Featured photo credit: Jason Lee
A culinary haven packed as the second smallest Malaysian state, Penang makes a pleasant destination for a solo traveller. While teeming with heritage and nature spots, it’s also among the most urbanised areas in the country, offering just the right balance of convenience and adventure. So if you’re planning to visit Penang alone, here are the best solo tours to make the most of it:
What better way to embrace solitude than to surround yourself with nature? Witness Penang Hill through The Habitat, an ecotourism facility nestled in a 130-million-year-old rainforest. Solo travellers can well tour the area with “naturalists” to guide you along its trails. Look for straightforward walking paths — the most iconic being the centuries-old nature trail built by the British East India Company. You can also trek up the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, which offers a panoramic view of Penang Island from its highest peak.
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| The Habitat Penang Hill, Jalan Bukit Bendera, Bukit Bendera, Penang, Malaysia |
Photo credit: KeongDaGreat
If you’re travelling alone, exploring Penang at a leisurely pace makes all the difference. Walk the streets of George Town and discover its colourful history and heritage, still wrapped in vestiges of British colonialism. Half a day of strolling around the city can bring you to numerous historical establishments, including Fort Cornwallis, Queen Victoria Clock Tower, and the Penang High Court. We recommend booking an official tour so you can hear about George Town culture first-hand.
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| George Town, Penang |
Photo credit: TheDoe
George Town overflows with curious tourist spots, some harder to reach by foot. So, hop on a bicycle and ride across the city. Take a tour of the Theraveda and Mahayana Buddhist temples (if you’re pressed for time, make sure to visit Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia).
Check out the old, multicultural communities in Penang: Kampung Siam serves as a home to Thai ex-pats and Siamese descendants and holds the glorious Thai temple, Wat Chayamangkalaram. Meanwhile, Kampong Serani is a Eurasian neighbourhood that has retained its Serani characteristics despite urbanisation. Millionaire’s Row is also a stone’s throw away from the city centre, especially through the bike lane.
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| George Town, Penang |
Going on a food crawl in Penang is always a great idea. But having a knowledgeable host to guide you through its flavours? Even better. Food tours in George Town offer an unforgettable perspective of the area, introducing you to the culturally diverse tastes shaped by Malay, Indian, Thai, and Chinese influences. Hawker stalls and outdoor markets flourish with luscious dishes (don’t miss the char kway teow!). Local cocktail bars never disappoint, either.
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| 1, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia |
Marked with vibrant streets and heritage gems, George Town not only provides a culturally immersive experience; it also makes for an impeccable photo walk. Good news for solo travellers: The city has professional photographers who specialise in portrait shots. You no longer need to worry about bothering strangers; these photographers will direct your poses, take candid shots, and, of course, walk you through the picturesque spots of George Town.
Whether you want to explore its luxuriant forests, scrumptious food, or colourful heritage, Penang has all the guided tours to show you the way. So pack your bags, solo travellers: an unforgettable vacation awaits you.
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| Love Lane, Chulia Street, 10450 Georgetown Penang |
