Malaysia, as we’ve waxed lyrical before about, became
Malaysia, as we’ve waxed lyrical before about, became one of our favourite countries in Southeast Asia. The amount of diversity within the culture, landscape, architecture and activities on offer across the two halves of the country is unrivalled. From the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur to the rolling hillsides of the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, Penang offers something completely different!
Offering crumbling colonial architecture reflecting this cultural mixing pot adorned by interactive and quirky street art, heritage buildings, exquisitely detailed temples of many denominations, unique cuisine, short hikes and even a beach!
There’s no wonder that Penang was an area of Malaysia that we fell even more in love with! Here we’ve put together our ultimate Penang Itinerary as well as a guide for what to do in Penang in 3 days/3-day Penang itinerary for those with time constraints and budget advice for those Backpacking Penang.
Malaysia, as we’ve waxed lyrical before about, became one of our favourite countries in Southeast Asia. The amount of diversity within the culture, landscape, architecture and activities on offer across the two halves of the country is unrivalled. From the bustling capital of Kuala Lumpur to the rolling hillsides of the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, Penang offers something completely different!
Offering crumbling colonial architecture reflecting this cultural mixing pot adorned by interactive and quirky street art, heritage buildings, exquisitely detailed temples of many denominations, unique cuisine, short hikes and even a beach!
There’s no wonder that Penang was an area of Malaysia that we fell even more in love with! Here we’ve put together our ultimate Penang Itinerary as well as a guide for what to do in Penang in 3 days/3-day Penang itinerary for those with time constraints and budget advice for those Backpacking Penang.
Penang Itinerary: How to get to Georgetown And Start Your Penang Trip!
Penang is well-connected to the rest of Malaysia and Asia as a whole despite being an island. A lot of people locals and tourists alike head here from KL and it means you can check out the best things to see in Penang in a weekend or 3 days.
Penang does have its own airport and it is well served by domestic flights to other Asian destinations. If you’re planning what to do in Penang in 3 days or a short visit then flying is the best option as it takes only an hour from KL.
The most popular routes are from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu (Borneo), Kuching (Borneo), Hong Kong, Hanoi, Bangkok, Taipei and Singapore. Other destinations from here include Jakarta, Johor Bahru, Langkawi and even Doha.
Trains run from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth which takes around 4 hours. Tickets cost between 59 MYR – 79 MYR (£11 – £14.80 / $4.30 – $19.12 ) depending on the class of travel.
From here you will need to take the short ferry over from Butterworth to Georgetown, which costs 1.20 MYR (£0.22 / $0.29)
The view approaching Penang from the Butterworth ferry.
The bus is a great budget option for this route and is how we arrived in Penang. It takes around 4 hours from the KTM Old Railway Station Kuala Lumpur and costs around 40 MYR (£7.50 / $9.70)
This will take you to the main bus station just outside of George Town, from here you can take Bus 401 for 2.50 MYR (£0.47 / $0.61) or get a taxi or Grab which is similar to Uber.
Penang Itinerary Blog: Our Comprehensive Guide. We just fell in love with these old Chinese shophouses!
Where to Stay In Penang
Staying in George Town is a must in Penang if you want to take advantage of all there is to do here. The town is made up of the core zone and the outer area but it’s a small and very walkable town so either will work but the core area is easier for those who don’t want to walk so far!
George Town is also a UNESCO heritage area so there are no large chain hotels in the centre but there is a wealth of great guest houses, boutique hotels and good quality hostels. If you are planning what to do in Penang in 3 days and have limited time be sure to stay in the core zone to make the most of your time.
Some also choose to stay out by the beach if that is more of a priority. Remember to plan your Penang 3 days 2 night itinerary around a good base.
Transport around the island is easy and cheap with buses going from George Town all over the rest of the island and of course to major sights such as Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple.
Our picks for the best places to stay on your 3 day Penang Itinerary:
Best Backpacker Hostel: Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel
Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel is right in the heart of the old town of Penang and is set right inside one of the most incredible heritage buildings. Combining the old and the new this is one of the best hostels in the city.
Attic Hotel is a fun, modern boutique space to base yourself in whilst in Penang. The hotel takes design influence from the famous tiling of Georgetown but adds a modern twist.
