Located on the northwest coast of Malaysia, Penang Island is a backpacker’s dream. With new direct flights just launched from Hong Kong and Chennai, it’s a destination you can’t afford to miss. I spent several days here as part of my three weeks in Malaysia. Here is a guide to the perfect 3-day Penang itinerary, including the best street food, street art and affordable accommodation.
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Where to stay in Penang
The best place to stay in Penang, Malaysia is its capital city of George Town. The area has a variety of budget-friendly hostels that cater to backpackers and travellers seeking affordable accommodation.
With a shared kitchen and a communal lounge area, the Some Place Else hostel is known for its friendly staff. The well-sized bunk beds come with a plug, light and USB.
If you’re a solo female traveller, check out the superb Sogor Female Dormitory. It’s super clean, with a mirrored dressing room and a laundry room.
The popular Aayu Muntri guesthouse has air-conditioned rooms with shared bathrooms, a shared kitchen and free bread, coffee and tea every day.
Check out the latest availability and deals in the map below:
Love Lane
You’ll find plenty of affordable accommodation in George Town’s ‘Love Lane’ area.
According to one of George Town’s historical signs, it’s named after visiting Chinese businessmen who would house their mistresses here. So not quite as romantic as it sounds, but the name still puts a smile on my face.
Today, it’s a hub for hostels, boutique guesthouses and great nightlife. Some hostels even include rooftop bars and communal spaces, making it a great place to meet fellow travellers.
Browse and book from a wide selection of hostels here.
What to do in Penang
Explore Love Lane’s Street Art and Heritage
Start your journey by simply wandering around the streets of Love Lane.
The area has colourful street art and wrought-iron sculptures that explain the city’s history, including the famous ‘Kids on Bicycle’ painting.
Climb Penang Hill
A trip to Penang Hill is non-negotiable.
We arrived in George Town in the dead of night by taxi, after disembarking the bus from Kuala Lumpur. The driver asked me where I’d been on my previous visit here. He said if I didn’t go to Penang Hill then I hadn’t really seen the city. Apparently I had missed out. So we made the bus journey 6km out of the city centre.
One of George Town’s most popular tourist destinations, Penang Hill has a viewing deck and a canopy walk through the hill’s tropical forest. But one feature that is already here took me by surprise: the love locks.
Book your Penang Hill guided tour here.
We then boarded the funicular railway, one of the oldest in Asia, to carry us up to the hill resort. The summit is 833 metres above sea level. Here we found hotels, restaurants, museums, gardens, temples and a mosque.
A detailed audio guide gave us insights into the area’s history and natural features. Sadly the cloudy weather covered our views across the city.
At the top, you’ll find a range of attractions, including the Habitat Penang Hill, a canopy walk through a tropical rainforest. There’s also the Sky Deck viewing platform with panoramic cityscapes and the Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple.
Explore Penang Hill on a half-day tour of George Town.
Lock in your love
For romantics, don’t miss the Love Lock Fence, where couples can purchase padlocks, decorate them and seal their love with a symbolic gesture.
Around the world, such as in New York and Rome, there are bridges where hundreds of people hang decorated padlocks to declare their love for each other. This is the Penang Hill love lock adaptation, located on an observation deck. On a clear day from here you can see scenic views across the city. A long fence of these permanent romantic gestures leads up to a huge, plant-covered display reading LOVE. Here, you can purchase a padlock, decorate it with coloured pens and seal your love lock where you choose along the fence.
Even if you’re travelling solo, it’s a lovely spot to soak in the views and the sentimental atmosphere.
It is wonderfully heart-warming to browse these love locks and see the personal, hand-made statements of romance and dedication. You can even spot keys down beyond the fence where couples have sealed their padlock and thrown away the key.
I adore that Penang has made a dedicated space for love and romance as an antidote to the urban hustle and bustle of this part of Malaysia. It’s perfect for photo opportunities with your loved one or just by yourself.
Stroll through George Town’s UNESCO Heritage Zone
Walk through George Town’s colonial-era streets and you’ll find grand mansions, quaint shophouses and historic mosques. Notable landmarks include the Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion), a beautifully restored heritage home. There’s also the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a museum showcasing the lifestyle of the Straits Chinese elite, as well as the historic Kapitan Keling Mosque.
Book a half-day historical tour of George Town here.
Visit the Clan Jetties
Discover the Clan Jetties, a collection of waterfront wooden houses on stilts. Each jetty represents a different Chinese clan, and they’re a fascinating glimpse into Penang’s heritage. The Chew Jetty is particularly popular for its vibrant stalls and Instagram-worthy views.
Book a half-day tour of George Town, including a visit to the Clan Jetties here.
