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

25 BEST things to do in Penang

Posted on Last updated: May 6, 2024

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

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

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

Indoor activities in Penang

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

Is Penang worth visiting?

READ: 10 reasons to visit Penang

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

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

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

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

When is the best time to visit Penang?

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

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

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

Short on time in Penang?

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

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

How to get around Penang

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

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

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

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

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

Map of things to do in Penang

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

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

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

Top 10 tips for visiting Penang

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

1. Wander around George Town

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

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

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

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

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

2. Penang Hill

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

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

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

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

3. The Habitat

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

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

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

Click here to prebook tickets

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. The Top at the Komtar

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

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

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

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

6. Clan Jetties of Penang

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Admission prices are:

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

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

8. Check out the street food

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

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

9. Penang National Park

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

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

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

Alternatively, take the boat further around the island to the much quieter Turtle Beach, where you can visit Penang Turtle Conservation Centre . There is also a trek across the island to get here.

10. Batu Ferringhi Beach and night market

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

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

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

11. Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion

READ OUR GUIDE: The Blue Mansion Click here for more information Two tours daily at 11am and 2pm, or book a self-guided audio tour

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

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

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

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

12. Tropical Spice Garden

READ OUR GUIDE: Tropical Spice Garden Click here for more information Open daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm (until 6:00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

For a chance to understand the flora and fauna which makes Penang unique, take a trip to the Tropical Spice Garden Penang . In a handy location close to Batu Ferringhi, the Tropical Spice Garden offers much more than just another botanic garden, with a range of activities, displays and trails to keep you entertained, all under the canopy of the tropical rainforest. It’s especially fantastic if you are visiting Penang with kids.

It’s well-placed for a visit if you’re staying at one of the Penang beach resorts , or heading towards Escape or Penang National Park.

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

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

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

13. Fort Cornwallis

Open every day (9.00am to 7.00pm)

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

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

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

14. Floating Mosque

Open every day (5am to 10pm)

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

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

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

15. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

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

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

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

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

16. Kek Lok Si Temple

READ OUR GUIDE: Kek Lok Si Temple Open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm

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

Brace yourself when you first arrive, the initial glimpse of the temple is something you’ll long remember. Aside from walking around and taking in the overall splendour, you’ll see the famous Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, the almost forty metre tall statue of Kuan Yin, as well as the peaceful prayer areas. A lift handily takes you up to the top and back down again if you don’t fancy the sweaty, uphill walk.

Open each day between 8:30am and 5:30pm, entry to Kek Lok Si Temple is free, although you do need to pay for the cable car (RM8 each way per adult) and for entry to the pagoda (RM2). Due to its significance as a pilgrimage site, it will often be busy, particularly around Chinese New Year, when the festivities are at their fullest.

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

17. Gurney Plaza

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

The beauty of Penang is its juxtaposition between old and new, and what better way to experience modern Penang than at it’s premier shopping mall, Gurney Plaza. Admittedly it’s not as huge as some of the malls in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, but for a island, this mall is pretty impressive

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

18. Play virtual golf at MST Golf Arena

READ OUR GUIDE: MST Golf Arena Penang Open 10am to 10pm every day

Do you like the idea of a round of golf but don’t fancy walking around in the Penang heat? Perhaps you’re new to the sport and want to see what all the fuss is about? Either way, MST Golf Arena in Gurney Paragon Mall is a fun, inexpensive, and air-conditioned activity for all ages and abilities.

You honestly don’t need to worry if you’ve never played golf as there are lessons and clubs available or, for non-playing members of your party, a chance to sit back and enjoy some food or drink.

There are twenty Tech Bays where you can play one of the many available courses, practice on a driving range, or play other fun games. These courses are exact replicas of real courses around the world, so you’re (sort of) playing the real thing.

The technology behind them is a launch monitor which observes each shot you’ve hit and measures a bewildering array of values including lateral spin, ball speed, clubhead speed, direction and launch angle. Based on this data, it can accurately calculate where your ball would have travelled and displays the result on the screen in front of you, all in real-time.

Note that you use real clubs and balls, so the effect is quite accurate to real life. There is a seating area for each bay, allowing your party to sit, have some drinks and cheer/criticise your golf game.

19. Upside Down Museum

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang Upside Down Museum Open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm

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

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

20. Tech Dome Penang

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

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

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

21. Ghost Museum Penang

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

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

22. Afternoon tea at The E&O

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

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

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

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

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

23. Penang War Museum

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang War Museum Open 9am to 6pm every day

For a thought-provoking and often bleak glimpse into the island’s darkest period, Penang War Museum is an unmissable excursion. Originally a British fort built in the 1930’s, the complex was taken over by the Japanese in 1942 and used as a prisoner of war camp.

Abandoned after the war, it has since been reclaimed from the jungle to serve as one of the most important war museums in Southeast Asia. Small details like bullet holes in the wall and the haunting remains of a guillotine stand are reminders of the horror which took place here.

Just as interestingly, the museum brings to life the original fort, at a time when the British felt in control of their world and invincible from invasion. The museum shows how the British were looking in the wrong direction the whole time, and the catastrophic effect this would have on the population of the island who remained after the British abandoned Penang.

Even if history isn’t particularly your thing, Penang War Museum is an interesting, well-planned and informative place to visit, guaranteed to leave you with plenty to think about.

24. Get a massage

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

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

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

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

25. Glow Planet – 3D Glow in the dark museum 

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

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

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

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

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

17 Best Things To Do In Penang In 2024

Updated 4th January 2024

Colourful houses. Delicious food. Lively streets. A thriving art scene. Penang has countless reasons to visit; you could never come here and be bored. But for history buffs like me and my husband, Penang’s eclectic modern feel mixes with a rich and fascinating past that needs to be explored.

Penang is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in Malaysia. This multicultural island boasts of a huge range of fun activities for tourists. From sparkling beaches to ancient architecture, lush green landscapes and an enticing cuisine, Penang is an absolute paradise for families looking for beautiful scenery, interesting historical sites, and plenty of good food.

Occupying a small portion on the map of Malaysia, the island of Penang has a number of landmarks to visit. For the purposes of this article, I’ll refer to Penang Island only. Penang State includes the island and a small part of the mainland, but the Island is where the sites below can be found. Some of them are in the UNESCO Heritage City of George Town ; others are spread throughout historical Penang Island.

So if you’re planning an escapade to Penang, check out our list of the 17 best things we recommend you experience while you’re there.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Short on time? Book this tour!

Our 3 Fave Experiences In One Tour

This tour includes an in-depth exploration of George Town, the chance to experience Kek Lok Si (pictured) and  Wat Chaiyamangkalaram and Dhammikarama Burmese Temple; finally, take the funicular to the summit of Penang Hill. We love this tour because you’ll experience so many cultural delights, learn so much, and get some great pictures too.

1. Explore Kek Lok Si Temple

This beautiful temple really can’t be described – you’ll just have to go there. But for the sake of the article, I’ll try anyway.

We took a Grab to the temple and arrived right at the bottom. There’s a little shop, and I recommend getting a drink here if you haven’t packed one – it can get hot!

The first section is a prayer room; you can purchase a ribbon with something specific you’d like help with (such as health or relationships) then you write your name on the ribbon and place it on a ‘tree’. Our son chose an ‘academic success’ one – he is three! – and carefully placed it. He said he wants to be a pilot one day and this ribbon would help him learn all the things he needs to know.

Start to make your way up the temple, and the ornate details will start to take your breath away. There are many different levels, each more striking than the next. Within the temple are is the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas (literally 10,000 alabaster buddhas!) and of course the 37-metre high statue of Rama VI which can be seen from afar.

Kek Lok Si was 40-years in the making, lovingly overseen by the abbot Beow Lean. I think what’s most beautiful to see here is how ancient Chinese traditions blend with both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism to make a unique and harmonious place of worship. Here’s a little bit more on the history of Kek Lok Si.

Entrance is free but there’s a small fee of 6RM to take the funicular up to the top.

2. Visit The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion)

I have a Lonely Planet guidebook that’s been on my bookshelf for the past ten years. It’s called “Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Penang”. It’s completely dog-eared from my previous stays in Kuala Lumpur, and it’s certainly getting old now. But it sits proudly on the shelf, full of notes on trips past. But I’d never made it any further than KL until this trip, try as I might. On the cover is a bright indigo blue wall with an old trishaw in front. This is the Blue Mansion. For ten years I’d stared at this picture. And I’m happy to say, I now possess a photo of myself with that backdrop.

I did no research before the trip, so I didn’t realise the only way to look around is to take a tour (or stay in one of the rooms). So I took an hour to myself and indulged in the tour. And my goodness, it was absolutely worth the 16MYR entry cost.

Our guide, Christina, was an absolute gem. Articulate, funny, clearly very passionate about her subject… she made me feel like I knew Cheong Fatt Tze (the original owner/builder of the mansion). She explained every little detail with warmth and cultural understanding, giving us a new knowledge of not just the mansion, but the prevailing history and cultural complexities of the time.

The tour lasted about an hour. I’d usually be tempted to comment that an hour is more than enough for such a tour (heavy on the talking). But honestly, I could have sat there for hours listening to the tales of Cheong Fatt Tze and his many wives.

Admission is 16 RM per person. Make sure you book the Blue Mansion tour in advance so you don’t miss out!

3. Eastern and Oriental Hotel

The Eastern and Oriental Hotel was originally two hotels. The Eastern Hotel was established by the Sarkies Brothers in 1884 and was such a success, they opened the Oriental Hotel. The two later merged. Driven by the success of E&O, the brothers later went on to open the Raffles Hotel in Singapore and the Strand Hotel in Rangoon, Burma (now Yangon, Myanmar). So, if you’re not familiar with the Eastern and Oriental but you are with Raffles or The Strand… you can imagine.

Literary luminaries such as Somerset Maugham, Hermann Hesse, and Rudyard Kipling, as well as Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks, are known to have spent time here.

I love to imagine, looking out over the water from the Eastern and Oriental, Somerset Maugham writing something amazing here.

There’s no entrance fee; rooms start at about $200AUD (600RM) per night. Seasonal surcharges apply. It is possible to head to the bar for a drink if you’re not a hotel guest.

Penang’s Most Famous Hotel

Eastern and Oriental Hotel

Looking for somewhere really unique (but still luxurious) to stay in Penang? The Eastern and Oriental is our top pick! This hotel is in the perfect location in George Town, so you can come back to relax in style after a busy day exploring this UNESCO Heritage City.

4. Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis was built by the British East India Company in the late 18th Century and named after Charles Cornwallis, then the Governor-General of Bengal. It was designed to protect Penang from pirates and any possible insurgency from mainland Kedah, but never saw any conflict.

Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction and incorporates an open-air theatre and public park. There’s also a gorgeous lighthouse.

To be honest, there’s not a HUGE amount to see but for someone interested in history, there’s a lot to learn. Take a free guided tour to get the most out of the experience. Most of the reviews that say it was boring are from people who didn’t take the tour: those who do have a very different experience (trust me!)

Entrance to the fort is 20RM; I’ll say it again – take the free tour!

5. Try the famous Penang food

Penang is famous for its culinary scene – from roadside stalls, to Hawker Centres, to seafood restaurants and upscale dining options, Penang has it all. Penang’s food is a mix of ethnic Malay, Indian, and Chinese dishes that can’t quite be found elsewhere (other places may come close, but no place is like Penang).

It’s also worth doing a food tour in Penang to really get a sense of every dish and the incredible stories that go along with the food.

Check out our Penang food post for more information!

Best Penang Food Tour

4-Hour George Town Food Tour

This tour will take you on a culinary journey through the UNESCO Heritage City of George Town. Start at the Kapitan Keling Mosque, learn about traditional Malay food, wander to the Clan Jetties and learn about traditional influences of food, and finish off with a delightful dinner and cocktail.

6. Clan Jetties

On Pengkalan Weld across from Lebuh Chulia, are six Clan Jetties that stretch into the harbour. These are water villages belonging to the original Chinese clans that settled in Penang. There were seven, but one was destroyed by fire; the remaining jetties belong to the Lim, Yeow, Chew, Koay, Lee and Tan families. Interestingly, none of the families living here actually pay tax, because they are not living on the land.

