penang tourist centre

Download Penang Travel Guide -->

Tourist Information Centre

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Penang

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The Malaysian state of Penang consists of an island and a peninsula connected to each other by the two longest bridges in the country. George Town, Penang's capital, has become a major tourist destination in Malaysia. Some of the main attractions are its colonial architecture; its connection to WWII; and its many green spaces, which include everything from formal botanical gardens to tropical jungle.

Sections of George Town have also been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites , in part because of their maritime urban settlements known as clan jetties.

If you're looking for ideas on how to spend your time once you get to Malaysia, see our list of top tourist attractions in Penang.

1. The Habitat Penang Hill

2. clan jetties, george town, 3. entopia by penang butterfly farm, 4. historical streets of george town, 5. fort cornwallis, 6. penang war museum, bukit batu maung, 7. batu ferringhi night market, 8. kek lok si temple, 9. penang national park, 10. penang hill funicular, bukit bendera, 11. penang botanic gardens, 12. street art in george town, 13. batu ferringhi beach, 14. khoo kongsi, 15. tanjung bungah floating mosque, where to stay in penang for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in penang, penang, malaysia - climate chart.

The Habitat Penang Hill is a rainforest experience that takes you into the heart of the jungle and lets you truly feel all the sounds, colors, and smells up close. Your first contact with nature is through the 1.6-kilometer-long nature trail, which cuts through the ancient forest, over rolling hills and far above the Andaman Sea-all of which you can see from several lookout points along the way.

For an even more stunning view of the surroundings, visitors can take the Langur Way Canopy Walk , 15 meters up in the air and 230 meters long, gently curving around and through the trees. Or they can try the ziplines for an up-close experience of the jungle.

For those wanting to catch a glimpse of George Town, as well as the surrounding jungle, nothing beats the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk , a circular platform with 360-degree views and the highest point on the island. Special tours guided by naturalists take place here as the sun sets, when you can see not only a stunning array of colors on the sky, but also catch a glimpse of giant flying red squirrels, bats, and the Penang gecko.

Official site: https://thehabitat.my

The Clan Jetties are one of the most significant historical areas in Penang-a traditional village consisting of structures and houses built on stilts right over the water.

Clan jetties are a very unique type of water settlement created by Chinese immigrants in the late 19 th century. Originally, they consisted of a single structure used as a sort of small warehouse where the loading and unloading of products and materials (including firewood, charcoal, and boat transportation) for a particular trade or industry happened.

Over the years, families (or clans) took over certain industries and unofficially claimed a certain area of the dock, with each clan getting bigger and building more huts along the way.

There are now six jetties on the waterfront-all of them still home to Chinese descendants and considered a historical reminder of the industries that helped shape Penang. While they are technically private property where families live, most of the jetties welcome visitors for a glimpse of their local temple, photos of the sunset over the water, and a nostalgic walk over the walkway surrounding the stilt-houses.

Entopia is Penang's new butterfly farm, a massive glass conservatory where over 15,000 free-flying butterflies live among waterfalls, lush tropical greenery, and re-created natural features.

Trails crisscross through the greenhouse, offering many chances to see butterflies in their natural element, including small caves, a wild garden, a backyard area, and more. Special events throughout the day allow visitors to interact with butterflies up close and learn about unique and rare species.

Entopia is divided into two main sections: Natureland and Cocoon. Natureland is a living garden vivarium that encompasses the main butterfly area, plus ponds and special areas where snapping turtles, frogs, iguanas, and a number of large insects live. Cocoon is Entopia's discovery center, where visitors can learn more about butterflies and participate in hands-on activities.

This two-story center also offers short nature-learning programs for both children and grown-ups.

Official site: http://www.entopia.com/

George Town, Panang's capital city, is a stunning mix of European and Asian influences. Over the past five centuries, the city has grown into a vibrant port town and tourist destination, but without losing the unique legacy that caused her to receive UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2008.

While George Town's architecture is impressive anywhere, the old streets around the Lebuh Acheh historical enclave hold the most significance-from old Chinese shophouses to British colonial mansions and clan houses to a number of temples representing several religions, these historical streets are fascinating to explore.

Among George Town's most significant historical buildings, you'll find the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion , one of only three mansions outside China built using traditional Feng Shui architectural principles, and an early 19th-century Chinese temple dedicated to the Goddess Kuan Yin. The Penang State Museum & Art Gallery , which explores Penang's past and cultural legacy, is a good stop if you want to better understand the importance of this area.

The best way to explore the historical area of George Town is to just walk around and appreciate the rows of wooden shutters, low shophouses, stucco buildings, and colorful details on the most unexpected structures.

Penang's most famous landmark is also the largest fort in the country. Although only one outer wall with cannons remains from the original 1786 bastion , there are enough structures left behind it to give you an idea of the massive size of the original fort.

Stroll through the well-cared-for green lawn to find the remains of prison cells, a chapel, and a storage area that was once used to keep ammunition. A bronze statue of Captain Francis Light, who originally ordered the building of the fort, welcomes visitors as they enter through the gate.

The fort never saw any actual combat, and it was mostly used as an administrative point. Over the years, additional buildings and statues were added, including a steel lighthouse with a design that resembles a ship's mast. While there are small exhibits throughout the fort that explain some of its history, the space is mostly used by locals as a park to spend a quiet afternoon in the sun.

This 20-acre outdoor living war museum in Penang sits on the former site of a 1930s British fort and gun armory. The fort failed to stop the invading Japanese army in WWII and suffered significant damage to its structure. It was later reconstructed and is now home to Southeast Asia's largest war museum and a memorial to the many men who suffered and died under occupation.

The museum's main attractions are all at least partially underground -some as deep as 10 meters under the Earth-and include ammunition bunkers, pillboxes (concrete posts or small fortifications used to hide when firing at the enemy), a communications center, and escape tunnels leading right to where the submarines once stood in wait.

On the surface, cannons, barrack blocks, and a number of photographs and testimonials bring the history of the place back to life. Visitors are welcome to explore the large fort on their own, experiencing the area as they see fit and discovering unexpected corners along the way-including walls riddled with bullet holes, a Japanese suicide vest, and a guillotine stand.

Open until midnight every day, this massive night market with over 100 stalls and tons of character is the perfect place to pick up traditional souvenirs, including batik prints, lacquer plates, and delicate paper lamps. There are also plenty of chances to find copies of famous clothes, watches and purses brands, as well as other small treasures.

Restaurants and food stalls line up the streets here as well, where you have a chance to try a number of delicacies, such as teochew chendol , shaved ice filled with green rice jelly and coconut milk.

Over a hundred years old and the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si is home to a seven-tiered pagoda, over 10,000 Buddha statues , and a 37-meter-tall bronze sculpture of Kuan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of compassion. Around the main statue-the tallest statue of Kuan Yin in the world-there are 100 smaller statues of the Goddess, each two meters tall. The temple is considered a main pilgrimage destination, and it attracts Buddhists from all over Southeast Asia.

The temple covers an area of over 12 hectares, reached after a three-kilometer hike and a steep walk up a stone staircase from the top of Penang Hill. Colorful prayer halls, beautifully manicured gardens, ponds with fish and turtles, and many lanterns line the way-the lights are particularly stunning the month following Chinese New Year, as they stay lit well into the night for four straight weeks.

Penang National Park might be one of the smallest in the world at just 23 square kilometers, but it still contains five very distinct habitats with over 400 different plant species. In addition to forests and mangroves, there is also a long stretch of seacoast here with timber trees lining up the white powdery sand and coastal habitat.

The park is famous for its many trails, which zigzag into the jungle and along the coastline towards landmarks such as the Muka Head lighthouse, which can only be reached by a steep trek up a hill at the end of Monkey Beach. All trails in the park have been left in their original condition, except for the addition of concrete steps and ropes in certain areas to help climbers continue on their way when the terrain gets too demanding.

There's also a 250-meter-long canopy walk off one of the trails, which allows visitors to step among the treetops, 15 meters in the air on a rope and wooden platform.

Built in 1923 and completely overhauled in 2010, the Penang Hill Railway-which has the world's steepest tunnel track -climbs Penang Hill and offers beautiful green open views over the city. While the original climb used to take around 30 minutes, it now takes anywhere between five and 25 minutes-the shortest time without stops and the longest if the cable car stops at the midway stations (only on request) on its way to the top.

Long gone are the wooden carriages with first- and second-class seating. Today, passengers can travel up the hill on modern air-conditioned trains that can carry 100 passengers at a time. Once at the top station, visitors can step onto viewing decks, check out a gallery, or enjoy a snack at the café or food court.

Official site: http://www.penanghill.gov.my/index.php/en/

Although the 30-hectare botanical garden is often referred to as "Waterfall Gardens," there's no actual waterfall within the park-the Penang waterfall is nearby but on private property and the only way to visit it is by joining a special monthly tour by a local non-governmental organization.

The park participates in research and conservation programs, but also offers a recreation environment where visitors can take to the trails for jungle trekking or jogging, explore the extensive tropical rainforest , or discover the many rare species of ferns, the herb garden, and the orchidarium housed here. Some of the hiking trails reach all the way up to Penang Hill, over an hour away.

Long-tailed macaques and black giant squirrels, as well as many species of butterflies, call the gardens home.

Most visitors don't realize George Town is a synonym with great street art until they start walking around and stumbling upon magnificent wall paintings as they turn an unsuspecting corner. It all started in 2012 with a Lithuanian artist painting six large murals, and things have grown quickly since then. Today, one of the most Instagranmable spots in town is the large "children on a bicycle" mural.

The art offers the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon walking around Old Town. Muntri Street and Ah Quee streets are particularly rich in murals, including the famous 20-foot-high Little Girl In Blue and Boy on a Bike , a mural that combines a stunning image of a boy wearing a helmet and an actual motorcycle set up against the building.

You don't have to go far to enjoy powdery soft sands and turquoise waters in Panang. In fact, Batu Ferringhi beach is just steps from the heart of the city, a perfect place to escape for a few hours if you want to soak in the sun's rays, try parasailing, or rent a kayak to explore the coastline.

Sitting alongside a busy road, the beach is lined with a mix of great accommodations, live music entertainment venues, and plenty of dining options. There's also a big night market here, where you'll find everything from basic souvenirs to handmade local textiles to Malaysian batik.

Khoo Kongsi is an ornate Chinese clanhouse. Historically, clanhouses were social organizations or partnerships formed by a group of Chinese immigrants that would collaborate and support their mutual welfare. As the largest clanhouse in Malaysia, Khoo Kongsi serves several purposes, including housing a theater, rowhouses for clan members to live in, and a temple where clan members can worship their ancestors. You could think of it as a miniature clan village.

Highly ornate and richly decorated in reds and golds, Khoo Kongsi is famous for its stunning sculptures of dragons and other beasts adorning the roof. Visitors are welcome, and there's a museum about the Khoo Kongsi Clan on the first floor of the temple. The Central Hall on the second floor, decorated with ink frescoes of legendary heroes, holds special celebrations during the Chinese New Year.

Despite being known as the "floating mosque," the white and blue Tanjung Bungah (which features an impressive towering minaret ) is actually built on pilings and stilts along Tanjung Bungah's beach. A beautiful terrace wrapping around parts of the building gives a 360-degree panoramic view over the open sea and the city of Penang.

If you arrive during high tide, the mosque does appear to float and offers the best photo opportunities. Outside of prayer times, you'll be offered a free tour of the inside.

Luxury Hotels:

• With a lobby resembling a modern art museum, the G Hotel Kelawai is Penang's most cutting-edge luxury hotel. Stylish rooms and suites have a contemporary vibe. Beds are comfy with high-thread-count linens and quality mattresses. If you're traveling with kids, there are interconnected rooms available. Amenities include three stylish restaurants, including on the rooftop. Here, you'll also find an infinity swimming pool with panoramic city views. The hotel's location on bustling Jalan Kelawai street is also appealing. It's near numerous attractions, restaurants, and shops.
• Hotel Equatorial Penang is another luxury option in a secluded location. The hotel sits on top of a hill about 10 minutes from the airport and a 20-minute drive from George Town. Choose from 412 rooms and suites, each elegantly furnished. Rooms have large windows with city, mountain, landmark, or pool views. On-site you'll find a few different restaurants, including one that does Chinese fare and another serving Japanese. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and a fitness center.
• Seven Terraces sits on one of Penang's most intact heritage streets in the center of George Town and walking distance from all its top attractions. The historic hotel is made up of seven Anglo Chinese terrace homes from the 19th-century. The rooms and suites have an elegant vibe and period decor. On-site amenities include a restaurant, free parking, and airport transport.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• For a very good-value luxury stay try The Light Hotel Penang . Rooms and suites come in a number of different categories. Book the Premier floors for access to the Executive Lounge. The hotel is family-friendly and offers things to do for children. Breakfast is also included in the rate. You'll also find a swimming pool, spa, steam room, and workout room on-site.
• Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion is a George Town property in a grand old mansion in the historic district. The rooms and suites here are spacious and decorated in period style. The family-friendly hotel has some kid-focused amenities, like children's TV networks and kids' menus at the restaurant. There is also a swimming pool with sun loungers on-site and bike rentals. Breakfast is complimentary.
• For a boutique mid-range hotel check out Campbell House . It has just 12 rooms done up in colonial style. The location in the heart of China Town in George Town is also excellent, and the hotel is walking distance from many attractions. Breakfast is included in the rate, walking tours of the city can be arranged, and there is a rooftop terrace to soak up the views of Penang.

Budget Hotels :

• Tune Hotel George Town Penang is a top budget choice. The very affordable hotel is in a central locale and has small but tidy rooms with TVs and safes. They also provide bottled water. Car hire can be arranged at the hotel. Other amenities include 24-hour check-in and security.
• Also try Reunion Residence for a good-value hotel. In the heart of George Town, it has just nine rooms, but these have an almost luxe vibe and are pretty spacious. There is free Wi-Fi and parking, and airport transport can be arranged.
• Walking distance from George Town's top attractions, HelicoNia Hotel is another budget option. Colorful rooms come in six different categories, including options for families traveling with kids. Rooms have balconies, as well as blackout curtains and work desks. There is 24-hour check-in, and if you need to store luggage, this is also an option.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

See More of Malaysia : Malaysia is a country of contrasts, a place where nature, history, and religion are part of everything. To learn more about the many things the country has to offer, take a look at our article, Best Places to Visit in Malaysia . If you're in the mood for a relaxing holiday, sand and coastlines await on the best beaches in Malaysia . For more on Malaysia's capital and the many exciting things to see and do, check out our article on the Top Tourist Attractions in Kuala Lumpur .

Pete Seaward

If there's a more thrilling cocktail of Asian cultures than in Penang, we've yet to find it. Penang has long served as the link between Asia’s great kingdoms and an important outlet to the markets of Europe and Western Asia. At its heart is diverse, cosmopolitan George Town, Penang Island's main city and an urban centre that delivers old-world Asia in spades, from trishaws pedalling past watermarked Chinese shophouses to blue joss smoke perfuming the air. The freshest aspects of modern culture are present, too, in the exceptional art scene and free-spirited carnivals, all fed by an infectious local enthusiasm for Penang's long history and kaleidoscope of cultures.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Blue Mansion

George Town

The most photographed building in George Town, this magnificent 38-room, 220-window mansion was built in the 1880s and rescued from ruin in the 1990s…

Penang National Park

At 23 sq km, this is Malaysia's smallest national park, but it's beach-fringed forests are home to silvered leaf monkeys, flying lemurs, leopard cats and…

Tropical Spice Garden

Facing a beautiful white-sand beach on the 101 bus route, this beautifully landscaped oasis preserves 500 species of tropical flora, spread across 200…

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Lovingly restored, this ostentatious, mint-green structure was one of the most stunning private residences in George Town. Every door, wall and archway is…

Kek Lok Si Temple

Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple is a colourful explosion of statues, pagodas and pavilions, cascading down a hillside in Air Itam, around 8km from the…

Khoo Kongsi

The most spectacular clanhouse in George Town, Khoo Kongsi is an explosion of colour. Intricate ceramic mosaics of immortals, carp and dragons dance…

Kuan Yin Teng

Dedicated to Kuan Yin, goddess of mercy, this temple is the liveliest place of worship in George Town. The current temple was built in the early 19th…

The Habitat

Bordering one of Penang's two virgin rainforest reserves, the spine of this fantastic addition to the Penang Hill experience is a finely crafted 1.6km…

Latest stories from Penang

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Family Travel

Sep 17, 2019 • 5 min read

Taking a toddler traveling can require some military-style planning. Selecting the right destination is key to ensuring you have a trip that works for the…

Sep 8, 2015 • 2 min read

Sep 10, 2011 • 3 min read

Jan 2, 2011 • 3 min read

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Penang with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Penang and beyond

Penang Travel Deals

|  08:06

Isle of the Betel

A Little About P e n a n g

The oldest portion of the city centre, George Town has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2008. Recognised as having a “unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia”.

Discover Best Attractions In Penang

This city is famous for its surrounding brilliant architecture, cultural heritage sites, historical parks, stunning beaches, lush green forest as well as endless food options.

The sculpture and mural arts interact in a local voice about the history of streets and the stories of its communities.

Places of Worship

The state has cultivated their respective beliefs and religious tolerance from then till now with its diverse places of worship.

Street Food

Penang is best known as the food capital of Malaysia, your food adventure is incomplete until you have tasted Penang’s street food.

Penang offers comprehensive accommodations to suit different needs and budgets, from luxury hotels, boutique hotels and serviced apartments, to budget hostels, beachfront guest houses, and exciting homestays.

Nature & Advantage

Embrace nature and immerse yourself in Penang’s nature tourism destinations, get around with the stunning sea scenery, rainforest and outdoor activities.

Heritage Zone

The intangible and tangible heritage of George Town is not only a vital contributing factor to the significance of the World Heritage Site, but it is also what gives the city its richness and vitality

Starts Planning for Your Penang Trip

years history

Penang is a vibrant State with its capital, George Town has been awarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Penang is the greatest tourism destination for people to visit with its blend of Eastern and Western influences.

Penang Hill

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Penang Botanical Garden

Penang National Park

Nine Emperor Gods Temple (Tow Boo Kong Temple)

Penang Snake Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple

Penang Bird Park

Minor Basilica of St. Anne

Communities in a local voice, steel-rod sculpture, popular street art.

The steel-rod caricatures retells the history of the streets and stories of its communities in a local voice. There are a total of 52 steel-rod ‘Sculptures at Work’ making the history of George Town interesting and easily grasped by visitors and residents, from young to old.

Mr Five Foot Way

Tok Tok Mee

“Yeoh” only

Penang Street Art has changed the atmosphere of George Town into a new life around the city. Mural arts have transformed the narrow streets into vibrant and engaging areas.

Little Children On Bicycle

Boy On Bike

Skippy Comes To Penang

Travel Tips

Before You Go

Accommodation

Penang Weather

Local Culture

Transportation

Penang Stories

Popular Cafes and Bars in Penang Right Now

The Lure of Balik Pulau Durians

Experience The Romantic Side of Penang

#My P e n a n g

Share your best Penang moment on instagram

About Penang Global Tourism

Set up to promote, market and generate tourism for the Penang State in Malaysia, Penang Global Tourism is a tourism bureau which serves as a focal point for coordinating all tourism activities. PGT, as it is affectionately known, works closely with various key tourism industry players locally and abroad. PGT participates in overseas sales missions at world-renowned trade shows, and the exposure has contributed to Penang’s popularity as a destination, investment and home of choice for many from around the world.

Penang Global Tourism

8B, First Floor The Whiteaways Arcade Lebuh Pantai,

George Town 10300 Penang, Malaysia.

Phone | +604 264 3456

Fax | +604 264 3455

Email | [email protected]

Tourist Information Centre

10, Ground Floor The Whiteaways Arcade Lebuh Pantai,

Georgetown 10300 Penang, Malaysia.

Phone | +604 263 1166

Operation Hours :

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

Sat 9am - 3pm

Sun 9am - 1pm

Penang Wedding Tourism | MICE | Cruise Tourism | Penang Medical Tourism (PMED) | StudyPENANG | Penang Accolades

• SEE & DO
• EAT & DRINK
• Penang Mainland
• Itineraries

60 Unmissable Things to Do in Penang: the Ultimate 2024 Penang Travel Guide

Here's a list of all the quintessential things to do in Penang as compiled after 10+ years living on the island. Don't trust any other website: this is the ultimate list you need to plan your perfect holiday on Malaysia's hippest island.

Penang is a small island, but it packs in a big number of great travel experiences. From peeking above the skyline from the top of 200-meters-high KOMTAR , to browsing the charming UNESCO-inscribed heritage streets of the city of George Town, admiring some of Asia’s best street art, relaxing on a beach , trendy Penang cafes, famous Penang restaurants , or losing yourself into a tropical jungle, “Penang has it all”, as locals like to say.

Here I’ve compiled  60 of my favourite things to do in Penang , all things I’ve personally done in my 13+ years living here. They include the most popular Penang attractions as well as ideas for where to go in Penang to get off the beaten track and see some interesting places. Trust me: you won’t find a more comprehensive & free Penang travel guide online!

I hear you: deciding what places to visit in Penang can be tough as there are so many choices of Penang attractions, but this article is the best place where to have a quick start and arrive with a clear idea of where to go in Penang so that you can hit the ground running.

The suggestions in my below Penang travel blog are organized into sections based on location and type of activities. You’ll have a George Town and Penang Hill section, a Famous Penang Attractions section, and an Offbeat Things to Do in Penang section for those who know the island well and want to experience something different.

To find out how to map out the below attractions for your visit, please start by seeing my articles on what to do in Penang in 3 days and visit George Town in 48 Hours . And if you are a night owl, here is a list of the best things to do in Penang at night .

Article Contents

Penang Travel Essentials

• Use Klook to get discounts and great deals for a lot of activities around Penang. I use it myself all the time.
• If you are looking to rent an apartment in Penang, start by reading my article on the best Penang Airbnbs .
• Penang has some great 5-star hotels and inexpensive boutique hotels for a special stay. But you can also find some great Penang Budget Hotels that are a great bang for your buck
• If you are a backpacker on a budget, I have a complete guide to backpacking in Penang
• If you are short on time, consider taking this half-day tour or this heritage tour .
• If you want a private car to take you around, check out this link
• There is much to learn about Penang food and Penang breakfast . There are some great cooking classes and food tours, like this and this street food jaunt
• If you are coming to Penang from Kuala Lumpur, check out this guide to know all the best ways to travel to Penang.
• If you want to discover the offbeat side of Penang, check out my complete guide to Balik Pulau .
• Likewise, there are many attractions in Seberang Perai that few people ever see.

When to Travel to Penang

Penang island lays in the tropical zone and is a destination you can visit year-round, regardless of the rainy season — roughly between September and December, but truth be told it never really rains all day, and it brings some respite to the heat.

But there are best months to visit Penang, for sure, depending specifically on the different festivals and religious celebrations you may witness. I have written a dedicated article to help you choose the best time to visit Penang .

And here you go, the list of the 60 Best Things to Do in Penang!

Best Things to Do in George Town, Penang

1 survey penang from the top of komtar.

At 232-meters of height, KOMTAR is the highest building in Penang and was extended in 2015 to reach 65 levels of height. I have written a guide to the many things to do at KOMTAR , the most popular of which is taking an elevator to the top floor to enjoy a walk on the Rainbow Skywalk, the highest glass bridge in Asia — not something you’ll want to try if you suffer vertigo. If you don’t, you may as well consider trying the Gravityz, an obstacle course with ziplines perched right outside one of KOMTAR’s top floors, and one of the highest sports platforms in all of Asia.

You can buy discounted Gravityz tickets on KLOOK here .

The views above George Town and Penang island from The TOP at Komtar are sublime, and the best time to come is right before sunset when the sun goes down, and the lights of the city flare up below you. There’s a restaurant here if you thought of bringing a date for a very special meal.

You can get discounted tickets for The TOP using this link — a good idea to avoid lines, especially on weekends.

2 Lose Yourself in Little India

In a way, Little India is the heart of George Town, set between Padang Kota and the Esplanade on one side, the Butterworth ferry on the other, all encased by the backpacker enclave of Chulia Street . There are many cool things to see and do in Penang Little India , from trinkets shops to some of the best Indian food island-wide. If you are craving for samosas, masala dosa, tandoori chicken, and all sorts of southern and northern Indian delicacies, you’ll certainly find more than a restaurant to tickle your fancy — and budget. Don’t miss Nasi Kandar , Penang local rice with curries, as Little India has some of the best.

Want to visit Little India on an atmospheric trishaw ride? Check out this 3 hours tour of George Town .

Don’t forget that Little India also has some important shrines, like the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, one of Penang’s main Indian shrines, and the Nagore Dargha Sheriff, the oldest Indian-Muslim shrine built in Penang. A visit to the last songkok-maker (traditional Muslim skullcaps) and the many goldsmiths here can provide hours, if not days, of exploration and entertainment. One district you shouldn’t miss.

3 Check out the famous Penang Street Art

Like it or not, Penang island has become better known for its Penang street art than its heritage. Well, what to do… we understand the modern man’s obsession with belonging and the Gram… The very first “murals” were a series of 50-something iron-rod caricatures realized to spruce up the most historical corners of the recently UNESCO-inscribed old George Town, but street art in Penang really exploded in 2012 after Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic created the “Mirror of George Town” series for the George Town Festival.

The 9 murals and installations depicted scenes of life on the island: the most famous today, “Little Children on a Bicycle”, was voted by the British newspaper the Guardian as one of the world’s best pieces of street art in 2013. The Insta-craze started shortly afterwards: it’s constantly repainted on the farther end of Armenian Street, where on weekends, hordes of tourists local and foreign literally queue up to get the same ol’ shot next to it like other millions of people have done before. Creativity, anyone?

I do believe that the commercialization and gentrification of Penang and the murals have ruined the local art scene , but some locals think otherwise. Regardless, any visit to George Town cannot be complete without having browsed at least a few of these popular murals. The wish is that the artworks would push tourists to understand and delve deeper into Penang’s history, but that’s, unfortunately, not something the average Joe on holiday wants. So go with an open mind and you know what to expect. Again, some of the art is stunning — it’s just us locals who have had enough, ahahah.

4 Try Penang Food at a Hawker Food Court

Penang was a food paradise well before Lonely Planet voted it as the best foodie destination in 2014. The variety and quality of Penang hakwer food (meaning, sold from a street cart, or inside of a hawker center, also called a food court) is mind-blowing and you really need time to get to try it all. I have written an article that lists the essential Penang food to get you started that’s a great help for those who don’t know what to eat here. But the best way is to simply trust your nose and gut, and go for what tickles your nostrils and eyes.

Even remaining in George Town, the choice is endless: from Chinese noodles of different kinds, like the popular char koaey teow, tasty curry mee , wan than mee, to Indian food and Malay nasi kandar, you won’t have to go far from your accommodation to find some great eats.

5 Visit the Clan Jetties

Set right on the water, the ancestral homes of the immigrant Chinese workers during Malaya’s colonial times have become somewhat of a tourist trap (avoid Chew Jetty on weekends), but they are a very scenic place, and a real opportunity to understand how life was in old Penang. History says that the Clan Jetties — each one called with one of the popular surnames of migrants from China, such as Tan, Chew, and Lee — were built to cleverly avoid paying a land tax imposed by the British colonial rulers. In fact, these big wooden homes are made on stilts over the water, so that their residents could have a reason not to pay the tax.

There has been a big deal of commercial gentrification going on here which someone called UNESCOcide , but a visit to the Clan Jetties really is a must. The homes have barely changed in a century, and the charm of walking above creaky wooden planks has remained unchanged. Until a few years ago, it was most charming to come here at night and soak the atmosphere, but as of late, the residents have imposed a 9 pm curfew to have some much-needed peace and quiet. Please respect that, but by all means, come here for a stroll — it’s within walking distance from the end of Armenian Street, where some of the most known Penang street murals are.

Want to get more out of this experience? Try this Penang self-guided audio tour , which includes a lot of history on the clan jetties.

