Discover some of the most popular activities and underrated spots in this Penang itinerary — perfect for your first time on the island!
When deciding somewhere affordable to fly to for a getaway from Singapore, it’s easy to look at Malaysia and get overwhelmed with the choices you have: Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Desaru, etc.
But there’s one often-overlooked destination with all the things you love from those places… and more: Penang.
Besides just eating and shopping, Penang is great for those who want an adventure-filled vacay — with a thrilling adventure park, various natural wonders, and a lively nightlife to explore.
So, this four-day Penang itinerary will help you discover both iconic and lesser-known destinations if you’re planning to head there for the first time!
Getting around Penang
Grab: When we were in Penang, the most convenient way to get around was good ol’ Grab. I noticed there weren’t many taxis in the area, so booking a car with one touch of our phone was a godsend. For a 3km ride, it cost us RM6 (~S$2) for four people.
Bus: This is the main mode of public transportation in Penang. Rapid Penang Buses connect the main areas of the island like George Town and Batu Ferringhi for an affordable price (first 7km = RM1.40). There’s also a free shuttle service, Penang Central Area Transit, that travels along major streets in George Town.
Car: A more flexible way to get around Penang is to rent a car (from S$37/day via Klook) and pick it up at the airport. For big groups, hiring a private car charter is a good value-for-money option (from ~S$18/pax for a group of seven via Klook), with hotel pick-up available.
Day 1: Relax in George Town
Good news: Many of George Town’s attractions are near each other, oftentimes just within walking distance.
Bad news: One day is too short to explore the attractions, so it’s better to visit them across multiple days.
For our Penang itinerary, we always had breakfast in George Town (near our hotel) first, then headed to activities in and out of the city.
Grab breakfast at Seng Thor Coffee Shop
Our first stop after landing in Penang was the Seng Thor Coffee Shop, packed with locals during our visit.
We tried their most popular street food: char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles). Topped with meat, shrimp, Chinese sausage, and vegetables, it was a delicious and filling meal for a noodle-lover like me.
What makes their version unique is that you can have them with a duck egg instead of the traditional chicken egg. Admittedly, they both taste similar, but we found the duck egg to be a bit more flavourful.
Cost: RM8 (~S$2.40) for duck egg char kway teow
Opening hours: 7AM – 3PM
How to get there: 40min drive from Penang International Airport (Google Maps)
Appreciate Peranakan heritage at Pinang Peranakan Mansion
The Pinang Peranakan Mansion gave us a glimpse of the unique Peranakan culture — a mix of Chinese, Malay, and even Western influences.
We spent an hour viewing antique furniture, heirlooms, and beautiful interior details from houses of wealthy families in the past.
But perhaps the best part of our experience was donning traditional costumes (Nyonya kebaya) while walking around the giant opulent mansion. It really made us feel like we were back in the 19th century!
*Pro-tip: Into temple-hopping? The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is part of a George Town Heritage Tour that you can book via Klook. The guided tour also includes a visit to several Chinese temples like Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.
Entrance fee: RM25/pax (~S$7.50), RM138/pax (~S$41) for package incl. costume rental, entry, and tea experience
Opening hours: 9:30AM – 5PM
How to get there: 14min walk from Seng Thor Coffee Shop (Google Maps)
Take photos with XXL food at Wonderfood Museum
Wonderfood Museum was one of my most-anticipated stops when planning our Penang itinerary because… I love giant food 😍
But beware: they’re just replicas, no matter how realistic they look.
From laksa to cendol (iced pandan-flavoured rice flour jelly dessert) to local fruits, there’s a huge variety of Southeast Asian food to take fun photos with.
The museum was educational as much as it was Instagram-worthy, like a room showcasing some of the world’s most expensive food. Who knew a burger could go up to £1,100?!
Entrance fee: From ~S$5/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
How to get there: 4min walk from Pinang Peranakan Museum (Google Maps)
Dinner at New Lane Streetfood Stalls
After a trip to Wonderfood, we were ready to eat our hearts out at the street food stalls along New Lane Street, a lesser-known night market in Penang.
We finally got our hands on a charcoal char kway teow (RM12) after 30 minutes of queuing.
Our verdict? It’s… good, but not too different from the one we had tried earlier at Seng Thor Coffee Shop. But we found their oyster omelette (RM15) and chicken satay (RM13) to be value-for-money standouts.