When you visit, you do need to be mindful as people actually still live here. There are signs posted on some of the houses stating they must not be photographed. It’s therefore also important to stick to visiting hours and follow all guidelines that are signposted.

If you only have time to explore one, make it the Chew Jetty. It’s the longest one with the most stilt-houses; be aware though, it’s quite touristy with lots of different shops inside. If you can, I’d recommend heading there a little before sunset, when the colours are marvelous. This is when you’ll get the best pictures.

Entrance is free.

7. Head up Penang Hill

Penang Hill is actually several peaks close together, situated in Air Itam, a suburb about 6km from George Town. During British Colonial rule, the resort at the top was a popular destination for those who wanted to escape the heat.

A funicular railway runs the full height of the peak, and once stopped at several smaller stations on its way to the top.

When we arrived, we weren’t sure we were in the right place. From the outside, with the big lines and ticket booths, it almost looks like the entrance to a zoo or other big attraction. Purchase your ticket at the booth on the right, then follow the queue to the left to board the funicular.

We scored the very front seats on the funicular on the way down – super fun if you’re not into heights or mechanical things, sit at the back. It’s a weird feeling to watch yourself going down.

Speaking of, I can’t help but wonder what it would have been like a century ago to travel up to the Hill Stations (and back down again!) Were people just used to it, or did it give them a woozy feeling too? Especially given the types of carriages they used back in the day. These days the funicular looks quite high-tech, but at the top, an old wooden carriage can be found. It looks lovely, but not at all comfortable!

On top of the hill is a restaurant, a small hotel, a botanic garden, and several touristy activities.

Tickets are 30RM for adults and 15RM for kids. Note: this just includes the funicular, and you can pay extra for a skip-the-line pass. There are several other areas and activities on top of the hill that charge extra entrance fees.

8. Hike Penang National Park

Penang National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, located on the northwest coast of Penang Island. The park boasts an array of exotic flora and fauna, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural heritage.

Take a hike through lush rainforests, spot rare birds and monkeys, or simply relax on pristine beaches like Teluk Tukun and Monkey Beach (one of Penang’s best beaches). Don’t miss the chance to explore the park’s many hidden gems, such as the meromictic lake or the Turtle Sanctuary.

Penang National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

9. Visit Khoo Kongsi

The Khoo Kongsi clan temple is another place worthy of visit in Penang. This sizable Chinese clan house with intricate and highly ornate architecture is a symbol of the Chinese people’s long history in Penang.

The late 19th-century row-houses for clan members and an association structure are all gathered around a granite-paved plaza, which serves as the clan temple’s authentically historic surroundings. The Khoo Kongsi historical landmark is situated in Cannon Square in the centre of George Town’s historic district, amidst winding lanes and adorable-looking pre-War homes that exude a definite old-world charm.

Chinese opera shows also take place in the temple several times in a year, so if you time your visit during one of the shows, you may be able to enjoy the opera as well.

10. Enjoy a Trishaw Ride

The well-known three-wheeled taxi will take you on a delightful ride, allowing you to take in wonderful sights and the ambiance of Malaysia’s busy streets. It is one of the best ways to experience the true essence of Penang.

Operated by small motors, the colourful trishaws feature interesting designs and sometimes adorned with flowers and fairy lights as well. They are most suitable for visiting those parts of Georgetown which are not accessible through other means. And if you’re friendly with the riders, they’ll serve as great guides to fill you in with the historical details of all the places you go by. This one is a real highlight with the kids!

11. Discover the frightening Snake Temple

The Snake temple, is only two miles away from the airport on Penang Island, is a stunning sanctuary of devotion. However, it has one catch: there are live pit vipers everywhere!

Visitors can admire the stunning plants that adorn the garden as the main temple opens into a courtyard where the Shrine Hall of Kuan Yin is situated. Following the route will bring you to the “snake pool,” where snakes lie down on trees among lush, green branches, either enjoying the sun or seeking cover from it. The regular burning of incense is said to keep the snakes calm. Many of the snakes here, which include Wagler’s pit vipers and green tree snakes, have been de-venomed, according to locals. It’s not advisable to bring little children, but the temple is a calm area and they claim no one has ever been bitten.

12. Explore Entopia (The Butterfly Farm)

Entopia started as a butterfly farm and has now grown into a fantastic all-day experience not unlike a small zoo. It is undoubtedly one of the must-see sites in Penang because it is teeming with butterflies, insects, and reptiles, and it really does appeal to people of all ages.

Take the bus (101 or 102) from George Town; it will take you directly there at a cost of just 4 RM. The beautiful farm is tidy and contemporary and has a lot more to offer than just butterflies. There is a designated path you can follow to ensure you don’t miss anything. Its courteous staff is very welcoming and will guide you to get the ultimate experience of the farm. Along with butterflies, there are lizards, beetles, snakes, and more. You can easily spend a couple of hours here, viewing all there is to see. The park is well set out and has all the usual facilities you would expect.

(Our Batu Ferringhi guide has more information on our experience at Entopia, so make sure you click through and have a read).

Entrance is 75RM for adults and 55RM for children aged 4-12; family passes start from 238RM for two adults and two children.

13. Spend a day at ESCAPE Penang

ESCAPE is billed as the No. 1 Theme Park In Malaysia, and I would have to agree! Spend a day thrill-seeking at ESCAPE with the family. What kind of activities? Think huge waterslides, aerobatics, ziplining, a tree climb course, and all manner of other adrenaline-inducing activities. There’s even a swim-up bar for the grown-ups.

To be honest, I do think this one is for the big kids. Don’t get me wrong, you can definitely take kids of all ages along, but we personally felt the experience would be much better if the kids were a bit older and could participate in more activities.

Entry will cost you 167MYR for adults and 111MYR for kids 4-12. Kids under 4 are free. If you book online on the  ESCAPE website  a few days in advance, you can purchase discounted tickets. You’ll need to book and pay by card, as post-COVID, ESCAPE is a cashless venue.

14. Visit the Floating Mosque

Constructed on pilings and tilts above the sea, Penang floating mosque is unlike any other mosque. This over-water mosque, which is situated in Tanjung Bungah near George Town seems to float on the water during high tide.

The stunning mosque combines local and Middle eastern design elements and can accommodate up to 1,500 worshipers at one time. The mosque has a soaring seven-story minaret that is used to announce the call to prayer at various times throughout the day. This location shouldn’t be missed by anyone who enjoys traditional architecture, particularly in houses of worship.

15. Try water sports on Batu Ferringhi beach

Water sports at the Batu Ferringhi beach are among the most thrilling adventure activities to be enjoyed in Penang. Water activities occasionally have a negative reputation in some places in Asia because of con artists trying to take advantage of tourists, but you won’t find this Batu Ferringhi.

You can choose between jet skis, banana boats, parasailing, and other watercraft at East Wind Watersports Company, which has the highest reviews on the beach. It’s also possible to ride horses along the beach. Before purchasing, bargain for a fair price. It’s affordable and a good time for everyone!

16. Enjoy THE TOP at Komtar

The TOP Komtar in Penang is the place to go if you’re looking for the ultimate fun spot in Malaysia! This indoor theme park, which is located in Komtar Tower in Jalan Penang, George Town, features a variety of themed attractions.

TOP’s attractions are divided into Window of the Top and Adventure of Avenues for your convenience as you experience the biggest indoor theme park. You’ll be so excited ascending to the top of Penang’s tallest, most recognisable tower – and at 816 feet (248 metres), who could blame you? While you’re here, also take the time to discover the well-known Penang Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck from the Window of the Top.

17. Wander through the Batu Ferringhi Night Market

Batu Ferringhi ‘s night market is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Penang. It boasts a vibrant atmosphere, delicious street food, and unique souvenirs that make for perfect gifts or memorabilia. Located along the beach, the market also offers stunning views of the sunset and an opportunity to soak in the local culture. Visitors can explore over 100 stalls selling a variety of items such as handmade crafts, clothing, jewelry, and traditional Malaysian snacks like apam balik, char kway teow, and satay.

Additionally, the market is located just steps away from the beautiful Batu Ferringhi Beach, providing visitors with a perfect opportunity to enjoy the sunset and relax after a long day of exploring. If you’re looking to experience Penang’s rich culture and vibrant community, the Batu Ferringhi Night Market is definitely worth checking out.

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Amelia is a health researcher and mother of two who loves inspiring other families to add more adventure to their lives. She spent ten years in the travel industry before changing careers, and A Winter Escape is her way of still helping people plan the best possible holidays around the world.

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Must-see attractions in Penang

Blue Mansion

George Town

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

Penang National Park

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

Tropical Spice Garden

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

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

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

Kek Lok Si Temple

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

Khoo Kongsi

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

Kuan Yin Teng

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

The Habitat

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

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Pantai Pasir Panjang

This empty, pristine beach with white sand the texture of raw sugar is one of the prettier spots on Penang for the few who make the effort to get here…

Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve

This 873-hectare forest reserve contains a chunk of Penang's virgin rainforests. Guides are rarely available, so pick up a hiking leaflet at the ranger's…

Cheah Kongsi

Looking splendid after a major restoration, Cheah Kongsi is home to the oldest Straits Chinese clan association in Penang. Topped by a tiled pagoda roof,…

The largest and most intact of the clan jetties, Chew Jetty consists of 75 elevated houses, several Chinese temples, a community hall and lots of tourist…

Lebuh Armenian

Although this street is named for Penang's Armenian population (such as the famous Sarkies, who established the Eastern & Oriental Hotel), there's no…

Botanical Gardens

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Hin Bus Depot

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Protestant Cemetery

Under a canopy of magnolia trees you’ll find the graves of Captain Francis Light, the founder of the British colony of Penang, and many others, including…

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Entopia is about so much more than tropical butterflies – although there's some 13,000 of these beauties from around 120 species fluttering freely around…

Ban Po Thar

This seven-tier, 30m-high tower is one of the most striking features of Kek Lok Si Temple. Completed in 1927, the octagonal pagoda is Burmese at the top,…

Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple

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Wat Chayamangkalaram

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is a typical Thai temple, complete with mosaic-covered naga serpents guarding the entrance, a sharp-eaved pagoda roof,…

Set up in 1860, this Clanhouse is also known as Kew Leong Tong, which means Hall of Nine Dragons. The association is open to anyone with the surname Lim,…

Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple

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Masjid Kapitan Keling

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Art & Garden by Fuan Wong

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Rainbow Skywalk

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House of Yeap Chor Ee

Housed in an exquisitely restored three-storey shophouse mansion, this interesting museum is dedicated to a former resident, itinerant barber-turned…

Asia Camera Museum

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It's fun for all the family here, but be warned: adults report being more challenged than kids by the adventurous games and attractions at this play park,…

Batik Painting Museum Penang

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St George's Church

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Tropical Fruit Farm

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Han Jiang Ancestral Temple

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Church of the Assumption

The Catholic Church of the Assumption was founded in 1786, not long after the foundation of Penang, but the present building was constructed in 1861.

Perhaps the most appealing clan jetty, with a new row of wooden homes and businesses owned by members of one extended family.

Teochew Puppet & Opera House

A family collection of puppets, costumes and traditional instruments form the basis of this charming specialist museum.

Sri Mariamman Temple

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Penang Museum

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More destinations you need to see

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

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

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

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

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

Penang travel essentials

Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Penang Hotels Tours + discounts Flights

View all travel tips on: Penang .

1. Kek Lok Si Temple

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

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2. Penang Hill

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

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Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing

The Habitat Penang Hill Admission Ticket

3. Penang Hill Tram Ride

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

4. Penang Food Trip

5. Fort Cornwallis

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

6. Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

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

7. Old Penang Town Hall & City Hall

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

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

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

9. Kapitan Keling Mosque

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

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

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

11. Little India

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

12. Sri Mahamariamman Hindu Temple

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

13. Yap Kongsi Temple

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

14. Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi Clan Temple

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

15. Love Lane

16. St George’s Anglican Church

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

17. Church of the Assumption

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

18. Malaysian Railway Building (Wisma Kastam)

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

19. Abandoned Shin Chung Branch School

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

20. Christian Cemetery

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

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

Places to visit in Penang

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

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Penang

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

Agoda Booking.com

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

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• 40 Things to do in Penang

Penang Things to Do

Quick navigation, must do things in penang, visit escape theme park.

