Hello, globe-trotters! Get ready to plunge into the multicultural melting pot that is Penang, Malaysia. Renowned as the "Pearl of the Orient", Penang is a cocktail of vibrant cultures, jaw-dropping natural beauty, and an unrivaled food scene. With heritage enclaves, lush rainforests, sun-kissed beaches, and buzzing markets, Penang is where Asia's best facets come alive!
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
• George Town: A UNESCO World Heritage site, with colonial architecture, vibrant street art, hawker centres, and bustling nightlife. A stay here puts you right in the heart of the city's action.
• Batu Ferringhi: Ideal for beach lovers, it's filled with resorts, restaurants, and night markets. Enjoy stunning sunsets and water sports.
• Tanjung Bungah: Located between George Town and Batu Ferringhi, it offers beachside relaxation with easy access to city life.
• Bayan Lepas: Close to the airport, it's perfect for business travellers and foodies alike with access to shopping malls and hawker centres.
• Balik Pulau: For those wanting a rural retreat, it offers kampung-style stays, surrounded by durian farms, paddy fields, and fruit orchards.
• Street Art in George Town: Wander the city's streets, exploring the captivating murals and wrought-iron caricatures narrating local tales.
• Kek Lok Si Temple: Visit the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, a stunning display of architecture and a haven of tranquillity.
• The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze): Take a guided tour of this UNESCO award-winning heritage building known for its distinctive blue hue.
• Penang Hill: Ride the funicular railway to the summit for panoramic views of Penang, exploring the hill's colonial bungalows and lush flora.
• The Clan Jetties: Experience the unique waterfront settlement of Chinese clans living in stilt houses, each jetty named after a clan.
• Char Kway Teow: A must-try street food, it's a stir-fried noodle dish with prawns, bean sprouts, chives, and egg, wok-fried to perfection.
• Assam Laksa: This tangy, spicy fish-based noodle soup is a Penang specialty, bursting with tamarind, mint, lemongrass, and pineapple.
• Nasi Kandar: A meal of steamed rice served with various curries and side dishes. It's a perfect representation of Penang's melting pot of cultures.
• Chendol: A classic dessert made of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar syrup, and jelly noodles colored with pandan.
• Durian: Known as the king of fruits, Penang offers the best durians in Malaysia. It's a must-try, if you can handle the smell!