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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.

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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.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Malaysia » Penang

INSIDER PENANG ITINERARY for 2024

Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia and consists of two main parts. The Penang mainland, and Penang Island. The island is connected to the mainland by two road bridges, one of which is the longest oversea road bridge in Southeast Asia.

The province boasts great diversity in culture, ethnicity, language, and religion- which makes it a very interesting destination for travel. It also has an incredibly beautiful coastline and cities that seem to rise up along the ocean.

The area is perfect for sunset chasers, adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts and anyone fascinated by culture and diversity. It’s time to start planning your very own Penang itinerary for one incredible holiday!

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Best time to visit Penang

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While planning your itinerary, you need to know when to visit Penang.

Penang has a very stable climate with temperatures varying very little throughout the course of the year. This means planning your Penang trip will be an absolute breeze.

The only thing you really need to consider is the rain, humidity, and whether or not you’re willing to visit during monsoon season. These monsoons are not particularly dangerous most of the time, however, they certainly will interfere with your planned outdoor activities.

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Monsoon season takes place in April and May, and should probably be avoided if you don’t enjoy a good deal of rain.

Penang’s busy season takes place between mid-November and February. The weather is warm (just like the rest of the year), but the lack of rain makes Penang travel a whole lot easier!

Every traveler has a different preference for their travel, so here’s what you can expect from Penang all year round!

Penang is a world-renowned exotic holiday destination, which means there’s an overwhelming amount of places and areas to stay in . Whether you’re into the hustle and bustle of city living or prefer to rough it in a small fishing village, Penang is sure to have something to suit your taste.

George Town is the capital city and our first recommendation for where to stay in Penang. It has been named one of the most interesting and colorful cities in all of Malaysia, it’s no wonder it made the top of our list.

The city has a charm like no other. Walking down the streets you’ll see an eclectic mix of colonial buildings, Chinese storefronts, and ornate mosques. You can indulge in top-class street food and delicious coffee while exploring its many landmarks.

Bayan Lepas is situated on Penang island, just an express route away from George Town. It’s a highly affordable option that still gives you easy access to Penang attractions. The area was started as an agricultural village and has now become the industrial hub of Penang.

However, it is more than just a charming village and is now home to some incredible Penang points of interest. So if you’re spending more than two days in Penang, consider adding this area to your Penang itinerary.

Best Hostel in Penang – House of Journey

House of Journey is located in the heart of George Town’s historical zone, making it easy to access many of the best Penang landmarks. The cozy interior makes you feel right at home, and the buffet breakfast provided every morning doesn’t hurt either! They also offer free city maps and guidance for those planning on touring Penang.

Best Airbnb in Penang – Central apartment great for City- Breakers

Situated yourself right in the cultural heart of Penang ith this George Town apartment. This affordable and well-maintained place is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the eclectic mix of sights, sounds and aromas that abound in Penangs city centre.

Best Budget Hotel in Penang – Tune Hotel

Tune hotel, located in George Town, has a colorful exterior that hides the modern, stylish interior. The hotel offers free WiFi in all it’s rooms and is just a five-minute walk away from Penang’s famous skyscraper. The air-conditioned rooms also offer a much-needed break from the warm climate.

Best Luxury Hotel in Penang –  Eastern & Oriental Hotel

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel offers absolute luxury accommodation for travelers looking for just that little bit extra from their trip to Penang. An outdoor swimming pool is perfect to cool off from the heat, and their on-site restaurant and bar come in handy when spending a relaxing afternoon sunbathing by the pool.

• Best Backpacker Hostels in Penang
• Best Airbnb Rentals in Penang

While you’re planning a trip to Penang, you’re going to need to find out the best ways to get around the province. If you’re traveling from Penang Island to the mainland, taking a bus or ferry is your best option.

If you’re traveling long distances across the province, or from town to town, taking a bus is a great option. Unfortunately, Penang’s public transport system is severely lacking, so buses are the main form of public transport.

Hailing a taxi is also an option, however, transport costs become exponentially more expensive when traveling via taxi.

Hiring a scooter is a great way to get around Penang. It gives you a great amount of freedom and means you won’t have to plan your Penang itinerary around bus routes and times. You can also travel anywhere in the province on your scooter, which allows you to take a trip a little off-the-beaten-track.

Most of the cities and towns in Penang are easily walkable, in fact, we actually recommend that you walk. This allows you to find hidden gems apart from the main landmarks during your vacation in Penang.

Now that you know how to get around Penang, you can start putting together your very own Penang itinerary with the activities below!

Tropical Spice Gardens | Fort Cornwallis | Suffolk House | Khoo Kongsi | Little India | Batu Ferringhi Night Market

Spend the first day of your Penang trip itinerary exploring the many interesting cultural sites and landmarks that make up the wonderful Penang district. Take a Penang walking tour, or explore on your own, either way, you’re sure to stay well entertained!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Stroll Through the Tropical Spice Gardens

• Why it’s awesome: The tropical spice gardens were created to pay homage to all the beautiful herbs and spices found in this part of the world.
• Cost: Entry – USD $4, Guided Tour – USD $6
• Food nearby: Tree Monkey is a fantastic restaurant with outdoor seating in a beautiful and green setting. They serve absolutely delicious Thai food, and the presentation is exquisite. Be sure to order one of their many famous vegetable dishes, they’re sure to keep you coming back for more!

There’s no better way to spend your morning than walking around the aromatic and beautifully scented garden. The incredible Penang Tropical Spice Gardens cover an impressive six acres of land and are home to over 500 different plant species. As you walk through the gardens, you’ll be blown away by the myriad of smells and tastes that you encounter.

The Tropical Spice Gardens are ranked as one of the top attractions in Malaysia and are an absolute Penang must-do!

The tour is perfect for anyone interested in Malay flora and fauna, as your knowledgeable guide will teach you about the plant-life during the tour. You can even take a cooking class on the premises that will teach you how to use herbs and spices in your cooking to create fantastic Malay style dishes.

There are also plenty of audio tours that allow you to explore the gardens on your own, and experience the wonderful power of these aromatic plants.

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Visit Fort Cornwallis

• Why it’s awesome: Fort Cornwallis was built in the 18th century, but never actually engaged in any combat.
• Cost: USD $5
• Food nearby: Hameediyah Restaurant doesn’t look like much from the outside, but is an absolute gem! They serve a variety of really great seafood and meat dishes, as well as a variety of wonderful vegetarian meals. This restaurant truly has something for everyone’s taste.

Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia and was built by the British East India Company three centuries ago! The fort was named after the governing general of Bengal at the time, Charles Cornwallis.

The main building in the fort is the oldest roofed building still standing from the colonial times. This gives it a great history, which you will certainly learn about during your time at the fort.

There is also a small chapel on the premises, which has become a very popular place for weddings to take place in Penang.

You’ll discover a range of old canons that decorate the fort, the largest of which has been named Seri Rambai and was cast all the way back in 1603!

There is also a lighthouse at the fort that looks like a ship’s mast and serves absolutely no navigational purposes, but it makes the fort all the more interesting. Spending the mid-afternoon exploring the fort gives you great insight into the history of Malaysia, especially during the colonial period.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Have Tea at Suffolk House

• Why it’s awesome: Suffolk House is a prime example of colonial architecture in Malaysia and is located on a very scenic part of Penang Island, called Air Itam (meaning Black Water).
• Cost: Entrance is free!
• Food nearby: China House is a mixture between a bar, cafe, gallery and shop, and it serves all of these purposes so well! They serve a wonderful assortment of patisseries and cakes, as well as making delicious meals for their guests.

Just a 15-minute drive from Fort Cornwallis, Suffolk House is a colonial-style building in a very beautiful part of Penang Island. The house is also known to be the only surviving Georgian Mansion in Penang, making it all the more special!

Suffolk House was home to a few of the British Governors that governed Penang, giving the place a great history to discover! The house has been wonderfully restored to its former glory, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the things to see in Penang that you simply must visit!

The house is furnished with original Anglo-Indian antiques giving it a very vintage feel and adding to the romantic atmosphere.

Be sure to stop by for high-tea or lunch at the Suffolk House Restaurant on the premises that offer an assortment of great meals. However, if you’re already full, then amble around the grounds while enjoying the many beautiful sights along the way!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Explore Khoo Kongsi

• Why it’s awesome: Khoo Kongsi is an iconic Penang attraction that was once a clan-house.
• Cost: Free to enter!
• Food nearby: Kebaya Dining Room is just a six-minute drive from Khoo Kongsi and serves an exquisite array of dishes. A fine-dining atmosphere paves the way perfectly for their well-presented meals! You’ll be able to order from their Chinese-style menu before tucking into a wonderful dessert.

If you’re wondering what to do in Penang, then visiting Khoo Kongsi simply must be on your Penang Itinerary. It was once a clan-house, but has now been turned into a museum that features many interesting stone carvings with heavy Chinese influences!

The temple was built in the 19th century and has a few astounding features that are likely to blow you away! The architecture in itself is amazing, and shows off a myriad of different colors! One of the temples’ signature features is it’s alter. It has been decorated with gold leaf, and inlaid with ancestral tablets!

Ornate decorations also hang from the ceilings, making this museum a whole lot of fun to explore! Be sure to take your camera along for this epic adventure into the interesting history of Malaysia’s past.

The ancient clan-house has managed to retain its historic setting, which can be seen in the association building, a traditional theater and the row-houses that were built for clan members in the 19th century.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Wonder Around Little India

• Why it’s awesome: Small but vibrant area in Penang that makes you feel as if you’ve stepped into a different country.
• Cost: Free to explore!
• Food nearby: There are plenty of street food options in Little India, but if you feel you want to sit and have a meal, then Indigo Restaurant is a great option! Here, you’ll be able to indulge in a delicious three-course meal and even enjoy their late-night dining option. They serve some of the most Instagrammable dishes in Penang, so be sure to snap a pic before you tuck into your meal!

Take the evening to stroll through the streets of Little India, a small area just outside of George Town that has a completely different feel to the rest of Penang. You may even think you took a wrong turn and landed up in the wrong country! (But that isn’t the case.)

Little India is where you’ll find a large collection of Tamil people who add a cultural vibrancy to the area. You’ll notice a wide selection of shops, selling everything from Sari’s to perfume and incense at great prices! Take this opportunity to do a little bargain hunting during your trip; brush up on your haggling skills , and you’re sure to buy some souvenirs at a steal.

Many of the shops blast Bollywood music into the streets, making the whole area come alive in the evenings. It’s also one of the best places to visit in Penang to sample Malaysian street food , so save your stomach for a taster or two.

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Go Shopping at Batu Ferringhi Night Market

• Why it’s awesome: The fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun sets! Spend the night shopping for bargains at one of the best things to do in Penang at night.
• Cost: Free to browse!
• Food nearby: After all the eating you’ll be doing during your first day in Penang, you’re sure to be stuffed. However, if you’re still feeling peckish, there are plenty of snacking options at Batu Ferringhi Night Market.

Stroll around the Batu Ferringhi Night Market and browse the many interesting stores. You’ll find handmade jewelry, knock-off designer goods, and many other inexpensive souvenirs. Clothes, bags, watches, and DVDs are all things you can expect to find.

Soak up the lively atmosphere as you walk around the market, and don’t forget to try some of the tasty treats on display. It really doesn’t get better than freshly prepared Malaysian meals on the go!

Insider Tip: Keep in mind that it’s important to haggle with the stall owners, as you’ll more than likely end up paying more than you should!

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…

Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque | Batu Ferringhi Beach | Peranakan Museum | Snake Temple | Penang Hill

If you’re spending a second day in Penang before traveling elsewhere in Malaysia , you’ll need a two-day itinerary. Here are a few of our favorite activities that are a must-do during your travels.

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Explore Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque

• Why it’s awesome: This interesting architectural feature of the Penang skyline accommodates 1,500 worshippers at a time.
• Cost: Entrance to the mosque is free, but if you’d like to take a guided tour then additional fees will apply.
• Food nearby: The Hillside is just a few minutes’ drive from the floating mosque. They have various indoor and outdoor seating options that provide wonderful views. The restaurant is stylish and makes for the perfect breakfast spot for the second morning of your weekend in Penang! Their breakfast options are absolutely delicious and range from healthy fruit salads to breakfast pizzas.

Waking up early in the morning to take a stroll through the floating mosque is arguably one of the best ways to start your morning in Penang. The mosque was built on stilts over the water, which is why it’s referred to as ‘floating’.

The mosque is placed in a beautiful part of Penang. You’ll get the chance to appreciate the stunning views of serene beaches while you amble through the ornate building on the water.

The mosque has many Middle-Eastern elements that are sure to leave you awe-inspired. The essence of this building is sure to stay with you throughout your visit to Penang! The mosque is the first and only mosque to have the ‘floating’ element to it, so you’re guaranteed a unique experience.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Bask in the Sun at Batu Ferringhi Beach

• Why it’s awesome: Batu Ferringhi is known as one of the best beach areas on Penang Island!
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: The Ferringhi Garden Restaurant is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. Eat surrounded by lush greenery. It includes options for every diet, including gluten-free.

If you’re on sole reason for a vacation in Malaysia is to dip your toes in the sand and bask in the glorious sun, then spending the mid-morning on Batu Ferringhi beach is the best way to catch a killer tan!

This long strip of golden sands stretches as far as the eye can see, and gives you plenty of space to escape the crowds if you’re looking for a relaxing holiday! Part of the beach is lined with resorts that look over private sections of the beach. Spending the day at one of the resorts is sure to be a treat, and will see you sipping on cocktails as the hours pass you by.

Take a picnic along with you for the adventure, or simply try some of the incredible street food that the vendors have to offer.

Insider Tip: You simply must try Malaysian curry and a variety of noodle dishes while you visit Penang! They are completely unique from the Asian and Indian dishes that you’ll find in other parts of the world, and use a comprehensive blend of flavors that bring each dish to life.

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Visit the Peranakan Museum

• Why it’s awesome: The Penang Peranakan Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Peranakan people that moved to Malaysia.
• Cost: Adults – USD $5, Children under 6 – Free!
• Food nearby: Tek Sen Restaurant is a simple eatery that isn’t much to look at, but the food is absolutely delicious and it has become a local favorite. Choose between a range of Thai and Malay fusion dishes, or indulge in a buffet-style meal that allows you to try a little bit of everything!

If one thing is for certain, it’s that Malaysia and Penang in particular is a very diverse area. It contains cultures from all over the world, making it a very interesting place to explore!

The Peranakan Museum in Penang is dedicated to telling the story of the Peranakan people that moved to Malaysia many years ago. These people are also often referred to as Straits Chinese. The Peranakans are descendants of Chinese settlers that moved to Malaysia between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Within Malaysia, they developed a unique culture that was a blend of Malay and Chinese customs. The Peranakan Museum will teach you about the customs and traditions of these people, as well as showcasing some of their traditional art and antiques found in many of their homes.

On display, you’ll also see a recreation of a 19th-century traditional Peranakan house to get a better feel for their culture.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Take a Walk Through Snake Temple

• Why it’s awesome: The snake temple is also known as the temple of Azure Cloud and Pure Cloud Temple.
• Food nearby: Uncle Lim’s Recipe serves a variety of unique Malay dishes with a twist. The food is absolutely delicious and served in generous portions. Many of the locals that work nearby stop at Uncle Lim’s Recipe for lunch before heading off to finish their workday.

The snake temple is located in the southwest region of Penang Island, and was built in honor of Chor Soo Kong, who was a Buddhist priest and healer. The legend tells the story of the monk who provided the shelter for snakes in the temple, and after his death they welcomed themselves in on their own.

It was then thought that all these snakes were disciples of the monk, so they were allowed to stay. You’ll now find a variety of venomous Wagler’s pit vipers and green tree snakes that have taken up residence in the temple.

