If you are a local Malaysian, you can either drive or take a public transport to Penang.

But what if you are taking a public transport like bus or airplane to Penang? How are you going to move around the island?

You can either rent a car with or without a driver, a bus or uses the e-hailing service.

When I traveled with my family to Penang earlier this year, I decided to book a private chartered car by KLOOK. I booked an 8 hours tour, so that we can travel in a group without hassle. This private service has all the bases covered including fuel costs and highway tolls.

In this case, you can either plan your itinerary or get suggestions from the professional driver. The driver contacted me a day before the travel date to know about my travel plans. Therefore we could plan our journey smoothly.

Driver was very punctual with the given time. We planned to start our journey at 10am. Driver arrived at 9.45am with Toyota Hiace which could easily fit up to 10 person. Other than that, the vehicle was clean and comfortable.

1) Kek Lok Si Temple

We decided to go Kek Lok Si Temple as our first stop because it is located further away from Georgetown. Distance was about 10km but traveling time may take about 30minutes depending on the road traffic.

Kek Lok Si Temple is a Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.

Above is the landscape view of a 30m height pagoda tiers with combination of Burmese, Thai and Chinese architectural style.

Kek Lok Si Temple is divided into 3 zones. Ground, Mid Section and Hilltop where you can see the tall statue of God of Mercy, Kuan Yin.

Driver drove us directly to mid section.

I wished for Health and Happiness.

If you are tired or have difficulty in climbing the steps, you can use the Incline Lift to Hilltop, the statue of Kuan Yin.

Ticket price for Incline Lift – RM3 per way (Adult), RM1.50 per way (Children below age 12).

The inclined lift moves gradually uphill. We enjoyed the ride which could also admire the beautiful view.

Indeed very beautiful. The 99ft bronze Kuan Yin statue with octagonal pavilion supported by 16 columns. It is the tallest Guanyin statue in the world.

A pond filled with Koi fishes.

The garden at hilltop here is breathtaking and relaxing…………..

…………….but the weather was too scorching hot.

There were also statues and benches resembles the 12 Chinese Zodiac.

(traveling downhill via inclined lift)

Kek Lok Si has changed so much (in a positive way) compared to the last time we came here.

Kek Lok Si Temple ,

11500 Ayer Itam, Penang

Contact No.: 04-8283317

2) Ayer Itam Assam Laksa

After Kek Lok Si Temple, we stop over Ayer Itam for the famous Assam Laksa. Same spot, same stall, same owner over the decades. You will never skip Assam Laksa when you come to Penang.

Although the flavors may not be as good as those early days, but still a satisfying bowl of Assam Laksa.

Clikc HERE to read in detail about Ayer Itam Assam Laksa.

Ayer Itam Assam Laksa
Jalan Pasar, Paya Terubong,
11500 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Operating Hours: Daily, 10.30am – 7pm

3) Teddyville Museum Penang

From Ayer Itam, we moved on to Teddyville Museum which is located at Batu Feringgi.

Distance was about 16km from Ayer Itam (approx. 30 minutes drive)

The adorable teddy bear museum which showcases Penang’s famous tourist destinations, food culture, historical events and things about Penang

Read my full review about Teddyville Museum HERE 🙂

Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang

Open Daily from 9am-6pm

4) Cecil Street Market 七条路巴刹

We wanted some authentic local Penang food. Hence the driver suggested this place.

I do understand that we had very little time in Penang. But this hawker centre has most of the local Penang food under one roof. Therefore it allows us to try varies dish. Furthermore this place is less tourist, affordable price and the food tasted good too.

Read from my earlier post HERE 🙂

Address: 40-48, Lebuh Cecil, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Open Daily from 7.30am – 7pm

5) Chew Jetty

“Clan Jetties form part of the Penang Heritage Trail. There used to be seven jetties until one was demolished by fire and now six remain. Billed as one of the last bastions of old Chinese settlements on the island, this waterfront society is home to houses on stilts of various Chinese clans. Located straight down from Lebuh Chulia (beside the Kapitan Kling Mosque) at Pengkalan Weld (Weld Quay), these water villages are over a century old. Each jetty is named after a Chinese clan – the Chew Jetty is the most tourist-friendly with the most stilt-houses.” (source from http://www.penang.ws/penang-attractions/clan-jetties.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001)

Along the wooden jetty, there are wooden houses on both left and right side. Small stalls are setup by house owners in front of their house.

Items sold here are mostly souvenirs, handmade crafts and little food.

There is this shop that sells Big Bowl Noodles. I’m quite interested to try, but all of us were still so full after makan at Cecil Street Market.

Spotted some interesting wall mural here.

The above mural themed ‘Folklore by the Sea’ painted based on the resident’s lifestyle during those days.

Walk towards the end, you will see the jetty. Boat ride service is available here.

It was quite interesting and a good experience. You could spend maybe around 1 hour here, stroll, take photos, and look see the environment here.

People suggested to come here during sunset for a beautiful view.

To read more information and history about Chew Jetty, click HERE.

Chew Jetty was our last destination before we ended our 8 hours tour. It was a fruitful day without having to rush.

Would you like to share where will you go in 8 hours?