Best Place for a Reasonably Priced Treat: Campbell House
Campbell House is the ideal reasonably priced place to splash out. It’s a heritage building lovingly transformed into a luxury “old world” hotel that harks back to the colonial days.
Our List Of Activities To Add To Your 3 day Penang Itinerary
Discover The Immersive Street Art And Quirky Wire Sculptures: A Penang Itinerary Must Do!
Since the completion of a series of public artworks including interactive murals and humorous wire sculptures back in 2012, George Town has been transformed into an internationally important art scene to add to its long list of cultural highlights. It’s got to be the starting point of any 3-day Penang itinerary. The best bit here is that the art is all free to see so ideal for those on a budget who are Backpacking Penang. In fact, with them being totally free to see, it’s one reason Penang is a great backpacker destination.
Penang 3-day itinerary: The street art is a great place to start
The murals spread around the city, some hidden unassuming down a maze of alleyways whilst others stand triumphantly covering entire end walls of the town’s historic architecture. Each one is designed to reflect the culture around it, a humble street food stall, a local man lent against his motorbike, and children joyfully playing in the streets. Discovering these was one of our favourite things to do in Georgetown and something we built our Penang 3-day itinerary around.
All scenes that make up the fibre and culture of this town are immortalised in artistic expression literally onto its walls, elevating the day-to-day into the extraordinary through the medium in which it is presented. The paintings transform the humdrum and celebrate the everyday people of Penang as well as adding a beautiful aesthetic to the already enchanting colonial architecture of Georgetown. Exploring all the art here was a highlight of our time Backpacking Penang and our Itinerary for Penang.
3 days Penang itinerary: The motorbike boy is the most famous example of the art here
Wire Sculptures
The wire sculptures that also adorn the walls of Georgetown offer something different on your Penang backpacking trip. A comical and informative voice from the past blending historical facts with whimsical characters mostly from Penang’s colonial past. They tell the tales of Penang, of its history, the stories of its people and their complex connections in a fun and lighthearted manner and is the perfect place to start when doing Penang in 3 days.
Penang 3-day itinerary: Be sure to hunt out the sculptures too!
Searching out all the murals and sculptures is an adventure in itself that will take you to all corners of George Town and it really is a must-do on any Penang Itinerary. It can take a full day of exploring to see them all so bear that in mind when planning what to do in Penang in 3 days!
Explore The Crumbling Chinese Shop Fronts And Historic Georgetown Architecture Including The Blue Mansion On Your Penang Itinerary
Georgetown, named after George III, is steeped in history, the town has been used as a port for centuries under the control of the British and Chinese with heavy influences from India too. This mixing pot of cultures has come to symbolise what Penang is all about, a place of unique heritage where the historic architecture reflects the different eras the town has been through. Take the time during your 3 days Penang itinerary to experience the incredible culture here.
The colourful and crumbling colonial buildings are not only a step into the past but offer an incredibly beautiful aesthetic that harks back to a lost era. When planning out your Penang Itinerary you’ll want to make time to fully explore the maze of incredible architecture in Georgetown.
Penang 3-day itinerary: Soak in the unique architecture and culture.
The 5-foot way-ins, ornate floor tilings, hand-painted signs, typical Chinese shop fronts and fragmented pastel-coloured walls covered in creeping vines and moss, revealing bricks below are an enchanting sight. Most of the old shops are still operating as just that, family-owned for generations they serve as both a home and a business and mean even with increasing tourism George Town retains its air of authenticity. Exploring Penang on foot is a really rewarding experience and an important part of any Itinerary for Penang.
Streets To Explore On Your Penang 3-Day Itinerary Are:
Chulia Street, Campbell Street, Love Lane, King Street, Carnarvon Street, and Pitt Street. Be sure to head to all of them even on your Penang backpacking trip.
Penang Itinerary: Embrace The Multiculturalism Of Malaysia With The Varied Local Temples On “Harmony Street”
Given the varied and vast historical and cultural influences on Georgetown and Penang as a whole, it’s little wonder how unique the culture is here. Wandering around the town the overriding experience we had watching these different cultural elements interact was hope, if anywhere could be used as an example for the world then it’s here in Penang.
