Summer never ends in sun-drenched George Town, where culture, delicious cuisine and contemporary style come together
Part heritage town, part art-fuelled creative hub and laidback tropical hideout, Penang is a perfect blend of city conveniences and island charm, and the pace of life here is more relaxed compared to most big cities. Rina Teoh, a hotelier, says, “Penangites are generally a warm and laid-back lot, so there’s a strong sense of community. Maybe it’s because we are all on an island together with that ‘no rush’ vibe. It’s the best of both worlds.”
There’s no better time to visit than in August when George Town Festival (2-10 August 2025) takes over the Unesco-listed capital city. With street eats that rival fine dining and a new wave of boutique stays, this island punches way above its weight. Here’s how to make the most of a long weekend in Penang.
Day 1: Art attack
Morning. Begin at China House (153 Beach St) for breakfast. This beloved George Town mainstay — a maze-like mashup of café, bakery, art gallery and old-school charm ~ is the perfect place to start an art-filled day. Its morning menu offers toast slathered in house-made jam and walnut butter, Laos-style minced chicken omelette and earthy mushroom bruschetta.
Grab a George Town street art map and track down Ernest Zacharevic’s now-iconic murals: Children on a Bicycle and Boy on a Bike. “It’s humbling and a little surreal to see something you made take on a life of its own,” muses the Penang-based Lithuanian artist.
After the requisite street art photo- ops, head over to Cultprint by Zach Studio (35 Lebuh Melayu), the art gallery/studio/creative community founded by Zacharevic and his wife Sheena Liam (Asia’s Next Top Model 2 winner-turned-embroidery artist) during the pandemic. “We started working more from Penang and collaborating with friends and artists in the area. It slowly grew into a community of artists, producers, collectors and creatives,” explains Liam.
“Cultprint allows me to expand that conversation beyond murals, giving people – both Penangites and visitors – a way to engage with my work and the broader community of artists we support,” adds Zacharevic.
Afternoon. Take a peek inside the Macalister Mansion (228 JIn Macalister), the perfect site for Dioriviera, a dreamy jungle-themed pop-up for Dior’s capsule collection of summer essentials: breezy ready-to-wear, handbags, sandals and statement accessories (ends 11 August). Originally built in 1880 for an Indian moneylender and later owned by Hokkien tycoon Choong Lye Hock, Macalister Mansion once featured Al rooms, a tower and a grand spiral staircase. In 2010, following a 20-month restoration led by Singapore’s Ministry of Design, the mansion reopened as Malaysia’s first Design Hotels member – celebrating Anglo-Indian architecture and contemporary design minimalism – offering just eight artful suites.
Evening. Slip into comfortable shoes and go on the George Town Night Trail, a guided walking tour that explores the city’s architectural and cultural highlights. It’s offered by Penang Global Tourism and typically takes place on the last Friday of the month. Alternatively, check out Dark Mansion (145 Lebuh Kimberley), the first and only glow-in-the-dark museum in Malaysia which transforms 2D paintings into 3D images.
For dinner, book a table at Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery (Bishop St). The heritage gem, tucked in a colonial-era shophouse, has earned a Michelin star for its soul-stirring Peranakan fare. Wash the meal down with drinks at Cocktails & Shots (102 Lebuh Cintra) – look for the speakeasy’s entrance hidden behind a library bookcase. Order the signature mocktail, Nutmeg Fizz, an intriguing concoction of nutmeg cordial, seltzer and pickled nutmeg.
Day 2: Hilltop escapes
Morning. Trade city streets for hilltop serenity with an early ascent up Penang Hill. Take the funicular railway if you’re feeling relaxed or hike the Heritage Trail for bragging rights. You can purchase the sunrise railway ticket on-site at the lower station counter, available from 6.30am to 8.30am. Hikers, on the other hand, can start as early as 6am to get to the top by 8am.
High above the city heat, The Habitat Penang Hill is a lush playground perched within a Unesco biosphere reserve. You can start your journey on the Langur Way Canopy Walk, a jaw-dropping 230m-long stressed ribbon bridge suspended 40m above the forest floor. Fun fact: it’s the longest of its kind in the world. Breakfast awaits at David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace, an English-style garden café overlooking the city below, serving scones, smoked salmon and pots of Earl Grey.
