Penang is not called The Pearl of the Orient for nothing. The island never fails to lure visitors with its old world charm, cultural diversity and, of course, its glorious hawker food.
8AM
The streets of Chinatown come alive at dawn with goods being unloaded at century-old shophouses and lorries blocking half the narrow roads. Start your day with a cup of coffee, bread and kaya for breakfast at one of the quaint coffee shops and strike up a conversation with the coffee shop owner. I’m sure he would have lots to say about the history of the place.
9AM
Take a walk down Lebuh Chulia to browse the many antiques and curios shops. There are more contemporary items as well such as leather goods and batik.
Marvel at the tiny old Chinese hotels that have held out against time and continue down the backpacker row that extends to Lebuh Leith. Many enterprising entrepreneurs have turned this row of heritage buildings into trendy restaurants and pubs.
11.00PM
Towards the end of Lebuh Leith is the carefully-restored late 19th-century, 38-room Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion which has a unique blend of Eastern and Western Architectural styles. Join the tour that starts at 11.00am. There’s another one later in the afternoon at 3.00pm. You can even opt to spend the night there.
12.30PM
Swing by the Chocolate Boutique next door to grab some exotic-flavoured chocolates which, the outlet insists, can only be found there. The boutique is divided into various chocolate rooms with different themes including Tiramisu, Fruits, Health, Sweetheart, Coffee, Panned Chocolate and Malaysian Collection.
1.00PM
You should be feeling hungry by now. It is now time to taste the best Nasi Kandar in Penang, or shall I dare say, in the whole of Malaysia or even the world.
Located on an alley at the Lebuh Chulia and Jalan Penang junction, Line Clear Nasi Kandar is easily recognised, not by the small sign hanging above, but by the amazingly long line of people queuing up for the food. You can see many foreigners patiently waiting in line too. You got to try it yourself to believe.
2.00PM
After you’ve stuffed yourself silly, walk off the food as you head back along Lebuh Leith and on to Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah. There you will see the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Penang Museum. Do enter the Penang museum as it is quite worth your RM1 entrance fee. You will learn about the history of Penang as well as the people who live here.
3.00PM
Take a stroll to Padang Kota Lama where Fort Cornwallis is situated. The fort's walls, roughly three metres high, are laid out in star-like formation. Inside the fort, one can still see some of the original structures built over a century ago, including a chapel, prison cells, a munitions storage area, a harbour light once used to signal incoming ships, the original flagstaff and several old bronze canons.
4.30PM
Make your way by taxi or car to Gurney Drive, a popular seafront promenade in George Town and a popular time-out spot for families and lovers.
There’s a huge shopping mall, Gurney Plaza, where you can rest your tired feet at one of the cafes. Make your way out to Gurney Drive just before 7pm to enjoy the sea breeze and catch the sunset.
7.30PM
Your visit to Penang isn’t complete until you’ve visited the hawker stalls of Gurney Drive. You'll find local favourites including the savoury pasembor, mouth-watering asam laksa Penang, chee cheong fun and char kuey teow as well as various sweets and desserts such as leng chee kang and ais kacang. The trick is to order a variety of dishes and share them. Knock yourselves out!
8.30PM
Take a drive out to Ferringhi Beach where a lively night market takes place every night. Goods on sale range from tourist t-shirts to handicrafts. Make sure you bargain with the stall owners.
10.00PM
End your night at one of the bars located along the beach. Five star hotels offer live band entertainment as well.