6 Take a Trip on the iconic Penang Ferry

Penang Ferry opened in 1894 as the only link between Penang island and the railway to Singapore. Believe it or not, it’s still operating despite the two bridges connecting Penang island to Seberang Perai — the mainland part of Penang state.

Penang Ferry, now under the administration of Rapid Penang, remains a very romantic and interesting way to reach George Town for the first time. It’s a no-frills trip over a very basic ferry that reaches Penang in about 20 minutes — don’t expect any luxury, and bring a little sense of adventure.

Even if the original fleet has been substituted in the midst of 2020, this is the most interesting way to travel between the Malaysian mainland at Butterworth and George Town. I have already written a complete guide to taking the Penang Ferry so you may find all the timings, costs and details on that page. Rest assured that by floating across the Straits Sea, the view of George Town’s ever-growing skyline right in front of you, is an experience to have at least once on a visit to Penang island.

7 Visit one of Penang’s Night Markets

Food, trinkets, and cheery people: what’s best doing on an evening, after your fill of great Penang food such as the famous Penang Laksa? Night markets are simple yet celebrated places where you can get away from tourists and have a more down-to-earth local experience. This article tells you about the best Penang night markets , when they open, where they are, and what you can buy there. It’s best to go on a light stomach, so that you may enjoy a bowl of local food as you browse for home appliances — souvenirs are not sold around here.

8 Go for a Trishaw Ride

Trishaws were the main form of transportation in old Penang, and today, the 200-something last remaining trishaw drivers are a real living heritage. It may be a bit touristy, but sitting for a half hour or more as the man cycles you around town, oftentimes dispensing some insider secrets that only street-savvy men like himself know, is a delightful Penang experience.

To make sure you get a fair price and a trishaw at the best time to suit your holiday (consider that right before sunset, let’s say starting at 6.30 pm, is a very good time to see George Town switch gears into the night), we recommend you book your trishaw ride in advance using KLOOK at this link . Avoid surprises and get the best bang for your buck.

9 Have a night out at one of Penang’s famous speakeasy bars

We have already compiled a list of 30-something things to do in Penang at night , and visiting a speakeasy bar is definitely a good one. Fancy finding your drink by hitting a Wing Chun dummy like Ip Man, pushing a hidden partition in a dimly-lit shopfront, or maybe even entering through a refrigerator? Well, Penang has got you covered.

Exactly what it means, “speakeasy” hints at the world of hidden bars and secretly hushed entry passwords. The whole thing has been done to death in Penang, in the sense that now there are more secret bars than one can handle, BUT some of them are pretty good for a chilled night, and most make a fun surprise for friends who have come to meet you from outside town.

The first to launch the trend was Magazine 63 , an Old-China-themed bar with waiters dressed like Chinese coolies and booze served in traditional rice jars. There are many now, the most notable being Out of Nowhere, accessed by a refrigerator, the cool Backdoor Bodega, a really small and funky place that doesn’t sell drinks, but drink-themed pins, and 12 Senses, with its fun martial art-themed tricky entry stunt. Definitely try one if you feel like having a night out.

10 Party with Backpackers on Chulia Street and Love Lane

Once the thriving home of the Indian community of Penang and a lane for mistresses and prostitutes, the intersection of Lebuh Chulia and Love Lane is Penang’s equivalent to any cookie-cutter backpacker haven on Southeast Asia’s Banana Pancake Trail. It’s certainly OK for a night out: you’ll find plenty of bars and some of Penang’s most famous western restaurants , all peppered with coin laundromats and everything else a foreigner needs to feel closer to his kind and the comforts of home. But if it’s a local experience you are looking for, you may better look elsewhere — the majority of locals don’t really go drink here.

This said the place is OK for a stroll, grabbing a bite in a casual, shabby-chic atmosphere, and meeting travelers passing through.

11 Check out a Museum (or even 25, if you fancy…)

After street art, George Town has seen a proliferation of… museums. Yes: and there are more than we can remember. From the Wonderfood Museum, with its quirky larger-than-life replicas of Penang’s most famous dishes — a good place to go in Penang with Kids —, to the Ghost Museum and the Insta-focused 3D Trick Art Museum, where you’ll be able to reach the highest level of selfie enlightenment, the choice is endless — and often poor.

If there is one museum that we feel like recommending that has to be Penang House of Music , set inside of KOMTAR. Curated by local musician and connoisseur Paul Augustin, the House of Music offers a unique insight into another of Penang’s main creations: popular music. Did you know that P. Ramlee, the father of Malaysian pop music, was born in Penang? His legacy has inspired decades of Malaysian rock and roll, hard rock, rock kapak, metal and punk, and you’ll find all the roots here. Starting from traditional bangsawan to the age of the radio, the British influence, and the arrival of rock and roll, Penang House of Music is a delightful introduction to all things that rock in Malaysia. Don’t miss it.

Famous Penang Tourist Attractions you Should Visit

Given its rich history, Penang has a lot of important buildings, temples, and clan houses that testify to its rich ethnic and historical legacy. Many are in George Town, but other parts of the island also treasure some very stunning places you should try to visit.

12 Kek Lok Si Temple

Penang’s most striking temple is Kek Lok Si, perched on a side of Penang Hill, and hosting a 36.57mt-high statue of Goddess of Mercy Kwan Yin. It’s the largest Buddhist Temple in Malaysia and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia, and it’s particularly nice to visit right before Chinese New Year (in Jan/Feb every year) when it’s decorated with hundreds of beautiful red lanterns and colourful LED lights. For more information, read our ultimate guide to visiting Kek Lok Si Temple , and don’t forget to stop at Air Itam market to try one of Penang’s best laksa .

You can visit Kek Lok Si comfortably as part of this tour of George Town.

13 Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

The Blue Mansion of Penang tycoon millionaire Cheong Fatt Tze is a beautiful example of Straits Chinese architecture and one of George Town’s most iconic buildings. You can come here for a tour, but also eat at their fine dining restaurant Indigo, or stay overnight in one of their beautifully decorated rooms — certainly one very atmospheric way to spend a night in town.

The place is super photogenic and was used as a set for many films, which as of late include the popular mahjong scene in the blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians .

You can book a discounted tour of the mansion, a night stay, and included breakfast spread via our partners at KLOOK. Click here for details

14 Penang Peranakan Mansion

This green-hued heritage house in Little India is the place to come learn about the mixed ancestry of the Peranakan, or Baba-Nyonya — people of mixed Chinese and Malay blood. This 19th-century mansion has been now turned into a very interesting museum housing 1000-something objects and furniture of the time. This building also contains the Penang residence and office of Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee, who normally lived in Taiping , where you can see exquisite Chinese carved wooden doors and Scottish ironworks. A very interesting time journey to learn about a lesser-known Malaysian culture, and a very atmospheric place that, no wonder, is often hired out for events or used by local photographers to set up pre-wedding shoots in Penang .

Want to know more about Penang heritage with a knowledgeable local guide? Check out this perfect half-day tour .

15 Fort Cornwallis and the Esplanade

Perched on the easternmost corner of George Town along the walkable Esplanade, Fort Cornwallis was built in 1786 century by the East India Company helmed by Captain Francis Light to protect the island from attacks by the pirates of Kedah, on the opposite side of the coastline. It’s the largest standing fort found in Malaysia, although the cannons that can still be seen here never engaged in combat during its history. There is also a lighthouse next to it, the second oldest in Malaysia, which is an interesting sight to see.

These days the Fort has transformed into one of Georg Town’s best spots for an atmospheric drink. There’s a 5RM entry fee, but if you have a drink at any of the several bars and bistros, keep your receipt and you’ll exit free of charge. There’s also the fine-dining restaurant Kota where you can get a variety of foods, from high-tea to tapas, Western and Asian cuisine. The menu’s speciality is Baba-Nyonya style, and the ambience is casual chic — we believe it’s a better choice for a special dinner than an expensive afternoon drink.

Next to the fort is Padang Kota, a well-tended grass expanse next to a sea-facing walking promenade and Penang’s impressive colonial City Hall. This is a very nice place to come for a stroll or while away time at sunset. Many Malay families come here for picnics, too, so you may join in the fun.

16 Visit Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

The grandest Chinese clan house in Malaysia sits inside a courtyard off Lebuh Cannon and is one of Penang’s most important sights. It is a part of the goh tai seh (five big clans), the Khoos from Xiamen in the Fujian province of China, that formed the backbone of the Chinese immigrant community in Peninsular Malaysia. Located at the center of granite-paved Cannon Square, the clan house’s intricately carved pillars and gilded curved roof with four towering stone carvings are a real sight to behold.

These days, Khoo Kongsi can be visited with a small entry fee, and it is also often used as the backdrop for events such as lion dance on stilts or Chinese opera and martial arts showcases when access to Cannon Square is free of charge.

17 Take a peek at Southeast Asia’s Oldest Anglican Church

Sitting at the center of a well-manicured park at the end of Kapitan Keling Road, St. George Church is a 19th-century Anglican church and the oldest found in Southeast Asia. Opened in 1819, it celebrated 200 years of uninterrupted service in 2019.

A visit is very recommended: the church has an interesting neoclassical facade resembling a Greek temple topped by a pointed tower upon which the cross dominates above the quaint green surroundings. If you go inside, you’ll be able to walk on a mezzanine and see the whole building from a vantage position. The ancient organ here can still make some proud sounds, so try to time your visit during a service.

18 Visit Penang’s stunning Town Hall and City Hall

Set on the left side of Padang Kota, Penang City Hall dominates over the Esplanade with its white-washed Victorian facade, neo-baroque colonnades and arched windows, and a characteristic rooftop silhouette. Opened in 1903, today the Town Hall houses the Penang Island City Council offices and was built to expand the space of the adjacent Town Hall, completed in the 1880s. The Town Hall is George Town’s oldest municipal building, and back in the day also used to be the place where the ruling Europeans congregated for their social events. In 1999, the Town Hall was one of the settings for the movie Anna and the King .

Walking along this road today, you can’t avoid feeling a sense of grandeur as the two buildings, still in perfect condition, exude a prominent sense of history and are a delight to photograph, too.

19 Take a Stroll on Armenian Street

Armenian Street has become George Town’s tourist center, lined with all sorts of little trinket shops, art galleries, cafes, and the infamous “Little Children on a Bicycle” mural jotted at one of its ends. But come after dark, and the place still retains the charms it had just a decade ago: a beautiful narrow street punctuated by some of George Town’s most important clan houses and temples. Not counting the charming Armenian Park, a very nice green space to sit on a bench and ponder life passing by for a while.

Penang’s Armenian Street had great historical significance because, after starting as a Malay settlement, in the 19th century it changed into being inhabited by a majority of Armenian and Chinese, giving the area a distinct multi-cultural character that has come to define Penang. It was here that in 1910 Sun Yat-sen organized the Penang Conference in the house that today still functions as his memorial museum in Penang, raising the $8000 which served to topple the Qing Dynasty in China.

Don’t forget to visit the Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi, another beautiful Penang clan house that was recently renovated and has an ample garden and a double-story Chinese-temple-like main building, and the Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, also known as Poh Hock Seah , that traces back to 1844. Set inside a gated courtyard, this temple testifies to the history of the Penang Riots of 1867, open warfare on the streets that led the British to ban all Chinese clan associations as “secret societies”. On the ground floor of this temple, you can still see the concealed entry of a tunnel that members could use to leave or access the premises undisturbed. On the first floor, a wooden mezzanine towers above the courtyard and there’s a beautiful shrine to the patron deity Sin Long Siang Tay with wooden carvings painted in gold.

The Choo Chay Keong Temple — also fondly called Yap temple — set opposite the Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple on the corner of Cannon street is another remarkable building with intricately carved stone pillars and a striking emerald green gilded rooftop.

20 Pray at the Goddess of Mercy Temple

In George Town proper is the Goddess of Mercy temple on the edge of the very interesting Penang Little India . Fronted by a square where devotees go pray and light up joss sticks, it’s one of George Town’s oldest temples and was built in 1728.

Legend says that during the Japanese occupation of Penang in World War II, no bomb could ever destroy it because of the goddess Kwan Yin. Today it’s a great place in George Town to come see Chinese devotees pray and observe a whole world of characters, from the long-term beggars to the Hare Krishnas who bring them free food, to the old aunties selling joss sticks and predictions for the Chinese New Year ahead. It’s also very photogenic, too, with its open square and two ash burners that tower in front of the gates like black stone guardians.

21 See one of the world’s largest reclined Buddhas

Penang wouldn’t be the smorgasbord of cultures it is if it didn’t have at least one Thai Buddhist temple, and the Wat Chaiya Mangalaram in Pulau Tikus is the most important, oldest Malaysian Siamese temple in the state. The main feature here is the 32-meter-long reclined Buddha statue, one of the largest in the world, that lays over a columbarium where the burnt ashes of the cremated are housed. There are stupas and other colorful statues of Yaksha and other mythical creatures.

The temple is a focal point of Thai celebrations such as Songkran and Wesak Day in honour of Lord Buddha. Just in front of it is the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, another very important in Penang, with its striking collection of Buddha statues that imitate the Buddha figure as depicted around the world, from Cambodia to Afghanistan to India and beyond.

22 Soak the colonial charms of Beach Street

Beach Street runs from Fort Cornwallis all along the coast, encasing George Town, and historically was one of the oldest streets in George Town. Established in 1786, it quickly became one of the most thriving streets for business in old Penang. Part of that legacy is of course still visible today in the string of beautiful buildings — most converted into banks — that line both sides of the street, making it a magnet for couples on their pre-wedding photoshoots. A few notable to remember are India House, the Beach Street Fire Station, the Whiteaways Arcade, the George Town Dispensary, and the Khoo Si Toon Keng Tong Kongsi, a lesser clan house of the Khoos.

In the past few years, the street parade Occupy Beach Street came to enliven this area on Sundays, bringing in all sorts of arts and stalls where locals sold their wares. One of the main access points to  Penang Little India  is also along this famous road.

23 Experience Islam at the Masjid Kapitan Keling

The Masjid Kapitan Keling in central George Town is a special mosque, and not only because of its magnificent black domes, sleek architectural style, and white walls. It’s mainly because it was built in the 19th century by Indian Muslim traders in the multi-ethnic port of Penang. Its significance within the UNESCO-inscribed old city of George Town is that this was the first Islamic institution built in the city’s Tamil neighbourhood. “Keling”, in fact, was a Malay term to indicate persons of Indian origin, and even if today it is considered a racist slur, at the time it wasn’t.

You can visit the Masjid Kapitan Keling mosque outside of praying times when volunteers will be happy to show you around and answer your questions. Penang is very hot, but don’t worry, for if you will arrive without proper long clothes, the volunteers will be offering you a tunic to cover up and be allowed inside the Masjid’s grounds. Please don’t get impatient if some may go beyond their duty trying to convince you to convert to Islam.

24 Climb to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple

Set on a flank of Penang Hill in close proximity to Moongate and the Botanic Gardens, the Waterfall Temple, with its striking white gopuram, may be the most beautiful of Penang’s Indian temples. For this reason, it is often the backdrop of pre-wedding photoshoots in Penang.

This temple is the epicentre of the dramatic Tamil festival of Thaipusam, when local devotees, with lips and cheeks pierced by skewers in honour of the Lord of War Murugan, walk barefoot from the centre of Penang Little India  and end their pilgrimage here. This is a very busy and yet spectacular time to visit, but you can come any other time, and enjoy the peace of the surroundings sheltered by nature.

25 Tuck toes in the sand at Batu Ferringhi

On the northern side of Penang, Batu Ferringhi beach was once a hippie hangout and today harbors most of the island’s high-end hotels and resorts. The area is frankly touristy and overdeveloped, but the beach, which is public but accessed from the hotels, is still one of Penang’s most visited — albeit not the cleanest among all other 20-something Penang beaches .

Still, I think you should visit Batu Ferringhi at least once, maybe to have a sundowner at one of Penang’s famous beachside hotel bars, or even better, to catch a purple Penang sunset this part of the island is very famous for. Leave the watersports for the Arabian tourists and you’ll be fine.

READ MORE Best Hotels in Batu Ferringhi

26 Marvel at Penang Floating Mosque

The Floating Mosque is Tanjung Bungah’s most iconic sight. Opened in 2007 and built on stilts over the sea with great choreographic effect, it came to be this way to accommodate the larger number of Muslims where there was no space on land. Non-Muslims can appreciate this mosque best at sunrise and sunset when its prominent minaret and colorful rooftop glitter against all the hues of pink, red and yellow.

27 Play Monkey at ESCAPE Theme Park

This theme park in  Teluk Bahang  is perfect for a full day of action-charged activities. It’s a beautiful set of ziplines (pulleys connected to stainless steel cables, and attached to the trees) set into a patch of rainforest for maximum play effect. Kids and adults can come here to play together, climbing platforms and swinging like monkeys across some of Teluk Bahang’s most pristine canopy. Escape also has a newer park, too, Escape Adventureplay, that’s a good alternative to the beach, with water slides and all those fun water activities. The park has the world’s longest mat waterslide, a staggering 1,111 meters long and a full three minutes long, suspended among the trees.

It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm and closed each Monday for maintenance. Check more on Escape’s Official Website There are several categories of tickets and online discounts, starting at RM97 per child up to 12 years old and seniors, while adults pay RM147.  If you want an RM17 discount , you can buy your Escape Tickets online from our partner Klook  at this link .

28 Learn about World War II History at Penang War Museum

Malaysia’s own War Museum  in the southern Penang district of Batu Maung testifies the Penang’s history of occupation by the Japanese during World war II. But even if the museum’s management doesn’t like to admit it, Penang War Museum is better known around the world for having been portrayed in several documentaries as a “haunted museum”.

These are certainly urban legends, but what is true is that Penang really succumbed to marauding Japanese troops right at this fort, that the British built on Bukit Hantu (literally and ironically, it translates to ‘Ghost Hill’). National Geographic featured Penang War Museum among the most haunted places in Asia, telling the spooky story of merciless Japanese colonel Suzuki and the prisoners of war he tortured and killed here – the bullet holes in the walls serve as a grim reminder.

But beyond the spooks, a visit to the Penang War Museum today should be a good lesson to learn about the resilience of local Penang people against the invaders. It also offers a 100 Feet Underground Tunnel that’s guaranteed to test your nerves.

29 Have a Go at the Snake Temple

This temple situated only 3km away from Penang Airport was built in 1850 in honour of Chor Soo Kong, a famous Buddhist monk and healer. Devotees come here as far as Singapore, Taiwan, and China to pray to him, but the place has become somewhat of a tacky tourist attraction because of the tame snakes that are found there. Legend says that Chor Soo Kong used to shelter snakes inside of this temple and that after his death, they started to come on their own. What is true, however, is that a few snakes are always hanging on wooden poles set at the sides of the main altar. Don’t come with high expectations, but by all means, the place makes for a good photo opportunity.

30 See Penang Avatar Secret Garden

Did you know that Penang has a place that looks like the Tree of Souls of the blockbuster movie Avatar? It’s Penang Avatar Secret Garden in Tanjung Tokong, a place that has become a very popular attraction. The main thing to see is the landscaped park set on the hill behind the Thai Pak Koong temple. Its centrepiece is, of course, the big “Tree of Souls” decorated with LED strings. It comes alive as soon as darkness falls. The tree soars above a life-sized checkerboard, and there are stairs and a wooden boardwalk to complete a quick circuit around the tree and back down. I have written an ultimate guide to visiting Avatar Penang Secret Garden you will find very useful.

31 Take a dip at Monkey Beach

Perched on the westernmost corner of Penang Island in the beautiful Penang National Park , Monkey Beach is one of Penang’s most popular beaches. It takes its name from the population of macaques that live in the forest behind the crescent of sand, but these days you’ll probably see more day-trippers than primates, to be honest. The tourists have brought development, and there are a couple of bars here like Lazy Boys Cafe and Tiger Monkey Bar & Leisure where you can buy cocktails and stay for sunset — and also camping, too, at Lazyboys, where you can also rent A-framed huts. Swimming technically is not allowed all over Penang because of the box jellyfish hazard which can be deadly, but people usually dip at Monkey Beach. Do so at your own risk.

You can hike to Monkey Beach from the entrance of Penang National Park (remember that a group of more than 10 people need to get a guide from park headquarters) or, if you are unfit, lazy, or in a rush, can get on one of the shared boats that ply the route as soon as they fill up. They should cost RM50 per trip to share among passengers.

If you want to do it all in comfort from George Town, we recommend taking this Monkey Beach tour on KLOOK that offers pick-up from your hotel.

READ MORE – Ultimate Guide to Visiting Monkey Beach

Best Things to Do on Penang Hill

Straddling the central part of the island, Penang Hill was a colonial hill station and is the best place to feel the nature of Penang today. Hikers will love leaving George Town to spend hours, if not days, trawling the dozens of paths that crisscross the hill. For those who just want to have a trip to the top, a funicular train whisks visitors up in a few minutes. Read our ultimate list of the best things to do on Penang Hill , too.

32 Enjoy Penang Nature at the Botanic Gardens

At the bottom of Penang Hill, and within walking distance from Moon gate, are Penang Botanic Gardens founded in 1794. They are said to be the closest gardens to a city centre in the world, as they are only about 10min drive away from George Town — you can take a Grab car there . It’s a perfect place to stroll and observe some of the region’s, and the world’s, diverse flowers and trees.

A circular paved road goes around the Gardens and is popular with local joggers. You can take a walk and spend time in the many gardens and greenhouses that host a variety of endemic plants. For those who want to have a quick experience of the forest, a staircase leaves the gardens to Station 46, a popular rest stop for hikers. It’s a climb and you’ll get drenched in sweat for sure, but the views of the trees are superb.

33 Take the famous Funicular Train up Penang Hill

The original trains that have whisked passengers from the bottom to the top station of Penang Hill since 1923 have been upgraded in 2011, but getting up this hill station by train remains one of Penang’s main attractions. The train takes less than ten minutes to go up, sometimes stopping at the Middle Station en route, where in the past it was necessary to switch trains. The views over the thicket, Air Hitam and George Town in the distance are unique from this rail track. To be honest, at 30RM the ticket is quite steep for tourists, but the other option is walking up — and that will take you more than two hours one way. Here is our ultimate guide to visiting Penang Hill.

You can buy train tickets online on Klook to save time at the bottom of the hill where queues are normal, especially on weekends.

34 Fly across Penang’s Oldest Forest on a zipline

Penang Hill has a very cool zip line, the 5-course Flight of the Colugo zipline. Developed to give guests a feel for one of Penang’s oldest rainforest canopies — a staggering 130 million years old — this new attraction sends visitors gliding above the thicket like flying lemurs (the “colugo”, as the name suggests).

The complete Flight of the Colugo experience consists of a 5 zipline course which can be completed in about an hour. The cost is RM105 per person and includes equipment rental and guides. The “Honeymoon Zip” is a quick teaser on a single tandem zipline, and costs RM32 including tax. It’s an exciting 80mt-long single tandem zipline over a 5mt-high drop that gives guests one first look at the beautiful rainforest.

35 …and then visit the rest of the Habitat

Flight of the Colugo zipline is a part of the Habitat, an interesting forest walk along a colonial irrigation path that crisscrosses Penang Hill’s best-preserved patch of rainforest. I have already written an article on 7 good reasons why you should visit the Habitat Penang Hill but in brief, it has Penang’s highest viewpoint at the Curtis Crest walkway, and a 230-meter-long canopy walkway, the Langgur Way. It soars 40-meters above the forest floor underneath, and it’s been built entirely tree-friendly, without using any direct rigging of the steel cabins on the tree bark.

You can buy a discounted Habitat entry ticket on KLOOK to avoid queues and save some ringgit.

36 Have a power hike to Station 5 via Moongate

There’s nothing better than hiking to feel the mesmerizing power and sounds of Penang Hill’s forest. A popular Penang Hill hike starts at Moon Gate , the former entrance to a millionaire’s home. You can follow a concrete staircase up to the hill, which we don’t recommend, or strike off on a very interesting side jungle path that is called Wild Boar Trail. I have written a detailed guide on how to hike to Moon Gate Station 5 , a popular hiker rest stop, via the Wild Boar Trail.

Moderately fit people should complete the hike in 30–45 minutes one way, allowing some time to rest and enjoy nature and the free gym machines at Station 5. It’s best then not to strike off later than 5.30 pm to return down to Moon Gate before dark.

37 Take the Penang Hill Hiking Trail that Only Locals Know About

Tourists take the funicular train up, while local hikers love to get up to Penang Hill , or at least to the Middle Station, on foot. There is one beautiful hike I have described in this article that will take you from the Hye Keat Estate up to Penang Hill Middle Station.

The trek is completely paved and it’s possible to do it also by bicycle or small motorbike, but we believe that walking it is absolutely the best way to go. The views from the top are amazing, spanning from Kek Lok Si Temple to George Town and across the Straits Sea to Bukit Mertajam and Kedah state .

38 Find a slice of Myanmar on Penang Hill

You would think you just stumbled upon the Golden Rock of Kyaiktiyo in Myanmar, but no, you are on Penang Hill , walking from Hye Keat Estate to the Middle Station. You can’t miss them: take a side path on your right, and you’ll soon find yourself on a side of the hill filled with dozens of golden Burmese stupas. They are part of a small Buddhist Temple here, and are a very nice hidden spot to visit on Penang Hill — and tell your friends you have been to Burma instead!

Things to Do in Penang for Nature Lovers

39 discover penang national park.

The northwestern corner of Penang island is enveloped in the thick jungle and beaches of the world’s smallest national park at Teluk Bahang . A visit here offers a few interesting hiking trails, monkeys, beaches, and a lot more, including one of the world’s few meromictic lakes — meaning a lake where fresh and saltwater don’t mix but coexist in layers.

Penang National Park is a perfect place to see and experience the wild side of Penang, the other side of the moon compared to the hectic streets of George Town.

40 Look for some strange and cute Malaysian Animals

The jungles of Penang hide at least 13 species of Malaysian animals including rare ones such as the flying lemur, the Sunda slow loris and the giant red squirrel. Some of them, like the long-tail macaques, are pretty easy to spot, but you must be very lucky to find others. The Botanic Gardens and Penang Hill are the obvious places to start looking — but remember that, whatever you find, keep your distance and don’t disturb them in their habitat. Most importantly, do not feed monkeys or any other animals. If you do, you are just an idiot tourist who doesn’t know anything about nature and the world beyond a shopping mall, and there are no excuses for your ignorance!

41 Meet a million butterflies at ENTOPIA

Formerly called Penang Butterfly Farm, ENTOPIA is one of Teluk Bahang’s best attractions. Read our full review of ENTOPIA here . In brief offers a much larger space to observe insects, creepy crawlies and other small animals. Take your time to stroll inside Natureland , a living garden vivarium with 15,000-odd free-flying butterflies, or browse the Cocoon , two floors of learning exhibits, and indoor activities all dedicated to insects and bugs. It’s a great place to visit in Penang with kids  but is certainly also educational for people of all ages.

Admission prices are RM69 for non-Malaysian adults, and RM49 for children and seniors, and include an all-day access pass. But we are sure you’d love to use a 10RM discount by buying your Entopia tickets directly from our partner Klook .

42 Enjoy the Rainforest at Taman Rimba

Right next to ENTOPIA is Taman Rimba, a 32-hectare natural park that serves as a great introduction to Penang and Malaysia’s rainforest. The park is equipped with all sorts of picnic areas, a forestry museum, and a decent number of hiking trails, some of which connect with other hiking circuits via Laksamana Hill until Penang Hill. The beauty of Taman Rimba is certainly its lush forest, some of the thickest in Penang. You can consider swimming in one of the many holes here, or bring a tent and camp overnight. Arrange your stay at the park headquarters.

43 Relax at one of Penang’s Best Beaches

Penang is an island, of course: to be frank, Penang beaches are not the best in Southeast Asia, but there are definitely a few hidden gems worth visiting. For example, on the southern side of Penang island, the areas of Balik Pulau and Teluk Kumbar have some quiet, long beaches such as Pantai Pasir Panjang and Gertak Sanggul, with their interesting fishing community and great seafood.

