{"id":335984,"date":"2016-09-23T12:00:25","date_gmt":"2016-09-23T04:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mariefranceasia.com\/uncategorized-hk\/beginners-guide-explore-penang-335984.html"},"modified":"2016-09-23T12:00:25","modified_gmt":"2016-09-23T04:00:25","slug":"beginners-guide-explore-penang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mariefranceasia.com\/hk\/travel-hk\/destination-accomplished-hk\/asia-hk\/beginners-guide-explore-penang-335984.html","title":{"rendered":"Travel Light: The ultimate beginner's guide to exploring Penang"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Penang is an island that is bursting with multicultural content, with influences from Malay, Chinese and European cultures, all blending in together to create an unsurpassed travel experience<\/a>. With a distinct atmosphere, created by the colonial architecture mainly predominant in George Town, it\u2019s the perfect starting point for tourists who want to experience the history and culture that is unique to this place.<\/p>

Many visitors will start off from Love Lane Street, which is known as the central of backpackers, and it\u2019s the place where you can find anything, from cheap flowers<\/a> to art on building walls. This a great place to start your journey as it has plenty of affordable accommodation, restaurants, cafes and historical architecture to explore. But, wherever you choose to start from, you should definitely follow our helpful little guide if you don\u2019t want to miss the best of Penang.<\/p>

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What to explore<\/strong><\/span> <\/h2>

Jetties<\/u><\/span> <\/h3>

On the very edge of George Town, there are several jetties, which local clan groups consider home. Once you disregard the tourist crowds, you\u2019ll be able to see that the jetties are places where the locals have managed to survive through a simple way of life, although it\u2019s far from luxury. It\u2019s a spot definitely worth visiting, if you want to witness a world of its own within the Penang island.<\/p>

Penang Hill<\/u><\/span> <\/h3>

Penang Hill is located approximately six kilometres from George Town, and is 833 meters above sea level. The track will take you through the jungle, right up to the iconic top. From up there, you'll find the best spot to get a better look of the island and mainland of Penang. It\u2019s also an undeniably great spot for awaiting the sunrise or watching the sun go down. Once you\u2019re there, you\u2019ll be able to stop and grab a bite at one of the many restaurants. Penang Hill is almost a world of its own as it caters to the needs of tourists while still providing insanely gorgeous natural treasures. You can also explore the Hindu and Muslim shrines, dazzling gardens and the Owl Museum.<\/p>

Street Art<\/u><\/span> <\/h3>

There is plenty of art splattered around the streets and along alleyways, which make for a great photo-op! If you\u2019re taking your camera with you, this is one of the activities you must put on your itinerary - some of the designs are just stunning.<\/p>

Tiki Kerawang Waterfalls<\/u><\/span> <\/h3>

For more breath-taking sights, visit the waterfalls of Tiki Kerawang. You\u2019ll get a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean, and for an additional sprinkle of adventure, you can swim in a freshwater pool that is filled from the waterfall.<\/p>

Penang National Park<\/u><\/span> <\/h3>

Besides being a gorgeous natural gem that has been untouched and untainted, Penang National Park has several trekking trails that lead to waterfalls, deserted beaches and natural pools, all of which will really indulge your cravings for Penang's rich natural scenery<\/a>.<\/p>

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What to Eat<\/strong><\/span> <\/h2>

This cultural melting pot is home to diverse cuisines. You can find anything from fresh seafood, sizzling barbecued meats, Chinese noodles, and even frog leg porridge and chicken legs, if you\u2019re really in the mood to try everything.<\/p>

Street Stalls (Hawker Food)<\/u><\/span> <\/h3>

Every tourist will confirm that Penang really is the mecca of diverse cuisine and that the real deal are the street stalls that sell delicacies beyond tasty. The street stalls are scattered all around the city\u2019s main streets, especially in Lebuh Chulia and they cook up amazing Chinese and Malay dishes.<\/p>