Penang: Unmissable Food, Drink, and Entertainment 🌄

Slowly Savor the Flavors of Life's Hearth, Leisurely Observe the Years Unfold

Food from all corners, nothing more than a bowl of earthly sustenance.

This sustenance might be charcoal-fried kway teow from a street stall, or a hydrangea blossom on Penang Hill; ordinary, yet beautiful.

On my first visit to Penang, I fell in love with this carbohydrate haven: delectable food, delightful experiences, and a vibrant way of life.

📷 Regarding Attractions

✨ Penang Hill

Suitable for viewing sunrises, but even more so for sunsets, thus obviating the need for an early rise. The funicular costs 30 MYR for foreigners, round-trip. A crucial point that must be emphasized is that you should endeavor to sit at the lower end of the train.

✨ Penang Bridge

The optimal vantage point for capturing the sunrise; set your taxi destination to: Gerai Kak Ely Bawal Goreng.

✨ Kek Lok Si Temple

The largest Chinese Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, located near Penang Hill. One can visit both in a single outing. I did not find it particularly compelling; those pressed for time can forgo it.

✨ Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze, known as the Rockefeller of the East, was the founder of Changyu Pioneer Wine. This mansion was a major revelation. One must book an official guided tour in advance. There are two tours daily, each lasting 45 minutes, replete with humor and well worth one's time.

✨ Clan Jetties (Chew Jetty, etc.)

Worth a visit if time permits, but not particularly striking.

🍚 Regarding Food

✨ Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery

A Michelin-starred restaurant. Those unfamiliar with Nyonya cuisine may wish to try it, but advance booking is essential due to its popularity. While agreeable, it failed to astound me, paling in comparison to the charcoal-fried kway teow I sampled from a street vendor.

✨ Gama Char Koay Teow

Remember to add duck egg, the fragrance is intoxicating. This is a must-try. Singapore's version of char kway teow simply doesn't measure up.

✨ Wan Dao Tou Assam Laksa

Once again, I must declare that an ordinary bowl of laksa here surpasses anything Singapore has to offer. Truly delicious, and a Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation.

✨ Tek Sen Restaurant

Although I did not personally dine here, a blogger friend vehemently recommended it: "A trip to Penang is incomplete without a visit to Tek Sen for a zhu char experience." You must visit, without hesitation.

✨ Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul

Expect exceptionally long queues, so it is recommended that you arrive early. This is, in essence, Teochew chendul. Singapore's version pales in comparison.

✨ Presgrave Street Hawker Centre

I sampled the duck egg kway teow and oyster omelet, both exceedingly delicious!

📖 Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival - Dine - Love Lane - Dine - Kek Lok Si Temple - Penang Hill Sunset - Dine

Day 2: Sunrise (Penang Bridge) - Clan Jetties - Dine - George Town - Auntie Gaik - Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion - Explore and Eat

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💰 Expenses

-It is remarkably affordable. Our group of four enjoyed numerous meals, with an average expenditure of 400 MYR per person for two days (excluding flights and accommodation).

⚠️ Important Considerations

-It is exceedingly hot. Take adequate physical and chemical sun protection measures.