A day in Penang (Malaysia) - a tapestry of Cultures

 I spent 6 hours in Penang on a transit. Penang is a port town located in the Malacca Strait (also called Georgetown). It;s located on a small island , half of which is taken by dense forest and hills called the Penang Nature reserve. The port side though is where the main town is , and is a very interesting confluence of cultures from around other parts of Asia such as Indian, Chinese, Malay but even Arab / Armenian.  Visit little India , Armenian Street and Market Street for a flavor of different cultures with shops, eateries , business establishments and edifices architectures embracing all these cultures. The streets are quite parallel and adjascent to each other so its very walkable but you can opt for the local Tuk Tuk (Cycle Rickshaw) for an authentic local experience. (and if you’d like to go to the sites directly). Another very popular aspect of the back streets in these areas is the street art and murals which are very famous. Use a local map or guide to locate these murals and take pictures. The area also has various souvenior shops for local produce goods, gifts etc. Fort cornwallis , clock tower and Pinang Perakanan Musuem is also located in this area and is a 10 mins walk from market street. One can easily spend about 2-3 hours in this old town area area. If you have an extra hour, head to the Clan Jetties such as Chew Jetty, Tan Jetty among others. Dating 200 years back, these jetties were once the home of fishing families and fishermen. Today the area is adorned with shops, eateries etc. lining the water front. From this part of town, head to the centre of the island to the famed Kek Lok Si buddhist temple and Penang Hill which are close by. The temple is very big but has a incline and a walk of about 20 mins to get to the top. Penang hill is a 5 mins drive or a 15-20 mins leisure walk from the temple. Get into the world famous Funicular cable car and reach the top in 10 mins. (climb of about 600 mtrs and an incline of around 50 degrees). At the top witness mesmerising views of Penang City, the bay and the adjoining islands. There is also a age old Hindu temple and mosque at the top along with a few local resturants, souvenior shops and a couple of speciality restuarants. The Penang Hill area can keep you occupied for at least a couple of hours if you choose to see all the sites and attractions at the top. 

Food

Experience a fusion of cuisines ranging from South Indian to Chinese to local Malay food and snack items. There are several restuarants in Market Street, Armenian street and little India for various cuisines. There are also many food carts serving freshly made fried snacks which is also popular in Penang as much as the rest of the Peninsula. 

Weather

Carry comfortable wear as the weather can be hot and humid which is typical tropical island like. However sometimes there can also be sudden showers especially in Monsoon months - so keep an umbrella and some jacket ready just in case.

Transport

I’d suggest keeping an app like Grab ready for booking rides. Taxis can be hailed on the road but rates can be adhoc and they do not go by meter. There are no Tuk Tuk rickshaws in Penang. The old town area is absolutely walkable. 

Shopping

Penang is famous for its local produce items such as Fabrics, Pandan food products like chocolate and biscuits, white coffee among others. There are many shops selling these and other regular souvenior items like Tee Shirts, gift , trinkets near the old town area as well as Penang Hill. Rates are generally standard and people don’t bargain much.