Welcome To Penang
As part of my 100-day Southeast Asian adventure in early 2025, I found myself in Penang, Malaysia for a week and a half.
Penang proudly upholds Malaysia’s multiracial and multicultural identity, a strong cocktail of Malays, Chinese, and Tamilians.
I happened to be in Penang during a particularly special week, where I got to experience Thaipusam and Chap Goh Mei – two major celebrations for the Tamil and Chinese communities, respectively. This made my time here even more immersive, and honestly, unforgettable.
Chapter 1: The Colours Of George Town
The heart and soul of Penang lie in Georgetown, the colourful capital of Penang that oozes old-world energy.
The one thing I love most about Penang is its street art scene. Penang is said to be Asia’s street art capital and also has the largest number of street art pieces per capita in Asia.
You could spend days getting lost in its murals, sculptures, and installations.
As a designer, I was constantly in awe – every corner, every wall, every alley had something visually striking. The streets of George Town felt like an open air gallery.
Chapter 2: Penang After Sunset
Like most Southeast Asian cities, Penang too has a couple of night markets worth visiting like Macallum Night Market and Batu Ferringhi Night Market where you can find heaps of local food and indie stalls selling everything from clothes to electronics to trinkets.
Penang’s nightlife comes to life on Love Lane and Chulia Street in classic travel-meets-local style with street bars and live rock bands.
Penang's rooftop bar and speakeasy scene is quite the bine as well with hidden cocktail bars and sky-high lounges to get a buzz going.
Chapter 3: Hin Bus Depot
If I had to pick a favourite spot in Penang, Hin Bus Depot would be it.
This former bus depot-turned-creative space is now a hub for artists, designers, and indie brands.
On weekdays, it’s a laid-back space with art galleries, cafés, and murals.
But on the weekend, Hin Bus Depot would transform into Hin Market, a buzzing community event with handmade crafts, vintage clothes, and so much good food.
A must-visit if you love creative spaces with a strong local vibe.
Chapter 4: Tamil Penang & Thiapusam
Penang’s Tamil culture is most alive in Little India, a colourful neighbourhood in George Town filled with spice shops, sari stores, and temples.
George Town's murals get more localized representing Tamil symbols as you make your way into Little India.
One of the most symbolic acts in Tamil culture is breaking coconuts, representing the surrendering of one’s ego at God’s feet.
I was blessed enough to be in town during Thaipusam, a Hindu Tamil festival that celebrates the victory of Murugan, the god of war. 2025’s Thaipusam celebration was the biggest yet with 2.5 million people attending.
Devotees dressed in yellow made their way to Waterfall Hilltop Balathandayuthapani Temple, carrying offerings and even performing extreme acts of devotion like body piercings.
The energy was colourful, intense, and powerful.
Chapter 5: Chinese Penang & Chap Goh Mei
Penang’s Chinese influence is even stronger than its Tamil roots, visible in everything from the temples to the Clan Jetties.
The Clan Jetties are stilted wooden villages along the waterfront, originally built to house Chinese labourers during British rule. Each jetty belonged to a different Chinese clan, and they’re still standing today.
On Chap Goh Mei, the final night of Lunar New Year, I made my way to Kek Lok Si, Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple.
Chap Goh Mei is all about letting go and moving forward. It’s when families take down their New Year decorations and replace them with red lanterns to mark the first full moon of the year.
Seeing Kek Lok Si illuminated that night was nothing short of magical.
Chapter 6: Penang Hill & The Habitat
Though uber touristy, Penang Hill was a cheesy, gimmicky escape with a good view of the Penang.
What really made the trip worth it, though, was The Habitat, a rainforest discovery centre tucked away from the crowds.
It’s an eco-conscious escape into lush greenery, and for a moment, it felt like I had the entire forest to myself.
And That’s A Wrap!
Thanks for scrolling through my photobook of Penang - I hope you enjoyed this little slice of my solo trip!
If Penang is on your radar, I’ve linked some awesome tours and experiences below from my partners at GetYourGuide.
Quick heads-up: if you book through my links, I may earn a small referral commission – at no extra cost to you. But rest assured, every penny goes straight back into this blog and my next solo adventure. Thanks!
