Discover the Best of Penang and Langkawi-Malaysia

Discover the Best of Penang and Langkawi – Malaysia

We embarked on our Malaysia itinerary in Kuala Lumpur. You can read all about our adventures in Kuala Lumpur here. Then, we headed to Penang. To save time, we flew directly from Kuala Lumpur. We spent three nights exploring Penang. Afterwards, we flew to Langkawi for a six-night stay. Although you can travel by road or ferry, flying remains the fastest option.

Penang: A Blend of Culture, Art, and Scenic Beauty

We flew to Penang and stayed at the Park Royal Hotel in a sea-view room, a perfect base to explore this heritage-rich island.

Things to Do in Penang

1. Penang Hill

A visit to Penang Hill is a must for breath taking views, cultural landmarks, and a unique travel experience. Some popular things to do and visit in this Malaysian travel guide are:

• Funicular Train Ride:

The adventure begins with the Penang Hill Funicular Train, one of the steepest funiculars in the world. The train takes you 833 meters above sea level, offering scenic views of lush greenery and the city below. The ride is an unforgettable experience on its own.

• Kek Lok Si Temple:

The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most iconic and largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. It is situated at the base of Penang Hill. This sprawling complex features beautifully designed prayer halls, pavilions, and a towering statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. Don’t miss the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles. During festivals the temple is illuminated, which creates a magical sight.

• Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple:

At the hilltop, visit the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple, one of Penang’s oldest Hindu temples. The vibrant colors, intricate carvings, and peaceful surroundings make it a serene stop with breath taking views.

• Penang Hill Mosque:

The mosque Masjid Bukit Bendera on Penang Hill is a striking white structure that harmonizes with the natural surroundings. It offers a tranquil ambiance and spectacular views, making it a peaceful retreat.

• Gardens and Dining:

After exploring these landmarks, relax at the cafes or stroll through the landscaped gardens at the hilltop.

2. George Town Street Art: History on Walls

The streets of George Town buzz with vibrant art. For example, you can discover iconic murals such as “Kids on Bicycle” and “Boy on Chair.” Additionally, each artwork vividly narrates a story of Penang’s rich culture and history, ultimately transforming the area into an engaging open-air museum.

3. Chew Jetty: A Glimpse into Tradition

Visit the Chew Jetty, a floating village built on stilts. It’s a historic community where families have lived for generations. Walk the wooden planks, enjoy the waterfront views, and shop for unique souvenirs.

4. Night Market and Local Food

Penang’s night markets are bustling with life. Indulge in local delicacies like char kway teow and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of street food culture.

Langkawi: Nature and Relaxation

Langkawi was the final stop on our journey. We stayed at the Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa on Pantai Cenang Beach. Opt for a beach-view or island-view room—our Room No. 3804 was spectacular.

Top Activities in Langkawi

1. Kilim Geoforest Park: Nature’s Masterpiece

Book a private boat tour to explore this Kilim UNESCO Geopark. Highlights include the mangroves, Crocodile Cave, Bat Cave, and a floating fish farm. Online booking saves money and skips queues (250 MYR vs. 350 MYR onsite).

2. Langkawi Sky Bridge and Cable Car

The Sky Bridge showcases breathtaking panoramic views of Langkawi. The cable car ride feels steep and thrilling. However, the stunning views make it completely worth it. Buy tickets onsite for a simple and hassle-free experience.

Make sure you take this opportunity to take lots of scenic phototos.

3. Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, or Seven Wells, is a stunning natural attraction in Langkawi. It gets its name from the seven natural pools formed at different levels. Surrounded by lush rainforest, it’s perfect for nature lovers. Hike to the top for breath taking views and refreshing dips. The climb is steep, but the reward is worth it. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and carry water to stay prepared.

4. Laman Padi: Langkawi’s Rice Heritage

Located near Pantai Cenang, Laman Padi offers insight into rice farming.

• Rice Fields:

Stroll through lush green paddies and learn about traditional farming practices.

• Rice Museum:

The museum showcases the history of rice cultivation in Malaysia with displays of tools and techniques.

• Restaurant:

At the Laman Padi visitors can enjoy lovely farm-to-table dishes, including freshly prepared nasi lemak, while overlooking the fields.

• Workshops:

Additionally, do check if the rice-planting workshops are available, as they provide a fantastic hands-on experience. Moreover, booking in advance ensures you don’t miss out.

Best of all, entrance to Laman Padi is free!

4. Pantai Cenang Beach and Nearby Activities

Pantai Cenang is Langkawi’s most famous beach, offering water sports, beachfront bars, and sunset views. The Pelangi Beach Resort is ideally located to enjoy this vibrant area.

5. Island Hopping Tours

Although we didn’t take an island-hopping tour, many travellers choose them to explore secluded beaches and discover excellent snorkelling spots.

Final Thoughts on Penang and Langkawi

Penang dazzles with its vibrant culture and art. We explored George Town, admiring its colourful street art, before taking a relaxing stroll along Chew Jetty. Later, we savoured delicious char kway teow at the bustling night markets. We also climbed Penang Hill to enjoy stunning views and visited the magnificent Kek Lok Si Temple.

Meanwhile, Langkawi amazed us with its natural beauty. We rode the thrilling cable car and soaked in breath taking views from the Sky Bridge. Then, we explored Kilim Geo forest Park and wandered through the peaceful rice fields at Laman Padi. Additionally, Langkawi’s beaches felt like paradise, with their soft sands and crystal-clear waters. In the end, both destinations gave us unforgettable memories.

Tips for Travelers:

• Prebook Attractions: Secure tickets in advance for popular spots like the Petronas Towers and Kilim Geoforest Park.

• Use Grab for Transport: It’s affordable and reliable.

• Local Food: Don’t miss out on dining at local markets and restaurants for an authentic experience.

Vegetarian Food to Try, Malaysia offers amazing vegetarian dishes. Here are five you must try:

1. Nasi Ulam – Rice salad with herbs, vegetables, and spices.
2. Thosai – A savory crepe served with chutneys and lentil curry.
3. Idli – Steamed rice cakes with sambar and coconut chutney.
4. Roti Canai with Dhal – Flaky flatbread with spiced lentil curry.
5. Gado-Gado – A vegetable salad topped with peanut sauce.

Don’t forget to try Teh Tarik! This frothy “pulled tea” with condensed milk is Malaysia’s iconic drink. You can also join a hands on Malaysian Cookery class. Chef Saleh and his team were amazing at the Pelangi Beach Resort. We learnt some amazing vegetarian Malaysian recipes with him.

Final Thoughts on Penang and Langkawi

Penang dazzles with its vibrant culture and art. We admired the colourful street art in George Town and strolled through Chew Jetty. Moreover, we savoured tasty char kway teow at the lively night markets. We also climbed Penang Hill and visited the impressive Kek Lok Si Temple.

In contrast, Langkawi impressed us with its natural beauty. We enjoyed breath taking views from the Sky Bridge after a thrilling cable car ride. Additionally, we explored Kilim Geo forest Park and strolled through rice fields at Laman Padi. Furthermore, we found the beaches in Langkawi stunning and beautiful, like paradise. Overall, both destinations left us with unforgettable memories.

If you like my travel posts you may enjoy reading my posts about Singapore which we visited prior to travelling to Malaysia.

Singapore Day 1

My Ultimate Guide To Singapore Day 2

Sentosa Island Singapore Day 3

I also have lots of travel content featured on my instagram account citrusspiceuk

You may also like to read all about my post on Malaysia Kuala Lumpur.

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