Mia or others who know Penang, I have a few questions.

I am considering adding Penang to the end of my 5 week SE Asia trip. I have 6 full days to explore. Is that enough time to get a good feel for the area?

Is a visit to Ipoh worthwhile?

Is it safe to hike in the surrounding mountains alone as a female?

I would prefer the colonial area over beaches but I will take a trip to a beach. Which one would you suggest? I prefer quiet remote beaches.

I haven't had time to research Malaysia because I just decided to explore that possibility yesterday and I leave in 9 days!

Any additional insight about Penang would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

ttt

eurotraveller:
Check out the post on What to Do in Penang by "TravelTwiddle".. he wrote some very in-depth and very useful tips/touristy places/off the beaten track sites in Penang. I am very impressed with the post

I haven't been to Ipoh for yonks but its main claim to fame is excellent Cantonese food. And the cave temples. Not a place where there is much for tourists. Penang on the other hand has a lot to offer. 6 full days is plenty of time. There are some beautiful islands but they are on the east coast eg Pulau Redand, Perhentian etc. Also a drive along the east coast where Malay villages are dotted is also recommended. Beware of monsoons though. Hills? You mean Penang Hill or Cameron Highlands, Fraser Hill? Penang Hill is quite safe to climb (if you don't wander away from known trails) during the day but beware the heat and humidity is horrible. Personally I would not go trekking on Cameron Highlands or Fraser Hill unless it's a popular trail. Info on hiking Penang Hill: http://www.tourismpenang.gov.my/article.cfm?id=74
Frsaer Hill: http://wikitravel.org/en/Fraser's_Hill
Fraser Hill
My advice if you're visiting Malaysia is not to go hiking but to enjoy the food and culture and the islands.

I meant Pulau Redang.