Opening hours: 4PM – 11PM
How to get there: 7min drive from Wonderfood Museum (Google Maps)
Bond with friends at De’8000 Mini Golf
De’8000 Mini Golf is a great laid-back nighttime activity with friends, especially since many attractions in Penang close at around 7PM.
Their visually stunning 18-hole indoor course includes giant pinballs, skeeball, marching drums, and more.
Our favourite one was where we had to shoot the ball into one of the cups. Harder than it sounds 😅
The variety made it challenging — perfect for competitive people like ourselves — so I could just imagine how much harder it would’ve been if we had ordered drinks from the bar.
Entrance fee: From ~S$10/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 10AM – 11PM
How to get there: 9min drive from New Lane Streetfood Stalls (Google Maps)
Day 2: ESCAPE from the city
Eat breakfast at Urban Daybreak Cafe
Day two of our Penang itinerary started with a big breakfast at the Melbourne-inspired Urban Daybreak Cafe!
And by that, I literally mean a “Big Breakfast”: their signature dish that comes with buttered toast, eggs, sausage loaves, bacon, mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes, and baked beans.
We got two plates and compulsory coffee drinks for only ~S$32 (saving us S$8) by pre-booking our meal on Klook. We chose what we wanted from the set menu, and all we had to do was show the booking confirmation to the staff!
The servings were generous, with one plate enough for two hungry people.
Their interior was pretty with artworks and stylish glassware to admire while you wait for your food to arrive. We came here when it opened at 7:30AM since we wanted to maximise our day out of the city!
Cost: ~S$16 for a big breakfast plate with a drink via Klook
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 5:30PM
How to get there: 3min walk from Pinang Peranakan Mansion (Google Maps)
Parasailing at Batu Ferringhi Beach
Then it was time to start the most thrilling day of our Penang itinerary!
We took a 40-minute Grab ride to Batu Ferringhi Beach for a parasailing activity that we had booked via Klook.
From the sea, we were lifted into the air while attached to a speedboat. It was a pretty fun and exhilarating way to view the city from up above, while feeling the wind blow on my face. The beach itself was clean and peaceful when we went on a Wednesday morning.
Cost: From ~S$42/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM, last admission at 4PM
Meet-up point: At Sunrise Watersports behind Shangri La Golden Sands; 34min drive from Urban Daybreak Cafe (Google Maps)
Take on thrilling activities at ESCAPE Penang
ESCAPE Penang is the biggest theme park in Malaysia with over 35 attractions! I’d recommend spending at least half a day here to get your money’s worth.
It’s divided into two areas: the “dry area” with tons of rope activities, and the “wet area” where you’ll experience some wicked water attractions. Thrill levels vary, making it perfect for the whole family or friend group.
The park also holds the Guinness World Records for the world’s longest zipline coaster and the world’s longest water slide, both capping at 1.1km each. Of course, we had to try them out ourselves!
They were cool — just the right amount of thrill — but nothing too ridiculously exciting.
The Speed Racer slides unleashed our competitive side once again.
As thrill-seekers, we loved the racer slides, Mega Drop slide, and the Banana Flip: a super-fast slide with a launch pad that made us scream our lungs out!
There are also eateries in the park so you won’t go hungry, notably an A&W fast food kiosk that serves hotdogs and fried chicken. A chilli dog combo with fries and a drink costs RM22 (~S$6.80) — the same price as you’d get it outside ESCAPE.
*Pro-tip: Wear closed-toe sandals. The clothing policy doesn’t allow open-toed footwear for dry activities, and wearing shoes is uncomfortable in the wet area. Lockers are also available for RM10 to store your baggage!
Entrance fee: From ~S$54/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM, closed on Mon
How to get there: 16min drive from Batu Ferringhi Beach (Google Maps)
Dinner at WHEELER’S
WHEELER’S is a stylish cafe-bar with a simple and chic aesthetic that resembles an indoor garden. On top of that, they serve inexpensive comfort food with huge portions.
We liked their Truffle Spaghetti Carbonara (RM29) and Charcoal Four Cheese Margherita Pizza (RM27) the most because they were bursting with flavour without being overwhelming. Their smoothie drinks were all refreshing and thick. Service was also notably quick!
WHEELER’S is open till midnight, so if you aren’t too tired from the day (unlike us), it’s a good place to get some cocktails before you head back to your hotel.
Cost: ~RM30 (~S$9) for an entree
Opening hours: 8AM – 12AM
How to get there: 40min drive from ESCAPE Penang (Google Maps)
Day 3: Explore Penang’s natural wonders
Try more street food at Cecil Street Market
Cecil Street Market is what street food heaven must look like! There were many options here that we didn’t see in New Lane on day one.