Indulge in Different Cuisines on the Food tour

Go on a Bus Tour to Explore Penang

Take a hop on and hop off bus tour which traverses you across the island in just 3.5 to 4 hours of time. Taking you to places such as Batik Factory, Fort Cornwallis, Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Wonderfood Museum, Little India - Street of Harmony, Chew Jetty, Armenian Street Art, Waterfront Village, Reclining Buddha and Burmese Temple etc. The sunset tour offers a unique stitch of landmarks around the island such as The Top Komtar, the Observatory Deck, Rainbow Skywalk, the Red Garden Hawker Center, Street of Harmony, Trishaw Night Ride (Heritage Building), Penang City Hall, Penang Town Hall, Esplanade Park and Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. There is a various tour in a day, according to your convenience and time availability you can choose from morning, afternoon or evening tours. Location: Starting point: Harriston Chocolate Boutique, Kelawei Street Timings: Morning: 10 AM to 1:30 PM | Afternoon 2 PM to 5:30 PM | Sunset tour: 6:30 PM to 10 PM Click Here to book  KL Hop on Hop off Bus   tour

Hike to Penang Hill

There are a number of hiking trails originate across Penang hill. The Western Hill at a height of 2731 feet above sea level is the highest point of the Hill which can be raced up in a couple of hours. The various hiking routes are the 'Jeep track', the Moongate and the one starting from the entrance of the Penang Botanic Gardens. Besides breathing fresh air, enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding valley. Location: Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera | Air Itam, George Town, Penang Island 11500, Malaysia Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM daily Click Here to Check out & Book:   Batu Caves Tour from Kuala Lumpur

Experience Penang Butterfly Park

Embrace Penang Wonderfood Museum

Penang Wonderfood Museum is a one-of-a-kind experience where over 100 Malaysian dishes, street food items and local delicacies are on display. The museum allows you to take a plunge in the Malaysian food culture as well as Indian, Chinese, and Peranakan dishes are also showcased shielded under glass covers. The museum has three main sections: the Info Zone, the Wow Zone, and the Educational Zone. Where the info zone lets you take a look at the range of food items, the wow zone let you take pictures with huge models of the dishes. The education zone tells you about the cultural and the related food as well as what should you eat and what might harm. Location: 49, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM daily Explore More:  Places to visit in Malaysia

Kek Lok Si is a wonderful Buddhist temple built in away from Penang’s shore. This architectural structure that is a haven for Buddhist pilgrims and Chinese teachings houses a large Buddha statue apart from thousands of his pictures, more than a hundred carvings, and some sculptures making it a traditional home for both Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. You can only imagine the backdrop that this scenic temple has considering it is built in the hill station on the foot of Air Itam Mountain. The ponds hurling with fishes and the lush gardens add to the equanimity of this place. Location: 3km from Penang Hill Station Timings: 09.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m. Also Explore:  Things to do in KL Click Here to Checkout & Book: Zoo Negara Tickets Y ou can also checkout  99 Wonderland Park Ticket Price

Best of Dubai

Explore Tropical Spice Garden

Exploring the Tropical Spice Garden is one of the highly rewarding activities in Penang for the ones who love to cook. Famous as the bis-diverse living museum that brings nature and culture together. The eight acres of garden encompasses a range of tropical plants and over 500 living specimens from around the world. The spice garden and the flower gardens lure people into marching the well-laid paths of this exotic land. Nestled along the Teluk Bahang junction, this nature conservation complex has three major trails, every trail is dotted with streams, waterfalls and models prepared of recycled organic materials. Location: Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM daily Suggested Read:  Things to do in Malaysia

Witness Teddyville Museum

The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton in Batu Ferringhi houses Malaysia’s first and the largest collection of Teddy Bears to tell stories. From miniature to massive teddy bear, you can choose from a range of teddy bears catering to various shapes and sizes to purchase as souvenirs. The bears at the museum are also used to narrate the history of Penang. Out of the many things you do at this museum, hugging and getting clicked with the bears are few fun activities in Penang that you must not miss! Location: 56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM daily Also Check out & Book:  Petronas Towers Tickets

Go to Penang House of Music

Located in Komtar in central George Town, Penang House of Music was opened to the public in November 2016. Imparting an insight on the Penang’s musical background and heritage, particularly exhibiting antiques and documents of Penang’s musical golden age which started from the 1940s onwards. Set over an area of 650 square metres, right above the ICT mall. If you have even a little interest in music, it is one of the intriguing things to do in Penang. Location: KOMTAR, L4-02, Level 4, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: Opens from 11 AM to 8 PM daily Suggested Read:  Indoor things to do in KL

Visit the magnificent Glass Museum Penang

One of the best things to do in Penang is to take a tour of the Glass Museum, where you can spend a day learning the glass-making techniques, try your hands at making glass trinkets and souvenirs, tour around the stunning maze full of glass exhibits and a kaleidoscope of colours. There is also 3-D art, a workshop area, a glass tunnel, and many other things. Location: 6, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Timing: Monday - Friday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm | Saturday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm | Sunday - Closed. Entry Fee: - Adult - RM 21.50 Foreigner, RM 17 MyKad - Child (ages 3-12) - RM 12 Foreigner, RM 9 MyKad. You can also check out & book  Petrosains Tickets

Explore Penang 3D Trick Art Museum

Penang 3D Trick Art Museum is located on King Street of George Town and was opened in the year 2014. This interactive museum features two levels of shophouse where the ground floor displays sceneries of Penang island and the other terrains. The 3D trick art museum is famous for its murals that simply appear as ‘coming-to-life.’ This place grabs everyone’s attention for clicking pictures. Location: 10, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: Monday to Friday: 9 AM to 6 PM | Saturday to Sunday: 9 AM to 8 PM Recommended Read:  Places to visit in Langkawi

Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi Beach is an adventure land where you can get your adrenalin racing while on a leisure holiday. The availability of Jet Skis and Parasailing sports by the seaside is a major lure that pulls every tourist who visits this town in Penang. Apart from just laying around the beach and taking a sunbath, other things you can do here are getting a buggy ride on the golden sand, go deep sea fishing or revel in a banana boat ride. Location: 11km from City Center, George Town Timings: A few hours before sunset is apt so that you have enough time to beach stuff and adventure sports before watching the mesmeric sunset. You can also check out  Sunway Lagoon Ticket Price

Penang National Park

Penang National Park breaks the stigma around a national park being about plentiful animals and long jungles. This smallest national park in Malaysia is all about exploring nature by walking in its trails where you can spot some animals like monkeys and giant lizards. Here’s the amazing part- it all leads to a beach! That is one of a kind, where you get to sunbathe in almost privacy, swing on the beachside, visit the lighthouse and picnic. The Kerachut beach here is home to thousands of turtles with whom you can spend some time if you are lucky in this Malaysia park

Location: Pejabat Taman Negara P. Pinang, George Town Timings: 07.30 a.m. to 07.00 p.m. You can also check out KL Tower Mini Zoo Ticket Price

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Visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Peranakan Mansion is a museum at church street of George Town which once used to be a residence and office of a Chinese Tycoon. The museum houses artefacts, antiques and collectables belonging to the Peranakan heritage. The furniture and decor of the house also reflect the lifestyle during the Peranakan heritage. The mansion was formerly christened as the Hai Kee Chan, which stands for the 'Sea Remembrance Hall.’ The house was completely abandoned post world war two and was invaded by the Japanese during their occupation of Malaysia. Today, it has been restored to its original state and is open to visitors. Location: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia Timings: 9:30 AM to 5 PM daily

Admire Penang Bridge

Pray at St. George's Anglican Church

Go to Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a boutique resort that dates back to its construction in the year 1880s. Situated on the 14 Leith Street of Georgetown in Penang, the mansion architecture reflects traditional Chinese style built. The grand manor appoints 38 rooms, seven staircases and a total of five well-paved courtyards layered in granite. The house was built by an affluent merchant-trader named Cheong Fatt Tze which was later sold by its descendants to save it from demolition and now it is a government's property. Location: 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 11 AM to 12 PM | 2 to 3 PM | 3:30 to 4:30 PM Also Read:  Places to visit in KL

Enjoy at The Top Komtar Penang

Things to do with family and kids in Penang

Adventure zone.

You could have a tough time getting your kids out of here once you take them to the Adventure Zone, but, it is worth it. It is an indoor adventure place for every growing child, toddlers, children and teens who can be accompanied by their parents. From drop slides, net-bridges, and playground to a ball fountain and outdoor games, this air-conditioned children’s dreamland is worth every penny! The good news? You only have to pay for your children, and your entry is free! Location: Golden Sands Resort Timings: 10.00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m. You can also check out  Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi Ticket Price

Take blessings at Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is a stunning and the oldest Burmese temple on the island of Penang. The temple is found along the Burma lane, opposite to a Thai temple - Wat Chayamangkalaram. Established in the year 1803, the temple name was formerly coined as the Nandy Moloh Burmese Temple. The temple reflects Burmese architecture in its spires and golden domes. Visiting such diverse temple is one of the activities in Penang that makes the island town stand out in its stature. Location: 24, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings:  From 5 AM until 6 PM daily

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Visit Entopia

Entopia is famous as nature’s largest classroom where you encounter a collection of insects and butterflies. It is classified into two major and separate sections- The Natureland living outdoor gardens and the Cocoon indoor discovery centre. Housing more than 200 species of flora and 150 species of flora, Entopia is a living habitat that is comprised of waterfalls, ponds, gardens and caves. Visiting Entopia is one of the offbeat things to do in Penang which certainly will invigorate your inner self. Location: No.830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM daily Book Now:  Entopia Tickets

Relive History at Penang State Museum and Art Gallery

Nestled along the Jalan Farquhar in Georgetown, Penang State Museum and Art Gallery are considered as one of the top state museums in the country. The entrance of the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery is greeted by a royal statue of Captain Francis Light, who was the founder of the Penang Straits Settlement. Housing several galleries which display a detailed collection of historical documents, old photographs and maps, Chinese furniture, costumes, embroidery, and other antiques from various communities of the country. If you are a history buff, walking these galleries can be one of the best things to do in Penang that you must not miss! Location: Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: Opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM except for Fridays Entry Fee: RM 10 per person. You can also check out  Underwater World Langkawi Price

Made In Penang Interactive Museum

Taking a tour of this museum is possibly the most fun Penang things to do. Situated within the vicinity of the historical Behn Meyer building, this museum displays 3-D trick art, paintings, murals and much more. It is a two-storey structure which showcases works of local artists with themes of the Penang lifestyle. While here, do not forget to capture many trick-shots and almost unreal photographs. Location: 10, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Timing: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 PM | Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm. Entry Fee: - Adults - RM 35 - Kids (3 to 12 years old) - RM 25

Pay a visit to Penang Floating Mosque

Penang floating Mosque was built in the year 2004 in an attempt to refurbish a rather smaller mosque which was destroyed by the Tsunami in the same year. The mosque has a remarkable outlook with a seven-storey sky-touching minaret that gives a splendid view of the surrounding. The mosque located on the Tanjung Bungah’s stretch of beach and can easily be spotted because of its Moorish architecture and the impressive tower. Location: Tanjung Bungah Road, Pulau Pinang, 11200, Penang, Malaysia Timings: Friday prayers from 12 PM to  2:30 PM (closed for masses). Entry is subject to the permission obtained from the mosque officials.