The temple was completed in 1850, and ever since then, it has been the home of many snakes.

If you’re looking for a heart-pumping and thrill-seeking adventure, then taking a trip to the snake temple is enough to get your adrenaline pumping. The snakes are fed, and so a little less dangerous than you might imagine, but it still makes for a very interesting activity!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Stop Off at Penang Hill

• Why it’s awesome: After a full day of exploring, we recommend you take a tram ride to Penang hill and kill two birds with one stone!
• Cost: Free to visit Penang Hill!
• Food nearby: David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terrace offers a delightful ambiance, and is the perfect place to have a romantic dinner after visiting Penang Hill! Enjoy a glass of wine with your delicious meal under sparkling fairy lights that add a bit of magic to the beautiful garden setting! Be sure to order one of their wonderful desserts to share after your meal.

Penang Hill is one of the main attractions in Penang, and it rises an impressive 812 meters above sea level. Penang Hill actually covers a number of hills but the most prominent being Western Hill, which is exactly where you should visit!

The hill is a beautiful forested area and the best way to get to the top is via Penang Hill Railway, which has a funicular that transports guests to the top. The trip to the top is all part of the fun, and is completely unique to Penang Hill as there are no other funicular railways in Malaysia!

Once you’re at the top, you’ll get the chance to see stunning views of Penang City below! The reason we suggest this activity as the last one of the day, is because being on top of Penang Hill while the sun sets is absolutely spectacular.

Because it’s so warm all year round, you can stay on the hill for hours enjoying the twinkling lights of the city below you. Be sure to bring your travel camera so you’ll never forget these picturesque views! This is an activity you simply must add to your itinerary for Penang!

House of Journey

House of Journey is located in the heart of George Town's historical zone, making it easy to access many of the best Penang landmarks. The cozy interior makes you feel right at home, and the buffet breakfast provided every morning doesn’t hurt either! This is definitely one of the best places to stay in Penang!

• Free Breakfast

Butterworth | Upper Penang Road | Penang National Park | Batu Ferringhi | Butterfly Farm

If you’re staying a little longer in this wonderful district of Malaysia , you’re going to need a few more Penang things to do! You need to know where to go in Penang to find the most interesting activities and tourist destinations that this area has to offer.

Visit Butterworth on a Ferry

• Take a ferry from Penang Island to Butterworth.
• Experience part of the Malaysian mainland.
• Take in unique views of George Town from the mainland!

Butterworth is well worth a visit while you’re in the area, and could be considered the best place to stay in Penang in three days. It has easy access to Penang Island and George Town, as well as being a part of the mainland, which gives you easy access to other parts of Malaysia.

Just a short ferry ride from George Town will land you in the wonderful town of Butterworth. While you’re there you should spend some time relaxing on the magnificent beaches and enjoying views of the crystal clear water, as well as of George Town just across the water.

You should then visit Apollo Market, which is a huge marketplace that consists of over 500 hawkers. You can really pick up a great bargain at this market, or simply indulge in some delicious street food and browse the other stalls!

For a cultural experience of note, catch a movie at the Lotus Five Star Movie Theater. Here you can watch the latest Hollywood reruns, or try something completely different and catch some of the best Bollywood films on the circuit! Many of them are in Hindu, but subtitles are provided, so you’re sure to understand what’s going on!

Before you head back to Penang Island, be sure to check out a temple or two and go on a little exploration of the town. This will help you get a little familiar with the other side of Penang!

Explore Upper Penang Road at Night

• Penang has a thriving nightlife scene, especially when compared to other parts of Malaysia.
• Boogie the night away with locals and tourists alike.
• Variety of bars and nightclubs.

Penang has a thriving nightlife scene and has more to offer than anywhere else in Malaysia! The center of this hub is in Upper Penang Road where you’ll find a great variety of bars and nightclubs to dance the night away!

Many of the nightclubs and bars have happy hour specials or nightly deals, so be sure to walk along the length of the road to find the best deals, as well as the atmosphere that best suits your taste! Whether you’re down for a night of partying and tequila shots, or chilled drinks at a bar, Upper Penang Road will have something to suit your fancy!

Some of the most famous and popular joints on the block are Slippery Senoritas and Soho Free House, which are both must-visits while you explore the wonderful nightlife of Penang!

When you’re done with all the partying you can handle, sit down at one of the many 24-hour restaurants on the block to regain your energy before heading back to the hotel.

Visit Penang National Park

• Experience nature at its best while visiting Penang National Park!
• The park is used by scientists, conservationists as well as nature lovers.
• See an array of fascinating wildlife.

The Penang National Park consists of overgrown jungle with winding footpaths that will lead you through the immense natural thickets. This national park is the smallest in Malaysia but by far one of the most beautiful!

It is located just an hour outside of George Town, making it easily accessible to locals and tourists alike. Walking through the National Park is an absolute delight. You’ll experience nature at its best and even spot fascinating birds and other wildlife.

You’ll eventually reach a beach where you can spend a good portion of the day sunbathing, or get one of the locals to take you on a boat trip to see a little more than the island.

If you’re an adventurer at heart, spending a night in the National Park is an option, just be sure to rent a tent and camping gear before you head off Bear Grylls-style into the bush!

Indulge in Water Sports at Batu Ferringhi

• Get your heart pumping as you glide over the water
• Try a variety of thrilling water sports provided at Batu Ferringhi Beach
• Be a thrill-seeker or simply take a relaxing day to fish

Batu Ferringhi is known for its great variety of activities on offer at the seashore. Locals have set up many businesses catering to the adventurous needs of the tourists that visit the quaint island.

If you’re in the mood to get your heart pumping, then rent a jet ski and go gliding through the water at great speeds! Parasailing is also an option for those who want to try something a little different.

If you’re looking for a good few laughs with your travel buddies, be sure to take a banana boat ride to see who can hold on the longest.

If you’re in the mood for a relaxing afternoon, then going fishing is a great way to spend a few hours. There are boats in the bay that are even willing to take you deep sea fishing. This is highly recommended for those who have a decent amount of experience.

Spend a Day at Butterfly Farm

• Plenty of beautiful flora and fauna to be seen
• You’ll find over 4000 butterflies
• 120 different species of butterflies call this farm their home!

Butterfly farm was opened in 1986, and has been working to preserve the natural environment of these lovely creatures. They also breed butterflies at the farm before releasing them into the wild.

The colorful gardens are home to a colorful variety of flora and fauna, which is perfect for anyone that loves plants. But the main attraction is the beautiful fluttering creatures that spread their wings and flutter about the gardens.

Butterfly Farm is known for the unique and rare species of butterflies that it contains, these include the Yellow Bird Wing Butterflies as well as Indian Leaf Butterflies.

There are narrow stone pathways that lead you through the garden, giving you the opportunity to explore the lush premises. Within the farm, there is also a 25-acre organic orchard, where you’ll be given the opportunity to sample incredibly delicious fruits!

If you love nature and all the magic it has to offer, then a visit to Butterfly Farm is highly recommended. They do so much good for conservation, as well as provide wonderful sightseeing opportunities for travelers and local guests!

If you’re going to travel to Penang, you’ll need a few useful tips about how to stay safe in the area. While Penang is generally a safe place in Malaysia to visit , there are still safety precautions that every traveler should take or know about before visiting Penang Malaysia.

The first thing you should watch out for is the wild monkeys that live in the cities and towns. While many of them are used to humans and are fairly tame, all monkeys are unpredictable and should be left well alone.

Even the nicest monkeys attack if they feel intimidated or scared. They’re also known to steal food from locals and foreigners, so it’s best to keep your snacks hidden! 

There have been a few reports of pickpockets on buses. They often use disguises or scams to distract you while they pinch your belongings. Be aware of this and always keep your valuables in a security or travel money belt that you can see and feel around you.

The weather in Penang is another thing you should watch out for. When it rains, it tends to rain for a long time, so it’s best not to visit during their rainy season. Many of the best Penang attractions are outdoors and won’t be any fun during a downpour.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for 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.

If you’re spending three days in Penang or more, you’re going to need a few more activities to add to your Penang itinerary. Here are a few of our favorite day trips from Penang that are sure to spice up your trip!

Self-Guided Audio Day Trip From Penang Island

During this day-trip from Penang island, you’ll be able to take your sightseeing experience at your own pace, and see the many highlights that the island has to offer.

You’ll learn about the island’s rich cultural history and see the melting pot of cultures and influences that make Penang the diverse place that it is.

You’ll meet many merchants and traders along the way from countries like India, the Middle East, China, and Europe. If you’re looking to spend one day in Penang, this is surely the best way to spend it, immersed in the culture and meeting the interesting people that make up Penang Island.

Penang Street & Local Food Tour

On this four-hour tour, you’ll be lead around George Town’s neighborhoods and the surrounding area, by an expat that’s passionate about Penang and all it has to offer. You’ll be taken to a minimum of four different foodie destinations, tasting a variety of delicious Penang food.

This will range from small tasters and street food to full sit-down-meals at some of the best restaurants in the city. You’ll also explore markets that are known for their incredible and delectable variety of food choices!

If you’re looking for the perfect Penang tour that will help you understand the area and it’s people all the better, this is the perfect one for you!

Kuala Lumpur City Day Trip From Penang

During this wonderful sightseeing tour, you’ll be lead to the mystical city of Kuala Lumpur. You’ll explore Kuala Lumpur’s many iconic landmarks and historic sights . You’ll visit the sky-high Petronas towers, and see the country’s national mosque, which has become a prized treasure to the people of Penang.

You’ll explore the magnificent architecture of the Kuala Lumpur railway station before visiting a range of other wonderful Penang sights. You’ll be picked up from your hotel at the start of the tour and dropped-off safely afterward, saving your money on transport costs. This Penang trip itinerary will leave you with a hunger to see more of this incredible area!

Cameron Highlands Tour

If you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of busy city life, the Cameron Highlands tour is the one for you. You’ll head to Malaysia’s gorgeous countryside to experience absolute tranquility!

Your Penang travel guide will lead you to the Highlands and tell you about the great history of the area. You’ll explore many Buddhist temples that are nestled amongst the lavender and rose gardens before stopping to admire views over the tea plantations that stretch on for miles.

If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet during your Penang day tour, this is the perfect one for you!

Batu Caves, Waterfalls and Hot Springs – Penang Day Trip

If you’re looking for a day of excitement and adventure, as well as getting opportunities to take stunning photos, this is the right day trip for you!

You’ll start the day by heading to Batu Caves with their decorative and picturesque entranceway, before witnessing the cascading Kanching Falls. You’ll even get a chance to take a dip in the waterfall catchment area before continuing on your tour!

You’ll then visit the Selayang Hot Springs where you can dive into the water yet again. This is often considered one of the most Instagrammable tours in Malaysia, so don’t miss out on this picturesque experience!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Penang itinerary.

How many days do you need in Penang?

Three full days are plenty for exploring Penang’s top attractions.

What should you include on a 3 day Penang itinerary?

Make sure to include these Penang hotspots: – Tropical Spice Gardens – Khoo Kongsi – Batu Ferringhi Night Market – Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque

When is the best time to visit Penang?

November-February offer the best weather for exploring and are peak season for Penang. Crowds are smaller from September to October, but be prepared for rain!

Are there any day trips from Penang?

There are loads of epic guided tours and trips from Penang. Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands, and the Batu Caves are all within reach.

The wonderful state of Penang has so much beauty, culture and exciting experiences to offer. Now that you know all the best places to visit in Penang, you can start planning your very own Penang itinerary!

Whether you enjoy a holiday filled with lazy days by the pool or beach, or you prefer an adventurous fun-filled vacation of exploring small fishing towns, Penang is the place to be.

In recent years it has grown exponentially in popularity among tourists, as it offers an authentic eastern experience while still providing all the western luxuries we’ve come to love in a holiday destination.

Now that you’ve decided on what to do in Penang, put together your own ultimate itinerary to suit your personal taste! Don’t hesitate any longer, the wonderful state of Penang awaits your arrival! 

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20 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN PENANG [MALAYSIA GUIDE]

Why Visit Penang in Malaysia?

Penang is a must on a trip to Malaysia!

In its multicultural capital George Town, discover Penang’s rich heritage with temples, mosques, colorful markets, street art, and delicious food.

For an immersion in nature, you can enjoy many different parks, gardens, and beaches near Batu Ferringhi. For a relaxing or exhilarating holiday, alone, as a couple, or with the family, Penang is one of the best places to visit Malaysia .

Key Takeaways from a Visit to Penang

– Penang Island is a very popular holiday destination, located on the west coast of Malaysia. – Its capital George Town, the largest city in Penang, is a must-see! – The colonial past and the cultural influences of the Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian populations are present all around the island. – Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Penang is the kind of place that would be hard to forget! – Its unique atmosphere cannot be found anywhere else. A perfect mix of nature, culture, history and gastronomy. – 2 to 3 days is the ideal amount of time to visit Penang – Penang is easily accessible from KL, either by driving/bus or flight

Here is a Sneak Peek about Penang:

BEST THINGS TO DO IN PENANG

1. start your exploration of penang with a stroll through the historical part of george town.

There is so much to see in the old part of George Town. Will tell you everything about it in this post, so stay tuned!

However, to start having some first impressions of George Town simply walk around the old part of the city! There are many notable streets not to be missed. You will see many restaurants, shops, cafes and more surprises!

Some of the best streets to visit in Penang are:

Armenian Street ( location ) full of cute shops and street arts. Beach Street ( location ) famous for its large historical buildings and old bank buildings.

Lebuh Pasar ( location ) in the heart of Little India. Chulia Street ( location ) great at night with plenty of cool bars.

Love Lane ( location ) a must to try some of the best street food. Muntri Street ( location ) full of historical buildings and heritage hotels.

Finally make sure to visit MBPP Walkway @Lebuh Pantai ( location ), a beautiful alley to visit at night thanks to its many lanterns! The alley is located right next to the beautiful and oldest Fire Station in George Town, from 1908. The Fire Station is still operational today!

The good thing about George Town, is that you can walk to pretty much anywhere in the city! Which makes the visit of the town even more pleasant!

A good way to explore the heritage part of George Town is with a local guide. See your options below:

2. check out the street art everywhere in george town.

We could easily spent the whole day discovering the street art of Penang. It’s pretty crazy to see the number of art works in the town.

A few years ago, the city called on local and international artists to put some arts on the streets! And the result is really cool!

There are very realistic paintings and sculptures retracing the history of Penang all over George Town, especially around Armenian Street and Ah Quee Street .

Some of our favorites are “Boy on Motorbike” (here), “Kids on bicycle” by Ernest Zacharevic ( here ), “I want Bao” ( here ), Boy on Chair ( here ), Brother & Sister on a Swing ( here ). We recommend pining those on Google Maps, to not miss it, as some of them are located in small alleys which you wouldn’t necessarily see.

Of course, there are hundreds of more street art all around George Town, which you will discover throughout your visit of this fantastic place in Malaysia!

3. Explore the Clan Jetties, one of our favorite places in Penang!

The Clan jetties are Chinese floating villages dating back to the 19th century.

These neighborhoods used to welcome immigrants from China who gathered by clan to help each other. Several of these jetties are still inhabited today by the descendants of these different clans.

The Chew jetty is surely the most touristy (location). The main tiny lane is lined with souvenir stalls, ice cream shops and durian specialties. There is also a huge Chinese Temple at the entrance!

Make sure to also check out the Tan Jetty. It is one of the most Instagrammable places in Penang ( our IG posts about Penang ).

Further south we also loved our visit of Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple , a Chinese temple built on the water! You can’t miss it with its sharp yellow color.

To get there, you have to go through alleys in the middle of Chinese houses, where everyone is going about their business and greeting visitors.

