Malaysia: Our first impression of Penang
After our time in Thailand, our journey took us to Malaysia, more specifically to Penang - and we were thrilled from the start! At first glance, everything seemed different: more modern, more structured and a little less chaotic than our previous destination. But the journey to Penang was not without obstacles.
Arrival with obstacles:
The journey to Penang was exhausting and long, especially because of the border control. During passport control we briefly lost two members of our tour group. After almost an hour of frantic searching and much relief we luckily found them again - an experience we could have done without!
In the evening we finally arrived in Georgetown, the capital of Penang. Tired but excited about what was to come, we checked into our hotel - but not without confusion. The address we had was outdated and we thought the hotel no longer existed. After a short search, however, we found the new main entrance, just two doors down.
The hotel room was clean and comfortable, but there was one problem: it was right next to a busy street. The noise was so intense that we could hardly sleep. After this exhausting night, we moved to a hostel the next day, where we did work and travel for the next two weeks.
Work-and-Travel: Our stay in the hostel
The concept was simple: for about 4-5 hours of work per day and two days off per week, we got accommodation and the occasional meal - a great deal! Our tasks were straightforward and we had plenty of time to explore the city and its surroundings. This experience made our stay in Penang not only affordable but also incredibly exciting as we had the opportunity to experience hostel life from a whole new perspective.
Georgetown: A modern and open city
Georgetown, the heart of Penang, fascinated us immediately. The city is an exciting mix of tradition and modernity. Compared to Thailand, many things are better organized here. Traffic is calmer and more orderly, but crossing the street remains a challenge because drivers do not pay attention to pedestrians. Another big difference to Thailand is that most people actually follow traffic rules - a pleasant surprise!
Highlights in Georgetown
Little India
One of our first trips took us to Little India, a lively district full of colors, scents and music. The main street and the small side streets are decorated with lanterns and lights, and there are small shops everywhere selling everything from Indian spices to traditional clothing. The atmosphere was unique and the food was a real highlight - especially the curries and sweet snacks.
Street Art – Art on Every Corner
Georgetown is famous for its street art, and of course we didn't want to miss this highlight. Armed with a street art map, we set out to find the city's most famous works of art - and we were not disappointed. The works are not only impressive, but also incredibly creative and humorous. Many of the paintings interact with their surroundings, for example a child who appears to be climbing out of a real window.
We thought it was particularly great that all of these attractions were completely free. Unlike in Thailand, where you often have to pay to enter, in Georgetown you could explore in a relaxed manner without having to constantly think about your budget.
Penang Hill – A hike with a view
One of our wildest adventures was climbing the famous Penang Hill. Instead of taking the comfortable cog railway, we opted for the challenging climb through the jungle - and when I say jungle, I mean jungle! But it was worth it! Once at the top, we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the island. The view of the George Town skyline, the view of the sea, the green of the forests and the surrounding hills was simply breathtaking.
The Botanical Garden – Peace and Pure Nature
Another highlight was the visit to the Botanical Gardens. This green oasis offered us a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Between exotic plants, tropical trees and a variety of flowers, we were able to breathe deeply and enjoy nature in all its glory.
Botanical Spice Garden with Fish Spa
Visiting the Botanical Spice Garden was a real experience for the senses. While strolling through the garden, we not only learned all sorts of things about spice plants, but also had the opportunity to dip our feet in a fish spa. It was a mixture of relaxation and tingling as the little fish gently "worked" on our feet. Definitely an experience we won't forget anytime soon. (It absolutely tickled)
Butterfly Farm – An absolute highlight
The Butterfly Farm was undoubtedly one of our favourite destinations in Penang. Standing amongst hundreds of colourful butterflies fluttering around you was magical. Not only is the farm a beautiful place, but it is also informative - we learned a lot about the different species and their life cycles. This place is a must-see for any nature lover!
Traditional Chinese cuisine – a special experience
One of the best experiences on Penang was our visit to a traditional Chinese restaurant. Together with our beloved volunteer colleagues, we enjoyed the typical food sharing, where different dishes are placed in the middle of the table so that everyone can try them. It was not only a culinary delight, but also a moment of togetherness that we really appreciated.
Street Food Markets – An Explosion of Tastes
Of course, the street food markets cannot be left unmentioned! Penang is known for its street food, and we insisted on trying our way through the various stalls. Whether it was Char Kway Teow, Nasi Lemak or Penang Laksa - every bite was a revelation. The variety and quality of the food at the markets is unbeatable.
Open Mic at the Hostel – An evening full of talent and fun
A very special moment was our participation in the open mic evening at our hostel. From comedy to poetry to impressive singing performances, everything was there - including from us! The atmosphere was relaxed and warm, and it was great to be part of a community of travelers and locals sharing their talents.
Cat Café – A Paradise for Cat Lovers
One of our absolute highlights on Penang was a visit to a cozy cat café - a must for anyone who loves cats. The café was invitingly decorated, with cozy seating and play areas for the animals. In total, 12 beautiful cats lived there, including some unusual and rare breeds that immediately caught our eye.
At first the cats were a little skeptical and preferred to watch us from a safe distance. But after a short time they thawed out, approached curiously, played with us and even let us pet them. It was a great experience that made the connection between humans and animals wonderfully tangible. The calm atmosphere, the gentle purring of the cats and the relaxed mood made the visit a very special experience - perfect for unwinding.
Weather in Penang – Tropical, but wetter than Thailand
The weather in Malaysia, especially on Penang, is very similar to that in Thailand: tropically warm with temperatures often above 30 degrees Celsius. The difference, however, is the higher humidity , which makes the climate a little more oppressive. Short rain showers are particularly common in the evenings, which provide pleasant cooling. Despite the wetness, the weather remains consistently warm, and the showers usually pass quickly, so they hardly affect the trip.
The atmosphere – friendlier and more welcoming than expected
Although Thailand and Malaysia are geographical neighbors, we find the atmosphere in both countries to be surprisingly different. Malaysia feels more open, welcoming and homely to us. The people here greeted us with genuine friendliness and we felt less like someone was trying to "sell" us something - a welcome change from Thailand. This feeling of hospitality permeated our entire stay and made the time here all the more enjoyable.
What surprised us – homelessness and free offers
One thing that we unexpectedly noticed in Malaysia was the visible homelessness. Despite the obvious modernization and infrastructure, there are more homeless people on the streets than in Thailand, which surprised us a lot.
Another surprise, however, was extremely positive: many attractions and activities are free here - a rarity that we hardly knew from Thailand. For example, there is a free bus service in downtown Penang, which is perfect for exploring all the major attractions in comfort. This little convenience not only saved us money, but also gave us the feeling that the city welcomes its visitors.
A first impression of Malaysia:
Our stay in Penang gave us a great first impression of Malaysia. The city is not only clean and well organized, but also incredibly diverse. The mix of Indian, Chinese and Malay influences makes it a cultural melting pot that never ceased to surprise us.
We were particularly impressed by the openness and friendliness of the people in Georgetown. We didn't have the feeling that we were constantly being sold something or forced to do something - a refreshing change from Thailand. Although I would never have thought of traveling to Malaysia before, I would do it again and again.
Looking forward to Kuala Lumpur:
Penang was a perfect introduction to Malaysia. We were thrilled by the street art, cultural diversity and relaxed city life. Now we are excited to see what awaits us in Kuala Lumpur, our next stop. The Malaysian capital is said to be even more modern and vibrant - we can hardly wait to move on and experience new adventures!
Next stop: Kuala Lumpur
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