MALAYSIA: Georgetown, Penang
- denissetinationss
- Jan 10, 2017
- 4 min read
Penang is the Mecca for the foodies. Georgetown (Penang’s Capital) It’s been called Asia’s (Street) Food Capital for years now (also a UNESCO Heritage Site) The availability of different food from the Chinese,Malay and Indian residents make the food choices in Malaysia exciting.
It’s been in my bucket list for the longest time. Finally, I was able to travel to this gorgeous place with my boyfriend, Kenan.
When in Penang, Georgetown is the place to be especially if you only have limited days to explore the city.
HOW TO GET TO PENANG:
I booked a flight from Manila to Kuala Lumpur and a connecting flight to Penang.
From Penang Airport, there are buses (401E, 401) going to Georgetown at RM 2.70 only. However, the last bus leaves at 11:30 so we took a car rental/taxi to Georgetown for RM 44 — not bad.
WHERE TO STAY IN PENANG:
Everyone knows I am very frugal when I travel. I would’ve booked a dorm room but since I was with my boyfriend, we booked at THE FRAME GUESTHOUSE @Lebuh Chulia. A room (ensuite) for 2 costs PhP 1,200.00 per night. The price is perfect for what we got.
(photos owned by The Frame)
Hostel Kitchen
FREE BREAKFAST!!
We stayed in Penang for 3D 2N, and honestly, we wanted to stay longer. I didn’t have expectations but so far, I felt like going back.
Obviously, besides the food stalls and restaurants…
Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si Temple is the biggest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia. It does involve lots of walking. We were able to complete walking 80% of the complex in 2 hours.
Waited for RAPID PENANG Bus 203 at Chulia Bus Stop. When you get on the bus, pay the exact amount to the driver because they will not give you change because they keep the money locked in a small box where you put your bus fare.
The driver will tell you when you have arrived at Kek Lok Si Entrance. You get off, walk left about 15 meters, and you will see a narrow walkway going up. There will be shops along the walkway and 1 Chinese Restaurant.
Penang Hill
Penang Hill is this beautiful place where you get to look at the entire Georgetown. It’s 750 meters up and a tram will take you to the hilltop. We paid RM 30 for the Tram (for non-Malaysians)
How to get to Penang Hill:
After Kek Lok Si, we went back to where the bus dropped us off. Look for the Rapid Penang Bus Sign and this old house. Bus 204 is the only bus that will drop you off to Penang Hill and the last trip back to Georgetown from Penang Hill is 10:30 pm.
You will be dropped off right in front of Penang Hill’s entrance gate.
It gets pretty crowded since it’s one of the must-go-to places in Penang so I suggest, you stay a bit longer.
Going back, take the same bus and tell the driver to drop you off Lebuh Chulia (if you’re staying there, too.)
The World Famous Armenian Street
We went to Armenian Street at around 9am; just in time for breakfast. Our flight on that day was at 2pm so we had to leave early. We were able to somehow look at the famous street arts and eat a decent breakfast. Sadly, we were 1 week early for the Georgetown Festival
Yes, I covered the other child.
STREET FOOD!!!
We felt like we deserved a good breakfast before our flight to KL so we went inside Kopi Loewak Restaurant and ordered these Waffles and Coffee.
but just across our table is a Cendol vendor and because we’re so weak…we gave in! (Cendol is one of the most popular desserts in Penang)
My personal favorite was Restoran Kapitan!
Kek Lok Si Vegetarian Restaurant
4. Han Jiang Ancestral Temple
Han Jiang Ancestral Temple is the only Teochew-style temple in Georgetown. Awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Culture Heritage Conservation in 2006, it is run by the Penang Teochew Association. The temple is dedicated to the Taoist God of the North, a Teochew patron deity. (from Penang.ws)
GOING TO PENANG AIRPORT FROM LEBUH CHULIA:
Walk to the Chulia Street Bus Stop and wait for Rapid Penang Bus 401/401E. These routes will take you straight to the departure gates.
The bus fare is RM 2.70 and takes about 50 minutes-1 hour because of the stops, so better be early.
All Penang Check-in counters are so crowded and it takes so long for the ground staff to check you in because they only open 1 or 2 counters per airline so if you can check-in online, it’s highly advisable.
NOTES:
Taking buses from one place to another is easy and affordable. Make sure you bring change with you.
Food is everywhere!!!! That’s the last thing you need to worry about in Penang
3 days is not enough, it never is. haha. But for us working people who are only allowed a few days off work, this will do.
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