Penang: A Complete Travel Guide to Malaysia's Cultural Gem
"Live your life by a compass not a clock." Stephen Covey
6/9/20249 min read
You’d be remiss if you visited Malaysia without checking out Penang. A foodie's paradise, that is full of history and cultural charm. For our stay, we opted for the Lone Pine Resort in Batu Ferringhi after many people recommended this property. From the time we stepped on the property, we were treated exceptionally. Our trip to Lone Pine was scheduled for 10 nights, and we were extremely thankful that as Marriott Bonvoy, Ambassador Level members, we were offered a suite upgrade upon check-in. Out of all the hotels we have stayed at during our 5 months traveling Southeast Asia, we have never slept as well as we did at Lone Pine. The Sealy mattress was perfect, the sheets were silky, and the ceiling fans in each room and around the property are magnificent, not only to keep you cool but also to keep the noises from the outside from disturbing your sleep. The rooms have balconies with ceiling fans so you can actually sit outside and enjoy the view and the sound of the ocean without dripping from sweat. Lone Pine is not in the George Town area, so Grab is a great app to have if you need transportation or food delivery. However, there are an abundance of food stalls right outside the property, and just a quick walk down the beach gets you to lively restaurants like Bora Bora.
The water around Penang island isn’t crystal clear or a beautiful blue tone. You are seeing Penang mostly for the history, food, and culture. However, Lone Pine Resort is a nice getaway from the hustle and really is a magnificent property with a warm and friendly staff. Alecia was a gem and made sure that we were spoiled our entire stay. Her attention to detail and the personal touches and care she takes of all of her customers are refreshing. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the amazing cocktails that Noor made for us during our stay. If you are into being treated to luxury, check out their spa, Suasana Spa.
If you like water activities, you can find parasailing, jet skis, and boat tours right outside of the property along the beach. You can also go horseback riding on the beach in the evenings or the morning. We recommend the morning when it is cooler and the beaches are empty.
What most people rave about in Penang is the food. We did try several areas for street food, New World Park and New Lane Street Food Stalls to name a few. Look for stalls selling Char Koay Teow, our favorite. There is a famous one in New Lane that you will know by the line that gathers every day. You can take your food right across the small street where you can sit at tables and enjoy your food as long as you purchase a drink. Penang Road has lots of options. If you want a real treat look for the famous Taochow Chendal stall.
For history and culture, you don’t need to look far around the island, but the George Town area will be a great place to start. Fort Cornwallis, the lighthouse, and the clock tower are all within walking distance. Armenian Street and Little India are great for iconic IG photos, but you will want to walk or take a tuk-tuk around so you can take in all the charm. Most hotels will have maps of the George Town area. Street art is abundant and you will see so much around the George Town area that you will not want to put your phone down. We found many walls that weren’t even listed on our city map. Take a funicular to the top of Penang Hill and take in the whole island view. This isn’t a must-do, but if you do, opt for the ‘fast pass’ or you could be in line for a long time waiting to get to the top. Try not to go during the heat of the day. Other than the view, we didn’t do much at the top, but there is a mosque, a temple, some shopping, and restaurants. Penang is also famous for the clan jetties along Weld Quay. You can see most tourist sites daily, and a few have special operating hours, but checking with the hotel concierge will give you the most up-to-date info. If you want more info or want to know if certain attractions are worth the visit, please just ask. We did stay at the Courtyard Marriott in George Town, but we didn’t find the service up to Marriott standards. A Marriott has just opened closer to the Gurney Plaza area, so if you are a Bonvoy member like us, check them out.
In conclusion, Penang offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights that make it a must-visit destination in Malaysia. Whether you are relaxing at the luxurious Lone Pine Resort or exploring the vibrant streets of George Town, there is something for everyone. The warm hospitality, diverse food options, and fascinating historical sites ensure that your visit will be both memorable and enjoyable. Penang may not boast crystal-clear waters, but its unique charm, welcoming locals, and myriad of activities more than make up for it. From the bustling food stalls to the serene views atop Penang Hill, this island has a way of captivating visitors and leaving a lasting impression. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Penang has it all. Don't miss out on this gem of a destination!
