Hello and welcome back to my travel adventures! This trip, I fell in love with the city's atmosphere and food. I'll tell you all about it later! ^^

After reviewing Taiwan, I felt it was beneficial to compile and organize information about food and travel, making it easier for friends to follow and find information.

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This time, I'll take you to a neighboring World Heritage city, George Town, Penang. This trip was inspired by a friend who asked why I, a Hat Yai native living near Penang, had never been there. Others travel far to visit, so I was motivated! I quickly researched and found a small, trendy city with easy travel and a favorable exchange rate. Perfect for a solo trip! So, I decided to embark on a solo adventure as a solo traveler.

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My biggest concern about traveling alone was safety. However, from various reviews, it seemed relatively safe. The rest is up to personal vigilance. Safety first!

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This trip began with a train ride from Hua Lamphong Railway Station on the Taksinarat Express train. (Lower berth, 945 baht) Arriving in Hat Yai at 6:35 AM. Then, I took a van to Penang with KTS Travel at 9:30 AM, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours.

Upon arrival at the Padang Besar checkpoint, the driver will stop for passengers to disembark and present their passports to immigration officers.

Upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint, the van queue will assist with filling out the necessary forms. Each individual must present their passport along with the Thai immigration clearance form to receive an exit stamp from Thailand.

The driver will then proceed into Malaysia. Everyone must disembark from the vehicle and queue to be stamped into Malaysia.

Penang, a state in Malaysia, is the focus of this trip, specifically George Town. The itinerary prioritizes exploring historical buildings, street art, and the local community. Notably, George Town and Malacca were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites on July 7, 2008, in recognition of their unique architectural and cultural heritage, which stands out in Southeast Asia.

The driver will drop you off at your accommodation. Tonight, you will be staying at Noob Hostel, which is located near KOMTAR building.

The accommodation offers mixed-gender dormitory rooms (priced at RM33 per night) that are clean and comfortable, with wide beds and privacy curtains.

Guests are welcome to store their valuables in the provided locker, one per bed. After settling in, feel free to explore the surroundings.

Thrilled to have stumbled upon my first piece of street art, conveniently located near my accommodation. I couldn't resist snapping a selfie as a memento.

Stroll through the buildings, soaking in the city's atmosphere.

This Sino-Portuguese style architecture can be found in some areas of Thailand, such as Phuket or Songkhla. However, in this city, the entire town is built in this style, making it even more captivating and enchanting.

KOMTAR, the tallest building in Penang, stands majestically in the heart of George Town. As a central transportation hub, it is accessible by almost all bus routes. The building comprises three interconnected shopping malls, offering a wide variety of goods and services, including SIM cards for internet access. Following the recommendation of a friendly lady on the van, I opted for a digi SIM card, known for its reliability.

We can inform the number of days we will use, and the staff will recommend it to us (phone with internet 35 RM).

Near the KOMTAR building, there is a famous Teochew chendul stall called Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul. The queue is incredibly long, but the owner works very quickly, so the wait is not too bad. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth joining the queue.

Unsure of how to order, I simply said "everything" (3.8 RM). I actually wanted a takeaway cup with a lid so I could take it elsewhere to eat. However, I didn't know how to order it and ended up with this cup, which is very difficult to hold. It was also filled to the brim, so it was constantly on the verge of spilling. As a result, I had to stand and eat it in front of the shop. It was also raining, and I had to eat the cendol while taking photos. It was a chaotic experience.

The taste is delicious and fragrant, helping to refresh on a tiring day. I still prefer Lod Chong Wat Chetuphon. 555.

Since it's here, let's eat it to avoid any regrets.

Next to the Teochew Chendul shop, there are other shops, including a tempting-looking Char Koay Teow stall. However, I would prefer to eat Laksa.

The highlight of Penang is the Assam Laksa, a renowned Peranakan dish. It features a dark curry broth with a separate black sauce served in a spoon. Various vegetables are sprinkled on top. The broth has a distinct aroma of spices and a pronounced fish flavor. The smell is quite strong, offering a satisfyingly rich and spicy experience. It is served with thin rice noodles similar to those used in our local "khanom jeen".

We then headed to Chew Jetty for a stroll.

Acheen Street Mosque

A Muslim couple came to take pre-wedding photos.

The Khoo Kongsi, a grand ancestral home resembling an imperial Chinese palace, was built in the 1890s. A fire of unknown origin destroyed the original structure, which was subsequently rebuilt in 1902. While the building is well-maintained, it appears to be undergoing major renovations, preventing access to the interior. However, on Christmas Eve, a lion dance performance was held in the courtyard, providing an enjoyable spectacle.

