Penang

The Pearl of the Orient

You could say that about many placed, but from a time sense, the first described as such is Penang.

Where to stay? I will say, without question, you must stay in an old Chinese style house near the old city. Few are actual Khoo Kongsi, or houses for generations of families, but if you can stay in one please do. The history and architecture of this city revolves around these homes. In many you can find old cannons, weapons, and furniture that would make the interior designer drool. Even if it is just a Chinese house that was meant to be a merchant shop and living house, it is still worth it, if it is refurbished back to its original glory. Being in this area allows you to tackle most of the city by walking and the rest by Grab taxi (which you will only need to take once or twice)

Food stalls, hawker stalls, street food markets, all are plentiful here. If someone exists, its is with heavy scrutiny and a board of individuals who approve a limited number of food stalls in the city. To simply put it, you earn your right to serve food, and it's all delicious. My best meals were not at my list of restaurants, rather undifferentiated street food I encountered from men who wander areas of Chinatown and old Georgetown, with their grey whiskers and indelible smile. Communication is easy, as everyone speaks English, but when things are described to you, just say yes. Extra quail fried quail egg on my noodles, yes. Recommend extra broth for my take home duck soup, why yes. Say what? Oyster omelet? Yes.

The itinerary is split between things to see and food to eat. You can check one of these out depending where you are at, but for the most part you can hit all of them in two days.

Things you should try in your short time in the city. For breakfast Rainforest bakery. This is not a traditional breakfast, but rather when you need a good normal coffee and croissant, it's very good. Tai Tong Restaurant for Dim Sum breakfast/lunch, Fried Wan Ton Mee - this is breakfast only 6am-2pm workers meal, Ome by Spacebar Coffee truly great coffee, Joo Hooi Cafe for cheap eats and whatever they recommend fresh that day, 月萍豆芽雞(Air Itam Famous Bean Sprout Chicken), 113 Duck Meat Koay Teow Soup & Duck Porridge/Rice/Koay Chiap forthis - I can't describe how great it really is, Tiger Char Koay Teow is amazing, Loo Beef Noodle (打石街牛肉粿条), Nasi Kandar Beratur Original is an Anthony Bourdain pilgrimage restaurant, a bit dirty but great Indian food. I could eat at all of these places for the rest of my life. If you see char kwey tiaw (fried noodles in soy sauce with egg and various additions), asam laksa (Penang's famous, indescribably good curry noodle soup), rojak (fruit and veggie salad in a sweet dark shrimp paste) and there is a line, you should just grab a plate if you are even a bit hungry, as chances are, there will be nothing else like it you've ever had.

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Activity Itinerary

Day 1

What to see. Generally the mansions such as Cheong Fatt Tze, Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi are must see historical museums/houses. Padang Kota Lama, Fort Cornwallis (Yes, that one who lost the Revolutionary War), and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock for the British occupation history (but can take pictures and pass by without entering, honestly). On your walk back to Chinatown, check out the Clan jetties, which will give you the best historical sense of how the city was structured and the power of family name that carried over from China to Penang, especially when you relate them to the family houses from earlier in the day.

Day 2

From there, try and find the many street art exhibits on the walls of the old city that are almost realistic renditions of everyday life in Penang. If you have time head out to Kek Lok Si Temple, for a view of the city and a beautiful 19th century monastery/temple., then hit Little India for some shopping.

There really isn't a bad plan for Penang.

Reflection

The beaches are good but honestly, this place is all about the food and the culture of it. Stroll around like a 19th century British man and imagine what it was like to taste these confluence of flavors meeting at this amazing location.