The Side of Penang Tourists Skip

Why is no one here? We swapped George Town's busy heritage streets for Balik Pulau, the quiet "back of the island" side of Penang, Malaysia, that most tourists skip completely. Come and do nothing with us for the day. No rushing, just wandering a sleepy old town, sitting in a traditional kopitiam, and trying a bowl of Balik Pulau asam laksa, the sour, spicy fish noodle soup this area has been famous for since the 1960s. This is the slower, greener side of Penang: paddy fields, nutmeg and durian orchards, old shophouses, and everyday Malaysian life at its own pace. If you're planning a Penang trip with kids, or wondering what slow family travel in Malaysia actually feels like, this is a gentle look at the side of the island most people never see. WHO WE ARE We're the Tysons, a British family of four, travelling full time since January 2024, combining worldschooling with slow, sustainable travel. This channel is about showing what long term family travel really looks like, not just the highlights. 📍 Filmed in: Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Follow our journey: Instagram & TikTok @lifealongsidelauren 🌐 More stories & guides: lifealongsidelauren.com #Penang #BalikPulau #Malaysia #PenangFood #AsamLaksa #PenangLaksa #MalaysianFood #FamilyTravel #SlowTravel #TravelWithKids #FullTimeTravelFamily #PenangTravel