Experience peace Kapitan Keling Mosque

Kapitan Keling Mosque is an Indo-Moorish structure and a significant landmark in Penang which was built in the year 1801. Established by the first Indian Muslim settlers at the junction of Lebuh Buckingham and Lebuh Pitt, it is the largest mosque in George Town. The edifice is marked by a distinctive yellowish-golden dome with influences drawn from the Mughal style of architecture. The whitewashed building is also adorned with stars and crescent-shaped patterns which is commonly found in Indian-Islamic minarets. Location:   14, Jalan Buckingham, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily, closed on Friday

Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple Visit

Touching a height of 72 feet above the ground, Karumariamman Temple is an impressive South Indian Temple in the middle of the island. It houses the largest Rajagopuram which is 11 feet wide and 21 feet tall. Originated as a state temple around a hundred years ago, it was only in the 1970s when the temple was intricately constructed into the new township of Seberang Jaya. Location: Jalan Todak, 13700 Perai, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 6 AM to 12 noon | 4 PM to 8 PM daily

Have fun at Youth Park

Fondly christened as “ a park for everyone,” the Youth Park was established in 1972 as a place that suits people from all walks of life. Sprawling across an area of 40 acres, the park entertains you with myriads of facilities such as a large pool area, magnificent fountains, skating tracks, a magnanimous chess board, facilities like archery centre and skateboard areas impresses sports lovers. Besides the sports enthusiasts, the park also serves children and seniors at its best. Location: Persiaran Kuari, Pulau Tikus, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: Thursday to Saturday: 6 AM to 5:30 PM | Friday: 7 AM to 5:30 PM Entry Fee: RM 3 to 5 per person. You can also Check out  Superpark Malaysia Ticket Price  

Best of Malaysia

Watch beautiful birds at Penang Bird Park

With over 300 species of local and exotic birds, the Penang Bird Park is the first and the largest bird park in Malaysia. Started in the year 1988 in the Seberang Jaya region, the park campus spans over an area of 5 acres. The assorted collection of birds includes the tiny exotic sunbirds, locally found kingfishers,  vulturine guineafowl, pelicans, swans, storks mandarin ducks, flamingos, and gigantic eight ft-tall ostriches, etc. Location: 45, Lintang Kurau 7, Chai Leng Park, 13700 Perai, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 9 AM to 7 PM daily Entry Fee: Adult RM 38 | Children (Below 12 years old) RM 20. You can also check out & book  Zoo Negara Tickets Online

Explore Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest

Spotted at around a distance of 8 kilometers from the main town, Bukit Mertajam is nature’s oasis. Spanning across an area of 37 acres, Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest is 457 meters above sea level. From hiking, picnicking, to simply sitting by the cascading waterfalls; no matter where you look, it is a verdant sight. The forested campus is marked by an old ornamental suspension bridge and a tiny tea kiosk which make for an amazing photo stop in the middle of the jungle. Location: Kampung Teluk Bukit, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang, Malaysia Timings: 24 hours Click Here to book:   Genting Highlands Day Tour

Get a little scared at Penang Snake Temple

Shrouded under a famous tail behind the making of this temple, Penang Snake Temple was built in the year 1850. According to the words by a renowned Buddhist priest in Malaysia, the monks at the temple provided a safe haven to a snake in the bygone time and after the snake died the temple moved on its own. Since then, the temple is home to pit vipers and green tree snakes which you as a visitor will be surprised to witness. Another name for it is the Temple of the Azure Cloud or Pure Cloud Temple and is situated around 12 kilometres away from George Town. Location: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 5 AM to 7 PM daily Recommended Read:  Adventurous Things to do in KL

Go to Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

Founded in the year 1835, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi is a Chinese temple located at Cannon Square in George Town. The temple represents the finest Chinese clan where, in history, a hundred and two Kho clan members came together to form an association to work towards the welfare of  Khoo clansmen in the Nanyang. The interesting fact about this temple is that the association documented each clan ancestors and descendants and the record is now one of the most complete genealogical charts of all the clans in Penang. Location: 18, Cannon Square, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM daily

Enjoy yourself Straits Quay

Straits Quay is a shopping centre-cum-marina in George Town of Penang. Tucked at the centre of  Seri Tanjung Pinang, this seaside mall was opened to the public in 2010. Housing a large marina and a convention centre, the mall houses more than 100 retail shops. From the subway, pappa rich to Starbucks and Sam’s Groceria supermarket; the mall has uncountable things to keep you engaged. Location: Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang 10470 Tanjong Tokong, Penang Malaysia, Malaysia Timings:  Monday to Saturday: 9 AM to 1 AM | Sunday  9 AM to 12 AM You can also check out & book   Splash Out Langkawi Tickets

Witness the beautiful Clan Jetties

The Clan Jetties is a group of six Chinese floating villages, each distinctive of a specific clan which is represented by a temple and traditional style of architecture. There are a total of six temples which can be visited as part of the tourist Things to do in Penang. The villagers in these jetties are welcoming, the Chew Jetty being the most popular and friendly. Location: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Timing: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. Popular Read:  Water Sports in Langkawi

Experience peace Goddess of Mercy Temple

The first temple made in the iconic George Town is the only Chinese temple in the town. Built in 1728, the temple is dedicated to the Taoist Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin. Formerly dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu who is worshipped by the Hokkiens, later the temple was renovated during the year 1824 and the deity was changed to Guan Yin. The temple is quite close to the sea, embellished with dragon figures and follows the principle of Feng Shui. Location: 30, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM daily

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Things to do in Penang at night

Enjoy drinks at soho free house.

Soho Free House double-storey old-school British pub is situated on Jalan Penang. This extravagant pub is famous for hosting a friendly crowd, and a culture of an all-day Happy Hour beer servings. With playing non-stop classic grooves and riffs from the 80s to promising an unlimited production of some finely brewed beer, Soho is also known for arranging top-notch dining experiences. Location: 50, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: 12 PM to 3 AM daily Cuisine: This cafe serves a mixed menu of pasta, seafood, Chinese, Thai etc.

Shop at Batu Ferringhi Night Market

A legendary night market that comes to life every evening along the seashore of Batu Ferringhi. From vendors displaying colourful trinkets to selling fake brands in products like bags, clothes, footwear; from pirated DVDs to home decor products- there is rarely something that’s not available at this market. Shopping here is one of the steal-deal things to do in Penang. Location: Along Jalan Batu Ferringhi, from Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa to Shangri-La’s Golden Sands Resort Timings: Starts at 7 in the evening till late at night. (daily)

Indulge in delicious food at Three Sixty Rooftop Bar

Considered as one of the top-class rooftop bars in Bangkok, the Three Sixty bar is a part of the Millennium Hilton group.  The building has 31 floors and the bar is located on a large rectangular open terrace that imparts a phenomenal view of the cityscape. From devouring on a range of servings to sipping on some expensive champagne and wine; this place has a view of the Chao Phraya river that beats every other observatory in the town. Location: 25-A, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: Sunday to Thursday - 4 PM to 1 AM | Friday and Saturday- 4 PM to 2 AM Cost for two: INR 900 to INR 2000 (approximately).

Enjoy music at Hard Rock Cafe

Situated on the ground floor of the beachfront Hard Rock Hotel Penang, the Hard Rock Cafe is a place where music, entertainment and food go hand in hand. Serving the classic American cuisine in its menu, the cafe hosts incredible live concerts and performances. Besides spotting celebrities and musicians, you can also shop for customized merchandise such as HRC T-shirts and mugs etc. Location: Jalan Batu Ferringhi c/o Hard Rock Hotel Penang, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Timings: Sunday to Thursday - 11:30 AM to 2 AM | Friday and Saturday- 11:30 AM to 2:30 AM Entry Fee : 450 RM (average) for two.

Take a walk at Gurney Drive

Fondly referred to as The New Esplanade or the Persiaran Gurney, the famous Gurney Drive is one of the largest seafront promenades in Georgetown in Penang. Ideal for leisure walks and jogs, the place is every hawker’s playground in the city. One can savour some of the best street cuisines in town along the seafront. Gurney Drive was also listed as one of the 25 best streets worldwide to visit by The Traveller, an Australian travel magazine. Location: 10250, Penang Island, Malaysia Timings: 24 hours While in Malaysia, you can also check out & book  Langkawi Wildlife Park Tickets  

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Penang Top Attractions

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.    

Penang Hills is officially named Bukit Bendera, meaning Flagstaff Hill. Penang Hills was founded by Captain Francis Light, a British belonging to the East India Company, in the late 18th century. The hill was renamed Flagstaff Hill, much evident in its current name. The captain had done some deforestation for growing strawberries and hence, this place is sometimes referred to as Strawberry Hill.The Habitat Penang Hill is one of the best eco-tourism attractions with nature’s best and flourishing experiences. These experiences take you on a tour of Penang Hill’s prehistoric rainforests which are greener and older than Amazon rainforests. The tour of the tropical diverse ecosystem of Penang will make you experience exotic weather and 50% exceptional flora and fauna lying only in this place of the whole island. This makes you walk through the langur hay canopy and the infamous Ribbon bridge.The 13 meters high Curtis crest tree top walk is the highest point for the spectators to enjoy on Penang Island. The natural ecosystem of Penang is protected and maintained by a non-profit Habitat Foundation that safeguards biodiversity and forests.Click Here to Book: Habitat Penang Hill Tickets

If you are planning to visit Malaysia’s Penang, then Entopia Penang needs to be on your itinerary. In one of Malaysia’s largest butterfly farms, one can witness the stunning sight of more than 15,000 butterflies flying freely amidst natural settings of blooming flowers and rich vegetation. If you dare, you can also meet and greet the residents of Nature’s underground, like insects and creepy crawlies like snakes and scorpions.With more than 200 species of flora and over 150 species of fauna, Entopia recreates the natural tropical habitat of the numerous natural inhabitants. The park also aims to teach visitors about butterflies and other residents of the park through its various exhibits and face-to-face interactions with the creatures. There are also Nature Learning Activities like Nature Talk, Vita Nova, and Bug Exploration, where curious visitors are welcomed to explore more about the wild. Entopia Penang also has numerous activities and interactive exhibits designed especially for children, making it one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Malaysia.Click Her to Book: Entopia Tickets

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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

Where to stay in penang, penang itinerary, day 1 itinerary in penang, day 2 itinerary in penang, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in penang, day trips from penang, faq on penang itinerary.

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!

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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.

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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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27 Best Things To Do In Penang – What You Should Really Try

Searching for the best thing to do in Penang? Even if you have been here multiple times, there’s always something new to see and do!

Whether your interests lie in food, culture, history, taking pretty pictures for your social media, hiking, or even riding horses, there’s something for everybody to enjoy!

Check out this a fool proof list of must-see and lesser-known places.

Table of contents:

• Eat Penang Food
• Hike Up Or Ride The Train To Penang Hill (& Habitat)
• Stop By The Penang Peranakan Museum
• Wander Among The Clan Jetties Of Penang
• See The Famous Street Murals Of Penang
• Visit Kek Lok Si Temple
• Admire The Flora At Penang Botanical Gardens
• Climb Up To Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple
• Soak In The History Of Fort Cornwallis
• Have Fun At An Interactive Museum
• Marvel At The Architecture Of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Temple
• Go For A Tour At The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion)
• Visit Penang’s Oldest Taoist Temple, Goddess Of Mercy Temple
• Surround Yourself With Nature At The Penang National Park
• Step Into The Penang Butterfly Farm (Entopia)
• Tropical Fruit Farm
• Go For A Tour Inside Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque
• Ride A Horse At Countryside Stables Penang
• Set Your Sights On Balik Pulau’s Stunning Paddy Fields
• Roam Penang’s Colorful And Lively Little India
• Peek Into The 200-Year-Old Sri Mahamariamman Temple
• Treat The Kids To Adventure Zone Theme Park
• Get Your Adrenaline Going At ESCAPE Theme Park
• Enjoy Penang’s Skyline From The Top Komtar (The Top Penang)
• Jog Or Walk Around Air Itam Dam
• Relax At The New Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park
• Watch The Sun Set At Batu Ferringhi Beach

27 Best Things To Do In Penang

Some of these are not your usual tourist attractions so pay attention!

1. Eat Penang Food

This goes without saying! Savory Malaysian dishes like assam laksa and Hokkien mee are an absolute must-try!

Local food haunts like  Chulia Street Night Market  (we personally prefer Kimberly Street and 888 Hokkien) will satisfy your needs for a one-stop location with Penang street food !

You’ll find many local favorites like lor bak,  boiled octopus and char kway teow sold at the hawker stalls along this street.

Read more: 11 Best Night Market In Penang – Monday To Sunday (Especially #5)

2. Hike Up Or Ride The Train To Penang Hill (& Habitat)

On a clear day, you can see the whole of Penang and even Langkawi from atop Penang Hill, a popular Penang tourist attraction. The night view is just as nice too!

There are numerous hiking trails of varying height and difficulty to Penang Hill. But you can take the  30-minute funicular  from Air Itam to Penang Hill if you’re not keen on hiking!