Jalan Kapitan Keling or Harmony Street is an example of just how well different cultures and religions can live side by side. Seeing this side of the island is a perfect addition to any Penang Itinerary and a short addition when planning what to do in Penang in 3 days.
3 day Penang itinerary: See the different religions & cultures that all live in peace here
There are not many other places in the world where a Taoist Temple, Muslim Mosque and Christian Church exist on the same street with many Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh temples also close by! The rich tapestry of the layered history of Penang is reflected in the many different religions practised shoulder to shoulder here. Be sure to take the time on your 3-day Penang itinerary to appreciate the different cultures and how they all work together.
Pouring out of the many places of worship the people of Penang merge as one with no judgement or borders are drawn. Maybe that’s in part due to the historic position each religion can claim here, St. George’s church is the oldest purpose-built church in South East Asia, the Masjid Kapitan Keling dates back to 1801 and the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple has stood here since 1728!
See One Of The World’s Largest Reclining Buddhas & A Temple Filled With Snakes!
As mentioned above, Penang is teeming with temples and places of worship for numerous religions and no Penang Itinerary is complete without exploring some of the best. However, given the large Chinese influence on the town Buddhist and Taoist temples are far more common.
Exploring many of them offers the opportunity to visit some of the most ornate, historic and decorative temples we’ve ever seen… and believe us, we’ve seen a lot after spending 9 months in Southeast Asia! Here are some of the best temples to consider when planning what to do in Penang in 3 days.
3 day Penang itinerary: Explore the different temples
This Thai Buddhist temple is home to one of the world’s largest reclining Buddhas at over 100 ft long. The temple is one of the oldest Thai Wats in the country and is the centre of Thai culture in Penang and is especially alive during Songkran festivities. The temple’s founding dates back to 1845 and is close to the aptly named “Bangkok Lane!”
One of the major sights in the city this grand ornate Chinese Clan house is one of the grandest in the entire country and a must-do on your Penang Itinerary. Each and every surface is clad with sculptural carvings, intricate decorations and impossibly detailed paintings. The clan temple retains an old-world charm with its authenticity still remaining despite its popularity. Built in 1906 when the Khoo Clan was at the height of its wealth and power the complex once had its own self-governance, education, financial and welfare organisations. We loved exploring this temple on our Penang backpacking trip.
Penang 3 days: Explore the Many Temples
This Chinese Taoist temple, known colloquially as “The Snake Temple” or officially the Temple of the Azure Cloud is a quite surreal place to visit in Penang. Dating back to 1805 it’s not only a beautiful and historic temple to visit but what makes it unique are the vipers that call it home! Apparently tamed by the swirling smoke from the burning incense (these days they are in fact rendered non-venomous for safety) they hang from trees in the gardens!
Built in 1833 this temple is the oldest Hindu place of worship in Penang after being established for the Tamil Indian traders. Typical of the South Indian Dravidian style it was built-in it features an incredibly elaborate and impressive tower or “Gopuram” that rises above the grand entrance. With floral details, Hindu gods, incredibly carved soldiers and several depictions of animals the detailed and colourful temple is a must-see during your 3 days in Penang.
We’ve used the Osprey Farpoint/ Fairview for all our backpacking adventures over the past 5 years and highly recommend them!
The main area of the pack opens like a suitcase, which is great for using packing cubes to keep everything organised and they even come with a detachable day pack!
Situated outside of George Town over in Air Itam the Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist Temple in Malaysia and one of the absolute highlights of a visit to Penang. Built from 1890–1930 the temple is not only a key site for the Buddhists of Malaysia but an important pilgrimage site for other Buddhists from around South East Asia. The incredible seven-storey pagoda, which includes 10,000 sculptures of Buddha, combines Chinese, Thai and Burmese architectural styles reflecting the community around it.
The temple sits in a picturesque location at the bottom of the Air Itam mountain and covers an area of 30 acres, you really can’t visit without adding it to your Penang Itinerary. It’s also quite close to Penang Hill so a trip out to both is an ideal combination especially if you’re trying to figure out what to do in Penang in 3 days and have limited time.
Hike Up to Penang Hill For Incredible Views And Its Own Micro-Climate
You might be forgiven for thinking Penang was all about Temples, architecture and art hunting, exploring the humid streets can be exhausting so any escape is welcome! Penang Hill, known as Bukit Bendera offers a totally different experience of this island with its own microclimate that offers a break from the heat of the town.
