Asia Penang: What I Experienced and My Travel Advice

When people talk about must-visit spots in Asia, Penang always makes the list. Some even call it ‘Asia Penang’ because it feels like a mini version of the continent – food, culture, and history all packed into one beautiful island. As a Singaporean who loves quick getaways, Penang is one of those destinations that never disappoints. It’s just a short flight away, yet every time I visit, I feel like I’ve stepped into an entirely different world – a world that somehow captures the spirit of all of Asia on a single island.

From the smoky wok hei of char kway teow to the sight of colorful heritage shophouses in George Town, Penang feels like Asia in miniature. It’s the kind of place where history, food, and culture unite so seamlessly that even as a Singaporean, I find myself discovering something new each trip.

A Changi Ritual Before Penang

Like most Singaporeans, my trip to Penang began the moment I stepped into Changi Airport. There’s something about Changi that makes you feel like travel isn’t just about the destination because the airport here itself is part of the journey.

Walking through the bright halls of Terminal 2, I could see families heading off for holidays, solo travelers pulling their luggage, and the familiar mix of shops and eateries that make Changi so uniquely Singapore. The energy was alive, and I couldn’t help but feel excited knowing Penang was just a short flight away.

Before boarding, I did what I always do – grabbed a quick bite. No trip feels complete without a comforting plate of kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs and a hot cup of teh. It’s such a simple meal, yet it feels like home, and somehow the perfect way to “send off” before diving into the food paradise that is Penang.

At the counter, the staff were cheerfully handling orders as people queued for their kopi and snacks. I ordered my set, and soon enough, I was sitting down with the classic trio: crispy kaya toast, runny eggs drizzled with soy sauce, and a steaming cup of teh. The taste was warm, familiar, and distinctly Singaporean.

Kaya Toast, Eggs, and Teh

For me, no matter how many times I travel, there’s one ritual I can’t skip at Changi – sitting down for a set of kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and a steaming cup of teh. It’s such a simple meal, but it always hits differently. The toast is crispy on the outside, yet soft inside, with that generous layer of kaya and a slab of butter melting slowly between.

The soft-boiled eggs are another comfort. Crack them open, drizzle a little soy sauce, add a dash of pepper, and suddenly you’ve got this silky, savory mix that goes perfectly with the sweetness of the toast. And of course, the teh it was smooth and had just the right amount of sweetness.

Eating this at Changi feels like pressing pause before the rush of travel. It’s grounding. The flavors are so familiar, almost like a send-off hug from Singapore itself. I know that in a few hours I’ll be in Penang trying char kway teow and assam laksa, but starting the trip with kaya toast reminds me where I come from.

Boarding My Flight to Penang

With breakfast done, I made my way toward the gate, and there it was, my Singapore Airlines plane waiting on the tarmac. No matter how many times I fly, there is still something exciting about this moment. Watching the crew get everything ready, the luggage being loaded, and the jet bridge attached, I felt that familiar buzz of anticipation.

This was not just any flight since it was the start of a quick getaway to Penang. Even though it is only about an hour in the air, there is always a sense of adventure when you see that iconic Singapore Airlines logo waiting for you outside the window. It is very interesting how sometimes travel does not always have to be far or long.

Anyway as boarding was announced, I grabbed my bag and joined the line, excited to see what Penang had in store.

Arrival at Penang International Airport

Touching down in Penang always feels different from landing anywhere else. The pace slows down, the air feels warmer, and there’s this relaxed energy that instantly reminds you you’re no longer in the rush of Singapore. After collecting my luggage, I made my way to the pick-up area at Penang International Airport.

Like many travelers, I had to queue for a cab. The system is straightforward. All you need to is grab a ticket number, check the screen for your car details, and then wait your turn. It was a lovely combination of locals heading home and fellow tourists just arriving for their holidays, all with luggage piled high and anticipation written on their faces.

Standing there with my suitcase, watching the numbers on the screen, I felt the familiar mix of travel fatigue and excitement. Soon enough, my cab would arrive to take me into the heart of Penang, where the real adventure was about to begin.

Where Exactly Is Penang in Asia?

