonder Food Museum tickets online and save up to 13% OFF the regular price!
No itinerary of Penang is complete without a visit to the Penang Peranakan Mansion. This cultural spot is helps you understand the history of the Peranakan people.
So, enter this beautifully-restored structure and get to know more about the Malay and Chinese heritage.
Walk around the mansion and discover its culture through the antique furniture and stunning carvings. There are also plenty of traditional textiles and clothing on exhibit.
Wander around the inner courtyard and get mesmerized by the gorgeous architectural designs. These are highly recommended for backdrops.
So, if you’re looking for a photogenic background, this is such a good choice.
Walk into the dining hall that is filled with breathtaking furniture and cultural pieces. The area itself is another gorgeous location for some photography sessions.
Continue the tour inside the family hall where lots of historical charms are displayed all over the walls. There are also several furniture pieces around this section that add up to its beauty.
Drop by the bridal chamber and for sure you’ll love the colourful interiors. From the beds to the tables, there’s so much to unravel here.
Carry on with the adventure as you explore Penang Little India. This is somehow the same as Singapore Little India, which gives you a peek at the Indian heritage.
While wandering around, you’d be surprised at how well the Indian culture blended with Malaysian customs.
Check out the breathtaking murals and architectural styles. And don’t forget to visit one of the local stores that sell handicrafts, textiles, and jewelry pieces.
Before taking your lunch, stop by the Goddess of Mercy Temple or also known as the Kuan Yin Temple. This was built during the 17 th century, making it the oldest Taoist temple in Penang.
Aside from its historical significance, the temple’s architectural style is also a stunner. See the beautiful paintings and sculptures within the temple.
And, don’t miss the large statue of Kuan Yin that is located in the main prayer hall.
Another famous religious location is the Kapitan Keling Mosque. Visit this mosque that was built by early Indian Muslim settlers.
Because of its cultural roots, this is acknowledged as one of the key sites that made George Town a UNESCO world heritage site.
Dine in at Bee Hwa Café, which is a long-running restaurant with over 20 years in service.
Some of their bestsellers are the Koay Teow Th’ng (Penang Chicken Soup) and White Curry Noodle.
They also offer Char Koay Teow, Hokkein Noodle, and Fried Rice. Each of these costs RM 6. But if you are on a tight on budget, the most recommended choice is their White Curry Noodle.
If you’re looking for another option, there’s Hameediyah Restaurant. This is a famous eatery that offers a variety of delectable Malay cuisines.
Check out their signature dishes like Chicken Biryani Rice (RM 16), Fried Noodle (RM 7), and Beef Rendang (RM 17).
After your lunch, spend some time at Cheong Fatt Tze. It’s quite easy to spot this structure because of the vivid blue color of the lower section.
Aside from the gorgeous hues, the architectural design of the mansion itself is breathtaking. No wonder it earned the coveted UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award.
The beauty of the mansion extends inside the premises, where you’ll find a glimpse of Chinese and Western cultures.
Explore the hallways and get dazzled by the distinctive ornaments and decorative floors all over the place.
Don’t miss the fun as you visit the Penang 3D Trick Art Museum. This is a famous artsy destination for families and groups of friends who want to experience art like no other.
Here, you can pose with the 3D art installations and showcase your acting skills. Try to be as creative as possible and be surprised with the result.
And since there are lots of art pieces around, for sure you won’t run out of photography ideas!
Smart Saving Technique:
Buy your 3D Trick Art Museum tickets online and enjoy a discount of up to 21% OFF the original price!
Keep exploring and you’ll come across the Clan Jetties of Penang. It is nestled along the beautiful waterfront of Georgetown.
This traditional village once served as the home of the early Chinese settlers back in the 19 th century.
One of the unique features of the Clan Jetties is the vibrant way of living. As you step into the wooden walkways, you’ll be transported to how these immigrants lived in the past.
Capture the colorful surroundings with your family and friends. And for sure, you’ll experience a unique culture through the rustic houses with elaborative designs.
Breathe in the fresh air that surrounds the Folklore by the Sea mural. And of course, take a photo of the cultural mural on one of the houses on the stilt.