What to eat in Penang
In Penang, there is an abundance of unbelievable street food, both Eastern and Western. I enjoyed one of the best burgers I have ever eaten from a market stall on Chulia Street and the local dishes including laksa soup are rich and spicy. In George Town, there is also a large hawker centre called Red Garden Food Paradise, which serves a huge range of cuisines. For more information, check out my full post on Malaysia’s tastiest street food.
Enjoy a popular Penang food tour with 15+ tastings here.
How to plan your perfect 3 day Penang itinerary
This Penang Malaysia itinerary will give you a balanced mix of culture, history, nature and food—ideal for backpackers looking to experience Penang to the fullest.
Day 1: Exploring George Town
Morning: Heritage and Street Art Walk
Start your day with a simple local breakfast (try kaya toast and coffee at a nearby kopitiam). Wander through Love Lane and the surrounding streets to discover George Town’s famous street art and wrought-iron sculptures. Visit historical landmarks like the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion) and Pinang Peranakan Mansion to get a sense of Penang’s heritage.
For lunch, head to Chulia Street’s hawker stalls or a nearby cafe to enjoy Char Kway Teow or Hokkien Mee. Budget-friendly and delicious.
Afternoon: Clan Jetties & Waterfront
Explore the Clan Jetties, particularly the Chew Jetty, to experience traditional waterfront life. Then, walk along the esplanade and admire the colonial architecture around Fort Cornwallis.
Evening: Red Garden Food Paradise
For dinner, visit the Red Garden Food Paradise, a lively hawker center serving diverse street food. Sample Penang Laksa and finish with Cendol for dessert. If you’re up for it, enjoy the nightlife around Love Lane, where many backpackers gather.
Day 2: Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple
Morning: Penang Hill Adventure
Take a bus to Penang Hill. Board the funicular railway to the top for stunning views (best in the morning when it’s less cloudy). Explore attractions like the Habitat’s Canopy Walk or enjoy a coffee with a view at one of the hilltop cafes. Don’t forget to visit the Love Lock Fence and snap some photos.
Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants on Penang Hill or grab some quick snacks from the food stalls.
Afternoon: Kek Lok Si Temple
Take a short trip to Kek Lok Si Temple, Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple. Marvel at the stunning architecture and climb up to the giant Kuan Yin statue for more breathtaking views.
Evening: Local Food at Air Itam Market
Near Kek Lok Si, enjoy local delicacies like Penang Asam Laksa at the Air Itam Market before heading back to George Town. Unwind with an evening walk through George Town’s quieter streets or relax at your hostel.
Day 3: Nature and Relaxation
Morning: Escape to Penang National Park
Take a bus to Penang National Park (about 30-40 minutes from George Town). Hike to Monkey Beach or the Lighthouse at Cape Rachado for a mix of jungle and coastal scenery. Entry is free, but you can hire a guide if preferred. Pack snacks or eat at a small local cafe near the park entrance.
Afternoon: Batu Ferringhi Beaches
Head to Batu Ferringhi, Penang’s beach destination. Relax by the sea or rent a jet ski for some adventure. If you stay later into the evening, check out the Batu Ferringhi Night Market, which sells souvenirs, food, and crafts.
Evening: Sunset at Straits Quay
End your trip with a scenic sunset at Straits Quay Marina Mall. Enjoy the view and a light dinner before heading back to your hostel.
More tips for your 3 day Penang itinerary
The best time to visit is November to February when the weather is less hot and humid. A backpacker’s budget can stretch far here, especially if you stick to affordable hostels and street food.
Penang is small enough to explore by foot, but local buses and affordable ride-hailing apps like Grab make getting around a breeze. Start early each day to avoid the midday heat, especially for outdoor activities.
Why Penang?
Penang’s capital, George Town, is a melting pot of colonial heritage and modern Malaysian culture. Named after Britain’s King George III, it is the second-largest metropolitan area in Malaysia. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic architecture and cultural significance.
Today, Penang is connected to mainland Malaysia by two impressive bridges. There’s the 8.4-mile Penang Bridge and another that’s Southeast Asia’s longest bridge, spanning 15-miles.
Final thoughts on the perfect 3 day Penang itinerary
Penang is a backpacker’s paradise, brimming with affordable adventures and unforgettable experiences. From the vibrant streets of George Town to the serene heights of Penang Hill, this Malaysian gem promises a journey packed with culture, history and incredible cuisine. Whether you’re locking your love at Penang Hill or diving into a bowl of laksa, a Penang Malaysia itinerary will give you memories to last a lifetime.
Next up, check out my guide to backpacking in Malaysia and the best three week itinerary here.