The star of the show was the duck koay teow th’ng (flat rice noodles with soup, RM7) — one of the most comforting and filling dishes we had on our trip — which we paired with taro char siu (fried taro dumplings, RM2.50).
We also had fried sago (RM4), and this market is the only place left in Penang where you can try it. The taste and texture were unique, which could be best described as their own version of tteokbokki (Korean rice cakes).
Opening hours: 7:30AM – 6:30PM
How to get there: 12min drive from Pinang Peranakan Mansion (Google Maps)
Reconnect with nature at The Habitat Penang Hill
Standing at 833m above sea level, Penang Hill is a must-visit for panoramic views of George Town and its surrounds.
There are various attractions on Penang Hill, but The Habitat stands out because you get to appreciate Malaysia’s rainforests in the most tranquil way possible. It’s home to over 2,500 flora and fauna, with birds, butterflies, and monkeys sprawling around!
If you’re like me who loves quiet strolls along canopies, tree tops, and walking trails, being here is a welcome escape.
There are special activities from time to time, so check out their website for updates. Currently, they are hosting overnight camping experiences and an immersive VR experience.
*Pro-tip: Grab drivers don’t really go up Penang Hill, so the best way to get there and back is by taking a scenic funicular ride (RM30/pax round-trip). Tickets can be bought online, or in-person at Penang Hill Lower Stn. Alternatively, you can hike up for 2 hours.
Entrance fee: From ~S$7/pax via Klook (funicular ride not included)
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM, last admission at 6:30PM
How to get there: Take a Grab to Penang Hill Lower Stn. From there, ride the funicular to Penang Hill Upper Stn. Then, walk 10mins to The Habitat (Google Maps)
Unwind at Chew Jetty
After a long day, we headed to Chew Jetty, a lowkey destination to chat with friends while watching the sunset.
Take note that it’s only one of six wooden Clan Jetties in Penang — referring to wooden stilt houses built over jetties by Chinese immigrant families in the 19th century.
Unfortunately, the weather was gloomy when we visited, so no sunset for us… but we still enjoyed watching the city light up.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM
How to get there: 20min drive from Penang Lower Station (Google Maps)
Go bar-hopping in George Town
Our Penang itinerary would be incomplete without immersing ourselves in their super vibrant nightlife!
We were lucky our trip fell during Penang Cocktail Week, the biggest cocktail festival in Malaysia. So we got to experience a few “bar takeovers” where guest bartenders from other countries would serve drinks.
Among all the bars we visited, the standout for me was Manchu Bar because of its goooorgeous Manchurian-inspired interior and decor.
Everything felt carefully-curated, from the giant dragon head on stage, all the way to how the drinks were served. Definitely try their Elixir of Youth (RM48), a yummy blue pea-based drink served in a teapot.
Good Friends Club was probably the liveliest and most intimate bar we tried. Everyone — the bartenders, staff, and guests — would strike up a conversation and take a shot with you.
We also had loads of fun at the nearby Magazine 63. It was a good mix of the two other bars in terms of ambiance. We could comfortably talk with each other, and also enjoy live performances that made us sing our hearts out.
Manchu Bar
How to get there: 13min walk from Chew Jetty (Google Maps)
Good Friends Club
Opening hours: 8PM – 1AM, closes 2AM on Sat and Sun
How to get there: 9min walk from Magazine 63 (Google Maps)
Magazine 63
Opening hours: 8PM – 3AM
How to get there: 12min walk from Manchu Bar (Google Maps)
Day 4: Tour Penang’s iconic attractions
Have a morning drink at Norm Micro Roastery
Norm Micro Roastery is a stunning industrial-style cafe that serves brunch food, artisanal coffee, and sweet drinks.
From the outside, it doesn’t feel like anything special. But step inside and you’ll see a gigantic “concrete garden” with high ceilings and natural light making for a more-than-cosy atmosphere to chat with friends.
We tried their Guava Limeade (RM18) and Yuzu Sundae (RM23), a great way to refresh ourselves from the heat. They also serve breakfast and comfort food like waffles, pasta, bread, and shakshuka (poached eggs in tomato sauce with spice).
The aesthetic, atmosphere, good drinks, and friendly staff made this my favourite cafe stop in our Penang itinerary.
