tourism malaysia penang

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Penang

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023

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.

The Habitat Penang Hill

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

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

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

Official site: https://thehabitat.my

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury Hotels:

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

Mid-Range Hotels :

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

Budget Hotels :

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

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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

Pete Seaward

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

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Blue Mansion

George Town

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

Penang National Park

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

Tropical Spice Garden

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

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

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

Kek Lok Si Temple

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

Khoo Kongsi

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

Kuan Yin Teng

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

The Habitat

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

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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

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40 Best Things To Do In Penang – Visit Nature Spots, Street Food Haunts & Local Museums

Things to do in Penang

It’s a general consensus that Penang is among the top destinations to visit in Malaysia. Small it may be, the charming island fits more into its bag than seems possible – incredible food , historic cultural streets, jaw-dropping architecture , and lush nature spots are just some of them.

While the state is best known for its hawker food and street art, the fun doesn’t end at just those things. From thrill-seeking activities like having a paintball battle on a World War II battleground to laidback adventures such as exploring historic monuments and colonial buildings, we rounded up all the best things to do in Penang as recommended by locals.

Table of Contents

– Active & outdoor things to do in Penang –

– family-friendly things to do in penang –, – nature spots in penang – , – instagrammable places in penang –, – historic sites in penang – , – cultural sites in penang – , – museums in penang – , – shopping in penang –, – restaurants, cafes & bars in penang – , the best things to do in penang, 1. discover balik pulau on an atv with penang atv eco tour.

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

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

The trail extends over 10km long and takes approximately an hour to complete. A tour guide will lead the way and snap pictures of your adventure, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride and revel in your surroundings. You’ll get some prime views of palm trees, fruit orchards, vegetable farms, and the stretching mountains.

A single-seater ATV is priced RM100 , while a two-seater is priced RM150 .

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

2. Take on the longest zip coaster in the world at ESCAPE Penang

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

Set amongst a foliage of nature and lush trees, ESCAPE’s variety of rides, including obstacle courses, will have you feeling like Tarzan conquering the forest as you triumph through them. Start off high with Adventure Play , a ride comprising ziplining, tree-climbing, and rope-balancing at a height.

There’s also the Tubby Racer, which will send you skimming down a sloped hill on a tube at maximum speed.

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

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

Admission:  From RM128.80/adult | From RM85.40/kid | Free for senior citizens and kids age 3 and below Address: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm (Closed on Mondays) Contact: 017-797 7529 | ESCAPE Penang’s website | Facebook

3. Have a paintball battle at a WWII fort with War Zone

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

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

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

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

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

4. Go rooftop go-karting at Kart Hauz

If you’re looking for a go-karting experience that’s quite literally on another level, Kart Hauz is the place for you. This spot is a cut above the usual circuits you might have been to – its track is located on the rooftop of a mall. On top of the thrilling race, kart-racing enthusiasts can experience a stunning view of the surrounding mountains too.

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

Kart Hauz opens till 11pm too, so you’ll have the chance to enjoy a ride under the night sky with scattering stars.

Packages for families and the little ones are available as well. Depending on the duration of the race and type of kart, the price for a race here ranges from RM65-RM175/pax.

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

5. Ride horses at The Countryside Stables

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Explore a butterfly garden with a waterfall at Entopia

Enter Entopia   and feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale-like garden, with blooming flowers and butterflies all around you. Previously known as Penang Butterfly Farm, this nostalgic haunt among ’90s Penang kids has since reopened its doors at a new and upgraded facility in 2016.

Housed in a huge glasshouse conservatory, its main Natureland is one of several butterfly aviaries in Entopia that simulates a tropical rainforest. It’s filled with over 300 plant species, artificial tunnels, a waterfall, and even various reptiles.

Walkways guide you through the garden, while butterflies fluttering all around create a picturesque scene for photo ops.

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

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

Admission : RM45/pax for Malaysians | RM55/pax for standard tickets | Free for children age 3 and below Address: No.830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Penang Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily Contact: 04-888 8111 | Entopia Butterfly Farm’s website | Facebook | Instagram

7. Burn off extra energy at Kids CEO Playland

Let the kiddos burn off all that extra energy at Kids CEO Playland , which is recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest standalone indoor playground in the country. The 4-storey playland, which stands apart from the rest as it’s not located inside a mall, features play structures such as slides, climbing walls, ball pits, and a jungle gym.

A highlight here is the pastel-coloured crochet playground, where the kiddos can swing over, as well as bounce and crawl on, crochet nets. There are also play zones with building blocks, toys, and bricks for kids of all ages to get creative with.