On the northern side of Penang, Batu Ferringhi beach was once a hippie hangout and today harbours most of the island’s high-end hotels and resorts. Penang National park at Teluk Bahang has more opportunities for nature and a few famous beaches like Monkey Beach and Pantai Kerachut, which have a small turtle sanctuary. Read more details on our detailed guide to Penang’s 20 Best Beaches .

44 Visit the Tropical Spice Garden (and take a cooking class)

Set in a beautiful location between the sea and a forested hill, the award-winning Tropical Spice Garden is a collection of tropical plants curated by local artist Rebecca Duckett-Wilkinson. The garden is not only perfect as a location for pre-wedding photography , but also to take your kids on a discovery tour of some of Malaysia, and Southeast Asia’s, rarest species of plants.

Their Poison Garden is a very instructive walk among poisonous plants, whose uses and misuses are richly described with educational panels. We suggest you get an audio tour for yourself and your kids, in order to maximize your fun and learning experience. You can also participate in their guided day or night walks.

Don’t forget the Tropical Spice Garden’s cooking classes, limited to 8 people to maximise learning and give you a hands-on education to create some of Southeast Asia’s best dishes. You can book your spot here.

To enter the Tropical Spice Garden, adults pay RM31 for an audio-tour, while kids up to 12 years old pay RM18. To get your advanced and discounted audio-tour ticket please buy tickets online from our partners at Klook

45 Hike to Penang’s second-tallest peak, Bukit Laksamana

Soaring between Penang Hill and Penang National Park at Teluk Bahang, 805-meters-high Bukit Laksamana is the second-highest peak in Penang and a hiker’s delight. You can start your hike at Taman Rimba, Chin Farm in Batu Ferringhi, or Penang Hill itself. If starting from the northern side of the island, you’ll have to endure a steep incline all the way up to the Laksamana peak. The views from Eagle Point are incredible and worth the sweat and sore muscles.

46 Chase Supertrees at Cherok Tokun Nature Park

Right across the bridge in Bukit Mertajam is Cherok Tokun Nature Park, an expanse of wilderness with a bunch of less-trawled hiking trails. One of the best reasons to come here is to look for one of the four giant trees hidden away in the reserve. Contrary to Penang Hill, Cherok Tokun has some of Penang’s biggest and oldest trees, amazing natural sights that any nature lover wouldn’t want to miss. Don’t forget to check out the other great hiking in Penang Mainland , also called Seberang Perai. Want to explore it more? Stay at one of Bukit Mertajam’s best hotels .

And if you want to know more, our ultimate guide to Cherok Tok Kun has everything you need to know to hike this beautiful nature reserve.

47 Explore Balik Pulau

By far, the island’s most natural and unspoilt area remains Balik Pulau in the southwest corner of Penang. This is where you will find fishing villages, unspoiled beaches, a lot of nutmeg, durian and banana trees, some of Penang’s best and most famous laksa and a pace of life which is the opposite of hectic George Town.

READ MORE — 28 Great Things to Eat, See and Do in Balik Pulau

Balik Pulau is also ideal for cycling and relaxing, and also has a couple of hiking trails, such as the 3-mile circuit at Kalan Pondok Upeh. It’s a good idea to base yourself here if you are looking for a quiet and more natural experience of Penang island.

48 Ride Horses at Countryside Stables

Located in Balik Pulau not far from the serene Malindo Beach, Countryside Stables is a horse farm where guests can visit and ride horses in some of Penang’s most beautiful surroundings. The farm has miniatures horses, Pure Bred Arabian Horses, Polo Pony, Thai, Myanmar and Malaysian ponies, donkeys and deer, and is a perfect place to spend a day out with your family and children or, if you are a rider, come enjoy a stroll on horseback.

49 Enjoy a waterfall

Penang’s jungles are dotted by a number of beautiful waterfalls where you can take a refreshing dip. The most famous may be almost vertical Titi Kerawang Fall in Balik Pulau , but there are others around the island. The Penang Botanic Gardens waterfall, which used to be one of the most famous in Malaysia, and is unfortunately closed to the public today. But you can still go check out the very beautiful Chin Farm waterfall near Batu Ferringhi, or the 25-meter-high fall behind the Mutiara Indah apartment in Bukit Gambir.

Offbeat Things to Do in Penang

If you have arrived all the way here, you certainly have seen and done a lot of things in Penang and you need something lesser-known and refreshing. The following are a few ideas we consider perfect for those who want to scratch the surface and dig deeper into Penang than most.

50 Take a trip to Bukit Mertajam

Few people know that right across the Penang bridge is Bukit Mertajam (fondly called “BM” by locals), a very overlooked town that has a lot of great things to do and amazing food to eat. Don’t forget that BM is a place where you can experience Penang life without the beautification and massive gentrification that has spoiled George Town. If you didn’t know much about Bukit Mertajam, I have written an article that lists all the best things to visit and the best food available in this offbeat Seberang Perai town.

51 Visit a Haunted Hotel on top of Penang Hill

The Crag Hotel is a beautiful property set in a stunning location in the secluded northern part of Penang Hill. The Crag Hotel was first opened by the Iranian-Armenian Sarkies Brothers in 1895, was then leased as a boarding building to Penang Uplands School and remained operational until 1977. In 1991 it was used once again as a set for the movie “Indochine”, but since then it has stayed closed — well, abandoned, for you can certainly go visit the premises today.

The latest news was the Crag Hotel was waiting for a much-needed 300-room eco-hotel upgrade which, for the moment, still seems a far-fetched opportunity. Next to the Crag Hotel is also the beautiful building that housed the Penang Uplands school.

Like with every abandoned property in Malaysia, locals believe the place is haunted by ghosts. I’ve heard a man say that a couple of food sellers with no home used to stay here at night, and they lamented hearing muffled cries, something definitely otherworldly. Whether you come here by braving the steep and wild hiking path via Botanic Gardens or Bukit Olivia, or by walking after you get off the Penang Hill Funicular Train, a visit to the Crag Hotel is a dive into old Malaysia — the furniture, the quirky English-written signboards abandoned on the floor, and the larger-than-life abandoned bathrooms, something scary in itself, make a visit to remember.

52 Marvel at Frog Hill, the Jiuzhaigou of Penang

Also called “Bukit Katak”, Frog Hill was an offbeat place in Seberang Perai, the mainland chunk of Penang State, that got famous thanks to the usual work of Instagram hype. Also called Lombong Kampung Guar Petai, Frog Hill Tasek Gelugor, or Guar Perahu, Frog Hill is an old tin mining site where water is collected into a series of pools crisscrossed by red earth ridges. It’s an otherworldly scenery of jagged red rocks emerging from viridian pools. Some people said that Frog Hill is like the “Jiuzhaigou of Penang” — quite an overstatement, but let the locals be proud of their backwoods.

READ MORE — A Complete Guide to Visiting Frog Hill

Frog Hill is absolutely stunning at sunrise, but you gotta get up pretty early to catch it. Indeed Frog Hill is roughly 30 minutes north of Bukit Mertajam , set at the end of a road that goes through a small village called Kampung Jarak Atas. Remember that the road to Frog Hill is not paved and gets often muddy, so don’t come here unprepared in the rainy season — good footwear and sandals you can quickly wash up are essential.

53 Discover Soundmaker and Penang’s underground music

Few people know that Penang had a music history — Malaysia’s most famous singer and actor, P. Ramlee, hails from here — and fewer know that the island has an underground music scene. Set on the first floor of a nondescript building in Bishop street, Soundmaker is the island’s longest-running alternative rock club. From punk to metal, hip-hop and alternative, you’ll find something up your alley here.

Soundmaker is also a good place to go meet Penang’s musicians, especially the owner Cole Yew , a multi-instrumentalist and the man who knows everything that’s rocking in Penang.

54 Pay a visit to the Jewish Cemetery

For a bit of unknown history, Penang Jewish Cemetery , the oldest single Jewish cemetery in Southeast Asia opened in 1805, is a quirk find in Jalan Zainal Abidin. First of all, it proves the existence of a Jewish community from almost as far back as when Penang was colonized, and second, it has some beautiful stone graves and interesting tombstones. The most recent tomb is from 2011, allegedly the last Jewish lineage on Penang island until now.

55 Explore Penang’s Yoga and Health Underworld

Penang may not seem like the right place, but it has quite a few places for yoga and wellness . The most accessible is Wholey Wonder on 61 Jalan Gurdwara, which has a vegan restaurant and yoga studio. Just next door, the garden of Hin Bus Depot hosts the fun acro-yoga sessions (a bunch of very flexible people striking acrobatic yoga poses to introduce the art to passersby) as part of their Sunday Pop-Up Market.

Another well-known studio is Sunalini yoga, set in a George Town shophouse along Hutton Lane. Classes are small and run by enthusiastic iyengar-style yoga, which places attention on detail, precision and alignment in performing the right posture (asanas). The Space, located in the expat-centric area of Tanjung Bunga, is an intimate, cozy studio offering traditional yoga sessions (RM45/US $ 10 for walk-ins), and other special classes such as prenatal and childbirth yoga, stretching sessions, chakra yoga, and yoga for kids. They also run Kundalini Yoga sessions on Saturday mornings from 9 am to 10 am.

56 Shop and Meet Artists at Hin Bus Depot Pop Up Market

This former bus depot has done so much to give a voice and space to Penang and Malaysia’s visual artists. Its rotating art and photo exhibits have definitely filled a hole in the island’s social and cultural life. Not only that, but they also organise a great pop up market (Saturday 11 am- 6 pm and Sunday 11 am- 5 pm) where EVERYONE can set up shop and sell ANYTHING by paying a mere RM44 (USD11) for the space. It’s certainly one of the coolest alternative shopping experiences in Penang .

From second-hand books to plants and flowers, home-made drinks and jewellery, and unique artist postcards there’s something cute, tiny and artsy for everyone at Hin Pop Up Market . And the best thing is, the stalls change mostly every week.

57 Explore Jerejak Island, a former Leper colony that’s too big to dismiss

You certainly have seen it, as it lays like a sleeping crocodile right in front of Queensbay: Jerejak Island. Set between Penang island and the mainland, Jerejak was once a quarantine station during British colonial times and has been staying semi-dormant until now.

A few years ago there was plan to develop it as Penang’s outdoor and recreation hub, but nothing really came to fruition. You can, however, take a ferry over from Bayan Lepas and even overnight at the Jerejak Resort. The island offers a bunch of useless Insta-worthy places such as a rainbow pier, giant swings and bird nests, and a stairway to nothing. What’s good, on the other hand, is trekking and cycling around the island.

58 Explore Penang by Bicycle

It may seem counterintuitive once you have seen Penang’s horrible traffic gridlock, but the island is a good place for cycling, too. For starters, the whole eastern coast from Karpal Singh Drive all the way to Penang Airport is connected by a cycle lane, whose two trunks connect at Queensbay Mall. A more experienced cyclist may want to attempt a full 83-kilometer round island circuit: if you are not that dedicated, you may break down this route into the Northern circuit, going from George Town all the way to Batu Ferringhi following the coastal route, or explore the Southern shore at Gertak Sanggul.

The interior of Balik Pulau is covered with paddy fields and small country roads that are a delight to cycle. If getting there on a bike sounds daunting, check out the Audi Homestay, a nice place to base yourself in Balik Pulau, which also has plenty of bikes for rental. And don’t forget that using a bicycle is also a good, quicker — but much sweatier — way to appreciate all of George Town’s nooks and crannies.

59 Take a herbal sauna or realign your chakras at Bodi Heart Sanctuary

Set on a stunning natural location at the bottom of Penang Hill, Penang’s Bodi Heart Sanctuary is an oasis of (Buddhist) meditation that few people know about. The center organizes meditation courses and international events hosting monks from as far as Myanmar, India, and around the world, but you can also just come to have a stroll and relax in its beautiful gardens.

One of the perks is their herbal steam sauna open to the public for a donation of RM10. It’s a very soothing experience to while away an afternoon in a part of the island that very few people know about.

60 Learn Silambam, an ancient South Indian martial art

Silambam Nillaikalakki, a form of stick-fighting martial art, originated more than five thousand years ago in the Kurinji mountains of South India and is one of Penang’s lesser-known heritages. It arrived with the Tamil migrants and survived in Malaysia, being mostly forgotten in favor of other types of Silambam in India.

Master Anbanathan has been teaching this art for decades from a rooftop in the Bali Rakyat of the Taman Tun Sardon area of Gelugor. The group meets almost daily from 7 pm to 9 pm and everyone is welcome to come to learn and experience the art. You can have more information on the Penang Silambam Nillaikallaki Group website .

Well, that sums up my list of the best things to do in Penang. I hope you’ll use them to plan a beautiful trip to Penang. To be fair, I couldn’t include everything, but if you feel I’ve made a major omission, please let me know in the comments below.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

MYAirline Review: Is It the Right Choice for Your Next Trip?

Paya Gunung Via Ferrata: Challenge Yourself on the Most Hair-rising Climb in Jerantut, Pahang

Sungai Relau Treetop Walk: A new attraction revives Malaysia’s oldest national park

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

EDITOR PICKS

9 Striking Things to See in Singapore’s Civic District

The 8 Best Must-Try Food And Cafes in Joo Chiat, Singapore’s...

Popular posts.

48 Hours in Penang the Smart Way

Blood Sweat and Tears: What I Learned about Friendship in Penang

Popular category.

• See & Do 76
• Getaways 59
• Eat & Drink 29
• Accommodation 18

Home » Travel Guides » Malaysia » 25 Best Things to Do in Penang (Malaysia)

25 Best Things to Do in Penang (Malaysia)

Penang is one of the most famous spots in Malaysia and with good reason. Most of the state of Penang is located on an island and as such you can enjoy beaches, sparkling waters, and a laid back island feel coupled with a big city experience. This part of Malaysia is also known for its food, and anyone who loves to eat will truly find a culinary paradise here, much of which is down to the mix of influences in the city.

Penang enjoys a large Chinese and Tamil community, along with the indigenous Malay residents, and you will find a fantastic and diverse food scene that includes fiery curries, toothsome noodles, and a plethora of street food delights. All of this is encircled by gorgeous architecture and the traditional center of Penang is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right.

This means that you can explore pretty ancient buildings as well as museums, forts, gardens, and temples, and visitors to Penang will certainly not be short of places to visit and sights to check out on a trip here.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Penang :

1. Tour the Tropical Spice Garden

One of the highlights of Penang, especially if you want to get out of the central areas is the Tropical Spice Garden located on Jalan Teluk Bahang.

The garden is an ode to all the gorgeous herbs and spices that are indigenous to this part of the world and sits on the site of what used to be a rubber plantation.

This is an amazing place to visit for anyone interested in Malay flora and fauna and you can even take a cookery class here to learn how these herbs and spices are used to make classic dishes enjoyed across Malaysia.

There are also guided or audio tours of the garden and activities for younger visitors to help get them interested in all the various aromatic plants found here.

2. Learn some history at Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis is one of the most famous sights in Penang and dates from the 18th century.

It was built by the British East India Company under the direction of Sir Francis Light who was the founder of Penang and was designed to defend the city in case of an attack from the water.

The fort is still in good condition and you can see a famous statue of Francis Light that stands at the entrance to the fort as well as a selection of original cannons.

If you notice any flowers in the cannon, then this is because there is a local legend that says that anyone wishing to conceive should make an offering here.

3. Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple is famed for being one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia and as such you should make sure not to miss it if you are travelling to Penang.

Many Buddhist devotees consider this to be an important pilgrimage site and you can spot the beautiful towering Kek Lok Si Pagoda as well as the statue of Guanyin.

The statue is constructed in the shape of the Goddess of Mercy and stands at a height of 36.5 meters and the entire temple complex is built in a range of styles.

As such make sure to look out for the Chinese base, Thai style mid-section, and the Burmese inspired top level.

4. Sunbathe on Batu Ferringhi Beach

Anyone coming to Penang in search of some sun and sand should make their way to Batu Ferringhi which is known for being one of the best beach areas on the island.

Here you will find a long strip of golden beach, part of which is public and some of which is used by the resorts that line the coast.

Popular past times on the beach include sunbathing or swimming in the soothing waters, or just relaxing and sipping on a coconut as you look across the water.

If you can, try to come here at sunset as the views are simply stunning.

5. Have afternoon tea at Suffolk House

Suffolk House offers a glimpse of traditional British colonial architecture in Penang and sits in the scenic part of the island known, rather alarmingly, as Air Itam or Black Water.

The house would have been the former home of Sir Francis Light who is remembered as the official founder of Penang although it fell into disrepair following his death and was closed to the public.

It reopened in 2007 having been lovingly restored over 3 years and now you can take a guided tour that will fill you in on all the history of this spectacular building.

One of the big highlights of a trip here is the onsite restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional cream tea which comes with delicious pastries and a range of delicate sandwiches.

6. Visit Khoo Kongsi

Khoo Kongsi is another one of Penang’s most iconic attractions and used to be a clan-house in the days of old.

Nowadays the home has been turned into a museum and you will find gorgeous architecture here as well as elegant stone carvings that have a heavy Chinese influence.

The home was built in the 19th century and has a number of breathtaking signature features such as a large temple altar that is decorated with gold leaf and inlaid with ancestral tablets.

You can take a tour of the house and if you happen to be in town at the right time you may even be able to watch a Chinese Opera show here as several performances take place throughout the year.

7. Go for a trishaw ride

One of the best ways to see Penang in an afternoon is to use one of its traditional modes of transport in the form of a colorful trishaw.

The trishaws are either operated by a small motor or by pedal power and are usually covered in interesting design features such as fairy lights or flowers.

Riding in a trishaw also gives you to opportunity to check out some of the less visited parts of Georgetown and most drivers also act as guides and will fill you in on all the history of the areas you visit.

8. Visit the Penang Peranakan Museum

The Penang Peranakan Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Peranakan people who are also sometimes referred to as Straits Chinese.

The Peranakans moved to Malaysia in the days of old and a unique culture came with them which is a blend of traditional Chinese and traditional Malay customs.

As such, if you want to know more about this amazing culture then the Penang Peranakan Museum will take you back in time and there are even recreations of traditional homes from the 19th century as well as galleries of photographs and antiques.

9. Scare yourself at the Snake Temple

As the name suggests, the Snake Temple in Penang is full of resident slithery creatures and as such is one of the most unique temples in Malaysia.

Most of the residents here are pit vipers and the temple dates from 1805 when snakes found their way to the building and the benevolent monks allowed them to take up residence here.

Nowadays you will see snakes coiled in corners all over the temple as well as lounging on the temple altars and you can also have your picture taken holding one of the snakes if you are feeling brave.

This is a great place to come with all the family and the snakes are said to be safe and do not attack visitors.

10. Have lunch at Pelita Nasi Kandar

Pelita Nasi Kandar is known across Malaysia and is not to be missed if you want to try some of the best local food in Penang.

Nasi Kandar is basically rice which is heaped with meat, fish, seafood, and vegetable side dishes, and is then liberally doused in delicious curry sauce.

All the food is presented in a glass fronted case and you can simply point to what you want to eat and have it added to your plate.

The food has a strong Tamil influence due to the local Tamil community in Penang so expect Indian style curries and flavors with dishes such as cabbage and okra fried with mustard seeds and turmeric.

11. Explore Little India

Little India represents a small section of Penang but it is certainly not to be dismissed because of its size.

There is a strong Tamil population across Malaysia and in Penang and you could be forgiven for thinking that you have taken a wrong turn and ended up in a completely different country.

As you walk around Little India look out for shops selling gorgeous colorful saris as well as perfume emporiums and incense shops.

Other venues blast Bollywood music onto the streets and this is also one of the best places in Penang to sample some street food.

These include deep fried pastries such as samosas and this is also a great place to find one of the most famous drinks in Malaysia which is Teh Tarik or a kind of tea made with condensed milk and poured from one cup to another in order to create a thick foam head.

12. Have a cup of tea at Huang Chen Tao Tea Art

One of the less known facts about Penang is that it is covered in dainty little tea shops thanks to the strong Chinese influence in this city.

Many of the tea houses sit in shop houses and it is easy to walk past and miss one without realizing the delights that are contained within.

Huang Chen Tao Tea Art is one such place and you will find a traditional Chinese tea supplier here with packets of tea stacked all over the shop.

There are also a range of little tables arranged in the front of the shop where you can sit down and have a cup of the delicious leaves on sale and this makes a great place to pick up some tea-based souvenirs of your trip to Penang.

13. Tour Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque

Tanjung Bungah is the name of a town that lies between Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi.

The main reason to come to this quiet part of Penang is to visit the Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque which was built on stilts over the water, hence the reference to it ‘floating’. When the tide is low you can walk directly underneath the mosque and check out this amazing feat of engineering which was also the first of its kind in Malaysia.

14. Take the ferry to Butterworth

Many people think that Penang consists only of Georgetown but actually the name refers to the whole state of Penang which also includes Butterworth which is just across the water.

Butterworth is actually part of the mainland of Malaysia whereas Georgetown is located on an island, and one of the best things to do here if you want to explore is to take the ferry across the water.

This means that you can enjoy the sea breeze and take in some of the best vistas both of Georgetown and Butterworth.

15. Go shopping at Batu Ferringhi Night Market

Batu Ferringhi is known for its night market and makes a great place to visit if you are looking to shop for some bargains.

The night market sells a huge number of products such as clothes, bags, watches, and DVDs, and you will also find a wide selection of souvenirs such as wood carvings.

Another key reason to come here is to check out the street food scene as you can get a variety of dishes here such as barbecued meats, noodles, and fried rice.

16. Have dinner at Northam Beach Cafe

If you want to find one of the best ways to end a day in Penang then come to this fantastic hawker center which sets up in the evenings and lets you take in gorgeous views across the water as you dine.

The beauty of this way of dining is that there are a wide variety of stalls available here so you can order a range of different dishes as you see fit.

Just some of the choices here include Penang prawn noodles, barbecued chicken wings, and dim sum, and you can even get traditional English chicken pies or sausage and mashed potatoes.

This is also one of the best places to come if you fancy a cold beer as you watch the sunset.

17. Take a tram ride to Penang Hill

Penang Hill is without a doubt one of the top attractions in Penang and towers to a height of 812 meters above sea level.

The hill offers some much needed respite from the fierce heat of the city and getting there is part of the fun.

Penang Hill is serviced by the Penang Hill Railway which is one of the oldest funicular systems in the world and once you get to the top you can take in the amazing views across to Langkawi and Kedah.

There are also a range of nature trails here if you like hiking and you can also trek to the hill from the neighboring Botanical Gardens if you fancy a workout.

18. Check out the nightlife at Upper Penang Road

Compared to other parts of Malaysia Penang has a lively nightlife scene, much of which is located along Upper Penang Road.

Visitors and residents alike flock to this area for the bars and nightclubs that line the street and some of the best known venues include Slippery Senoritas and the Soho Free House.

Many clubs and bars have happy hours and different nightly promotions so make sure to spend some time walking along the road to find the best deals.

19. Explore Penang National Park

Penang National Park is the perfect place to come if you want to get out of the city and spend some time communing with nature.

There are a variety of trails here which lead to pretty little beaches and you can even walk to an ancient lighthouse that dates from 1883. There are also trails that lead you to Kerachut Beach which is the home of a Turtle Conservation Centre and it’s a great idea to pack a picnic and spend the day exploring the park.

20. Eat your way around Chulia Street Night Market

Penang is well known for its amazing street food scene and if you want to experience this first hand then head for the Chulia Street Night Market where you will be able to sample some of the most delicious plates on offer in the city.

The street market sets up as the sun goes down and you will find a range of dishes served piping hot from small pushcarts.

Some of the toothsome bites on offer include creamy soups like laksa as well as wonton mie, a dish of noodles and dumplings.

You can also get classics like carrot cake which is actually a savory pancake made with radishes and other treats like Hainanese chicken rice.

21. Enjoy the water sports at Batu Ferringhi

One of the reasons people come to Batu Ferringhi is to enjoy the water sports that are on offer here.

If you are looking for an adventure, then Batu Ferringhi is a great choice as you can try sports such as parasailing or jet-skiing.

There is also the chance to take a banana boat ride, or you can go out in a boat and enjoy some deep-sea fishing.

If you want to stay on dry land, then you can rent a beach buggy and zoom around the sands in style.

22. Tour the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery

If you are interested in the history of Penang then a great place to visit is the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery.

The actual museum building is a piece of history in itself as it is located in a traditional colonial building that dates from 1821 and you will find a wealth of galleries here including an exhibit dedicated major events in the Penang over the years.

There are also models of traditional homes here include a reconstruction of a marriage chamber.

23. Have dinner at China House

If you are looking for some upscale dining in Penang then you need to come to China House which is located in a gorgeous colonial heritage building.

The restaurant is actually made up of three separate areas which all have a different feel to them including a main dining hall, a cafe and a swish bar area.

Each area serves different kinds of food and you can get a lovely afternoon tea with delicious dainty cakes at the cafe.

24. Check out the butterflies at the Butterfly Farm

Anyone who likes flora and fauna should check out the Butterfly Farm in Batu Ferringhi.

Here you will find an amazing 4,000 butterflies and 120 different species, all of which flutter around in a large and colorful garden.

Some of the species here include rare finds such as Yellow Bird Wing butterflies and Indian Leaf butterflies and the farm also works as a conservation center which is focused on breeding and caring for the habitats of these endangered species.

25. Wander around the Yahong Art Gallery

The Yahong Art Gallery is dedicated to the gorgeous art form of Batik printing which is said to date from the 4th century.

The craft involves painting designs on fabric with wax and then dipping the fabric in a selection of different dyes to create colorful patterns.

Much of the Batik on show here is the work of Chuah Theng Teng but you will also find a mix of pieces by other Malaysian artists and a few works from around the region.

Other galleries also showcase different crafts and you can find anything from watercolor paintings to ornate jewelry.

25 Best Things to Do in Penang (Malaysia):

• Tour the Tropical Spice Garden
• Learn some history at Fort Cornwallis
• Visit Kek Lok Si Temple
• Sunbathe on Batu Ferringhi Beach
• Have afternoon tea at Suffolk House
• Visit Khoo Kongsi
• Go for a trishaw ride
• Visit the Penang Peranakan Museum
• Scare yourself at the Snake Temple
• Have lunch at Pelita Nasi Kandar
• Explore Little India
• Have a cup of tea at Huang Chen Tao Tea Art
• Tour Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque
• Take the ferry to Butterworth
• Go shopping at Batu Ferringhi Night Market
• Have dinner at Northam Beach Cafe
• Take a tram ride to Penang Hill
• Check out the nightlife at Upper Penang Road
• Explore Penang National Park
• Eat your way around Chulia Street Night Market
• Enjoy the water sports at Batu Ferringhi
• Tour the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery
• Have dinner at China House
• Check out the butterflies at the Butterfly Farm
• Wander around the Yahong Art Gallery

24 BEST things to do in Penang

Posted on Last updated: March 8, 2024

Wondering what to do in Penang? Whether you’re seeking adventure, fun things to do in Penang, or need to relax and unwind, here we provide a comprehensive Penang travel guide to all the things to do in Penang, so that you can get the most out of your visit.

Penang might look like a small island from afar, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on things to do and places to see. In fact, it’s difficult to think of another place on earth which squeezes in this much variety. From dense tropical rainforest covering much of the island, to the glorious tropical views over the Straits of Malacca from Penang National Park, or the famous UNESCO city of George Town with its mix of cultures, people, architecture and religions, a visit to Penang offers more to the visitor than many other entire countries manage.

If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. If you’re wondering what’s the best approach to visiting the island, we’ve created a list of the top things to do in Penang, helping you discover and understand this unique place.

Indoor activities in Penang

Wondering what to do on a rainy day in Penang or where to go to escape the heat? Here we have compiled the best indoor activities in Penang for you.

Is Penang worth visiting?

