8 Reasons Why You Do NOT Want To Visit Penang
I have a confession. I really don’t understand why so many people are so crazy about Penang. With my clearest mind, I really can’t understand why there is so much tourist there. I have been there and yes, I have eight, yes, EIGHT reasons why you do not want to visit Penang.
1. There is literally nothing to do at all in Penang!
Can you imagine spending hours in this island holed up in your hotel room? I mean, where can I even go in Penang?
2. The beach is an eyesore.
Have you ever been to Penang’s beach? If yes, you would totally agree to the above statement. What a disappointment.
3. Penang lacks greenery! It’s a concrete jungle there!
Funny how some people actually think that Penang is very green. They will be in for a surprise.
4. Oh right, and they keep promoting the heritage buildings. Can you imagine how boring history can be?
We get you people! With high-tech buildings these days, why do you want to go visit these heritage buildings with their so called unique architecture and designs that you will not see elsewhere? Who likes old buildings anyway?
5. The most difficult thing to get in Penang: Food. And even if you do find them, there’s no variety!
Be very worried when you are in Penang. Food is hard to come by and there are not much for you to choose from anyway.
6. The walls are terribly vandalised and they are not doing anything to repair them!
The above are just two of the many examples of vandalised walls in Penang and they are everywhere! I am surprised they are not doing anything to repair it, maybe paint it back or something.
7. There is no place to hang out in Penang at night.
I’m pretty sure Gurney Drive, Karpal Singh Drive, Padang Kota, Straits Quay or even Queensbay Mall are not your cup of tea to hang out!
8. Penang is a dead city with no life.
They only organize dead activities like Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Dragon Boat Festival, Floral Festival, Art and Film Festival, Marathons and the list just goes on and on! Where are all the fun activities?
Have your own reason to “not” visit Penang? Drop it in the comment section below.
very smart tagline to catch reader’s attention ….hahaha
I hope you enjoyed reading it. 😉
And I hope you are not “offended” or anything.
I dont get it, the description and the photos are contradicting each other.
Somehow, it’s supposed to be that way. 😉
Yeah! Otherwise, no one will bother to read them 🙂
Thanks Peter! And I hope YOU enjoyed reading it. 🙂
Nice article!
Welcome those to visit what a “boring” Penang!
Lets hope they don’t be too “disappointed” right?
– Mike
Well done promoting Penang, we have been five times already and just love it, as you say there’s nothing to do ha ha so we will probably go another five times to be bored.xxxxx
Make that another FIFTEEN times! And welcome to Penang!
– Mike
that the WHOLE idea of this articles my griend hahahahha 😛
Love Penang. Best holiday ever. Will be back next year.
WELCOME!!! Please, feel free to visit Penang! The people are always inviting!
– Mike
Some people call it “irony”. The best you check the word in wikipedia…
Or any dictionary while people are at it. 🙂
– Mike
you need to be a bit “smarter” than you currently are, or you can just stop saying anything.
Ouchies. Those words “hurts” me a lot in fact.
– Mike
it’s called sarcasm.
Trust me, many people didn’t get it. 🙂
– Mike
Loved it. Nice touch of sarcasm there!
Sarcasm??? Where? 😉
Not agree
What don’t you agree on? 🙂 Please state it here and we can improve from there!
– Mike
you’re a sick person… if you don’t like than just don’t go.. but please do not insult other people!! although I been stay in KL almost 24 years… no matter how I from Penang.. so just shut up your mouth…
Author is speaking between lines. He meant the reverse of what he says with the photo that contradict what he says.
Ah! Thanks for understanding! 😀
– Mike
It is indeed… Seriously boring than any place & Penang having no life at all. Expected to enlighten by the cheong fatt tze mansion by paid sum of expensive entrance fees for so called maintenance fees & ended up listen to Aunty “ngam Cham” – whereby nothing to view and more restricted visit. Compared to Cheng Ho Mansion at Malacca with only cheap entrance – there’s more thing to see. Talking bout the food.. Nahhhh.. Overrated. Simply found taste better cheap food in KL and Malacca. Talk about the beach, I’m from Terengganu, they indeed overrated their so called beach.. The mural totally insane with staggered location. Penang just overrated.
Because you did not see the real Penang. Come again and get a real Penang-lang to bring you around.
I would love to! Hopefully some Penang-lang would volunteer! Either way, please feel free to read the article again from another angle!
– Mike
Can’t you see that Mike is only using the reverse psychology way to attract attention to his writing.
But I get scolded instead. 🙁
#writerlife #doingsomethingforpenang
I live in penang for 21 years too
I like penang and the culture
Trust us, we LOVE Penang too!
– Mike
You are not a smart person…
Ouch.