Continuing our walk, we arrived at Armenian Street (Lebuh Armenian), a bustling street with vendors selling various goods, food, and drinks. The street is also adorned with galleries and impressive street art.

Including street art of a Chinese woman riding a bicycle, so I stopped to take a picture (sorry, Uncle, I accidentally sat on it T.T)

At the end of the street, you will find the CF Food Court, which offers comfortable seating and a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. It features many of Penang's famous dishes at affordable prices.

George Town is a city that has preserved almost all of its Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is also a city that blends a variety of cultures, including Chinese, Indian, and Muslim, in a small area. As a result, we see mosques, Hindu temples, and Chinese temples located close to each other.

Drawn by the legendary LOK LOK on Lebuh Chulia, we spotted a cart overflowing with skewers and made a beeline for it. The vendor presented us with a plate covered in plastic wrap. We simply chose our desired skewers and dipped them into the bubbling communal pot until cooked. Once done, we placed them on the plate, drizzled with dipping sauce, and savored the deliciousness.

After finishing your meal, please do not discard the skewer. Keep it for the vendor to count and calculate the price. Remember, the skewers have different colors, and the price varies depending on the color. (There will be a sign indicating the color and price.)

Along the way, I was caught by the sight of a cat peeking at me. Its eyes were huge! I couldn't help but laugh. After walking until my feet ached, it was time to rest and recharge for tomorrow's adventures. The bed was truly spacious; I could even sit up without bumping my head. It was very comfortable. The only downside was that the bathroom wasn't very clean, but it wasn't too bad either.

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The next morning, I was determined to climb Penang Hill. I woke up at 6:30 am to avoid the long queues, as there are fewer people in the morning. As I walked through the fishing village (Chew Jetty), I was captivated by the beautiful colors of the sky. I couldn't resist taking a few photos.

I decided to take a detour to take some photos.

The morning atmosphere at the pier is truly beautiful, very relaxing. After relaxing, we rushed to the bus stop to catch the bus to Penang Hills.

From the bus station, take bus number 204. The bus will first stop at Komtar, then continue to its final destination at Penang Hills (fare RM2).

Upon arrival, proceed to the Ticket Counter to purchase a tram ticket. (Round-trip fare for foreigners is RM30.)

This card allows you to tap in and out of the door.

After obtaining the tickets, we queued to board the cable car. Each car had a capacity of approximately 80 people, and the staff organized the passengers into groups to ensure an even distribution. The wait was quite long, even though we arrived early. (T.T)

Finally, I got on the funicular. I wanted to be at the front, but it was too late. The car ran quite fast and it didn't take long to reach the top of Penang Hills.

This is a bridge that extends out for a view. It is very high and very scary.

A morning view of George Town from Penang Hill reveals the distant sea and a faint mist, interspersed with overlapping mountain ranges.

Penang Hill offers more than just scenic views. Accommodation is available on the hill, and according to this map, there are bird gardens, pitcher plant gardens, and numerous nature trails. However, exploring everything would likely take an entire day. For now, I'll stick to exploring the area around the viewpoint.

This section will be a Hindu temple located on Penang Hill. It is not very large and can be walked around.

The surrounding area features sculptures that narrate the stories and beliefs of Hinduism.

Penang Hill Mosque

On the way back, I managed to fight my way to the front row, but it took a lot of pushing and shoving to get this picture.

Bidding farewell to Penang Hill, it's time to head back. Initially, I planned to visit Kek Lok Si Temple, but I got lost in the charm of Penang Hill and ran out of time. Additionally, being Christmas Day, the traffic was particularly heavy. Therefore, I had to reluctantly skip Kek Lok Si Temple to ensure a timely check-out. (For those who wish to visit Kek Lok Si Temple from Penang Hill, take bus route 204 back and inform the driver of your destination. The fare is RM 1.4, and the staff will advise you to alight at the market area. From there, it's a short walk to the temple.)

After checking out, we left our luggage at the accommodation and continued exploring the city.

Nestled amidst the urban landscape of George Town, this compact public park offers a tranquil oasis for residents seeking respite from the city's hustle and bustle. Strategically positioned within the community, the park provides a readily accessible green space for locals to unwind and connect with nature. Its intimate scale fosters a sense of intimacy and encourages daily visits from nearby residents.

Sun Yat-Sen Museum Penang

And then we walked out onto Armenian Street (Lebuh Armenian) again. During the day, it has a different kind of lively atmosphere.

Along the way, street art can still be found sporadically.

The hot weather made me very thirsty, so I drank 3.8 RM of Herbal Tea.

A balloon artist twisted colorful balloons into various shapes, captivating the children's attention with anticipation.