READ: 10 reasons to visit Penang

Most definitely. Although we appreciate that we’re perhaps a little biased 😉.

Penang really does pack and punch when it comes to diversity. There’s something here for everyone, whether its a 5* beach resort, the world-renowned food, the eclectic mix of religions, the fusion of cultures, or hiking in the rainforest.

If you found Kuala Lumper’s big city vibes too full on, you’ll appreciate the more relaxed vibes of Penang and the ease of getting around this compact island. However, this isn’t to say that downtown George Town isn’t buzzing, there a plenty of bars and nightlife to keep any night owls sated.

There is so much to do in Penang, that you can’t do it all in the one trip. Indeed, Penang is a destination that people find themselves returning to time and time again. So just pick a select few Penang activities for your first visit with the knowledge that you will return again someday.

When is the best time to visit Penang?

There is really no bad time to visit Penang. It’s going to be hot and sticky whenever you visit, with temperatures hovering around 30°C; this is the tropics after all! It’s a good idea to get out early or late in the day to avoid the mid-day heat, especially if you are planning on walking.

However, there is a rainy season in Penang , which is technically from September through to November. This isn’t to say that there is no rain during the other months of the year. Penang is in the tropics and so rain can be expected all year round. But historically, Penang experiences higher rainfall during the months of September, October, and November. Although, it’s considered quite a mild monsoon compared to other regions in the tropics and the start and end of the monsoon season can be rather blurred. Plus rainfall during this time is very unpredictable, and when it does rain, it’s does so in short, sharp bursts. Indeed, you may learn to love the rain’s cooling affect after a sweaty and sticky morning stroll. So it’s not really worthwhile avoiding Penang during the rainy season.

What you really do need to be aware of are the holidays. Being such a multicultural island means that there are a lot of holidays celebrated (Christmas, Chinese New Year, Ramadam, Deepavali, and lots in between). Click here to see if your planned visiting dates to Penang correspond with a public holiday. During these time you can expect George Town to busier and higher accommodation prices.

Short on time in Penang?

Whilst you could easily spend a week in Penang, and many travellers have been known to while away a couple of months or more, some visitors only have a day to explore the “Pearl of the Orient”.

So if you are short on time, and wondering what to do in Penang, check out our one day itinerary for Penang .

How to get around Penang

Penang is an easy island to get around, helped by the fact that most of the sights are concentrated in the northern and eastern parts of the island. The rest of the island, in the south and west, are beautiful and remote, but less visited.

Penang an easy island to get around, helped by the fact that most of the sights are concentrated in the northern and eastern parts of the island. This post details how to get around Penang as well as the easiest way.

Grab taxis are the easiest way to get around, especially if you’re only visiting for a short time and want to spend your time sightseeing rather than travelling. Grab is often the most cost-effective way to move around, without the worry of haggling over fares and language problems. Check out our guide to using Grab in Penang .

There is a useful and convenient 101 bus service on the island which links the  Jetty Bus Terminal  with the town of Teluk Bahang (close to Penang National Park and Escape), via central George Town and Batu Ferringhi.

The buses run from 5:30am until midnight and cost between RM1.40 and RM4; make sure you have cash on you, ideally the correct change.

Map of things to do in Penang

Below, we suggest the best things to do in Penang for your visit. To help you gauge where things are located, here’s a map:

As you can see, the majority of Penang activities are concentrated around the north of the island, specifically George Town on the northeast coast and along the northern coastline. Very few Penang activities are in the southern half of the island, and so we recommend you base yourself in the north of the island for your visit. You may want to check out our top recommended hotels in Penang .

It’s worth checking out our top tips for visiting Penang before your visit so your are prepared to make the most of your time on the island.

Top 10 tips for visiting Penang

We know that you will want to make the most out of your visit to Penang and it’s worthwhile noting the advice of travellers to Penang before you. We’ve travelled to Penang multiple times (our first visit was back in 2007) and now we live here. So here we share our top 10 tips for visiting Penang.

1. George Town

Let’s start with the easiest and cheapest Penang activity of them all; walking around George Town.

You’d be hard pressed to find any other city in the world which manages to pack so much into such a small area. The 3km 2 of UNESCO protected land is home to many different cultures, languages, cuisines and architectural styles.

Different streets and areas were traditionally home to Chinese, Malay and Indian groups and whilst those boundaries are more fluid than they once were, you’ll still recognise distinct areas such as Chinatown and Little India.

The best part is wandering around at your own pace, stopping when a building or restaurant takes your fancy, but do try to include:

• Street art; starting in 2012 international and local artists have started creating colourful murals on various walls around the city. Sometimes with an important message and at other times irreverent, the street art has become a George Town institution, with new examples popping up all the time. The most famous, ‘Boy on Motorbike’ by Ernest Zacharevic can be found on Armenian Street , but prepare to join a queue of fellow photographers. Take a look by all means, but there are plenty of other cool examples you’ll have to yourself.
• Fort Cornwallis; the original fort in George Town built by the British, Fort Cornwallis’ place is the city is changing over the years, moving away from a tourist site and towards a meeting place for locals with cafes and exhibitions taking place. The colonial history is still tangible and worth a visit, try to visit early or late though as there isn’t much shade
• UNESCO listed architecture; Love Lane, Armenian Street and the streets around show off the architecture which makes George Town famous, make sure to keep looking up as you walk, there is always something beautiful to see.

2. Penang Hill

Funicular service open every day 6.30am to 11.00pm (ticket counter opens 6:15am) Click here for more information

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Penang is to ride the funicular from Air Itam to the top of Penang Hill. It takes about fifteen minutes to reach the top where you’ll find a surprising amount of activities, sights and exhibitions waiting for you.

First and foremost, take some time to absorb the view of Penang Island, George Town and the mainland, linked to the island by two mega-bridges. If you’re in the mood for some exercise, try one of the three excellent walking trails which loop around the summit, giving you the chance to burn off breakfast and see the flora and fauna.

Over the past few years, the number of permanent exhibitions has increased on Penang Hill and there’s now enough to keep you occupied for a whole day including a fascinating and detailed gallery/museum at Penang Hill Gallery @Edgecliffe, children’s playgrounds and several interesting religious buildings including Penang Hill Mosque and Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Hindu Temple. Also keep an eye out for colonial-era buildings like the Convalescent Bungalow, Police Station and Bellevue Hotel.

3. The Habitat

Open every day | Monday to Friday (9am to 7pm) | Saturday and Sunday (9am to 8pm) Click here for more information

With so much of Penang Island covered in lush, tropical rainforest, no visit to the island is complete without at least one rainforest experience. The best place to immerse yourself is at the Habitat Penang Hill, a small but beautiful rainforest reserve where visitors can study flora and fauna, hike on a short 1.6km nature trails, enjoy a treetop and canopy walk, disappear off into a immersive VR world, or, for the more adventurous, try the zipline to witness the rainforest and Penang Hill from a whole new perspective.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Habitat Penang Hill (@thehabitatpenanghill)

The owners are extremely passionate about rainforests, the natural world, and the island of Penang, and their enthusiasm shines through at the park. With a strong emphasis on education as well as enjoyment, the park captures the beauty of Malaysia’s rainforests and gives you the chance to learn what makes them so special. If you want to round off your visit with some souvenirs or food, head to the Kommune; an eco-friendly initiative supporting local communities, with all items sourced from local farms and markets.

Click here to prebook tickets

Brace yourselves for an incredible adventure at Escape adventure park, although keep in mind it’s so much fun, it might spoil any future playground visits; this is no ordinary place. It’s probably the ultimate thing to do with kids in Penang.

Broadly split into two separate areas (Waterplay and AdventurePlay), ESCAPE Penang is almost guaranteed to be a huge hit with the whole family, but particularly the kids.

Usually having one Guinness World Record would be enough to make somewhere a must-visit destination, but ESCAPE raises the bar by having two world records; the world’s longest inner-tube / mat water slide (an easy to remember 1,111 metres long), and the world’s longest zip coaster (slightly longer at 1,135 metres). How often can you say you’ve ridden on two rides which hold a world-record in a single day?

Throughout the park you’ll find much else besides, including water slides, a chairlift (to take you back after riding the record holder), climbing frames, diving platforms. With over thirty activities, you’ll never be bored at ESCAPE and it’s best to set aside two days if you have the time and money.

Some of the activities have a height-restriction (usually of 120cm and above), you can check the website to see which activities it applies to, but rest-assured there’s enough to do for kids of all heights.

We’d really recommend the brilliant BASE CAMP overnight option, a chance to camp under the stars. It’s a magical experience with tents, toilets, parking and two day park entry included.

Located on the north-western tip of the island near Entopia, take a 101 or 102 bus from George Town (just over an hour), or jump in a Grab for a quicker (45 minutes) and easier journey.

Tickets can be booked via the website and are slightly cheaper if booked in advance. You can also upload a selfie as part of the buying process to speed up entry at the ticket gates.

Kids under three, and adults over sixty are free, otherwise the advance prices are RM142 for adults and RM95 for children. If you’d like to try the BASE CAMP option, the advance prices are RM192 for adults and RM128 for kids.

5. The Top at the Komtar

Rainbow Skywalk & Observatory Deck is open every day (10:00am to 10:00pm, although closes at 7pm on Tuesdays)

The tallest building in Penang, Komtar divides opinion after its controversial construction displaced residents and destroyed many heritage buildings in the 1970’s. Whatever your viewpoint, Komtar is instantly recognisable and has become a symbol of the changing face of Penang. For the visitor, the majority of the building (housing offices) is of little interest until you reach the top of the tower and find the fittingly named ‘The Top’.

An entertainment centre and indoor theme park, The Top has plenty to offer the visitor including a Skywalk, Dinosaur research centre, karting, children’s soft play, museum, aquarium, and much more besides.

Even if you don’t fancy anything too energetic, there’s always the Top View restaurant on the 68th Floor with views across Penang and beyond. It’s all great fun and good value, with the constant panoramic view giving this theme park a unique perspective.

6. Clan Jetties of Penang

Handily located a short walk from central George Town, the Clan Jetties offer a unique opportunity to see how the traditional Chinese communities live and work in Penang.

The wooden buildings built on stilts jut out into the water, still busy with activity as the local community goes about their day. Visit early in the morning when it’s at its quietest; whilst many inhabitants now have jobs in the city, you’ll see witness this fascinating traditional community come to life.

Later, leave time to stroll around, take photographs, do some shopping, visit temples, or enjoy a scrumptious meal at one of the many small, family-run restaurants.

Click here to pre-book ticket Open 9am to 6pm every day except Wednesday when Entopia is closed

It’s almost forty years since the Penang Butterfly Farm opened, and it’s still an enjoyable and informative place to visit, especially if you have an interest in these beautiful creatures.

There’s no shortage of activities to keep you all occupied, as you’d expect it’s heavily focused on butterflies but you’ll also get the chance to see other insects including silkworms and spiders.

Entopia is split neatly between two distinct areas, an indoor educational centre where you can learn all about the lifecycle and habitat of butterflies, and an outdoor garden area where you’ll get to experience the butterflies in their natural habitat. The indoor section is one of the best indoor activities in Penang and perfect for a rainy day or to escape the heat.

There are numerous walking trails with helpful, friendly staff on hand to answer your questions and provide extra information about the butterflies. The outdoor gardens are wheelchair and pushchair friendly, which is a welcome feature, not always commonplace in Malaysia.

Try to set aside half a day for your visit, with the park open from 9:00am to 6:00pm (closed on Wednesday). It’s quite an expensive activity (RM260/£45 for a family of two adults and two children), so make your own judgement if that’s good value based on your love of butterflies and other insects.

Admission prices are:

• International adult/senior/child: RM75/55/55
• Malaysians adult/senior/child: RM59/39/39

Entopia is located in the north-western tip of the island, quite close to ESCAPE (see below). The ever-useful 101 and 102 buses from George Town will drop you at Escape which is only a five minute walk from Entopia. The journey from central George Town should take just over one hour, depending on traffic. Alternatively, we’d recommend takin

8. Check out the street food

The term ‘street food’ doesn’t really do justice to the culinary magic cooked up on Penang’s streets. Long known as foodie heaven and the food capital of Malaysia, Penang is the place to try dishes such as Hokkien Mee , Curry Mee , Laksa , Nasi Lemak , and hundreds of others.

One of the best concentration of stalls is near Weld Quay but you’ll never be far from a small stand serving dishes, usually run by generations of the same family. Make sure you pick one which is busy and popular with locals and you’ll not go far wrong. Enjoy!

9. Penang National Park

In the northwest corner of the island, Penang National Park makes for an ideal day trip to experience the rainforest and spend a few hours relaxing on a tropical beach. Most visitors arrive from George Town (45 minutes) or Batu Ferringhi (20 minutes), which are easily accessible via a Grab taxi. If you’d prefer the bus, number 101 leaves from the Jetty in George Town (1 hour) and passes through Batu Ferringhi (35 minutes) before terminating at the National Park entrance.

At the park entrance, after an optional refuelling stop at the small restaurants, you have the choice of hiking to Monkey Beach, or taking a shared boat around the bay to the beach (RM70/100 for one-way/return). You can also mix and match by hiking one way and taking the boat the other but note that you’ll pay a National Park fee if you choose to hike. The park is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Once you reach the beach, you have the option of sunbathing, kayaking, or taking a recommended hike up to the lighthouse at Muka Head which takes about one hour and reveals stunning views of Penang Island and the Straits of Malacca. If you’re in the mood for a more relaxing visit, there’s food and drinks (including beer) available at Tiger Monkey Bar and Leisure where the friendly owners are only too happy to serve you and let you relax. It’s from here that you hire the kayaks.

10. Batu Ferringhi Beach and night market

Penang isn’t particularly known as a beach holiday destination, but the closest it comes is at Batu Ferringhi with its long stretch of sandy beach, large resorts, restaurants, and entertainment options. There’s plenty of water sports on offer and the beach is perfect for a stroll, although not always conducive for swimming with some jellyfish lurking.

In the evening, wander out from your hotel to find the night market, a collection of stalls selling locally-produced crafts and clothing, plus numerous food stalls offering all the delightful food Penang is famous for. It’s a hectic and fun way to spend an evening, even if you’re just here to wander and look around.

The location of Batu Ferringhi is its chief selling point, with the Straits of Malacca stretching off into the distance, often clear blue sky, and pristine rainforest creeping up behind you, it’s a glorious place to relax for a few days.

11. Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion

Click here for more information Two tours daily at 11am and 2pm, or book a self-guided audio tour

Painted in distinct indigo-blue, Cheong Fatt Tze (more commonly known as ‘The Blue Mansion’) is an impressive Chinese historical mansion in George Town.

Built at the end of the 19th century by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze, who was once regarded as the richest person in Malaya, this mansion is now a boutique hotel (and one of the best hotels in Penang ) and also offers tours for visitors to marvel at the architecture and understand more about Chinese history on the island.

There are two tours daily at 11am and 2pm, lasting 45 minutes. Numbers are capped at 35 and the tours are very popular, so pre-booking is advised.

Alternatively, you can also book online for a self-guided audio tour. You are able to enter the mansion between 11am and 6pm, although there is a maximum of 12 per day, so again, pre-booking is advised. This is the much more relaxed way to enjoy a tour of the Blue Mansion, but unfortunately there is no guide to ask questions to. Ensure you download the tour app onto your smartphone before your visit (a link is provided when you book your ticket) and that you have earphones to connect and listen.

12. Tropical Spice Garden

If you’ve been enjoying the food in Penang, take some time to visit the Tropical Spice Garden to learn and sample some of the spices (and herbs) which are used to give your dish that incredible flavour.

Located a few hundred metres to the west of Batu Ferringhi, it’s well-placed for a visit if you’re staying at a resort, or heading towards Escape or Penang National Park.

With the opportunity to explore the gardens, take part in a cooking class, visit a museum, or an educational class for adults and kids, it makes for a great visit.

Open daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm (until 6:00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday), the Spice Garden can be reached by Grab taxi or 101/102 Rapid Bus.

Tickets for adult/senior/child cost RM28/20/15 and can be booked via the website . A free audio tour is included in the price.

13. Fort Cornwallis

Open every day (9.00am to 7.00pm)

Much of Penang’s history is influenced by the arrival of the British in the 18th century and it was at Fort Cornwallis that Francis Light first landed. A star-shaped fort was built here and still stands today, a relic from a bygone era, but still an important attraction on the island.

The site looks much the same as it did back in the 1780’s, with cannon still expectantly pointing out to sea, thick walls to explore, a chapel, storerooms, and statue of Francis Light.

The information signs don’t give much away so it’s more a place to stroll around and soak in the remaining colonial atmosphere. The historical aspects aren’t quite as well maintained as they once were but nowadays you’re also likely to find an temporary exhibition or cultural performance taking place in the grounds.

14. Floating Mosque

Open every day (5am to 10pm)

Just in case anyone thought that this was an architectural phenomenon, the floating mosque in Penang, known officially as Tanjong Bungah Floating Mosque, isn’t actually floating. Originally built on land 1967, and then extended out over the sea in 2003, this mosque is built on pilings (sturdy stilts) drilled into the sea bed so that when the tide rolls it, there is the illusion that this mosque is floating over the water, although even at high tide, you will still see the pilings.

Penang Floating Mosque is especially beautiful at sunset with the call to prayer from the minaret drifts over the island and out to sea, and the fishing boats bobbing to the side provide a timeless feel on an island which is modernising at lightening pace.

Please note that non-Muslims are not allowed on the grounds of the mosque around prayer times.

15. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

Click here for more information Open daily from 9am to 5pm, including public holidays

Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, or Khoo Kongsi for short, is arguably one of the grandest Chinese clan community centres in Malaysia. The temple, which is the focal point, is beautifully ornate and stunning to walk around.

You will also find here a small museum providing information on the history of clan buildings and culture, as well as Chinese history on Penang, plus a souvenir and ice-cream stall.

No need to pre-book. Just turn up and pay the entrance feel at the ticket booth on arrival.

16. Kek Lok Si Temple

The largest Budhist temple in Malaysia, and an important pilgrimage site for devotees across Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Ait Itam has been drawing visitors since its construction around the turn of the 20th century.

Brace yourself when you first arrive, the initial glimpse of the temple is something you’ll long remember. Aside from walking around and taking in the overall splendour, you’ll see the famous Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, the almost forty metre tall statue of Kuan Yin, as well as the peaceful prayer areas.

Open each day between 8:30am and 5:30pm, entry to Kek Lok Si Temple is free although donations are welcomed. Due to its significance as a pilgramage site, it will often be busy, particularly around Chinese New Year, when the festivities are at their fullest.

Located in Air Itam, quite close to Penang Hill Funicular, the easiest access is to use a Grab taxi, although the 201 bus from central George Town can drop you one kilometre from the entrance if you fancy a walk.

17. Gurney Plaza

Click here for more information Open daily from 10am to 10pm

The beauty of Penang is its juxtaposition between old and new, and what better way to experience modern Penang than at it’s premier shopping mall, Gurney Plaza.

Spread over nine floors, Gurney Plaza offers both high end and Western high street shops (such as Marks & Spencer) as well as restaurants and a 12-screen cinema (there are always Western films in English showing).

18. Upside Down Museum

Click here for more information Open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm

Create crazy photographs and defy gravity in a world where everything is the wrong way up. Then share your photos with family and friends back home to really confuse them.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by មិន ចេនី (@janymin)

Located in George Town, Penang’s Upside Down Museum is great fun for a hour to escape an afternoon downpour or the heat. Although if you’ve been to others around the world (they are particularly popular in Southeast Asian cities) then it may lack a little novelty.

19. Tech Dome Penang

Tech Dome Penang is Penang’s Science Museum, showcasing 120 interactive science and technology exhibits all under the one roof. This is a superb Penang indoor activity for any science-buffs!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tech Dome Penang (@techdomepenang)

Understand gravity with the G-Drop, code your bot around a maze, try an escape the laser beams, float balls with air, and take on the climbing wall. This science museum is brilliant fun and will get you thinking.

20. Ghost Museum Penang

Click here for more information Open 10am to 7pm every day

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ghost Museum Penang 👻 (@ghostmuseumpenang)

A weird and whacky museum in the heart of Georgetown with ghostly and scary exhibits that make you feel like you’ve stepped into at an 80’s Halloween-themed party. You will hear the stories from 30 different ghosts, teaching visitors about dark culture and history, and have the opportunity to take some trick-eye photos. It’s all rather garish and tacky, but will get you laughing.

21. Afternoon tea at The E&O

Click here for more information Serving 3pm 5pm every day

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel, commonly known as the E&O Hotel, is an iconic and historic landmark situated in the heart of George Town. Established in 1885 by the Sarkies Brothers, who also founded the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the E&O Hotel exudes an old-world charm that transports guests to a bygone era.

It’s one of Penang’s most luxurious hotels , but you don’t need to pay the hefty price tag to enjoy its grandeur. Afternoon tea at The E&O is one of the top things to do in Penang, and as it’s indoors, this is a perfect indoor activity for a rainy day or beating the heat.

The three-tiered English afternoon tea that is served every afternoon between 3 and 5pm is the quintessential E&O experience. Please not that there is a dress code after 3pm;  smart-casual attire is required (Polo T-shirts are acceptable but guests are discouraged from wearing shorts, singlets, flip flops and gentlemen’s sandals).

Pre-book your afternoon-tea online to guarantee a table.

22. Penang War Museum

Click here for more information Open 9am to 6pm every day

Penang War Museum offers a fascinating insight into the Japanese occupation of Penang during WW2. It’s also one of the few Penang indoor activities that’s not located in George Town. Instead it’s located to the southeast of the island on Batu Maung Hill.

Initially a military fortress designed by the British in the 1930s, it was lost to the invading Japanese in 1942 and then used as a site to detain prisoners of war. A fascinating place to visit.

23. Get a massage

Lots of different options around Penang. Best to check Google Maps for a spa close to you.

One of my (Jenny) personal favourite things to do on a free rainy afternoon in Penang is to get a massage. An hour or two of pure, relaxing bliss to zone out and reset.

Massages in Southeast Asia are always so much cheaper (and better) that ones back home in the UK, so I never feel guilty with the mini splurge.

The easiest way to find a spa near to where you are based in Penang is to check Google maps. For downtown George Town, Bliss Wellness or Spakita Reflexology are both good options. And along the main stretch of Batu Ferringhi (where you’ll find Penang beach resorts ) there are lots of options. For something a little more upmarket, try De Villa Spa or Tower Spa Penang .

24. Dark Mansion – 3D Glow in the Dark Museum 

Click here for more information Open 10am to 6:30pm every day

The first and only 3D glow in the dark museum in Malaysia, Dark Mansion is one of the most fun things to to in Penang when it rains. Allow 1-2 hours for your visit and watch as paintings transform from 2D paintings to weird and whacky 3D optical illusions!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dark Mansion Penang (Official) (@darkmansionpenang_official)

Make sure you have your camera handy to capture the fun illusions. Staff are on hand to help you find the best angle for those photos.

Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:

The best things to do in Penang Top 10 tips for visiting Penang One day Penang itinerary Best hotels in Penang How to get around Penang A brief history of Penang

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Restaurants & Cafes
• Music & Nightlife
• Arts & Entertainment
• Shopping & Style
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Tourist Information Centre

• Things to do
• George Town

Time Out says

The Tourist Information Centre provides tourism services, which includes responding to enquiries, providing brochures on places to visit and directional maps as well as highlighting the latest events and happenings in Penang.

An email you’ll actually love

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Kuala Lumpur
• Time Out Worldwide

20 Places to Visit in Penang and Georgetown + Things To Do

Penang is one of the most storied states in Malaysia and at its heart is the state capital of Tanjung Penaga or George Town, whose historical core has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.

As the first British settlement in Asia, George Town offers a preview of the past within its well-preserved walls while generously providing options for the chic traveler to enjoy the journey. Suffice it to say the city has the best of both worlds—a frozen-in-time surrounding with the modern lifestyle’s cravings. Some of the attractions worth visiting in Georgetown include the Kek Lok Si Temple complex, Khoo Kongsi, Fort Cornwallis, Old Penang Town Hall, and Gurney Plaza. You may also treat yourself to see the other highlights in Penang state while you are here by visiting Penang Hill, Penang Hill Tram Ride, and Batu Ferringhi Beach.

Traveling to Penang and George Town is a breeze for those coming from major Asian cities because the state is well-served by an international airport near Bayan Lepas. Penang International Airport has daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Jakarta, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Penang travel essentials

Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Penang Hotels Tours + discounts Flights

View all travel tips on: Penang .

1. Kek Lok Si Temple

Location : Air Itam, Penang Island, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

For more travel inspiration,  follow Detourista on :

Instagram Facebook tiktok Pinterest

2. Penang Hill

Location : 11500 Bukit Bendera, Penang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

See rates & book online

Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing

The Habitat Penang Hill Admission Ticket

3. Penang Hill Tram Ride

Location : Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, Penang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

4. Penang Food Trip

5. Fort Cornwallis

Location : Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

6. Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

Location : Lebuh Light, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

7. Old Penang Town Hall & City Hall

Location : Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

8. Temple of the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin Teng) / Kong Hock Keong

Location : 30, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

9. Kapitan Keling Mosque

Location : 14, Jalan Buckingham, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

10. Acheen Street Mosque (Lebuh Aceh Mosque / Masjid Jamek)

Location : Aceh Street Mosque, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

11. Little India

Location : Lebuh Pasar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

12. Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple

Location : Lebuh Queen, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

13. Yap Kongsi Temple

Location : Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

14. Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi Clan Temple

Location : 8, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

15. Love Lane

16. St George’s Anglican Church

Location : 1, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

17. Church of the Assumption

Location : Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

18. Malaysian Railway Building (Wisma Kastam)

Location : Gat Lebuh China, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

19. Abandoned Shin Chung Branch School

Location : 11, Jalan Transfer, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

20. Christian Cemetery

Location : 4, Lorong Midlands, George Town, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia . Save on Google Maps .

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Penang that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Penang

Penang tourist spots, things to do in Penang, where to go in Penang & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Penang

Click below & search recommended Penang hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration:

Don’t leave yet. There’s more!

Discover more blogs and travel tips in:

• Southeast Asia

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

A Travel Guide to Penang, Malaysia

All About Malaysia's "Pearl of the Orient"

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

Penang's past as a British colonial holding and its present-day status as one of Malaysia 's most prosperous states have made it one of Southeast Asia's most popular tourist stops. Nicknamed "the pearl of the Orient", Penang possesses a multifaceted culture and eclectic cuisine that rewards adventurous travelers.

Located in the northern part of peninsular Malaysia, the island of Penang was first colonized in 1786 by British adventurer Captain Francis Light. Always looking for new opportunities for his employer the British East India Company, Captain Light saw in Penang a magnificent harbor for tea and opium transshipments between China and the rest of the British Empire.

Penang underwent a number of political transformations after Light wrested control of Penang from the local Malay royalty. It was incorporated into the British Straits Settlements (which also included Melaka and Singapore to the south), then became part of the Malayan Union, then finally joined an independent Malaysia in 1957. Yet its long history under the British left an indelible mark: the capital of George Town retains an ineffable Imperial atmosphere that sets it apart from Malaysia's other grand cities.

First Stop: George Town, Penang

The island of Penang covers 115 square miles of real estate, mostly flat with a central hill range topping off at about 2,700 feet above sea level. The state capital of George Town on the northeastern cape serves as Penang's administrative, commercial, and cultural center, and is usually the tourists' first stop on the island.

Georgetown possesses one of Southeast Asia’s finest collections of 19th century and early 20th century buildings, its old shophouses and grand civic buildings serving as the last tangible link to Penang's past as the British Empire's most prosperous trading port in Malaya. Its well-preserved heritage buildings earned George Town recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

• Remaking History: Read about Southeast Asia's Top Ten UNESCO World Heritage sites .

British rule brought with it an influx of immigrants that added to the existing Malay and Peranakan population of the island: the Chinese, Tamil, Arab, British and other migrant communities remade parts of George Town in their respective images.