– Mike
Don’t you understand reverse psychology?
you’re a sick people… please do not insult other to comment Penang…
Mike,
Don’t you think you used too much indirect speech all the time, the full page !
I feel like boxing you when I read 1/2 way and wanted to leave your page !
Yes, you’re too offended to all the Penang Lang !
Ah gosh I would love to personally apologize to that. And please don’t punch me. 😀
– Mike
Penang is a nice place man!
I KNOW RIGHT BROOOO? 😀
– Mike
Your article is nice to read. 🙂
That is very kind of you. Thank you! 🙂
– Mike
LOL~! The comments are all negative but the photos are all positive!
Great article to attract people’s attention!
Thanks for the feedback Michelle! We love you!
– Mike
what about traffic,corruption,dirty lanes and street,spitting and gangs and robberies??
Gfy
The 1st thing I saw your ost is to bombar U ……………BUT then HAHAHA U got everyones attention !!!
!
Come on, don’t scold me. Pretty please? 🙂
– Mike
You are the BEST! We arrive in Penang by ship in 2 days and now I am even more excited than ever thanks to you! ❤️❤️❤️
Diane Powell
Canada
WELCOME TO MALAYSIA!!!
You will love our hospitality here! Trust me!
– Mike
I think it’s not true as per mention here since for me Penang is a nice place with peaceful environment
The same concept used by Oman.
You mean for the writing? 🙂
I m confused whether you really loved it here or irked by the downside of tourist spots..haha!
Hey Anonymous. Please. Take a deep breath. Mike loves Penang. And this is a very common type title to get people to click the link and read the blog post. And then they see the pictures and see how awesome Penang looks. And stop calling people “sick”. Sincerely, John from America
This man is either stupid or blind I guess,…
Or the joke just flew over your head
Yes, I do feel offended. Pls stop using this methis method to get attention.
You had me reading your article but very much not liking it.. well not a good way to catch readers 🙂
The sarcasm omggg
I hope you “hated” reading our writing! 😀
Reverse psychology…. Good one
Well, creativity have to come in a different way.
Yes its the current trend in advertising countries / places etc.
Marketing strategy
One that will be good for Penang 🙂
– Mike
I’m proud to be a Penangite thanks for the write-up and photos… very beautiful.
Trust me, it was my pleasure writing up the piece. A real pleasure!
Penang?? Boring?? U must be from the other planet…
Well, I am from Earth as well actually. 😉
– Mike
Haha! Good read and amazing pictures!
Makes me wanna pack up and go!
Do it!!! Seriously, just do it!!! Travel and travel and then travel more!
– Mike
Reversed psychology
I like how you used -ed behind reverse. It’s like it’s done reversing!
– Mike
Unfortunately, golfing is not another boring options in Penang unless we move to mainland
Golfing? PLease, do suggest us some driving range. 🙂
– Mike
3edgy5me
Sarcasm much. Nice 😉
Penangite here btw, and it is a colourful place!
Although I am not a Penangite, but I can vouch for your statement there Symone! Beautiful island, beautiful ppl as well!
– Mike
This is call reversed psychology. Very nice way of writing 🙂
THANKS! I hope you “hated” reading that!
– Mike
Awesome tagline there and yes… Penang is BORING @ (magnefico, stupendous, marvellous, full of every excitement and +ve feeling you’ve ever had)….!!!! I’m proud to say i’m a Penangite… Hahahaha….!!!!!
Hazel hazel… the adjectives you use are AMAZING! Gooooo Penang!!! 😀
– Mike
Who do you think you are Mike Chu….short sighted…can’t see beyond your toes! Haha…love your article and the beautiful pixs. You caught me there and I thought how dare you make such a statement about Penang! I must read…
Hahahaha! Not only read, share as well!
– Mike
I’ve been ‘totally bored’ at every single one of these places multiple times plus a few of your ‘boring places’ too, like Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si. The latest visit was this past weekend and I came home half a kilo heavier, despite walking everywhere. Thanks for being boring Penang, long may you continue. 🙂
Permission accepted and shall continue. 😀
– Mike
Very true, been living in penang for the past 26 years, what was then is very different from now. They only booming culture right now is all these cafe’s, boutique hotels and arts (world trend) . Penang has truly lost it’s essence. It has now adopted to a newer culture for the demand. Also career wise in technological industry is racially biased. I love penang but it’s not the same anymore just like any parts of the world. I miss the old days in penang. Things always change for a better or worst.
To other readers that commented that people don’t get sarcasm in this article. I get it, but back to the main headline Penang is pretty boring if you happened to live there long enough. I guess most of you have either moved on or only been to Penang for a short period.