Discover the Dark Mansion and be amazed by the fascinating 3D art installations. This top-rated museum is filled with paintings and optical illusions that radiate in the dark.
During your visit, make sure you snap a photo of Edgar Muller’s masterpiece. The artwork is recognized to be the biggest glow-in-the-dark painting in the world.
Since there are 5 themed attractions in the museum, you’d certainly enjoy your time here. So, snap a lot of photos and have fun.
Money-Saving Tip:
Don’t miss out on exclusive online offer – book your Dark Mansion museum tickets here and save up to 30% compared to buying on site!
When planning an itinerary for Penang, be sure to include The TOP Penang. Towering at 816 feet, this is considered the highest entertainment building in Georgetown.
And with its soaring height, it’s a popular location to capture the entire cityscape.
Head to the observatory deck, which is located at level 65 of the tower. This is a favorite spot among locals and visitors who want to catch a bird’s eye view of the island.
While on top, you’d be able to see top tourist sites like Gurney Drive, Penang Hill, Penang Bridge, and Penang Jetty.
Watch the sunset while wandering around the Rainbow Skywalk.
However, this might not be for the faint-hearted. It’s because the observation deck comes with a glass bottom. This means you can also see the buildings if you look below!
Clever Strategies for Saving Money:
Why pay full price at The TOP Penang tickets? Buy your tickets online here and get up to 10% OFF!
Dig into New Lane Hawker Centre and enjoy a hearty meal! You won’t be disappointed with the options here, from noodles to barbecued foods.
Some of the most popular dishes are the Charcoal Seafood Char Kuey Teow (RM 9), Loh Bak (RM 15), and Wonton Noodles (RM 6.50).
Satay is also recommended, and this comes in either pork (10 sticks – RM 14) or chicken (10 sticks – RM 13). Other tasty dishes include chicken wings (RM 3 per piece), fried oysters (RM 13), and a lot more!
The second option would be the Village Fish Head Bee Hoon. This is highly suggested if you’re looking for a Tom Yum noodle soup paired with fried fish fillets.
Fascinatingly, you can pick your preferred ingredients to be added to the soup. Some of the options include fish balls, prawns, meatballs, eggs, sausages, and the like.
The price starts around RM 15, depending on your chosen ingredients.
The second day of this plan begins at Penang’s most iconic street art murals.
You’ll also stop by some cultural sites, temples, and local restaurants. And of course, this is the day when you’ll visit the scenic Penang Hill.
Start your day by checking out the “Brother & Sister on a Swing” mural. This is one of the striking paintings that portray the lifestyle of the early settlers.
Also, make sure not to miss the other wall paintings in the area. Check out the remarkable “Auntie Selling Soya” as well as the “Hoola Hoop Basketball” designs. Lastly, see the nostalgic “I Want Bao” art.
Continue with the cultural escapade as you stop by the “Kids on Bicycle”. This section is quite popular in Penang and is visited by many tourists all year round.
Aside from this street art, you’d also come across the “Boy on Motorbike” and “Boy on Chair” murals. Completing the list is none other than the “Floating Colorful Umbrellas”.
After seeing the murals, navigate around Armenian Street. This historic pathway shelters a number of antique buildings in Penang.
Here, you’d find the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi as well as the Choo Chay Keong Temple.
The building walls are also fringed with gorgeous artwork embellishments that add up to the charms of the place.
And while walking around, don’t forget to shop from one of the traditional shops. There are plenty of unique handicrafts and ornaments perfect as souvenirs.
Pay a visit to Choo Chay Keong Temple, which is an important religious site in the island. Finding this shrine is quite easy. It’s because of the Chinese architectural design that exudes all over the temple’s exteriors.
The dragon pillars and the intricate elements on the front porch also make the shrine eye-catching. So, try to be creative and use the beautiful facade as your photo background.
Keep on with the morning exploration and uncover the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi. This spectacular Chinese temple was built by the Khoo clan in the 19 th century.
As part of the most powerful Chinese clans in the past, they created a temple that stood the test of time.
Admire the magnificent exteriors with intricate roofs and ornamented pillars.
