Located on the northwest coast of Malaysia, Penang Island is a dream for food and culture lovers. 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. You’ll find plenty of affordable accommodation in George Town’s ‘Love Lane’ area.
According to one of George Town’s historical signs, Love Lane is 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.
Best places to stay in George Town
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:
Planning your perfect 3 day Penang itinerary
This 3 day Penang itinerary will give you a balanced mix of culture, history, nature and food. It’s ideal for travellers looking to experience Penang to the fullest.
Day 1: Explore George Town’s street art and UNESCO heritage zone
Start your day by wandering through Love Lane and the surrounding streets to discover George Town’s famous street art and wrought-iron sculptures.
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.
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.
In the afternoon, 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.
For dinner, visit the Red Garden Food Paradise, a lively hawker center serving diverse street food. If you’re up for it, enjoy the nightlife around Love Lane.
Book a half-day tour of George Town, including a visit to the Clan Jetties here.
Day 2: Climb Penang Hill and visit Kek Lok Si Temple
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.
In the afternoon, take the Penang Hill Railway tram from the Upper Station to the Lower Station. From here, you can take a taxi to 7 minutes to the 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.
Near Kek Lok Si, enjoy local delicacies like Penang Asam Laksa at the nearby Air Itam Market, a 15 walk away, before heading back to George Town. Unwind with an evening walk through George Town’s quieter streets or relax at your hostel.
My experience at Penang Hill
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.
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. 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.
Book your Penang Hill guided tour here.
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.
Explore Penang Hill on a half-day tour of George Town.
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.
Day 3: Nature and relaxation
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.
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.
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.
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 Penang’s tastiest street food.
Enjoy a popular Penang food tour with 15+ tastings here.
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.
Frequently asked questions for a 3 day Penang itinerary
Q: Is 3 days enough for Penang?
A: Yes! A 3 day Penang itinerary is perfect for experiencing the highlights including George Town’s UNESCO heritage sites, Penang Hill, incredible street food, temples, and even some beach time. You’ll get a great taste of the island’s culture, nature, and cuisine.
Q: How much does a 3 day trip to Penang cost?
A: Budget travellers can expect to spend around $65 USD per day including hostel accommodation, street food, and activities. This means a 3 day Penang itinerary could cost as little as $200 total.
Q: How do I get around Penang during my 3 days?
A: Penang is small enough to explore George Town on foot. For longer distances like Penang Hill, Bako National Park, and Batu Ferringhi beaches, use local buses (very cheap) or Grab ride-hailing. Many attractions are within walking distance of Love Lane.
Q: Can I do this itinerary solo as a female traveller?
A: Absolutely! Penang is very safe for solo female travellers. George Town has excellent hostels like Sogor Female Dormitory, and the backpacker scene around Love Lane makes it easy to meet other travellers.
Q: What should I pack for 3 days in Penang?
A: Light, quick-dry clothing, comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket, sunscreen, insect repellent and a good camera for all that street art. Most other items can be bought cheaply in George Town.
Q: How do I get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang?
A: Fly directly (1 hour 45 minutes) or take an overnight bus (4-5 hours). Flights are very affordable and save time for your 3 day itinerary. From Penang airport, taxis cost around $6-7 to George Town.
Q: Can I extend this 3 day Penang itinerary?
A: Definitely! You could easily extend your trip with a visit to the Perhentian Islands for scuba diving and beach relaxation. Read my dedicated post here.
Final thoughts on the perfect 3 day Penang itinerary
Penang is a traveller’s paradise, brimming with affordable adventures and unforgettable experiences.
From the colourful streets of George Town to the serene heights of Penang Hill, your days will be packed with culture, history and incredible cuisine. This 3 day Penang Malaysia itinerary will give you memories to last a lifetime.
Want to explore more of Malaysia’s cities and beaches? Check out the best three week itinerary here.