After reading some of the comments, i am at a complete surprise on how some malaysians READ and DIGEST thing. The reason why people should start taking literature again. “Reading between lines”
The writer is delivering the positive fact in the opposite manner. He meant no bad intention.
Think people, read with BRAIN. unbelievable.
Aha! 😀 You understood!
– Mike
Hahaha!!! Nice piece. Tongue-in-cheek sarcasm to highlight the wonders of Penang by contradicting each reason with lovely scenes in Penang.
Glad you liked it! 🙂
Trust me, we enjoyed writing it as well!
In my point of view, to tell all readers sincerely, everything has its plus and minus. So, isn’t better to appreciate it rather than complaining it??
In my point of view, to tell all readers sincerely, everything has its plus and minus. So, isn’t it better to appreciate it rather than complaining??
Well written… I am a Penangite but I was not offended because I really wanted to know are there really reasons for not visiting Penang.. I am impressed!
I hope people believe how boring penang is and don’t come! Traffic is becoming horrendous during holidays!
I kinda feel you there. Really, I do. But it’s good for the economy! 😀
suat, strongly agreed with
your point. penang lang better stay at home during holidays. btw, nice pics!
The pictures are credits of a lot of photographers. But thank for the comment! Penang is indeed beautiful!
– Mike
I got the sarcasm but tbh, it was not very clear. Maybe that s why some ppl got confused. Anyways, can be improved on the writing style. For instance, the point on heritage, it really sounded extremely superficial, when it is true that not everyone appreciates history.
Got it! Thanks for the feedback! Time for some improvement for myself! 😀
– Mike
Mike .
I think you did a wonderful job 🙂
and you probably discovered another reason why everyone should visit Penang
ignorant, shallow minded people who get offended easily 🙂
they do come across hilarious with their “being offended” remarks
cheers .. your next ice kacang on me 🙂
YAYYYYYY! Ice kacang? Can I ask for Cendol at Penang street as well? I LOVE THAT PLACE!
– Mike
yes dont come to Penang…lousy place to come for a holiday….stay home.
the traffic jams are becoming longer and longer.
btw Mike Chu….great writeup..love the twist of words…thank you
i am a very proud Penanglang.
Thanks for the kind words Christina! You Penang people are super awesome! Thanks for being an amazing Malaysian!
– Mike
Lol i guess some forgot to read the article before posting a comment.
Nice one!
Yeah I guess so. Which explains why I got shot so badly. 🙁
#sad #wastryingmybest
– Mike
Marvellous!!! An unique way of propaganda. I think You should be Good in marketing products using this Matrix.
Thanks Leonard! Maybe marketing places would be a better word? 😀
– Mike
Lol. You got my attention reading this thing! This is so cool man! *Claps*
Ah thanks Bali! Kind words never fail to make my day! 😀
– Mike
Ya..don’t come pg please. Every facking school holidays we have to put up with the horrible traffic jams. The food prices also get driven up by these so called tourists who gets their heads chopped at places like gurney, new lane, northam beach and of course the “famous” lrg selamat char koay teow… All chopped head places no self respecting penangites will go. Luckily we still knows where are hidden gems are…lol. so stay away… Kthxbye
Sarcasm at it’s finests. But do refrain on doing that as some Malaysians might take it seriously. Keep up.
I’ll try to “refrain” myself. Or maybe not. We’ll see. 🙂
– Mike
That amount of sarcasm. Lmao
I’m glad you detected it! Not everyone did Anon, not everyone.
– Mike
Superb creative article! Enjoyed reading it very much and yes, I love Penang!
Thanks a lot for the kind feedback Cliff! We will continue churning out the good contents!
– Mike
only one reason why I didn’t read your article. Nothing to read 😀
Yeap, nothing to read here at all. NEXT!!
– Mike
i REALLY njoyed reading tis. ESPECIALLY d comments frm those who didn’t u’stand ur concept of “boring” Penang! 😉
The two sides of people are what makes it more funny! 😀
– Mike
Penang has the smoothest traffic and the best drivers in Malaysia..
I’m sorry, it’s true. *sweats*
whats the big deal in Penang?/yes food ,how much can one eat before you bang sai and do it all over again?/Gangs,dirtyplaces ,rude people,corrupt officers and always talk about who has got more money than others etc….
Hahaha it’s still depend what kind of lifestyle people wants, everywhere can be nice or not. Btw your writing is inspiring but I disagree your Point 5 (perhaps I’m just love Penang food :P)
Hahahaha Everywhere can be nice or not, depending on what kind of lifestyle people wants. Anyway your writing is inspiring but I disagree your point No 5 (perhaps I love Penang food so much 😛 )
Agree to disagree. 😉 I will personally look into it.