Although this temple is relatively recent, its location gives it a special charm. At night, it is an excellent vantage point to admire the Penang skyline ( location ).

READ: FULL GUIDE TO VISIT EACH CLAN JETTY IN PENANG

4. Make sure to visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a must in Penang!

Penang is a fantastic destination in Malaysia, not only because there are so many things to see but for its harmonious blend of three unique cultures – Chinese, Indian, and British.

One good example of that is the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, where you can fully appreciate the noble Chinese Way of Life in the 19th Century.

Indeed, Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a 19th-century Chinese house of a wealthy family in Penang. This is now converted into a museum that showcases the culture and traditions followed by the Chinese during this period.

Through a visit to the sumptuous Mansion, you will learn more about the Chinese beliefs, their customers and the importance of Feng Shui.

The mansion is a real treasure with so many things to see.

A bit of history about the Mansion

The history of the Pinang Peranakan mansion dates back to the Peranakans – also known as the Straits Chinese.

This refers to the Chinese settlements around the Strait of Malacca – Penang being an important base here. This mansion was built by Captain China – Chung Keng Quee, so named by the British.

He built it around the 1890s and called it Hai Kee Chan (Sea of Remembrance). It is said that besides being a home, it was also a base for the first Chinese secret society in Penang . Eventually, it became a regular family home and was passed down from generation to generation.

Today, the Pinang Peranakan is an important part of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Location: here
• Website: here
• Admission: 25 MYR

5. Wander through Little India in George Town

What is magical in Malaysia is that you can go from “China” to “India” in less than 5 minutes.

After our visit to the clan jetties and Pinang Peranakan Mansion, here we are in the little india just a few minutes walk away.

Saree shops and Indian restaurants testify to the presence of this community within Georgetown. Particularly enjoying Indian food, we spent a had lunch there.

The opportunity also to visit the Hindu temple of Sri Mahamariamman ( here ) and to meet sellers of necklaces and flower offerings.

Arranged along the street, near the temple, thousands of flowers are waiting to be assembled into crowns or necklaces that Hindus use for many purposes (offerings, weddings, funerals, etc.).

The main street in Little India is called Lebuh Pasar ( here ), you can’t miss it with its huge yellow gates at each side of the street!

6. Right next to Little India, you can visit one of the main Mosque in George Town (Kapitan Kelling)

The name of this beautiful mosque is not coincidentally reminiscent of the word “Captain”, as it was named after the leader (“Captain”) of the first Muslim community in South India (called: “Keling”) in Penang.

The Mosque is pretty much at the heart of the old part of town in George Town . It’s a great place to visit if you pass by.

The guided tour and the clothing are free. The interior of the Kapitan Kelling mosque is rather sober though.

7. Back to “China” with the Kongsi

Another testimony of the Chinese presence in Georgetown are the Kongsi. These are Chinese clan houses whose function was to economically support the members of the same clan in order to help them succeed in this new land.

Some Kongsi like Khoo Kongsi ( here ) or Cheah Kongsi ( here ) were so developed that they look like a village within the city. It had its own temple, educational, financial and social system.

This mode of organization had a very important role, then gradually diminished.

Located in the heart of the city center classified by Unesco, the Khoo Kongsi is interesting because of the richness of its buildings and its state of conservation, but also because it has an interactive exhibition retracing the history of the Chinese who arrived in Malaysia and the role of the Kongsi.

It is, in our opinion, a very interesting visit from a cultural point of view.

• Admission : 10 MYR

8. Next, visit Fort Cornwallis and Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

Before dusk, we recommend a visit of Fort Cornwallis, located by the sea.

It is a military fort built in 1786 supposedly to fight against pirates, the French during the Napoleonic wars and the forces of Kedah. However, it really had only an administrative role rather than a defense one, the place being used as a storage for the British troops.

The Fort owes its name to the British Marquis Charles Cornwallis which still has some vestiges of the colonialist era (1812), cannons and a view of the port…

Why go there before dusk? The entrance of the fort comes with a drink (incl. beer) . We decided to sit down by the wall facing the sea and enjoyed our beer during sunset. It was perfect!

Before entering the fort, don’t miss to take a photo of the beautiful and iconic clock tower built in the Moorish style commemorating Queen Victoria!

Location of the Fort: here

9. Enjoy an evening stroll along Jalan Tun Syed Esplanade

Close to Fort Cornwallis, head to the Esplanade ( here ). This is a very popular spot for locals to enjoy the cooler temperature in the evening and the sea breeze. There is a nice walk along the sea with multiple fantastic viewpoints of the sea and the rest of the city in the background.

You will see many families playing with their kids and stalls selling fruits, juices, ice cream etc! There are also historic buildings illuminated at night, it’s stunning!

10. Eat delicious street foods at Love Lane followed by some drinks in one of the many bars

At night head to Love Lane and the streets around it. This is a bit like Kao San Road in Bangkok…

People come here for cheap and delicious street food and its many bars and hipster restaurants. The district really come alive after 7pm.

It’s a great place to spend an enjoyable evening in George Town, Penang!

Walk in the streets around Love Lane, to discover many beautiful heritage houses, especially on Muntri Street and Chulia Street.

Location of Love Lane: here

11. One of the highlights of our trip to Penang was the visit of Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion

Don’t skip this visit! It was one of the best things we did during our trip to Penang!

Cheong Fatt Tze was a very wealthy Chinese Merchant born in 1840 and died in 1916 in Indonesia (he also built the biggest Mansion there).

The house dates from the end of the 19th century, 1880 to be more precise.

The blue color comes from a mixture of lime with a natural dye, coming from the Indigo plant, a very fashionable color during the colonial time.

The house was restored in 1995. In 2000, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, the house can be visited, but be careful, only 2 visits per day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is only a limited number of visitors each time, so booking online is strongly advised. Book here !

The house was used for many movies, the latest one being Crazy Rich Asians during the Mahjong scene:

Another famous movie filmed here was Indochine , an Oscar-winning film in 1993 starring Catherine Deneuve .

Today the house has been converted to a stunning hotel. This place is booked many months in advance, if you wish to stay here start planning very early. You can check the availability here .

READ: FULL GUIDE FOR A VISIT OF THE BLUE MANSION IN PENANG & 20 MOVIES THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO TRAVEL TO ASIA

12. Time to explore things outside George Town, head to Kek Lok Si Temple

Now that you enjoyed George Town, Fort Cornwallis, Little India and the many Chinese cultural heritages, it’s time to get out of the town to discover the other gems in Penang such as the splendid Kek Lok Si Temple .

This is the most important Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia!!! Can you imagine!? This Buddhist temple is the largest temple by its size in all of Southeast Asia . It is absolutely sublime.

To get to Kek Lok Si Temple it takes about 1 hour by bus or 30-40min with Grab.

You can easily spend hours there, with so many things to see.

The temple is known for its unique pagoda , where multiple statues are exhibited and mixes 3 three sections with architecture varying according to the sections: its base was made in a Chinese style, its center is in Thai style and the top is Burmese style. There are lots of stairs to get to the top, but the view is so rewarding!

After the Pagoda head to the temple’s various prayer halls, where you can witness ceremonies and rituals not seen anywhere else.

Pass through the absolutely incredible botanical gardens and enjoy a peaceful moment to stop and observe around you. Do you feel that inner calm?

The last part of the temple requires taking a funicular. At the top you can admire a 30.2-meter bronze statue of Kuan Yin , the Goddess of Mercy, which is the other must-see in this temple.

The entrance to the temple is free, but to access some sections such as the pagoda or funicular you will need to pay a little extra. The money is used to help maintain the temple, so it’s for a good cause.

Location: here Website: here

TIP : to enjoy a visit of Penang with Kek Lok Si Temple, you can book a private tour here .

READ: FULL GUIDE TO VISIT KEK LOK SI TEMPLE

13. Admire the stunning views at Penang Hill

Penang Hill is one of the best things to see in Penang!

The hill is home to a rainforest with many exotic plant species. It is the ideal place for those looking for a little peace and freshness.

To access Penang Hill you will need to take a funicular for about fifteen minutes . At the top, a platform offers a panoramic view of George Town and its surroundings. With a bit of luck, you will be able to observe monkeys and giant black squirrels.

Ideally, a whole day should be devoted to Penang Hill. On-site, you will find a lot of activities to do. There are lots of trails up there. On the hill itself, you can also find Hindu temples, mosques, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

For nature lovers, don’t miss The Habitat , a set of 100% nature attractions in the heart of the tropical jungle: paths, footbridges, zip lines, gardens, giant swings, an elevated platform, and much more. Book your ticket in advance here .

14. Visit Penang Botanic Gardens

If you like beautiful parks with a calm and relaxing atmosphere, then head to Penang Botanic Garden, it’s free!

This is one of the prettiest parks in Penang and it’s huge ! There is such a vast variety of plants inside the Botanic Garden. There are also some unique fruits and fungi which are fascinating to discover.

There’s a waterfall inside the park if you are walking far enough, so go there if you enjoy your long walk. You will also see lots of monkeys.

However, we recommend visiting the garden early morning to avoid the heat and humidity during the day!

15. Another must-see in Penang is the Spice Garden

Lose yourself among the water lilies and discover how some of the most famous spices grow.

If you are looking for a slightly more food-oriented activity, we recommend going to the Tropical Spice Garden .

This lush garden lists more than 300 species of flora starting from fruits, palm trees, spices … An audio-guided tour is available to accompany you during this walk in the middle of the vegetation…

However, be prepared for mosquitoes attack! Make sure to spray some mosquito repellent before your visit of the park.

Towards the end of the park, there is a natural fish spa, where fishes from the river come and clean your toes! It’s fun a experience. After that, enjoy a nice free cup of tea, freshly prepared daily.

This place is really peaceful and very well done, which makes it one of the best things to see in Penang! Count around 1h to 1.5h for the visit of the park.

They also organize cooking classes, which are normally very full. So booking in advance is recommended.

READ: EXPLORE THE TROPICAL SPICE GARDEN IN PENANG

16. Continue your explorations at Penang National Park

This is Malaysia’s smallest national park, however it is also one of the richest!

The Taman Negara Pulau Pinang (its name in Malaysian) has a surface area of 25 km2.

Among the ecosystems present in the park, there is of course tropical forest, fine sand beaches and coral reefs, but also mangroves and a meromictic lake.

These type of lakes are characterized by the fact that deep and surface waters do not mix ( more on wikipedia ).

The park is full of animals. You will most likely see huge lizards, monkeys, eagles, plenty of different birds etc.

There are a few ways to visit the national park. The most common one is to hike. There are 2 main trails. One leads to Turtle Beach ( here ) and the other one to Monkey Beach ( here ).

If you are not up for a hike in a humid and hot tropical environment, you can also get to Monkey Beach by boat . Can check all your options and get more information at the National Park Office located here . The jetty to get a boat is right beside the office.

More information about Penang National Park here .

17. Have fun at ESCAPE Penang!

ESCAPE Penang has been elected as one of the best theme parks in Malaysia!

Here you can experience many activities such as fun rides, tree climbs, acrobatics, water slides and a lot more! Even skiing!

If you come with kids or with a group of friends then this place is for you! You will have a memorable day at ESCAPE Penang!

ESCAPE Penang is located near the entrance of Penang National Park.

• Website: here (buy your ticket online for a cheaper price!)

18. Visit the floating Mosque

On your way back to George Town after a visit to ESCAPE or Penang National Park, make a stop at the floating Mosque, Masjid Daerah Timur Laut.

This beautiful Mosque is built on the water right by the ocean . This place is really scenic and the Mosque very well maintained. The praying hall is open to public.

It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the breeze from the sea.

19. Relax at Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi is considered to be the best beach in Penang. And for good reason! This peaceful beach is covered of white sand and calm water. Batu Ferringhi is also very clean.

There are many things you can do on the beach. Enjoy a meal at one of the many beachfront restaurant, rest on a sun lounger, have fun playing some watersports, you can even go on a horse ride by the beach! How amazing is that!

There are many quiet spots as the beach is very large, so don’t worry if you just want to relax and enjoy some relaxing time.

20. And finally enjoy a great cup of coffee!

The coffee scene in Penang is insane! There are so many great cafes. If like us you are into coffees, then check out one of our favorite cafes in Penang:

1. Norm Micro Roastery

This place is a true gem. After opening the huge door (without any name by the way), you will enter a magnificent place. The norm is our top 1 cafe in Penang. Their food is excellent too. We came here a few times for breakfast…

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Norm Micro Roastery (@norm.micro.roastery)

2. Picco Polo Cafe

Picco Polo is such a lovely and cute cafe in Penang. They have excellent coffee and a great choice of food! For all those influencers out there, this is one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Penang! You gonna love it.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Picco Polo (@piccopolo)

3. White Smoke Restaurant

Not only a great cafe (but be aware that it only opens at 12pm), the White Smoke is an awesome restaurant in Penang. A great place to also enjoy a glass of wine at night and some amazing fusion food! Highly recommended in Penang.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by White Smoke (@whitesmoke.restaurant)

• For discounts at White Smoke, click here

4. China House

China house is a cute cafe in Penang serving some amazing desserts! It is also an artistic place with many things to see inside the cafe! This is a must-try in Penang!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ChinaHouse (@chinahousepenang)

WHERE TO STAY IN PENANG?

We recommend to stay either in George Tow n (actually this would be our first choice) or by the beach in Batu Ferringhi . It depends on what you intend to do during your stay in Penang.

For first-timers if you want to explore mainly the historical part of George Town, then stay in the city. There are so many historical hotels that have been refurbished. Those places are amazing!

If you prefer a relaxing holiday by the beach, then Batu Ferringhi would be more suitable for you. You can then do a day trip to the historical town and another day trip to Penang National Park or to Kek Lok Si Temple.

The Prestige Hotel Penang (The ultimate luxury experience)

The Prestige is considered to be THE best hotel in Penang! So if you are in for a treat, why not booking this luxury hotel.

The hotel is designed with heritage style, blending perfectly within the historical part of George Town. It is located near all the main attractions.

The view from the pool is also breathtaking. All and all you gonna love your stat at Prestige. Trust us on this one.

SAVV (the best value for money!)

The SAVV hotel is an awesome place to stay in Penang. It’s clean, modern, it has a lovely pool, and the location is unbeatable!

All that at affordable rate. We really recommend this hotel if you are staying in Penang but don’t want to spend too much on your accommodation…

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa (perfect for family and if you want to stay by the beach)

As we said earlier, we recommend to stay in the centre of George Town for a first visit in Penang. However, if you are going to Penang to relax, to eat its delicious food, and pamper yourself, then pick the Shangri-La ! It’s located right in front of Batu Ferringhi Beach!

WHERE AND WHAT TO EAT IN PENANG?

Penang is a street food paradise.

At the markets in George Town, the advantage is that you can taste a bit of everything, even when you don’t know what it is. In Penang, everyone speaks English, so it’s very easy to ask the seller if his dish is spicy, vegetarian, sweet or salty…

From Streetfood to the markets of George Town, passing by the small restaurants, food is in abundance on the island of Penang. Indian, Chinese, Malaysian, Thai, Arabic, and of course Western cuisine. You can find everything, and at all prices.