Chinese clan houses like Khoo Kongsi sprouted up alongside mansions like Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and the present-day Peranakan Mansion, and British landmarks like Fort Cornwallis and the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower solidified the imperial presence.

Best Time to Visit Penang

Penang shares the heat, humidity and heavy rains common in this part of the world. It's close enough to the equator to have only two seasons, a wet season from April to November and a dry season from December to March. (Find out more about weather in Malaysia .)

The peak tourist season in Penang coincides with New Year and Chinese New Year; between December and late January, the near-constant sunshine makes the George Town streets look bright, while the prevailing heat and humidity remains tolerable (the heat is at its worst in February and March).

From April till November, rainfall increases, auguring the arrival of the southwest monsoon. Visitors arriving during monsoon season can look on the bright side: lower temperatures and lower prices overall can make the trip enjoyable in its own way. But traveling during the monsoon season has plenty of downsides, too. More on those here: Traveling in Southeast Asia's Monsoon Season .

Haze. Between March and June, man-made forest-clearing fires in Indonesia (primarily Sumatra and Borneo) carry ash particles into the sky, causing a sickly haze to accumulate over Singapore and Malaysia. The haze may ruin the scenery at best, and be positively hazardous to your health at worst.

Holidays in Penang. With a little foresight, you can schedule your trip to coincide with one of Penang's many festivals. Chinese New Year is the biggest party the island can contrive, but you can also try visiting during Thaipusam, Vesak , or Hungry Ghost Festival .

Expect more inconvenience than usual, though: these festivals bring in plenty of tourists, but may shut down some shops and restaurants (particularly for Chinese New Year, when locals prefer to spend the holidays with their families rather than serving out-of-towners). 

Proceed to the next page to read about Penang's transportation, the range of accommodations on the island (whether you're staying on the cheap or looking for luxury), and all the things you can do while visiting the Pearl of the Orient.

George Town is only the first order of business of any trip to Penang in Malaysia. From your hostel or hotel in Penang, you can have your pick of numerous adventures (we recommend you start with the food). But you have got to get here first.

Going to Penang

The island of Penang is easily reached by multiple land connections and by airplane via the Penang International Airport .

Kuala Lumpur is only 205 miles (331 km) from Penang. Travelers can cross this distance via bus or train, both of which can be booked at Kuala Lumpur Sentral station . Travelers arriving by bus will stop at the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal , then proceed by taxi or RapidPenang bus to their next stop.

Bangkok is about 712 miles (1147 km) from Penang. Travelers can take the sleeper train from Bangkok; the train stops at Butterworth station on the mainland, next to a ferry station that crosses over to George Town on the island. This route is a popular one for travelers doing a visa run (find out more about getting a Thai visa ).

For a closer look at getting in and around the island, read our articles about transportation to and around Penang , and getting around Georgetown, Penang.

Where to Stay in Penang

Most travelers to Penang find accommodations in George Town. Many of the historic quarter's shophouses and mansions have been repurposed into hotels and hostels. (More here: Hotels in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia.)

Penang's wealth of budget accommodations accounts for its popularity among backpackers. For cheap rooms/beds in Penang, consult our lists of Top Georgetown, Penang Hostels and Budget Hotels in Penang, Malaysia.

The main George Town street of Lebuh Chulia is Penang's main backpacker alley, with plenty of cafes, bars, travel agencies, and yes, hostels and hotels. More on the latter here: Hotels On & Near Lebuh Chulia, George Town, Penang.

Flashpackers are a growing travel segment in Penang. Seeking the conviviality of hostels but all the creature comforts of regular hotels, flashpackers tend to gravitate towards boutique hostels like Syok at Chulia Hostel and Ryokan at Muntri Boutique Hostel.

Things to Do in Penang

In Penang, tourists find old-world cultural appeal from both East and West (concentrated in the northeast of the island around George Town), and examples of natural beauty (everywhere else). What follows is a thumbnail sketch of sights and activities worth checking out when in Penang.

• Explore Penang's riotous food scene. Start with the top Penang food finds lining George Town's pedestrian-friendly grid (more here: where to eat in George Town, Penang ). Local Malaysian street food favorites can be sampled off of streetside stalls after dark (see: the nighttime street food scene at Lebuh Chulia ), a delicious reward for brave diners.
• Go temple-hopping. Penang has long been a multi-confessional society; a proliferation of temples and mosques can be seen within the George Town historic core.
• Hit the beach. Penang's beaches can be found on its northwest coast: Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang welcome travelers looking for watersports activities and a vibrant street shopping scene.
• Be one with the wild. Way outside George Town, parks like the Penang Bird Park, Penang Hill, and the Penang Botanic Gardens give nature-loving travelers a glimpse of the taxonomic riches abundant in Malaysia.
• Go shopping. The British East India Company ships may have gone away, but the traders have remained , dispensing unique items in both traditional markets (like the Chowrasta Bazaar) and modern shopping centers like KOMTAR.

Proceed to this article to explore the above bullet points in minute detail: Things to Do in Penang, Malaysia.

Chinese New Year in Penang, Malaysia

July in Asia: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

The Top 11 Things to Do in George Town, Penang

Langkawi, Malaysia Travel Guide

Your Trip to Malaysia: The Complete Guide

13 Unforgettable Beach Destinations in Southeast Asia

Top 10 Tourist Destinations in Asia

Guide to Visiting Ayutthaya in Thailand

What $100 Can Get You in Southeast Asia

The Top 12 Things to Do in Malaysia

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Singapore

Where to Go in 2023: The Most Exciting Destinations to Explore This Year

Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southeast Asia

Trekking Trails in the Cameron Highlands

Singapore Guide: Planning Your Trip

Malaysia's Top 10 Destinations

The inside guide to where to go and what to eat in Penang

• Skip to content
• Jump to main navigation and login
• Jump to additional information

Nav view search

• Where to Eat
• Clan Houses
• You are here:  

Penang Tourism Centre

About penang.

• People & Culture
• Holidays Calendars
• Places and Sights
• Penang Food
• Shops and Markets
• Penang Transport
• Things to Do
• Where to Stay
• News and Events
• Copyright & Disclaimer
• myPenang Links
• Achived News
• Hotel Search
• Free Hotel Search
• Heritage Hotels
• myMalaysiabooks
• Malaysian Food
• Joomla! Home

Additional information

• Year of the Ox
• 2020 Advisory on Covid-19
• Morning Cafe at Macallum

Images of Penang

• Hokkien New Year
• Tau Sar Pneah / Tambun biscuits
• Flooding in Penang November 2017
• Map of Pulau Pinang
• 2015 Holidays Malaysia

copyright © mypenang.my;

We’re in Myanmar right now and it’s SO epic… click here to follow along on Instagram.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Southeast Asia » Malaysia » Penang

24 BEST Places to Visit in Penang (2024)

Spread across a strip along the mainland peninsula and a fairly large island, Malaysia’s state of Penang is famous for being one of the world’s premier places for mouth-watering street food. It also boasts an abundance of beautiful architecture, plentiful historic and religious sites, places of natural interest, and beaches.

Due to the state’s spread-out nature, deciding where to visit each day can be tricky. You don’t want to waste time travelling between hotspots only to later discover there were other cool places close to hand.

We’ve done the research so that you don’t miss any of Penang’s highlights. Add these best places to visit in Penang to your itinerary for an epic trip to the island:

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Penang:

These are the best places to visit in penang, faq on the best places to visit in penang, final thoughts on penang’s best places.

George Town

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town has an abundance of churches and temples, pre-war architecture, and a lively arts and culture scene.

• Admire the colonial architecture of Wisma Kastam.
• Go for a stroll along Gurney Drive.
• Take a graffiti spotting tour through the city.

And now, onto the good stuff … here are the best places to visit in Penang!

Visit Penang with peace of mind that you’re seeing the very best places the state has to offer…

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

#1 Monkey Beach

• Great for swimming!
• Not very crowded
• Inside of an epic national park!
• Go on either a jungle hike or boat

Why it’s awesome: This is one of those tourist attractions you just can’t miss when you visit Penang Island! The secluded beach is located deep inside Penang National Park, which is worth a trip on its own. The best thing about the beach is you can only reach it via hike or boat!

Relax on the sand, swim, or grab some grub at one of the on-site beach shacks. At over 1km long, it’s Penang’s longest stretch of sand.

What to do there : Relax on the sand, take a dip in the water, or even charter a local boat to explore the area. Spot the native Macaque monkeys, and spend the night at the beach campsite to check out sunrise and sunset! The entrance fee is RM50 for foreigners.

#2 See the Amazing Floating Mosque

• A mosque built on stilts!
• Free to enter
• Iconic design
• Gives insight into Islam in Malaysia

Why it’s awesome: The Tanjung Bungah Floating mosque is a stunning architectural marvel that we’d definitely consider a must-see while you’re visiting Penang. Its unique location makes it appear as if it is literally floating – you most likely have never seen another mosque like it.

What to do there : Walk around the grounds and take in the peace and beauty. It’s also not a good idea to visit during prayer times out of respect.

#3 – Chulia Street Night Market

• Huge assortment of street food
• Affordable prices
• Lively and friendly atmosphere
• Terrific photo opportunities

Why it’s awesome: Chulia Street Night Market is one of the best places in Penang for a wide array of delicious street food—and that’s quite an achievement in a city that’s world-renowned for its incredible street food scene . There are a number of small sit-down eateries as well as an abundance of hawker stalls and basic tables and chairs where you can dine on the streets. Dishes reflect the country’s mixed heritage, with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and local fusion fare all available. You can expect Indian style curries, iconic Penang prawn noodles, and thousands of dishes in between. Prices are reasonable too.

What to do there: Stroll along the lively Chulia Street Night Market watching as vendors cook an assortment of dishes on the spot, the scents of cooking wafting through the air, the sizzling sounds breaking through the chatter, and the sights that are sure to tempt you.

If you’re into food photography this is a terrific place to indulge in your hobby. Of course, it’s also a fantastic place to get your fill of delicious street food. Be sure

#4 – Kek Lok Si Temple

• Striking hilltop temple
• Biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia
• Major pilgrimage site
• See various cultural practices

Why it’s awesome: The large and detailed Buddhist temple of Kek Lok Si is perched on a high hill overlooking the surroundings. The extensive complex is the nation’s largest Buddhist temple and it attracts mainly devout Buddhists who want to make merit, worship, and pay their respects. The architecture and religious practices reflect different branches of Buddhism.

The ornate temple dates back to the 1890s, built using donations from a number of wealthy Chinese businessmen, and there have been a number of striking additions over the years. Spread over three main zones and with beautiful architecture, fascinating statues, splendid gardens, and terrific views, there’s definitely plenty to appreciate at the important temple.

What to do there: Marvel at the soaring seven-level pagoda adorned with thousands of statues of the Lord Buddha, and notice the blend of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese influences in its design. Be impressed by the towering 36-metre-tall (120-foot-tall) bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin). Find your Chinese zodiac birth animal among the 12 statues.

Stroll through the pleasant gardens and soak up the pretty views. Watch turtles and fish swimming in the ponds, spend some time in quiet reflection in one of the prayer halls, see devotees performing various religious rituals, buy a range of souvenirs, amulets, and religious memorabilia, and call into the restaurant for a tasty and filling vegetarian meal.

#5 – Pinang Peranakan Museum

• Learn more about Peranakan heritage and culture
• Eye-catching artefacts
• Housed in a historic mansion
• One of Penang’s best museums

Why it’s awesome: Pinang Peranakan Mansion tells the story of the area’s Peranakan (Straits Chinese) past. The building, built in the 1890s, was once the home of a wealthy Chinese businessman, and it has been restored to showcase its former splendour. Rooms are decorated and arranged so as to transport people back in time and the museum is filled with numerous antiques and items from the Peranakan community. The museum is so well curated and the collections so vast that it has received many accolades and been featured in various TV shows.

What to do there: Admire the handsome green building from the outside, noting the blend of Chinese, European, and Malaysian elements. Peranakans maintained their own customs while also adopting those from their new area (the Straits) and later from colonial influences, leading to a unique way of life and culture. Explore the museum’s rooms and courtyards, filled with beautiful details and objects.

You’ll see things like exquisitely carved wood, ceramic floor tiles, decorative room screens, and more than 1,000 gorgeous antiques. See the statue of the mansion’s former owner standing inside the adjacent small shrine.

#6 – Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

• Insane design!
• A UNESCO award winner
• Movies have been shot here!
• Bucket-list experience

Why it’s awesome: The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is no doubt one of the coolest places to see in Malaysia. Nicknamed the Blue Mansion for obvious reasons, it’s also an epic boutique hotel these days. The iconic home once belonged to a 19th Chinese tycoon of the industrialist era. The home eventually went under some major renovations that even earned it a UNESCO award. The property continues to welcome guests and has even appeared in major films, including the mega-hit Crazy Rich Asians.

What to do there: Book a tour for either 11 AM, 2 PM, or 3:30 PM. For the full experience, you can book a luxury stay in one of their rooms.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

#7 – Snake Temple

• Home to many snakes
• Long history
• Surrounded in local legends
• Beautiful architecture

Why it’s awesome: Penang’s Snake Temple was constructed in the early 1800s to honour a Chinese Buddhist monk, Chor Soo Kong. He was known for doing many kind deeds, particularly tending to the sick and assisting snakes. Local lore says that when the temple was built, pit vipers just started to appear there. Today, lots of snakes lounge throughout the temple. Although locals believe that the incense smoke makes the snakes harmless, they have been de-venomed to be on the safe side!

What to do there: Wander around the temple complex and stare in fascination at the numerous snakes who call the religious site home. See snakes draped across the shrines, coiled around statues and columns, hanging from branches, and in almost any place you could think of! Most of the resident snakes are pit vipers, though you’ll also spot a number of other species. Visit the breeding centre and learn more about the slithery and often misunderstood creatures. You can also enjoy the attractive details of the temple.

#8 – Penang National Park

• Rich array of flora and fauna
• Diverse landscapes
• Great outdoor activities
• Youngest national park in Malaysia

Why it’s awesome: Despite being fairly small, covering just 2997 acres (1,213 hectares) of land and sea, Penang National Park boasts a wide assortment of plants and animals and also has diverse terrain within its boundaries. There are several habitats in the park not found elsewhere in the country and it’s one of the nation’s most biodiverse parts. Furthermore, the national park also has historical and archaeological elements and great views.

There are long beaches, mangroves, and wildlife-rich forests, with creatures calling the park home including turtles, otters, dolphins, monkeys, mouse deer, wild boar, and various species of bird. Plants include the delicate orchids, the unusual pitcher plants, sea almonds, bonsai trees, and various herbs.

What to do there: Soak up the splendid vistas and bask on the sandy shores of pretty beaches like Pantai Mas, Pasir Pandak, Teluk Kerachut, Tanjung Ailing, and Teluk Bahang. See the unusual meromictic lake, a lake where the waters don’t mix and the different colours can clearly be seen. Spot various creatures and plants and follow the two long nature trails. Be sure to wear sensible footwear!

Get a bird’s eye view of the forests and beaches from the 15-metre-high (49-foot-high) canopy walkway. Visit other places of interest within the park, such as Muka Head Lighthouse and the old Hokkien cemetery. There are natural swimming pools where you can take a dip and cool down and you’ll find plenty of nice places for a picnic. If you’re feeling adventurous you can also camp within the national park.

#9 – Batu Feringghi

• Popular white-sand beach
• Water-based activities
• Diverse places of interest close to hand
• Lively nightlife

Why it’s awesome: One of the most popular destinations in Penang with Malaysia backpackers , Batu Feringghi boasts a long, sandy beach and offers beautiful views. Previously a quiet village with a long history, today the area has an abundance of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. A pleasant place to watch the sun go down, Batu Feringghi is also known for its cool laid-back night scene, with plenty of bars sitting close to the beach. While you’ll find plenty of ways to spend money if you wish, visiting the beach and enjoying the vibe doesn’t cost a single Ringgit.

What to do there: Sunbathe on the soft sands of Batu Feringghi beach and admire the views of the shimmering emerald waters meeting the horizon. Stay until later on in the day to witness a beautiful sunset over the ocean. Although the waters generally aren’t considered great for swimming there are various water-based activities that you can enjoy, including parasailing, riding on banana boats, jet skiing, and kayaking. Kids and adults alike can have heaps of fun at Wet World Wild, with its many inflatable features. Browse a wide range of goods and feast on street food at the lively Batu Feringghi night market.

#10 – Penang Batik Factory

• Learn more about traditional batik
• Watch artists at work
• Buy beautiful handmade items
• Free guided tours

Why it’s awesome: Penang Batik Factory was set up in 1973 and it shows the skills that go into creating stunning textile art. Artisans can make a living at the small cottage industry and tourists can see exactly how pieces are made, appreciating items a lot more than simply seeing them in a showroom. Each artist has their own specialty. The factory has three sections: a boutique, an art gallery, and a workshop. There are free tours of the facility and you aren’t overly pressured to make a purchase.

What to do there: Watch artists at work in the workshop and see the precision and talent that goes into creating traditional batik designs. See artisans hand drawing patterns, colouring in designs, and using blocks to create imprints on fabrics. Items here are atypical in that they have patterns on both sides of the fabric. Visit the art gallery to admire a wide selection of batik artworks in all sizes and colours. You may even wish to make a special purchase to add something unusual to your home. If you’re more interested in batik clothing call into the boutique, where you’ll find various garments for men, women, and children.

#11 – Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

• Penang’s first Burmese Buddhist temple
• Retreat for Buddhist monks
• Traditional details created by Burmese craftspeople

Why it’s awesome: Founded in the early 1800s, Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is the oldest Burmese temple in Penang. It has strong links to women, having been established on land donated by a wealthy lady and several female trustees. Expanded and altered over the years, the temple was initially constructed from wood and later rebuilt using sturdier materials. It displays typical Burmese features throughout and skilled Burmese artisans were commissioned to ensure accuracy and authenticity. The temple also serves as a monastery, with Buddhist monks living onsite.

What to do there: Walk through the red and golden gateway, complete with large elephant statues and traditional Burmese designs and topped with the umbrella-like spire. Stand in front of the stupa, which is the oldest part of the complex, having been consecrated in the year 1805.

Rest in the shade of the sacred Boddhi tree, see the monk’s living quarters (from outside), and view the large collection of Buddha statues in various postures and detailed murals. Look for interesting statues of mythical creatures too, including the garuda, chinthe, and panca rupa. Enjoy the peaceful and serene ambience and watch as local devotees come here to pray and seek blessings.

#12 – Penang Jewish Cemetery – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Penang

• Peaceful ambience
• Lesser-visited spot
• One of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in Southeast Asia
• Legacy of a disappearing community

Why it’s awesome: Surrounded by high walls, the quiet Jewish Cemetery is one of the last traces of Penang’s former Jewish community. Even the old synagogue closed down back in the 1970s. The cemetery gates are often kept locked, but people wishing to visit can knock and the custodian will come and let you in.

It is thought that the last local Jew passed away in 2011, his grave the most recent in the lonely cemetery, thus ending Penang’s Jewish community. Neat rows of graves bear witness to the fact that there were once fairly substantial numbers of Jews resident in Penang. The interesting cemetery sees very few visitors.

What to do there: Chat with the cemetery keeper and learn a little bit about Penang’s former Jewish community and hear whispers from yesteryear as you walk through the rows of gravestones. Pay your respects to the deceased and wonder about the now lost local community. See the oldest grave in the burial ground, which dates back to 1835, as well as the newest grave from 2011.

You’ll notice that the memorials are in a typical Middle Eastern style and that most of the inscriptions are in Hebrew. You’re sure to feel as though you’ve stepped away from the tried and tested tourist path and are discovering new insights into Penang’s past.

#13 – Kapitan Keling Mosque – One of the most religious places to see in Penang

• Built by Indian Muslims
• Open to non-Muslims (with permission from officials)

Why it’s awesome: Kapitan Keling Mosque – set in one of George Town’s central areas – is a gorgeous mosque. It was built in the early 19 th century by some of the earliest Indian Muslim immigrants to Penang. Designed in an Indo-Moorish style, it also has Gothic and Roman elements. A golden dome sits atop the pale building with a high minaret alongside. There are typical Islamic details, such as calligraphy of passages from the Islamic holy book (the Quran), floral imagery, geometric patterns, and colourful stained glass.

What to do there: Listen out for the lilting call to prayer, issued five times each day from the minaret by the muezzin calling the faithful. Walk along the sweeping path to reach the main building, complete with its glorious dome, passing elegant archways alongside. Look inside the prayer hall to see ornate prayer rugs scattered across the marble floor, rich traditional designs, and a beautiful chandelier. Do note that you should dress modestly to visit the mosque and will need to get permission to look inside if you are not from the Muslim faith.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

#14 – Butterworth

• Main town on Penang’s peninsula mainland
• Uncrowded compared with more popular places in Penang
• Local vibes
• Varied attractions and activities

Why it’s awesome: While most people see Penang as synonymous with George Town with its UNESCO status, there’s a whole bunch more to explore in the state’s mainland areas too. Butterworth is the main town in mainland Penang and it has a variety of attractions and activities to keep you busy on a day trip. If you’re wondering where to stay in Malaysia to explore Penang but still avoid the tourist life, Butterworth is a fine choice with some of Penangs best Airbnb’s available. Crowds are smaller than on the island and it’s a great place to immerse yourself in local life. The area boasts beaches, beautiful temples, lively markets, and more.

What to do there: Take a walk along the beach or relax at the seaside at hotspots like Pantai Bersih and Bagan Ajam. Get a glimpse of local beliefs at the Taoist temple of the Nine Emperor Gods, one of the town’s biggest places of worship. Snap pictures of the large pagodas, vibrant colours, statues of Chinese deities, and ornate decorative touches.

You can also experience local Indian culture at the lavish Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Hindu Temple. Butterworth Bird Park is a lovely place for a family outing, home to many avian species from across the globe. Don’t miss the large and lively Apollo Market for street food, fresh produce, and knickknacks.

#15 – Upside Down Museum

• Fun for people of all ages
• Unusual attraction
• Fabulous photo opportunities
• See the world from a different perspective

Why it’s awesome: Penang’s Upside Down Museum is a cool museum where, as the name suggests, everything is upside down. With furnishings and other common items firmly attached to the top of each room, you really can feel like your world has been turned upside down and that you’re walking like Spiderman suctioned to the ceiling. You won’t just find typical rooms of a house here; there’s even a topsy turvy market, café, and others. There are fantastic photo opportunities and it’s an unusual and fun place for both children and adults.

What to do there: Walk through the upside-down bedroom, kitchen, living room, and bathroom, posing for lots of awesome pictures that seem to defy gravity. Members of staff are happy to give you pointers as to how to achieve the coolest and most realistic-looking snaps.

Everything from the beds, cupboards, desks, oven, and kitchen sink are above you, with rooms that look incredibly lifelike … except for being the wrong way round! Discover the turned around market, pose as though you’re walking down the stairs on your hands, play the piano whilst seemingly hovering above it, and have a ball!

#16 – Guar Petai – Certainly one of the most exotic places to see in Penang!

• Off the beaten track
• Beautiful landscapes
• Former quarry
• Excellent photo opportunities

Why it’s awesome: Nestled in a sleepy rural village on mainland Penang, Guar Petai is an old and abandoned water-filled quarry. Ponds are filled with sparkling emerald green waters and lots of lush greenery and reddish rust-coloured and sandy rocks add to the enchanting and alluring vistas. A natural splendour, it’s often pretty quiet. A great spot for photography and romantic moments, it is commonly said to resemble Jiuzhaigou in China. Even better, there’s no cost to visit this picturesque place.

What to do there: Climb to the top of the former quarry and soak up the picturesque views, admiring the contrasting colours and the way that the sun glints off the striking green waters. Snap plenty of beautiful pictures of the gorgeous terrain and enjoy the peace and quiet. Walk around the area to find even more great angles for stunning photography and terrific views.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

#17 – Design Village Penang – A great place in Penang if you love to shop!

• Largest mall in Penang
• Beautiful tropical gardens
• Wide range of goods
• Diverse places to eat and drink

Why it’s awesome: Not only is Design Village Penang the biggest mall in Penang but it is also among the largest outlet shopping centres in the entire country. Home to around 150 shops that sell a huge array of goods, you’re almost certain to find anything that you could wish to buy here. The open-concept retail village is spread across stunning tropical gardens. There are plenty of shaded seating areas in the greenery as well as a good choice of cafes and restaurants that cater to diverse tastes.

What to do there: Naturally, the main reason to visit Design Village Penang is to indulge in a spot of retail therapy! Browse in shops like Guess, Coach, Samsonite, Timberland, Pierre Cardin, Gap, Puma, and Rip Curl, treating yourself to new outfits, footwear, home items, beauty products, sportswear, and more. Admire the balance between nature and commerce as you stroll through the lush gardens, and stop to refuel in one of the great eateries.

#18 – Clan Jetties – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Penang

• Floating villages
• Traditional ways of life
• Historic vibe
• Great views

Why it’s awesome: The six Clan Jetties of Penang are old water villages that were built by Chinese groups. Initially a wood yard and later a place where people would load and offload boats, workers began to build small huts along the wooden jetties. More and more of these basic stilted properties were constructed, creating entire small villages of stilt houses over the water.

Each jetty was associated with a specific clan of Chinese immigrants, and several clans still call the jetties home today: the Chew, Tan, Lim, Yeoh, and Lee, plus a mixed clan jetty (Snaeh). In the past, there were even more such jetties stretching along the waterfront. People still live at the jetties today and traditional ways of life prevail.

What to do there: Start with a visit to the Chew Clan Jetty and take a walk along the sturdy planks, passing local homes and stores. Inhale the scents of incense burning at small shrines outside dwellings and call into the small temple that sits over the water. Get a glimpse of a different way of life and appreciate the wooden structures that are simple but cosy and functional.

See small boats bobbing on the waves and soak up the views; the sunset vistas are especially pretty. If you want to experience more of life in the villages, visit some of the area’s other Clan Jetties too. Do remember to act respectfully, keep the noise down, and be courteous with your photography as these are still private dwellings where people live and go about their day-to-day business.

#19 – Dark Mansion

• Glow-in-the-dark scenes
• Interactive art

Why it’s awesome: The Dark Mansion is one of Penang’s quirkier museums. It’s the country’s only 3D glow-in-the-dark museum, open since 2016. Using technology and science to enhance an arty experience, the museum not only has cool 3D paintings that let you appear as though you’re in a variety of scenes but it also has a glowing effect. Visitors can see the art in normal lighting and then in the dark, with special lighting, to appreciate how the picture changes. It’s certainly lots of fun and you’re sure to come away with many amazing photos.

What to do there: Immerse yourself in various scenes while your friends (or a helpful member of staff) snap plenty of pictures of you. Witness the transformation of art under different lighting conditions and play around with different props. Highlights include the magical glow-in-the-dark forest, complete with various creatures, the dazzling scenes of the night sky, and a cool radiant bridge.

Travel back in time and feel a pang of nostalgia as you pass through the time tunnel and marvel at the celebrated Edgar Muller piece called Fire and Water, which is the biggest anamorphic glow-in-the-dark image in the world.

#20 – Sri Mahamariamman Temple

• Penang’s oldest Hindu temple
• Eye-catching colours and details
• Strong sense of spirituality
• Home to many pigeons

Why it’s awesome: The melting pot of culture is just one of the many good reasons to travel to Malaysia . From Islam to Buddhism to (Tamil) Hindu, bring your shoulder covering, because we’re going temple hunting!

Having started life as a simple shrine back in the early 1800s, the present temple building of Penang’s Sri Mahamariamman Temple was constructed in 1833. Built by early Tamil Indian migrants, it is the oldest Hindu temple in the state. Colourful with many ornate features, it’s a fabulous place to admire architectural beauty and religious art. The ambience is simultaneously energetic and peaceful, with many devotees coming here to perform prayers and religious rituals each day.

