DO
Fireworks – If you’re in Penang during the Chinese New Year (and you probably shouldn’t be unless you have to, because the city basically shuts down), you can watch a very impressive fireworks show at The Top, Penang’s tallest building.
Lion Dance – Another Chinese New Year thing — you’ll occasionally see a lion dancing ceremony at various businesses during the Chinese New Year.
Protestant Cemetery – The Protestant Cemetery in Penang is small but interesting.
EAT
Chicken Rice & Penang Laksa – This is a restaurant in the food court of the 1st Avenue Mall, and it’s not good.
Hameediya Tandoori House – Thanks to its large Indian population, there are some pretty outstanding Indian restaurants in Penang.
Joo Hooi Cafe – There are a few different vendors at Joo Hooi Cafe; the char kway teow is definitely worth trying.
Kafe Ping Hooi – The Hakkien prawn mee at Kafe Ping Hooi wasn’t mind-blowing, but it was tasty enough.
KFC – My experience at KFC in Malaysia was shockingly horrible.
Liang Sandwich Bar – The wraps at this place are mostly pretty generic — but they make them with a flaky scallion pancake, which is delightful.
Marrybrown – This is a Malaysian fast food chain that specializes in fried chicken. It’s fine.
Lor Mee – Lor Mee is a bowl of noodles that’s a Malaysian street food classic.
Penang Road Famous Chendol – Shaved ice desserts like this are just what the doctor ordered when it’s really hot outside in Penang (which is always).
Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul – This is more popular than Penang Road Famous Chendol, but not quite as good. It’s still quite refreshing, however.
Tong Lek 8 Cafe – The noodle soup at Tong Lek 8 Cafe is crazy delicious.