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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 Streets

Penang Hawker Food

Penang Street Art

Penang Hill View

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