What to do there: Make sure to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds. Admire the vibrant gopurum (entrance tower) with its many intricate carvings of Hindu deities, animals, flowers, symbols, and other features. Standing at almost 24 metres (78 feet) tall, it has four tiers and is meant to represent Mount Meru, which is said to be the mountain that supports the heavens in Hindu mythology.

You’ll notice that many pigeons have set up home in the tower too. Appreciate the many fine details within the complex and see the large statue of Lord Subramaniam inside the domed main building. Soak up the spiritual air and visit the nearby Indian stores and restaurants.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

#21 – Penang State Museum and Art Gallery

• Discover local history, heritage, and culture
• See impressive artworks
• Home to a large collection of artefacts
• Housed in a gorgeous building

Why it’s awesome: Penang State Museum and Art Gallery is housed within a striking architectural gem that was once home to Penang Free School. It became a museum in the mid-1960s. It contains both an awesome art gallery and an informative museum with lots of artefacts and displays. Items include state and national treasures and there are constantly changing art exhibits in addition to the impressive permanent collections. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in delving deeper into the area’s past and culture.

What to do there: Take time to appreciate the diverse collections in the museums, seeing items such as furnishings, traditional clothes, weapons, old transportation methods, tools, ceramics, silverware, and jewellery. The hand-written Quran is especially interesting.

There’s good information as to the significance of the diverse exhibits and you can learn more about Penang’s multi-ethnic, multi-racial, and multi-cultural community. In the art gallery you’ll find eight treasured paintings by Captain Robert Smith as well as plenty of other works. Travel back in time as you see old black and white photographs of Penang in times gone by. You can buy a selection of merchandise too.

#22 – St. Anne’s Church

• Off-the-beaten-track religious building
• Serene and spiritual ambience
• Old and new places of worship side by side
• Important pilgrimage site

Why it’s awesome: Located in Bukit Mertajam on Penang’s mainland peninsula, St. Anne’s Church is a lesser-visited spot with a long history and steeped in religious significance. While the yearly ten-day Feast of St. Anne celebrations are lively, drawing devotees from around the nation and beyond, the church is quiet and tranquil at other times of the year.

The original chapel was built in 1846, with a later church (now known as the Shrine of St. Anne) constructed in 1888. The nearby 2002-built church is a modern juxtaposition. It’s one of the country’s biggest Christian churches and it features traditional Malay designs. There are ancient megaliths close by. An active place of worship, mass is held in several languages depending on the day of the week.

What to do there: Spend some quiet moments of reflection and contemplation at the old St. Anne’s Shrine and appreciate the beautiful stained glass above the altar. See the large statue of St. Anne (Mary’s mother) with the Virgin Mary as a child in front of the newer church, pray at the Catholic Stations of the Cross, and view the Cherok Tokun Relics. Within the sanctuary’s grounds, the Cherok Tokun Relics are ancient rock inscriptions on a granite megalith. Enjoy the serene air and soak up the religious atmosphere.

#23 – Upper Penang Road

• Various bars, karaoke spots, and nightclubs
• Wide choice of places to eat
• Energetic atmosphere
• Blend of architectural styles

Why it’s awesome: Upper Penang Road, located in George Town, is the epicentre of Penang’s nightlife scene . During the day there are many shops to browse in and the street also hosts the monthly Little Penang Street Market. Held on the last Sunday of each month, stalls offer everything from crafts and clothing to souvenirs and food, and there is often live entertainment to add to the carnival-like air.

Heritage buildings are interspersed with modern day street art. At night time the street attracts many revellers, including both locals and tourists. There are plenty of places to enjoy dinner before starting your night out on the tiles, with street food stalls aplenty and sit-down restaurants. Bars and nightclubs keep people happy until the wee small hours. There are some of Penang’s best hostels here if you decide to base yourself in this area!

What to do there: Walk along the historic street in the daytime to see the different architectural styles and peer into the shops and boutiques. Enjoy a romantic meal in the Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant, savouring delicious cuisine as you soak up the panoramic views, or feast on street food, visit another high-class eatery, and discover many local specialities.

Mingle with the party-loving crowds in the vibrant bars and maybe hit up a karaoke joint to warble your favourite songs. Visit a roadside bar to sit outside on the pavement and watch the world go by. Hop between the various bars and clubs and bust out your best moves on the dancefloor, accompanied by neon lighting and banging tunes.

#24 – Fort Cornwallis

• Malaysia’s longest standing fortress
• Unusual lighthouse
• Interesting displays

Why it’s awesome: The star-shaped Fort Cornwallis was built in the early 1800s on the site of an earlier wooden fort. It was constructed by the British East India Company to protect the island, though it never saw any attacks. Today listed as an Ancient Monument and Historic Site, the fort provides terrific views over the sea. Old cannons still stand to attention through the grounds and there are various displays and buildings throughout the large park within the walls.

What to do there: Walk around the fortress’s outer walls and soak up the splendid vistas. Inside, see the proud statue of Captain Francis Light near the entrance and the many historic cannons that were intended to keep the island safe. Don’t miss the cannon called Seri Rambai—locals see this piece of artillery as a symbol of fertility, and you’ll likely notice offerings

Get insured for your trip to Penang!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know about Penang’s attractions.

What are some of the best places in Penang for couples?

Have a romantic meal at the Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant on Upper Penang Road and take in views of George Town below.

What are the best places to visit in Penang at night?

Hit up the Chulia Street Night Market for some of the incredible local street food that Penang is famous for!

What are some great free things to do in Penang?

You’ve just got to explore the fun and interactive murals that cover the crumbling walls of the city, search them out as you wander the streets!

What are the most unique places to visit in Penang?

If you’re feeling brave then head to Snake Temple where you guessed it, half the local visitors are of the scaly variety!

Penang has myriad places of worship that reflect the area’s multi-cultural and multi-ethnic make-up; the Goddess of Mercy Temple, St. George’s Church, Admiral Zheng He Footprint Temple, and the Thai temple of Wat Chayamangkalaram are just a few more to add to your list. Other top museums to visit include the Toy Museum, War Museum, Wonderfood Museum, Chocolate Museum, Penang Tunnel Museum, and Sun Yat-Sen Museum. There’s definitely lots of diversity!

Wander through the Tropical Spice Garden and take kids to Penang Butterfly Farm. Feast your eyes on the ornate Chinese clan building of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi. Feel a thrill as you walk across the towering Rainbow Skywalk, have an immersive experience at Penang 3D Trick Art Museum, climb Penang Hill (or take the impressive Penang Hill funicular), take a day trip to Jerejak Island, and discover the many species of flora in the Penang Botanical Gardens.

With lots of heritage buildings and places of worship, delectable street food, beaches, museums to suit all interests, family-friendly attractions, places of natural interest, and plenty of ways to find nocturnal fun, make sure to check off these best places to visit in Penang on your next visit to the Malaysian gem.

Updated April 2023

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

27 Best Things To Do In Penang – Rooftop Go-Karting, Heritage Mansions & Must-Try Hawker Food Haunts

Things to do in Penang

It’s a general consensus that Penang is among the top destinations to visit in Malaysia. Small it may be, the charming island fits more into its bag than seems possible – popular food haunts, historic streets steeped with culture, jaw-dropping architecture , vivacious nightlife, and lush nature landscapes.

While the bewitching island is best known for its hawker food and street art, the fun doesn’t end at just those things. From fun-filled activities like having a paintball battle on a World War II battleground to laidback adventures such as exploring historic monuments and colonial buildings, we rounded up a list of 27 best things to do in Penang that even locals would want to partake in.

Table of Contents

– Attractions –

– activities –, – photogenic spots –, – cafes, restaurants, bakeries, bars & hawker stalls – , exciting and fun things to do in penang in 2023, 1. explore an enchanting butterfly garden with a waterfall at entopia.

Enter the enchanting Entopia  and feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale-like garden of luscious greens and blooming flowers, with iridescent butterflies roaming freely overhead. P reviously known as Penang Butterfly Farm, this familiar haunt among Penang school kids back in the days has since reopened its doors in a new facility in 2016. 

Housed in a huge glasshouse conservatory, Natureland is one of several butterfly aviaries in Entopia that simulates a tropical rainforest. It’s filled with over 300 plant species, artificial tunnels, a waterfall, and even various reptiles. Walkways guide you through the garden, while butterflies fluttering all around creates a picturesque scene for photo ops.

Nature lovers can find educational exhibitions in an indoor discovery centre called Cocoon . Learn more about butterflies – including their milestones and metamorphosis, and the diversity of their eggs – through technology-guided museum interpretations.

Not leaving the little ones out of the educational fun, Entopia offers family-friendly learning activities devoted to Mother Nature and various types of bugs too. The kiddos can spend time exploring live exhibits of butterflies emerging from their chrysalises with fresh wings and taking their first flight.

Admission : Adults: RM49/pax | Kids aged 4-12 years old and Senior Citizens: RM29/pax  | P ersons with disabilities and children below the age of 3 can enter for free Address: No.830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Penang Opening hours: Thu-Tue 9am-6pm (Closed on Wednesdays) Contact: 04-888 8111 | Entopia Butterfly Farm’s website | Facebook | Instagram

Read our feature to find out more about Entopia here .

2. Soak up views of George Town from the Rainbow Skywalk at The Top

Jumping off a cliff with a mere rope attached to your body isn’t for everyone. And we totally get that. But if you crave for the same kind of thrills that involve great heights, the Rainbow Skywalk at The Top, Komtar offers breathtaking panoramic views of George Town without any anxiety-inducing jumps involved. 

Jutting out from Level 68 of the building is a  glass walkway suspended 816 feet above the bustling city. At night, the glass bridge lights up in rainbow hues – there’s truly no more magical way to experience the vivacity of Penang.

If you find yourself trembling in your knees at such a height in the open air, there is an Observatory Deck on Level 65. It’s a glass-floored area set indoors that offers visitors similar photo-worthy views of George Town from a different vantage point. 

Admission : Adults: RM68/pax | Kids and Senior Citizens: RM48/pax Address: 1, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am-10pm (Closed on Tuesdays) Contact: 017-336 8569 | The Top’s website | Facebook | Instagram

3. Marvel at the architecture & antiques of Penang’s heritage mansions

The amount of colonial buildings and heritage mansions that still stand across the island is marvelling. Once the residence of tycoons and influential officers, many grand manors have been revamped into grandiose boutique hotels or house museums that are now open to the public to admire the stunning architecture and timeless charms.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

A resplendent manor that’s brimming with rich history is the Pinang Peranakan Mansion . An architectural splendour that’s home to thousands of antiques and collectibles, the mansion is now a historic house museum that’s furnished with over 1,000 rare Peranakan antiques and collectibles from around the world.

Here, you can stroll through the lavish rooms and halls to get a glimpse of the affluent Peranakan lifestyle of the old days. Apart from the collection of Peranakan antiques around the mansion, there are also galleries that house varied collections of traditional Peranakan garments, embroideries, ceramic arts and glassware, and exquisite ornate jewellery. 

Entrance fees are RM20 for adults and free for children below the ages of 6. Informative group tours are available at certain time slots, and are conducted in both English and Mandarin.

Address: 29, Church St, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 9.30am-5pm, Daily Contact: 04-264 2929 | Pinang Peranakan Mansion’s Facebook | Instagram

Read our feature of Pinang Peranakan Mansion to find out more here .

The Blue Mansion

Once the home and office of Cheong Fatt Tze – a Chinese tycoon in Penang – The Blue Mansion was built in the 1880s as a gift for the magnate’s seventh wife. The eccentric blue mansion contains 38 rooms, five courtyards, seven staircases, and a whopping 220 windows. Visitors can stroll through the mansion’s stunning central courtyard and main hall to take in its magnificent Straits-Eclectic architecture and artefacts.

If a tour isn’t enough to fully immerse yourself in the opulent ambience and charm of these properties, you can also book a stay in one of their 18 artfully conserved rooms for RM635-RM850/night.

The majestic mansion isn’t short of dining options either. Indigo Restaurant offers a fine-dining experience that fuses Eastern and Western flavours in its dishes, while Cafe Mangga is a cosy brunch spot set under a gigantic mango tree within the compounds of the Blue Mansion.

Address: 14, Leith Street, 10200 Penang Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily Contact: 04-262 0006 | 04-262 5289 | Blue Mansion’s website | Facebook | Instagram

Read our feature of Blue Mansion to find out more here .

4. Discover the history of Penang in depth at Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis is a monumental gem of Malaysia that you may have come across many times in your Sejarah textbook. This historical fortress was built way back during the British occupation of Malaysia as a defensive structure and a military base.

Today, the fort stands as a momentous relic that’s open to the public, offering history buffs and tourists alike a vivid snapshot of Penang’s history.

Explore the grounds and learn more about the history of the various buildings and structures within the site – including old mounted cannons, the second oldest lighthouse in Malaysia, gunpowder storerooms, barracks, and a peak-roofed colonial chapel.

Marvel at the famous bronze statue of Francis Light – the Captain who built Fort Cornwallis – that’s erected on a high plinth within the grounds of the fort.

There are eateries within the site where you can stop by when you’re done touring the grounds of Fort Cornwallis. The Kota Dine & Coffee restaurant will fill you up with good local dishes, while a cafe truck set up here called Breakfast In The Fort will satisfy you with a delightful breakfast spread and coffee in a historic setting.

Fort Cornwallis Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, 10200 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 9am-10pm, Daily Contact: 04-263 9855

Read our feature of Fort Cornwallis to find out more here .

5. Soak up views of lush nature on a canopy walk at The Habitat Penang Hill

A recent, impressive development on Penang Hill is The Habitat Penang Hill , an eco-park that lets visitors explore a rainforest.

Perched on the summit of Penang Hill and spanning the fringes of the island’s oldest rainforest, the rainforest discovery centre was built to conserve, preserve, and protect the diverse ecosystem and biodiversity of the last remaining rainforest in Penang Hill.

One of The Habitat’s famous attractions is the Curtis Crest Treetop Walkway . It’s a circular bridge above the forest’s canopy where you can appreciate a soaring view of not just the surrounding lush nature, but also the rest of Penang from the island’s highest viewing platform.

Other highlights here are the Langur Way Canopy Walk that’s a 230-metre-long bridge suspended within the dense forest canopy, the Calugo Zipline that’ll have you flying through nature, and guided tours to learn about the myriad of flora and fauna along the nature trail.

Admission: Standard Entrance Pass for RM60/pax  Address: Jalan Stesen, Bukit Bendera Air Itam, 11500 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 9am-7pm, Daily Contact: 019-645 7741 | The Habitat Penang Hill’s Facebook | Instagram

6. Be stunned by the beauty of Kek Lok Si temple

An unmissable cultural visit when you’re in town is Kek Lok Si , the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia and an iconic temple in Penang that was built more than a decade ago.

The grand temple sits on a 10-acre site that houses monasteries, prayer halls, temples, magnificent statues, beautiful gardens and a fish pond. A visit here will keep you busy for a good hour or so.

Apart from serving as an important house of worship for devotees , Kek Lok Si is an architectural wonder. Here, you’ll find a seven-storey structure, also known as Pagoda of Rama VI, or Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which has 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha.

But the star of the temple has got to be the 36.57-metre-tall enchanting bronze statue of Guanyin , or Kuan Yin the Goddess of Mercy, that’s located at the highest peak of the temple.

To ring in the Lunar New Year, the temple holds an annual lighting ceremony completed with a spectacular fireworks display – an event that’s a key cultural highlight in Penang during the bai nian celebrations.

Address: 1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

Read more about the luminous beauty of Kek Lok Si during the festive season here .

7. Make some slithery friends at the Snake Temple

A place of worship with a sinister twist, the Snake Temple in Penang houses actual slithery reptiles that roam freely within the temple.

Built sometime in the 1850s, this temple was erected in honour of the deity Cheng Chooi Chor Soo – also widely known as Chor Soo Kong – who was believed to have snakes as his disciples.

Here, you’ll find dozens of uncaged snakes coiled around the indoor altars and slithering on tree branches within the temple grounds. Some of the snakes housed here are pit vipers, green tree snakes, and pythons, which are said to be harmless, defanged and under the supervision of their handler. 

Daring temple visitors can request for a photo opportunity with a snake for a fee.

Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm, Daily Contact: 04-643 7273

8. Marvel at a floating mosque, Tanjung Bungah

Perched along the coastlines of Tanjung Bungah, the Floating Mosque is a famous landmark and the first mosque in Malaysia to be built on the sea. While the grand mosque is actually built on stilts, it gives a magical appearance of floating on water during a high tide.

Erected to replace an older mosque which was destroyed in a tsunami disaster, the seven-storey Floating Mosque boasts a Moorish architecture – an ornate Islamic-influenced design – with touches of local designs. Its prominent minaret tower is an imposing and gorgeous one, and a symbol of Islam’s presence where the calls for prayers are announced during the day.

The mosque is opened to the public daily. Do note to dress decently, with your arms and legs covered , and to remove your shoes before entering the sacred building.

Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang Opening hours: 5am-9.30pm, Daily Contact: 012-405 1324

9. Explore the abandoned and storied Crag Hotel

Perched atop Penang Hill are the remnants of Crag Hotel. The derelict structure has its fair share of stories that dates back to the mid-1880s, when a Scotsman named Captain John W Kerr built a bungalow on Penang Hill and named it The Crag.

The grand residence operated as a hotel for a short period of time when the famous Sarkies Brothers purchased the bungalow, but was left abandoned when WWII erupted. After a decade, the building was converted into a primary boarding school – then known as Uplands School – that had once been visited by the late Queen Elizabeth.

When the school moved to a new home in 1977, the former hotel site was left abandoned again, weathering away over the years. Its decaying form incited spooky rumours about the bungalow and caught the attention of many filmmakers, eventually becoming filming locations for award-winning films including Indochine and British series Indian Summers .

Today, the Crag Hotel remains untouched and is slowly consumed by vegetation.

Read our feature of Crag Hotel to find out more here .

10. Go for a morning walk at the Penang Botanical Gardens

Often overshadowed by the more stand-out tourist spots on the island, Penang Botanical Gardens is a tranquil sanctuary of greenery that’s perfect for those who simply want to step away from the hustle and bustle of George Town.

Located at the foothills of Penang Hill and just minutes away from the city centre , this historical garden is a verdant paradise with an immense collection of flora. Marvel at the expansive greenery, alluring gardens, and stunning waterfalls, and let the singing of birds accompany you during your morning stroll or jog.

There are also several hiking trails that lead up to Penang Hill near the Penang Botanical Gardens, including the Moongate Hiking Trail. While there is a staggering amount of trails in Penang that lead up to Penang Hill, the Moongate trail is a popular one that’s innocuous enough for hikers of all levels.

Monkeys swarm the grounds occasionally, so do refrain from having a picnic here – you wouldn’t want these sneaky friends snatching food out of your hands.

Address: Kompleks Pentadbiran, Bangunan Pavilion, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 6am-8pm, Daily Contact: 04-226 4401

11. Learn more about local culture through teddy bears at the TeddyVille Museum

Who says a visit to the museum has to be all pompous and intellectual? TeddyVille Museum will surely bring out the inner child in anyone .

Occupying two locations in Penang – one on Penang Hill and another in Batu Ferringhi – this museum exhibits an incredible collection of teddy bears dressed and posed as Penangites to showcase the history and local culture of Penang.

You’ll also find life-sized teddy bears resembling renowned figures from Penang, such as Tan Sri P. Ramlee, Dato’ Jimmy Choo, Dato’ Nicol David and Dato’ Lee Chong Wei. There are also collections of teddy bears from bygone eras, so visitors can learn about the origins and tales behind the legendary toy.

Teddyville Museum @ Batu Ferringhi Price: RM27/pax for adults, RM22/pax for students, and RM15/pax for kids. Children aged below 3 years old can enter for free . Address: DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, 56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily Contact: 016-550 5949

Teddyville Museum @ Penang Hill Price : RM20/pax for adults, RM15/pax for kids, and RM60-110 for Family Package Address: Penang Hill, Level B3, Astaka Bukit Bendera, Jalan Tunku Yahaya Petra, 10000 Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily Contact: 04-890 5345 | Teddyville Museum’s website | Facebook | Instagram

12. Discover Balik Pulau on an ATV with Penang ATV Eco Tour

If tackling rocky trails and unpaved roads on an ATV sounds intimidating, try a guided ATV tour instead. Penang ATV Eco Tour offers a scenic, sightseeing ATV tour of Balik Pulau – an area far off from the city of George Town.

Whether you’re looking to bask in the untouched nature of Balik Pulau, or try riding an ATV for the first time, this tour is an easy and leisurely one that’s perfect for groups of friends and families of all ages to try out.

The trail extends over 10km long and takes approximately an hour to complete. As there will be a tour guide leading the way and snapping pictures of your adventure, all you have to do is enjoy the ride and revel in your surroundings.

Trudge along on your ATVs to see a scenic landscape of the village, as well as prime views of palm trees, fruit orchards, vegetable farms, and the stretching mountains. If you’ re opting for an adventure in the evening, a gorgeous sunset view will be visible during your ride. 

A single-seated ATV is priced at RM100 , while a two-seater is priced at RM150 . Though it might not be the typical, challenging ATV ride that requires you to plough through bumpy terrains, the stunning nature scenes you’ll be soaking up on this trail will be worth your time and money. 

Address: 298, Mukim I, Kampung Perlis, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily Contact: 013-480 3866 | Penang ATV Eco Tour’s website | Facebook

13. “Fly” down the longest zip coaster in the world at ESCAPE Theme Park

A thrilling day awaits adventure-seekers at ESCAPE theme park in Penang. Before you daredevils roll your eyes, ESCAPE isn’t a tame scene with easy-going rides, fun performances, and pretzel stands. This theme park is a full adventure course and large-scale waterpark, home to record-breaking exhilarating rides suitable for a wide age group.

Set amongst a foliage of nature and lush trees, ESCAPE’s variety of rides, including obstacle courses, will have you feeling like Tarzan conquering the forest as you triumph through them. Start off high with Adventure Play , a ride comprising ziplining, tree-climbing, and rope-balancing at a height – an adventure indeed. There’s also the Tubby Racer, which will send you skimming down a sloped hill on a tube at maximum speed.

Don’t miss out on the newly-launched Zip Coaster ride , certified by the Guinness World Record as the longest in the world. Similar to a zipline but with heart-stopping loops and drops, you’ll feel like you’re flying through the forest for the ride’s duration of 6 minutes.

Another ride that has made it into the Guinness World Record books is the Tube Water Slide , where you’ll be whizzed down a whopping distance of 1.1km. There are also a variety of other water activities including Banana Flip, Family Twister, and Speed Racer – so enter the park and pick your kryptonite.

Price : Adults ( RM167/pax ) | Kids aged 4-12 years old ( RM111/pax ) | Free entry for senior citizens and children below the ages of 4 Address: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm (Closed on Mondays) Contact: 017-797 7529 | ESCAPE Theme Park, Penang’s website | Facebook | Instagram

14. Shop from local vendors & enjoy live band performances at Hin Bus Depot

The Sunday market at Hin Bus Depot is always packed. The Hin Market, having been here for years now, is a familiar haunt of many Penangites for a reason – it  hosts local craft stalls and food vendors, all worth making a beeline for. A popular hunting ground for art and antiques aficionados to street food hunters, you’ll get to shop for a wide range of items such as dinnerware, books, handmade accessories, pre-loved clothes, and potted plants.

Apart from the bric-a-bracs, Hin Market is also popular for gourmet goodies. There are vendors selling savoury meals and desserts. Opt to dine at picnic tables or on sun chairs available at the compound, or request for the food to be packed. 

For a city that takes its coffee culture seriously, there’s no lack of choices for you to get your coffee fix while you’re there too.

As you shop, your ears will be serenaded by buskers and live acoustic performances, along with the buzz of shoppers in the background. If you’re lucky, you might catch ongoing workshops, yoga sessions, or outdoor movie screenings that are held occasionally as well. 

Address: 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily Contact: 014-909 8523 | 04-898 1606 | Hin Bus Depot’s website | Facebook | Instagram

Read our feature to find out more about Hin Bus Depot here .

15. Have a paintball battle on a WWII fort with War Zone

The excitement level of paintball often depends on the venue of the game. This is why you won’t want to miss out on a gripping game of paintball on an actual World War II fort in Penang. Hosted by Penang War Museum, War Zone offers players a unique and exhilarating paintball battle experience on a historic site.

The base is set in a large bountiful forest, with tall trees, brick walls, and towers of tyres to provide you with cover and claim victory with an accurate shot. There’s even multiple game scenarios and courses to level up the thrill-factor.

Players will be provided with full equipment and gears needed to become a warrior on the battlefield. Before the game, the staff will walk you through the directive, so first-time players need not worry about getting confused mid-game.

The packages offered do depend on the amount of people in a company. For groups with less than 10 players, prices   start at RM110/pax. Do jio your friends for this activity, as groups with more than 10 players enjoy lower rates – Sergeant package (RM60/pax) or Major package (RM80/pax).

Address: Penang War Museum, No. Lot 1350, Mukim 12, Daerah Barat Daya, 11960, Batu Maung, Penang Opening hours: 10am-12pm & 2pm-4pm, Daily Contact: 012-436 0698 | War Zone by Penang War Museum’s   Facebook | Instagram

16. Have a go-kart race on a rooftop with a view of mountains at Kart Hauz

If you’re looking for a go-karting experience that’s quite literally on another level, Kart Hauz is the place for you. This spot recently opened its doors in February 2022, is a cut above the usual circuits you might have been to – its track is located on the rooftop of a mall .

On top of a thrilling race, kart-racing enthusiasts can experience a stunning view too.

Adrenaline junkies will be in for an intense race. The 350-metre racing track features exhilarating curbs and turns, all on an open-air car parking space of Design Village . But be rewarded with a spectacular view of the sky and mountains, and feel the wind in your hair, as you race it out with your friends.

Kart Hauz also opens till 11pm, so you’ll have the chance to enjoy a ride under the night sky with scattering stars. Packages for families and the little ones are provided as well. Depending on the duration of the race, the price for adults range from RM50-RM140/pax , and RM35-RM100/pax for kids .

Address: Level 6, Design Village Penang Mall, 733, Jalan Cassia Barat 2, 14110 Bandar Cassia, Penang Opening hours: 3pm-11pm, Daily Contact: 011-2518 3268 | Kart Hauz’s   website | Facebook | Instagram

Read our feature to find out more about Kart Hauz here .  

17. Go horse-riding & feed horses at The Countryside Stables

Imagine you’re the main character of Netflix’s Bridgerton , with the clippity-clop of horse hooves and the wind in your hair as you gallop. You can experience a slice of this countryside lifestyle at The Countryside Stables . 

Home to about 30 horses and ponies of various breeds, this Balik Pulau attraction is where you can ride horses and have a tour of the stables to get to know their names and breeds. For RM6 , you’ll be allowed to feed the horses with hays and carrots as well – a wholesome activity for the kids.

An entrance fee of RM12 per adult and RM8 per child (ages 2-12) will be required before visitors can embark on a horse riding adventure.

Reminiscent of a charming hilltop village, The Countryside Stables has a beautiful outdoor range and indoor arenas that are suitable for horse riding activities. Roaming around on a lawn on horseback is an unmissable experience while you’re here, so opt for a guided leisurely ride. This costs RM25/pax for adults and RM20/pax for kids . 

If you would like to dive deeper into the basics of horse riding, go for the 1-hour Basic Riding Lesson (RM150/lesson) to ride horses with an instructor, while surrounded by the gorgeous countryside scenery. Do note that you’ll have to make advanced bookings for a lesson.

Other sections to explore at the stables are mini displays of horse shoes and carriages, and even an open seating area for you to watch magnificent herds of horses gallop around the grounds.  

Address: Lot 10050, Jalan Sungai Burung, Kampung Sungai Burung, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang Opening hours: 2pm-7pm, Daily Contact: 012-408 0678 | Countryside Stables’ Facebook

18. Pick & feast on a variety of durians at Green Acres Orchard & Ecolodge

There may be divided opinions on its taste, but there’s no denying that the King of Fruits has the hearts of many Malaysians. If you want to savour all of the pungent smell and custard-y flesh of durians, a visit to a durian orchard in Penang is a must.