Do expect a long wait if you go during a public holiday or weekend. However,  Fast Lane  tickets are available.

• A Complete Guide On Penang Hill
• The Habitat Penang Hill (Ultimate Guide) – With Tips For Entrance Fee Discounts!

3. Stop By The Pinang Peranakan Museum

Allow a couple of hours at this stunning museum that is itself a restored building.

There are many exquisite Nyonya-Baba (Peranakan) culture exhibits inside the museum!

It costs RM25 per adult to enter but if you have more than 5 in your group, you can book a private tour for no extra charge!

What we feel about Penang Peranakan Museum .

• Location: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
• Contact: +604-264 2929
• Opening Hours: 9:30am–5pm

4. Wander Among The Clan Jetties Of Penang

Chew Jetty is one of the remaining traditional settlements left by Chinese immigrants. It is open to the public from 9am to 9pm to casually observe the local lifestyle.

Some of the jetties can feel very touristy with all the vendor shops. Time your visit for high tide if you want to photograph the sea.

Do respect the privacy of the families that still live here and refrain from taking photos of the house interiors and families!

Read more about each of the clan jetties in Penang .

5. See The Famous Street Murals

While you’re moving between places to visit in Penang, you can keep an eye out for these street murals !

They’re easy to spot as there’s often a line of people wanting to have a photo with the murals!

• Along Muntri Street: Girl in blue
• Armenian Street: 2 kids riding a bicycle; Children and dim sum
• Armenian Café: Old man’s face
• Lebuh Armenian: Giant orange cat
• Ah Quee Street: Boy on a motorcycle
• Cannon Street: Boy reaching up standing on a chair
• Chew Jetty: Kids in a boat
• Gat Lebuh Chulia: Kids playing basketball
• Penang Road: Man resting in trishaw

6. Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

One of the best places to visit is this large and picturesque Buddhist temple in Air Itam. Especially when the lights are on for Chinese New Year!

Go early in the day to avoid the heat and the crowds! And for RM2, you can access the pagoda for a view of the city! Prepare yourself to climb 300+ stairs for the 360° views.

Read more about our experience at Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang .

• Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Air Itam, Penang
• Contact: +604-828 3317
• Opening Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm

7. Admire The Flora At Penang Botanical Gardens

An impressive garden with numerous trails and a 50m-high waterfall, it shares a common trait with Taiping Lake Gardens :

Both are transformed abandoned quarries by past British colonial administrators.

Today, the gardens are still well kept and some of the original trees are now giants! Including the unusual Cannonball trees .

More details on Penang Botanical Gardens .

• Location: Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 George Town, Penang Island
• Contact: +604-226 4401
• Opening Hours: 6am–7pm
• This is where you can start your hike up to Penang Hill .

8. Climb Up To Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple

Not far from the botanical gardens:

Waterfall Hill Temple or Thaneer Malai as locals call it, requires visitors to climb 500+ stairs to reach the magnificent temple complex!

Because of the necessary physical effort, you’ll likely have the breath-taking views   of the surroundings to yourself!

• Location: 17, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang Island
• Contact: +6011-1003 2054
• Opening Hours: 6am-12pm, 4:30pm-9pm

9. Soak In The History Of Fort Cornwallis

Note: Moat restoration works in progress

Fort Cornwallis is another famous Penang tourist attraction for history buffs with pleasant views of the sea at the upper level!

Hence, it’s an especially popular location for sunset strolls.

The entrance fee for foreigners is quite steep at RM20 per person . But you can still admire the fort from afar.

It’s a 15-minute walk to this late 18 th century British Colonial fort from Chew Jetty.

• Location: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
• Contact: +6016-411 0000
• Opening Hours: 8am–11pm

10. Have Fun At An Interactive Museum

Try an interactive museum for a slice of fun for the whole family!

There are so many which provide welcome relief from the afternoon heat too! And you’re guaranteed to bring back some wacky photos for  souvenirs .

Recommended museums:

• Wonderfood Museum
• Upside Down Museum
• Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
• More museums in Penang

11. Marvel At The Architecture Of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Temple

For photographers and history buffs, you can visit this historical Chinese clan house – a cluster of ornate buildings that include a temple, a large hall and theatre.

Be on the lookout for evening cultural shows here. The lit courtyard against the temple architecture creates the perfect backdrop!

Read more about Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi .

• Location: 18, Cannon Square, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang Island
• Contact: +604-261 4609
• Opening Hours: 9am–5pm

12. Go For A Tour At The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion)

We have another architectural old-world wonder in this list!

Visitors can either choose to stay, dine (Indigo restaurant) or come for the  daily tours  at The Blue Mansion. You can book these 45-minute tours online on their site .

Take note of the tour times (11am and 2pm) and be punctual! They do require visitors to be 15 minutes early before the stated tour times.

There is no limit for the number of tour participants so try to go on a less busy day to avoid compromising on your experience there!

Read more about Blue Mansion ( Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion ).

• Location: 14, Leith St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
• Contact: +604-262 0006

13. Visit Penang’s Oldest Taoist temple, Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Temple)

Kuan Yin Teng as Penangites refer to it, has survived its fair share of violence during the Japanese invasion and back in the 1960s.

The still-standing roof is a testament to ancient Chinese craftsmanship !

Many devotees flock to this temple during Chinese New Year, the annual feast days for Guan Yin as well as on the Jade Emperor ‘s Birthday.

• Location: 30, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island
• Contact: +604-226 2645
• Opening Hours: 8am to 6pm (hours vary during festivities and celebrations)

14. Surround Yourself With Nature At The Penang National Park (Pantai Keracut Beach)

Take a day to explore the national park when you want to get away from the busy city!

There are two main trails here – the easy coastal trek to Monkey beach or an inland jungle trek to a turtle sanctuary.

You’ll probably need  2 days  to cover all the highlights for both trails:

• Kerachut Beach (Pantai Keracut) – the turtle sanctuary and meromictic lake are here
• Monkey Beach (Teluk Duyung)
• Muka Head Lighthouse – additional steep climb from the coastal trail

See this detailed guide on Penang National Park .

Penang National Park Office:

• Location: Jalan Hassan Abas, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Penang Island
• Contact: +604-881 3530
• Opening Hours: 8am–5pm

15. Step Into The Penang Butterfly Farm (Entopia)

There’s much more than just butterflies at Entopia. This is an education and research hub that has outdoor gardens!

And an indoor discovery centre with interactive exhibits on insects and other invertebrates! You can easily spend your whole afternoon at Entopia !

• Location: No.830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
• Contact: +604-888 8111
• Opening Hours: 9am–5pm (Closed on Wednesdays)

Read more: Penang Durian Farm – 9 Best Places To Eat Durian In Penang

16. Tropical Fruit Farm

A tour at a local fruit farm can be a surprisingly interesting and pleasant experience outdoors. It does get sunny at times, so bring a hat!

The farm spans 25 acres of organic fruit, including durian and cherries. It is not far from Entopia.

See more photos from our visit to the  Tropical Fruit Farm .

• Location:  18th Mile Stone, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Penang
• Contact:  +6012-497 1931
• Opening Hours:  9am–5pm

17. Go For A Tour Inside Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque

Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque extends out into the sea. This iconic building is not far from George Town too. Its RM15 million construction began in early 2000s with its official opening in 2007.

However, it is only during  high tide  that the mosque appears to be on the sea!

And if you meet the dress code, you can enter the prayer hall for a  free 30-minute tour  of the elegant mosque!

• Location: Tanjung Bungah Road, Penang Island, 11200, Penang
• Contact: +6012-4051324
• Opening Hours: 5am–9:30pm

18. Ride A Horse At Countryside Stables Penang

While far from George Town (30-40 minutes’ drive), horse riding at Countryside Stables Penang is a relaxing pastime that requires no serious commitment!

The entrance and lesson fees are affordable .

First-time riders will feel at ease with the friendly instructors, clean stables, and healthy horses! You can have a go at feeding or brushing the horses too!

• Location: Lot 10050, Jalan Sungai Burung, Kampung Sungai Burung, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang Island
• Contact: +6012-408 0678
• Opening Hours: 1:30pm to 6pm
• Entrance Fees: RM12 (Malaysian adults), RM8 (Malaysian children 2 – 12 years old)
• Guided Horse Ride (200m): RM15 (Children), RM20 (Adult)
• Lesson Fees: RM80 (30 minutes), RM120 (60 minutes) – advanced booking required

19. Set Your Sights On Balik Pulau’s Stunning Paddy Fields

Got your own car? We recommend driving out of busy George Town for the day and escaping the touristy atmosphere for a bit.

Not only is this area of Penang quieter but it is incredibly scenic with views of the sea, many durian orchards, and paddy fields.

Speaking of paddy fields, there is one field that you should see if you’re in the area. Known simply as Balik Pulau Paddy Field, it has a giant shipping container with a mural on either side.

As you might expect, you can’t do much here other than admire the mural and take lots of photos. On the plus side, it’s completely free to visit.

Note: If the paddy field has just been cut, it’s not very pretty. Keep an eye out on social media or Google reviews to check the status of the field before going.

Read more: Love Lane Penang : What To Love About This Popular Street In George Town

20. Roam Penang’s Colorful And Lively Little India

Little India of George Town stretches over Chulia Street, Queen Street and Market Street with an abundance of currency exchange services !

It is busiest before and during Deepavali and Thaipusam!

Expect to find sarees to fit any budget with costume or gold jewellery shops to help you complete the look.

While you’re here, try authentic and  vegetarian-friendly  Indian food and snacks (NR Sweets)!

• Location: Lebuh Pasar, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang Island
• Contact: +604-250 2800
• Opening Hours: 8am–9:45pm

21. Peek Into The 200-Year-Old Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple of Queen Street is the oldest Hindu temple on the island. You’ll probably pass by it if you’re walking around Little India!

Various puja (rituals) occur daily throughout the day and during festivals when it is full of devotees!

Inside the temple, are the Hindu deities such as Lord Subramaniamx Durga and Ganapathy.

• Location: Lebuh Queen, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang Island
• Contact: +604-2638916
• Opening Hours: 8am to 12pm, 5pm to 9.05pm

22. Treat The Kids To Adventure Zone Theme Park

Kid-friendly places to visit Penang include this air-conditioned  indoor theme park  inside  Golden Sands Resort !

It is essentially a giant jungle gym (of over 10,000 sq ft ) for kids!

Parents and guardians can join in the fun for free ! There are drop slides, a ball pen, game zones and birthday party rooms.

Don’t forget to bring socks and long-sleeved tops for everyone who’s playing!

• Location: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Kampung Tanjung Huma, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island
• Contact: +604-886 1911 ext. 7874
• Opening Hours: 10 am–1 pm, 2pm–6 pm

Entrance Fees:

• Resort Guests: RM22 (2-hour session per kid), RM44 (Half-day session per kid)
• Walk-In Visitors: RM36 (2-hour session per kid)
• Entry of adults is free with children

23. Get Your Adrenaline Going At ESCAPE Theme Park

ESCAPE Theme Park has two sections – a waterpark and an adventure park! You might want to get a multi-day pass so you can try both.

This should be in your consideration for things to do in Penang with kids !

Highlights Of The Adventure Park:

• Kite Flyer (50m swing through the jungle)
• Tubby Racer (Ride a rubber tube down a slide!)
• Monkey Business (High rope obstacle course)

Highlights Of The Water Park:

• Water obstacle course
• Water slides (Banana Flip, Family Twister, Speed Racers)
• Location: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Penang Island
• Opening Hours: 10am–6pm, Closed on Mondays
• Entrance Fee: Day Pass:~RM113 (Child 4 – 12 years old), ~RM170 (Adult), Free (Children below 3 and seniors more than 60 years old)

Tip: Tickets are cheaper if you book more days and in advance!

Read about our experience at Escape Theme Park in Penang .

24. Enjoy Penang’s Skyline From The Top Komtar (The Top Penang)

You don’t have to suspend yourself from the side of the building to get a good look of Penang from above!

Instead, there is a glass platform (Rainbow Skywalk) that visitors can walk out on.

If you plan to check out the family-friendly indoor theme park at The Top Komtar , there is a different ticket (The Top Fun Pass) that lets you access Rainbow Skywalk multiple times in a day!