Admission: RM38/adult & RM28/kid Address: 3, Jalan Perda Jaya, Kawasan Perniagaan Perda Jaya, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang Opening hours: Mon-Fri 12pm-5.30pm & 17pm-9.30pm | Sat & Sun 10am-9.30pm Contact: 018-988 9433 | Kids CEO Playland’s Facebook

8. Catch views of the coastline & sunset at Gurney Bay

After much anticipation, Gurney Bay opened to the public in February 2024. Though in its first-phase opening, visitors can already check out part of the 27-acre park that has a promenade that overlooks the sea.

The park has become a popular place to catch the sunset, with unblocked, open views of Penang’s coastline. Other facilities here include a public skate park and a playground.

There are future plans to add a hawker centre, beach and boardwalk, water taxi jetty, and more parking bays, with expected completion in 2025.

Address: Gurney Drive, 10250 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

9. Stroll across a canopy walk at The Habitat on Penang Hill

A recent development in George Town’s iconic Penang Hill is The Habitat Penang Hill , an eco-park that lets visitors explore a rainforest. Perched on the summit of Penang Hill and spanning the fringes of the island’s oldest rainforest, the rainforest discovery centre was built to conserve, preserve, and protect the diverse ecosystem and biodiversity of the last remaining rainforest in Penang Hill.

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

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

Admission: RM60/adult & RM40/child Address: Jalan Stesen, Bukit Bendera Air Itam, 11500 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | Sat & Sun 9am-8pm Contact: 019-645 7741 | The Habitat Penang Hill’s Facebook | Instagram

10. Go for a morning walk at Penang Botanical Gardens

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

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

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

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

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

11. Feast on durians at Green Acres Orchard & Ecolodge

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

Green Acres Orchard & Ecolodge in Balik Pulau is one of many organic fruit farms tucked deep in the hills. Operating for over 70 years now, the 16-acre orchard has always been more than just a durian farm. It’s also a nature retreat with two traditional wooden lodgings, where guests can experience the farm’s beauty with them.

It also hosts Durian Tasting Tours during the durian harvest season, typically between the months of June and August. The tour covers the whole experience of picking durian in the woods to cracking them open and relishing the creamy sweetness in your mouth. There are over 500 durian trees at the orchard, which you will learn more about during tour.

Other local fruits are grown in the farm as well, such as jackfruit, cempedak , rambutan, nutmeg, longan , and rare wild herbs.

The 2-hour Durian Tasting and Farm Tours are held from Thursdays to Sundays, when durians are in season. Guided tours are priced RM165/adult and RM800/kid – for groups consisting of more than 3 adults, the rates would be RM125 per person.

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

12. Frolic about the Tropical Spice Garden

With 8 acres of greenery, Penang’s Tropical Spice Garden is a verdant sanctuary that holds a diverse array of tropical plants, herbs and spices, and over 500 living specimens from around the world.

Located along the Teluk Bahang junction, the botanical haven invites nature lovers to explore their various trails and themed sections such as spice terraces, a bamboo garden, and a water garden.

Besides meandering through the lush forest, the garden also offers cooking classes guided by professional chefs using the spices and herbs grown within its grounds to concoct traditional Malaysian dishes.

There’s also a small coffee shop tucked within the garden, Kanopi Coffee . They serve a small menu of Black (RM8) and White (RM9) coffee.

Address: Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Mon – Thu 9am-4.30pm | Fri – Sun 9am-6pm Contact: 012-423 6797 | Tropical Spice Garden’s website | Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

14. Soak up views of George Town at The Top

Jumping off a cliff with a mere rope attached to your body isn’t for everyone. And we totally get that. But if you crave for the view that you can only get from high above, then head to the Rainbow Skywalk at The Top, Komtar. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of George Town without any anxiety-inducing jumps involved.

Jutting out from Level 68 of the building is a  glass walkway suspended 816ft above the bustling city. At night, the glass bridge lights up in rainbow hues, hence its name.

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

Admission : RM78/adult & RM58/child Address: 1, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Wed-Mon 10am-10pm | Tue 10am-7pm Contact: 017-289 0800 | The Top’s website | Facebook | Instagram

15. Cycle through crooks & nooks of George Town to discover street art

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

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

They fill the streets and alleyways of George Town like a quirky surprise in nearly every corner, but you could start your mural-hunt at Chew Jetty , and then head on to Armenian Street, Beach Street, or Cannon Street. If you’re not a fan of walking in the blazing heat, rent a bicycle or hop on a trishaw to explore the street art, while admiring the architecture of the heritage buildings as well.

16. Marvel at houses on stilts at Penang’s iconic Clan Jetties

Frolicking about George Town without visiting the famous clan jetties of Penang is simply preposterous.

