Good Friday in 2020: Plan a Short Weekend Getaway to Penang

Thanks to Good Friday, we will have a long weekend in April 2020 to look forward to!

Good Friday in 2020 falls on 10 April, which means we will get a long weekend of three days before we’re back in office on 13 April.

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of working life, why not plan a short weekend trip?

With Good Friday, you could easily pack your bags and scoot off for a 3-day-2-night retreat or apply for an additional day of leave on Monday for a 4-day-3-night vacation during the first quarter of 2020.

There are countless out-of-town locations you can visit in neighbouring territories for a break. One popular tourist hot spot for weary individuals is none other than the vibrant region of Penang.

Food paradise. Isle of the Betel Nut. Pearl of the Orient. Pulau Pinang. These are just a few monikers Penang is known for. The city is home to an abundance of attractions and activities for thrill-seekers or travellers who just need some breathing space.

Thinking of paying Penang a visit during Good Friday in 2020? We have compiled a list of interesting things to do in Penang for travellers who need a break. Take a look now!

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What to Eat in Penang

Penang is a gem for epicures of all sorts. Whether you want to experience authentic Malaysian flavours or you are just looking for some local delights to fill your tummy, we have highlighted below some of the must-visit places for foodies.

1. Gurney Drive Hawker Centre

Source: ThamKC/Shutterstock.com

If you want to indulge in the best of local street foods, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is where you need to be.

Located near the seaside, the hawker centre is the crème de la crème food hub for seafood lovers. Well-known for Char Kuay Teow, Assam Laksa and Indian Rojak, the area gets crowded at dusk with both locals and tourists.

As Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is located near Gurney Beach, you can catch the beautiful sunset while tasting assorted local delights.

2. Batu Ferringhi Night Market

Your experience of Malaysia is not complete without a trip to a night market! Among the things to do in Penang, visiting a bazaar is a must.

Regarded as one of the best night markets in Penang, Batu Ferringhi Night Market opens from dusk till late and comprises makeshift stalls selling a humongous quantity of street foods like Prawn Noodle Soup, satay, samosas and more.

Food aside, Batu Ferringhi Night Market is also well-known for commercial goods such as embroidered pillowcases and handcrafted jewellery sold at dirt cheap prices.

3. Macallum Street Night Market

While Macallum Street Night Market only opens on Mondays from 7pm to 11pm, it is still a hot spot for local and foreign foodies. One can savour a huge range of mouth-watering street eats like Fried Oyster, Lor Mee and more.

Since the night market only opens once a week, you can expect a lively crowd once dusk falls and the stalls open for business.

Places to Explore in Penang

Besides gastronomical delights, Penang also offers a surfeit of attractions for travellers who want to discover the city’s history and culture. Here are some of them:

1. The Blue Mansion

Remember how Jon M. Chu’s Crazy Rich Asians dominated the big screen? At the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, or The Blue Mansion, you can get your own “Crazy Rich Asians” experience!

The magnificent site was used as a backdrop for a mahjong battle between Eleanor Young and Rachel Chu (played by Michelle Yeoh and Constance Wu respectively) in the movie.

Regarded as one of George Town’s architectural jewels in the crown, The Blue Mansion provides daily tours for guests who want to learn about its rich history. One can look forward to jaw-dropping architecture and lavish interiors based on Cheong’s vision of a Hakka and Teochew-style living space.

2. Street Art of George Town

Source: Kattiya.L/Shutterstock.com

The streets of George Town take #instaworthy shots to a whole new level with wall paintings, sculptures and murals.

Thanks to the colourful and marvellous workmanship of Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic in 2012, the streets of George Town have become an attraction of their own. One could look forward to the renowned 20-feet painting of Little Girl in Blue along Muntri Street and Boy on a Bike at Lebuh Ah Quee. There are also artwork by various artists such as Julia Volchkova’s masterpiece of The Indian Boatman at Klang Street.

3. Penang Hill

If you are in the mood for trekking, you must pay a visit to Penang Hill.

Offering trekkers a moderate but rewarding climb, Penang Hill gives all an experience of the jungle with a spectacular view of the city. They can also catch a glimpse of Penang Hill Funicular Railway, which is considered the steepest tunnel track in the globe and the longest in Asia.

The climb is suitable for newbies too! There are several rest stops littered around the area for one to take a break.

Where to Shop in Penang

Shopaholics, rejoice! Penang has tons of shopping malls for travellers who need a little retail therapy.

1. Gurney Paragon

This nine-story mall houses more than 40 fashion boutiques. From luxury goods, perfumes and souvenirs to makeup and jewellery, Gurney Paragon is a shopaholic’s paradise!

Not to mention Gurney Paragon is also a 10-minute walk away from Gurney Hawker Centre. If you need to walk off the bloat after eating, pay Gurney Paragon a visit.

2. Prangin Mall

Source: Tang Yan Song/Shutterstock.com

Looking for a bargain? Street shops aren’t the only place to snap up a good deal.

Prangin Mall is a five-story shopping centre selling fashion and electronic goods at pocket-friendly prices. It is a popular shopping destination for tourists and locals.

On top of shopping, the mall also has an arcade on the highest floor.

3. Pulau Tikus Market

Take a break from Pulau Tikus Market’s gastronomical delights and partake in local street shopping!

Pulau Tikus Market is known as one of George Town’s best street markets. One can find various commercial goods from handbags and shoes to watches, ornaments and clothes.

Read more: Top 10 Things To Do in Langkawi For A Short Getaway

A Lively Destination for Scrumptious Food, Adventure, Scenery, History and Retail Therapy

Amidst hectic work schedules and looming deadlines, it is perfectly normal to feel burned out. If a night in the town or your own self-care routine isn’t helping much, perhaps a short getaway to Penang will do the trick.

Penang gives weary travellers a laid back getaway. With activities for all types of travellers, it is no wonder the city has become one of Malaysia’s top destinations. There are many things to do in Penang and we hope our guide gets you pumped up for the trip. Since Good Friday in 2020 is almost upon us, don’t waste this chance to take a well-deserved escape over the long weekend!

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