And, before you enter the breathtaking temple, look closely at the stone carvings of lions and dragons. These creatures were believed to protect the shrine from bad spirits and bring in fortune.
As you enter the temple, you’d be captivated by the golden interiors engulfing the premises.
Scan the main altar and discover different ceramic and wood sculptures. There are also plenty of mural paintings displayed around the walls.
One of the top attractions on a Penang itinerary is the Upside Down Museum. Unlike typical museums, this is highly interactive because of the uniqueness of the art pieces.
All the displays and designs are positioned upside down. This means that you need to showcase your creativity to capture the essence of the art.
Equipped with themed rooms, you’d have lots of opportunities to highlight your skills here. Explore the living room, kitchen, and bedroom and take all sorts of photos.
The staff members will assist you with taking photos and offering helpful tips on how to pose correctly in the upside-down environment.
Before taking your lunch, swing by the Love on Bicycle mural. This is another favorite street art among locals and travellers alike. So, try to photograph this location as you pass by the area.
Take a break and head to Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul to try their best-selling dessert. This is such a perfect treat that you wouldn’t want to miss.
The dessert contains green pandan-flavored noodles with shaved ice and sweetened coconut milk. It also comes with some red beans. You can get this delicious dessert for only RM 4.50 per cup.
Now, for your lunch, go to Joo Hooi Café. Brimming with traditional vibes, this café is definitely a great location to relax while eating some local dishes.
Their best-sellers include the Penang-style Char Koay Teow (RM 8.50), Laksa (RM 7), and Lor Bak (RM 10 to RM 15).
You may also want to try their Crispy Fried Chicken Drumsticks (RM 6 per piece) and Crispy Chicken Skin (RM 6 per cup).
After a hearty meal at the local café, it’s time to discover the Kek Lok Si Temple. As a famous Buddhist temple in Penang, many tourists visit this location.
When you enter the temple, you’d be surrounded by magnificent carvings and stunning murals. These decorations blend well with each other, making the temple more attractive.
There are also several Buddha statues inside and outside the shrine.
Aside from the religious sculptures, the temple contains a number of scenic gardens. Here, you can unwind and take some photos of the lush scenery and vibrant flowers.
While wandering around the gardens, make sure you drop by the 7-Tier Pagoda. This towering structure is one of the key parts of the temple.
Perched on top of the hill is a breathtaking bronze statue that would surely catch your attention. It was made to honor the Goddess of mercy and compassion, Kuan Yin.
Standing at 30 meters tall, this spectacular figure is considered the country’s largest statue. Because of its soaring height, you need to ride the Sky Lift to reach the hilltop.
Alternative Solution:
Join this famous Bus Tour in Penang. It covers Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill! 🙂
Visiting Penang Hill is a must-add to your travel plan when exploring the island. It’s a well-known destination that lets you explore up to the peak of the hill.
So, here are some of the spots in Penang Hill that should be included during your visit.
Be one with nature as you unwind at the viewing deck. This is a scenic location for relaxation and simple conversations with your loved ones.
If you want to listen to some live music, move to the Sky Terrace. Aside from the romantic vibes, this place also serves tasty snacks.
For only RM 32 each, you can buy a Cheesy Chicken Burger, BBQ Chicken Burger, or Fish Burger.
Additionally, they have Twister Fries, Cheesy Wedges, and Smoked Cocktail Sausage. Each of these costs RM 20.
The next destination would be the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple, which is made in honor of Lord Murugan.
Navigate around the area and marvel at how this religious site has been preserved for many years.
Even as one of the oldest Hindu shrines in Penang, the beauty of the place still remains. Look closely at the vivid designs and capture its charms with your camera.
Did you know that the Gate House Bel Retiro is considered one of the most prominent properties in Penang?
This was constructed during the 17 th century as a tribute to the governor of the island. Because of its elegance, the structure is quite popular when it comes to picture-taking.
Another remarkable dining spot in the area is the Astaka Cliff Café.
Uniquely, this nestles on a cliff, so you’d get panoramic views of the towering hills of Penang while eating your food. So, order one of their delicious meals and capture the gorgeous beauty of Penang Hill.
