Dorinda Gym

I’ve always believed that the best kind of celebrations are the small, meaningful ones — a good meal, a beautiful setting, and the right people. I’ve been exploring spots around the island that make me go, “Yes, I’d totally celebrate something here.”

These aren’t your typical travel-guide picks — they’re personal favourites I’ve either celebrated at, or would recommend for a cozy birthday, date night, or just because-it’s-Thursday-and-you-deserve-it dinner.

So if you’re looking for a place with good vibes and memorable food, here are my top 3 picks in Penang island for a special night out.

1. The Firewood

If I had to describe this place in one word, it would be: elegant. I remember being impressed the moment I stepped in — the lighting, the open kitchen, the little details. It has that “quiet luxury” feel without being too intimidating.

What stood out most was the food — I ordered steak as per usual and it was really impressive and easily one of the best steals I've had. 

It’s not a cheap meal, but if you're celebrating something meaningful, it’s worth the splurge.

More detailed post here. 

2. Fam Dining

I discovered this gem after doing some research on XHS. It was love at first post — moody lighting, intimate setup, and what looked like an 6-course meal with gorgeous plating. I knew I had to try it.

Dining here is like being invited to someone’s home where the chef just happens to be amazing. There’s no à la carte — you just trust the chef and enjoy each course as it comes. And it’s surprisingly calming not to have to choose anything.

3. Kool Kongsi 

Now this one’s totally different. Think artsy meets chill, perfect for birthday dinners with friends or something casual but memorable. It’s an open-concept space and little artistic corners you’ll want to photograph.

Food Recommendation: A Must-Try: Kongsi Bikini Sandwich. Further, the steak is surprisingly good — dip it in the egg before eating to elevate the flavour. Last but not least, don’t miss their Tiramisu! It was a delightful surprise and the perfect dessert to end the meal on a sweet note.

🎉 Best for: Group hangouts, casual celebrations, birthdays with friends
📍 Location: Hotel Mokoyozo Georgetown
📸 Tip: Go before sunset for the best lighting if you want pretty photos

I know Penang is full of amazing restaurants, and everyone has their own favourites. But these three places felt personal to me — the kind of spots where you forget to check your phone because the food, the people, and the moment feel just right.

If you’ve got your own go-to place for celebrating, I’d genuinely love to hear about it. Leave me a comment or DM me on IG — I’m always looking for my next excuse to dress up and dine out ✨

✨Bonus: 

If you're looking for a bar to chill after dinner, how about a Rooftop Bar tucked in Georgetown? Visit Sphere for a enjoyable night. Do note that it may be a bit hot since it is an open-air bar and doesn't come with AC. Might not be ideal if it's raining as well.

Well, I was lucky when I visited. Even managed to catch the sunset! 😍

 If you’re looking for a great place to unwind over amazing food, Firewood Penang is definitely worth checking out. I had dinner there recently, and honestly, it was one of the best meals I’ve had in a while. The warm, rustic vibe of the place made it even better—cozy lighting, the scent of wood-fire grilling in the air, and just an overall inviting atmosphere.

We kicked things off with their Firewood Chitose Tomato Soup, and wow, it was next-level. You know how some tomato soups can be a bit too tangy or watery? Not this one. It was rich, naturally sweet from the Chitose tomatoes, and had this smooth, velvety texture with a subtle smoky depth. Super comforting but also packed with flavor.

Just the usual blue sky weather in Penang

Updated!! Check out my VLOG below for more visuals =) 





I was back in Penang two weeks ago and of course I have to meet up with my NPY. We had so much fun and I cannot wait to share with guys and infect you with our happiness. Bear in mind, we didn't see each other for 10 months after I left Penang for Macau. We used to be 'twins' everyday during uni and suddenly both of us were so far apart.

Anyway let's get to it. Thanks to NPY who planned where to go. We only have time from breakfast till before dinner, so we had to slightly plan our route. Like any other tourist in Penang, time is very precious since Penang always have massive jams at the popular places. Check out the picture (which I painstakingly created) below to get an idea on how we traveled from a point to another point, along the way.


