Ever felt that deep, rumbling urge for adventure? The one that whispers, “Go, explore!”? Well, it’s time to listen! Kick off your epic road trip around Malaysia by heading North, where the states of Penang and Perak are waiting to spoil you rotten. Get ready for a thrilling mix of history, pulsating culture, and food so incredible it’ll make you want to applaud your plate.
Time to rev the engine, crank the playlist, and start a road trip around Malaysia that promises jaw-dropping views and flavours you’ll chase for years!
Penang: The Foodie’s Paradise & Pearl of the Orient
Image Credit: Penang360
First stop: the vibrant, bustling island of Penang! This gem is a sensory overload in the best way possible, offering so many amazing sights and stays, you might just have to extend your road trip around Malaysia a little longer.
Where to Drop Your Bags in Penang: From Grandeur to Gurney
Timeless Class at Eastern & Oriental Hotel
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For a taste of living history, check into the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel. Known simply as the “E&O,” this place has been oozing colonial elegance for over 138 years. Stepping inside feels like entering a glamorous time machine – a truly unique pearl in the heart of George Town.
Modern Seaside Sleek at Penang Marriott Hotel
Prefer a waterfront view? The Penang Marriott Hotel is perched on the famous Gurney Drive, offering stunning vistas of Gurney Bay. It’s a stylish hub for both work and play, and soon, it’ll have a cool new seafront park right next door!
PARKROYAL Penang Resort’s Beach Bliss
If your vision of a road trip around Malaysia involves waking up to the sound of waves, the PARKROYAL Penang Resort is your spot. It’s the perfect, sun-soaked base for exploring Penang’s food and heritage trails.
Penang’s Must-See Spots
George Town Street Art
Get ready for a playful treasure hunt! George Town’s iconic street art – from murals you can interact with to quirky iron caricatures – is an absolute must-do. Yes, some pieces show their age, but that’s part of the charm. Bring your camera and your best pose!
The Clan Jetties
Image Credit: Lexis Suites Penang
Take a tranquil peek into the past at the Clan Jetties. Established in the 1880s, these homes built on stilts were the entry point for early Chinese immigrants and are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For a truly serene experience, visit in the peaceful morning light and explore the six remaining jetties: Ong, Lim, Tan, Lee, Yeoh and Mixed Clan.
Eating Your Way Through Penang (Non-Negotiable!)
Penang isn’t called the “Food Capital of Malaysia” for nothing! These specialities are a mandatory detour on your road trip around Malaysia:
Nasi Kandar
Image Credit: Penang Foodie
This is a choose-your-own-adventure on a plate! Grab rice and then customise it with a dizzying array of up to 50 pre-cooked curries and dishes. Get them to drench it all in gravy (the ‘banjir’ style) for maximum flavour. Try the legendary Nasi Kandar Hameediyah!
Getting there:
Pasembur
Image Credit: George Town City
A colourful tower of crispy, deep-fried fritters, cut into bite-sized pieces and tossed with crunchy cucumber, bean sprouts and turnip strips. The magic? It’s all smothered in a rich, sweet and spicy peanut sauce. Utter perfection.
Cendol
Beat the tropical heat with this beloved Malaysian dessert. It’s a refreshing bowl of shaved ice, showered in creamy coconut milk, a thick drizzle of rich gula melaka (palm sugar syrup), and topped with soft, green pandan-flavoured jelly noodles. Pro-tip: the Teochew stall in that famous alleyway is a favourite!
Getting there:
Char Koay Teow
Head to Siam Road Char Koay Teow to taste what all the fuss is about. People happily queue for this single dish: flat rice noodles wok-fried over a searing fire, giving them that irresistible, smoky ‘wok hei’ (charcoal aroma). It’s simple, perfect and utterly addictive.
Getting there:
Perak Heritage, Hot Springs and Hidden Gems
Next up on your incredible road trip around Malaysia, point your car towards Perak! The capital, Ipoh, and its surrounding areas offer a fantastic mix of historical exploration, stunning natural retreats and a unique culinary scene that easily holds its own against Penang’s.
Where to Recharge in Perak: City Chic or Natural Escape
Urban Style at AC Hotels by Marriott Ipoh
In the heart of Ipoh, the AC Hotels by Marriott Ipoh offers a stylish European-inspired home base. It’s perfectly located to explore Ipoh’s landmarks, famous for its colonial architecture and history from the tin-mining boom era.
The Ultimate Retreat at The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
Need a luxurious escape? Drive to the breathtaking The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat. Tucked away in a secret valley, surrounded by ancient limestone hills and geothermal springs, this sanctuary offers 44 private villas. You can sink into your own private plunge pool or soak in a geothermal whirlpool. Bonus: It houses Jeff’s Cellar, a unique wine bar carved right into a 260-million-year-old limestone hill!
Perak’s Exciting Adventures
Concubine Lane (Ipoh)
Image Credit: Malay Mail
This nostalgic street has become a must-see! Lined with charming cafes, souvenir shops, and dessert houses, it buzzes with energy on the weekends – perfect for a lively stroll and souvenir hunting.
Lost World of Tambun (Ipoh)
An action-packed stop for a fun road trip around Malaysia! Surrounded by lush jungle and incredible 400-million-year-old limestone features, this wonderland is the only theme park in Southeast Asia that features natural hot springs alongside seven amazing attraction parks.
Orang Utan Island (Taiping)
Image Credit: Viator
Take a short detour to Taiping for a heartwarming stop at Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island. This conservation centre is dedicated to the care and research of these gentle creatures. It’s a wonderful chance to explore nature and learn what makes orangutans so special.
Must-Savour Perak Eats
Perak has its own signature dishes that you must include in your road trip around Malaysia itinerary:
Nasi Ganja (Ipoh)
Image Credit: M Boutique Hotel
Coined by locals for its insanely addictive nature, this is Perak’s version of nasi kandar. Head to the famous Kedai Kopi Yong Suan for a rustic, legendary plate drenched in curry and topped with their renowned ayam merah (red chicken) and a salted egg. You’ll be hooked!
Getting there:
Ipoh Chicken Rice
Image Credit: Tripadvisor
The classic spot is Lou Wong. Their signature dish is simple but perfect: silky steamed chicken and juicy, crunchy bean sprouts. It’s a satisfying, flavourful plate, even on a hot day!
Getting there:
Ipoh White Coffee
Image Credit: Masters of Malaysian Cuisine
This coffee is all about a smoother, less acidic flavour profile. The beans are roasted with margarine at a lower temperature, resulting in a light colour and a wonderfully aromatic brew. Typically served sweet with condensed milk, it’s the mellow yet robust perfect partner to soft-boiled eggs and toast!
Your Northern road trip around Malaysia is a journey into the heart of the country’s heritage and culinary soul. So, which Penang cendol stall or Perak hot spring will be your first stop?