Suggestions on restaurants in George Town:

Hameediyah in George Town : the oldest restaurant in nasi kandar serving Indian food. The food is excellent food, generous and cheap. No wonder why it attracts so many people every single day… ( location ) Tok Tok Mee : fresh noodle made using bamboo. You can see the preparation of the noodles every day around 10am. ( location )

Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul: here you can try this sweet dish made of shaved ice with coconut milk, red beans and especially jelly noodles. Delicious! ( location )

Suggestions for markets on Penang Island:

• Chulia Street, Chinese or Indian cuisine, with all dishes ranging from MYR 2 to MYR 10.
• Batu Feringghi Night Market
• Sungai Dua Night Market
• Kimberley Street Food Night Market closes around 9pm
• MacCallum Street Monday Night Market
• Tanjung Bungah Tuesday Night Market
• Friday night market Pasar Malam Van Praagh

Famous dishes in Penang:

• Char Kway Teow is a national favorite. It is a dish of flat rice noodles sautéed in soy sauce, prawns, cockles and bean sprouts.
• Popiah is a kind of fresh spring roll. Think soft pancake-like skin wrapped in stewed radishes, fresh vegetables and a sweet, gooey sauce.
• Asam Laksa is a spicy-sour soup made from fish, served with thick white noodles. In Penang, asam laksa gets its tart, fishy taste from tamarind and mackerel.
• Nasi kandar is a meal of biryani (flavored) rice served with curries and side dishes. It is a Malay meal, originally from Penang.
• Rojak means “mixture” in Malay. That’s exactly what rojak is: a jumble of deep-fried batter, tofu, cuttlefish, and fruit smothered in a thick, syrupy sauce and sprinkled with peanuts.
• Lor mee is a dish of yellow noodles and/or bee hoon (rice vermicelli) dipped in a thick, dark sauce.
• Mee Goreng: If you love noodles, you can’t leave Penang without trying the local mee goreng. Mee goreng is a fried noodle dish. Thin yellow noodles are fried with garlic, onion and shallots.

• Fried Oyster Omelette ! This is our favorite in Penang. Also called oh chien , this dish is made with eggs, oysters and tapioca flour. Simple but divine taste! You gotta try.

HOW TO GET TO PENANG?

By bus from Kuala Lumpur

George Town is very well connected from Kuala Lumpur, it is one of the major transportation axes. Buses mainly depart from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan and arrive at Penang Sungai Nibong bus terminal (which is 20 minutes from George Town). The trip takes about 4h30 and costs between 38 to 42 RM depending on the bus company.

By Flight from Kuala Lumpur

Flying to Penang is also a great option. The flight is only 1h and the price is relatively low with Air Asia or MY Airline.

Driving to Penang

Although Penang is an island, it is connected by a bridge to the mainland. Hence, it makes it very easy to drive to Penang from anywhere in Malaysia Peninsula. From Kuala Lumpur it takes about 4h30.

> More information on how to get to Penang

OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Getting around penang.

To get around Penang you have many options. Public bus, taxi, bicycle, motorcycle. The easiest way to get around is by getting a GRAB (the main ride hailing company in Malaysia).

The good thing though about visiting Penang, is that within Georgetown pretty much everything is walking distance! Another reason why we like this place so much!

You can also book a popular rickshaw tour here .

Best Time to visit Penang

Every year, George Town hosts a very important cultural and artistic festival. Exhibitions, dance, theatre, and street arts, it is a rich program that animates the city. It usually takes place at the end of August-beginning of September. It is simply called the George Town Festival , see here . Going there during that time would be a great idea to enjoy something special in Penang!

Another time when it can be interesting to visit Penang is during the Chinese New Year period . Visiting the Ke Lok Si temple at night during the illuminations is really magical.

In terms of weather, Penang is like any other island in northwest Malaysia. The weather is humid and warm throughout the year. The average temperature in the city is 28°C and its highest temperature is 32°C.

The best time to visit Penang Malaysia is between December and February as it gets less rain. The worst period to visit Penang is between September and October, when the island becomes overwhelmed by tropical rains.

How many days to visit Penang?

We recommend at least 3 days to visit Penang . Of course, you can easily stay longer and enjoy the beach, a hike in the National Park, and explore the surroundings.

Penang, a new hotspot for Digital Nomads?

Many friends told us that Penang was becoming a new Digital Nomads hotspot. Uh, really, Penang? We never thought about it as a place to live long-term.

But we were actually quite surprised. Penang definitely ticks many boxes for Digital Nomads. It is cheap, it has excellent internet coverage, it has countless of cafes and co-working spaces, the city is fun, there are many great beaches to relax in, everyone speaks English, and the airport is well connected!

So yes, we would definitely recommend Penang as a good place for Digital Nomads.

READ: BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD FOR DIGITAL NOMADS

IN CONCLUSION – IS PENANG WORTH VISITING?

To conclude, we really like Penang. It is definitely one of the best things to see in Malaysia .

The old part of George Town is absolutely fascinating with the many shop houses and the history mixing Chinese, British and Indian influences.

If you are planning a trip to Malaysia, make sure to add Penang in your itinerary.

See our Reel below from our trip to Penang

View this post on Instagram A post shared by A Fun Couple (@a_fun_couple)

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Your ultimate guide to exploring Penang

Launched in May this year, On Penang will be the go-to online resource for your visit to the beautiful island of Penang in Malaysia. With its unique fusion of cultures, people, religions, cuisine and nature, Penang has long been a favourite for travellers from Malaysia, Southeast Asia and beyond.

Whether you’re visiting as a family, backpacker, retired couple, or sole traveller, there’s something for everyone on Penang and you’re in the right place to start planning your trip.

Start your Penang travel research here with these top posts:

Things to do in Penang

Wondering what to do in Penang? Whether you’re seeking adventure, or need to relax and unwind, here we provide a detailed guide to all the things to do in Penang, so that you can get the most out of your visit. From heritage landmarks to epic viewpoints, we’ve got you covered.

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.

One day Penang itinerary

For such a small patch of land, Penang Island squeezes in enough sights and activities to keep you occupied for a lifetime. So what’s the best approach to visiting Penang if you only have one day to spare?

Best hotels in Penang

For those seeking a sprinkling of luxury and convenience for their visit, here we feature the best hotels in Penang. Especially if it’s your first visit and you’re wondering where to stay in Penang, a hotel or resort provides a calm and relaxing oasis away from the hustle and bustle

How to get around Penang

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.

A brief history of Penang

Penang’s location on the northwest coast of Malaysia, at the intersection of numerous cultures, countries, and trade routes, has always shaped its history. From a small island integral to regional trade, a strategic European possession to be fought over, to its recent history as a post-independence Malaysian success story, Penang’s fortunes have constantly changed throughout the years.

Latest posts:

25 Best Tourist Attractions in Penang, Malaysia

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: March 21, 2024

Love might be a strong word to describe how you feel about a place, but Penang deserves my affection and is one of my favourite places to visit in Malaysia.

I have been to Penang twice, and in this article, I share the 25 best things to see and do to help you have as good a time as I did in this must-visit Southeast Asian destination.

Penang is easily accessible because it is linked to Malaysia’s mainland by two bridges and has an airport. Its capital, the UNESCO-listed George Town, is bursting with historic and religious buildings, fabulous eateries, cultural hubs, and famous street art. These have taken George Town from obscurity to featuring high on any wisened traveller’s bucket list.

Drive a short way from the centre of town, and you can immerse yourself in the ancient rainforest at The Habitat or relax beside golden sands and calm waters in Batu Ferringhi. And let’s not forget Kek Lok Si Temple or the beautiful Penang Botanical Gardens. Penang is a diverse place to visit, establishing it firmly on the Southeast Asia tourist trail.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Table of Contents

#1 Explore the Street Art Trail in George Town

The street art in Penang is one of my favourite things about George Town. When I first saw it in 2018, I was blown away at how beautiful it was and loved that I could interact with the art thanks to things like motorbikes and chairs being part of some of the murals.

When I returned to Penang, it was great to retrace my steps and see the street art again. Sadly, I noticed a substantial deterioration of several pieces, where the paint had faded and peeled, or pieces of the mural’s brickwork had been taken away by tourists (yes, you read that correctly!).

Nevertheless, seeing Georgetown’s street art is one of the best things to do in Penang, and judging by the crowds waiting in line to take photographs, it remains a magnet to lure visitors to George Town.

To see my comparison images of the murals, please also read: Is Penang Street Art Still Worth Seeing?

#2 Discover the Metal Rod Art Murals

While this art form is nowhere near as talked about as street art in Penang, metal rod art is worthy of a mention in this list of Penang attractions.

There are over 52 different wire art installations dotted around Georgetown depicting traditional Malaysian trades and scenes from history, all with a whimsical twist. Each comes with information about the piece. One of the most famous wire art pieces features Jimmy Choo, the renowned shoe designer who worked as an apprentice in George Town.

They are really fun to see, and you can learn a lot about Georgetown from them, so when you visit, see how many you can find.

If you love street art, you may also like to read about 13 Great Reasons Why Ipoh is Worth Visiting

#3 Get creative at Hin Bus Depot

It might seem strange to promote a bus depot; however, this one is unique. Creatives have reutilised this urban building to promote art and culture with sculptures, murals, a small market, and street food stalls. It gives off an East London meets Malaysia hipster vibe that will suit many visitors looking for alternative things to see in Penang.

#4 See the Historic Chinese Clan Houses

One of the most historic attractions in George Town is the five clan house temples (Kongsi). They were built as meeting places for individuals from the same dialect group, family name or area in China.

Two of Penang’s most important clan houses are Khoo Kongsi and Cheah Kongsi, and they should be included in your Penang itinerary. These ornate grand temples resemble those usually seen only in China.

Cheah Kongsi is a clan house museum that charts nearly 200 years of the temple’s history. Visitors can see original furniture and artefacts and learn how meetings and leisure time were conducted in the clan house.

Make sure you don’t miss the opium and games room where the banned substance was freely smoked.

Also read: The Perfect 3-night Penang Itinerary

#5 Stroll along the waterfront at Chew Jetty

Along Penang’s waterfront are the ancient clan jetties. Like the Kongsi meeting houses, different family groups lived on each jetty.

The most famous is Chew Jetty. While locals still live here, you can stroll the boardwalk and visit stalls selling clothes, food, and souvenirs. Hop on a boat tour of the waterfront or stop for something to eat. It is only a small jetty and won’t take up much of your time, but if you want to see how life on the water is in Penang, visit Chew Jetty.

Also read: Chew Jetty: What To See in Penang’s Historic Waterfront Village

#6 Discover Penang’s Temples

Like most Asian destinations, you don’t need to look far to stumble across a beautiful temple. In Penang, there are many. You are welcome to step inside these temples, but you must observe any rules, such as covering shoulders and legs or removing shoes.

Several of the main temples in Penang are Kek Lok Si, Goddess of Mercy, Thean Hou Kong, Wat Chaiyamangalaran and Dhammikarama Temple.

This is the Hainan Temple (Thean Hou Kong) on Muntri Street in George Town. Its carved facade is quite beautiful.

#7 Tour the Blue Mansion – Cheong Fatt Tzu

The indigo-blue heritage mansion, once home to China’s first capitalist, is now a beautiful hotel, and I have been fortunate to stay there on both my trips to Penang. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, to give it the correct name, is also open to the public for tours .

Wander around its interior and hear stories of life in Penang in the 19th century and how the mansion was built using the finest building supplies from China and, more surprisingly, Scotland. It’s an elaborate place you won’t want to miss if you are interested in stepping back in time and seeing what an authentic mansion in Penang looks like.

It also has a lovely cafe on its grounds called Mangga, which is open all day to guests and non-guests. During the day, you can enjoy cakes, coffee, and light lunches; in the evening, delightful dishes and cocktails are served in the outdoor garden. Live music is also available on certain nights.

You can read my Blue Mansion Review for details on staying in this heritage mansion.

#8 Visit the Peranakan Heritage Mansion

Penang is a Unesco town with many protected sights. In addition to the Blue Mansion, another superb example of a heritage house is the Pinang Peranakan Mansion.

Inside the bright green facade of the mansion, you will find an array of decadent furniture, artwork, and glassware, which will give you a glimpse of how the rich of Penang would have lived. It is a stark contrast to the more toned-down interior of the Blue Mansion, so it is interesting to see.

Tickets can be bought at the door for a self-guided tour, and you need around 45 minutes to one hour to see everything.

Read Next: Pinang Peranakan Mansion: A Tour of Penang’s Heritage Museum

#9 Follow the George Town Heritage Trail

Penang would be listed in the top five if there was competition for the most cultures and influences in one place. From when the British arrived in 1786 and took control of this jungle island, it has seen cultural, religious and architectural influences from the indigenous Malay and the British, Chinese and Indian communities that have made Penang their home.

For this reason, Little India, with its mosques, temples, Indian restaurants, and shops, is completely different from Chinatown, with its Chinese clan houses, jetties, and ornately decorated townhouses. Decadent hotels like The Prestige Hotel and Eastern and Oriental Hotel , Cornwallis Fort, and St George’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia, are the remaining evidence of colonial rule.

There are around 100 heritage properties to see in George Town, and while the trail can be done independently, if you join a tour, you will learn much more about each site visited.

Please click this booking link for details of the Penang Heritage Trail Tour.

#10 Enjoy the coffee scene in George Town

While Ipoh is famous for its white coffee , in Penang, it comes in flat whites, cortado, espresso, and cappuccinos made by baristas who wouldn’t look out of place in any European city. Some of the coffee we drank in Penang (and we drank a lot!) was some of the best we have tasted. So, if you enjoy taking your time over coffee in quirky cafes, you will love George Town, as it is full of them.

One in particular that I must mention is Norm Roastery at 13, Gat Lebuh Gereja, which looks like a full-on industrial coffee factory from the inside and produces the best flat whites!

Other coffee shops in George Town which deserve a mention are:

• Ome by Spacebar Coffee | 1 Lorong Toh Aka
• Coffee Affairs | 21 Lebuh Bishop
• Lunabar | 12, Jalan Clove Hall
• Macallum Connoisseurs | 1 Gat Lebuh Macallum
• Le Petit Four | 310, Lebuh Pantai
• Bean Sprout Cafe | 35 Pitt Street

#11 Join a George Town street food tour

Penang has a reputation for being the top foodie destination in Malaysia. Of all the places I have visited in Malaysia, whenever I mention Penang, people grin and comment on how good the street food is in George Town.

The island is packed with places to eat traditional Malay, Indian, and Chinese dishes, but sometimes it can be overwhelming to find what you want (I speak from experience).

To make things easy, joining a street food tour with a local is a good idea. The guide can take you to all the best local cafes and hawker stalls to try Penang’s famous food. You can taste dishes you may not have tried before and get a brief run-down on the dish and its origins.

If joining a Penang street food tour sounds like something you would be interested in, please click on this link for more details – Penang Island Street Food Walking Tour .

#12 Enjoy a cake at China House

There’s only one place for cake in George Town: China House. It’s a tourist attraction in its own right due to its seemingly never-ending counter full of every type of cake you can think of, from red velvet and Victoria sponge to coffee, walnut, and carrot cake. The list is extensive, so you won’t want to miss visiting this cake emporium while you are in Penang. China House also serves up lunch and dinner, and there is an outdoor seating area accessible through a moon gate at the back of the property.

If China House has left you with a taste for more of George Town’s pastry offerings, head to Ming Xian Tai for the best egg custard tarts in Penang. Get to the shop before midday, or you will likely miss the chance to taste these delectable pastries as they sell quickly.

Find China House at 153 Beach Street and Ming Xiang Tai at 133 Jalan Burmah.

#13 Head to the top of the Komtar Observatory Tower

Visiting the Komtar Observatory Tower for a 360-degree birds-eye view of George Town and its coastline should be on any Penang to-do list. If you have a head for heights, walk out onto the glass bridge to see the streets below you!

#14 Have fun in one of George Town’s Museums

For a compact town, there are plenty of quirky museums, including the Upside Down Museum. Unsurprisingly, it is filled with everything that is upside down, and you enjoy the optical illusion of walking on the ceiling or down the stairs on your hands; it makes for some fun photographs.

