Located on the northwest coast of Malaysia, Penang is great for foodies and fans of street art. I’ve been here twice, including as part of my solo three week Malaysia itinerary. Here is my guide to the perfect 2 day Penang itinerary, including my experience in each place. Get ready for some of Malaysia’s best street food, street art and affordable accommodation.
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Quick overview of the best 2 day Penang itinerary
- Day 1: Explore George Town’s UNESCO heritage sites, street art and incredible street food
- Day 2: Ride the funicular railway to the top of Penang Hill
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.
Planning your perfect 2 day Penang itinerary
I’ve done this 2 day Penang itinerary twice now, both solo and as a couple. It covers the famous street art, Penang Hill and some of the best food I’ve eaten in Malaysia. Two days was enough to see everything I wanted while still leaving time to wander and discover things naturally.
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 minute 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.
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:
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.
Frequently asked questions about Penang
Is 2 days enough for Penang?
Yes, two days in Penang is enough to experience the main highlights including George Town’s UNESCO heritage zone, its famous street art, Penang Hill and – importantly – its outstanding street food. If you have 3 days in Penang, spend your third day relaxing at the nearby Batu Ferringhi Beach.
When should I avoid visiting Penang?
The wettest months in Penang are from August to November. Avoid September and October as they have the heaviest rainfall due to the southwest monsoon. For the best weather, visit between December and February when temperatures are more comfortable and rainfall is lighter. My trips there were in April and July – both times it was nice but quite hot and humid.
Is it better to stay in Penang or George Town?
George Town is actually located on Penang island, so staying in George Town means you’re staying in Penang. George Town is the capital and cultural heart of Penang, so it’s the best base for most travellers.
How much time is needed at Penang Hill?
Plan to spend approximately three to four hours at Penang Hill. This includes the funicular railway journey up and down (about 10 minutes each way), time to explore the various attractions at the summit.
How do I get around during my 2 days in Penang?
George Town is small enough to explore on foot, with many attractions within comfortable walking distance of the hostels on Love Lane. For longer journeys like reaching Penang Hill or Kek Lok Si Temple, use the cheap local bus network.
Can I do this itinerary solo as a female traveller?
Yes, Penang is safe for solo female travellers – I came here by myself and never felt unsafe. George Town has great hostels and the backpacker scene around Love Lane makes it easy to meet other travellers.
Final thoughts on the perfect 2 day Penang itinerary
Penang has a charming, laid-back vibe and the backpacker vibe is very friendly. I enjoyed my time in Penang, both solo and travelling as a couple.
Wandering around George Town with its colourful street art is a joy, while riding up to the top of Penang Hill was a lot of fun. Overall, I was blown away by the street food – if you come to Penang you will definitely eat well, even if you’re on a budget.
Next up, explore more of Malaysia with the best three week itinerary including Borneo here.
