Asia - Malaysia - Penang or Malacca?

I have a couple of extra days in Malaysia to kill. I wanted to see both Penang and Malacca but I don't have enough time for that. I'm fairly open to whatever. I've done all my shopping in KL so I'm looking for either beaches or cultural things to check out. Does anyone have any input on which of these two places we should go? Thanks!

Hi, haven't been to Penang so can't comment on it. Have been to Melacca though and thoroughy enjoyed it. It has a lot of history so if you're into old buildings and learning about the history of an area then you will enjoy being there. Also a lot of asian antique shops that are fun for browsing through.

Hi, haven't been to Penang so can't comment on it. Have been to Melacca though and thoroughy enjoyed it. It has a lot of history so if you're into old buildings and learning about the history of an area then you will enjoy being there. Also a lot of asian antique shops that are fun for browsing through.I haven't been to Malacca so can't comment on it. Have been to Penang though and thoroughly enjoyed it... (better stop getting dizzy).

Both cities have some common history as settlements of Straits Chinese and Peranakan. I beleive Penang may be more diverse (a mini Singapore) with significant ethnic Chinese, Malay and Indian populations. And you may find it easier to get to the beach n Penang.
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Have been to both (albeit almost 6 years ago).

I was underwhelmed by Malacca, but loved hanging out in Penang, the beaches were lovely, and the population as mentioned quite more diverse. The snake temple and old centre of Gerogetown were cultural enough for me there.

But maybe its because I was 22 years old, and didnt really have a true appreciation for the historic part of Malacca.

Penang Penang Penang. Have been to both, no nice beaches in Malacca. Penang beaches ok. Wasnt impressed with Malacca at all. Would u consider Langkawi? Excellent beaches. Very close to Penang.

I was underwhelmed by Malacca, but loved hanging out in Penang, the beaches were lovely, and the population as mentioned quite more diverse.

Penang Penang Penang. Have been to both, no nice beaches in Malacca. Penang beaches ok. Wasnt impressed with Malacca at all. Would u consider Langkawi? Excellent beaches. Very close to Penang.

Absolutely agree with both. While Melacca is a great place to spend a day in the hotel relaxing, or exploring the history of the place, Penang is where you want to be.

Penang Penang Penang. Have been to both, no nice beaches in Malacca. Penang beaches ok. Wasnt impressed with Malacca at all. Would u consider Langkawi? Excellent beaches. Very close to Penang.

Not to mention Penang food is ^

Thanks for all the input. I decided to go to Malacca this time as it was on the way to Singapore. Penang would have set us back around a day due to travel times. I'll be sure to hit up Penang the next time I'm in Malaysia.

Overall, I didn't think Malacca was that bad. Not much exciting stuff to do, but there were plenty of historic sites to see.

Thanks for reporting back on your experience!

FWIW, I have been to both Melaka and Penang (Penang just a few weeks ago), and I enjoyed Melaka much more than I did Penang.

I had some high expectations of Penang, but after 3 nights, I still didn't find the "good" food there. I did visit the beach, but I'm not much of a beach person, so I found it kind of boring. Penang was OK but I don't plan to visit again anytime soon. (It doesn't help that it's a bit out of the way.)

On the other hand, I enjoyed the historical and cultural sites in Melaka and had a fascinating guided tour of one fantastic museum there. I was only there for a day but would definitely visit Melaka again. And because I'm in Singapore and KL all the time, it's much more accessible than Penang.