You’d be remiss if you visited Malaysia without checking out Penang. A foodie's paradise, that is full of history and cultural charm. For our stay, we opted for the Lone Pine Resort in Batu Ferringhi after many people recommended this property. From the time we stepped on the property, we were treated exceptionally. Our trip to Lone Pine was scheduled for 10 nights, and we were extremely thankful that as Marriott Bonvoy, Ambassador Level members, we were offered a suite upgrade upon check-in. Out of all the hotels we have stayed at during our 5 months traveling Southeast Asia, we have never slept as well as we did at Lone Pine. The Sealy mattress was perfect, the sheets were silky, and the ceiling fans in each room and around the property are magnificent, not only to keep you cool but also to keep the noises from the outside from disturbing your sleep. The rooms have balconies with ceiling fans so you can actually sit outside and enjoy the view and the sound of the ocean without dripping from sweat. Lone Pine is not in the George Town area, so Grab is a great app to have if you need transportation or food delivery. However, there are an abundance of food stalls right outside the property, and just a quick walk down the beach gets you to lively restaurants like Bora Bora.
The water around Penang island isn’t crystal clear or a beautiful blue tone. You are seeing Penang mostly for the history, food, and culture. However, Lone Pine Resort is a nice getaway from the hustle and really is a magnificent property with a warm and friendly staff. Alecia was a gem and made sure that we were spoiled our entire stay. Her attention to detail and the personal touches and care she takes of all of her customers are refreshing. We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the amazing cocktails that Noor made for us during our stay. If you are into being treated to luxury, check out their spa, Suasana Spa.
If you like water activities, you can find parasailing, jet skis, and boat tours right outside of the property along the beach. You can also go horseback riding on the beach in the evenings or the morning. We recommend the morning when it is cooler and the beaches are empty.
What most people rave about in Penang is the food. We did try several areas for street food, New World Park and New Lane Street Food Stalls to name a few. Look for stalls selling Char Koay Teow, our favorite. There is a famous one in New Lane that you will know by the line that gathers every day. You can take your food right across the small street where you can sit at tables and enjoy your food as long as you purchase a drink. Penang Road has lots of options. If you want a real treat look for the famous Taochow Chendal stall.
For history and culture, you don’t need to look far around the island, but the George Town area will be a great place to start. Fort Cornwallis, the lighthouse, and the clock tower are all within walking distance. Armenian Street and Little India are great for iconic IG photos, but you will want to walk or take a tuk-tuk around so you can take in all the charm. Most hotels will have maps of the George Town area. Street art is abundant and you will see so much around the George Town area that you will not want to put your phone down. We found many walls that weren’t even listed on our city map. Take a funicular to the top of Penang Hill and take in the whole island view. This isn’t a must-do, but if you do, opt for the ‘fast pass’ or you could be in line for a long time waiting to get to the top. Try not to go during the heat of the day. Other than the view, we didn’t do much at the top, but there is a mosque, a temple, some shopping, and restaurants. Penang is also famous for the clan jetties along Weld Quay. You can see most tourist sites daily, and a few have special operating hours, but checking with the hotel concierge will give you the most up-to-date info. If you want more info or want to know if certain attractions are worth the visit, please just ask. We did stay at the Courtyard Marriott in George Town, but we didn’t find the service up to Marriott standards. A Marriott has just opened closer to the Gurney Plaza area, so if you are a Bonvoy member like us, check them out.
In conclusion, Penang offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and culinary delights that make it a must-visit destination in Malaysia. Whether you are relaxing at the luxurious Lone Pine Resort or exploring the vibrant streets of George Town, there is something for everyone. The warm hospitality, diverse food options, and fascinating historical sites ensure that your visit will be both memorable and enjoyable. Penang may not boast crystal-clear waters, but its unique charm, welcoming locals, and myriad of activities more than make up for it. From the bustling food stalls to the serene views atop Penang Hill, this island has a way of captivating visitors and leaving a lasting impression. Whether you are a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Penang has it all. Don't miss out on this gem of a destination!