For foodie lovers, the Wonderfood Museum introduces visitors to 100 giant-sized items of local Malay, all sculpted using Japanese food replication techniques. For photographers, the Asia Camera Museum covers the history of cameras and photography in Southeast Asia.

Numerous other museums feature ghosts, 3D interactive installations, Batik paintings, and even a 3D glow-in-the-dark museum, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

#15 Enjoy the nightlife on Love Lane

One of the streets in George Town that is most talked about is Love Lane, and for good reason. During the day, it is a sightseeing hotspot for tourists searching for street art and historic sights.

In the evening, the mood changes. Love Lane/Chulia Street, once the home of prostitutes and brothels, becomes a magnet for visitors (especially backpackers) looking to mingle with other travellers over a beer and some good stories. It’s a buzzy place, so if you want to experience the best of Penang’s nightlife, make sure you come to Love Lane.

On the outskirts of George Town

George Town is not the only place to visit on the island of Penang. The island is bursting with cool things to do that are slightly outside of George Town, which you need to add to your Penang itinerary.

#16 Ride the funicular up Penang Hill

If you have time, ride the funicular up Penang Hill. The journey is thrilling as the train whizzes up the hill faster than expected. From the top, the awe-inspiring views over Penang are your reward. The hill is pretty touristy, but there are places to eat and entertainment hubs, with The Habitat as the main draw.

If you are a hiker, a trail from Penang Hill leads down to the Penang Botanical Gardens. Kek Lok Si Temple is also a stone’s throw away, so you can visit both in one day if you have the time.

#17 Discover the rainforest at The Habitat

The Habitat is undoubtedly the best of all the Penang Hill attractions and one you have to see.

Set in a 130 million-year-old rainforest, The Habitat is a place to find peace and tranquillity in an otherwise manic location. Have fun on the giant swings, take in the views along the canopy walk, and keep an eye out for the wildlife that lives there. You might see monkeys or even a flying squirrel if you are lucky!

Book your entrance ticket to the Habitat on Penang Hill

#18 See the Penang Botanical Gardens and spot the monkeys

The Penang Botanical Gardens are free to enter and a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of George Town. Stroll along the pathways and immerse yourself in Malaysia’s indigenous flora and fauna. Watch out for the resident macaque monkey troop, who call this oasis home. I was lucky to see many babies with their mothers and enjoyed watching them interact (from a distance).

#19 Discover exotic flora in the Tropical Spice Garden

If you enjoyed visiting Penang’s Botanic Garden, which just so happens to be one of the best botanical gardens in Asia , then next on your list should be the Tropical Spice Garden. On eight acres of tended grounds, you can stroll around this beautiful setting and see some of the world’s most exotic plants and over 500 herbs and spices.

The Tropical Spice Garden has different sections, such as the Bamboo and Ornamental Gardens and the Spice Terraces. If you are a gardener or are travelling with children, this is one of the best educational places to visit in Penang to learn about these diverse and exotic variants.

Find the Tropical Spice Garden at Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Teluk Bahang

#20 Take time to explore Kek Lok Si Temple

South-east Asia’s biggest and most important Buddhist temple is Kek Lok Si, built in 1891.

Take the funicular or the steps from the car park to the first terrace to discover beautiful ornate ceremony rooms, pagodas, statues, ponds and individual temples. Vibrant reds and greens mix with subtle pinks and ochres, making Kek Lok Si Temple a feast for the eyes.

Its crowning glory is the “Pagoda of 10,000 Buddhas”, which incorporates three cultures in one structure – Chinese, Thai, and Burmese.

You can visit the temple independently, but with a guide, you will learn much more about its history and its role for Buddhists in Malaysia and beyond.

Why not book to see Kek Lok Si as part of a Private Penang Tour?

#21 Bask on Batu Ferringhi Beach

Most people visiting Penang stay in George Town and then move on to other destinations in Malaysia. But why not spend a few days at Batu Ferringhi Beach? Plenty of resorts line the coast, catering to all budgets, and the town is full of restaurants. There’s also a night market during the high tourist season where you can pick up souvenirs.

I have stayed at the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang on both of my visits to Penang and have to say it is lovely to mix the chaotic vibe of George Town with the relaxing vibe of Batu Ferringhi.

Read Next: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort Review: Beachfront Luxury in Penang

#22 See the floating Tanjung Bungah Mosque

The ‘floating’ Tanjung Bungah Mosque is close to Tanjung Bungah Beach. At high tide, the sea covers the stilts supporting the mosque, giving the illusion that it is floating. You can enter inside at given times but must abide by dress requirements. Be sure to have your arms, legs, and heads covered.

Like other Malaysian ‘floating’ temples like the pink Putra Mosque in Kuala Lumpur and Masjid Bandaraya in Kota Kinabalu, this one is also beautiful.

You can find Tanjung Bungah Mosque at Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah.

#23 Hike Penang National Park

One of the hidden gems in Penang, the National Park (Taman Negara Pulau Pinang), is the smallest one in Malaysia. It’s approximately a 90-minute drive by car or on the 101 bus from George Town.

The park has plenty of trails to explore, and if you are feeling adventurous, you can wild-camp on the beach for free. The main hiking trail leads to Monkey Beach (and yes, there are monkeys there). It is a hard trek due to the humid climate, so it is not advisable if your fitness levels aren’t great.

#24 Discover the historic Fort Cornwallis

If you are still looking for something historic to see in Penang, visit Fort Cornwallis. The British built the original wooden fort in 1786 and rebuilt it from bricks in 1793 when news of war breaking out between England and France reached Penang.

In recent years, the fort has become a hit with Instagrammers who want to take photos of themselves, meaning queues can be long, even first thing in the morning. Even so, this is one of Penang’s most important historic colonial relics, so it is worth seeing. There is a small entry fee to go inside, where you will see a prison, cannons, and a drawbridge.

Fort Cornwallis is found at Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town.

#25 Release your inner child at ESCAPE Penang

Last on this list of things to do in Penang is one for visitors of all ages. Forget Typhoon Lagoon in Florida and head to ESCAPE Penang , winner of two Guinness Book of Records Awards for the world’s longest water slide, named accordingly “The Longest”, measuring 3,645 feet.

Other ESCAPE Penang features include a chair lift, lazy rivers, swimming pools, ziplines – the list is endless. So, if you are looking for a fun way to finish your trip, this is one of the activities in Penang that both kids and adults will love.

Please PIN for Future Travel to Penang

HEADING TO MALAYSIA IN THE FUTURE?  CHECK OUT MY GUIDES ↓

Discover Penang in 3-Nights: The Best George Town Travel Itinerary

Pinang Peranakan Mansion: A Tour of Penang’s Heritage Museum

Chew Jetty: What To See in Penang’s Historic Waterfront Village

Penang Street Art Then And Now: Is It Still Worth Seeing In 2024?

Blue Mansion Penang Review: Cheong Fatt Tze

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort Review: Beachfront Luxury in Penang

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Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  travel resources page  to help you plan your trip.

 I would like to receive occasional updates and new travel posts.

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2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

18 Things to Know Before You Go to Penang, Malaysia

Jan 16 2017.

Navigating Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures, noodles, and stinky fruit.

Head to Pulau Penang. Penang is both an island and a province stretching along Malaysia’s northwestern coast, but it’s the island—Pulau Penang—that draws nearly four million tourists each year. From the mainland, crossing the channel is a 10-mile journey over aquamarine water with ample time to admire the approaching cityscape of beachside high-rises set below mountains of uninhabited jungle. It’s only eight miles wide and 16 miles long, but as I tell guests who visit the durian farm where I’ve lived and worked as a tour guide and durian sommelier for the past five summers, Penang is like Mary Poppins’ magic bag: more fits in its small dimensions than seems possible.

Start with art. Many people visit Penang to wander the narrow lanes of its attractive colonial-era capital—and UNESCO World Heritage site—George Town, armed with their cameras. One of the best ways to explore the town is to follow the mural trail: in the area around the old British fort, there are over 50 murals and sculptures on the walls of its 19th-century buildings, many of which were once Chinese storefronts. (My favorite mural is a dainty ballerina painted over an entryway on Love Lane.) There are several routes and maps to help you navigate the artwork, but make sure you go before 9 a.m. to beat the heat and the crowds.

Don’t confuse “Malay” and “Malaysian.” Malays are the country’s largest ethnic group, but not all Malaysians are Malay. Malays, who have Austronesian heritage, speak the Bahasa Melayu language and are generally Muslim (the Malaysian constitution states that ethnic Malays must be Muslim or they are not legally Malays). They comprise about 60 percent of Malaysia’s population, but most Penangites trace their ancestry elsewhere. The island was mostly uninhabited until the British started using Penang as a shipping port, attracting laborers and traders from around the globe, and by 1802, around 14 languages were spoken in George Town. By 1829, Chinese-origin groups became the ethnic majority and remained so until 2010, when Malays became the largest ethnic group.

Check the calendar. With four major religions represented—Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity—there is a high chance that public holidays and festivals will affect your travel experience. The best time to catch a festival (and the worst time to get anything administrative done) is the fall, when Penang celebrates Diwali, the Chinese Nine Emperor Gods Festival, and this year, Muharram, the Islamic New Year. Avoid traveling the week of Hari Raya (currently in July) when most of the Malay population visits family, clogging roads and filling hotel rooms. Make sure to check a Malaysian calendar before planning your trip.

Stay online. Mostly. In 2009, Penang launched Penang Free Wi-Fi, with 1550 hotspots dotting George Town and the populated east coast. In theory, you can register for an account to get a free (if slow) connection. The catch is that no one I know has actually made it work, so get a prepaid data plan instead. They’re cheap, and cell reception island-wide is phenomenal. Pick up a SIM card at the airport or any cell phone kiosk. Top-ups can be purchased at a 7-Eleven or other convenience stores.

Eat with purpose. Penang is known as a regional food paradise, with a rich cuisine shaped by the island’s many cultures, including Hokkien, Hakka, and Teochew-speaking Chinese communities, Indian Tamils, Malays, and the British. Malaysians from elsewhere drive hours to visit one of Penang’s famous holes-in-the-wall or hawker carts for fragrant spicy noodle soup ( laksa ) or a superlative steamed bun. Penangites have turned an obsession with discovering the best flavors into a sport. To get in on the game, visit as many hawker stalls in a day as you can. You can also take a food tour, a cooking class , or retrace a local food blogger’s must-eat list (try Ken Hunts Food ). Don’t forget to upload photos of your meals to a local Facebook food group. The group Jalan-jalan Cari Makan Di Pulau Penang has over 86,000 members.

Get to know mee . The Penang street food staple is the noodle. The word for noodle, mee , is one of the few crossover words used by almost all Penang languages, and Penang’s noodle game can be overwhelming. There are rice noodles and wheat noodles, egg noodles and clear vermicelli, flat noodles, round noodles, and noodles so fat they look like churros ( char hor fun ). The must-haves are slippery round noodles in a fragrant, sweet and sour coconut sauce (laksa), flat noodles tossed over very high heat with shrimp paste and sausage ( char koay teow ), egg noodles and rice noodles stir fried together in dark soy sauce ( hokkien mee ), and noodles in curried coconut soup ( curry mee ). (By the way, the best curry mee is at Sister’s, behind the Air Itam Market.)

Keep cash on hand. Cash is still king in Penang, especially outside of George Town. But even there, most of the best places to eat are usually no-frills—where you stand with your bowl in a crowded back alley—so keep a wad of small bills. Don’t expect coffee shops, food hawker centers, or that guy selling coconuts on the corner to accept a credit card. Luckily, ATMs are easy to find, even in the more rural parts of the island. (CIMB Bank allows the biggest withdrawals).

Watch your table manners. With so many cultures, dining etiquette varies. At a Malay or Indian warung , you might use a fork to chase bits of rice onto a spoon, or you might use your hands to mash rice and sambal into a ball. At a Chinese restaurant, you’ll use chopsticks and maybe a wide ceramic spoon. The key to having good manners is to be flexible, observant, and a good copycat.

Dress smart. Being a good copycat is also a good way to figure out beach dress-code for ladies. (Men, of course, can wear whatever they want, although nudity is never O.K.) Some beaches have signs banning swimming suits, although the Penang Government Board voted in 2015 to permit skimpy beach attire within the confines of sea and sand. Still, female travelers may want to be extra aware. Penang’s beaches, especially Batu Ferringhi, attract a lot of Middle Eastern tourists too, so there might be more burkinis than bikinis on the beach. Take your beachwear cue from those around you to settle on your swimsuit or a more modest wrap.

Go with Uber. Uber is the best way to get around the populated east side of the island between George Town, Batu Ferringhi, and the airport. There are taxis, too, but not as many as you would expect, and the common red-and-white taxis do not use meters—despite what the sign on the passenger door says. You could also call one of the premium ‘blue taxis’ which are spotless and punctual, but they’re expensive, and less convenient in the city. Uber is widely used and it’s the cheapest option.

Listen for Manglish . Widely-spoken English is one of the relics of British colonialism (Penang was Britain’s first colony in Southeast Asia), but with a twist. Many locals speak “Manglish,” (Malaysian-English), an English-based creole with the grammar structure of the Hokkien Chinese dialect, plus words from Penang’s other languages thrown in. This might not sound much like English to visitors, which can lead to some confusion. Listen for “lah:” appending a “lah” to the end of sentences for emphasis is a hallmark of Manglish.

Hang out in a kopitiam . Penang social life revolves around small cafés called kopitiams . The old-style ones are open-air, grungy, and always crowded. The newer ones are usually air-conditioned, have overly quirky names (Purrfect Cat Café, Caffeine Chemistry, and my favorite, Moustache Houze, where you get straws with a paper mustache attached) and Wi-Fi. At kopitiams , you will find old men drinking morning coffee and arguing over the newspaper; businessmen meeting for lunch; the young gathering after school for sweetened nutmeg juice or a popular drink made of black grass jelly and a splash of soy milk known, in rather poor taste, as a “Michael Jackson”; and friends grabbing a beer after work. (And that’s really just “a” beer: Malaysia has the second-highest taxes on beer in the world after Norway, so it’s an expensive vice.)

Drink in Little India. Thanks to the steep price of booze in Malaysia, its alcohol-imbibing population has a healthy appetite for more reasonably priced, if illicit, moonshine. (Muslims aren’t allowed to drink, but the rest of the population is free to indulge.) Head to George Town’s Little India for a glass of coconut toddy: a cloudy, yeasty, sweet and sour drink with about the same alcohol content as beer, and a steal at just two Malaysian ringgit (45 cents). It’s made from the flower nectar of the coconut tree and harvested daily in the late afternoon. Toddy has only about a 24-hour shelf life, so drink it fresh. Look for unobtrusive shops in Little India bearing the words Kedai Tuak .

Cool down with cendol . When it gets too hot, make sure to stop for an icy bowl of cendol . Stubby green, pandan -flavored noodles are mixed with dark sugar syrup and coconut cream and ladled over a flaky scoop of shaved ice. Who makes the best cendol is a matter of rigorous debate, but the Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol stall is definitely a contender.

Go further for beach time. Beach resorts and hotels line the coastline northwest of George Town, and because these beaches can be crowded, riddled with parasailing tours, jet skis, and parties, many people think Penang has no nice beaches, which is not true. The quieter, white-sand beaches are just a little out of the way. There are two on Penang’s northwestern tip, in the Penang National Park near Teluk Bahang, which you can get to via a 100-ringgit ($22), round-trip boat ride, or by an easy, hour-long hike through the jungle.