Green Acres Orchard & Ecolodge in Balik Pulau is one of many organic fruit farms tucked deep in the hills. Operating for over 70 years now, the 16-acre wide orchard has always been more than just a durian farm.

The owner of the property channelled their passion for the environment into the careful curation of the property. It’s now a nature retreat with two traditional wooden lodgings where people can experience the farm’s beauty with them. They also offer one-day Durian Tasting Tours throughout the months of June and July.

It covers the whole experience of picking durian in the woods to cracking them open and relishing the creamy sweetness in your mouth.

With an immense amount of 500 durian trees in their orchard, this attraction lets guests learn about durians and feast on a variety of them. During the tour, you’ll find that tons of other local fruits are grown in the farm as well, such as jackfruits, cempedak , rambutan, nutmeg, longans , and rare wild herbs. 

The Durian Tasting and Farm Tours are held from Thursdays to Sundays, when durians are in season. Guided tours are priced RM150/adult and RM80/kid – for groups consisting of more than 3 adults, the rates would be RM125 per person.

Address: Batu Itam, Balik Pulau, Penang Opening hours: Thu-Sun 4pm-6pm (Closed from Mondays to Wednesdays) Contact: 012-428 6368 | Green Acres’ website | Facebook

19. Hike up Frog Hill for a stunning view of a blue quarry

When brainstorming for outdoor activities in Penang, there is no way hiking would not be included on the list. Among the popular Penang Hill hiking trails is the popular and scenic trail, Frog Hill . Previously a tin mining site, Frog Hill is now an abandoned quarry with a landscape so gorgeous that makes the steep hike for the view well-worth it.

Though the journey is a fairly short one, the presence of jagged rocks and steep slopes make the hike rather challenging. But push on for about 20 minutes, and you’ll find yourself standing at a viewpoint where the panorama of the quarry below is otherworldly.

A terrain of rocky lands covered in patches of dark vegetation, hugging pearly blue moats – the view is so beautiful it will take your breath away.

Address: 14400 Tasek Gelugor, Penang Opening hours: 24 Hours, Daily

Read our feature to find out more about Frog Hill here .

20. Cycle around the crooks & nooks of George Town to snap pics with the street art

Whether you think Penang Street Art is an overrated tourist trap or not, darting about George Town to pose with the collection of beautiful mural art is a great way to expose yourself  to the charms and history of this heritage city.

Gear up with a map, camera, pair of comfy sneakers and lots of sunscreen, and roam the labyrinths of George Town streets to discover vivid artworks of common local scenes on time-worn walls of shophouses.

These artworks fill the streets and alleyways of George Town like a quirky surprise in nearly every corner, but you could start your mural-hunt at Chew Jetty, and head on to Armenian Street, Beach Street, or Cannon Street.

If you’re not a fan of walking in the blazing heat, rent a bicycle or hop on a trishaw to explore the larger-than-life street art, while admiring the architecture of the heritage buildings as well.

21. Stroll along the Clan Jetties & marvel at floating houses on stilts

Frolicking about George Town without visiting the famous clan jetties of Penang is simply preposterous.

Originally built by Chinese Hokkien immigrants from the Fujian province of China back in the 19th century, the clan jetties – or kongsi – are essentially villages of houses on stilts above the sea water. Each cluster of jetties belong to a specific family clan, with dozens of traditional wooden houses on stilts to be found within the villages.

Though there used to be ten of these settlements, now only six remain . Each settlement i s named after the surname of the different families, and each still home to their descendants till this day.

The oldest, largest and the most popular of the Clan Jetties is Chew Jetty, which welcomes visitors to stroll along its wooden piers and witness the authentic way of life of the residents. Explore the nooks of the village, with the families going about their daily routines and morning prayers, and drop by the handful of shops situated on the wooden piers that sell souvenirs and trinkets.

Perched amidst the blue sea on stilts , these jetties provide a gorgeous backdrop for Instagrammable shots as well.

Address: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily Contact: 019-593 5333

22. Start your morning with local food at Pulau Tikus Market Hawker Centre

There’s no better place to immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of Penangites other than at the Pulau Tikus Morning Market , where you’ll find a vast number of stalls selling fresh produce, food, and knick knacks of all sorts.

Always buzzing with action and ringing with the voices of stall owners and haggling customers, the market festivities start indoors where the wet section is, and spill to the surrounding vicinity and road outside. Street vendors line the roads, hawking all kinds of wares, including a good array of snacks, confections, breakfast foods and local eats.

With the plethora of food options available at the market, there’s no way you’ll be skipping breakfast.

After shopping and bargaining your way through the market, grab a seat and get ready to feast on some local goodness. Popular hawker dishes here are wantan mee (RM6-7) , kuey teow th’ng (RM6-7) , fried oyster (RM10-15) , and curry mee (RM7-8) . Make sure to drop by the Nyonya kuih stalls for some post-meal snacks, and get yourself a bag of warm, fluffy putu mayam (RM2 for 7 pieces) .

Address: 3, Jalan Pasar, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 6am-2.30pm, Daily

23. Cafe-hop to discover the the best coffee brews in Penang

For an island that’s bursting with charms and pleasant delights at every nook and alley of George Town, it’s no surprise that there is also an abundance of cafes on the island , besides just the amazing hawker haunts.

In fact, a good cup of joe has become an essential part of Penang’s food and cafe culture, it isn’t hard to find a decent cup of coffee in any cafe here. From sleek modern coffee houses to cosy verdant cafes, you can bet you’ll be spoiled with choices that make for the perfect place to linger over a cup of coffee.

Constant Gardener Coffee

Constant Gardener Coffee is a long-established coffee haven that’s Housed in the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building. This cafe doesn’t just charm with its zen ambience, they impress with their range of quality drinks and stellar brews as well.

Customers rave about their rich Lattes (RM13) , perfectly-pulled shots of Espresso (RM8) , as well as their luscious hot chocolate drinks – Dark Hot Rich Chocolate (RM14) or Gardener’s Dark Magic (RM15) .

Address: Ground Floor, Penang Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Building, 9, Lebuh Light, 10200 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 9am-8pm, Daily Contact: 011-6078 7883 | Constant Gardener Coffee’s website | Facebook | Instagram

Ome by Spacebar Coffee

Nestled within a labyrinth of heritage houses in George Town, Ome by Spacebar Coffee is a quaint cafe with a gorgeous verdant entrance that’s hard to miss. Speciality coffees are Ome’s forte and their coffees are simple, but well-executed and brewed with great precision.

Order a cup of White Coffee (RM10) or Hand Brew Drip Coffee (RM18), and pair them with some sweets displayed on their counter including Olive Oil & Zucchini Bread (RM13) or Dark Chocolate Pistachio Cake (RM15) .

Address: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Sat – Wed 7.30am-4pm (Closed on Thursdays and Fridays) Contact: 019-690 8259 | Ome by Spacebar Coffee’s Facebook | Instagram

An old-school shoplot with a sign that reads Kedai Gaharu Keat Seang is actually home to an OG Penang cafe, The Alley .

With a team of professional baristas – who snagged second place in the Malaysia Brewers Cup 2022 – their brews and pulls will not disappoint coffee connoisseurs. Sample their best with Pour-overs (RM16) or Cold Brew (RM13) or try their house blends such as a Piccolo (RM10) or Cold Brew White (RM15) .

This homely cafe isn’t just known for their coffee. They also whip up the crowd-favourite Churros (RM12), which are glorious sticks of fried fritters, dusted in sugar and Oreo crumbs and served with a dip of your choice.  

Address: 5, Stewart Lane, 10200 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Thu-Mon 11am-6pm (Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays) Contact: 017-373 4829 | The Alley Penang’s Facebook | Instagram

24. Get a taste of traditional tau sar pneah at Him Heang

It is an unspoken rule that you haven’t really been to Penang at all if you have yet to set foot in Him Heang to treat yourself to some of their aromatic tau sar pneah .

Undeniably the most popular Chinese bakery in town, Him Heang has a long-standing reputation as the best place to get a fresh variety of handmade Chinese pastries . At present, the family-owned business is helmed by the third generation, and occupies a grand 3-storey building on Burmah Road.

You’ll want to devote a morning to head to the bakery and snag some baked goodness, as there’s always a queue even before the store opens its doors for the day .

A must-buy item is their tau sar pneah , or tambun biscuits. These bite-sized balls with golden-hued pastry skin encasing a sweet-salty mung bean filling are sold in a box or a roll, and priced between RM4.30-RM16.40 . 

After having spent all that time queuing, make sure you get other treats as well, such as Xiang Bing (RM9.50), which is similar to tau sar pneah but with brown sugar filling, and huge flaky pastries including Beh Teh Saw (RM9.90) and Qing Tang Ping (RM8.80).

If you’re on a bakery hunt on the island, drop by the other traditional bakeries that Penang has to offer, and feel like a kid again while picking out nostalgic bakes such as buttercream cakes and benggali bread.

Address: 162A, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10.30am-2pm (Closed on Sundays) Contact: 04-228 6129 | 04-228 6130 | 016-425 1168 | Him Heang’s website | Facebook

25. Feast on highly-raved hawker food at Chulia Street Night Hawker

If you tell locals you have Chulia Street Night Hawker on your itinerary , they’ll nod approvingly. A famous hawker spot that’s frequented by locals and tourists alike, this food haunt   is where you’ll find some of the tastiest hawker dishes – including iconic ones such as wantan mee and curry mee. 

Having been around for decades and manned by generations of family, vendors at this night hawker are masters at their craft, serving the same iconic dishes for years that have withstood the test of time.

Our recommendations include the crowd-favourite Mother & Son Wantan Mee (RM6-7) , and a divine bowl of Chulia Street Curry Mee (RM5-6) .

Make space for some delightful local snacks as well, including the famous Penang Ham Chee Peng on Cintra Street that’s a stone’s throw from Chulia Street Hawker, and fragrant mini apoms deftly whipped up by a petite auntie at her stall.

Address: Chulia St, 10450 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Tue–Sun 6pm-12am (Closed on Mondays)

Read more about Chulia Street Night Hawker here .

26. Indulge in a variety of cakes at ChinaHouse

Sure, Penang is brimming with heavenly hawker food and local eats at every corner of the city. But one simply cannot say no to a good serving of sweet cakes.

ChinaHouse is Penang’s longest cafe, set within three combined h eritage shophouses that span between two main roads. At the centre of it is an enchanting open-air courtyard with a pond. Hip yet timeless, the cafe is essentially a restaurant that offers multifaceted experiences by housing bars, tiny shops, an art gallery, performance art spaces, and even a mini library.

What ChinaHouse is most known for are their enticing array of cakes and pastries displayed in a glass box , coaxing everyone who steps foot into the cafe. The cafe is full of spirit – at night especially – and it makes for a great supper spot if you’re looking for some drinks and dessert in a lively ambience.

Order a nightcap from the bar and their famous Tiramisu (RM23) and Salted Caramel Cheesecake (RM20) to share, as you jam along with the live performances held on occasional nights.

Address: 153, Beach St, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 9.30pm-1am, Daily Contact: 04-263 7299 | China House’s website | Facebook | Instagram

27. Have a nightcap at hidden bars in Penang

The nightlife in Penang doesn’t only involve hawkers and mamaks . In recent years, the island has become a hub of trendy cocktail bars and swanky wine bars. 

From snazzy hole-in-the-walls and alluring, well-hidden gems, to flamboyant and quirky watering holes, Penang has a comprehensive list of bars you can opt from to have a fun night out with your pals.

If you’re in the mood for a more sophisticated affair, take your pick from this list of wine bars in Penang – be it sensual bars, snug casual ones and under-the-radar gems, rest assured that the quality is always top-notch.

Backdoor Bodega

Image credit: @champions1984 via instagram.

In true speakeasy style, Backdoor Bodega is a bar hidden right at the back of a clothing store called The Swagger Salon. The stylish bar earned a spot on the 2022 Asia’s 100 best bars list with their exquisite cocktails and signature creations that infuse local flavours.

You’ll find intriguing creations such as the signature Kelapa Hotak (RM38) which is a rum-based cocktail infused with the flavours of Penang like coconut, pandan or nutmeg. There’s also the Ulam Mojito (RM38) – an eclectic rum-based drink infused with local herbs such as ulam, daun kesum and kaffir leaf.

Address: Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Thu-Mon 8pm-12am (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) Contact: Backdoor Bodega’s website | Facebook | Instagram

Read our feature to find out more about Backdoor Bodega here .

Over & Above

Over & Above is a contemporary Japanese cafe during the day that transforms into a trendy watering hole when dusk falls. Bright and spacious, the bar is minimalist-themed with a stunning view that overlooks the stunning view of jetties and seas of the island.

On their booze menu, you’ll find original and classic alcoholic beverages as well as speciality cocktails that serve 2-3 pax. Gather your friends for some drinks here – there’s Kyoto Tripper (RM98) served in a gorgeous dainty Japanese tea set, Pearl of The Orient (RM98) and Sugar Daddy (RM98).

Address: 3, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am-2am (Closed on Tuesdays) Contact: 017-429 1964 | Over & Above’s Instagram

Good Friends Club

Nothing is more apt than having a hidden bar disguised as a Chinese kopitiam in the hawker haven itself. To spot the Good Friends Club , simply look out for a neon signage that spells “Good Friends Never Bojio”, which means a close pal would never not invite the uninitiated.

In true kopitiam fashion, find drinks such as Kopi C-Peng (RM30) , Milo Peng O Kao (RM35) and Lao Hao Peng Kao (RM35) on their menu, which are actually concoctions of local drinks infused with alcohol that are served in traditional ceramic cups. Other quirky innovations include Penang-Cillin (RM35) and Leng Chai (RM40).

Address: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 8pm-2am, Daily Contact: 010-550 1204 | Good Friends Club’s Facebook | Instagram

From devouring hawker food to participating in adrenaline-fueled activities, Penang offers an excitable array of things to do – you’ll never feel bored on this island. With food as feisty as the people, this island will have you coming back for more, time and time again.

More ultimate guides here:

• Things to do in Johor Bahru
• Things to do in Melaka
• Things to do in Terengganu
• Things to do in Kuching, Sarawak

Cover image adapted from: The Top via Google Photos, @cheongfatttzemansion via Instagram , @klfooduo via Instagram , @nigel_photoz via Instagram , TheSmartLocal, Penang ATV Eco Tour – Balik Pulau via Facebook, TheSmartLocal Malaysia

This article was originally published on 25th October 2022, and updated on 29th March 2023.

Get more stories like this.

Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.

16 Best Things To Do In Penang, Malaysia

Written By: Sharon Gourlay

Updated On: December 30, 2022

Former Penang resident,  Sharon Gourlay , shares the best things to do in Penang, Malaysia. This insider guide will give you all the tips you need to visit the best Penang attractions.

Looking for a place to visit with tropical weather, beaches and jungle, a historic city and the best food in the world? Come to Penang! It has all of these things and more.

There are some affiliate links in the post below where theplanetd will earn a commission if you make a purchase but there is no extra cost to you!

What to do in Penang, Malaysia

Penang is a state of Malaysia located on the western coast of the peninsula. Although it is not just an island, the state of Penang is best known for its  beautiful island ,  just off the coast and this is where you should visit.

Penang is a fabulous place. It’s modern while being tropical and gorgeous. It’s easy to get around with many people speaking English, and it has an interesting cultural mix and heritage.

Table of Contents

Things To Do In Penang

If you are looking for a beach holiday, you can have it in Pulau Penang (Penang Island), or if you are looking to learn more about the world, you can have that too. Either way, you can eat great food and have a great vacation at a great price.

We called it home for a year with our kids and it was one of our best years ever. It’s a very nice and easy place to be. Penang Has Something for Everyone

In this Penang travel blog, I’m going to share with you our best things to do in Penang Island. I will then help you plan your trip further with some information about how to get to Penang, share the best time to visit is and some of the best places to stay in Penang once you make it here.

So, let’s start! Here’s my list of what to do in Penang Island.

1. Take A Funicular Tram Up Penang Hill

Penang Hill is the best place in Penang to start your adventure as you can see so much of Penang from here! It’s also noticeably cooler than the rest of Penang so great if you want to cool down.

Getting to Penang Hill is half the fun of this attraction in Penang. You can walk (it’s steep!) but I highly recommend the two-kilometer funicular tram ride.

The tram rides up the steep hill and is actually quite thrilling on the way down. Make sure you sit at the bottom of the tram for the full effect.

Once at the top, there are a variety of Penang Hill attractions in addition to the view which is great on a clear day.There is a skywalk, mosque, Hindu temple, an owl museum, many animals, a playground, canopy walk, zip line and a variety of nature trails.

With all the options of what to do in Penang Hill, it’s easy to spend a few hours here.I particularly enjoy the Hindu Temple which is very tranquil at this location with the views, cooler air, and chanting.

If you are hungry, there are two food courts. One is full of juice and icy treat options and this is the perfect time to try a Malaysian Ais Kacang (shaved ice dessert with many random things added).

Suggested Tour: Private Penang City tour  with Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple. Discover the streets of Georgetown a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with temples including Kek Lok Si and a ride the funicular to the 2,733-foot (833-meter) summit of Penang Hill

• Funicular information:
• Hours: 6:30am – 11pm (ticket office shuts 9:45pm) Cost: RM30 return for adults, RM15 for kids. There is a discount for Malaysians.

2. Have Some Quiet Reflection At Kek Lok Si Temple

Not far from Penang Hill is another of the top places to visit in Penang Island.

Kek Lok Si Temple is the biggest Buddhist Temple in Malaysia and it’s in a beautiful location built against the mountains.

There is a massive temple plus some pagodas and a few other temples.

The garden areas are also very nice and are home to fish and tortoise ponds where it’s nice to just sit for a moment and take it all in.

Thanks to its mountainous setting, there are a lot of stairs but you can take an inclination lift between the temples to save some walking.

An easy way to visit this temple and Penang Hill is on a guided tour. Check out this option here .

• Information:
• Hours: 9am – 6pm Cost: It’s free to enter the temple grounds and RM2 for adults to enter the pagoda. It costs RM6 to use the inclination lift for adults.

3. Learn About Penang’s Past At Fort Cornwallis

Another of the top Penang things to do is to visit Fort Cornwallis by the sea in George Town. Fort Cornwallis is the largest remaining British fort in Malaysia, and it has many information boards and a museum section.

It’s where the British first arrived on what was virtually an uninhabited island at the time in 1786.

It established the port of Penang helping to shape what was to become a big centre of trade. The fort covers a reasonable size area and is a nice, peaceful park as well.

• Hours: 9am – 7pm Cost: RM20 for adults, RM10 for kids with discounts for Malaysians

4. Enjoy George Town’s Historic Centre

George Town’s center is UNESCO World Heritage listed thanks to its unique architecture, culture, and townscape.

You need to set aside at least a couple of hours to wander around this Penang famous place to visit.

There are neighborhoods to visit within it as well with Little India, its famous Chinese shop fronts and colonial architecture left by the British.

It’s also easy to visit with it being centrally located within the most popular parts of Penang.

Some area to explore include Love Lane, Armenian Street and around Queen Street, Chulia Street and Market Streets for Little India.

There are also some Penang points of interest to visit to learn more the history of this area at Peranakan Mansion and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.

For a better idea of what you will find in George Town, check out this photo walk.

Suggested Tours: Full Day Penang City Tour  – Explore different neighborhoods of Penang and visit the Clan Jetty  (Small floating Village), Penang’s oldest temple, St. George Church and Fort Corwalis.

Penang Self Guided Tour  – A Self Guided Audio tour that can be explored at your own pace. Tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

5. Go On A Street Art Hunt!

In recent years, George Town has become known for its street art and you definitely need to keep a look out for this as you explore things to do at Penang.

The art depicts images from Penang daily life and from its past and it’s fun to try to spot it as you walk around.

They make for great photos especially the bicycle above where you can sit on the bike for your own image of you exploring Penang.

Some top places to go in Penang to find this art are Armenian Street, Chulia Street and Muntri Street.

6. Take Some Silly Photos At Made in Penang Interactive Museum

The 3D Museum craze is well and truly alive in Malaysia.

At this Penang tourist attraction, you can combine taking some interesting 3D photos while learning some of the history and culture of Penang.

Instead of traditional museum exhibits, here you will find isometric art where you pose at certain spots so you become part of the artwork.

Some feature Penang’s past, some are just fun.

There are also some miniature scale models of Penang and a movie on Penang’s history and culture.

• Hours: 10am – 6:30pm Cost: RM35 for adults and RM25 for kids.

7. See Some Monkeys At The Penang Botanical Gardens

Another best place to visit in Penang is the Botanical Gardens – perfect if you want to see more of Penang’s nature and love monkeys!

Created by the British in 1884, the gardens are well looked after and have a huge variety of exotic and indigenous plant species.

In a peaceful location, there are 12 areas with many different plant types including a formal garden, tropical rainforest jungle track, and a cactus house.

It’s also possible to take a path from here up Penang Hill. It only takes an hour, but it is steep and you are likely to see many monkeys and macaques.

Be wary about the monkeys in the park and I recommend not taking a picnic here.

They can be very cheeky and get up very close if they think there is any chance of food and they are known to bite people.

Hours: 5am – 8pm (try to avoid 12:30-2pm where many enclosures are shut) Cost: Free

8. Cool Down At Youth Park

Visiting Youth Park was one of our favorite activities in Penang when we lived there and I especially recommend this Penang best place to visit if you have kids.

But, even if you don’t, it’s a nice place to take a hike and enjoy nature or you can have a work out on the copious exercise equipment they have here!

They also have many swimming pools and a huge playground as well as many fountains.

The location is beautiful against the mountains and it feels cooler here than elsewhere thanks to many trees.

I actually prefer it over the nearby Penang botanical gardens because of all the trees. It’s much more pleasant to walk around.

If you are looking for a place to chill in Penang, this is my top pick!

• Hours: 6am – 5:30pm Cost: Free

9. Be Freaked Out At Snake Temple

For a different Penang tourist spot, you can visit Snake Temple. This is close to Penang Airport so it can be a good first Penang attraction place to visit or a final one before you leave.

This temple is a traditional Chinese Buddhist temple which was built in 1850 by a monk, Chor Soo Kong. The legend is that he built it so the snakes nearby had a sanctuary.

The snakes are free to come and go so sometimes you may find a lot (especially around festivals when there are more offerings to entice them) and sometimes there may not be any.

There is also a “snake breeding area” where young snakes are raised.

It’s only a small temple and I wouldn’t call it a Penang must go, but it’s cool for somewhere different to visit.

• Hours: 6am – 7pm Cost: Free

10. Fly In The Sky At Batu Ferringhi Beach

The most popular beach area in Penang is at Batu Ferringhi and it’s one of the top Penang tourist places and where the majority of the best hotels are located.

While it is a popular location, it’s nowhere near as crowded as similar areas in places like Thailand and some time here can be quite enjoyable. It’s the area where we lived.

The water is quite calm and there are some nice, clean stretches of beach.

It’s easy to get a spot to yourself but note that jellyfish can be a problem – I was stung myself when just wading!

There are affordable water sports on offer though and this is a great place to go parasailing!

My husband and kids loved it and it’s easy to do other activities as well.

If you prefer a slower pace of beach action with some food and drink, the Bora Bora by Sunset Bar is our favorite place to sit and soak it all in.

11. Get Back To Nature At Penang National Park

Penang National Park may be the smallest national park in Malaysia but it packs a big punch and is definitely worth having on your Penang to do list.

There is a range of jungle trails here including to some of the nicest beaches on the island.

You can also go on a canopy walkway which is up to 15 meters high and just an easy 20-minute walk from the entrance to the park.

The top things to do in Penang, Malaysia at this park are to go to Monkey Beach or the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. Monkey Beach is a lovely stretch of beach home to macaques.

You can hike to these places or take a boat from the entrance to the park. There is also a campground at Monkey Beach.

It’s best to visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.

• Hours: 8am – 5pm Cost: Free! But you need to register on entry to get a permit. Add ons: The canopy walkway is RM5 for adults and RM3 for kids. You need to negotiate the cost of boat rides with the operators starting at RM50 one way.

12. Eat Everything You Can At A Night Hawker Centre

The absolute best places to visit in Penang at night are a night hawker center. They not only have great energy but are full of cheap and tasty food.

Hawker centers are a collection of food stalls, kind of like a food court but more basic looking and usually outdoors.

These are the perfect places to try as much of the excellent food in Malaysia as you can.

They can be very cheap although if it’s really cheap, there usually won’t be much meat or vegetables added and it’s likely not to be as tasty.

Some great hawker centers are:

• Long Beach Kafe in Batu Ferringhi
• Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
• New Lane Hawker Centre in George Town

There is an extra bonus if you visit Long Beach Kafe, and you are looking for what to do in Penang at night, as that this hawker center is also surrounded by a night market perfect for buying some souvenirs.

Suggested Tours:

George Town Food Hop  with Heritage on a Plate – Start in Little India and weave your way through the Penang streets to enjoy all the different cuisine.

Private Local Street Food Tour  – Visit several different food carts and markets to mingle with the locals while going off the beaten track in Penang.

Both tours have free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

Find some more great places to eat  here.

Penang is known for having some of the best food in Asia so make sure you enjoy Penang’s food whenever you can.

13. Discover New Beaches

Go beyond just visiting Batu Ferringhi beach and explore some of Penang’s other beaches.

Being an island, there are a lot of them!

Stop when you catch sight of one and go visit and you may find you have a beautiful beach to yourself.

The beach pictured above is one of the beaches between Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah.

14. The Rainforest At Teluk Bahang Forest Park/Penang Eco Park

If your list of what to see in Penang includes natural attractions, you will enjoy a trip to Penang Eco Park.

Located in the Teluk Bahang Forest Park, there are many nature trails with picnic and camping areas, a playground and waterfalls.

There is a wide range of flora and fauna here.

There is also a series of small pools where you can swim and one even has a waterslide.

This can be quite busy on weekends.

At the entrance to the park is a Forestry Museum.

At this interesting place in Penang, you can learn about the importance of forestry sector to the economic development of Malaysia and what they do to preserve the environment.

• Hours: 9am – 5pm, but closed 12-2:30pm on Fridays Cost: Free

15. See Butterflies At Entopia

One of the best places to see in Penang is broken into two parts – Natureland and Cocoon.

Natureland is a huge garden space with approximately 15,000 butterflies and over 200 species of plants as well as other invertebrates and reptiles.

The gardens are well presented with ponds, caves, and waterfalls.

The Penang Butterfly Farm’s Cocoon portion has two floors of exhibitions to and activities to teach you about invertebrates

A Penang fun place for families, but anyone who loves butterflies will enjoy it.

• Hours: 9am – 6pm Cost: RM65 for adults and RM45 for children. Discounts available for Malaysians.

16. Enjoy The Views From The Ferry to Butterworth

While there are bridges between Penang Island and the mainland, the fastest way to get between Butterworth and George Town is the ferry.

It also makes for one of the fun things to do in Penang.

The trip itself only takes about 15-20 minutes to over the three kilometers and you get great views of Penang and the mainland.

It starts running at about 5:20am and finishes around midnight. Ferries run about every 20-30 minutes but they do slow down after 10pm.

The ferry is mostly open air but undercover and it’s no cruise ship, but it’s an enjoyable way to spend time in Penang .

It is one of the things to see in Penang where you are more likely to be surrounded by locals rather than tourists.

• Hours: 5:20am – 12:40am but the exact time depends on which place you are leaving from. Cost: It’s RM1.20 from Butterworth to Penang and free the other way. You can also pay extra to take a car, motorbike or bicycle across.

If you are looking for a Penang itinerary, read this guide to exactly what to do with 3 days in Penang.

Best Time To Visit Penang

Penang is located in the tropics and not that far from the equator so it is hot and humid year round.