Originally built by Chinese Hokkien immigrants from the Fujian province of China back in the 19th century, the clan jetties, or kongsi, are essentially villages made up of houses on stilts above the sea water. Each cluster of these traditional wooden houses on stilts belong to a specific family clan, with dozens of them to be found within the floating villages.

Though there used to be 10 of these settlements, only six remain. Each settlement is named after the surname of the different families, and each are still called home by the families’ descendants till this day.

The oldest, largest and the most popular of the clan jetties is Chew Jetty, which welcomes visitors to stroll along its wooden piers and witness the authentic way of life of the residents. Explore the nooks of the village, with families going about their daily routines and morning prayers at their homes and temples, and drop by the handful of shops situated on the wooden piers that sell souvenirs and street food.

Perched amidst the blue sea on stilts, these jetties provide a gorgeous backdrop for Instagrammable shots as well.

Address: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 9am-9pm, Daily

17. Discover the history of Penang at Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis is a monumental gem of Malaysia that you may have learnt about in your Sejarah textbook. This historical fortress was built way back in the 18th century, during the British occupation of Malaysia, as a defensive structure and a military base.

Today, the fort stands as a UNESCO-recognised heritage site in George Town that’s open to the public to explore, offering history buffs and tourists alike a vivid snapshot of Penang’s history.

There are various structures within the site, including mounted cannons, the second oldest lighthouse in Malaysia , gunpowder storerooms, barracks, and a peak-roofed colonial chapel. A famous bronze statue of Francis Light, the Captain who built Fort Cornwallis, is erected on a high plinth within the grounds of the fort too.

There are eateries on the same grounds of Fort Cornwallis, where you can stop by when you’re done touring the historic site. There’s Kota Dine & Coffee that’ll fill you up with good local dishes, and Breakfast In The Fort with delightful breakfast spreads and coffee.

Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, 10200 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 8am-11pm, Daily Contact: 04-263 9855 | Fort Cornwallis’ Facebook

18. Explore the abandoned & storied Crag Hotel

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

The grand residence operated as a hotel for a short period of time, when the famous Sarkies Brothers purchased the bungalow. But it was left abandoned when World War II broke out. After over a decade, the building was converted into a primary boarding school, then known as Uplands School , which was once been visited by the late Queen Elizabeth.

When the school moved to a new home in 1977, the former hotel was left abandoned again, weathering away over the years.

Its decaying form incited supernatural tales about the bungalow and caught the attention of many filmmakers, eventually becoming filming locations for award-winning films and series including Indochine and I ndian Summers .

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

19. Marvel at strings of lanterns at Kek Lok Si temple

When you’re in George Town, an almost unmissable spot is Kek Lok Si temple. Apart from being an iconic site in Penang that was built more than a decade ago, it’s the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia.

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

It serves as an important house of worship for devotees, and stands as an architectural wonder. Here, you’ll find a 7-storey structure, also known as Pagoda of Rama VI or Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which has 10,000 alabaster and bronze statues of Buddha.

But the star of the temple is the 36.57m-tall enchanting bronze statue of Guanyin , the Goddess of Mercy, that’s located at the highest peak of the temple.

To ring in Chinese New Year, the temple holds an annual light ceremony complete with a spectacular fireworks display. It’s an event that’s a key cultural highlight in Penang during the bai nian celebrations.

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

20. Make slithery friends at Penang’s famed Snake Temple

The Snake Temple in Penang is a place of worship with a sinister twist – it houses actual slithery reptiles that roam freely within the temple. Built in the 1850s, this temple was erected in honour of the deity Cheng Chooi Chor Soo, also widely known as Chor Soo Kong, who was believed to have snakes as his disciples.

At the temple, you’ll find dozens of uncaged snakes slithering on tree branches within the temple grounds. They include pit vipers, green tree snakes, and pythons, which are said to be harmless, defanged, and under the supervision of their handler.

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

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

21. Marvel at the floating Tanjung Bungah mosque

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

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

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

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

22. See one of the world’s longest reclining Buddha statues at Wat Chayamangkalaram

Among the plethora of Buddhist temples in George Town, there stands a pretty unique one: the elaborate Wat Chayamangkalaram . This Theravada-style temple, with gold embellishing and hipped gable-roofs, is the oldest Siamese temple in the state.

It also houses one of the world’s longest reclining Buddha statues measuring 32m long.

The land upon which the temple was cleared in 1795, and given to the Siamese by the British in then-Malaya as a diplomatic gesture. The temple was later erected in 1845 by monk Phra Phorthan Kuad. According to legend, he had a love for a Penang-staple asam laksa and so devotees would offer the dish to his shrine.

