Just wrapped up an incredible journey to Penang and Langkawi,
Landed right at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day,
Every person I encountered was beaming with joy, wishing me a “Happy New Year”! The atmosphere was so vibrant and festive, it instantly lifted my spirits!
Now, I’m excited to share my 5-day adventure with you all👇
📅5-Day Itinerary
– 📍Day0: Touched down smoothly in Penang✈️, and as soon as I stepped off the plane, I was greeted by the warm embrace of this charming city. The air was buzzing with holiday cheer🏝️, and I couldn’t wait to dive into this exciting journey.
– 🚶♂️Day1: Kicked off the day with a leisurely stroll through Penang🚶♀️, meandering through the quaint streets and alleys.
Every nook and cranny seemed to whisper tales of the past📖, immersing me in the rich local culture and traditions.
– 🏝️Day2: Spent a blissful day by the sea in Langkawi🌊, basking in the gentle sea breeze and the soothing sounds of the waves. All my worries melted away. Later, I explored the charming Kuah Town, and in the evening, I set sail on a sunset cruise🌅, watching the sky transform into a canvas of orange and red hues.
– 🚤Day3: Embarked on an exhilarating island-hopping tour in Langkawi🚢, hopping from one stunning island to another. The crystal-clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches were simply breathtaking. In the evening, I settled in at a beachside bar, where I watched the sun dip below the horizon and enjoyed a spectacular fire show🔥.
The leaping flames and dazzling lights made for a magical night.
– 🌳Day4: Ventured into the mangroves of Langkawi🌴, taking a boat ride through the lush greenery. I had the chance to observe majestic eagles🦅, playful monkeys🐒, and elusive bats🦇, feeling like I was stepping into a hidden world of wildlife.
In the afternoon, I flew back to Penang, marking the end of my wonderful time in Langkawi.
– ⛰️Day5: Headed to Penang Hill🚠, riding the cable car up to the summit for a panoramic view of the city. The blend of urban and natural landscapes was truly stunning. I then visited the bustling weekend market, filled with colorful handmade crafts🎨 and a lively second-hand market brimming with affordable clothing👚.
After a long walk, I found a cozy spot to rest, savoring delicious food while enjoying live band performances🎸, making for a perfectly relaxing day.
💡Travel Tips
– Currency Exchange: Most stores in Penang and Langkawi accept Alipay, so you can confidently scan the red horse logo🐎 when you see it. My friends and I withdrew 500 cash, but we hardly used it; Grab is also linked to Alipay, making everything super convenient.
– Transportation: Use Grab for taxis🚕, and take advantage of the free CAT shuttle bus in George Town🚌.
Penang is compact enough to explore on foot; however, taxis in Langkawi tend to be a bit pricier.
– Accommodation: Staying in George Town in Penang is ideal for easy access to everything🚶♂️. In Langkawi, I chose Pantai Cenang, where I could step right out to the beach🌊.
– Local Specialties: The chocolate here is both affordable and delicious🍫, and there are plenty of cheap and tasty durians to indulge in🥭.
Penang and Langkawi sound amazing! The $2k budget seems doable for many travelers, and those New Year greetings right after landing sound so heartwarming. I’d love to explore the street food scene in Penang like you mentioned.