You might have heard about this glorious island in Malaysia that has become a solid crowd favorite. Penang Island has basically become one of the most visited places not only in Asia, but in the whole world. With its delectable street foods and unique art, Penang Island deserves to be included in your travel goals list. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a group of friends, here are some of the best things to do when in Penang.
- Visit Wat Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple
At 180 feet, the Buddha statue in this marvelous temple is pegged as one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the whole world. The Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple was commissioned by Queen Victoria in the 1800s, and is located in Jalan Burma.
- Marvel on Penang’s Street Murals
Along the quaint streets of Penang, you’ll discover artistic murals that are absolutely breathtaking. They used to be just paintings on the street walls, until they themselves became hot tourist destinations. Now, people have fun looking for the murals while riding bikes. Mural hunting has become one of the top things to do in Penang. Pay a visit in George Town and you’ll see tons.
- Delight in Scrumptious Street Food
The best way to get to know a new place is through their street food. Each dish say something about the culture and preference of the people, and taking some bites is basically a good way to relish their culture. Ranked as one of the most delectable food delights in the whole world, prepare to be amazed with what Penang has to offer. From delightful laksa to yummy desserts, you won’t get enough of this culinary feast. One great way to start your food journey is to visit Gurney Drive.
- Walk Along Harmony Street
If you want to experience the culture and tradition of Malaysia, then you should definitely walk along Harmony Street found in Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. The street houses different temples and churches that are visited by patrons on a daily basis. Check out the Khoo Kongsi building along this street, too.
With visitors flocking the island each day, there is a wide array of hotels that you can choose from. Some are in fact heritage buildings with stories of their own. Depending on your preference, you can try and book at historical buildings and even museums.
- Look for Bargain Finds
The street markets are among the top destination picks in any country. This includes the Little Penang Street Market which has become a business staple over time. Get handcrafted souvenirs and cheap items to bring home while listening to vibrant street performances and eating delicious food. The vendors are very friendly, too.
Whether it’s your first time to visit Penang Island or you’ve been here numerous times, the beauty of this island never seems to wane. The lavish food, spectacular street murals, and marvelous temples are just some of the best things to experience when in the island. Penang still has more to offer.
