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48 Hours in Penang: A Food, Art & Heritage Escape

Penang 2-Day Itinerary: Heritage, Hills & Hawker Flavours

George Town • Street Art • Hawker Food • Temples & Hills

Two days in Penang is all you need to fall in love with Malaysia’s food capital. Colourful streets, UNESCO-listed heritage, quirky art, and legendary hawker dishes make it a perfect weekend getaway.

Day 1 — Dive Into George Town’s Heritage & Flavours

Morning: Iconic Street Art Trail

  • Armenian Street & surrounding lanes
  • Ernest Zacharevic murals: “Little Children on a Bicycle,” “Reaching Up,” etc.
  • Photo opportunities everywhere — Instagram-ready corners

Explore the Clan Jetties

  • Chew Jetty: wooden houses over water
  • Small temples & seaside views
  • Street snacks along the walkway

Lunch at a Hawker Centre

  • Gurney Drive, New Lane, or Siam Road
  • Must-try: Char Kuey Teow, Assam Laksa, Popiah, Satay, Cendol
Vibe: Aromatic, colourful, and authentically Penang.

Afternoon: Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Step inside a beautifully restored Baba-Nyonya house filled with antiques, intricate designs, and multicultural history.

Evening: Gurney Drive Promenade

  • Sunset by the sea
  • Nearby malls for casual strolling
  • Another round of street food — Penang style!

Day 2 — Temples, Hills & Scenic Views

Morning: Kek Lok Si Temple

  • One of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples
  • Pagodas, prayer halls, gardens
  • Towering Kuan Yin statue

Funicular Train Up Penang Hill

  • Panoramic island views & cool breezes
  • Heritage buildings & cafés
  • Short walks & photo opportunities

Lunch in Air Itam

Try the famous Air Itam Assam Laksa, a must-visit local dish.

Afternoon: George Town Heritage Lanes

  • Little India, Chinatown, Campbell Street
  • Souvenirs, Indian sweets, coffee at chic cafés

End with a Sunset Dinner

  • Rooftop bar in George Town or beachside Batu Ferringhi
  • Relaxing evening meal with sea or city views

Where to Stay

  • George Town — best for food, culture, and nightlife
  • Gurney Drive — waterfront views & convenient dining
  • Batu Ferringhi — beach resorts & family-friendly stays

Travel Tips

  • Penang is walkable, Grab rides are cheap for longer distances
  • Best time to visit: November to March
  • Comfortable shoes for street art & heritage exploration
  • Popular cafés & hawker stalls get busy — go early
⭐ A Perfect Weekend: Aromatic hawker stalls, hilltop temples, vibrant street murals — Penang is a 48-hour feast for the senses.
Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

Kek Lok Si Temple

George Town Walking Street

George Town Streets

Penang Hawker Food

Penang Hawker Food

Penang Street Art

Penang Street Art

Penang Hill View

Penang Hill View

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