Afternoon. Tuck into Penang’s rich cultural tapestry with a visit to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion (29 Church St) where emerald-green tiles and gold-leaf woodwork tell stories of the opulent Straits Chinese lifestyle. Then wander over to the Blue Mansion aka Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (14 Lebuh Leith), a striking heritage building that fuses Eastern philosophy with Western aesthetics.
When the midday heat hits, duck into Kebaya Dining Room (14A Stewart Ln) at Seven Terraces for lunch. This modern Peranakan restaurant does set menus with an upscale twist — think duck confit in tamarind reduction and slow-cooked beef rendang.
Next stop: Kek Lok Si Temple (Jalan Balik Pulau), one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples. The soaring Goddess of Mercy statue, intricate pagodas and vibrant tilework offer photo ops galore and a surprising sense of calm.
Evening. Take a sunset stroll along Gurney Drive and skip the malls for Gurney Bay, a new seafront park where locals jog, picnic or just enjoy the sea breeze. Grab an icy coconut shake from a roadside stall and soak up the view. To enjoy the island’s much-vaunted street eats, make your way to the lesser-known local favourite, Sungai Pinang Food Court (Lebuh Sungai Pinang Jelutong) for delicious char kway teow, tangy asam laksa and an oyster omelette cooked to gooey perfection.
Day 3: Life’s a beach
Morning. Make an early start and hire a boat from Teluk Bahang for some light island-hopping to Pulau Tikus, Monkey Beach or the more serene Pantai Kerachut within Penang National Park, where you can hike to a rare meromictic lake (a combination of salty sea water and fresh water) – one of only three in Asia.
Head over to Ferringhi Bay for more refreshing water views. Just off Batu Ferringhi’s golden shoreline, this is Malaysia’s longest beachfront container boulevard. Here, over 50 stylish container outlets serve up cold brews and local bites.
Afternoon. Head back to town, making a quick pitstop at Straits Quay Marina (Seri Tanjung Pinang) for a coffee or shopping – handicrafts at The Crafteteria, pewter goods at Royal Selangor or speciality coffee at Full Of Beans – by the waterfront.
For lunch, drop by Beast & Butterflies (523 JIn Tanjung Bungah), M Social Resort Penang’s signature Peranakan-fusion restaurant, for a playful, shareable menu that fuses authentic Penang flavours with global finesse.
Walk lunch off at Hin Bus Depot (314A JIn Gurdwara), a repurposed bus station turned creative hub. Check the website for rotating art exhibitions or pop-up craft markets (weekends only). The industrial-cool setting is perfect for browsing artisan wares or sampling local snacks. Still have time to kill? The Top at Komtar (1 JIn Penang) offers an adrenaline rush at its Rainbow Skywalk, a glass-bottomed observatory bridge 68 floors up.
Evening. Wrap up your trip with a memorable dinner at Firewood (15 Jin Masjid Kapitan Keling), tucked away in a 95-year-old heritage building. The restaurant is Penang’s first dedicated open-flame steakhouse – a Michelin-selected hotspot known for bold flavours and visual flair.
Grab a nightcap at Manchu (38 & 40 Jalan Pintal Tali), a speakeasy hidden behind a sliding Chinese herb shop door. Inside, it’s all moody lighting, plush velvet and theatrically crafted drinks. For something sultrier, Backdoor Bodega (37 Jalan Gurdwara) is an award-winning cocktail bar run by a team of self-taught bartenders.
Penang doesn’t try to impress. It seduces you slowly, with steaming bowls of noodles, coastal sunsets and charmingly patinaed shophouses. When you leave the island, it’s with a sun- kissed face, a heart full of memories and the quiet conviction that you’ll be back.
Malaysia Airlines flies between Kuala Lumpur and Penang 43x weekly. Firefly flies between Kuala Lumpur and Penang 2x weekly, and between Subang and Penang 42x weekly.
Where to stay in Penang
We have three places for you to choose
Angsana Teluk Bahang This vibrant beach resort showcases Peranakan-inspired design by the talented Omar Khan. With 228 seaview rooms and suites, three dining outlets and a bespoke wellness programme, you won’t want to leave!
23 Love Lane A stay at this 10-room hotel – set within a cluster of heritage buildings restored by a team of conservationists, architects and consultants – doubles as a journey through the city’s architectural eras.
The Edison George Town With just 35 rooms, this beautifully restored 1906 mansion merges colonial-era grandeur — think marble floors and dragon-fountain courtyards – with contemporary comforts.
