Our time in Penang, Malaysia, was an unforgettable mix of culture, adventure, good friends, and seriously good food. We kicked things off in style with a great apartment—modern, super comfortable, and best of all, it had an infinity pool that overlooked the city. It quickly became our go-to spot to escape the relentless heat and unwind after full-on days.
We were lucky enough to catch up with some friends from New Zealand while we were there, which added an extra layer of fun to the experience. Penang feels like a crossroads of history and creativity, and nowhere is that more obvious than in George Town. On our first day, we ambitiously set out to explore the old town on foot… in the middle of the day… under the blazing sun. It was hot. Way too hot. But every step revealed something new—beautiful old colonial buildings, quirky architecture, and vibrant street art hiding around every corner.
One of the most magical moments came during an evening rickshaw ride through George Town. As we cruised the streets, taking in the murals and alleyways, we stumbled upon none other than Alex Face, the Bangkok-based street artist, finishing off a brand new piece. Watching him work, just by chance, was one of those travel moments that sticks.
The trip was packed with little surprises like that. A visit to the Floating Mosque was unexpectedly eye-opening. We were welcomed in and learned more about Islamic traditions and daily life—it was peaceful and grounding, and gave us a deeper appreciation for the culture around us.
And then there was the food. Honestly, every day in Penang felt like a culinary pilgrimage. From fiery laksa to smoky char kway teow cooked in roadside woks, we couldn’t go wrong. Even the simplest dishes were bursting with flavour. If we weren’t exploring, we were eating—or talking about what we were going to eat next.
For a change of pace, we spent a day at ESCAPE, Penang’s wild and creative outdoor theme park. It’s home to the world’s longest water slide and the biggest tipping bucket on the planet. It was a full-on day of splashing, climbing, sliding, and laughing.
Somehow, we also found time to check out a little bouldering gym, which turned out to be a first for them—they’d never had New Zealanders climb there before. It felt good to get a bit of movement in between all the street food and sightseeing.
Another major highlight was Penang Hill. We took the funicular railway up for views and a cool breeze, then made the decision to walk all the way back down. It was a jungle trail full of surprises—playful squirrels, monkeys (including two having an unashamedly educational moment), and even a deadly centipede slithering across our path. By the time we reached the bottom, we were exhausted, drenched in sweat, and absolutely parched—but buzzing from the experience.
We ended our days the best way possible: back in that incredible infinity pool, swimming as the sun dipped below the city skyline, before heading out for yet another meal we’d probably talk about for weeks.
Penang gave us a mix of everything—sweat, spice, street art, old friends, new surprises, and a few monkeys doing things we didn’t expect to see. It was raw and real and packed full of colour.
Next Malaysian adventure: the cooler highlands of Cameron, where we’re promised misty tea plantations, quiet hikes, and hopefully, a break from the heat.
