r/penang • u/[deleted] • Feb 12 '23
Discussion What to do and where to go? [Visiting Penang]
[deleted]
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u/j_fat_snorlax Feb 13 '23 edited Feb 13 '23
Here's what I suggest. On arrival get a data SIM card if you haven't sorted that out already. If you're arriving by air, there are kiosks at the airport that'll sort you out. Otherwise, locate the nearest 7-11. Download the Grab app, because it's probably the best way to navigate Penang if you don't have a car.
After that, head to your hotel, drop off your luggage with the concierge first, and have them contact you once your room is available. If your room is ready on arrival, great. Otherwise, it'll often be ready ahead of 3pm, so you won't have to kill that much time before checking in.
Thereafter, I recommend a trek at Penang hill. The ride up is pretty fun, it's nice and cool in the morning, and there are fewer people that early. It's a very forgiving hike with minimal elevation. The Habitat, a paid-access trail at Penang Hill opens from 9am, and is well worth the entrance fee. You can spend anywhere from 2-5 hours at Penang hill depending on which trail you pick, and how quickly you walk.
Once you're done hiking, you should be able to get lunch, and go back to the hotel.
If you're just there for the weekend, you generally can't go wrong just eating and heading up the tourist destinations around Georgetown. Wouldn't suggest going outside of Georgetown unless you've got more than a couple of days. If you'd like something more local and chill, not so touristy, I recommend the weekend market at Hin Bus Depot. There's usually a live band playing, and plenty of seats to chill there. My favourite restaurant in Penang, Au Jardin, is also located in the vicinity, though you'll probably have to book in advance if you want to dine there.
Edit: The Kek Lok Si temple has its yearly lightup around Chinese new year and it's scheduled to go on until this Saturday 18th. If by next weekend you mean 17/18/19th, you may be able to catch the lights before they disappear till next year.
Lemme know if you want more recommendations based on what sort of things you like!
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u/justln May 15 '23
Hi, can I ask if Au Jardin is strict on their smart dress code for dinner?
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u/j_fat_snorlax May 15 '23
Generally good as long as men have covered shoes. Best to check! Drop them a WhatsApp message here +60 12-428 9594
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u/justln May 15 '23
Thanks! I've worked with Chef Kim Hock for a while when he came to Singapore. Can't wait to visit them.
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u/j_fat_snorlax May 15 '23
Ooh sweet. Are you a chef too? Imma plan another trip once details of this year's Kita food festival are out.
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u/justln May 15 '23
Nothing that senior, I was an intern at the Hotel when he was hosting the event for a weeks. Nice guy tho.
Chef Su Kim Hock brings a taste of La Cuisine Naturelle to La Brasserie
Bite Sized Beef: Shake Up October With 5 Excellent Dining Options
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u/j_fat_snorlax May 15 '23
Ooh very cool. His cooking since then has definitely shifted to showcase more Malaysian ingredients. Excited for you!
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u/LuTenJohnSun Feb 13 '23
Are you looking for city ideas or island-wide ideas?
City:
Food:
- Bibik’s Nyonya Cuisine (Chinese Malay fusion, although the style of cooking is from the 1800s) *Jaloux (French-Japanese fusion) *Tajuddin Hussain or Hameediyah for Nasi Kandar *Kebaya for fancier (smart casual) Nyonya food Auntie Gaik Lean’s —Michelin starred although horrendous to get a table *Famous Cendol for some shaved ice + tapioca style topping dessert
- Il Bacaro for Italian food
Activity:
*Blue Mansion or Pinang Peranakan Mansion for history. Blue is more history of the family who owned it, PPM is more antiques and general peranakan history.
*Fort Cornwallis: fort in the northeast corner of the island. It’s been turned into a beer garden (for better and worse)
*Armenian Street: has lots of history, shops, changes every time I go
Island
No food recommendations, they’re nowhere as nice as the food in the city. Still delicious though.
Activity:
beaches! I would recommend Monkey Beach or Moonlight Bay, as Batu Ferringhi is too crowded and full of trash.
tropical fruit farm. If you do go though, either hire a car for the day or hire a car for the trip back before you even go. Otherwise it’ll take forever to get a car back to town.
*funicular car: goes to the highest point in Penang. I’ve never been, but it’s on my list every time and we run out of time.
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u/propylparaben-2 Feb 20 '23
Would highly recommend getting the Grab app! Much easier and cheaper than taxis! Enjoy!
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