Cost: ~RM28 (~S$9) for an entree
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM
How to get there: 3min walk from Pinang Peranakan Mansion (Google Maps)
See George Town’s iconic street art
Then we just had to visit the street art that George Town is famous for with our own eyes. I would go as far as to say you haven’t visited Penang if you haven’t seen them for yourselves.
Many popular artworks can be found along Armenian Street, including Ernest Zacharevic’s Little Children on a Bicycle, an image plastered all over postcards and souvenir shirts in Penang.
While I’m admittedly not an artsy person, the stroll here was pleasant with boutique stores, souvenir and handicraft shops, and hipster cafes everywhere. Also, all the cat street art (101 Lost Kittens by Artists for Stray Animals) were pretty cute! 🐱
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 9min walk from Norm Micro Roastery (Google Maps)
Read also: Penang: The Ultimate Guide To The Most Iconic George Town Street Art
Enjoy a panoramic city view at The TOP Penang
For our last stop of the trip, we visited The TOP Penang at Komtar Tower, a 68-storey building with loads of activities to try. The 5 Attractions Pass (10% off on Klook) gave us access to three viewpoints, a dinosaur-themed museum, and an aquarium there.
One viewpoint was the Rainbow Skywalk — located on the topmost storey. It’s a short glass skywalk, best for snapping your “we were here in Penang!” tourist photo.
Just don’t scare yourself by looking down and seeing how high up you are!
Another notable attraction was the Skybridge, where we walked on an open platform around the tower. We enjoyed a 360° view in the open air… on the 65th floor!
Then we headed to the Jurassic Research Center which had giant models of dinosaurs that children may love.
Entrance fee: From ~S$21/pax via Klook (5 attractions)
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM, closing time of attractions vary
How to get there: 7min drive from Armenian Street Art (Google Maps)
Accommodation: Jawi Peranakan Mansion
For our four-day trip, we wanted to stay somewhere unique while also experiencing Penang’s rich history firsthand.
On the main island, there are many so-called “heritage hotels” — historically-significant buildings restored to preserve their original architecture and cultural charm.
Eventually, we landed on Jawi Peranakan Mansion because it was one of the most affordable heritage hotels at only ~S$144/night for their Mansion Suite (4 pax).
Our room had gorgeous furnishings and wooden floors that screamed colonial era. Despite the old timey-looking place, it was clean, comfy, and spacious with modern amenities like TVs and WiFi.
They have a swimming pool too, perfect for beating the heat! Plus, the hotel is near several iconic George Town attractions featured in our Penang itinerary, like The TOP, which is only a 12-minute walk away.
Cost: ~S$144/night for Mansion Suite (4 pax)
How to get there: 40min taxi ride from Penang International Airport (Google Maps)
Travel essentials to prep for your Penang itinerary
While planning your Penang trip, here’s a checklist of things to ensure a smooth journey. Also, take note that Singapore passport holders no longer need to complete the Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) upon arrival.
1) Travel insurance: For our four-day trip, we bought the Klook Protect Travel Insurance – Essential Plan for ~S$17/pax. If your total premium costs at least S$30, you get a Klook voucher as a freebie, up to S$20 off.
2) Connectivity: We got a 1GB/day eSIM with unlimited data for S$6.20. A few moments after booking, we received an e-mail with a QR code to set it up on our phone. It’s easy, and you get to skip the queues at the airport for SIM cards.
3) Activities: For our convenience (i.e. to reduce queue times), we used Klook to pre-book activities. Usually, it’s simply presenting a QR code at the entrance of the place we wanted to visit.
Booking all of these things via Klook made planning our Penang itinerary more convenient. Some things were cheaper than if we had bought it on-site — ESCAPE, Urban Daybreak Cafe, The TOP — and they offer vouchers from time-to-time!
*Pro-tip: Redeem 5% OFF Klook activities for use later, up to 5x. Just enter code <THETRAVELINTERNKLOOK> at checkout. New users get 10% OFF their first booking. T&C’s apply!
Penang may be small, but it has a lot of places and activities to make your (long) weekend a worthwhile one. To me, it’s a great alternative if you’ve been to JB or KL plenty of times before.
Family-friendly attractions? Check. Adrenaline activities? Check. Cosy bars and yummy food? Check. The beach? Check.
Personally, I fell in love with their cafe and speakeasy scene. I featured some of them in my Penang itinerary, but I can’t wait to head back and explore more of them on my next trip.
And just like me, I’m sure you’ll find something to love on this charming nearby getaway!
What are you looking forward to visit in our Penang itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
This article was brought to you by Klook.