• Location: 1, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Penang Island
• Contact: +604-375 9800
• Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm (weekdays), 10am – 10pm (weekends)

Tickets are cheaper for Malaysians!

• Jurassic Research Center: RM58 (Adult), RM48 (Child/senior citizen)
• Rainbow Skywalk & Observatory Deck: RM68 (Adult), RM48 (Child/senior citizen)
• The Top Boutique Aquarium: RM38 (Adult), RM33 (Child/senior citizen)
• 3 Attraction Pass (Jurassic Research Center, The Rainbow Skywalk & Observatory, The Top Boutique Aquarium): RM75 (Adult), RM55 (Child/senior citizen)

Tip: Save 10% when you purchase tickets online one day in advance!

25. Jog Or Walk Around Air Itam Dam

Kek Lok Si is visible on the way to Air Itam Dam, the first dam in Penang !

It hardly ever gets mentioned. But nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts will appreciate it.

Locals love to frequent this scenic area for a morning or evening jog/ walk. The path around the lake is ~ 3km long with 4 to 5 slopes.

It’s a short, shaded hike up (40-50minutes) from the car park at the bottom of the hill to the dam for unbeatable views!

Early risers will be treated to the mist among the trees and cooler temperatures too.

• Location: Jalan Balik Pulau, George Town, Penang Island
• Contact: +604-509 6509

26. Relax At The Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park

A particular drain canal filled with koi at this park went viral in social media for its resemblance to clean Japanese drains.

Now, the new urban park is bringing activity back to this older part of town.

The attractive and well-maintained contemporary park features a playground for kids and hot-air balloon shaped lanterns that lend a dreamy atmosphere when evening comes!

• Location: 50, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island
• Opening Hours:  6am to 11pm

Read more: 19 Best Cafe In Penang With Great Coffee (Includes New Cafes)

27. Watch The Sun Set At Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi used to be one of the best places to visit in Penang after an exhausting day exploring George Town !

But the landscape has seen much development including high-rise buildings!

Water sports bring noise to the peaceful beach and affect the water quality.

However, there are restaurants nearby that still make the beach a convenient venue for visitors to take in the sunset!

Getting To Penang Attractions Easily

If you can’t decide what the best things to do in Penang are, let us help!

Our experienced local guides will bring you around Penang to their favorite places from morning to evening!

RayTheTour offers private tours in Penang, Cameron Highlands, Ipoh as well as other towns in Perak – including Taiping! These tours can be just for one day or for multiple days.

Make bookings or inquiries via  WhatsApp .

If you prefer to get around on your own, here are the  4 Best Ways For Getting Around Penang  (With All Penang Transport Options).

And if you’re flying into Penang, you might want to read up on How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown  (4 Easy Ways).

Is Penang your next destination after Kuala Lumpur? We have a guide on How To Get To Penang Island From Kuala Lumpur  (KL) too.

It’s hard to run out of things to do in Penang! From museums, parks, temples, historical sites, and theme parks!

Figuring out where you want to go beforehand will help you to maximize your time in Penang. And you can use this list to help you do that!

Other posts you might like:

• Best Time To Visit Penang: When Not To Go & Special Events To Look Out For
• 15 Best Hotels In Penang For An Unforgettable Stay
• 23 Best Things To Do In Penang At Night
• Orangutan Island: A Hidden Orangutan Sanctuary In West Malaysia Close To Penang
• How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Penang (Step-by-Step Guide)

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An Incredible 2 Days in Penang: Best Penang Itinerary For A Short Visit

Penang, Malaysia is one of those places that we would return in a heartbeat. While we loved exploring Kuala Lumpur , Penang is easily a favorite place to visit in Malaysia. From the recognition as a top foodie destination to the gorgeous nature and hiking opportunities, we can’t get enough of this place!

We only had two days in Penang as we did a weekend trip with Justin’s colleagues. While two days is a short time frame, it was enough time to experience the Malaysian culture and to wander around the small island. We appreciate the laid-back and slower pace of the city’s vibe, friendly locals, and the affordability of accommodations and food .  

In this Penang 2 days itinerary, we’re highlighting the awesome things to do in Penang including the well-recognized street art, mouth-watering places to eat, best places to stay, and how to get around. As you know us by now, we’re including plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and relaxing on the beach. Feel free to mix up the itinerary based on the amount of time that you have and your interests. 

Now let’s continue to see how you can maximize your 2 days in Penang itinerary. 

* Disclaimer: Have a vacation in Penang? This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Appreciate the support.

Penang Itinerary: Day 1 – Explore George Town and Batu Ferringhi

On the first day in Penang, we’re off to explore George Town, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia since 2008 and later heading to the beach at Batu Ferringhi.

Whether you’ve landed in Penang in the morning or stayed in the city the night before, George Town is a great introduction to the capital city of Penang. The area is sprawling with rich culture from its food scene to the incredible street art to the beautiful temples.

At first glance, George Town may look a little dated and grungy compared to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur , and Singapore . Yet it’s such a charming area that still preserves its original look and feel of the buildings and lifestyle. 

Our itinerary below is based on a DIY walking tour. If you prefer to have an organized tour of George Town, consider making a reservation to take this tour. 

Walk around and look for amazing street art in George Town. 

We’re a fan of seeing street art around the world and George Town’s artwork doesn’t disappoint. It’s one of the top things to do in Penang!

In 2012, Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist, transformed George Town to a street art mecca. He created interactive artwork by combining everyday objects such as motorbikes and bicycles with paintings of local people. His artwork is playful and depicts Malaysian people in their everyday lives. 

You’ll recognize the famous artwork such as,

• The boy looking back on the motorbike (located near Lebuh Pantai and Lebuh Ah Quee)
• The brother and sister sharing a swing (located near Pengkalan Weld and Gat Lebuh Chulia, next to the 35@Jetty Building 潮人居 )
• The brother and sister reaching out of their window for the bike with the bamboo steamers  (located along Gat Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Victoria, next to the Ming Xiang Tai Pastry Shop 名香泰饼家)

Zacharevic’s influence paved the way for George Town to now have dozens of designated street art locations in the main George Town. Besides the interactive artwork, you’ll also notice wire artwork which also depicts the Malaysian culture and the city’s history.

Take the time to travel through the popular areas to spot the artwork such as along Armenian Street and Victoria Street . Consider wandering through quieter streets and alleyways to find some hidden gems.

One of our favorites is of two cats in a yellow tub that says, “Please care n bathe me.” The artwork is small and off an alleyway from Gat Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Victoria that you can easily miss. Plus, we like the PSA that the stray cats need care too!

If you’re interested in learning more about street art and its cultural influences, check out this post on the best street art books to read .

Wander around the Armenian Street and Little India.

Now we’ll head to the cultural areas of Penang. The first stop is Armenian Street . As a former street that housed Armenian traders, it’s now a hot spot to buy unique souvenirs, enjoy a cup of coffee at cafes, and of course, pose with the street art. 

Some highlights of the area include: 

• Umbrella Street is one of those Instagram spots in Penang with colorful umbrellas above your heads. While the street is small, it’s filled with restaurants and fun street art. It’s located in an alleyway near Zacharevic’s Children on Bicycle street art.  
• Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple 福德正神庙 is a great spot to see a Chinese temple.

Not far from Armenian Street is Little India . Embrace your senses and the vibrant colors with the yummy Indian cuisine and shopping in the area. You can stop by the Sri Mahamariamman Temple which is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. 

Head to the Chew Jetty.

Only a short walk away from Armenian Street is the Chew Jetty 姓周桥 (also referred to as Clan Jetty). It’s a floating village area with clothing and souvenir shops and restaurants along the walking route. If you’ve been to Brunei ’s Kampong Ayer or Hong Kong’s Tai-O Village, the look of the jetty area is similar. 

The walking route is an out-and-back once you reach the water area. The wooden walkway is tight and can get crowded with visitors so it’s not best for those with claustrophobia. You can also see some street art in the area too. 

If you’re hungry, grab a bowl of noodles at the Chew Jetty Big Bowl Noodles 姓周桥大碗公面. While we weren’t hungry, this place looked intriguing. You can order a big bowl of noodles (seafood, beef, pork, vegetarian) for up to five people. The noodles are placed in a giant ceramic bowl (the bowl is bigger than your head!) for everyone to eat out of. The restaurant is closed every Wednesday. 

Spend the Afternoon at Batu Ferringhi Beach.

Let’s take a break from exploring George Town by heading to the north side of Penang Island to Batu Ferringhi Beach . It’s 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) away and takes about 40 minutes (depending on traffic) to drive there. The beach stretches about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) so your Grab or taxi driver can drop you off anywhere.

While the water is not the greatest (we think it is a bit dirty) and the sand is coarse, the beach is a good spot if you’re dying for some sun, beach time, or want to get away from the city center. For our group, the beach was our bonding and hang out time. You can hire a boat ride or a jet ski for some water adventures.

Depending on how late you stay in the area, there is an evening night market along the main road, Jalan Pantai Batu, that starts around 8pm. You can purchase souvenirs and eat street food. 

If you prefer to have a more sit-down environment for a meal,  we recommend that you try Andrew’s Kampung . Located in an unassuming strip mall on the third floor, this place serves good Chinese food. The owner, Andrew, is super friendly and provided suggestions on what to eat. Prices are on the higher end compared to what you can get in George Town. We enjoyed our family-style meal of tofu clay pot, fried sea bass, fried squid, stir-fried veggies, and beef curry. There are plenty of vegetarian options here. 

Address: Eden Parade, Jalan Sungai Emas, Kawasan Perumahan Sungai Emas, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Return to George Town for the Night Market and Eat More!

George Town has a few night markets where you can eat your heart out such as Kimberley Street Food Market or Chulia Food Night Market .

We went to the Chulia Food Night Market where many hawker stalls set up shop along Chulia Street selling noodles, BBQ seafood, sandwiches, and more. A small bowl of wonton noodles will set you back 4.50 MYR ($1.08 USD). Prices are reasonable so you can stop by multiple shops.

You can also find more restaurants and bars along Love Lane . 

Penang Itinerary: Day 2 – Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si 

On our second day in Penang, we’re off to get some exercise hiking up Penang Hill and also the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si. These two places are some of the most memorable  

Hike or Take the Cable Car Up Penang Hill.

Penang Hill is a top place to visit in Penang. With a summit of 833 meters (2,733 feet), it’s the perfect place to work up a sweat to hike up Penang Hill and see the beautiful views of the city. Once you reach the top of the mountain, there are many attractions to visit so you can spend half a day here. 

We love hiking so we decided to trek up to Penang Hill summit. There are several hiking routes you can take depending on your starting location.

We took the Heritage Trail which you can get to from the Penang Hill Lower Station . This trail is not technical as you don’t need hiking boots yet it’s humid and hot if you start later in the day. Most of the hiking trail is shaded so that helps and you’ll pass by lots of greenery and trees. There are a few resting spots along the way so you can take a break.

Give yourself a huge pat on the back once you hike to the top as it’s no easy task. It’ll take between 1.5-2 hours to reach the top of Penang Hill.

Read more about our experiences hiking Penang Hill here.

Tip: If you want to hike the trail, go early to beat the heat – before 7am! Don’t be like us and start around 10am! Don’t forget to bring lots of water as you’ll sweat a lot. 

Even though we’re sweating like crazy hiking Penang Hill, we’re rewarded to an awesome view of the city and also see the cable car pass by.

Penang Hill Cable Car

Not into hiking? Don’t worry, you can purchase a round-trip cable car ticket for 30 MYR ($7.20 USD) for adults or 15 MYR ($3.60 USD) for children. 

The lines for the cable car can be very long and you can wait 30-60 minutes in line! If you want to bypass waiting in line, you can purchase a round-trip express ticket for 80 MYR ($19 USD) for adults and 40 MYR ($9.60 USD) for children.

Skip the line to purchase the cable car tickets and buy them ahead of time here . 

With your cable car ticket, you can feel free to get off at the sub-stations to hike up or down Penang Hill. The sub-stations for the cable car are only available at the top of every hour such as 9am, 10am, 11am, etc. 

At Penang Hill Summit

Once you reach the summit of Penang Hill, feel free to check out the various free attractions such as the observatory tower, locks of love, the colorful Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan temple, and grab a snack to eat at the Cliff Cafe. 

