Travel & Hotel

An afternoon in Penang – an Insider’s guide of the best things to do.

An afternoon in Penang – an Insider’s guide of the best things to do.

For as far back in my childhood as I can remember, we always take a family holiday in Penang.

If you are new to Penang, it is an island off the Malay Peninsula, in the Strait of Malacca.

If you are staying longer than 24 hours, then there are loads of beach resorts. We normally stay in Rasa Sayang hotel at Batu Ferringhi.

If you are only there for a short visit, I thought I’d show you my favourite places.The capital of Penang is George Town. What I love about George Town are the beautiful British colonial buildings with a Chinese twist.The colonial buildings are all scattered over George Town. I love how colourful they are.Penang street artAnother fun thing you could do in George town, Penang, is the street art walk.

Ernest Zacharevic was commissioned in 2012 by the Penang Municipal Council to create a street art project in Georgetown called ‘Mirrors George Town’ in different locations of the old town.

The little children on the bicycle art by Ernest can be found in Lebuh Armenian.Nearby on Lebuh Cannon is ‘Reaching up’, also by Zacharevic. Isn’t it adorable? Strangely nostalgic too. This “I want Bao” mural , found in Armenian street is by Ming Xiang Tai.I really love this ‘Prayer’ street art, found in Armenian Street art alley.

As yet, I am unsure who the artist is.If you like seafood, then head to the Da shu xia (Tree shade) seafood restaurant at 177C Lebuh Victoria in George Town.

You know the seafood is fresh there because, you get pick your own fish or crab from the aquarium before cooking.

Hidden inside the restaurant is this mural by an unknown artist. The tins of Milo and Ovaltine malted chocolate drinks brought back childhood memories.I’m sure you would be hungry after a busy morning of street art.

Here is a hidden gem, only known to locals for lunch. Ha! The secret is now out.

This is Mo Teng Pheow located in Jalan Masjid, off Chulia street in Penang.

This is Penang’s famous 60 year old kuih factory.Kuih are bite sized Malaysian cakes made from rice or glutinous rice, and they used to be sold by street vendors as illustrated in the mural.Penang hidden gem restaurantBehind the kuih factory lies this canteen – the secret!

Check out the decor. Love the tiles, brick wall and pops of yellow and red.At a very affordable price, you get to sample all the Malaysian classic dishes, cooked in the traditional way.

On the right hand side, you can see the colourful plate of kuih.

We ordered Nasi Lemak (my favourite dish) – coconut rice with, spiced anchovies and tamarind prawns. Then there is assam Laksa – a noodle dish with a spicy and sour fish broth, and Nasi Kuning (yellow sticky rice) with a chicken curry.

Goodness me, I’m feeling so hungry now.

Finally, hope you have enjoyed this post and will find it useful when you visit Penang in Malaysia.

There are lots to do in Penang, but I thought I’d just share my favourite from this Summer.

Have a lovely week all.

( All photography are by Geraldine Tan, editor of Little Big Bell).

5 Comments

  1. What a colourful and vibrant place! Love the street art

  2. Discovering street art is one of my favourite things to do in new cities. I always end up photographing it. Some lovely pieces here!

  3. I went to Penang a couple of years ago, I just loved all the old buildings, I couldn’t stop taking photos of the houses and their pretty shutters! We had some of the best food there too, the street food was amazing, I’d love to go back. x

  4. Oh the street art, Reaching up! Wonderful.
    Beautiful pics as always Geraldine. x

  5. I want to try ALL the food. And the street art is amazing. What a colourful place to visit.

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