George Town is Penang’s main tourist draw. Its city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—with its charming, old-world shophouses and handsome colonial structures. Its popularity with tourists skyrocketed in 2012 when street art and wall murals started appearing along its age-old walls.

When you mention Penang, the first thing that comes to mind, besides food, is the UNESCO World Heritage inscribed city of Central George Town—it is the state’s claim to fame. But Penang is huge, and there are other places on the island worth visiting, like the suburbs of Tanjung Bungah and Tanjung Tokong—both off-the-radar places for tourism that can be explored for a day, or even half a day. Perfect for people who’ve already ticked all the places to see in George Town or those looking for a side trip from Batu Ferringhi.

We just had bowls of delicious curry mee—that’s just how it is when in Penang—and it was almost evening when we wended our way back to our hotel. Located right in the midst of George Town, warm lights now illuminate its handsome colonial façade, contrasting beautifully with the electric hues of early twilight. The George Penang, indeed lives up to its name, it really does look gorgeous.

Besides eating local street food on Penang’s numerous hawker centers and small eateries, we also got to try out a few restaurants serving international dishes on the island. This is usually when we go out with Blissfulguro’s uncle and aunt who actually lives in Penang. Since they’re really not too keen on street food, to the malls and restaurants we usually go.

It was the eve of our month-long tri-country trip with our toddler—our first out of the country with the kid. There was still hesitation within me, knowing how hard this trip would probably be—our son being at the peak of his Energizer Bunny phase. But crossing fingers, we are indeed pushing ahead with Backpacking With A Kid 2023.