With an elevation of 833 m (2,733 ft), the peak can be reached by a historic funicular or via a short hike through lush jungles. The peak gained popularity with the British during colonial rule due to the lower temperatures and became a resort after the 1924 opening of Malaysia’s only funicular. It’s something a bit different to add to your 3 days Penang itinerary and a nice change of climate.
The peak is home to several temples and cafes as well as nature reserves and vast panoramic views out over the island and across to George Town and is a great addition to your Penang Itinerary to add something a little different from the town centre. If you’ve got limited time and you planning what to do in Penang in 3 days then consider half a day on Penang Hill and a visit to the nearby Kek Lok Si Temple in the other half.
Penang backpacking: Get out of the heat and head up the hill
A return trip on the funicular is 30 MYR (£5.62 / $7.26) for adults, 5 MYR (£0.94 / $1.21) for Children and 15 MYR (£2.81 / $3.63) for students. Opening hours are 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day, with ticket counters closing at 10:30 p.m.
Penang Itinerary: Take A Break And Relax at the Batu Ferringhi Beach
Another unexpected feature of Penang is the nearby Batu Ferringhi Beach. After exploring all George Town has to offer and hiking through the jungles of Penang Hill it’s time for a change of scene and a break! Located to the North West of George Town centre it’s an ideal addition to a Penang Itinerary to schedule some relaxation time.
These days the beach is home to many top resorts as well as many opportunities for water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and snorkelling making it a fun destination for your Penang backpacking trip.
3 days in Penang: There are nearby beaches to take a break from the city streets.
The pristine white sandy beaches are a complete change of pace from the busy streets of Georgetown and offer everything from quiet serenity to bustling nightclubs and a wealth of high-quality restaurants. With the oppressing heat and humidity of the streets of Penang, it really is a great place to relax and cool down!
If you’ve not got long here and you’re trying to plan out what to do in Penang in 3 days then we suggest leaving the beach for a longer visit as there are many other places around South East Asia where you can laze on the beach, but Penang is all about exploring the cultural heritage of George Town!
From the Airport: Take Bus 102. Departs every 60 to 80 minutes from 6:00 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. Cost: 4.00 MYR (£0.75 / $0.97)
From George Town: Take Bus 102 along Chulia Street. Departs every 15-20 mins from 5:30 a.m. to 11:20 p.m. Cost: 2.70 MYR (£0.50 / $0.65)
See Local Life On The Floating Houses Of The Clan Jetty. Off The Beaten Track 3-day Penang Itinerary.
Whilst most in Georgetown call the typical Chinese shops home, there is a community based around the Penang Ferry Terminal. The Jetty Clan goes back generations and was a result of seven Chinese Clans warring over access to the waterways in the early 1900s. These “floating” houses stand on stilts above the water with long walkways connecting the maze of houses, shops and temples.
Exploring this warren-like community is a great way to get to know local life in Penang and just people-watch, it’s also fun to see people navigating motorbikes along the wooden walkways! If you’ve spent any time in Asia you’ll know there’s literally nowhere these skilled but also sometimes haphazard riders can’t take a bike!! What’s great about visiting the Clan Jetty is that you can do it in a short amount of time so it’s a nice addition when thinking about what to do in Penang in 3 days.
3 days in Penang: Visit the people living on the jetty.
Penang Food – What To Eat In Penang: Indulge In The Unique Food Of This Region
One of the things that really stands out in Penang is the cuisine, as you can imagine, with so much input from so many different cultures Penang food is varied and unique. It’s also very affordable too especially from the street food stalls which makes it ideal if you’re Backpacking Penang.
There are some dishes that are typical Penang food and are a must try whilst there and when building any 3-day Penang itinerary the food is an essential part of the complete experience.
Taking in the influences of the different communities such as the Chinese, Indian and Malay as well as the smaller sects such as the Thai, Burmese and Western heritage makes it a food lover’s heaven!
Also in recent years hipster-style cafes and coffee shops such as The China House have sprung up offering modern twists on classics as well as more Western food if you’re craving something from home! There’s a reason Penang food is world-renowned!