Address: 17, Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

23. Learn more about Penang culture at TeddyVille Museum

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

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

Find life-sized teddy bears resembling renowned figures who hail from Penang, such as P. Ramlee, Jimmy Choo, Nicol David, and Lee Chong Wei.

There are also collections of teddy bears from bygone eras, so visitors can learn about the origins and tales behind the legendary toy.

TeddyVille Museum @ Batu Ferringhi Admission: RM32/adult, RM26/pax for senior citizens and students & RM20/child. Get your tickets here . Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily Contact: 04-890 0535 | TeddyVille Museum’s Facebook

24 . Explore Pinang Peranakan Mansion to discover 1,000 antiques

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

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

Guided group tours are available at certain time slots, and are conducted in both English and Mandarin.

Admission: RM20/pax | Free for children age 6 and below Address: 29, Church Street, 10200 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily Contact: 04-264 2929 | Pinang Peranakan Mansion’s Facebook | Instagram

25. Marvel at indigo hues at the historic Blue Mansion

Once the home and office of Cheong Fatt Tze, a Chinese tycoon in Penang, The Blue Mansion was built in the 1880s as a gift for the magnate’s seventh wife. The eccentric blue mansion contains 38 rooms, five courtyards, seven staircases, and a whopping 220 windows.

Visitors can stroll through the mansion’s stunning central courtyard and main hall to take in its magnificent Straits-Eclectic architecture and artefacts.

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

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

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

26. Learn more about Malaysia’s wartime past at Penang War Museum

It’s not every day that you come across a museum listed as a haunted place in Malaysia . But that’s Penang War Museum for you. This museum has a rich past that lends to this. It was once a British fortress in the 1930s, before it was taken over by Japanese soldiers as a prisoner-of-war base.

The nail in the coffin? A notorious soldier by the name Tadashi Suzuki was said to carry out gruesome murders and tortures at the base, and then the fortress was left abandoned for about 60 years before it was restored.

Today, the museum welcomes visitors to learn more about old Malaya’s wartime past.

There are photo exhibits and relics on display here, including a guillotine stand that was used by the Japanese army. Visitors will get to crawl and climb through a 9m-long tunnel and explore lockup rooms that has remained intact despite the fortress’ storied past.

Do note that most of the exhibits here are located in the outdoors, so consider packing  mosquito spray with you. You’ll be free to explore the grounds on your own, with plenty of informative plaques next to the exhibits.

Admission: RM38/pax Address: Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Batu Maung, Pulau Pinang Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily Contact: 016-421 3606 | Penang War Museum’s Facebook

27. Marvel at large-scaled Malaysian food at Wonderfood Museum 

A big part of Penang’s charm is none other than its food offerings that reign supreme. While the hawker stores await us, there’s another way to get up close with the beauty of local food. At Wonderfood Museum , you can see larger-than-life displays of Malaysian dishes, including Hokkien mee, asam laksa, and ice kacang , just to name a few.

Beyond just snapping photos with realistic food replicas at the museum, you can also find out where the best places are to eat these dishes in Penang on plaques next to them.

Admission: RM15/adult & RM10/pax for children and senior citizens Address: Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Batu Maung, Pulau Pinang Opening hours: 9am-6pm, Daily Contact: 04-251 9095 | Wonderfood Museum Penang’s Facebook

Straits & Oriental Museum is a humble museum that has since moved locations, from the St. Joseph’s Novitiate building to its current spot on 20 Stewart Lane, just behind the Goddess Of Mercy Temple.

Its collection of over 200 Chinese artefacts that were recovered from various shipwrecks remain on display, with visitors welcomed to learn more about ceramic wares from various Chinese dynasties and in varied glazes and styles.

To learn even more about the delicate pieces beyond the plaques, join a free guided tour helmed by a knowledgeable guide. At the end of your tour, you can also enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee at Settlements Coffee inside the museum, which comes with each ticket.

Admission: RM20/pax | Free for kids age 12 years old and below Address: 20, Stewart Lane, 10200 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 10am-6pm, Daily Contact: 011-1722 7007 | Penang Straits and Oriental Museum’s website

29. Shop from local vendors at Hin Bus Depot

The Sunday market at Hin Bus Depot is always packed. Called the Hin Market, it’s been here for years now and is a familiar haunt of many Penangites for a reason – it hosts local craft stalls and food vendors, all worth making a beeline for.

It’s a popular hunting ground for art and antiques aficionados to street food hunters, with a wide range of items to shop for such as dinnerware, books, handmade accessories, pre-loved clothes, and potted plants.