We also recommend that you visit The Habitat where you’re surrounded by the forest. It’s a fun spot to walk around on the suspension bridges, swing on the giant swings, see the view of Penang Hill on the top of Curtis Crest, and enjoy nature. The best part is that this place is quiet and doesn’t have crowds!

You do need to pay a separate admission ticket to enter yet it’s worth the price. For the adventure lovers, you can also do zip lining between the trees (for an additional fee). 

The standard admission cost is 55 MYR ($13.10 USD) for adults and 35 MYR ($8.40 USD) for children, seniors, and students. We purchased tickets at the counter, yet you can save money by purchasing tickets ahead of time. 

Save money with The Habitat tickets by clicking here .

A visit to Penang Hill’s The Habitat is a must-visit during your two days in Penang. The views of the forest are stunning!

Awe at the Kek Lok Si Temple.

Once you’ve reached the bottom of Penang Hill, take a Grab car to go to the Kek Lok Si Temple , the largest and one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Malaysia .

Your Grab driver will most likely drop you off at the lower level where you need to take cable cars to each of the levels. If possible, ask them to drop you off at the top level so you can bypass the tourist trap of the cable cars and walk your way down to the other levels.

The top area is lovely with the impressive Guanyin statue (Lady Buddha) standing tall at 30.2 meters (99 feet high). The pavilion around Lady Buddha is still in construction. Behind the Lady Buddha statue is an area with over 10,000 smaller Buddhas.

As with any temple, please be respectful when entering the temples as there will be people making prayers. You can buy good luck wishing ribbons for yourself,  family members, or friends. 

If you prefer a tour of Kek Lok Si Temple, combine the opportunity with a visit to Penang Hill. Consider this tour option. 

Although it just rained, Lady Buddha is still stunning at Kek Lok Si Temple.

Stroll through Air Itam Dam.

Our friend who lives in Penang showed us this off-the-beaten-path place nearby the Kek Lok Si Temple. From the temple, if you drive (or walk) along the paved path for 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), you’ll reach Air Itam Dam .

It’s a reservoir area where you can also walk and run around the lake. It was a pleasant and quiet walk where we saw a few families of monkeys (macaques and dusky leaf monkeys – so cute!). Be careful when approaching the monkeys as they are wild animals!

The monkeys at Air Itam Dam are shy as they don’t see too many tourists.

At the end of the day, head back to George Town area to do some last-minute shopping or see things that you didn’t get to on the first day.

If You Have 3+ Days in Penang

Two days in Penang is not enough time to visit everything, especially when it comes to trying all of the different food. If you have three or more days in Penang, consider visiting these other Penang attractions which are on our bucket list when we return. 

• Penang National Park has plenty of hiking trails to keep you occupied for the day and you can even head to the beach. It’s on the bucket list to visit Penang National Park’s Meromictic Lake in the future. We also like how there is free admission to the park. If you decide to go on the canopy walkway, there is an admission fee. 
• Penang Botanic Garden is an oasis of an area with greenery and beautiful plants. There is a hiking trail that leads to Penang Hill. You can also relax along the waterfall in the area . 
• Go shopping in the Gurney Drive area . We didn’t have time to explore the glamorous area of Gurney Drive so we’ll check it out on a return trip.

How to Get to Penang

Most visitors will fly into Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport  (airport code: PEN). For us, it was an easy 1.5-hour flight via Air Asia (one of our favorite low-cost airlines in Asia) from where we started in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

If you’re starting your Malaysia trip in Kuala Lumpur, you can take a domestic flight or consider other modes of transportation to get to Penang .

We loved how the airport was so convenient and orderly with immigration. It took us only five minutes to pass through immigration, considering that the line was short. 

To head to the main city area, the easiest way is to take a taxi, Grab car, or hire a private driver from the Arrivals terminal. Grab is Southeast Asia’s equivalent to Uber ride-hailing. It’s an efficient way to travel throughout the city and often cheaper than taking a taxi. Download the Grab app here . 

Don’t forget that you’ll need to have a data plan in order to use Grab or to browse the internet. Check out this post on the best Malaysian SIM card to purchase. We recommend that you buy one before leaving the airport. 

Save money and pre-purchase a 4G SIM card for pick-up at the Penang International Airport .

If you’re from the U.S. and looking to upgrade your international phone plan , consider getting Google Project Fi . You can use data and text on this plan in over 200+ international countries without having to buy a SIM card and/or pay extra. We’ve used this plan since 2016 and love it! Sign up for Google Project Fi and get $20 off your bill .  

How to Travel Around Penang

If you’re staying in George Town, then you can walk around everywhere . It’s a walkable area with decent sidewalks (unlike what we’re used to in Ho Chi Minh City). 

Another unique opportunity is to hire a cyclo . You get to sit in a carriage and the driver bikes around the city to major attractions. Depending on your driver, he can also act as your tour guide. Compared to other cyclos that we’ve seen in Southeast Asia, the Penang cyclos are adorable as they’re decorated with stuffed animals and streamers for a more inviting ambiance. 

Consider taking the Penang Hop On and Off double-decker bus to visit the top highlights of Penang. Purchase your ticket ahead of time and save money !

For a free bus alternative, take the Central Area Transit (CAT) bus which stops by the popular and interesting places of Penang. Click here to see the route s . 

For distances farther away, it’s recommended to hire a Grab car . We didn’t see too many taxis driving around in George Town. The traffic in Penang can be slow so you’ll need to be patient or travel during the off-peak hours.

A unique way to explore George Town is on a cyclo tour.

What to Eat in Penang

Oh gosh, what to eat in Penang is the million-dollar question. It’s no doubt that the food in Penang is amazing! There is so much delicious food to eat from the assam laksa to the char koay teow. With our limited time in Penang, we barely made a dent to try all the Malaysian and Chinese food. 

To get a taste of Penang street food, take one of these local tours:

• 3-hours George Town Street Food Tour
• 4-hours Penang Street Food Tour 

Below are some of the restaurants in George Town that we tried and would recommend.

• Mew’s Cafe is a fabulous spot to try traditional Malaysian food. You can choose to sit inside the restaurant or enjoy the patio. Choose from dishes such as beef rendang, nasi lemak, or noodle dishes. We tried the beef rendang which had tender beef with turmeric rice, pineapple salad, and crackers. We also had the ikan samal with steamed sea bass in banana leaf served with blue rice. The fish was cooked perfectly and had a lot of good flavors from the coconut milk. Try the sago gula melaka for dessert as the pandan sago isn’t too sweet with syrup and coconut cream. Main entrees are around 26-30 MYR ($6.20-$7.20 USD).

 Address : 77, Muntri St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

• China House is a must-visit spot to eat in Penang to satisfy your sweet tooth. Come to this place with an empty stomach as you’ll drool over the 30+ fresh-baked desserts from baklava to tiramisu. We tried two pieces of cake – passion fruit coconut butter cake and the fresh ginger cake. Both were heavenly yet the passion fruit coconut butter cake was the winner! It was moist and had a burst of flavor from the passion fruit cream. Each slice of cake is between 11-15 MYR ($2.60-$3.40 USD) and can be easily shared with two people. Besides dessert, you can also have meals for lunch or dinner. Just note that this place is busy so there will be a wait to grab a table and to get waiters’ attention. 

 Address: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

 For more information: Website 

Did we say dessert?! Check out China House during your Penang itinerary. It’s a fabulous place to try over 30+ desserts.

• Toh Soon Cafe is a recommended place to eat a cheap breakfast. Locals and tourists line up to find a seat in a tiny alleyway. The menu only has a couple of items. The most popular item is the buttered toast with a running egg. It’s one of those dishes that is so bad for you with the richness from the butter yet oh so good! We also recommend that you try one of the paper-wrapped items on your table. At first, it was a mystery to us yet it was a surprise to see a ball of rice with fried fish, hard-boiled egg, and spicy sambal. The flavors tasted similar to Indonesian food and brought us back to Bali . Three toast with eggs, 1 rice ball, and 3 drinks set us back 21.20 MYR ($5 USD). 

 Address: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Come to Toh Soon Cafe for breakfast. Locals and tourists enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a plate of buttery toast with egg. Simple yet delicious.

• Hong Kee Wan Thun Mee (Hong Kee Bamboo Noodle 鸿记(廣式) 竹昇云吞面 ) is your place if you want Hong Kong-style noodles. The restaurant makes their noodles daily and you can see them in person at 10am and 3pm. From one person pressing the dough down with a giant bamboo stick with his thigh to another person placing the dough in the noodle flattening machine and cutter, it’s such a sight to see the process. 

 We recommend that you try the wonton noodles and the egg tart (it’s one of the best ones that we’ve eaten!) If you   decide to upgrade to a large size, you’ll get more than double the amount of noodles as the regular size. 

 Address: 37, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

 For more information: Facebook  

If you’re missing Hong Kong food, try the noodles at Hong Kee Wan Thun Mee!

• Khoon Klanng Bak Kut Teh is further away from the main tourist attractions yet it has delicious bak kut teh, braised pork ribs in a broth. While this bak kut teh version doesn’t have the pork bone in the broth, unlike what we’ve had in Singapore, it comes with a nice addition of mushrooms and tofu. Our Grab driver recommended that we eat bak kut teh with yam rice and it didn’t disappoint. 

 Address: 320, Jalan Perak, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Where to Stay in Penang

Finding accommodations in Penang is relatively easy depending on your budget and comfort. We suggest that you stay closer to the street art area (near Armenian Street) as it’s a prime location.

As you can see from the Penang 2 days itinerary, you’re in a central location for the sites and have easy access to affordable street food. Plus, wouldn’t it be cool to stay at one of the guesthouses in the traditional Straits-Chinese architecture ?! You’ll recognize the tall buildings attached to other buildings and all having reddish rooftops.

Click here to find the best accommodations in Penang’s George Town .

Our group stayed at the Carnarvon House in George Town which provided enough space and was a central location to the major Penang sightseeing places. We rented the entire building. If your group is smaller, you can rent individual rooms. The lower level has a huge living room and dining area. Upstairs has two levels of guest rooms and shared bathrooms with 2 shower rooms and 2 combo toilet/shower rooms with body wash provided. All rooms come with towels and air conditioning. The only bad part about this place was that there are mosquitoes everywhere. The cost is $30-$50 USD per room per night. Find availability and reserve a room at the Carnarvon Hotel.

You can also consider staying in the chic Gurney Drive area or at one of the resorts along the Batu Ferringhi beachside.  Here are some splurge/luxury options to consider:

• G Hotel Gurney is located next to the Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon so it’s perfect if you want to go shopping. The cost is $125-$190 USD per room per night.  Check availability and reserve a room at G Hotel Gurney .
• Park Royal Penang Resort is within walking distance from the Batu Ferringhi Beach and has all the amenities of a resort including a water theme park for children. The cost is $120-$300 per room per night. Read more about the hotel and make a reservation at Park Royal here .

Our two days in Penang went by way too quickly. We feel like we scratched the surface here. Regardless, we hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post on what to do in Penang in 2 days. Since there is so much to do here, we’ll be back to Penang soon!

Have you visited Penang? What other places should we visit on a return trip? Share in the comments below.

Enjoy this post? Save it to your Asia Pinterest Board.

I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. I love planning things whether it is a trip or an upcoming event, exploring nature, hiking up mountains, and seeing new places. I'm notorious for getting lost, so you may see me circling a place a few times.

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I visited Penang on a cruise a few years ago and hardly had a day there. We visited Georgetown which was a fantastic idea because it was my favourite part of the city. The street art was amazing and so was the street food! Also, going up the Penang Hill was a great thing to do. So glad we managed to squeeze that in given our limited time. I wish to return to Malaysia someday with more time to explore its cities and eat their food because I love it so much!

Wow! Can’t believe you only had less than a day in Penang! You managed to see a lot during your time there. Hope you can return back to Penang again soon!

I think I had recently heard that George Town was put in a top 10 list of places to retire in the world recently…we should have checked it out when we went to KL last year! You’ve really sold me with photos of the food…Toh Soon Cafe will definitely be visted one day!

George Town would be a lovely place to retire! We would just eat our way through this amazing area.

