Ballin’ On A Budget: 3D2N In Penang For Under $260!

The long weekend is approaching! What better way to spend the break than to unwind in the culinary capital of Malaysia, Penang? In this 72-hour budget trail of gastronomical pleasures and eye-boggling architectures, expect nothing less than the spicy savoury taste of Asam Laksa, an Instagrammable Cubopark and the majestic Kek Lok Si Pagoda looking over Penang.

Put on your sunglasses and slap some sun lotion on. Here’s an exclusive budget guide to every Singaporean’s desires combined into one, Penang.

Taking the plane to Penang is irrefutably the most comfortable and fastest mode of transportation. While the classic travel tip is to always book at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance, a quick search on Skyscanner and we managed to find prices as competitive as $67 (Scoot) for a direct return flight just 1 week before. Otherwise, most prices alternate between $88 and $93 by Jetstar, Scoot and AirAsia.

Cost: $67

Like all fussy Singaporeans, the last thing I would want to do is dragging my luggage across Penang or cabs not answering my calls. Luckily, Klook has a perfect solution for you! Avoid booking multiple cabs or worry over luggage space. Make sure to pre-book our airport-hotel transfers upon arriving at Penang Airport! Cut the chase and simply look for your designated driver. Also, This pick-up service caters to a maximum of 7 pax with a fixed price, no matter where your hotel is!

Cost: $29.09 (7 pax) / $4.14 per person

Although this is a budget itinerary, we Singaporeans will never settle unless we travel in style. With a plethora of hotels to choose from, you no longer have to scrimp on accommodations. These boutique hotels in Penang are not just chic, they’re cheap!

Chulia Heritage Hotel

Cost: Starting from $31/night (updated in July 2019)

Address: 380, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Kimberly Hotel Georgetown

Cost: Starting from $31/night (updated in July 2019)

Address: 26 G-01, Jalan Sungai Ujong, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang Malaysia

Cititel Express Penang Hotel

Cost: Starting from $52/night (updated in July 2019)

Address: No. 123, Nordin Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia 10300

Since prices are mostly dependent on availability, make sure to check out 10 other hotels that are as minimalistic and stylish as the ones above! Who knows? You may get lucky and clinch yourself a rare deal at a 4-star hotel!

Before you hit the road for Penang, do yourself a huge favour and book the Private Car Charter for day 2 and 3. Since this itinerary will bring you to the best spots all over Penang, having a personal car at your disposal ensures unnecessary time wasted on the road and a safe alternative from the angry traffic. Also, wave goodbye to the hot sweltering sun and say hello our all-time favourite: aircon!

Have a chat and your personal driver is more than willing to share top-notched local tips. Don’t just hear it from us! Check out the reviews vouched by travellers from all over the world.

Cost: $145.45 (7pax) / $20.78 per person

Total Cost: $41.56 per person (2 days)

Penang’s Assam Laksa is the perfect remedy to refuel after a flight. Your nose may drip and the spice may set flames to your mouth, but it is just SO SHIOK! One mouth of the tangy broth is enough to overwhelm your taste buds. Tinged with a refreshingly sour finish, each bowl brims with a thick sweet broth of prawn paste and chewy rice noodles. The RM 4.50 bowl of hot and spicy is garnished with some final finishing touches to bring out its authentic flavour – cucumber, chilli, pineapple and onions.

Cost: 4.5 RM ($1.50)

Address: Jalan Pasar, Paya Terubong, 11500 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operating Hours: 11.30am to 8pm

This majestic temple will blow your mind away! Known to be the biggest religious grounds in South East Asia, the Kek Lok Si Temple contains a rich history representative of the beliefs held dearly by the Chinese Buddhist.

Visit the temple during the Chinese New Year and be surprised by the stunning view of the Kek Lok Si Temple adorned with lavish decorations. Imagine thousands of red and yellow lanterns pinning the summer sky and fireworks illuminating the night sky. Truly, a majestic sight to behold.

Entrance fee: free

The Pagoda of Rama VI boasts 10,000 Buddhas congregated in a seven-storey high tower. One of the most interesting artefacts in Penang, this magnificent complex is split into 3 layers and is a product of 3 different cultures. The base of the Pagoda is carved in a Chinese style, followed by Thai at the centre, and a Burmese design crowns the structure.

