Joanna James
An artistic city of delicious eccentricities, Penang is iconic for tickling the curiosity and reviving the imagination of even the most blasé of globetrotters. Here's what you can't afford to miss when whirling through this vibrant heritage metropolis.
Whether its storybook museums, colonial façades dipped in street art, lush tropical glamour, or atmospheric street markets, Penang is a mosaic of experiences for the senses, and the biggest jewel of its abundant treasury is none other than George Town. An old-world enclave full of artistic quirks, antique corners, and atmospheric bustle, this colonial heritage town allows you to explore the different facets of your personality with its multi-dimensional allurements, ranging from grand multi-cultural architecture interspersing delightfully grungy market squares to lush botanic gardens at the foot of dreamy hill stations and colourful community districts with their festive fireworks of flavours.
While kaleidoscopic culture-rich emporiums, tea-soaked souvenir shops, and exquisitely constructed mosques floating in jewel-toned ocean prove to be irresistible enticements, a dip into nature-kissed beauty is quintessential for therapeutic reconnection. Gemmed with secretive beaches, jungle-clad hiking trails, headland panoramas, and even a meromictic lake, this wildlife-infused sanctuary brims with enlivening sweetness, from turtle hatcheries and picturesque lighthouses to canopied walkways and camper huts.
If you can't do without the thrill factor in your itinerary, the island's ESCAPE theme park is a wildly exhilarating diversion amid the luxuriant tropical rainforest. With rides and activities like the 'banana flip', 'family twister', 'kite flyer', and a myriad of water obstacle courses, this splash-worthy, and cutting-edge jungle gymnasium is the perfect adventure for the whole family. If you're looking for classy Bukit Mertajam apartments proffering prime access to Penang's chief attractions, venture no further than Sky Residence Prai.
While historic elegance and nature-kissed getaways are a Penang speciality, its immense and sophisticated malls offer an exotic taste for every brand of a shopaholic, whether is the old-world ritzy glamour of the Gurney Paragon, the retro-chic charms of Gurney Plaza, or the more budget-friendly urban eclectics of Prangin and Queensbay malls.
If you fancy veering slightly off the beaten track, head over to Guar Petai for an almost otherworldly landscape of spectacularly blue pools woven with islands of red mud, rugged rock, and green fields as the poetic relic of an abandoned tin quarry, just a half hour's drive from Bukit Mertajam.
Whether it's Nasi Kandar with decadent meat and vegetable combinations and lip-smacking curry sauce, crunchy soy sauce-slathered radish cake, or succulent crab meat Popiah, Penang is iconic for its gourmet street food and ambient settings, such as Batu Ferringhi Night Market and Medan Selera Padang Brown.
From brilliantly blue heritage mansions to quirky museums dedicated to food, Penang does not shy away from the quaint and eccentric; however, the magical Penang Hill Funicular proffers a ride like no other as you chug along the world's steepest tunnel track, dipping in and out of breathtaking country scenes.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
