Penang Journey

Penang Hill
On regular days, there’s no need to purchase priority tickets for the funicular train—it’s quite easy to get into the lowest carriage (standing room available).
When I went, there was barely any mist, lacking a touch of that ethereal charm everyone talks about.
Set aside at least three hours! The summit offers cafés, restaurants, a mosque, an exquisitely beautiful Hindu temple, and an eco-park. Make sure to wander the entire loop; the viewing deck presents a splendid panorama of Penang.
The area also offers official activities like a mini safari and overnight glamping. Next time, I plan to hike up—hoping to catch the sunrise and see what creatures I might encounter.

Kek Lok Si Temple
Very close to the hill. The complex is vast—reserve at least two hours.
The Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas requires a small separate fee but is absolutely worth it. Its architecture blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese styles. Climb slowly—the seven or eight open levels each house different Buddhas, and from above you can gaze over the city. The little garden outside is serene and lovely.
After visiting the pagoda, take the cable car to the Guanyin Pavilion (I arrived too late—already closed).

St. George’s Church
Pristine white and stunning. The interior is simple yet elegant, and the staff are warm and friendly. The spacious courtyard, with its flowers and shade trees, and the low walls make it perfect for photos.

Kapitan Keling Mosque
Worth a brief stop if it’s along your route, especially at sunset.
(Though the staff’s attempt at ideological persuasion was nauseating—an absurd claim that women’s restrictive dress codes “prevent assault.” Utterly twisted logic.)

Other temples like Khoo Kongsi can be visited casually if you pass by.

Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama)
Magnificent colonial architecture lines the seafront. Near the small park entrance, an old uncle sells fresh-cut fruit and juices in a cart—bright, colorful, irresistible. Enjoy some fruit while watching the sea. At high tide, walk along the jetty and dip your feet in the water.

Clan Jetties
A unique Chinese settlement where early immigrants built wooden houses on stilts over the water. Several clans have their own jetties—Chew Jetty is the largest and most commercial, with shops and eateries.
The sunset over the sea is enchanting.

Street Art District
Following Google Maps won’t necessarily lead you to the murals; only a few were visible—I’m not sure what happened to the rest.

Little India
A vibrant and ornate commercial quarter full of color and life.

Butterworth (North Seberang Perai)
I adore the name—Butterworth, rich and delightful.
Take the ferry from the George Town terminal; the return fare is about 2 MYR, and the ride takes around ten minutes.
You can spend half a day exploring—murals and more—but I only stayed for the sunset before heading back. A pity time was so short.