Taste the stinky fruit. In Penang, eating durian—the spiky, famously malodorous fruit—comes with the kind of reverence some people reserve for wine tasting. After sundown, bright white lights flip on and durian vendors get ready for a busy night. Many tourists come to Penang to taste the island’s renowned varieties, or to have a durian sommelier make recommendations on flavor preferences: durians can be sweet or bitter, with notes of coffee or perfume, or even with a boozy twist. To taste the very best durian, plan a visit to Penang’s rural western coast to stay at a durian eco-farm and harvest the fruit yourself.

Why not stay a while? Expats now represent six percent of Penang Island’s population, compared to just 0.3 percent nationwide. Many are taking advantage of a program called Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H), which makes it easier to get long-term visas. Thanks to its beaches and mountains, incredible food, good medical facilities, and its inclusive multiculturalism, many expats—including myself and my durian-obsessed friends—have found a second home here. Maybe you’ll join us.

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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

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.

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What to do in Penang in 3 days: itinerary for Georgetown and beyond

Our favorite things to do in Georgetown and Penang

If you are planning a trip to Malaysia, Georgetown and Penang Island are a must-visit ! In this article, we will share the best things to do in Penang for a 3-day itinerary. But if you have more time, stay longer and if you only have 2 days, pick your favorites.

Table of Contents

Known for its rich history, delicious food, stunning beaches, and lush nature, Penang has something for everyone . This vibrant island located on the northwest coast of the country is a place you can’t miss during your trip to Malaysia .

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Georgetown is the capital of Penang and one of our favorite towns in Malaysia . We love the countless colonial houses, colorful temples, street art, and the whole vibe of this town. But the food is honestly some of the best in the world. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many hawker stalls or visit one of the Indian, Malay, Chinese, Thai, or Western restaurants.

TIP: Make Georgetown, with it’s fantastic atmosphere and many amazing hotels and restaurants your base to discover the rest of Penang. Further down in this article, you can find some of our favorite places to stay and eat in Georgetown.

Don’t forget to go beyond Georgetown, however, because Penang has more to offer than its bustling capital.

First , we’ll cover the best things to do in Penang (and Georgetown) but read on for our perfect 3-day itinerary for Penang. At the end of this article, you can find out how to get to Penang , the best time to visit Penang, and our favorite places to eat and sleep in Georgetown . Let’s dive in!

Read more: 7-day itinerary Malaysia

Best things to do in Penang – Georgetown

Discover armenian street in georgetown.

Armenian Street is one of the most famous streets in Georgetown , Penang. Located near the city center, it was originally home to a small Armenian community which settled there in the early 19th century.

Even though there are not many Armenians left, the street still preserves much of the architecture and heritage from that time. Colorful buildings line the narrow street, some over 100 years old.

It is now a thriving commercial hub known for its shops, cafes, and galleries but you can also find street art, colorful decorations and so much more. Although touristy, it is still a fun street to wander around and observe everything that is happening around you.

Explore the Clan Jetties

Another must-see highlight in Georgetown, Penang is The Clan Jetties , which are protected by UNESCO. These traditional Chinese settlements are built on stilts over the water and offer a glimpse into the city’s past. You can wander through the narrow streets and see how locals have adapted to living on the water.

Each jetty belongs to a single-family clan. The Chew Jetty is the most famous one and is open to visitors so they can observe how things work on a Clan Jetty. There are souvenir shops, eateries, and cafes on the Chew Jetty.

TIP: If you want to visit Chew Jetty, come very early. During the day, it gets crowded and touristy here. If you’re looking for a more authentic feel and a nice photo stop, go to the Tan Jetty and enjoy the sunset or sunrise.

Visit the Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and one of the most impressive in Southeast Asia. It was built between 1890 and 1905. The temple complex spreads across three levels up the hillside.

What makes Kek Lok Si so special is its architectural style which blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese influences, with ornate wood carvings, multi-tiered pagodas, and colorful sculptures. It is a beautiful complex, so take your time to walk around and take in all the amazing details.

TIP: It is only a twenty-minute drive from Georgetown (take a Grab). Come early in the morning to avoid the crowds. There is no dress code, however, we advise you to always dress respectfully.

Discover Fort Cornwallis

Another historical landmark in Penang is Fort Cornwallis . Built by the British in the late 18th century, this fort was designed to protect the city from potential attacks. Today, visitors can explore the fort and learn about its history.

Traveling with kids to Malaysia? Click the banner below for our amazing Malaysia travel activity pack for kids ! Hours of fun while traveling through Malaysia by car, bus, or train.

Admire the Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tz)

If you’re interested in architecture, be sure to visit the Blue Mansion . The Blue Mansion is one of the most beautiful mansions in the world and cannot be missed on your Penang itinerary.

This stunning building was built in the late 19th century by Cheong Fatt Tze, a poor trader who became one of the wealthiest men of his time. It is a great example of traditional Chinese architecture . The mansion has been beautifully restored and is now open to the public.

The outside is painted in beautiful deep blue colors , hence the name. It reminded us a lot of the riads in Morocco and if you like photography , it’s a dream to walk around here.

You can choose to do a guided tour (11am and 2pm, book ahead) or a self-paced audio guide you can download for free. We did the audio guide tour which is about 45 minutes. You need to bring your own gear (smartphone + headphones).

TIP: Want to have a unique experience? Stay at the Blue Mansion for one or more nights . You’ll feel as if you are living an oriental dream. We will absolutely stay here the next time we come to Georgetown.

Have fun with the street art in Georgetown

Georgetown’s street art scene has boomed in recent years, transforming once drab alleyways into vibrant open-air galleries. Notable artists from around the world like Ernest Zacharevic have left their mark, creating large murals depicting local life.

Read more: Discover amazing street art all over Malaysia .

Although still absolutely amazing, we noticed during our second visit in December ’23 that some murals are a bit neglected and starting to fade away. On the other hand, new ones consistently pop up everywhere.

You can choose to do a guided tour around the top spots and the historical center of Georgetown.. Or you can discover the street art by yourself. You can find a map with all the murals below.

Discover Little India

In Little India , you can explore the vibrant Indian community and experience their culture through food, clothing, and music . The area is also home to several Hindu temples, including the Sri Mahamariamman Temple .

We loved to just wander around the area, taking in all the colors, smells, and people. But most of all, we came here to enjoy the best Chicken Masala we ever had (and so incredibly cheap)!

Check this article for the best things to do in Little India in Penang .

Visit the Clan House – Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

Close to the Armenian street, you will find one of the first clan houses in Penang. A Kongsi is a clan house where Chinese people from the same family can live or gather for events.

There are only five left now and you can visit the clan house of the Khoo family! It’s not touristy at all, so a great place to escape the crowds and learn more about this fascinating history.

The clan house was established by the Khoo clan from Sin Kang village in Hokkien province, China. It is known for its beautiful architecture, featuring carvings, ceramic figurines, and detailed artwork.

Taste the delicious street food

If you’re a foodie, Penang is the place to be. The street food in Penang is legendary , and you can find some of the best hawker stalls and food markets in the world here.

Two good places for street food are Chullia Street Hawker and New Lane Street food stalls.

Penang food is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines. The dishes are usually spicy, so be prepared for some heat! Some of the must-try dishes include:

• Char Kway Teow: tasty rice noodles with shrimp
• Assam Laksa: spicy noodle soup with fish
• Hokkien Mee: thick yellow noodles
• Nasi Kandar: steamed rice with a curry
• Chee Cheong Fun: steamed rice rolls

Do you want to go all in? Book a street food tour in Georgetown to taste the best food and find the hidden gems with a local.

Take the train up Penang Hill

Take a ride on the funicular train to the top of Penang Hill to enjoy breathtaking views of the island. You can also go for a hike on one of the many trails or visit the Monkey Cup Garden.

The Monkey Cup Garden is a garden specializing in pitcher plants. Most plants come from the jungles of Malaysia and Indonesia as well as from Madagascar and Brazil.

TIP: This is one of the most popular things to do in Penang, so either come very early or late in the afternoon/evening (as we did) to avoid the crowds.

Relax on the beach

You sometimes might forget, but Penang is an island and has some fantastic beaches. You can spend a day relaxing on the sandy shores of Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, or Teluk Bahang. Don’t forget to catch the stunning sunset views!

If you want to go swimming you have to ask the locals about the jellyfish, since they are common here, depending on the season and the current.

TIP: Go to the Bora Bora beach bar on Batu Ferringhi Beach and settle down with a drink one hour before sunset.

Check this article about what you can do at Batu Ferringhi.

Penang National Park

Penang National Park is a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It is the smallest National Park in Malaysia (and even the world) but has lots of amazing plants and animals. You can go jungle trekking, kayaking, or snorkeling. There is also a canopy walkway, 1 km from the main entrance. It is 250 m long and offers a good view of the treetops from a 15-meter-high suspended path.

Hike to Turtle Beach (where you can’t swim) and arrange a boat at the park entrance that takes you to Monkey Beach where you can swim.

This is the official website of the park . There is an entrance fee to get into the park. Take a bus or Grab as it is 22km from Georgetown. You can even camp at their campsite.

Suggested itinerary for 2 or 3 Days in Penang

This is what we would suggest if you stay for 3 days in Penang. However, read the section above with the best things to do in Penang and adapt our 3-day Penang itinerary to your liking. If you only have 2 days, we would definitely suggest the first two days of this itinerary.

Day 1 of your 3-day Penang itinerary: Explore Georgetown

On the first day of your Penang 3-day itinerary, explore Georgetown . Go for a delicious breakfast in the morning at one of the hip cafes and head to the Clan jetties afterward. The best time to visit those is in the morning, to avoid the many tourists and the heat.

After lunch, you can visit the Blue Mansion (free audio tour) and the Khoo Kongsi Clan House .

End your day by discovering the famous street art in the center of Georgetown and some shopping on Armenian Street , the most famous (but also touristy) street in Georgetown. Go for dinner at one of the delicious restaurants or grab some street food at the hawker night markets at New Lane or Chullia Street.

TIP: if your accommodation is in the center of Georgetown, we advise you to walk from one place to the other. The beauty of Georgetown lies in strolling around its streets and discovering something behind every corner. However, if it is too far or too hot, you can easily catch a Grab (which will only be $1 or $2).

Day 2 of your 3-day Penang itinerary: Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si temple and Little India

After your breakfast, take a grab to the Kek Lok Si temple , one of the most beautiful temples in Asia. After that, go to Penang Hill (which is close by) and take the cable cart up to the top. You’ll have some amazing views up there. Either have lunch there or go back with the grab to Georgetown and discover yet another fantastic restaurant.

In the afternoon or evening, discover some more of Georgetown. Go to the Little India neighborhood and enjoy the amazing atmosphere here. Hang around to grab a fantastic Indian dinner in the evening. Our favorite is chicken masala.

Day 3 of your 3-day Penang itinerary: Penang National Park and Batu Ferringhi

On the third day, we go hiking in Penang National Park , Malaysia’s smallest national park. Do a jungle walk to Turtle Beach and take a boat to Monkey Beach (or walk up there). It can get really hot during the day, so try to leave early in the morning.

After your hike, it’s time to relax a bit. Go back to Georgetown or hit the beach and end our day with a beautiful sunset at Batu Ferringgi.

best time to visit Penang

The best time to visit Penang is from December to March . During these months, the weather is dry and sunny, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the beaches. The temperature is also a bit cooler during these months.

But, it is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C. The rainy season is from April to October , with September and October being the wettest months.

However, if you don’t mind a little rain, visiting Penang during the off-season can have its advantages. The crowds are smaller, and the prices for accommodations and activities are generally lower.

How to get to Penang

The easiest (but most expensive) way to get to Penang is by flying into the Penang International Airport, which is located about 16 kilometers from George Town, the capital city of Penang.

However, many people come overland from the Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, Langkawi, or Kuala Lumpur.

From Kuala Lumpur to Penang

You can take the bus/train from Kuala Lumpur to Penang (book your bus before your journey as it gets full pretty quickly). Most buses will stop in Butterworth where you can take a ferry (every hour). The bus ride takes about 5 hours and they stop in the middle for a toilet break or to eat something. We traveled this way with the VIP bus and had a lot of space while it was still very affordable.

From Ipoh to Penang

If you want to travel from Ipoh to Penang, you can do so by bus to Butterworth and take the ferry or to Penang immediately. Another option is to take the train from Ipoh to Butterworth, which is also a very affordable way of travel.

From the Cameron Highlands to Penang

If you have visited the tea plantations and mountains of the Cameron Highlands, you can again take the bus to Penang . Or you could first travel to Ipoh and then go by bus or train from there.

From Langkawi to Penang

There used to be a ferry from Langkawi but after Covid, the ferry isn’t sailing anymore. Now, you can either fly or take the ferry to the mainland and book a bus or train from Alor Setar to Penang (or Butterworth).

Getting around Penang island

Renting a car.

If you prefer to explore Penang at your own pace, you may want to consider renting a car. There are several car rental companies located at the Penang International Airport, and you can also book a car online in advance.

Public transport in Penang

Penang has a reliable and affordable public bus transport system . It is also possible to take a taxi but we highly recommend you use Grab .

Taxis in Penang are metered, but it’s always a good idea to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey. If you are using Grab you won’t have any issues as the fare is already set before you leave.

Best places to eat in Georgetown – Penang

One of the best things about the food scene in Penang is that it’s affordable . You can find delicious food at hawker stalls, food markets, and local restaurants for just a few dollars.

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, there are plenty of hip restaurants , serving high-quality dishes. Here are some of our personal favorites.

• Du’an : a small restaurant close to Armenian Street with some delicious food. The service is excellent and the prices are good. You have to try the Ayam Rendang and the fried vegetables. For the kids, they have some very good fried fish fillets.
• The Maker: a beautiful coffee shop with probably the best croissants and cakes in town. It is located next to the Du’an restaurant and is also a great place to get some work done.
• Magan Pagi: our favorite local breakfast place, where you can have both Malaysian and Western breakfast at extremely affordable prices.
• Wheeler’s : here you can go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can choose between paninis, pizzas, pasta and salads.
• Holy Guacamole : a Mexican restaurant with tacos, burritos, and quesadillas on the menu.
• Teksen : a family-owned restaurant known for putting a fresh spin on traditional Chinese cuisine. One standout dish is their signature double-roasted pork, which is both crispy and tender.
• Jawi House : a shining example of how Georgetown’s diverse heritage comes together on the plate. Specializing in Nyonya cuisine with a distinct Jawi Peranakan influence, this restaurant stays true to the mixed traditions of its ancestors.
• Fruitmade Ice Cream: they serve delicious ice cream but you have to try their signature ice cream with dragon fruit!

Where to sleep in Penang

For budget travelers, hostels are a great option. They offer affordable accommodation and a chance to meet other travelers. Have a look at Hostelworld for the best hostels in Penang .

If you’re looking for something more upscale, there are plenty of beautiful hotels to choose from.

TIP: We advise you to stay in the centre of Georgetown, if possible, in one of the beautiful old colonial houses.

Here are some of our favorites:

• East Indies Mansion : this is where we stayed the first time, located in the center, and we loved it. It’s an old colonial building with beautiful rooms. We stayed in one of their rooms for 4 people. They have some beautiful places to sit and even a small kitchen.
• Blue Mansion : as mentioned before, you can stay in this marvelous old Chinese colonial house. It’s probably one of the most unique stays in Georgetown! You’ll be treated as a Chinese Mandarin when you stay here.
• Eastern & Oriental Hotel : although one of the bigger hotels, the whole feel is oriental and colonial. It’s a great option if you want to have the Eastern vibe while still having the commodities of a modern hotel.
• Campbell House : exceptional colonial boutique hotel close to Chinatown with very friendly staff and beautiful rooms taking you back to the oriental times from before.
• SAVV hotel : a modern hotel with a rooftop pool. It’s located next to the Clan Jetties.
• Hard Rock Hotel : if you’d rather stay by the beach, this hotel by Batu Ferringhi is a good choice. It has one of the most amazing swimming pools next to the beach.

