As a foodie, Nicholas had three simple goals for his trip to Penang: hunt for delicious eateries, enjoy getting lost in the street mural maze, and shop till he drops with his fiancée! He relied on ChangiWiFi’s stable connectivity to navigate the street murals, find the best food recommendations on the go, and make secure online payments with ease.
DELICIOUS EATS
Finding trusted food recommendations can be challenging due to the questionable credibility of information shared online. To avoid overhyped suggestions, Nicholas used ChangiWiFi to cross-check details from multiple bloggers and Google Reviews.
Sister Yao’s Char Koay Kak
Char Koay Kak (stir-fry rice cake) is a popular Hokkien-influenced street food in Penang. “Their rice cake was crispy outside and soft inside, making every bite delightful. This roadside stall is Michelin Bib Gourmand listed. It’s best to reach before 10am to avoid going back empty stomach!” Nicholas remarks.
Ah Leng Char Koay Teow
Another “must-try” was Char Koay Teow (stir-fried flat rice noodles) from Ah Leng, as it was not oily, served with plump prawns, and has strong wok hei (smoky flavour and smell produced from high heat). It was so good that it made him crave another plate!
Penang Road Famous Laksa
Assam Laksa in Penang is packed with rich flavours. A sip of the tangy fish broth awakens your taste buds to sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors!
Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
You cannot visit Penang without trying their traditional sweet and savory desserts – Nyonya Kueh. This is the oldest shop in Penang, located behind a temple, and has been serving fresh Kuehs since 1933.
“Ang Ku Kueh with sweet mung bean filling was my favorite!” Nicholas shared.
Beautea@Kimberly Street
A milk tea hunt is a must for Nicholas and his fiancée! “I highly recommend this place because of their prominent tea fragrance, unlike other places where you can only taste the milk and sugar,” says Nicholas. White Peach Oolong Milk Tea is his personal favourite.
There’s air-conditioned seating, a good place to beat the heat and relax with a refreshing, fragrant tea after street mural hunting.
ICONIC MURALS & HERITAGE
Aside from its food, Penang is also known for its arts and culture. Nicholas and his fiancée visited Kek Lok Si, Umbrella Alley, and the street art installations. He was impressed with ChangWiFi’s stable network connectivity while enjoying the breathtaking view from the mountains at Kek Lok Si Temple and navigating street art locations with a mobile map.
Kek Lok Si
This iconic temple was the couple’s most memorable experience during their Penang trip. They highly recommend taking the inclined elevator and buggy rides (costing MYR 16 per person) to the hilltop to view the majestic bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy.
“The view of Penang was breathtaking!” says Nicholas. He adds that it’s a fantastic spot to capture Penang’s cityscape.
Nicholas shared that the entrance to Kek Lok Si Temple is just a short 10-minute walk from Air Itam Food Street. It’s best to enjoy a leisurely stroll to the temple after having brunch at Air Itam.
Penang Street Art
The iconic Penang Street Art murals, “Kids on Bicycle” and “Boy on Motorbike,” are must-visit attractions. These delicate paintings are skilfully drawn on walls in narrow alleys, giving them the charm of hidden treasures from the past, each with an interesting story behind it.
For a more comfortable experience, you can pay a small fee to ride on a rickshaw and be ferried around to the famous murals for photo opportunities. This way, you can save time and avoid walking long distances to locate all the artworks.
Notable murals include:
Mural #2a: Curry Mee Ah Mas
Mural #2b: Kids on Bicycle
Mural #2c: Boy on Motorbike
Umbrella Alley
This small alley on Armenian Street is the perfect spot to take Instagram-worthy photos of the numerous colorful umbrellas hanging above. It’s within walking distance from the street art murals – “Kids on Bicycle” and “Boy on Motorbike”. Worth a quick photo op!
LOCAL HAULS
Nicholas and his fiancée’s top shopping destinations are Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon, as both malls are larger and feature more renowned brands.
Bringing back souvenirs for family and friends is a must! Him Heang Sdn Bhd is an excellent spot to buy delicious local delicacies. “We love a good Chinese Horseshoe Biscuit (Beh Teh Saw — a malt-filled pastry) and Mung Bean Paste Pastry (Tau Sar Piah — a traditional Teochew-style pastry),” Nicholas shared.
From street art to bustling markets, Penang captivates with its rich heritage and flavours. Nicholas and his fiancée explored the island effortlessly thanks to ChangiWiFi’s reliable connection, discovering hidden gems and local delicacies at every turn. Whether you’re seeking Instagram-worthy murals, savouring hawker fare, or wandering through historic shophouses, Penang’s charm awaits – and with ChangiWiFi, you won’t miss a moment!
So, pack your bags, stay connected with ChangiWiFi, and get ready to create your own unforgettable memories in this beautiful city!
Check-out Nicholas’s footprints in Penang and start planning yours!
Other iRecommend Diaries
Check out our other iRecommend Club members’ stories:
- Rachel @ Hong Kong
- Jaime @ South Korea
- Catherine @ Japan
- Haryani @ Italy
- Nicholas @ Thailand
- Wendy @ Indonesia
- Sheem @ Taiwan
Keen to become an iRecommend Club member? Learn more here.