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

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

While you’re at Hin Bus Depot, you can catch buskers and live acoustic performances, as well as art exhibitions, workshops, yoga sessions, and outdoor movie screenings that are held regularly here as well.

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

30. Shop till you drop at iconic malls on the island

Old among the new, modernity among the historic – that’s the charm of Penang. Once you’ve got your fill of heritage and nature, drop by Penang’s iconic shopping malls for some well-deserved retail therapy.

You won’t be disappointed with the options you’ll get on the island.

Frequented by locals, the premier shopping malls along Gurney Drive, such as Gurney Plaza, Gurney Paragon, and Gurney Walk, features a slew of renowned fashion brands, restaurants, and a cinema.

There are other sprawling malls scattered around the island as well, including Queensbay, 1st Avenue, Prangin Mall and Straits Quay. In mainland Penang, there’s Sunway Carnival Mall, an up and coming mall that’s home to Penang’s first MUJI and KKV outlets.

31. Stroll along Straits Quay & dine with the view of the sea

Penang’s first seafront retail mall, Straits Quay , is every bit as picturesque as it sounds. Standing in all grandiosity in Tanjung Tokong, the leisure complex houses a variety of retail stores and restaurants.

There are over 20 dining options here, including casual ones like Subway and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to fancier restaurants such as Blue Reef Fish & Chips and Chorus By the Quay.

It also doubles as a convention and performing arts centre. During festive seasons in Malaysia, patrons will find a riot of performances, competitions, and pop-up markets taking place at the mall.

With a gorgeous view of the vast sea right outside the mall, Straits Quay is also the perfect place to go on  evening strolls at, or seaside brunches with friends and family within the stunning Victorian-style building.

Address: 3F-G-1 Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Penang Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily Contact: 04-891 8000 | Straits Quay’s website | Facebook

32. Bargain your best at Batu Ferringhi Night Market

Brimming with life and colour every evening along the shores of Batu Ferringhi, the Batu Ferringhi Night Market is where tourists get their fill of a true local experience with the cultural souvenirs, food, and activities that the market offers.

Makeshift stalls line along a 1km stretch, selling all sorts of goods such as clothes, footwear, trinkets, household items, and handmade crafts, all at a steal.

A market in Penang isn’t complete without a good feast, and local delicacies are what you’ll not be starved of in this night market too with stalls selling satay, laksa, rojak , and char koay teow .

Address: Jalan Pantai Batu, Taman Pantai Batu, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang Opening hours: 7pm-1am, Daily Contact: 018-283 4117

33. Hunt out bargains at thrift shops in Penang

While popular retailers await shopaholics at shopping malls, there are also a collection of thrift shops in Penang to head to for even more unique finds. Whether you’re looking for pre-loved designer goods or vintage streetwear at a steal, these stores will have you covered.

A well-known store to head to for designer goods in good condition is Fujiyama Jeans & Tokyo No. 18 , while Vintage 99 remains pops among locals for their range of trendy streetwear pieces.

34. Get a taste of traditional tau sar pneah at Him Heang

It is an unspoken rule that you haven’t really been to Penang if you have yet to set foot in Him Heang to treat yourself to some of their aromatic tau sar pneah .

Undeniably the most popular Chinese bakery in town, Him Heang has a long-standing reputation as the best place to get a fresh variety of handmade Chinese pastries . At present, the family-owned business is helmed by the third generation, occupying a grand 3-storey building on Burmah Road.

You’ll want to devote a morning to head to the bakery and snag some baked goodness, as there’s always a queue at the shop even before it opens for the day. A must-buy item is their tau sar pneah , or tambun biscuits. These bite-sized balls with golden-hued pastry skin encasing a sweet-salty mung bean filling are sold in a box or a roll, priced between RM4.30-RM16.40 .

After having spent all that time queuing, make sure you get other treats as well, such as Xiang Bing (RM9.50), which is similar to tau sar pneah but with brown sugar filling, and huge flaky pastries like Beh Teh Saw (RM9.90) and Qing Tang Ping (RM8.80).

Address: 162A, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10.30am-2pm (Closed on Sundays) Contact: 016-425 1168 | Him Heang’s website | Facebook

35. Feast on popular hawker food at Chulia Street Night Hawker

If you tell locals you have Chulia Street Night Hawker on your itinerary, they’ll nod in approval. A famous hawker spot that’s frequented by locals and tourists alike, this food haunt is where you’ll find some of the tastiest hawker dishes, including iconic ones such as wantan mee and curry mee.

Having been around for decades and manned by generations of family, vendors at this night hawker are masters at their craft, serving the same iconic dishes for years that have withstood the test of time.

