George Town is a UNESCO-listed port city of clan houses, murals and a legendary hawker culture. Add Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple and beaches in Batu Ferringhi. December to February is the driest, with heavier rain from September to November.
Good to know
- Eat at Gurney Drive, Lorong Baru and the Kimberley Street hawkers.
- Walk the street art trail early before it gets hot.
- Grab is the easiest way to get around.
Eat this
Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Murals and wire sculptures on shophouse walls across the heritage zone.
Ornate Chinese clan temple with intricate carvings and a courtyard.
Indigo-blue courtyard mansion with guided heritage tours.
Spice shops, sari fabrics and cafes in colorful lanes.
Opulent Straits Chinese home filled with antiques and furniture.
Old-school coffee shop breakfast with soft-boiled eggs.
Cooler hilltop with a panorama of the island and a canopy walk.
Largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, with a seven-story pagoda.
Forest walk to a quiet cove, ending in a swim.
Walk through spice, herb and flower gardens with a cooking class.
Try char kway teow, assam laksa and cendol at celebrated stalls.
Resort beach with water sports and a bustling evening bazaar.