If you’re looking for some cheap and authentic Penang food then the stalls on Chulia Street are the place to head. Here after 6 pm, the stalls line both sides of the street, the best thing about this market is that it’s set up for locals so you are sure to get good prices and some truly local Penang food, a must on any Penang 3-day itinerary.
Ok, hear us out!! We’re veggies so we’re a little biased on this one, but in Penang’s Little India we’ve had some of the best food we’ve ever tried. Here there are many vegetarian-only establishments with a wealth of options to pick from. Our favourite has to be a Tandoori Paneer Kebab with Red Onions on a fresh Garlic Naan from Thali NR Sweets, who are also of course famous for their Indian sweets! You’ve not tried the Penang food out properly until you’ve sampled the best of Little India!
How to describe cendol, it’s a cold sweet dessert that looks in all honesty not entirely appetising and in truth, I’m still undecided on whether or not I actually like it. But it’s just one of those things you have to try and you’ll see the stalls everywhere, it’s proper traditional Penang food! A bowl of iced coconut milk with Palm Sugar Syrup and green worm-like rice flour jelly noodles and kidney beans on top (Which is the ingredient I think that has me unsure!)
Penang food: I think I would enjoy it without the kidney beans!
With the hot and humid temperatures in Penang, it’s no wonder these balls of flavoured shaved ice are so popular! It’s simple, tasty and effective! You’ll be in need of a few whilst exploring George Town! This Penang food is another very popular with locals. If you’re going to survive an intense 3 days Penang itinerary then you’ll need a few of these!
Char Koay Teow: Meaning “stir-fried rice cake strips” is fried flat noodles with garlic, eggs, onion, chives and served with a variety of different meats and commonly prawns and seafood in Penang alongside lots of Soy Sauce and served on a banana leaf. Again, it’s quite easy to get vegetarian versions here as the dish is so common and is a great example of local Penang food.
Asam laksa: An iconic dish in Penang this sweet and sour broth is available EVERYWHERE and is hard to avoid! With fishy undertones, the noodle-based dish includes chillies, ginger, mackerel, tamarind, onion, mint, cucumber and even pineapple for a wild ride of flavours that’s strangely addictive! There are also lots of places in Penang that do vegetarian versions too so anyone can give this classic example of Penang food a try!
Penang food: This was a veggie version of the Penang Laksa which is sweet, tangy, spicy and sour.
Wantan Noodles: The Penang version of this classic Asian dish usually comes with barbecued pork on top of a drier version of the yellow noodle dish than is common in places like China with the soup and dumplings being served in a separate dish. It is also often garnished with oyster sauce and spring onions. Vegetarian versions use wheat gluten instead of pork, so add it to your list of Penang food to try!
Our Guide To The Perfect Penang Itinerary For A Short Visit
What To Do In Penang In 3 Days
So, you’re here for a guide to 3 days in Penang, well we’ve written this Penang travel blog as an in-depth guide to give you the ability to build your own George town itinerary however we’ve got some suggestions for your Penang trip right here if you need some pointers!
Although doing Penang in 3 days is a short time for such a place with the depth of rich culture that Georgetown has, as backpackers we know sometimes you might be on a tight schedule or even just on a short trip to the region and want to pack in as much as you can. Rather than writing a Penang one-day trip blog, which is way too little time, we feel three days in Penang is enough to get a good taste of what it’s all about!
Arrive in Penang early and check into your George Town accommodation
Get a map of all the street art on your phone or print one-off and explore the streets finding all the different pieces! This way you’ll get to know the layout of the town too and see some wonderful buildings along the way! Keep cool whilst exploring with an ice ball or three! Make this a priority when planning what to do in Penang in 3 days.
End the day exploring the Clan Jetty and grab some local food on Chulia Street on the way back of day 1 on your Penang itinerary.
Penang how many days? The more the better, but 3 days is a good start!
Time to head out of the town and up to Penang Hill via a short bus ride. Take the historic funicular up and down to save time.
Whilst in this region of Penang you can also visit the Kek Lok Si Temple in the afternoon
OR
If you’re more of a beach person you can use this middle day to head out to Batu Ferringhi Beach however we think Penang Hill and the temple should be more of a priority when planning what to do in Penang in 3 days or any short visit as South East Asia has many other beaches to visit!