Our recommendations include the crowd-favourite Mother & Son Wantan Mee (RM6-7)  and a divine bowl of Chulia Street Curry Mee (RM5-6) .

Make space for some delightful local snacks as well, including the famous Penang Ham Chee Peng on Cintra Street that’s a stone’s throw from Chulia Street Night Hawker, and fragrant mini apam balik deftly whipped up by a petite auntie at her stall.

Address: Chulia St, 10450 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Tue–Sun 6pm-12am (Closed on Mondays)

36. Start your morning with local food at Pulau Tikus Morning Market

There’s no better place to immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of Penangites other than at the Pulau Tikus Morning Market , where you’ll find a vast number of stalls selling fresh produce, food, and knick-knacks of all sorts.

Always buzzing with action and ringing with the voices of stall owners and haggling customers, the market’s festivities start indoors where the wet section is, and spill to the surrounding vicinity and road outside. Street vendors line the roads, hawking all kinds of wares including a good array of snacks, confections, and breakfast foods.

With the plethora of food options available at the market, there’s no way you’ll be skipping breakfast. Popular hawker dishes here are wantan mee (RM6-7) , kuey teow th’ng (RM6-7) , fried oyster (RM10-15) , and curry mee (RM7-8) .

Make sure to drop by the Nyonya kuih stalls for some post-meal snacks too, and get yourself a bag of warm, fluffy putu mayam (RM2 for 7 pieces) that are a must try here.

Address: 3, Jalan Pasar, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 6am-2.30pm, Daily

37. Dine at a semi-automated food court, Food Bayana

There are many notable hawker centre serving up delicious food in Penang. One that has stands apart from the rest is Food Bayana , a semi-automated food court in Bayan Lepas.

Like a spot from the future, it’s equipped with robot servers, phone charging stations, and utensil sanitising machines.

As for food, have your pick from over 30 stalls in the food court, serving everything from local cuisine to Western and Japanese foods. Do note that only e-Wallet payments are accepted here – that’s part of the charm of dining in a tech-forward food court in Penang’s Silicon Valley.

Address :  No.23B, Medan Bayan Lepas, Taman Perindustrian Bayan Lepas Fasa 4 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang Opening hours:   Mon – Sat 10am-9pm (Closed on Sundays) Contact:   Food Bayana’s  Instagram

38. Go cafe-hopping to sip on locally brewed coffee

For an island that’s bursting with charms and pleasant delights at every nook and alley of George Town, it’s no surprise that there is also an abundance of cafes on the island , besides just the amazing hawker haunts.

In fact, a good cup of joe has become an essential part of Penang’s food and cafe culture, it isn’t hard to find a decent cup of coffee in any cafe here. From sleek modern coffee houses to cosy verdant cafes, you can bet you’ll be spoiled with choices that make for the perfect place to linger over a cup of coffee.

Constant Gardener Coffee

Constant Gardener Coffee is a long-established coffee haven that’s Housed in the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce Building. This cafe doesn’t just charm with its zen ambience, they impress with their range of quality drinks and stellar brews as well.

Customers rave about their rich Lattes (RM13) , perfectly-pulled shots of Espresso (RM8) , as well as their luscious hot chocolate drinks – Dark Hot Rich Chocolate (RM14) or Gardener’s Dark Magic (RM15) .

Address: Ground Floor, Penang Chinese Chamber Of Commerce Building, 9, Lebuh Light, 10200 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 9am-8pm, Daily Contact: 011-6078 7883 | Constant Gardener Coffee’s website | Facebook | Instagram

Ome by Spacebar Coffee

Nestled within a labyrinth of heritage houses in George Town, Ome by Spacebar Coffee is a quaint cafe with a gorgeous verdant entrance that’s hard to miss. Speciality coffees are Ome’s forte and their coffees are simple, but well-executed and brewed with great precision.

Order a cup of White Coffee (RM10) or Hand Brew Drip Coffee (RM18), and pair them with some sweets displayed on their counter including Olive Oil & Zucchini Bread (RM13) or Dark Chocolate Pistachio Cake (RM15) .

Address: 1, Lorong Toh Aka, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Sat – Wed 7.30am-4pm (Closed on Thursdays and Fridays) Contact: 019-690 8259 | Ome by Spacebar Coffee’s Facebook | Instagram

An old-school shoplot with a sign that reads Kedai Gaharu Keat Seang is actually home to an OG Penang cafe, The Alley .

With a team of professional baristas – who snagged second place in the Malaysia Brewers Cup 2022 – their brews and pulls will not disappoint coffee connoisseurs. Sample their best with Pour-overs (RM16) or Cold Brew (RM13) or try their house blends such as a Piccolo (RM10) or Cold Brew White (RM15) .

