Penang Diaries- Malaysia- Day 2

Now there are several activities in Penang ranging from museum visits to beach activities its easy to loose track of time with so much to do. But some activities are an absolute must to capture the essence of Penang and its proud heritage. In 2008 Penang was designated as a UNESCO world heritage centre. The untouched buildings speak volumes of history showcasing local architecture and design. There's a mix of old and new unravelling a unique culture pot.

Source: All About World Heritage Sites

We decided to explore Penang national park. There are several trekking options in this park to explore the entire area and if you rather not walk there's a sea option via boat to get you to different areas of the park. Our itinerary included monkey beach and turtle sanctuary looked after by a local family. The package cost MYR 200 ($50) which is pretty decent as we were about 7 people. The weather was extremely hot hence keep yourself hydrated and use the loo before going on the boat as there aren't any toilets on the islands itself. The entire tour was about 2 hours which is ample of time to capture the beauty of the place and enjoy a calming boat ride. 







Monkey beach

Dad quite enjoyed the ATV ride at Monkey Beach MYR 70 ($17.51) per person for 15mins.

On the way back the friendly boatman pointed out some interesting rock structures shaped as animals. It was a pleasant ride back to our next sight.



The rock in the centre is shaped like a turtle.

This rock is shaped like a crocodile which was quite eerie



Next up we decided to head towards Penang Hill which is quite a popular location. Since it;s raining at times its better to call in advance and ensure the sight is not closed or check the weather forecast. Penang hill is located 6 km west of city centre of George town. It is the first colonial hill station built in peninsular Malaysia. Set 833 meters above sea level, it provides viewers with a panoramic  view of the city stretching beyond the horizon. The deck above can be accessed by Penang hill railway a one section funicular railway. Cost :- MYR 30 ($7.50) for foreigner and MYR 10 ($2.50) for locals. Penang hill is a cool getaway from the hot weather of Penang , it is about 3 degrees cooler than the coast line.








 Penang hill has rich flora and fauna all throughout the hill station and you can enjoy that with a buggy ride which would cost MYR 50 ($12.5) for a maximum of 4 people per buggy. There is also an owl farm, mosque, restaurants and other activities to do at leisure whilst enjoying the cool breeze. Once we finished soaking in the city scape of Penang from above and enjoying hot chocolate at the local restaurant we decided to head back home but not before stopping at the famous Penang chendol stall located in Georgetown. Chendol is a popular local dessert which provides soothing relief in the heat. It consists of scraped ice topped up with some palm sugar syrup, coconut milk ,green rice noodles and red beans which is quite a unique combination.


Mural Art adds a burst of culture to the otherwise simple stall.


Thus ending this blog on a sweet note. I did not cover several other activities in Penang and I do plan to go back and do an entire food tour of all the famous eateries. Meanwhile I hope this information was insightful and entertaining. Have a good weekend guys. Cheers!




Comments

  1. Love how beautifully you've captured the city. There is so much to see and do in Penang, it makes for such an exciting experience!

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  2. Malaysia is a beautiful city, Your capture and content makes it more beautiful.

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  3. Ah this brings back such great memories!! I was in Penang a few years ago - its still some of the most incredible food I've had abroad. And yes, the trekking in the park is excellent!!

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  4. Such a great trip for such low cost. I am tempted to visit Penang after reading your post.

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  5. So so nice! This brought back so many memories from the time I visited Penang. 8-9 years ago! Awesome. Thank you for sharing your story ❤

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    1. Thank you hope you come by sometime soon :)

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  7. Lovely blog post. We have visited Penang twice and there was something new to find in each of the visits. Would love to go back again as some of the spots mentioned here are yet to be seen! :)

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    1. Yes please do theres plenty to see and eat !!

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  8. we visited Penang just a few months ago and loved the sights, people and especially the food! Your post has some lovely pics that bring back memories :)

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  9. Looking at your blog post brought back some wonderful memories for me, as I visited Penang over 20 years ago. I really love the mural on the wall, great photo and have shared on my street art pinterest board :)

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    1. I am glad I could help you reminisce I shall check out your pinterest board.

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  10. I am traveling to Singapore next week and if I get time then I'll add Thailand or Malaysia to my itinerary too. I am just not sure about which of the two countries I should visit. Your blog gave me a little perspective though and thanks for that.

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    1. Thank you I am glad you felt so and what a coincidence I shall be uploading a Thailand blog by tomorrow. So hope that helps!

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  11. Was it just me or did anyone else hope that monkey beach would have actual monkeys? Lol

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    1. hah same here I was truly hoping to see some of them but strangely enough there aren't any especially by the shore. I didn't trek probably why I could have missed them more inland. We took the boat route.

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  12. The views of Penang are truly amazing! Malaysia has so much to offer than most people think. I'm from its neighbouring country (Singapore) and am always eager to visit various islands and places in Malaysia!

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    1. Yes it is easy access for you ,hope you come by often!

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  13. I have heard a lot about Penang and have had on my bucket list for years a visit to Georgetown. Chendol sounds like an immensely interesting taste experience, can't wait to try it for myself.

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    1. It is truly something else. Hope you get to cross it off soon :)

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  14. Your pictures are really amazing. Loved all of them. Penang is really a beautiful place and your experience really makes me wanna fly there now.

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  15. Malaysia is definitely on my bucket list! great post :)

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  16. Penang does look so adventurous. It must have been a wonderful sight viewing the animal shaped stones at the island. I would love to visit there someday!

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  17. Looks amazing! I just spent 12 hours in Malaysia and I have quite little ideas about the culture.
    Thanks for sharing

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    1. No worries. You may check out my previous posts for ideas on where to go if you are still around!

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  18. The Penang food scene is meant to be amazing! I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on it!

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    1. Yesss I might head there soon just to review the food :D

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