In this scorching weather, a shop called Ice Ball caught my eye. It was packed with customers. The process involves scooping shaved ice into two cups of soup broth, pressing it firmly, and then sandwiching them together. The ice ball is then rotated to form a shape. During the shaping process, a plum is hidden in the center.

A large scoop of Sarsi or root beer ice cream (1.7 RM) was served. It was a bit difficult to eat and required two hands: one to hold the cup and the other to lift the ice cream to the mouth.

However, I wanted to take a picture with it, so I just bit it with my mouth like this.

Cool paper rockets

Feeling famished, I stopped by CF Food Court on my way to Chew Jetty for a quick bite. I opted for Char Koay Teow, which came with an additional cost for the egg. The dish included small shrimp and cockles, resembling Pad Thai but without the lime wedge. Despite the absence of lime, the fragrant and delicious flavors left me wanting more. (6 RM)

Upon entering Chew Jetty, visitors are greeted by street art depicting a grandfather and his grandchild laughing together.

Walk to the end to find a pier like this.

Taste Better in Chew Jetty is a famous durian puff shop (I had been eyeing it for a while). I bought some to make my mom jealous. The minimum order is 3 pieces (3 pieces for 5.7 RM). Let me tell you, it was delicious. The puffs have a crispy, dense outer shell.

This durian ice cream is incredibly rich and creamy, with an aroma that is even more intense than the fruit itself. It is a must-try for durian lovers, but unfortunately, it needs to be kept refrigerated, so I couldn't bring any home.

Street Art, huh? #The children of today are the adults of tomorrow.

Continuing on to Little India, we pass the Kapitan Keling Mosque, built in 1801 by Indian merchants and most recently restored in 2003 to its current state of grandeur and beauty.

St. George's Church

We then came across the Penang Town Hall, a beautiful example of British Empire architecture with its alternating pale yellow and white hues.

A short walk away, Penang City Hall stands as a Victorian architectural marvel, boasting towering arched windows and white colonial-style columns.

Opposite is Fort Cornwallis, a fort wall about 10 feet high. You can enter the fort for a fee. It was late, so I just enjoyed the atmosphere outside. If you go in, you can walk around the structures of the fort, which are more than a hundred years old, such as the gunpowder magazine, the church, the prison, the signal tower for ships entering the port, the old flagpole, and the cannons.

The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, standing 60 feet tall at a small roundabout, was erected by a Penang tycoon to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria of England in 1897.

The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a museum housed in the former residence of a wealthy Peranakan family. The mansion showcases the exquisite interior design and opulent lifestyle of the Peranakans, a unique ethnic group in Penang. Visitors can explore the mansion's various rooms, each adorned with intricate carvings, colorful tiles, and antique furniture, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Peranakans.

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As evening falls, it's time to head to the Gurney Drive night market for some delicious street food.

I am waiting for the bus in front of the Container Hotel to take bus number 101 or 103 to Gurney Drive, getting off at Gurney Plaza (1.4 RM).

To reach Gurney Drive, walk through Gurney Plaza until you reach the seaside road. Turn left and continue straight ahead.

The Gurney Drive night market, though not expansive, bustles with vendors and diners, creating a lively atmosphere.

Ultimately, I opted for the flaming satay from this vendor. They offer beef skewers for 1 RM each, lamb skewers for 1.4 RM each, and chicken skewers for 0.7 RM each. The minimum order is 5 skewers per type, so I ordered 5 beef skewers and 5 lamb skewers for a total of 12 RM.

After ordering, find a seat (if you are in a large group, it is recommended to book a table in advance as they are scarce). The staff will then serve your order at your table, and you can pay afterwards. The right side is beef, and the left side is lamb, served with delicious satay sauce. I must say, it is incredibly delicious! I almost ordered another serving. If you ask me which is better, the beef or the lamb, I cannot answer! Both are incredibly delicious and flavorful.

The dish is a type of steamed noodle roll. When ordered, the vendor cuts the noodles and places them on a plate. They are then drizzled with dark soy sauce, seasoned, and topped with sesame seeds and chili (if desired). The dish consists of soft noodles and sauce, but the overall flavor is bland. Ultimately, it was not finished. (5 RM)

This renowned oyster omelet restaurant (featured in numerous media outlets) offers dishes starting at 12.5 RM+. Gurney Drive is approximately 4 kilometers from George Town. While the journey may be brief without traffic, it's best to factor in potential congestion. This culinary hotspot boasts an array of delectable options, making it a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

I have created a Vlog documenting my trip to Penang. Please enjoy! ^^

This concludes my travelogue. I hope this review will inspire you to travel. Penang is a small city near our home, and the cost is very low. It is very easy to travel alone.

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