This homely cafe isn’t just known for their coffee. They also whip up the crowd-favourite Churros (RM12), which are glorious sticks of fried fritters, dusted in sugar and Oreo crumbs and served with a dip of your choice.  

Address: 5, Stewart Lane, 10200 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Thu-Mon 11am-6pm (Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays) Contact: 017-373 4829 | The Alley Penang’s Facebook | Instagram

39. Indulge in a variety of cakes at ChinaHouse

Sure, Penang is brimming with heavenly hawker food and local eats at every corner of the city. But one simply cannot say no to a good serving of sweet cakes.

ChinaHouse is Penang’s longest cafe, set within three combined h eritage shophouses that span between two main roads. At the centre of it is an enchanting open-air courtyard with a pond. Hip yet timeless, the cafe is essentially a restaurant that offers multifaceted experiences by housing bars, tiny shops, an art gallery, performance art spaces, and even a mini library.

What ChinaHouse is most known for are their enticing array of cakes and pastries displayed in a glass box , coaxing everyone who steps foot into the cafe. The cafe is full of spirit – at night especially – and it makes for a great supper spot if you’re looking for some drinks and dessert in a lively ambience.

Order a nightcap from the bar and their famous Tiramisu (RM23) and Salted Caramel Cheesecake (RM20) to share, as you jam along with the live performances held on occasional nights.

Address: 153, Beach St, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 9.30pm-1am, Daily Contact: 04-263 7299 | China House’s website | Facebook | Instagram

40. Have a nightcap at hidden bars in Penang

The nightlife in Penang doesn’t only involve hawkers and mamaks . In recent years, the island has become a hub of trendy cocktail bars and swanky wine bars. 

From snazzy hole-in-the-walls and alluring, well-hidden gems, to flamboyant and quirky watering holes, Penang has a comprehensive list of bars you can opt from to have a fun night out with your pals.

If you’re in the mood for a more sophisticated affair, take your pick from this list of wine bars in Penang – be it sensual bars, snug casual ones and under-the-radar gems, rest assured that the quality is always top-notch.

Backdoor Bodega

Image credit: @champions1984 via instagram.

In true speakeasy style, Backdoor Bodega is a bar hidden right at the back of a clothing store called The Swagger Salon. The stylish bar earned a spot on the 2022 Asia’s 100 best bars list with their exquisite cocktails and signature creations that infuse local flavours.

You’ll find intriguing creations such as the signature Kelapa Hotak (RM38) which is a rum-based cocktail infused with the flavours of Penang like coconut, pandan or nutmeg. There’s also the Ulam Mojito (RM38) – an eclectic rum-based drink infused with local herbs such as ulam, daun kesum and kaffir leaf.

Address: Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Thu-Mon 8pm-12am (Closed on Tuesdays & Wednesdays) Contact: Backdoor Bodega’s website | Facebook | Instagram

Over & Above

Over & Above is a contemporary Japanese cafe during the day that transforms into a trendy watering hole when dusk falls. Bright and spacious, the bar is minimalist-themed with a stunning view that overlooks the stunning view of jetties and seas of the island.

On their booze menu, you’ll find original and classic alcoholic beverages as well as speciality cocktails that serve 2-3 pax. Gather your friends for some drinks here – there’s Kyoto Tripper (RM98) served in a gorgeous dainty Japanese tea set, Pearl of The Orient (RM98) and Sugar Daddy (RM98).

Address: 3, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: Wed-Mon 11am-2am (Closed on Tuesdays) Contact: 017-429 1964 | Over & Above’s Instagram

Good Friends Club

Nothing is more apt than having a hidden bar disguised as a Chinese kopitiam in the hawker haven itself. To spot the Good Friends Club , simply look out for a neon signage that spells “Good Friends Never Bojio”, which means a close pal would never not invite the uninitiated.

In true kopitiam fashion, find drinks such as Kopi C-Peng (RM30) , Milo Peng O Kao (RM35) and Lao Hao Peng Kao (RM35) on their menu, which are actually concoctions of local drinks infused with alcohol that are served in traditional ceramic cups. Other quirky innovations include Penang-Cillin (RM35) and Leng Chai (RM40).

Address: 39, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang Opening hours: 8pm-2am, Daily Contact: 010-550 1204 | Good Friends Club’s Facebook | Instagram

From devouring hawker food to participating in adrenaline-fueled activities, Penang offers an excitable array of things to do – you’ll never feel bored on this island. With food as feisty as the people, this island will have you coming back for more, time and time again.

