Penang 3 Day Itinerary

Planning a 3 day Penang itinerary can feel overwhelming – there’s so much food to try, heritage to explore, and viewpoints to chase. We spent 3 days in George Town, Penang eating our way through dim sum breakfasts, wandering the city’s UNESCO-listed streets, and riding the funicular for sweeping Penang Hill views. But the real highlight was joining an authentic cooking class in a Penang local’s home – not something you’ll find on booking sites, and later in this guide we’ll share how to access it.

This guide to 3 days in Penang also covers the experiences we wished we’d had time for, like hiking to Monkey Beach in Penang National Park and testing our nerves at the record-breaking Escape Theme Park Penang. If you’re looking for the best things to do in George Town in 3 days, from must-see landmarks to hidden gems, this guide has you covered.

Day 1 – Exploring George Town and Dim Sum Feasts

We started our 3 days in George Town with a traditional dim sum breakfast. The restaurant was buzzing and every few minutes a trolley stacked with bamboo baskets stopped at our table. With so many different dumplings on display and only seconds to decide, the pressure was real. We ended up with eight baskets, only four of which we could confidently say we’d ordered (and only some pictured). Among them were pork siu mai, crystal prawn dumplings, and one concerningly named “shark fin dumpling” – which, after a quick check, thankfully contained no shark. Every basket turned out to be delicious.

Afterwards we set off on foot to explore the UNESCO-listed streets. Armenian Street was packed with people taking photos of the murals, while the Khoo Kongsi clan house impressed us with its detailed carvings and bright colours. We wandered between temples, shophouses, and cafés, letting the city unfold at its own pace.

Whilst we took the exploration into our own hands, George Town is also packed with guided options. There are walking tours that cover the history and heritage of the old town, as well as food tours that dive straight into the best hawker stalls and hidden street food spots. If we had our time again, we’d definitely join one – it’s an easy way to see more and get insider knowledge that you might otherwise miss.

Dinner was at a hawker centre, which quickly became one of our favourite parts of the trip. We grabbed a table, ordered from a few different stalls, and soon had plates of char kway teow, satay skewers, and other noodle dishes in front of us. It was quick, cheap, and absolutely delicious – the perfect way to end our first day in Penang.

Day 2 – An Authentic Cooking Class in a Local Home

Cooking classes are easy to find in Penang, but most of what we saw online felt packaged for tourists - and expensive. We wanted something real - and eventually found it with My Pintu Plate, run by a local called Khalid. His class takes place in his own home, just you and him in the kitchen, and it turned out to be the most authentic experience of our trip.

We arrived at 3pm and Khalid already had most of the prep done, so the focus was on cooking rather than chopping. He spent time talking us through the ingredients, asking us to identify spices, and showing how small tweaks change the flavour of a dish. Along the way he shared stories about his past, explained the origins of local dishes, and highlighted the regional variations that make Malaysian food so diverse.

Together we cooked three classics: nasi lemak, chicken rendang, and char kway teow. A big part of the lesson was sambal – the chilli paste that underpins so much Malaysian cooking. Khalid showed us how it forms the base of these dishes and explained why every cook has their own version. Under his guidance we fried, stirred, and tasted our way through the recipes, and by the time we sat down to eat the kitchen was filled with the rich smell of coconut, chilli, and spice.

Afterwards, Khalid emailed us a full set of recipes – not just for the dishes we’d cooked, but for many more too – along with all the photos he’d taken of us in the kitchen. It was the highlight of our 3 days in George Town and felt truly special, the kind of experience you don’t forget.

Day 3 – Penang Hill and Panoramic Views

For our final day in Penang we swapped the busy streets of George Town for fresh air and wide views. We took the funicular up Penang Hill, a steep ride that carried us above the city and into cooler air. At the top the views stretched across George Town, the Strait, and on a clear day even as far as the mainland.

The summit is a little touristy, with massage chairs, souvenir stalls, and cafés jostling for attention, but it’s easy enough to step away from the crowds. We headed to The Habitat, a nature reserve and canopy walk that winds through the rainforest. The elevated walkways gave us sweeping views back over the island, and we even spotted a few dusky langurs moving through the trees. It was a peaceful escape and well worth the small entry fee.