Apart from meals and snacks, you’d also love the selection of hot and cold drinks.
They have fresh juices, hot coffee, tea, and more, ranging between RM 2.50 to RM 6.50. The Ice Kacang is a must-try dessert too. It costs around RM 6 to RM 15, depending on the flavor.
Finish off your adventure in this hill resort by strolling around The Habitat.
This is the best place to capture the beautiful rainforest in its purest form. Since the site quite extensive, you need to allocate at least an hour here.
Spend your dinner at the Keat Seng Restaurant, which is located nearby the Penang Hill Lower Station. You can choose from the array of local dishes as well as some Chinese, Indian, and Japanese cuisines.
Their best-sellers include the Hokkien Mee (RM 6), Fish Fillet Noodle Soup (RM 11), and Fried Oyster Omelette. Other options are the Tau Foo, Tomyam Noodle Soup, and Curry Mee.
Your itinerary’s last day is the perfect time to explore some of Penang’s famous attractions. These include TeddyVille Museum, Entopia, and Escape Penang.
And after the fun-filled day, you’d be capping off the trip at Gurney Drive Hawker Center and Gurney Plaza.
Commence your day with a trip to the TeddyVille Museum. This is a perfect choice for those travelling with kids or anyone who loves teddy bears.
The museum offers an impressive collection of charming and cuddly bears in various colors and sizes.
And uniquely, there are some teddy bears that are dressed in local costumes to portray different cultures. So, go around the exhibits and meet these cute figures. Pose with them or use them as your backdrop.
After your teddy bear encounter at the museum, it’s time to unravel the beauty of Entopia Penang. The place houses more than 60 different butterfly species. At present, they have over 15,000 butterflies.
They also have an extensive collection of insects, reptiles, and more. Check out their habitat one by one and unravel their unique features through the compartments.
Stroll along the lush garden bursting with beautiful flying creatures. There’s also a small waterfall inside the farm that is very scenic.
And during your trip, try to revisit the life cycle of a butterfly or get to know more about the characteristics of these insects.
Aside from the exhibits, the farm also offers a lot of interactive learning programs and fun educational activities. So, if you’re with kids, this is a great opportunity for them to learn more about these animals.
How to save on entrance tickets?
Take advantage of online offer and book your Entopia tickets online to enjoy up to a 10% discount.
Lunch (Tapestree Café @ Entopia):
Take a break and have your lunch at Tapestree Café. This dining spot offers a wide selection of tasty Asian and Western snacks and meals.
You can try their Chicken Rendang with White Rice (RM 26), Chicken Chop with Fries (RM 26), or Chicken Rice (RM 24).
If you want a lighter meal, they have Spaghetti Aglio Olio with Chicken (RM 24) and Fish & Chips (RM 26).
After filling your stomach, embark on a journey to ESCAPE Penang. Visiting this theme park is a must, especially for those with a penchant for outdoor fun.
Ready yourself for an exciting adventure loaded with thrilling activities. Try the world’s longest zip coaster and experience the thrill as you travel through the breathtaking nature scenes at a fast pace.
There are also water slides for adults and kids. If you have the guts, take on the world’s longest tube water slide. And of course, the obstacle courses are totally fascinating.
So, make sure you don’t forget to add ESCAPE Penang to your must-go list to experience a day of fun and excitement.
Discounted Entry Tickets:
Why pay more on-site? Book your Escape Penang tickets online to get cheaper prices!
Following a fun-filled day at ESCAPE Penang, it’s best that you eat dinner at Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. Here, you have lots of tasty food options according to your liking.
If you’re craving some noodles, you can try the Prawn Noodle (RM 6.50), Asam Laksa (RM 5.50), or Char Koay Teow (RM 7).
Fried and grilled foods are readily available too like the Fried Oyster (RM 18) and Lok Lok (RM 1.30 per stick).
Complete your trip by shopping at Gurney Plaza, which is located within the Gurney Drive section of Penang. This offers an impressive variety of shops, making it one of the favorite spots among shopaholics.