Today use your knowledge from exploring on the previous days to visit the many temples, cultural buildings and museums around town. Make a point not to miss the Khoo Kongsi Clan House, Harmony Street and the many Chinese Shop houses when planning what to do in Penang in 3 days.
Be sure to try some Asam Laksa finished off with some cooling Chendol for Lunch and head to Little India for dinner.
Pick up your bags and sadly depart Georgetown… Maybe next time you can spend 4 days in Penang!
What To Do In Penang in 3 days: Organise A Tour Of Penang
If you’re pushed for time in Penang then you might want to consider a tour when planning what to do in Penang in 3 days. This way you can maximise what you see and do as well as get brilliant local insight and knowledge so be sure to add it to your Penang itinerary.
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So instead of getting subpar travel insurance, now we just always go with SafetyWing. It takes like 5-10 minutes to purchase your policy and essentially functions as a monthly subscription plan with near-global coverage!
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Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of The Roaming Renegades.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
Malaysia has so many similarities with India especially having all religious structures in same street and people living all peacefully. Penang is beautiful and you have a lovely itinerary to follow.
The mix of history, culture and food is very tempting! I would love to see the street art. I have to say that the murals on old crumbling walls is very aesthetic, a photographer’s paradise!
I love all the faded buildings in Penang – I think it was one of my favourite things about the place. Seeing your pictures, I wish I’d got to Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill, but I just kept finding more and more street art – and eating more and more food. Thanks for bringing back some great memories.
They have some really great aesthetic to them. Oh man, I know what you mean, it’s such fun just wandering around the streets looking at the art and architecture.
You sold me with the street art, but then took it to another level with the temple photos. How absolutely gorgeous! I would love to visit Penang one day, and this is such an excellent guide for such a short trip. Thanks for the tips!
I really like the report and above all the pictures. The streetart pictures are great! I am always thrilled when I see pictures of the temples. For me, such an unknown world, which I would like to discover!
The addition of Penang Hill to see the jungle plus the beach makes this such a great itinerary in a very short timeframe. So many experiences! The interactive nature of the street art with the swings is something I love, and also the faded palette of the buildings, delicate and stunning. The food looks fab too.
Penang is a fascinating region of Malaysia. Georgetown with its vibrant and colourful street art is what we want to experience first hand. The pictures draw such a fascinating account of these quirk artworks. On our first trip to Malaysia owing to time constraints we could not get to Penang, hoping we get to Malaysia soon and visit Penang. We did have Cendal though in Kuala Lumpur.
I like seeing ancient architecture which I find amazing. I’m pretty sure I’d really enjoy seeing the Chinese shop fronts, temples, mosques and churches in Penang. As a foodie, I’d definitely love to try out different cuisines, particularly the Char Koay Teow. Thanks for sharing.
Wow – Penang looks like my kind of place! I love the look of the architecture and the street art, and I’d be taking a trip on the funicular up Penang Hill for sure! And you can chill out on a beach after all the sightseeing! The food sounds great too, especially if they do veggie versions.
Yeah its one of our favourite places, it has so many different things to do and see and really something for everyone. It is very veggie friendly which was ideal for us!
We want to head to Penang on our next trip to Malaysia. You have some great suggestions. I love the look of the floating houses but I think I will give the snake temple a miss! Wow.
These murals are so beautiful. I love seeking out street art when we’ve on vacation. The Snake Temple would not be on our list though! Both my son and I do NOT like snakes at all 🙂 Love the architecture of the temples though and we’d definitely seek out the beach!
I’ve been to Penang. I think you’ve done a great job at mentioning everything. I also like the market at Batu Ferringhi which is on every night. Tourists love it. I agree with you about the cendol, it’s a bit weird. I prefer Ice Kacang.
I love the street art, the painted buildings with the metal. I especially love the motorcycle art. I also love the beach and snorkling. Such a great list of things to do.
Been to KL and Cameron Highlands but not Penang. I sure would love to see Georgetown snd experience the harmony of multucultures. Did you see fir yourself the Snake Temple???
I only got a taste of the magnificent table in Malaysia when I visited KL a number of years ago. Penang looks to have a lot more to see, however, I might skip the Temple of the Azure Cloud as the snakes sound a little too intense.