For the first stop, we wanted to go for Toh Soon for some Roti Bakar. We couldn't believe our eyes as our car drove by, there was literally a queue of 10 or more people by the road side. Gawd, as if we didn't have to pay or what. So we drove pass (haha!) and head for another place instead.

1. Roti Canai at Agryll Road
This is the place where I patronised for years already. They serve really good beef curry that goes so well with the plain roti canai. Other than that, the teh tarik is great as well. The meal was about RM20, cheap cheap but satisfying!

This roti canai is similar to Roti Prata in Singapore. For me, I think the bread itself is hard to go wrong. What's so special about it or what makes it stand out is the sauce/curry. Many other places serve curry that is watery and the meat is not fully seasoned.

Roti Canai Agryll Road had been here for more than ten years I believe. Everytime I come, the guy who takes the food order and the auntie who takes the drink order never fail to make me smile. I guess other than the awesome food, it's the sense of friendliness I see in them that keeps me coming back.

My favourite beef curry

Any spot can just be a vintage background in Penang, big love!

Thanks for letting me take great photos of you, and thanks for taking great photos for me too! <3 br="" nbsp="">

2. Paragon for some shopping
I missed walking in malls which offered clothes that I actually can buy (basically the brands in Macau's are like Chanel, Gucci, Bottega Venetta etc etc). Then there's Sephora where I bought a lip kit from NYX and I love it! Other friendly brands available here are HM, Cotton On, MONKI, Padini, Kitschen and etc. I didn't manage buy any clothes here but it felt really good when my best companion is with me to shop. Usually when I shop in Macau, I shop alone. When you have your bff with you, she can give you the honest review and some second thoughts that you might not think of.


3. BIBIS Fashion Cafe
Just opposite Paragon, is this Fashion/Cafe (we literally walked there). Basically, the shop has two sections, one part of it is the cafe and the other half is the boutique. I was a bit surprised when I entered the shop because it was less posh that what I have imagined in mind. Nevertheless, the food proved that the shop was worth the visit. Highly recommended! Awesome Carbonara, Egg Benedict and coffee.

They even have some areas in front of the shop for you to take some pictures, everything a girl needs! Great food + Places to take great pictures.

Look at the yolk oozingggggg

Goddess in the house

pose pose pose

A rare sight of an empty Kelawai road that can easily top the chart of  ROADS WITH WORST TRAFFIC JAM IN PENANG

Oh hi, do you see Perodua Kembara at the back? #onlyMalaysianswillknow

4. Batu Ferringhi Beach
The beach area in Penang is called Batu Ferringhi. I think it's beautiful and perfect for picnics and family gatherings. However, I don't think I will ever swim here because the water just doesn't look clean at all. Plus, there are too many people that won't stop staring at you in your swim wear. So no snorkelling or whatsoever since the water is cloudy and you won't see the fishes clearly. (Plus, there were few instances of stingrays bite) If you are looking at snorkelling, head to other islands like Pulau Redang or Pulau Perhentian.

PS: Just be careful as the people won't stop bugging you. And be alert as there might be some uncivilized people filming you.

Although there was some disturbance from these uncivilized people, we managed to enjoy our time here just like old times. Thank God we bought a picnic mat from Daiso, Gurney Paragon and therefore we could at least have a proper place to sit. The sand was not really soft as there were other things like stone, broken shells and etc in it. Ants were everywhere too, especially under the tree where we shade from.

The main sport activities here are banana boat, motor boat, and parasailing. I haven't tried the water sports before, but so far it seemed pretty safe. ALWAYS BARGAIN. This is very important, my friend told me she managed to bargain from RM 100 to RM 50 for the whole banana boat. There are plenty of companies out there trying to sell you their packages, so be CHOOSY, only go when you are okay with the price and trust your gut. If the person seems like untrustworthy, just walk away. Don’t be easily persuaded.