Many would have agreed that Penang should  be included as one’s bucket list of places to visit in Malaysia. Not just for the wonderful nostalgic memories or a quick stumble for a feast on local delights but for a weekend getaway to explore parts of Penang slowly, savouring the vast variety and vibrancy that Penang has to offer.

If you are proposing to someone on a visit to Penang for a 3 Days 2 Nights trip, of course, there is too much to do and see in a short period of time. A good idea is to plan out on the best Penang point of interests that they would like to cover most without feeling rushed.

To make everyone’s lives easier, check out the 5 hot spots that are a must-see in Penang that will make your 3D2N trip worthwhile.

1. Penang Peranakan Mansion

Given that Penang is filled with multi-cultural history and ornate sights, The Peranakan Mansion should be at the top of your list. Once a residence of the Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee, which later led to decades of abandonment, is now an elegantly restored museum introducing people to the historical Peranakan culture.

The two-storey mansion was built in Chinese courtyard style, using the finest of materials. Details include a unity of artefacts such as the Chinese carved-wood panels and gorgeous European artworks. The Peranakan mansion now displays thousands of pieces of antiques, furnitures and collectibles, making it a fascinating place to swing by for perfectly captured moments.

2. Batu Ferringhi Beach

Make your way up to north of Penang and there you will find yourself standing on the tranquility of Batu Ferringhi beach. When the sky gets dark, this is when the life of Batu Ferringhi starts to come alive. A whole stretch of night market over the roadsides will be seen selling an assortment of souvenirs and delicious eats that will be a feast for your eyes.

Batu Ferringhi beach is lined with luxurious hotels catered to every holiday maker. With a 3D2N trip in Penang, an overnight stay at Batu Ferringhi would be ideal. Take your pick from a myriad of hotels available such as Holiday Inn Penang for a cozy and comforting stay right at the beach front. Check their FB page for latest updates on promotions, events, or news.

Holiday Inn Resort Penang

Address: 72, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Penang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Tel: +60 4-886 6666

3. Kek Lok Si Temple

Situated at Ayer Item, lies the symbolic Kek Lok Si Temple which is one of the most well known and frequently visited temples. “Kek Lok Si” which translates to “Temple of Supreme Bliss”, is considered the largest temple in the whole of South East Asia.

Since its construction in the 1890’s, new structures of the temple have been erected in later years. The famous seven-storey “Pagoda of Ten-Thousand Buddhas” and the magnanimous bronze statue of the Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) became some of Penang’s point of interests at Kek Lok Si.

Get captivated by the colourful and intricate artworks found on different sections of the temple. At The Liberation Pond, bless yourself with good luck and fortune where you pay a fee of only RM1 to feed tortoises at the pond.

4. Penang Hill

Being at the peak will provide you with the much needed calmness and relaxation from the hustle and bustle of the city. A leisurely 30-minute funicular train ride up to Penang Hill will expose you to a panoramic view of the island with breezy air to enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts may opt for a three-hour hike through the lush rainforest to get to the top of Penang Hill.

Attractions found at Penang Hill are endless. Nature lovers would enjoy the bird sanctuary, canopy walk and the exploration of flora and fauna. At the Penang Hill, you can also find magnificent colonial mansions which have now transformed into restaurants and guesthouses.

5. Penang Street Art

Besides discovering the historical side of Penang and trying out the city’s most “ho jiak” foods, you should not miss out on the famous street arts of Lebuh Armenian. Some of the most popular artworks were painted by a Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic, who shot to public fame after he created the “Little Children on a Bicycle” street mural. It is as creative as it gets, where wall paintings are now accompanied with motifs and sculptural objects.

Begin your hunt on these amazing masterpieces by making a stop at the junction of Lebuh Armenian. Over there, you will be given a map with trail guides to street artworks hidden in little corners, which you can get to easily on foot. Bring along your camera as the street art hunt would mean nothing without these shots taken as a token of gift. Besides, old murals fade overtime before new ones take over.

What do you think of these Penang point of interests? If you have other interesting areas to share, let me know in the comments below!

Have a weekend to spare in Kuala Lumpur city instead? Don’t miss out on 5 Ultimate Sunday Brunches to fill up your appetising trip.

About the writer

Evans Lily is the founder of SkyWeFly, where Lily and her associates blog about photographs, stories and travel tips that will help you make a great journey. She hopes to bring her passion to more people via SkyWeFly.