Singapore is packed, while neighboring Penang has prices from a decade ago—and the food is amazing

Singapore is beautiful, but the cost of living is painful. A friend insisted I check out Penang—a World Heritage old town filled with murals and shophouses. A bowl of prawn noodles costs around MYR 10–20, and you can stay in a century-old heritage house turned guesthouse for just over MYR 200. I stayed for three days, and all I want to say is: to those who urged me to go to Singapore, what exactly did you miss out on? 🧡 · -- ✨Reasons I was happy to stay · Free mural tours: George Town is a World Heritage site, with hundreds of murals and iron art installations hidden in the streets and alleys. The most famous is "Kids on Bicycle." Rent a bike and explore slowly; I took dozens of photos in just half a day 📸 · Street food for around MYR 10–20 per person: Penang has 74 Michelin-recommended restaurants, many of which are street stalls. The broth of the Hokkien prawn mee is rich, the Char Kway Teow is full of "wok hei," and the Cendol is sweet and refreshing. You can eat until you're stuffed for very little money · Heritage stays are worth it: George Town's old town is full of Nanyang-style shophouses and colorful old houses. Stay at the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion) or Seven Terraces, and you can experience old-time Nanyang life for just over MYR 200 per person 🗓️Two days and one night (slow-paced version) Day 1: George Town mural street > Clan Jetties to see the stilt houses > Pinang Peranakan Mansion to learn about Nyonya culture > Evening funicular ride up Penang Hill for the panoramic view Day 2: Kek Lok Si Temple to see the largest Guanyin statue in Southeast Asia > Batu Ferringhi beach to catch the breeze and eat seafood > Return 🍜What to eat Hokkien prawn mee, Char Kway Teow, Asam Laksa, Cendol, Nyonya kuih. You can eat your fill at any street stall for MYR 10–20 per person 📌Know before you go · Fly into Penang Airport. A Grab ride to the city center is about MYR 20. Walking or renting a bike is the most convenient way to get around the city · Most street stalls only accept cash, so keep some small change on you · It's hot and humid all year round, so bring sunscreen and a small fan. You need to cover your shoulders and knees when entering temples Penang is a place where you can leave the hustle and bustle of Singapore to others and keep the slow Nanyang lifestyle for yourself. Plan your weekend trip before it gets crowded 🌴