– Mike
Half way reading, I started to smile!
And when you are done, I hope you are not offended. 😉
its crazy…how come one small state have two bridges???
It’s simple. Because TWO is better than ONE!
– Mike
I LOVE IT!!!! NICE TAKE ON PENANG!!! ALL THOSE WHO DON’T LIKE IT – GET SOME HUMOUR PILLS OR SOMETHING!
LIGHTEN UP! SINCE WHEN HAVE WE STARTED TO TAKE OURSELVES SO SERIOUSLY! BY THE WAY, I AM FROM PENANG AND IF YOU KNOW PENANG LIKE I KNOW PENANG, YOU’LL KNOW THAT IT IS ANYTHING BUT BORING!!
I LOVE YOUR COMMENT SOPHINE! I REALLY DO!
– Mike
As an island-born authentic Anak Pulau Pinang, I am totally, absolutely, unapologetically offended. (Also, happily so.)
And I profusely apologize for that! 😀
– Mike
Nice write up Mike. Don’t bother to explain to others who don’t understand. Cheers
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you understood the message that I was trying to potray.
– Mike
Agree with the article but i dont think the title is relevant or suit the article.. i dont think anyone would think penang is boring… 10/10 local or foregin tourists will definitely want to visit penang if they hav the chance to come malaysia.. haha i know its suppose to be contradicting.. just my 2 cents. Great article and recommendations throughout !
More to come Eric, more to come. Please keep following us via Facebook! 🙂
– Mike
Agree with you, Mike. Penang is so “boring” that my boys became “disenchanted” with the place when they went to study there, and ended up working there, marrying there. They are so “bored” by everything in Penang that they now don’t want to to return to Brunei, their land of birth and their mama has to “drag” her old feet a couple of times a year to go visit them and the boring sights and eat the “lousy” food. Thank you “boring” Penang for giving them such a “boring” life that they can’t get themselves away.
Oh Martha! You crack me up!!!!! I hope you had a good time while you are in Penang, which, what am I saying, I am very sure you did!
– Mike
Nice post Mike..Ha ha very catchy post title indeed.
Well, just being “honest” there! 😀 Please feel free to share it out!
– Mike
Goes to show, A LOT of people dont read. So sayang,
Well… Okay I got no reply to this. 😀
I noticed you’ve done a bit of hiking. Have you ever tried the Teluk Bahang – Penang Hill trail? You start off from the Taman RImba Teluk Bahang (not the Taman Negara mind you, I got confused myself until the park ranger pointed the correct route to me). From there, Its an epic trek through 4 different hills I believe (Tiger Hill, Bukit Laksamana, Western Hill and finally Bukit Bendera herself). Total jungle time is 5-6 hours on average, with 45 mins walk on paved road at the top of Penang Hill. Its a pretty difficult trail, what with the various elevation differences, but its very well laid out and marked by the Jabatan Hutan guys. Not for beginners, but a good challenge for the fairly fit.
There’s another good trail leading up from Taman Negara Teluk Bahang itself, up to Bukit Batu Itam. That one is a moderate trail I would say. You can probably do it in 3-4 hours up and down. And, if you go down past the Hokkien cemetery, you’ll have a glimpse of quaint kampung houses and water buffaloes wallowing in the mud.
One thing that Penang should capitalise on is their outdoor activities (you posted up the Escape pic above, my daughter absolutely loves the place!). Its a very enjoyable way to do a bit of hiking, then at the end of the day sit down to a good meal. I’m too used to a comfy hotel bed and will avoid that night in the jungle thing if I can. But doing these treks up the Hill, then going back to your hotel for a nice bath and dinner… I can’t tink of a better way to spend your holidays.
I have never actually tried both the trail that you mentioned! Maybe I should. Sounds like a lot of fun actually! 🙂
Yes, I agree that Penang has to capitalise on their outdoor activity but the truth is, I think they are doing a real good job. The beaches are crowded, the trails are crowded and the streets are crowded as well during the holiday. The Penang government’s effort should be applauded.
– Mike
I recently had an interview with a company in Penang, but I am from the Philippines. Can somebody help me or probably write an article on budgeting (accommodation, travel, rent, food, shopping, and financial support to send to the Phil,savings) if I’d be earning RM 8,000/month
Good idea on a title. Maybe I can work on that for you. 🙂
Have you got the job confirmed yet by the way?
– Mike
Penang is a dump
Too, right. Just went to the joint. Penang Hill is about it. There are much better places to spend time at than this over polluted run down dump with a serious traffic problem to boot.
well,i think u r bored old man or homebody if u can’t find possitive things about Penang.
Hahahahaha! Ouchies! 😀
– Mike