Wow! Thanks for the lovely blog on Penang. You have nicely described how to travel Penang so nicely with awesome 2 days Itinerary – explore George Town, which one is the UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia since 2008 and then how to headed back to Batu Ferringhi. I didn’t know the fact that in the year 2012 a Lithuanian artist transformed George Town to a street art mecca which one is really interesting for me

Shreya – We’re glad that you enjoyed the Penang itinerary. It’s such a fascinating place to visit. Hope you can visit in the future!

I would love to see Little India. I remember I stumbled upon Little India in Bangkok and loved the atmosphere. As I have never been to India, seeing Indians with turbans wrapped around their head was fascinating.

I didn’t know there was a Little India area in Bangkok. Thanks for the tip! Will need to check that out on a return trip.

Penang sounds like a fascinating destination! The street art looks incredible and so life-like! I love exploring frescoes – we have some great ones here in Switzerland, we also found some very famous ones in Lyon.

We spent the entire day looking at street art in Penang. Although there is a map of the location for the street art, it’s a bit of a treasure hunt since the artwork could be in an alleyway somewhere. Good to know about the frescoes in Switzerland! Would love to see those on a future visit.

I’ve never been but have heard such great things – especially about the murals there. How fun that you got to meet a furry friend at Air Itam Dam and the Botanic Garden is defs calling my name. Seems like I gotta book a weekend trip here sometime!

Hi Jas! Hope you can visit Penang in the future. A weekend in Penang sounds like a fabulous plan!

Very interesting street art works! I really like this installation with a swing, it’s really ingenious. I have never even heard of this place, but after reading your blog post I would love to visit it.

Ewa, the swing artwork is so much fun to pose with. There are other street art in Penang with props such as with a motorbike, bicycle, basketball hoop, and more!

I love street art myself, Penang has been on my list for quite sometime now. The one with the swing looks so life-like. It’s quite an instagrammable place for travellers.

Yes!! Visit Penang as soon as you can! Many of the street art is fading away from sun damage and/or usage (especially the interacive ones). Hope you can travel there sometime this year.

I really like how the street art and murals in Penang are meant to be interactive with travellers for photos. I’d definitely like to hike up to the viewpoint on Penang Hill, but if it was too hot I’d probably take the cable car! I really like your detailed itinerary, very informative.

Sara – The street art in George Town, Penang is so much fun to explore. We didn’t have enough time to see everything as there are street art hidden in random alleyways. Would love to go back to explore more.

What a beautiful street art!

Hi Niry. Yes, Penang has some of the best street art that we’ve seen on our travels. Hope you get a chance to see them in the future.

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• 15 Must Visit Attractions In...

15 Must-Visit Attractions in Penang, Malaysia

There’s more to Penang than char koay teow. Here are 15 top attractions you need to see for yourself.

1. penang national park.

Forest, Park

Tucked away on the less populated side of the island (Teluk Bahang), Penang’s National Park is thick with rainforest, wildlife (monkeys, lizards, cicadas that sing even in the daytime). It covers eight beaches, including but not limited to Pantai Kerachut, Pantai Mas, and Teluk Duyung (also known as “Monkey Beach,” though real monkeys are scarce).

The end goal of most trekkers is the Muka Head lighthouse. Climb atop and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the sea and city.

2. Kek Lok Si

What better way to spend Chinese New Year than at Penang’s most illustrious temple? Built in the late 19th century, this “Heavenly Temple” has a Goddess of Mercy that stands 99 feet (30.2 meters) tall under an octagonal pavilion and a devotional pagoda that incorporates the best of Thai, Burmese, and Chinese architectural designs.

When it lights up for Chinese New Year, the entire complex is bathed in an ocean of light — kind of like the penultimate scene in Disney’s Mulan .

Kek Lok Si during Chinese New Year | © Kelvin Foo/Shutterstock | © Kelvin Foo / Shutterstock

3. Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Hindu Temple

This elaborate Hindu temple in Queen Street is hard to miss. A small, colorful gopuram (a tower ornamented with Hindu deities and floral decorations) rises out of this unassuming temple, housing the Goddess Mahamariamman.

It’s best to visit during the Chitraparuvam festival, when the temple becomes the final destination of the Chariot procession of Lord Subramaniyaswami.

Lebuh Queen, 10450 George Town, Penang , +604 264 3493

5. Hin Bus Pop-Up Market

6. wat chaiyamangalaram temple and dhammikarama burmese temple.

Nobody really goes to one without going to the other. Situated side by side on Burma Road, these two temples feature intricately decorated pagodas and stunning golden statues. In fact, the centerpiece of the Wat Chaiyamangalaram is a Sleeping Buddha measuring 108 feet (33 meters), making this stone figure the third longest (of its kind) in the world.

Inspired by a bit of cultural Buddhism? You can even purchase prayer beads and lotus candles from the temple or the vendors outside.

Dhammikarama Burmese Temple © gracethang2/Shutterstock | © gracethang2 / Shutterstock

7. Butterfly Farm

Unless you’re allergic to these delicate winged creatures, there’s no reason not to visit the Entopia Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang. A remarkable hub of exotic plant species and 15,000 free-flying butterflies, this beautiful garden will make you wish you were a garden fairy.

For those who enjoy learning about our insect friends, the cocoon features interactive edu-stations and illustrative butterfly evolution maps. Super kid-friendly.

Entopia Butterfly Farm | © Hussain Ajina

Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang , +604 888 8111

8. Tropical Spice Garden

Ever wondered which herbs made your jiu hu char so flavorful? Well, this is where you find out. With eight acres (32,375 square meters) of award-winning gardens featuring hundreds of tropical herb plants, this lush plot is where you should be spending your afternoons.

If you’re prone to mosquito bites, you might want to wear long pants or bring mosquito repellent. Go for the guided tours — they’re better than the audio ones.

Tropical Spice Garden | © Phalinn Ooi/Flickr

9. Snake Temple

It’s in the name. Amidst the smoldering joss sticks and burning paper effigies, there are snakes lurking around. Most have been de-venomed, though legend insists that the pit vipers wouldn’t hurt anyone anyway, out of reverence for the Buddhist monk who first gave them shelter in the temple.

Heads up: The snakes aren’t caged.

Snake Temple | © Prince Roy/Flickr

Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang , +604 643 7273

10. Avatar Garden

If night has fallen and you want to do something quick before bar-hopping, drop by the Avatar Garden in Tanjung Tokong. This romantic, mystical place is roped with a dazzling array of colors, and the best time to see it is after sunset. Entrance to the garden is free, but parking can be a pain, so be sure to grab an Uber or GrabCar (or, really, a bus).

Avatar Garden | © ShangChieh/Flickr | © ShangChieh / Flickr

11. Ferringhi Night Walk Bazaar

Bazaar, Market

12. Street Art

Recent years have re-established George Town as a central hub for art and culture, and this is in no small part thanks to the flourishing street art scene. Artists the likes of Ernest Zacharevic, Louis Gan, Rone, and Kenji Chai have made Penang their canvas, memorializing the city’s past by painting it on present walls.

Don’t forget that street art isn’t just confined to George Town. Balik Pulau has a few wicked murals too, many of which are painted by the Russian artist Julia Volchkova.

Girl in Blue | © Phalinn Ooi/Flickr

Best begin your street art trail from Lebuh Armenian, 10450 George Town Penang

13. Kapitan Keling Mosque

The charm of Malaysia is its ethnic and religious diversity, and if you’ve been to the Buddhist and Hindu temples in town, it’s time to visit the Kapitan Keling Mosque too. First built by Indian Muslim settlers in the 1800s, this stately mosque has a well-manicured lawn, whitewashed walls and columns, and Jawi calligraphy.

You will be asked to wear appropriate clothing to enter.

14. Tropical Fruit Farm

Natural Feature

15. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Bars & Cafes

Where to find the best desserts in penang.

See & Do

The 5 best malls in penang, malaysia.

The 5 Best Day Trips in Penang, Malaysia

Guides & Tips

The 10 best co-working and study spaces in penang.

Food & Drink

The best nasi lemak spots in penang.

Take a Tour of Green Acres Eco Farm in Malaysia

The 10 Best Beach Bars in Penang, Malaysia

Restaurants

The 10 best chinese restaurants in penang.

The Best Hikes and Walks in Penang, Malaysia

The 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Penang

Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in penang, malaysia, for every traveller.

10 Awesome Free Experiences to Try in Penang

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Penang in a day — what to do in penang in 1 day & how to spend 24 hours in penang perfectly.

Not Bangkok, Bali or Bandung – Penang (Pulau Pinang) is one of my favorite destinations in Southeast Asia because of the ancient, the rich history and culture, the variety of local dishes. Penang is not hustle and bustle like Kuala Lumpur. It is quiet, peaceful with beaches, with charming art of Georgetown but has a deep history, culture and cuisine. Penang is a great destination for those who love both exploring and relaxing. So, what to do in Penang in 1 day (24 hours in Penang, a day in Penang, one day in Penang, Penang in a day). Let’s check it out our Penang one day trip blog (Penang itinerary blog, Penang trip blog) with our suggestion Penang itinerary 1 day (1 day in Penang) on how to spend a pefect day trip in Penang (Penang day trip) to find out the answer!

• Penang itinerary 1 day — How to spend one day in Penang & what to do in Penang in a day?
• Penang day trips — 10+ best day tours in Penang & day trips from Penang
• Penang itinerary — How to spend 3 days in Penang?
• Penang trip blog — The super Penang travel guide for a Penang budget trip for the first-timers
• Where to visit in Penang? — 15+ must-see, best & must visit places in penang

If you have the opportunity to travel to Malaysia, besides the bustling of Kuala Lumpur, you should not miss the gentle, beautiful of Penang. A perfect itinerary is that you can visit both cities on a trip to feel the difference. But what if your itinerary doesn’t allow, do you think of experience Penang in one day? It sounds impossible but I will share my experience so you can experience near “fully” Penang in a day.

Now, let’s start the journey of discovery with what to do in Penang in 1 day. To do that, you must get up early first!

What to do in penang in 1 day? — Morning: Breakfast and and ready to explore street art

First go to Lebuh Carnarvon, near Campbell Street Market, the street in the ancient Georgetown. Your Penang itinerary 1 day will start from here. Lebuh Carnarvon is bustling with local shops, bookstores and cafes.

Cuisine at Lebuh Carnavon Street is Malaysian – Chinese dishes. Here, you will definitely find something for your stomach. To start the day, call the signature delicacies of Malaysia such as char kway teow (Malaysian rice noodle stir-fry), or nasi lemak (National dish of Malaysia). Nasi Lemak is a traditional dish of Malaysians including rice cooked with coconut milk served with many dishes such as chicken, fish, eggs, peanuts, fried dried fish… and especially spicy hot samba sauce. Starting a new day with these two dishes ensures that not only will your taste buds be stimulated, but also filled your stomach.

If you are a sweet taste lover, there are a variety of cakes nearby to choose from. You can try egg tart, nyonya kueh (a traditional pastry in Malaysia, colorful). For dessert, let drink teh-tarik, which is Malaysian hot milk tea and kopi panas (coffee). Awesome, you will be energized for the whole day exploring Penang.

After a full breakfast, get your camera ready for a walk around Penang. You can moving by bike or on foot. Start a street exploration tour from the heritage roads such as Lebuh Armenian, Lebuh Muntri, Lebuh Chulia and the surrounding area. Here you will find not only charming colorful houses, temples, mosques, but also admire the wall paintings by Lithunian artist – Ernest Zacharevi and other workarts by the locals.

From those works of art, you also learn about culture and history, such as why the road name is Love Lane. This is a fairly large area and if you want to see all the street art works here, bring a small guide handbook/map from the hotel. Definitely, every hotel has it.

1 day in Penang — Noon: Learn about the history of Penang and enjoy Malaysian coffee

After taking enough virtual living photos with wall paintings, go to the legendary blue mansion of Cheong Fatt Tze – a famous businessman, politician in history. The building combines the ornate architecture of both the East and the West architecture style. Built in the 1880s, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is in the traditional Hakka – Teochew style. The sophistication is reflected in every detail from the windows, stairs, elaborate sculpture corridors and beautiful, classic tiled floors. The striking blue wall is the shimmering and very photogenic spot. This is one of the must visit in Penang.

Continued reading…

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