Climb the pagoda to get a closer view at the exquisite craftwork and reward yourself with a moment of tranquil victory!

Entrance fee: RM 2 ($0.70)

#Klooktip: With a vast number of places to cover within the holy compound, why not spare yourself the trouble and simply book the Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing tour on Klook? Inclusive of the popular funicular train ticket (read on to find out!) and an expert tour guide, this tour is perfect if you’re a stranger to Penang’s beautiful architecture as well!

Address: 1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang, Malaysia

Operating Hours: 7am to 9pm daily

On days when Penang is scorched, locals would retreat to the lush green forest and seek refuge from its cooler weather and Penang Hill is perfect for that. The chilling weather is generally 5°C – 10°C colder at Penang Hill and is a much-deserved relief from the unforgiving sun.

There are 2 popular options to scale this hill; either by coach or by foot. If you’re looking to experience the funicular train, it could be a tad expensive. However, it may be a worthy trade-off for the extra time saved for the panoramic view up ahead.

Operating Hours: 6.30am to 11pm; Ticketing Counter closed at 10.30pm

Entrance Fee: RM 30 ($10) for adult, RM 5 ($1.70) for children ages 4 to 6, RM 5 ($1.70) for students with valid student cards

Much to most travellers’ surprise, the Penang Hill isn’t just a hill. Here are some exhilarating activities to join while you’re at the top of George Town!

Penang’s very own nature enclave of pitcher plants (or Nepenthes) is now known as the Monkey Cup Garden. The eccentric name came from frequent sightings of monkeys drinking off the pitchers. This rainforest is strewn with cunning carnivorous plants such as the Venus Flytrap and some 100 other species collected from all over the world. You can even find peculiar pitcher plants from Madagascar!

Operating hours: 9am to 6pm

Entrance Fee: RM 10 ($3.30)

You may have heard of the Love Lock bridge at Paris, but Penang’s very own version will get you swooning as well. While it is romantic to profess your love with flowers and gifts, the pain it takes when you break the bank is real.

#Klooktip: pre-purchase your very own lock beforehand. After all, why spend 25RM on an overpriced lock? Who says you have to spend a fortune to make bae happy?

Address: 11500 Bukit Bendera, Penang, Malaysia

Entrance fee: Free

Right at the heart of George Town hides an unflattering eatery. Don’t be fooled. Follow the crowd and you will be amazed by a duck-lectable variety of dishes like kway teow, porridge, and the classic duck rice. Strewn with duck intestines and liver, make sure to try both flavour palettes; dry and soup. The former is doused in a flavorful black sauce while the latter has a clear and fragrant aroma. For an average of RM 5, that’s $1.60 of very cheap goodness!

For more hawker delights, check out 17 of Penang’s Best Hawker Food Under RM 8!

Cost: RM 5 ($1.60)

Address: 115 Lebuh Melayu, Penang, 10300

Operating Hours: 6.30am to 3pm; 11.30am to 3pm (Sunday only)

Start the day afresh with Penang’s very own version of Wanton Mee at Chulia Street. While foodies may argue whether it is indeed the best Wanton Mee, it is hands down one of a kind. As compared to the Singaporean version, the dumplings are tightly wound, served with pink smoky char siew slices, and is basked in a generous portion of dark soy sauce. To top it off, it only cost RM 2.50 to RM 4.50! This nameless stall can be found outside the Regent furniture store.

Cost: RM 2.50 to RM 4.50 ($0.83 to $1.50)

Address: 300, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Apart from being recognized as Malaysia’s greatest food capital, Penang has also attracted an influx of tourists for its phenomenal art murals. In one of the most extraordinary collaborations dated in Penang’s history, London-trained Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic, transformed the walls of Penang into a masterpiece back in 2012. Gear up your camera and put on your most flattering clothes, here’s a must-visit picturesque hotspot worthy of your Instagram feed!

Entrance fee: Free

Address: 316, Beach Street Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

If you’ve been to Singapore’s Container Park at Punggol, South Korea’s Common Ground, or London’s Boxpark at Shoreditch, you will find Penang’s Cubopark oddly familiar. This container concept was a spur of creativity by entrepreneurs who wish to glamorize Penang. A seamless crossover between a chic modern vibe and a street food market, this landscaped container will revive your Instagram feed with a visual bang. Aside, check out an array of live performances and exclusive hand-made items made by local artists!