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What to do in Penang in 3 days: itinerary for George Town and beyond

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Best Time To Visit Penang: When Not To Go & Special Events To Look Out For

The best time to visit Penang largely depends on what you’re after. Are you looking for a quieter vacation with fewer crowds, or when the island is at its liveliest?

And while you may not escape Malaysia’s tropical humidity and heat, you may want to consider how to avoid the rainy season.

Other things to bear in mind are the annual festive events in Penang! We’ll cover all these and more down below!

Table Of Contents:

• When Is The Best Time To Visit Penang

Monthly Weather In Penang

Overall penang travel experience by month, getting around penang.

• Frequently Asked Questions

When Is The Best Time To Visit Penang?

To be honest, there is no particular month that is optimum to visit Penang.

With a  warm and humid  climate for the entirety of the year, you can expect a shower  every few days .

Note: Except at the beginning of the year (February to March) when they usually suffer from water shortages.

The real downpours tend to be between  August and November  and from  April to May .

If you prefer a drop in temperature (regardless of how small):

It is a  few degrees cooler  around the last few months of the end of the year, coinciding with worldwide holidays. Hence, this is the  peak season  that many tourists will want to visit Penang!

Be warned – things get  more expensive  too!

Naturally if you only have a few days in Penang, it may ease your mind to examine Penang’s climate month by month according to average temperatures, rainfall, and humidity.

1. Average Penang Temperatures By Month

As you can see from the table below, the average temperatures in Penang are  around 30°C .

The warmest months are around  April and June . While the cooler months are from September to the end of the year .

Though it’s only by a difference of  1 to 2 degrees Celsius ! In any case, prepare to sweat a lot when sightseeing on foot.

2. Average Penang Rain By Month

To be on the safe side, you can avoid the rainy season that occurs between  April to May and between  September to November .

October  typically has the  rainiest days , while  January and February  (sometimes until March) tend to be the  driest  months.

3. Average Humidity By Month

Penang’s humidity hovers around 80% . Although, if you go in January and February , this can be down by 10%!

There is more breeze at the start of the year too. Even if it’s only around 5 mph!

Rain adds to the humidity so the rainy months like October and November do have higher humidity than other months of the year.

Data Sources:

• https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine,Penang,Malaysia
• https://championtraveler.com/dates/best-time-to-visit-penang-my/

Before you book your trip solely on the weather, here’s what to expect when it comes to festivals and crowds of tourists!

1. Peak Season

Don’t be alarmed to see Penang attractions full of visitors during November and all through February, as this happens to be peak tourist season for the island!

This is due to a more  festive city atmosphere. And hence, you can expect  malls , hotels, and bars to be packed and pricier than usual.

2. Off Season

April and May  have some downpours and showers, but these are usually later in the day. But while they  don’t last long , it’s still a major inconvenience if you plan to spend most of your time outdoors.

The serious downpours, however, occur between  September to November , so you might want to avoid visiting Penang at the time.

Other than smaller crowds, an unexpected positive point are the  lower accommodation prices , alongside  good deals  for certain activities and attractions as well.

3. Penang In January & February

Lower temperatures (relative to the middle of the year) and lower humidity  make  New Year events  much more enjoyable:

The Chinese New Year display at  Kek Lok Si Temple is a crowd puller during this time since the temple is open for longer too.

Additionally, there are the vibrant Thaipusam festivities as well as the last day of Chinese New Year ( Chap Goh Meh ) which is coincidently, Chinese Valentine’s day!

Kek Lok Si Display Of Lights

A sight to behold during Chinese New Year, visitors will be treated to beautiful lights  hanging throughout the temple complex up to the Kuan Yin statue and pavilion temple!

Lights are usually put up a few weeks before Chinese New Year. And visitors can go see them for the duration of Chinese New Year. The lights will be up for the whole month that Chinese New Year takes place too.

Read our post on Kek Lok Si for more tips on how to visit the temple during Chinese New Year.

4. Penang In March, April & May

It’ll be  very hot  in March, but you’ll find  less crowds  too after all the New Year festivities have ended!

Some rain in April will help to keep temperatures more bearable in the evening.

April is also when the annual  Penang International Food Festival  will be held for  2 weeks.

Note: For 2023, the Penang International Food Festival was held in June.

Furthermore, the month also plays host to the lively  Vaisakhi Celebrations  (or Sikh Harvest Festival) in the second week.

As for  May , there may be  a higher risk of rain,  but you can look forward to a 10,000-strong holy procession on  Wesak Day (The Buddha’s Birthday)!

At the end of May there may be durian buffet events to look out for too. Between May 27 to 28 in 2023, Maybank sponsored an all you can eat durian festival, Eat All You Can, Durian Festival.

There are also the numerous  Ramadan Bazaars,  which will be happening from  April to May this year during the Ramadan period .

Penang International Food Festival

The highly anticipated annual Penang International Food Festival (or PIFF) goes on for 16 days . Giving you plenty of opportunities to try Penang food and more!

Due to the pandemic, the Penang International Food Festival was held over a three-day event in December 2021 instead.

Event Date: To Be Confirmed

5. Penang In June, July & August

Brave the  occasional mid-afternoon showers  and the heat during this period. Because there are a lot of festivals to look forward to! Plus, this is peak durian season!

George Town Festival

This is held yearly in honor of the city’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During the festival, expect a celebration of local art, music, theatre, dance, and film featuring creative talents and exciting programs.

• Event Date: 19 Jul 2024 – 28 Jul 2024
• Website: https://www.georgetownfestival.com/

Penang Hill Festival

Penang Hill Festival (PHF) sees the return of their Music on the Hill event (21 Jul 2024).. Here, you can get some education on the history and nature surrounding Penang Hill too through exhibitions and workshops right on Penang Hill.

• Event Date: 19 Jul 2024 – 21 Jul 2024
• Website: https://www.penanghill.gov.my/phf/

Penang Durian Festival

Coinciding with the durian season, this is the best time to sample the many types of durians (D16, Ang Bak, Ang Jin, Ang Hae, and D700) we have in Malaysia.

Other popular fruits that are in seasons such as custard apple (locally known as nona), langsat, and mangosteen are also worth trying.

Look for them at these places:

• Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau
• Jalan Burma
• Jalan Anson
• Bao Sheng Durian Farm
• Jalan Macalister

Event Date: –

Can’t make it for the festival?

Here are the top places to eat durian in Penang !

Hungry Ghost Festival

For the Chinese community in Penang, this is an important month for prayers and offerings. Because this month is time when the Gates Of Hell are open and ghosts can travel to our world.

During this month, there will also be opera shows for the public (and ghosts) every night around George Town.

• Event Date:  16 Aug 2023 – 30 Aug 2023 (2024 dates not out yet – we last checked in March 2024)

Merdeka Day

The end of August marks the Independence Day of Malaysia. And Penang celebrates it with a yearly Merdeka parade at Penang Esplanade.

• Event Date:  31 Aug 2024

6. Penang In September, October & November

There will be more rain in September and October . It’s possible for the rain to last for days ! As such, there won’t be many tourists during these months.

But those who do decide to visit Penang can take advantage of  better prices  for accommodation, food, and activities!

Nine Emperor Gods Festival

Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand recognize this 9-day festival that begins on the 9th Day of the 9th Lunar month, September. During which, believers will follow a vegetarian diet.

There will be vegetarian food stalls, a  fire walking ceremony , and herbal medicine demonstrations. You will also get to witness a  colorful float procession  on the  last day !

Event Date: 2 Oct 2024 – 11 Oct 2024

7. Penang In December

With December comes cooler weather . This is the busiest time in Penang with Christmas and New Year’s Eve to look forward to!

Penang International Dragon Boat Festival

Penangites love their dragon boats! There will be dragon boat races at the end of the year at Teluk Bahang Dam !

Note: Unfortunately, the pandemic has made it difficult for the dragon boat races to be held for the past two years, having been cancelled since 2022.

Event Date: 02 Dec 2023 – 03 Dec 2023 (2024 dates not out yet – we last checked in March 2024)

Penang Bridge International Marathon

Penang Bridge International Marathon is another  annual  event that has been held since 1984. The  full and half marathons  will usually take place in  mid-November  on the  First Penang Bridge .

These full and half marathons will take place in mid-November on the First Penang Bridge .

Registrations are now open!

Event Date: 15 Dec 2024

Christmas & New Year’s Eve Countdown Party

We recommend heading over to either Penang Hill or The Top Penang  to celebrate both Christmas and the New Year countdown.

In previous years at The Top Pennag, there was a line-up of live music entertainment and other performances leading up to a spectacular fireworks  show !

Whichever venue you choose, try to go before sunset if you don’t want to fight with the crowds.

Event Date:  (2025 dates not out yet – we last checked in March 2024)

Public transport is cheap and widespread in Penang. But waiting and transiting from one bus stop to the next can really sap your energy quickly – especially in the tropical heat!

A private tour service doesn’t have these inconveniences!

Reasons to book a trip with a private tour service:

• Parking fees included
• Direct pick-ups anywhere on Penang Island
• Professional service
• You can customize your own Penang itinerary !
• Knowledgeable and reliable guides

Book a highly-rated private tour service here.

Frequently Asked Questions For A Trip To Penang

Q1. how many days should you stay in penang.

Plan to stay for at least 2 full days. Better yet, stay for 3 or 4 days for a more relaxed pace! Extend your trip by visiting Langkawi, Cameron Highlands or Ipoh!

Q2. What are the best things to do in Penang ?

There are heaps of things to do in Penang such as trying out the local food, exploring the clan jetties or clan houses. And hunting for famous street art . There are also lots of interesting museums.

Outside of exploring George Town, you can visit Penang Hill (The Habitat), Kek Lok Si temple, ESCAPE theme park, Penang Botanic Gardens and Entopia by Penang Butterfly Garden !

Read more: 13 Best Things To Do In Georgetown Penang

Q3. What are Penang’s best beaches ?

Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah are the most accessible with luxury beachfront accommodation while Penang National Park has more isolated beaches like Monkey Beach !

Q4. What can you do in Georgetown Penang at night ?

Book a slot for The Habitat Sunset Walk – you can have a guided nighttime jungle trek right after!

Or take some lovely photos at  the KOMTAR Rainbow Skywalk that overlooks the whole Penang city. Follow that up with a drink at one of Penang’s many bars!

Or you can go check out Kimberley Street Food Night Market, a famous Penang night market .

Q5. What are some must-try Penang food?

Penang food that you should try includes  Assam Laksa , Hokkien Mee, Oh Chien (Oyster omelette), White Curry Mee, Chendol, Char Koay Teow, Rojak & more!

Further reading:

• How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown (4 Easy Ways)
• How To Get To Penang Island From Kuala Lumpur (KL)
• Best Way To Travel From Langkawi To Penang (All Methods + Cheap Option)

Recommended Tour Services For Penang

It’s great to have someone who actually lives in Penang to show you the sights first-hand!

And the benefit of a tour service is that you don’t have to worry about how to best utilize your time. Or use up your energy planning and deciding where to go (and how to get there).

Here are 2 different but highly-rated tour services if you want to have a better understanding of the food, history, and culture of Penang:

• 4-hour Walking Food Tour – mixed group (9 pax max), food and drinks included, pick-ups not provided
• 6-hour Tour Plus Transport – private tours, customizable itinerary, pick-ups (anywhere on Penang Island) included

To conclude, the best time to visit Penang is from November to January. The weather is a tad cooler and thus, more comfortable if you plan to explore Penang on foot.

But with the year-end festivities, there are also more people, and you must anticipate queues and higher prices for everything.

For a more peaceful visit, consider going between February (after CNY) to April or in May to October! The latter is the low season period and the wettest time of the year!

Other post you might like:

• Where To Stay In Penang – 15 Best Hotels In Penang
• Top 21 Penang Museums – Perfect Rainy-Day Activity In Penang
• Clan Jetties Of Penang: Floating Villages Like Chew Jetty In Georgetown
• 17 Best Cafe In Penang With Great Coffee (Includes New Cafes)
• 21 Fun Things To Do In Penang With Kids (Ultimate Guide) + Food & Hotels

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Places to Visit in Penang

• Places To Visit

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.

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

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.

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Tourist arrivals on the rise in Penang

Wednesday, 29 May 2024

ONCE a beacon of nightlife and cultural vibrancy, Chulia Street in the heart of George Town, Penang has seen a dramatic shift in recent years.

Pre-pandemic, this popular street buzzed with energy, drawing locals and tourists alike into its lively embrace every evening.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic turned the thriving hotspot into a shadow of its former self.

Today, business operators are grappling with a reality that is not favourable, but hope flickers on the horizon.

Pub operator Lee Chavin, 31, paints a picture of the current landscape.

“It’s not the same, although we are seeing signs of recovery. Sales and the arrival of foreign tourists in the area have dropped by about 30%,” he said.

Lee believes the allure of destinations like Singapore and Thailand, seen as offering more vibrant experiences, might be drawing tourists away.

He suggested that easing some of the strict regulations could breathe new life into the area.

“Maybe they can ‘relax’ a bit on the licensing fees and the rigid regulations, for example, by allowing us to use the five-foot way in front of our premises,” he added.

Similarly, How Ee Tan, a 50-year-old pub owner, noted that while business was improving, it had not reached the pre-pandemic vibrancy.

He attributed this to the global economic downturn of the past three years that had led to widespread disruptions, severe declines in consumer spending, and significant job losses.

“I think some people are still feeling the pinch, which affects their livelihoods,” he said.

How, who has been in the business for over five years, stressed the importance of proactive promotion for Chulia Street to help bring back the glory of its heyday as a multicultural food paradise and entertainment venue.

Similarly, burger seller Abdul Halim Shahul Hameed, 42, is also feeling the pinch from the subdued atmosphere.

He noted that over the past two years, there had been fewer foreign tourists on the once-famous street.

“I can feel it. My business has dropped by about 30%, and most of my customers are local tourists and regulars,” he said.

Abdul Halim, who has been in the business for the past 24 years, however, dismissed the notion that there were fewer foreign tourists in Penang.

“What I can say is that foreign tourists are now more prudent, and there are more dining options available. They are only paying for value.

“For instance, a group of German tourists wanted to try my burgers, but they only ordered one first. They would only buy more if they liked it,” he said.

Despite the challenges, signs of resilience and adaptation are beginning to emerge. Some businesses have reinvented themselves, offering new attractions and menus to cater to changing consumer habits.

Others have diversified their offerings, transforming into daytime cafes or hybrid spaces that combine dining with retail.

Unique appeal

Hungarian Peter Kovac, on his first visit here, felt that Chulia Street was an attractive place with a unique scene and architecture.

“I have been to many Asian countries, but Penang seems more multicultural, and the people here speak good English,” he said.

The 34-year-old data engineer said the atmosphere on Chulia Street was pleasant and he felt safe enjoying his night.

A couple from the Netherlands was also spotted enjoying the night at a pub on Love Lane, off Chulia Street.

Civil servant Eric Slingerland, 40, from Amsterdam, described George Town as a lovely and vibrant town.

“Chulia Street has its own unique feel and it has a lot of food choices. The people here respect each other, which I love. The multicultural setting in Penang is also interesting and unique to Malaysia,” he said.

His girlfriend Kim De Jager, 35, also from Amsterdam, liked the plentiful street food on Chulia Street.

“It’s a lively city with a lot of food with many different people from various backgrounds,” she said.

Besides foreign tourists, local patrons also have a deep affection for Chulia Street.

Businessman Robby Raj, 38, said Chulia Street brought back sweet memories of his younger years.

“At that time, Chulia Street was vibrant and full of people. But now, it is kind of laid back,” he said, adding that he would come to the street once a week to hang out with his friends.