We spent the rest of the time moving between viewpoints and gardens before riding the funicular back down. If we’d had longer, we’d have paired the hill with nearby Kek Lok Si Temple – one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia – but even on its own, Penang Hill was a fitting finale to our trip. As a final tip, the express ticket for the funicular seems worth it, we opted for a standard ticket and waited 45 minutes before we could get onboard.

If We’d Had Another Day – Monkey Beach and Penang National Park

Three days in Penang gave us a real taste of the island, but if we’d had a fourth, we would have spent it at Penang National Park. The park sits on the northwestern tip of the island and is one of the smallest national parks in the world, but it’s packed with wildlife, trails, and beaches that feel far away from George Town’s bustle.

The most famous spot is Monkey Beach, a stretch of sand backed by jungle and, as the name suggests, home to plenty of macaques. The beach is reached either by boat or via a jungle trail, which makes getting there part of the adventure. Other trails lead deeper into the park to a lighthouse and canopy walkway.

From what we’d heard, the park is the perfect way to see another side of Penang – wilder, quieter, and closer to nature. Next time we visit, it’ll be at the top of our list.

For Thrill Seekers – Escape Theme Park Penang

Penang isn’t all street food and sightseeing. For something completely different, there’s Escape Theme Park, a huge outdoor water and adventure park that holds several world records. The headline attraction is the world’s longest water slide, which snakes through the jungle for over a kilometre.

It’s not just about water rides though – the park also has high ropes, zip lines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses that are designed to be just as fun for adults as they are for kids. If you’ve had your fill of hawker centres and heritage streets, it’s a brilliant way to spend a day testing your nerve and burning off a bit of the food you’ve inevitably overindulged in.

Where to Stay in George Town

Budget – Attic Hotel

We stayed at Attic Hotel and found it perfect for a short trip. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the central location made it easy to explore George Town on foot. It’s a great value option if you’re looking for somewhere straightforward and authentic.

Mid-range – Noordin Mews

For something with a bit more charm, Noordin Mews is a boutique heritage hotel with characterful rooms and a small pool. It’s close to the old town but set back enough for a quieter stay.

Luxury – Eastern & Oriental Hotel

If you want to go all out, the Eastern & Oriental is George Town’s grandest hotel. Right on the waterfront, it’s full of colonial elegance and has long been a favourite for travellers looking for a touch of luxury. B.C.

Final Thoughts on 3 Days in Penang

Our 3 days in George Town, Penang gave us a brilliant mix of food, culture, and views. We ate our way through dim sum breakfasts and hawker centres, wandered colourful heritage streets, and rode the funicular up Penang Hill for sweeping views and a walk among the rainforest canopy.

The clear highlight, though, was our evening with Khalid at My Pintu Plate. Cooking nasi lemak, chicken rendang, and char kway teow in his home gave us a deeper connection to Malaysian food and felt like the most authentic experience of our trip. It was personal, memorable, and something we’d recommend above anything else we did.

If we’d had more time, we would have added a day at Penang National Park for Monkey Beach and the trails, and perhaps tested our courage at Escape Theme Park’s record-breaking slides. But even without those, three days felt full and rewarding.

Penang is a place where every day feels different – one moment you’re standing in front of street art or clan houses, the next you’re learning the secrets of sambal in a local kitchen. For a short trip, this itinerary gave us a little bit of everything, and left us wanting to come back for more.

FAQ – 3 Days in Penang

Is 3 days in Penang enough?

Three days gives you a great introduction to George Town’s food, heritage, and sights like Penang Hill. If you have longer, add a day for Penang National Park and Monkey Beach.

What is the best area to stay in George Town?

The heritage core of George Town is the best base. You’ll be within walking distance of street art, temples, and the best food. We stayed at Attic Hotel which was central and convenient.

What food should I try in Penang?

Dim sum, char kway teow, nasi lemak, chicken rendang, and cendol are musts. Joining a cooking class like Khalid’s My Pintu Plate is the best way to learn more about local dishes.

How do you get up Penang Hill?

The funicular railway is the easiest way and runs throughout the day. It’s busy, so go early if you want to avoid queues.

Is Penang good for families?

Yes – George Town is walkable, the food is accessible, and for kids (and adventurous adults), Escape Theme Park is a brilliant day out.