I’d love to visit Malaysia one day! It’s so full of color and things to do. And I love the street art of Penang, it’s really creative in using the surrounding environment.
Ooooo, I love street art! Malaysia is now high on my list, glad to hear about the diversity. I’d want to spend more than 3 days here but it looks like you can do so much even with a time constraint.
Yeah we spent over a week there but a lot of people were asking us for a 3 day plan! You can fit a lot in for sure but to see it all you need more time!! There is so much to do!
The combination of colonial architecture and street are in Penang is really interesting. This is typically the sort of place I would have a lot of fun visiting, trying to take great photos… It might be a while before I get there but I’m sure all those elements will still be there
Yeah it’s such an interesting and beautiful place just to wander around. We’ve been twice and would go back for sure, really love the place and especially if you like photography.
WOW! with all that you can do in Penang it seems like you’d need more like 3 weeks then 3 days! The street art is amazing and to see the snakes hanging from the trees would be very cool indeed. I think i would have to walk to the top of the mountain and get the finicular down. What an awesome place to visit.
Yeah for sure, we’ve been twice and spent a week there each time. But I do know many others travelling around don’t that that luxury so this is for them! Lots of varied things to do, see and experience there!
Ooh, I am in love with all the street art! And the wire sculptures! From your description, Penang sounds so different from Kuala Lumpur – which is the only part of Malaysia I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. I will keep this Penang itinerary in mind for when I make it back there!
Yeah, it really is very different but at the same time it still has that community of cultures that we love about Malaysia. It’s one of our favourite places over there and we do love the whole of the country!!
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![The Ultimate 3-Day Penang Itinerary, Malaysia [UPDATED FOR 2026]](https://theroamingrenegades.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/the-ultimate-3-day-penang-itinerary-what-to-do-in-penang-in-3-days-malaysia-368x552.jpg)
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Malaysia has so many similarities with India especially having all religious structures in same street and people living all peacefully. Penang is beautiful and you have a lovely itinerary to follow.
Yeah I have heard that, we’ve not made it over there yet but we will be next time we are in Asia. Thanks!
The mix of history, culture and food is very tempting! I would love to see the street art. I have to say that the murals on old crumbling walls is very aesthetic, a photographer’s paradise!
It really is a photographers paradise! Around every corner is something super interesting and aesthetically pleasing to capture!!
I love all the faded buildings in Penang – I think it was one of my favourite things about the place. Seeing your pictures, I wish I’d got to Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill, but I just kept finding more and more street art – and eating more and more food. Thanks for bringing back some great memories.
They have some really great aesthetic to them. Oh man, I know what you mean, it’s such fun just wandering around the streets looking at the art and architecture.
You sold me with the street art, but then took it to another level with the temple photos. How absolutely gorgeous! I would love to visit Penang one day, and this is such an excellent guide for such a short trip. Thanks for the tips!
I know, that’s what drew us there in the first place but then there is so much more to it! Cheers for reading!
I really like the report and above all the pictures. The streetart pictures are great! I am always thrilled when I see pictures of the temples. For me, such an unknown world, which I would like to discover!
Thanks! It’s such a great place to visit with all the different things to do and see.
The addition of Penang Hill to see the jungle plus the beach makes this such a great itinerary in a very short timeframe. So many experiences! The interactive nature of the street art with the swings is something I love, and also the faded palette of the buildings, delicate and stunning. The food looks fab too.
Yeah, its such a fun place and there is so much to do with lots of diversity to it too. We absolutely loved our time there.
Penang is a fascinating region of Malaysia. Georgetown with its vibrant and colourful street art is what we want to experience first hand. The pictures draw such a fascinating account of these quirk artworks. On our first trip to Malaysia owing to time constraints we could not get to Penang, hoping we get to Malaysia soon and visit Penang. We did have Cendal though in Kuala Lumpur.
It’s always great to have an excuse to go back to Malaysia, we spent a bit of time over there and there are still other places we want to visit.
I like seeing ancient architecture which I find amazing. I’m pretty sure I’d really enjoy seeing the Chinese shop fronts, temples, mosques and churches in Penang. As a foodie, I’d definitely love to try out different cuisines, particularly the Char Koay Teow. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! Yeah if you love food and architecture then Penang is somewhere you would absolutely love!