Restaurant operator Shankar Nair, 42, and his wife Ranjani, 38, from Kepong, said: “Penang is a must-stop destination for us, and Chulia Street will be our main rendezvous to rest and relax.”

He said Kuala Lumpur had become so expensive, and Penang offered them a cheaper alternative for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.Influx of tourists.

Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said foreign tourist arrivals during the first three months of the year had increased compared to the same period last year.

“The numbers, especially those from Indonesia, China, and Australia, have shown a significant increase. For instance, tourists arriving from China recorded a massive 370.22% increase from 4,746 in 2023 to 22,420 this year.

“Arrivals from Indonesia also showed an increase, from 75,141 in 2023 to 98,013 in 2024, or equivalent to a 30.44% hike.

“The number of Japanese tourists has also surged from 2,541 in 2023 to 3,652 in 2024, or a 43.72% rise,” he said.

Wong noted that arrivals from Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and other Commonwealth countries increased between 30% and 75%.

These figures, he said, indicated a positive outlook for the tourism industry in Penang, with more international direct flights compared to the previous year.

Wong added that Chulia Street and its neighbouring lanes, such as Love Lane, were set to come alive over the next few months, as the state will host a series of festivals and celebrations that will highlight the rich cultural heritage and lively spirit of the city.

He said the George Town Festival (GTF), an annual celebration of arts and culture, would showcase a wide range of performances, exhibitions, and workshops.

The festival, which runs from July 19 to 28, is set to attract artists and audiences from around the world, turning the area into a melting pot of creativity and inspiration.

Its diverse programming ensures there will be something for everyone, from contemporary art installations to traditional music performances.

“In conjunction with Heritage Day on July 7, Chulia Street will transform into a living museum. The event celebrates George Town’s rich history and cultural diversity, with activities ranging from heritage tours and cultural performances to traditional craft demonstrations and food fairs.

“It’s a perfect opportunity for locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the historical tapestry of the area,” Wong said.

Wong said another event is the Chingay procession in December, which often sees spectators lining the main route on Chulia Street, standing or sitting on stools to catch a glimpse of the performers.

“This traditional parade, characterised by its elaborate floats, acrobatic stunts and colourful costumes, draws crowds from near and far.

“The procession is not just a visual feast but also a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage,” he said.

Beyond the Chingay procession, Chulia Street is also the epicentre for several other significant events.

Wong said to enhance the experience for visitors, the local council had also organised street performances, night markets, and pop-up events along Chulia Street and the connecting lanes.

“These activities not only provide entertainment but also support local businesses by drawing more foot traffic to the area.

“All these events will be the highlight of Penang’s tourism industry, which is expected to witness a surge in activity and economic revival.

“The collaborative effort between local authorities, businesses, and cultural organisations aims to showcase the unique charm of George Town, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and attractive destination for both residents and visitors,” he said.

Wong believes these events lined up at Chulia Street will breathe new life into the area, from the spectacular Chingay procession to the GTF, Heritage Day celebrations, and Chinese New Year festivities.

“There is an abundance of activities to look forward to, as these events not only celebrate the rich cultural heritage of George Town but also play a crucial role in revitalising the local economy and fostering a sense of community,” he added.

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Top Places to Visit in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country filled with diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a beach enthusiast, Malaysia offers something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top places to visit in Malaysia , each with its own charm and beauty.

Exploring Kuala Lumpur

Image Source: https://unsplash.com/

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers a multitude of attractions for visitors to explore. From iconic landmarks to historical sites, here are a few must-visit places in Kuala Lumpur:

Petronas Twin Towers: Standing tall at 451.9 meters, the Petronas Twin Towers is a symbol of Kuala Lumpur’s modernity and architectural brilliance. Visitors can marvel at the stunning skyline views from the observation deck or take a stroll in the beautifully landscaped gardens surrounding the towers.

Batu Caves: Located just outside the city, Batu Caves is a limestone hill housing a series of caves and Hindu temples. The main attraction is the colossal golden statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance. Climbing the 272 steps to the caves is a spiritual and rewarding experience.

Merdeka Square: Also known as Independence Square, Merdeka Square is a historical site that played a significant role in Malaysia’s independence from British colonial rule. The square is surrounded by important landmarks, including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Royal Selangor Club.

These are just a few highlights of what Kuala Lumpur has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or modern attractions, this vibrant city has something for everyone.

Discovering the Cultural Richness of Penang

Penang, a state located on the northwest coast of Malaysia, is a treasure trove of cultural richness and natural beauty. One of the must-visit destinations in Penang is George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its well-preserved colonial architecture and diverse cultural influences, George Town offers a glimpse into the history of the region.

As you explore the streets of George Town, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant street art scene. From colorful murals to interactive installations, the city is a living canvas that showcases the creativity of local and international artists. Take a leisurely stroll through the alleys and discover hidden gems at every turn.

For breathtaking panoramic views of Penang and its surrounding areas, a visit to Penang Hill is a must. Hop on the funicular train that takes you to the summit, where you’ll be greeted by lush greenery and cooling mountain air. Enjoy nature trails, visit the iconic Love Locks, or simply relax and soak in the tranquility of the hilltop.

Relaxing on the Beautiful Beaches of Langkawi

Langkawi, an archipelago made up of 99 islands, is a tropical paradise located in the Andaman Sea. One of its most popular attractions is Pantai Cenang, a stunning beach known for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. With its vibrant atmosphere and breathtaking sunsets, Pantai Cenang offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

If you’re a water sports enthusiast, Pantai Cenang is the place to be. The beach is well-equipped with various water sports facilities, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find something exciting to do on the water.

Another must-visit attraction in Langkawi is the Langkawi Sky Bridge. This iconic cable car ride takes you on a scenic journey to the top of Mount Mat Cincang, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest and the Andaman Sea. The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a feat of engineering, suspended high above the treetops, providing visitors with a unique and unforgettable experience.

No visit to Langkawi would be complete without a trip to Eagle Square. Located in the heart of Kuah Town, Eagle Square is home to a magnificent statue of a reddish-brown eagle with its wings outstretched. This iconic landmark symbolizes Langkawi’s heritage and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the stunning view of the sea.

Langkawi’s beautiful beaches, such as Pantai Cenang, combined with its scenic cable car ride on the Langkawi Sky Bridge and the iconic Eagle Square, make it a top destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Plan your visit to Langkawi and discover why it is one of the top places to visit in Malaysia.

Immersing in Nature at Taman Negara

Taman Negara is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Located in Malaysia, it offers a wide range of experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world. Here are some of the top activities you can enjoy at Taman Negara:

Canopy Walkway: Walk among the treetops

One of the highlights of visiting Taman Negara is the thrilling canopy walkway. Suspended high above the ground, this walkway allows you to stroll among the treetops and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest. As you make your way along the suspended bridges, you’ll have the chance to spot diverse wildlife and marvel at the lush greenery below.

River Cruises: Explore the lush rainforest

Embark on a river cruise and let the gentle flow of the river take you deep into the heart of Taman Negara. As you glide along the water, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds, monkeys swinging from the trees, and even elusive creatures like the Malayan tiger. It’s an unforgettable experience that allows you to connect with nature in a truly unique way.

Orang Asli Village: Learn about indigenous culture

A visit to the Orang Asli Village is a cultural immersion like no other. The Orang Asli are the indigenous people of Malaysia, and this village provides a glimpse into their traditional way of life. Engage with the friendly locals, learn about their customs, and witness their traditional dances and crafts. It’s a chance to gain a deeper understanding of Malaysia’s rich heritage and the importance of preserving indigenous cultures.

Immerse yourself in nature at Taman Negara and discover the wonders of Malaysia’s pristine rainforest. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or a cultural experience, this national park has it all. Plan your visit to Taman Negara and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Adventure and Wildlife in Borneo

Borneo is a paradise for adventure seekers and wildlife enthusiasts. With its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes, this island offers a plethora of exciting experiences. Here are some top places to visit in Borneo:

Mount Kinabalu: Embark on a thrilling trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. The hike takes you through breathtaking trails, dense forests, and unique flora and fauna. Standing at the summit and witnessing the sunrise is an experience you’ll never forget.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: Support orangutan conservation efforts by visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Located in Sabah, this center aims to rehabilitate orphaned and injured orangutans and release them back into the wild. Observe these majestic creatures up close and learn about their conservation.

Mulu Caves: Discover the awe-inspiring Mulu Caves, which boast the title of the largest cave system in the world. Located in Gunung Mulu National Park, these caves offer a mesmerizing underground adventure. Explore the vast chambers, underground rivers, and impressive limestone formations.

Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or a chance to connect with nature, Borneo has it all. These top attractions in Borneo will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.

Experiencing the Beauty of Melaka

When it comes to exploring the top places to visit in Malaysia, Melaka should definitely be on your list. This historical city is filled with charm, culture, and a rich heritage that will leave you captivated.

One of the highlights of Melaka is Jonker Street, a vibrant night market and cultural hub that comes alive after sunset. As you stroll along this bustling street, you’ll be greeted by the enticing aroma of local delicacies and the sounds of traditional music. From unique souvenirs to antique treasures, Jonker Street offers a wide range of shopping opportunities. Don’t forget to indulge in the mouth watering street food, such as the famous chicken rice balls or the savory satay.

Another must-visit attraction in Melaka is the Stadthuys, a prominent Dutch colonial building that showcases stunning architecture. This red building stands out amidst the city’s landscape and is home to the History and Ethnography Museum. Step inside to learn about Melaka’s fascinating past and its diverse cultural heritage.

To truly appreciate the beauty of Melaka, hop on a Melaka River Cruise. This leisurely boat ride takes you along the serene Melaka River, offering a unique perspective of the city’s history and landmarks. As you glide through the water, you’ll pass by charming old buildings, colorful murals, and picturesque bridges. It’s an enchanting experience that allows you to soak in the beauty of Melaka from a different angle.

With its vibrant night market, rich history, and scenic river cruise, Melaka offers a delightful blend of culture and beauty. Make sure to include these top attractions in your itinerary when exploring the wonders of Malaysia.

Effortless Exploration with Grab Transport

You can book a ride to these amazing destinations with Grab Transport, making your travel experience in Malaysia seamless and convenient. Whether you’re heading to the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, the cultural havens of Penang, the idyllic beaches of Langkawi, the untouched nature of Taman Negara, the adventurous landscapes of Borneo, or the historical charm of Melaka, Grab Transport ensures you reach your destination comfortably and efficiently. Plan your journey and explore the top places to visit in Malaysia with ease.

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Penang Attraction Makes It Onto World’s ‘Most Boring’ List

There are a lot of interesting and fun things to do in Penang… but critics contend this particular attraction definitely isn’t among them.

A recent informal study by Solitaired has unveiled a ranked list of the world’s most boring tourist attractions , sparking a mix of amusement and debate among travel enthusiasts. Using a combination of some 66.7 million Google Reviews and other metrics, Solitaired identified attractions that, despite whatever historical or cultural significance they may hold, have left many visitors underwhelmed and unimpressed. This list highlights places where the expectation often exceeds the reality, leading to a sense of disappointment among tourists.

Unsurprisingly – and perhaps a bit depressingly – many museums and educational attractions worldwide featured on the list. Additionally, likely owing to the site’s home base – or possibly the higher standards of demanding and desensitised Americans – the majority of the top 100 most boring attractions are located in the United States, with the site saying, “You can leave your passport at home for most of our dull journey because the U.S., which comprises only 38.5% of our data, holds 62% of the world’s 100 most boring attractions.”

Here in Malaysia, Fort Cornwallis in Penang was also named among these ‘boring’ attractions, cited for its lackluster exhibits and less-than-engaging atmosphere. Other sites on the list include the Manneken Pis in Brussels, Shankar’s International Dolls Museum, The National Museum of Singapore, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Vietnam, and the Blarney Stone in Ireland. The study underscores the subjective nature of tourism experiences, where even historically rich sites can sometimes fail to meet modern visitor expectations.

WHAT IS FORT CORNWALLIS?

Fort Cornwallis, located in George Town in Penang’s northeast, is still – even if not exciting – a notable point of Malaysian colonial history. Constructed in the late 18th century by the British East India Company, the fort was named after Charles Cornwallis, then the Governor-General of India.

Initially built from palm trunks and later reinforced with bricks, Fort Cornwallis was intended as a defensive structure against pirates and potential French incursions. However, it was never engaged in battle. Instead, it served various administrative and commercial functions over the years. The fort now houses several historical artifacts, including cannons such as the famous Sri Rambai, a Dutch cannon gifted to the Sultan of Johor and later seized by the British.

THE FORT AS A MODERN TOURIST ATTRACTION

Today, Fort Cornwallis stands as one of the largest intact forts in Malaysia (unsurprising as it never saw any battles), offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s colonial past. The fort’s walls, chapel, and numerous exhibits provide ‘a tangible connection’ to its historical significance.

Despite that history, though Fort Cornwallis found itself unhappily listed among the world’s “most boring tourist attractions.” Visitors argue that the site, while historically important, lacks any engaging activities and modern amenities that appeal to today’s tourists. Nevertheless, it perhaps remains a significant landmark for those interested in colonial history and architecture. Visitors can explore the restored structures and take in the serene views of the waterfront, making it at least a worthwhile stop (perhaps without entry) for history buffs and curious travellers alike.

For those who do wish to enter, Fort Cornwallis levies a RM20 admission charge for foreign tourists, which some reviews have suggested includes a beer or water and/or RM10 vouchers redeemable at the café inside.

Reports state that ongoing renovations and upgrades to the attraction are scheduled for completion by early 2025 .

A SELECTION OF REVIEWS FOR PENANG’S FORT CORNWALLIS

Underwhelming and not worth the price of entry in my opinion at MYR20. I find it both funny and amusing at how they offer beer at the entrance though you do have the option to get a bottle of water instead. This fort is maintained and does bear a significance to Georgetown’s historical beginnings but you really don’t get much. Richard Francisco

The place is run down, unfortunately. Renovation on the outer moat and wall is in progress though. Hopefully there will be more visual displays (only 1 seen!!) with relevant information on the fort history, the captain, etc. being provided (use multimedia). The lighthouse exhibition was closed as gate was locked. The Kota cafe was good for refreshments and the toilets were very clean. Ton van Dijk

Small but historic fort in Georgetown. It is undergoing some major restorations that should be nice when finished. It could benefit from some good curatorial efforts. Wayne Lundeberg

Right now, as of January 2024, I would say that ‘Fort Cornwallis’ is not worth the 20 ringgits entrance fee, as much of it is under reconstruction. There should have been a discount during this period. Once the improvements are completed, I am sure it will then be worth the entrance fee. Not too much to see at the moment, a few canons, plenty of grass and tarmac, and the stone walls. This ‘arena’ would make a great place to show events, plays or music; perhaps it is already used for these? Nearby is the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower; worth seeing. Chiang Mai Charlie

Not really worth the 20 RM entrance fee. If you’re interested in history, you won’t see much here since all of the storyboards and displays have been removed due to construction. The only real redeeming factor is the 5 RM add-on to get a bottle of Carlsberg. Robin Janssens

It’s undoubtedly beautiful, but there’s simply not a whole lot to see or do here. A quick walkthrough takes maybe 15 mins, and the best parts can just as well be seen from the outside. Didn’t justify the ticket price whatsoever. Christian Wischnewski

Cool fort built by the English in 1786 after their arrival. Cost 20 RM for foreigners to visit and walk around. Has old historic cannons and facts around. I suggest going while you are hungry and give Kota a try. It is little cafe inside the fort serving elevated local dishes nicely presented, delicious tasting and well priced. There is currently some construction work going on, mostly outside, adding back the moat that was there historically. Kevin M

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