Go around the massive mall and visit different luxury shops and local stores. There are heaps of clothing lines, fashion brands, beauty items, and skincare products.
And of course, dining is not a problem here. You’d find several fast-food restaurants and cafes around to satisfy your needs.
Some of the most recommended dining areas are Ippudo Ramen and Sushi Tei as well as Din Tai Fung and Canton-i Restaurant.
If you’re considering a trip to Entopia Penang, The Top Komtar, and Escape Penang, the combined cost of tickets would be RM 269.10 (For Malaysian) and RM 283.50 (For Non-Malaysian).
However, with the Penang Multi-Attraction Pass, you can enjoy all these attractions for just RM 220 (For Malaysian) and RM 225 (For Non-Malaysian), saving you RM 49.10 (For Malaysian) and RM 58.50 (For Non-Malaysia). The more people in your group, the more you can save on your overall expenses.
The Penang Multi-Attraction Pass offers flexible options such as a 2-Attraction, 3-Attraction, or 4-Attraction pass. This pass cover up to 9 tourist spots in Penang. For more details, just check out the link below.
Also, gives you the freedom to pick and choose which attractions to visit and when to visit them, depending on your preferences and schedule.
The map above is created by me to make it easier for you to understand my 3 days trip in Penang.
Although there are lots of options at hand, the best area to stay in Penang for tourists is Georgetown.
The place itself is brimming with advantages. Below are some of the key elements that make this highly recommended for tourists:
One of the most convenient ways to explore the island is by booking a ride through Grab Car. This is highly suggested if you want a competitive and clear pricing. To use this, you just book via the mobile app.
When it comes to cheaper transportation, the best option would be to join guided tours.
Apart from its affordability, tours are very convenient. It’s because the tour company prepares your agenda to save time and effort.
And since you’d be guided by the locals, it’s a great way to learn more about the island’s history and culture. As of this writing, there are 2 popular guided tours available in Penang – Guided Tour 1 and Guided Tour 2.
The first option covers the Kek Lok Si temple and Penang Hill attractions. On the other hand, the second tour brings you to Georgetown.
For a more personalized trip, you may rent a car with a professional driver. This is highly suggested if you want to tailor your schedule at your own pace and discover Penang with no restrictions from tours.
Plus, this is a remarkable choice if you hate long taxi and public transportation queues. It could also be a great option for those travelling with kids or even groups of friends.
You may check out the private car services here and find out more about the current car hire prices for half and full day services.
If you know how to drive, then you can rent a car and explore the island on your own. This is the best choice for those who want to visit the top tourist spots and even some hidden gems in no hurry.
Moreover, renting and driving a car is a commendable choice for groups and families. For reference, try to check out car rental online and see the car rental options available.
The Rapid Penang is one of the two airport transportation options.
This public bus ride operates from 6:00 AM to 11:15 PM, with a frequency of every 60 to 80 minutes. As to the bus fare, it’s currently priced at RM 4 per person.
If you choose this, you just ride Bus 102 from Penang Airport to Georgetown. The travel time would probably reach an hour or so.
Although this is a good choice, I do not recommend this if you have lots of luggage. It’s because the bus does not have enough space for storage.
If you prefer door-to-door transportation, it’s ideal that you book a private airport transfer. This is very convenient, especially for those who want seamless transportation from the airport to your hotel.
Since this is a direct transfer, you won’t have to deal with lots of stops. Plus, you can choose either a car or a van, depending on your preference.
So, try to check out the private airport transfer here and pick the vehicle that best suits your needs.
If you’ve got extra days in Malaysia, don’t hesitate to explore Genting SkyWorlds in Genting Highlands or Kuala Lumpur. These two are spectacular places that also deserve a visit.
Genting Highlands is recommended if you love theme parks, shopping malls, and casinos.
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur is very popular because it’s the capital of the country. So, it’s filled with modern structures and cultural landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka Square, and Batu Caves.
And of course, the vibrant and diverse food options make it more exciting to visit!
Thank you for taking the time to read my complete Penang holiday itinerary. I hope this article will be a useful resource for you in planning the perfect trip to this wonderful island. 🙂