• However, it is less hot and humid in their  dry season which is November to February.
• December and January are the  busiest times for tourists  so visiting in February or November is the absolute best time.
• Although  March and April are also very pleasant.

Rain in Penang

However, it is not bad to go at other times. Rainfall is usually over quickly and often occurs at night. In all our time in Penang, there was only one day when it rained so much that it stopped us doing things.

Pollution in Penang

A bigger concern can be the haze – pollution which is caused by fires in Indonesia. Most years this isn’t a big concern in Penang but when it is bad, it can be very bad with it not being a good idea to go outside.

It varies each year with when is a bad time and how bad it is but it can occur from anytime from June.

Best Hotels In Penang

Below, I list three great choices for Penang hotels for three different budgets. These are my choices for recommended hotels in Penang.

Luxury – Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang

The 5-star Rasa Sayang is a gorgeous choice of the best resorts in Penang.

Located right be Batu Ferringhi beach and a short walk from the Long Beach Kafe hawker centre and night markets, it’s also in a prime location.

This resort is a great, expansive outdoor area with multiple pools (including an adults-only option), restaurants, kids club, gym, golf course and more.

There are many room types from doubles to family options. For the best experience, book a room in the Rasa Wing where you get such extras such as afternoon tea, cocktails and pre-dinner canapés.

Click here for the latest prices and Reviews Booking.com  /  TripAdvsior

Midrange – Bayview Beach Resort

For great value accommodation, the Bayview Beach Resort wins in the Batu Ferringhi area.

Located beachfront, there are four pools and a water playground for kids. You can also enjoy a day spa, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts while putting the kids into kids club at an amazing indoor play land.

If you get hungry, there are multiple restaurants and bars or you can walk up the beach to the main strip.

They also have a great option in George Town if you would prefer to stay there.

Click here for the latest prices.  TripAdvisor / Booking

Budget – Old Penang Guesthouse

For a prime spot in George Town with a low price tag, consider Old Penang Guesthouse. Located on Love Lane, you have everything you need at your fingertips while being a short walk from most attractions in George Town.

There are not a ton of facilities and services at this guesthouse, but there is bike hire and laundry at an extra charge.

There are a range of room options depending on your budget from dorm beds to private rooms with either shared or private bathrooms. All rooms have air conditioning.

Click here to read more options for where to stay in Penang.

AirB&B Penang

AirB&B is a great alternative to hotels and is a good choice for long term stays.

Search for your perfect apartment or vacation home by clicking the link below.

AirB&B Penang Malaysia

How To Get To Penang

Penang is home to an international airport which has many flights to domestic airports across Malaysia as well as some international flights, mainly to adjacent countries.

Domestic flights can be very cheap and this can be the easiest way to get here from places such as Kuala Lumpur.

If you are flying from further afield, it’s usually easy to connect to a flight to Penang when flying into Kuala Lumpur.

There are also great buses from most points in Malaysia that will take you straight to the island.

It’s also possible to catch a train to Butterworth and then take the ferry over as described above.

From Langkawi, there are ferries that can take you to Penang although flights can usually be cheaper.

Getting Around Penang

Once you are in Penang, there is a good bus service to get around. It is mostly centred on George Town so if you want to get around primarily by bus, this is a good place to stay.

It’s also easy to get taxis using the Grab app. Taxis are generally very good value and I recommend installing this app on your phone before you arrive.

It’s much easier than getting taxis in the street and works much like Uber (Grab actually bought Uber in Malaysia and merged it with their own app).

Driving in Penang is quite straightforward and there can be some great deals.

We don’t find it much different to driving in Australia but note that drivers like to switch lanes and turn suddenly without using indicators.

Recommended Penang Tours

We use  Get Your Guide  when booking tours and day trips. They offer excellent guided tours that can easily be booked at the last minute or cancelled with advanced notice.

Private Penang City Tour  – Spend a full day discovering the cultural diversity of Penang, Malaysia including George Town, Kek Lok Si Temple, and Penang Hill.

George Town Food Hop  – journey through Penang’s history through food as you eat your way through George town.

Self Guided Audio Tour  – Explore at your own pace with this self guided audio tour of Penang

Private City Tour  – Take a private guided tour of Penang’s top tourist attractions and enjoy a meal to taste the food of Malaysia.

Traveling to Penang? Pin this article to Pinterest for future reference

I hope you found this Penang travel guide useful. Ask any questions below!

• 7 Legendary Hawker Stalls in Penang
• Great Things to do in Malaysian Borneo
• Thaipusam – Malaysia’s Shocking Hindu Festival
• The Pinnacles of Borneo – Amazing Wonder of Gunung Mulu
• Mount Kinabalu – What it’s Really Like to Climb Borneo’s Highest Peak
• 3 Days in Bangkok – The Perfect Itinerary
• 35 of the Best Things to do in Singapore
• 32 Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

7 Legendary Hawker Stalls in Penang, Malaysia

Photowalking the Streets of Georgetown, Penang

Thaipusam – Malaysia’s Shocking Hindu Festival

About Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a full-time Australian blogger and mum of three who loves sharing her love of travel with others, especially when it comes to her favourite destination, Malaysia! You can find more information to plan your ultimate adventure in Malaysia at Dive Into Malaysia. Follow Sharon at DiveIntoMalaysia / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube / Twitter

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

10 thoughts on “16 Best Things To Do In Penang, Malaysia”

Great information about Penang, thank you!

Awesome article .It looks like Penang is hosting the same culture like in. Singapore. But to see the greanry,it’s worth visiting.

Thanks for your detailed tips for visiting the small island.

Penang is one of the most famous spots in Malaysia where you can enjoy beaches, sparkling waters, and a laid back island feel coupled with a big city experience. Penang is also known for its food, and anyone who loves to eat will truly find a culinary paradise here, much of which is down to the mix of influences in the city.

No problem Isabella! I hope you made it to Penang.

Hey, Sharon! Love for Malaysia is something we have in common. Visited the place last year and it was one of my best trips. Thank you for this amazing blog.

I’ll probably take a lot of pictures in the 3D Museum there. Thanks for this wonderful guide. I’m planning to have a vacation in Malaysia.

Good Article about things to do in Penang in Malaysia. this Island is very interesting, Thanks for writing this article.

The things that you discuss to do in Malaysia these all are very interesting I am also looking for this kind of post because we also planned us for a trip to Malaysia. Thanks for writing this article.

So when you do medical check up, you must have a short trip to traveling

Good Article. Thanks for posting sites.

Dive Into Malaysia

Top 9 Best Penang Tour And Package Options!

Penang is one of our favourite places in the world. Afterall, we did live here for over a year!

There is so much to love from the pretty buildings in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in George Town to the numerous cultural influences around the island, and of course, the world-renowned food!

The best way to experience all this is with a Penang guided tour. Tours and sightseeing in Penang are just so easy and affordable. There are many Penang day tours to choose from, whether you want to stay in George Town or explore further afield.

Below, we’ve listed our top holiday tour Penang recommendations that will have you experiencing the best of this awesome island!

Travelling to Malaysia?  Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist .  We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Why Book A Penang Tour?

Penang is easy to get around, but as with all places, planning can be a drag. It can also be hard to know if you’re really seeing the best of that destination.

This is where day tours Penang come in handy. You can simply read about what the tour offers and see if its right for you. Tours usually focus on areas like culture, food, nature etc., so it’s easy to find one for your interests.

Plus, there are many tour agencies in Penang and you will be shown around by a local. Local knowledge is super handy when it comes to something like a Penang heritage walking tour.

We often get much more value out of tours than by visiting alone.

Compare All The Best Travel Tour Penang Package Options

Here’s a quick comparison of all your Penang tours package options. They are all day or half-day tours.

You can read more about each of these options below.

Penang Food Tours

As Malaysia’s food capital, food tours are among the best tours in Penang! These Penang walking tours are as much about food as they are about culture and history. This is because Penang’s food really is a story of its cultures.

We recommend booking your Penang walking tours with Simply Enak Food Tours. Not only are they a super reputable tour agent in Penang, with a 5-star TripAdvisor rating, but they are also a family run, local business that know Penang’s streets and food culture better than anyone. I have taken their tours myself but alone and with my kids and had a fantastic time.

With a Penang local tour guide, plenty of food is included in both day and night options. They offer the best Penang guided tour options for foodies!

Plus, you can get an RM30 discount if you book using the coupon code DIVE30 !

Penang Street Food Tour – Best Penang Tour Guide

Whether you’re an early riser or breakfast lover, this Penang Street Food Tour is the best Penang George Town walking tour to sample popular street food available during the day.

This Penang tour itinerary starts at 9am with a light (or heavy) breakfast, and walks you through the eclectic city streets where you can experience Penang’s vibrant and rich food scene.

You’ll quickly see that Penang, as a melting pot of cultures, offers a diverse range of dishes from roti canai to Penang laksa, and, of course, nasi lemak. Indian, Chinese and Malaysian culture are most evident in Penang, bringing with them a rich history that is best showcased through its street food.

This is also a Penang sightseeing tour and a Penang street art tour. You’ll walk past important monuments signifying Penang’s history, like the five major Chinese built Clan Houses, the Indian temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, and you’ll also see some of Penang’s unique street art. The tour concludes at 12:30pm.

Families are welcome on this tour. Book with the link below and use the coupon code DIVE30 and you’ll get a RM30 discount!

Click here to see the latest prices.

Eat Drink George Town

Like many Asian cities, Penang comes alive at night. However, this can be overwhelming when you’re trying to experience the best fare in that region. This Eat Drink George Town tour is the answer!

This 4 hour George Town walking tour in Penang lets you experience the culture of eclectic George Town through its food. This really is the best way to immerse yourself into the history and multitude of cultures that have shaped this vibrant city.

This walking tour starts in the afternoon at 4pm, where you’ll meet your local Penang tour agent and make your way through the city streets, stopping at street food stalls and hawkers centres, and learning about the role different cultures have played in shaping today’s Penang. You’ll sample the super popular Char Kway Teow – one of Penang’s finest noodle dishes on the Clan Jetty. Egg tarts, Indian roti and delicious laksa are also possibilities on the menu.

This Penang food tour package concludes with a cocktail (included in your tour) at 8pm.

This tour is only suitable for adults 21+. Book with the link below and use the coupon code DIVE30 and you’ll get a RM30 discount!

Click here to see the latest prices or read my full review of this tour here.

You can also watch my video walk-through of this tour below from when I did it. Warning: It’ll make you hungry!

Best Penang City Tours

Explore george town half day city tour – best penang half day tour itinerary.

This 4 hour tour is the perfect Penang city half day tour. It takes you to all of George Town’s most historic and cultural spots. Included in this city tour in Penang is a visit to the British built Fort Cornwallis – the largest British fort still standing in Malaysia.

You’ll also see the Streets of Harmony on this Penang half day city tour which are among the oldest streets in Penang and a melting pot of cultures, as well as the huge Reclining Buddha Statue, Little India, Chinatown, the clock tower and nearby religious sites (if you wish). This is also a good option as a street art tour Penang.

This is a small and affordable tour, with some information on Penang’s history. There are two tour times offered – 9am to 1pm or 2pm to 6pm. This tour also includes hotel pick up and drop off.

George Town Heritage Tour – Best Penang Heritage Tour

Another great Penang tour Malaysia is this George Town Heritage Tour. This tour has the best Penang city tour itinerary to learn about its diverse cultural roots.

This is a 4 hour tour with the Penang tour agency offering two tour times – 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm. It also includes return hotel pickup and drop off.

The most impressive Penang tour place on this itinerary is the Peranakan Mansion, a large museum filled with artifacts from the southern Chinese Peranakan, and previously among the buildings used by the Chinese secret society.

Chinatown, Little India and the Chinese temples Hock Teik Cheng Sin and Cheah Kongs are also on this Penang day tour itinerary. This is one of the tour operators in Penang that also takes you to some of the towns vibrant artwork along the way.

Heritage Tour And Trishaw Ride – Best Penang City Tour Package

A both affordable and authentic city tour of Penang Malaysia is this Penang trishaw tour! On this tour, you will ride in a traditional trishaw, a 3-wheeled taxi, which offers a unique and traditional way to experience Penang.

This is a quick 2.5 hour tour of Malaysia Penang to immerse you in the culture of George Town. There are two tour times – from 9:30am to 12pm or from 2:30pm to 5pm. The trishaw tour Penang takes one hour, after which your tour guide in Penang will drive you to other places on the itinerary.

As part of this Penang day trip tour you’ll visit Fort Cornwallis, the British built fort; Penang Town Hall, a stunning British built administrative building dating from the 1880s and adorned in pastel colours; Beach Street, one of the major thoroughfares; and Khoo Kongsi, an elaborately adorned, Chinese built clan house, among other spots.

This tour also includes convenient hotel pickup and drop off.

Best Package Tour To Penang Malaysia

Below are the best Penang holiday packages. These are great for mixing and matching for a complete experience!

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Tour – Penang Blue Mansion Tour

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a must see attraction, and this tour is one to add to your Penang island tour package. It is a super affordable way to see this impressive mansion, and can easily fit into a Penang full day tour.

Two Blue Mansion Penang tour times are offered – 11am and 2pm. Take a taxi or your own transport to the meeting spot – you can see a Penang tour map when you click on the link. From here, the tour agency in Penang will meet you and your guide will take you through the mansion.

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is one of the most impressive architectural sites in Penang, and you’ll get to see much of it throughout this 45 minute long tour. Your tour guide Penang will share the history of this impressive site which was built in the 19th century and owned by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze. It is now a hotel.

There’s also a restaurant and bar where you can have a drink and bite to eat after the tour.

Hiking Trail And Food Tasting Farm Tour

This 5 hour Penang package tour lets you escape the busy city centre and experience Penang’s natural beauty.

Departing at 8:30am, the tour starts at the meeting spots of either Green Acres farm or Balik Pulau bus terminal. This one day tour in Penang includes a hike to Green Acres, the 16-acre orchard where you can opt to swim and see wildlife like monkeys, butterflies, birds and lizards.

You’ll also visit the impressive Air Itam Dam which is surrounded by the scenic park. Your hike also includes the opportunity to see the best panoramic views of George Town.

A highlight of this tour is trying the delicious tropical fruit grown in Penang. Mangosteens, jackfruit, pineapples and the unique langsat are all available to sample. A fresh lunch is also served, as well as fresh juice.

Concluding at 1:30pm, this is among the best day tours in Penang Malaysia to experience Penang’s rural side.

Pose, Share & Connect Instagram Tour

If you’re looking for a full Penang one day tour package, this 8 hour tour is a great option. With both hotel pickup and drop off, the tour starts at 9am and takes you to some of Penang’s most scenic spots.

This tour includes a Penang street art walking tour and the Butterworth Art Walk where you’ll see some of Penang’s finest street art.

Visit the village of Kampung Agong beside the paddy fields for a Penang cycling tour. You can relax in the hanging birds nests, see the impressive coconut farms and tour the kampung houses.

You’ll also visit Frog Hill, a 45 minute drive away from George Town and one of the most scenic spots on the island. You’ll enjoy a short hike to this former quarry and enjoy views of lush greenery and numerous water pools.

The tour concludes at around 5pm with hotel drop off. With some excellent photo opportunities, this is one of the Penang tour packages that will make others jealous!

Penang Hill And Temple Sightseeing – Best Penang Hill Tour Package

This is another Penang 1 day tour package with two options – either a 9am morning tour or a 2pm afternoon tour.

The tour commences with hotel pickup and takes you to two of the best attractions around Penang, including the impressive Kek Lok Si Temple, where you’ll see its numerous sculptures, and Penang Hill, which includes a ride on the funicular train.

There is plenty to do at the top of Penang Hill like taking a walk on the Langur Way Canopy Walk, seeing colonial buildings and enjoying the stunning views of George Town below.

This four hour, half day tour is among the best holiday tours Penang offers for those looking for a Penang outer city tour package.

Final Words

We hope this article has been helpful for you.

Penang is a wonderful place to visit and we recommend you do as much as possible (or as much as time permits). Whether you choose to just tour George Town, or explore further afield, we’re sure a tour will make it all the more enjoyable!

Want to read more about all the things to do in Penang? Find our guide here . You can read more about where to stay in Penang here and find our full Penang travel guide here.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Related posts:

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

• Group Enquiry? NEW

Places to Visit in Penang

• Places To Visit

The Habitat Penang Hill

Located on the Penang Island of Malaysia, this hill is a group of hills. Penang hill is the highest peak with its western hill at 833 meters above sea level. The highest peak is accessible by Penang Railway Station and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Malaysia. The lush rainforests of the hill are one of the main attractions dating back to 130 million years in the past, older than Amazon rainforests. This beautiful hill is listed in the World Network of Biosphere Reserve (WNBR).

Top Experiences To Do in The Habitat Penang Hill

Entopia Penang

Entopia Penang is one of Malaysia’s largest butterfly farms and is home to more than 15,000 butterflies that can fly freely inside the park premises. Entopia is also home to more than 200 species of flora and over 150 species of fauna. Apart from butterflies, the other resident species include insects and creepy crawlies. Visitors get to learn more about nature and its smallest creatures at the interactive edu-stations situated amidst the recreated natural habitats of numerous species.

Top Experiences To Do in Entopia Penang

Teluk Bahang Beach

Planning to have some excitement with your family and friends then head out to this gorgeous beach Teluk Bahang  in Penang and enjoy the rocky and the shady surroundings of the beach. This place is the perfect getaway for you as it is a bit isolated from the huge crowds which we usually find in the beaches.

 Highlights: If you are a nature lover then this is the best place for you as it is the home of Penang Butterfly Farm. You can enjoy the view of the beautiful landscape and also go on the trekking after  enjoying a sunbath. You can also enjoy the mouthwatering seafood which is served there in the restaurants.

  Best Season: May to October

  Location: North western tip of the Island Penang.

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram

Kapitan Keling Mosque

Penang Botanic Garden

Penang Hill Train

Pulau Jerejak / Jerejak Island

Turtle Beach

• George Town

Penang State Museum & Art Gallery

Tanjung Bungah Beach

Half an hour drive from Georgetown sits this beautiful beachside in the suburb of Tanjung Bungah. Despite being a sleepy fishing village, Tanjung Bungah has become popular among the tourists due it its accessibility from the main and world-class scenic resorts. If you visit Malaysia and want to try the adventure water sports then this place should be on your bucket list as it’s the Mecca of adventure.

Penang Floating Mosque

The floating mosque, as it is commonly known as, derives its name from the fact that it is the first mosque to be built directly in the ocean water. Otherwise, it is known as Masjid Terapun Pulau Pinang. The mosque was constructed back in the year 2005.

Penang Khoo Khongsi

Batu Ferringhi Beach

Little India In Penang

Pulau Kendi Beach

There is nothing more refreshing than swimming in the sea water and enjoying the sunlight on your face. Now, explore this beautiful island Pulau Kendi on the southwestern tip of Penang island. If you love to be a little isolated and enjoy the pristine view of nature than you should definitely visit this beach. The best thing about this beach is that you can have a wonderful swim without the fear of jellyfish.

Highlights: Explore this isolated island and enjoy the steep hills and the dense forest. The most interesting thing about this place is that there are scores of tiny idols hidden at the most secrective crevice, on the steepest slope.This beach is the best for snorkelling.Because of its serene water there are many coral reefs you will find in this beach.

  Best Season: October to March

  Location : Southwestern tip of Penang island, Gertak Sanggul .

Penang National Park Hike

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Penang Hill Loop

Penang National Park

Also known as Taman Negara Pulau Pinang by the local people, Penang National Park is located at the north-western tip of Penang Island and is the first protected area that is legally gazetted under Malaysia’s National Park Act of 1980. This national park features a seasonal meromictic lake, mangrove forests, lovely pristine beaches, and lowland dipterocarp forests. You will also find a plethora of flora and fauna in the park that will leave you astonished with its remarkable beauty. 

Kuan Yin Temple

Clan Jetties

Fort Cornwallis

Penang Bird Park

Monkey Beach

There is no doubt that nothing can make your vacation more exciting then crystal blue water and clear white sands. Now add it with some adventurous activities like snorkelling and swimming, Perfect isn’t it? Monkey beach in the northwest corner of the Penang Beach is the perfect getaway for you and your family. The amazing landscapes makes you feel more better than ever before.

 Highlights:  Monkey Beach is best known for its fishing sites. This place is filled with varieties of fauna like flying squirrels, lemurs, fruit bats,otters and white bellied sea eagles. Another interesting thing  about this place is that one can go for a two hours hike from here.

  Best Season: All months

  Location: Northwest corner of the Penang Beach

Best of Dubai

Penang War Museum

Butterfly Farm

Penang Interactive Museum

Kek Lok Si Temple

Best of Singapore

Pulau Aman Beach

Breath in the fresh air of the sea by exploring this exciting beach in Palau Aman in Penang.This place offers a picturesque beauty of the  fishing village. The village has a mere population of around 300 people. If you love exploring new sights than this is the best place for you. They have  a lot of sightseeing places like Telaga Emas (Well of Gold).

Highlight : If you are searching in, for some serene place than this is the best place for you. The clear blue brilliant sky in contrast with the lush green jungle around the village is the best thing about this place. The water is absolutely suitable for fishing and kayaking adventure. If you love challenges then you can try jungle trekking as well. Another thing that you will love about this place is the seafood which is freshly served.

  Best Season: May- October

  Location: Coast of Bukit Tambun,Mainland Penang 

Adventure Zone Theme Park

Gertak Sanggul Beach

If you love fishing and sandy beaches than Gertak Sanggul is definitely the place you should visit. This beach is famous as the fishing village and its romantic surroundings which offers breathtaking views. This beach is the home to white sands and swaying coconut trees.

Highlights: If you want to have a delicious meal than have a taste of their seafood which is served fresh after fishing from the sea. This place is best for fishing and you can also enjoy the view of the fisherman on their fishing boats bobbing in the waves.

  Best Season: November to January

  Location : Southwest coast of Penang Island, 15 minutes drive from Bayan Lepus by Bus.

Teluk Kampi Beach

When a vacation is planned one of  the first thing that we conjure on our mind is beach. The cool windy breeze and the warm sea is something which we definitely want for our vacation. Malaysia is a place  where you can have that unlimited fun and enjoyment with your friends. Teluk Kampi Beach on the south of Pantai Kerachut in the Penang National Park is that perfect place which will make your vacation the best.This beach is quite remote from the other beaches but it offers the most beautiful view of its curving bay.

 Highlights : If you love exploring the beaches than you will love this place as it is famous for sea turtles that comes to lay their eggs. You can see the baby turtles that have just hatched and see how they  move.

  Best Season: February to April

  Location: South of Pantai Kerachut, Penang National Park.

Best of Phuket

Mengkuang Dam

Penang Tropical Fruit Farm

Pasir Panjang Beach

Tired of the daily monotonous life then pack your bags and be off to Pasir Panjang in Balik Pulao on the southwest of Penang hills which offers a breathtaking view of its amazing landscapes. This place is the perfect getaway for you and your family where you can have some fun time swimming and basking in the sun.

Highlights: If you love adventure and fun then this is definitely the place for you as you can go for jungle trekking as there are plenty of wooden paths and winding trails leading to the hills.You can also go for a 30 minutes sidewalk towards Pulao Betong Village.

  Location: Southwestern tip of Penang Island, facing the Straits of Malacca.

Pantai Kerachut Beach

Ever wondered how the  baby turtles crawl out of their shells in the quartz veins and igneous rocks. Then pack your bags and leave for this wonderful Pantai Kerachut located in Penang National Park. Along with its breathtaking landscape, this beach serves as the nesting ground for the green turtle, olive ridley turtle and hawksbill turtle. This is one of the most popular beaches in Penang.For nature lovers this place is the best as you can have a view of the monitor lizards, crabs, stork-billed kingfishers and mouse deers.

 Highlights:  If you are planning to enjoy your weekend in the serene atmosphere than this beach is the perfect getaway for you and your friends as you can enjoy basking in the sun in the white sand of  the beach.Pantai Kerachut is said to be the home to one of the  four meromictic lakes in Asia which is a combination of freshwater and seawater

  Best Season: November to February.

  Location: Pantai Kerachut, Penang National Park.

Best of Malaysia

Snake Temple

Escape Adventure Play Theme Park

Escape Theme Park Penang

With a wealth of water slides, a thrilling rope obstacle course, and holding a Guinness World Record that takes three minutes to descend, including high energy games and rides, Escape Park Klis is a great way to reconnect with the natural world. Constructed in 44- acres of wasteland, the part is surrounded by lush greens and offers 25+ thrilling activities, including rock climbing, rope courses, water slides, ziplining, etc.

Penang Travel Guides

Penang Reviews

Popular Nearby Places Around Penang

More things to do in penang, more on penang tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

Penang Tourist Centre

Penang Tourist Centre is on the map of King Edward Place

 Buy, rent or sell properties in Penang

  new properties in penang.

• Anggun Residences E-Brochure , Batu Kawan
• Aston Acacia E-Brochure , Bukit Mertajam
• Beacon Executive Suites E-Brochure , George Town
• Beverly Heights @ Bukit Gambir E-Brochure , Gelugor
• BM Highland E-Brochure , Bukit Mertajam
• Cypress Villa E-Brochure , Sungai Ara
• D'Zone Condominium E-Brochure , Teluk Kumbar
• Elements Garden E-Brochure , Butterworth
• Ferringhi Residence 2 E-Brochure , Batu Ferringhi
• GEM Residences E-Brochure , Prai
• Golden Triangle 2 E-Brochure , Sungai Ara/Relau
• Grace Residence E-Brochure , Jelutong
• Granito @ Permai E-Brochure , Tanjong Bungah
• Green City Residence E-Brochure , Jelutong
• Havana Beach Residences E-Brochure , Bayan Lepas
• Imperial Residences E-Brochure , Sungai Ara/Relau
• Imperial Grande E-Brochure , Sungai Ara/Relau
• Lucerne Residence E-Brochure , Bayan Lepas
• Mezzo @ The Light City E-Brochure , Gelugor
• Middleton E-Brochure , Gelugor
• Orchard Villa 3 E-Brochure , Simpang Ampat
• Primero Heights E-Brochure , Permatang Pauh
• Queens Waterfront Q2 E-Brochure , Bayan Lepas
• Royale Heights @ Tambun Royale City E-Brochure , Simpang Ampat
• Royale Infinity @ Tambun Royale City E-Brochure , Simpang Ampat
• Rubica @ Harbour Place E-Brochure , Butterworth
• Sensasi Commercial Suites E-Brochure , Batu Kawan
• Setia Sky Ville E-Brochure , Jelutong
• Setia Sky Vista E-Brochure , Sungai Ara/Relau
• Setia V Residence E-Brochure , Gurney Drive
• Sinaran Residence E-Brochure , Batu Kawan
• Sky @ TriPark E-Brochure , Bukit Mertajam
• Skyridge Garden E-Brochure , Tanjong Tokong
• Starhill Luxury Residences E-Brochure , Gelugor
• Straits Residences E-Brochure , Tanjong Tokong
• Taman Nuri Emas E-Brochure , Nibong Tebal
• The Light Collection IV E-Brochure , Gelugor
• The Loft @ Southbay E-Brochure , Batu Maung
• The Terraces Condominium E-Brochure , Bukit Jambul
• Trehaus Condo Villas E-Brochure , Bukit Jambul
• Triuni Residences E-Brochure , Batu Uban
• Urban Suites E-Brochure , Tanjong Tokong
• Valencia Residence E-Brochure , Bayan Lepas
• Vertu Resort E-Brochure , Batu Kawan
• Vivo Executive Apartment E-Brochure , Batu Kawan
• Viluxe E-Brochure , Batu Kawan
• Waterside Residence E-Brochure , Gelugor

  Latest updates on Penang Travel Tips

  discover with timothy youtube channel,   pg food channel,   learn penang hokkien youtube channel, sojimart videos,  share your travels and/or ask a travel-related question, map of roads in penang.

Discover with Timothy

Latest from Discover with Timothy: Gurney Bay - what to see and do there

About this website