If you’ve never been to Penang, for your information it sits on Malaysia’s northwest coast. You’ll find it right along the Malacca Strait. For centuries, this made it a key stop for traders coming from India, China, the Middle East, and Europe.

That history still shows today. Penang Island (where George Town is) and the mainland part of Seberang Perai feel like living museums of Asia’s past. The best part? For us Singaporeans, it’s super accessible. It’s just a 1.5-hour flight, or even a drive up north if you’re up for a road trip.

In terms of location, Penang is pure Southeast Asia. But what makes it special is how it has absorbed influences from all over Asia and turned them into something uniquely its own.

Penang is Asia’s Street Food Capital

As much as I love Singapore’s hawker food, I’ll be the first to admit that Penang is in a league of its own when it comes to street food. It’s no wonder people call it the street food capital of Asia.

Take a stroll down Gurney Drive or Chulia Street, and you’ll be overwhelmed by the choices. Char kway teow fried with wok hei so intense it clings to every noodle. Assam laksa that’s tangy, spicy, and addictive. Nasi kandar with curries spilling over fluffy rice.

What strikes me most is how affordable everything still is. A few ringgit gets you a dish that could rival any “Asia’s 50 Best” restaurant. And unlike Singapore, where our food is often more polished, Penang’s version feels raw, messy, and bursting with character.

First Meal in Penang

My first stop in Penang was Little India, and the very first meal I had was a simple Indian thali. It came with soft chapati, dal curry, sambar with potatoes, a little biryani rice, and sides like yogurt and fresh chilies. The flavors were very rich and comforting, and it felt like the perfect way to begin my Penang food journey.

Penang’s Place in Asia’s Past & Future

George Town is one of my favorite cities in Asia because it feels like you are literally taking a walk through a history book that’s still alive and breathing.

The pastel shophouses remind me of our own heritage buildings in Singapore, but here they stretch on for blocks. Around one corner, you’ll find a Chinese clan house with intricate carvings. Around another, an Indian temple buzzing with prayers. And then suddenly, a colonial mansion appears in front of you, which of course instantly reminds you of Penang’s British chapter.

What makes it so fascinating is how all these pieces fit together.

What I love about Penang is how it balances old and new, tradition and of course modernity. Walking through Little India, you feel like you’ve stepped into a world where Bollywood music spills out from shops and colorful sarees hang by the storefronts. Yet just around the corner, you’ll find trendy cafés and modern shops that feel completely different.

On one hand, you have families still going to the same coffee shops they’ve visited for decades, sipping kopi and eating kaya toast. On the other, George Town has hip cafés filled with young people and digital nomads working on their laptops.

And the festivals here are honestly something else. Chinese New Year here feels bigger and louder, Thaipusam is intense and emotional, and Hari Raya lights up the streets with joy.

Why Penang Is a Must-Visit in Asia Today

If you’re Singaporean like me, you might sometimes take Penang for granted because it’s “just next door”. But the truth is, it’s one of the most complete travel experiences you can have in Asia due to a thousand reasons, including the following:

• The food is unbeatable. Street food that represents the whole of Asia, in one city.
• The culture is rich. You see Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Western influences everywhere you go.
• The history is alive. George Town is a museum as well as a living and breathing city.
• The trip is easy. Cheap flights, plenty of accommodation, and no language barriers for us.

Quick Tips for Visiting Penang

1. Use Grab: Whenever I’m in Malaysia be it Kuala Lumpur or Penang, Grab is my go-to. It’s cheap, reliable, and saves me the stress of negotiating with cab drivers.
2. Stay in George Town: I usually base myself here because it keeps me close to the food stalls, heritage streets, and evening buzz.
3. Carry some cash: On my last trip I realized quickly that many hawker stalls don’t take cards, so having small notes makes life easier.
4. Go early for hawker food: Some of the best dishes I’ve had in Penang sold out fast. Owing to this, I’ve learned not to wait too long.
5. Dress for the heat: Penang is hot and humid. You’d be doing yourself a great disservice if you underestimate the heat.
6. Hunt for street art: One of my favorite things to do is wander around George Town spotting murals. It’s free and always fun.
7. Respect the temples: Each time you find yourself in a temple, make sure to cover up and take off your shoes. It’s a simple sign of respect that locals appreciate.