I loved the street art of George town and therefore Penang looks worth visiting. The varied temples of Harmony street are looking wonderful.
It’s a lovely place to explore with the street art and temples, you would enjoy it!
Wow – Penang looks like my kind of place! I love the look of the architecture and the street art, and I’d be taking a trip on the funicular up Penang Hill for sure! And you can chill out on a beach after all the sightseeing! The food sounds great too, especially if they do veggie versions.
Yeah its one of our favourite places, it has so many different things to do and see and really something for everyone. It is very veggie friendly which was ideal for us!
We want to head to Penang on our next trip to Malaysia. You have some great suggestions. I love the look of the floating houses but I think I will give the snake temple a miss! Wow.
You guys will love it there and in Malaysia as a whole. Ha ha, yeah the snake temple is a bit wild!
These murals are so beautiful. I love seeking out street art when we’ve on vacation. The Snake Temple would not be on our list though! Both my son and I do NOT like snakes at all 🙂 Love the architecture of the temples though and we’d definitely seek out the beach!
Yeah that’s not for everyone!! But there is something for everyone in Penang which is great!
I’ve been to Penang. I think you’ve done a great job at mentioning everything. I also like the market at Batu Ferringhi which is on every night. Tourists love it. I agree with you about the cendol, it’s a bit weird. I prefer Ice Kacang.
Ahh yes, I should mention the Kacang, I totally forgot about that and the markets too! It’s such a cool place to visit, we absolutely loved it!
I love the street art, the painted buildings with the metal. I especially love the motorcycle art. I also love the beach and snorkling. Such a great list of things to do.
It’s a fun place to do lots of different things! The street art is so cool!
Been to KL and Cameron Highlands but not Penang. I sure would love to see Georgetown snd experience the harmony of multucultures. Did you see fir yourself the Snake Temple???
I only got a taste of the magnificent table in Malaysia when I visited KL a number of years ago. Penang looks to have a lot more to see, however, I might skip the Temple of the Azure Cloud as the snakes sound a little too intense.
Yeah the food in Malaysia is incredible, we just loved every element to this country. Ha ha, yeah it’s a bit crazy!
I’d love to visit Malaysia one day! It’s so full of color and things to do. And I love the street art of Penang, it’s really creative in using the surrounding environment.
It’s one of our favourite countries for sure, there is so much to do across the whole country!
Ooooo, I love street art! Malaysia is now high on my list, glad to hear about the diversity. I’d want to spend more than 3 days here but it looks like you can do so much even with a time constraint.
Yeah we spent over a week there but a lot of people were asking us for a 3 day plan! You can fit a lot in for sure but to see it all you need more time!! There is so much to do!
The combination of colonial architecture and street are in Penang is really interesting. This is typically the sort of place I would have a lot of fun visiting, trying to take great photos… It might be a while before I get there but I’m sure all those elements will still be there
Yeah it’s such an interesting and beautiful place just to wander around. We’ve been twice and would go back for sure, really love the place and especially if you like photography.
The wire sculptures sound cool but I am not so sure about the snake temple! Great post!
Yeah they are really cool around town. We didn’t end up actually visiting the snake temple but thought it was an interesting place to include.
WOW! with all that you can do in Penang it seems like you’d need more like 3 weeks then 3 days! The street art is amazing and to see the snakes hanging from the trees would be very cool indeed. I think i would have to walk to the top of the mountain and get the finicular down. What an awesome place to visit.
Yeah for sure, we’ve been twice and spent a week there each time. But I do know many others travelling around don’t that that luxury so this is for them! Lots of varied things to do, see and experience there!
I’ve only ever associated Penang with the street art, but I really want to visit to walk up Penang hill! Those views are beautiful
Yeah, there is so much to do there than you might first imagine.
Ooh, I am in love with all the street art! And the wire sculptures! From your description, Penang sounds so different from Kuala Lumpur – which is the only part of Malaysia I’ve had the pleasure of visiting. I will keep this Penang itinerary in mind for when I make it back there!
Yeah, it really is very different but at the same time it still has that community of cultures that we love about Malaysia. It’s one of our favourite places over there and we do love the whole of the country!!