Make sure to come to Cubopark for their monthly Pasar Malam Nights happening every last weekend of the month. More than 60 stalls will grace the street market venue to keep your tummies satisfied.

Following the mad craving for Instagram shots, level up your social media game and Travel In Style With This Essential 3 Days Penang Itinerary!

Address: 6 Jalan Tanjung Tokong, 10470 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operating hours: 4pm to 2am

From fried tofu to crispy pizzas, sweet prawn broth to thick German sausages, at Northam Beach Cafe, you can feast on a plethora of cuisines right at the edge of a waterfront. Check out their irresistible crab dish fresh from Penang! With so much to feast on, expect a slice of heaven!

Despite its laidback Kopitiam style, the gorgeous view of the sea enhances the dining experience to that of a high-end resort. End the night with live music at 9pm and a pint of beer on hand!

Address: 58 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah Penang 10300

Operating Hours: 6pm to 11pm. Closed on Tuesday.

The Chew Jetty is a testament and a reminder of Penang’s history on Chinese immigration. One of the 6 clan jetties in Penang, it’s recent renovation turned it into a regular spot for tourists. However, when it comes to sunsets, chase the golden glow at Lim Jetty or Tan Jetty to avoid the crowd.

 

Snap yourself another Insta-worthy shot at Tan Jetty! Make sure to arrive at the jetty at around 7pm for a glorifying take like this.

Address: Weld Quay, 10300 George Town Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Entrance fee: Free

 

Aside from Peranakan museums, nyonya kuehs are an iconic treat you shouldn’t skip. Now that the Peranakan culture is mostly a thing for archaics, it can be a daunting task to find authentic and nyonya kuehs. Let me repeat: Not just kuehs, but nyonya kuehs. Lucky for you, we have done our research.

There are two stalls in Cecil Street Market that are hard to miss. From ang ku kueh to onde onde, there is an assortment of brightly coloured snacks to whet your appetite. Make sure to snag those kuehs before lunch because these sell out pretty quickly. First come, first serve!

The best part is these nyonya kuehs are a steal! Take these home for your loved ones to score extra brownie points.

Address: Cecil Street Market, Lebuh Cecil, George Town

Operating Hours: 7.30am to 7pm

The Hameediyah restaurant has been a part of Penang for more than 100 years! Locals and tourists have flocked here for their Indian Muslim infusion of Nasi Kandar. There is a melange of seafood, vegetables, biryani and the highly sought-after curry fish head as well. The taste of curry is heavily scented with in-house fresh spices and their dishes are as diverse as the heritage is in Penang.

Address: Lebuh Campbell George Town Penang

Operating Hours: 11am to 1pm; Closed on Friday

Cost: ~33.50 RM ($11.17)

Following a rewarding splurge on nyonya kuehs in the morning, continue your cultural expedition to the Penang Peranakan Mansion for a live tour of the Peranakan life. The museum documents a 19th-century Baba-Nyonya home graced with exquisite antiques and traditional artefacts.

Upon entering the mansion, the Peranakan museum will take you through different cultures within the Peranakan community; from western styled living rooms to luxurious Chinese glassware, it can be sensually stimulating and overwhelming for first-time visitors.

If you’re travelling in a group of 5, make sure to check in advance if free guided tours are available from 11.30pm to 3.30pm.

Address: 29 Church Street 10200, Penang, Malaysia

Entrance fee: RM 20 ($6.67) for adult, RM 10 ($3.33) for children, free for children below 5 years old

The humble origins of Little Penang Street Market began at a time when art was a luxurious commodity only for the rich. Within a group of friends, their fervent belief that the arts are for everyone spread into a wildfire. Across the years, it emerged to become a thriving street market business where stalls after stalls of local flavours dot along the streets instead. However, much like the Cubopark, you can still snag exquisite hand-made souvenirs and get awe-struck by brilliant street performances.

Address: Upper Road, 2, Jalan Penang 10300, Penang, Malaysia

Operating Hours: 10am to 6pm; only on last Sunday of every month