When I was six months pregnant, my high school friends and I spontaneously decided to take a day trip to Penang, finalizing our plans just a day or two in advance. Given that we're all married and half have children, this one-day excursion felt like a rare privilege.
Can you believe it's been over a decade since I last visited Penang? Despite it being just a two-hour drive from my hometown, Ipoh, I always opted to use my annual leave for international travel, missing out on road trips to Penang. I realized I’ve blogged about several day trips but haven't yet shared our Penang adventure. So, here's our one-day itinerary in Penang.
About Penang
Penang, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Orient", is a captivating Malaysian island renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, historical landmarks, and culinary delights. The capital city, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant street art that adorns its charming streets.
Visitors can explore iconic sites such as the opulent Pinang Peranakan Mansion, which offers a glimpse into the island's Peranakan heritage. Beyond its historical allure, Penang is famed for its street food scene, offering an array of delectable dishes that reflect its multicultural influences. From bustling cities to serene natural landscapes, Penang seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking diverse experiences.
Cecil Street Market (七条路巴刹)
Cecil Street Market, locally known as Pasar Lebuh Cecil, is a vibrant hub in George Town, Penang, offering a rich blend of cultural and culinary experiences. As one of the city's oldest wet markets, it provides fresh produce, meats, and household items, reflecting the daily life of Penangites. Adjacent to the market is a bustling hawker center, renowned for its diverse array of local delicacies.
We ordered a variety of dishes, including duck meat char koay teow, rojak, chee cheong fun, mee rebus, duck meat koay teow th'ng from Lum Lai, as well as the crispy and aromatic lor bak and popiah.
Navigating through the maze-like layout of the food court offers an authentic glimpse into Penang's street food culture. Visiting Cecil Street Market is a must for those seeking to immerse themselves in the island's gastronomic heritage.
Details
Location : 24, Lebuh Cecil, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Business hours : Daily (7.00am - 7.00pm)
Ludwig Softserve
Ludwig Softserve, nestled on Armenian Street in George Town, Penang, is a delightful dessert destination renowned for its Australian-inspired soft-serve ice cream. The café's pastel-hued interior creates a welcoming and Instagram-worthy ambiance, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Visitors can indulge in a variety of unique soft-serve flavors, each crafted to offer a refreshing respite from Penang's tropical heat.
Beyond its delectable treats, Ludwig Softserve is conveniently located near popular attractions, making it an ideal stop during a day of sightseeing. Whether you're a dessert enthusiast or simply seeking a cool treat, Ludwig Softserve offers a memorable experience that complements the vibrant culture of Penang.
We sampled dark chocolate, sea salt, and vanilla flavors during our visit. For the photo purpose, my friend and I added a lemon meringue topping—hahaha. I chose a cone coated with chocolate crispy rice cereal, adding a delightful crunch. Overall, the flavors were enjoyable, though we wished for a broader selection, as only four flavors remained when we arrived in the afternoon.
Details
Location : 37, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Business hours : Daily (10.00am - 10.00pm)
BoraBora @ Batu Ferringhi
BoraBora is a popular beachside bar and restaurant located along Jalan Batu Ferringhi in Penang. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, it offers patrons a chance to dine with their feet in the sand while enjoying the scenic beauty of the beach. The establishment serves a variety of dishes, with the sizzling beef being highlighted by visitors for its rich flavour.
Beyond dining, BoraBora is renowned for its vibrant ambiance, featuring live music and fire shows that enhance the overall experience. Its prime beachfront location makes it an ideal spot to unwind and watch the sunset, encapsulating the essence of Penang's coastal charm.
We arrived early for dinner and enjoyed a beautiful sunset before leaving. The area was bustling during sunset, packed with tourists; we even noticed someone renting out a horse for photo opportunities. After dinner, we lingered for about ten minutes before heading back to our car.
Details
Location : 72D, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang.
Business hours : Sun - Thu & Thu (12.00pm - 12.30am) ; Fri - Sat (12.00pm - 1.30am) ; Closed on Wed
Yong Pin Restaurant (榕槟茶楼)
Yong Pin Restaurant, established in 1981, is a cherished dim sum eatery in George Town. Renowned for its authentic Cantonese dim sum, the restaurant offers a wide array of freshly prepared items, including favorites like "siu mai" (pork-shrimp dumplings) and "har gow" (shrimp dumplings).
Yong Pin's enduring popularity among locals and tourists alike is a testament to its consistent quality and the vibrant culinary heritage it represents. It's an ideal spot for those seeking an authentic dim sum breakfast or brunch during their Penang visit.
Overall, we found the dim sum average. As Ipoh natives, we personally feel that Ipoh's dim sum offerings are superior—hahaha. At this establishment, traditional dim sum requires self-service at the counter, which we found slightly inconvenient as all customers had to move around to collect their selections.
Details
Location : 59A, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang.
Business hours : Tue - Sun (6.30am - 2.30pm) ; Closed on Mon
Sungai Pinang Food Court Paradise (槟榔河饮食天堂)
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| ( Photo credit : Facebook) |
Sungai Pinang Food Court Paradise, also known as Astaka Sungai Pinang, is a vibrant culinary destination. This bustling hawker center offers a wide array of local and international dishes that cater to diverse palates. Among the standout offerings are the flavorful chee cheong fun and an assortment of grilled seafood, which have garnered praise from both locals and tourists. The food court's lively ambiance is further enhanced by live screenings of sports events, making it a popular gathering spot for communal dining and entertainment. Whether you're seeking traditional Penang fare or exploring new culinary delights, Sungai Pinang Food Court Paradise provides an authentic and enjoyable dining experience.
We couldn’t try many dishes due to a car accident before our visit. As a result, we only managed to try the grilled stingray, one of the most popular dishes here.
Details
Location : Lebuh Sungai Pinang Jelutong, 11600 George Town.
Business hours : Daily (4.00pm - 1.00am)
That concludes our Penang day trip. Although we didn't cover many places, as we arrived around noon, we hope this helps when you're planning your own trip to Penang. If you're visiting other parts of Malaysia, feel free to read the posts below. Ciao~
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