Apart from its cultural diversity, the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town, Penang, is also known for its rich cuisine. The state specialises in dishes like Nasi Kandar, Laksa, Pasembur, and Char Kway Teow, and one day isn’t enough to taste them all. If you’re trying to lose weight, you might feel doubtful about a trip to Penang, but what if I told you you could burn calories by walking around Penang while sampling the local food?
Rule 1: Reduce Your Portions & Share Your Meals
I know every dish in Penang looks tempting, especially on an empty stomach, but trust me—the generous portions of Nasi Kandar and soupy Laksa fill you up faster than you expect. It’s always wiser to order half a portion of rice (nasi separuh) and share dishes like oyster omelette and Cendol first, before adding more plates to your table (only if you really want to—or when you decide it’s your cheat day).
Rule 2: Walk Along Penang Hill Trails
While enjoying Penang’s cuisine, you should also explore Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) and its nearby attractions, either by hiking or brisk walking along the scenic trails. Don’t worry if you’re inexperienced—Penang Hill also offers a funicular train to make your ascent easier and quicker. Once at the top, more trails await to help you burn calories gradually but effectively.
One place I highly recommend is The Habitat Penang Hill, just a few minutes’ walk from the Funicular Top Station. It’s part of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, but what makes The Habitat special is its integration within the natural wildlife habitat, allowing visitors to observe flora and fauna up close without disturbing them. The top highlights of The Habitat include the Langur Way Canopy Walk, Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, and The Stable Cafe.
The Langur Way Canopy Walk is part of The Habitat’s 1.6-kilometre nature trail, and is the longest two-span stressed ribbon bridge in the world.
The Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk offers 360-degree panoramic views of Penang Island and tells the story of each historic building visible from the open-air high deck.
If you’re lucky, you might also spot incredible creatures around The Habitat Penang Hill.
The Habitat also offers a unique cafe experience at The Stable Cafe, surrounded by greenery and sunlight. It was originally a resting stable for the ponies that took visitors up the hill during the 1890s, and is now repurposed as a green cafe.
Why Penang Hill?
While Penang is world-famous for its street food and heritage dishes, a trip to Penang Hill offers a contrasting adventure that complements your culinary journey. Penang Hill provides a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and heat, transporting you into cool, crisp air and lush greenery after savouring Laksa, Char Kway Teow, and Nasi Kandar. As you stroll along the nature trails, you’ll begin to feel the benefits of light exercise—helping to digest your meal and burn off those well-earned calories.
Not only that, Penang Hill offers spectacular panoramic views of the island from the top and immerses you in its rich tapestry of history and nature. At The Habitat, you can learn about Penang’s history and contribute to efforts to conserve nature by simply participating in the nature walk. Through the rainforest canopy, you’ll find information boards on historic colonial buildings and fun facts about rainforest wildlife, making your trip even more meaningful.
Conclusion
In short, making time for Penang Hill provides a perfect balance to your Penang trip, turning it into a multisensory experience that blends taste, sight, and tranquillity. To enjoy Penang’s food without guilt, remember to reduce your portions and share your meals, then walk along Penang Hill’s scenic trails to gently burn calories while soaking in the beauty of nature. This balance allows you to savour every bite and keep your body refreshed.