Cover image adapted from: @yayingz via Instagram, @nigel_photoz via Instagram, Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion via Facebook, @marwa.alshamii via Instagram, @ieatliau via Instagram, TheSmartLocal Singapore, @vanissakaris via Instagram, @heartpatrick via Instagram

This article was originally published on 25th October 2022, and updated on 14th June 2024.

27 BEST things to do in Penang

Posted on Last updated: July 4, 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 (head to the intersection Love Lane and Chulia Street).

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 following one our our Penang walk guides .

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 Penang ), via central George Town and Batu Ferringhi. Check out the Penang bus guide for more information on taking the bus around the island.

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.

Alternatively, there are some fantastic footpaths and hiking trails around the island, so why not explore as much of the island as you can on foot? Check out our guide to the best Penang walks .

The BEST walks in Penang

Walking is a wonderful way to explore Penang Island and there is a fantastic variety of hiking trails available, from the bustling heritage streets of downtown George Town to the trails leading up Penang Hill. Here we share the best walks in Penang with links to full walk guides, which include step-by-step route instructions and photos as well as a map to follow.

Map of things to do in Penang

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

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

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

Top 10 tips for visiting Penang

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

1. George Town walking tour

READ OUR GUIDE: George Town walking tour

Let’s start with the easiest, cheapest and perhaps the most rewarding Penang activity of them all; a George Town walking tour , which is one of the best walks in Penang .

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. And let’s not forget about the incredible street art around George Town.

The self-guided George Town walking tour includes a map, and step-by-step instructions with photos. It starts at Penang Town Hall, close to Fort Cornwallis and winds its way through six kilometres of history, religion and architecture before ending at  The Blue Mansion .

As a general guide, the walking tour takes about 3 or 4 hours to complete, with a stop for some food and drink along the way. Whilst the walk itinerary passes by several activities and landmarks, we wouldn’t recommend trying to visit all of them this time. Some (e.g. visiting  Fort Cornwallis  or Khoo Kongsi), are one-hour activities in their own right, and there aren’t enough hours in the day to do them justice  and  complete the full walking tour.

Instead, treat the walking tour as an introduction to the best of George Town, make a mental note of your favourite places and plan to visit them another day. Check out our guide for things to do in George Town for further inspiration.

2. Penang Hill

READ OUR GUIDE: 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 . This is the cheapest and quickest way to get up Penang Hill . It takes about four 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.

Alternatively, skip the funicular and walk up Penang Hill instead. Check out our Penang Hill walk guide , which follows the Heritage Trail and weaves around the funicular. But be warned that this walk shouldn’t be taken lightly; you’ll need a decent level of fitness, plenty of stamina and water, good hiking footwear and high levels of perseverance. There are countless steps and you will be ascending 691 meters.

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 morning or afternoon, 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.

However, by far the best activity on Penang Hill is The Habitat, which deserves it’s own section so you don’t miss it.

3. The Habitat

READ OUR GUIDE: The Habitat, Penang Hill 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 along short 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 (although the zipline is currently under maintenance).

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.

4. ESCAPE Penang

READ OUR GUIDE: Essential tips for visiting ESCAPE Penang Click here to pre-book tickets

ESCAPE Penang could best be described as several different activity centres all in one place. The waterpark is perhaps the main area and where you’ll spend most time, with tube rides (including the longest tube water slide in the world), wave pools, speed racers, kids pool, lazy rivers and water obstacle courses.

If it was just a waterpark, ESCAPE Penang would be worth a visit, but that’s only part of the story. The theme park section of ESCAPE is cleverly interwoven into the rainforest setting, with a number of harness-based activities including the longest zip-coaster in the world (yes, that’s two Guinness World Records in one place!), slingshots, giant swings, high-rope courses and traditional ziplines.

There’s even Malaysia’s first dry ski-slope, where you can choose to descend on skis, snowboards or on top of inflatable tyres.

As you can see, ESCAPE Penang combines the sort of rides and attractions you’d usually find in multiple parks, and packs them all into one long (but thrilling) day.

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. Penang National Park

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang National Park Open year-round from 8am to 5pm

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 or hiking in the rainforest . 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.

To experience the best of Penang National Park, we suggest following the hike to Turtle Beach from the park entrance. This takes approximately 1.5 hours (be prepared for the rough terrain and take enough water with you). Turtle Beach (or rather Pantai Kerachut) is one of the most beautiful beaches on Penang Island . Here you will also find the Meromictic Lake (an rare lake ecosytem where freshwater and seawater create two separate layers) and the free-to-enter Penang Turtle Conservation Centre .

From here a boat can take you to Monkey Beach (arrange your boat at the park entrance). Here there are a handful of snack bars, and you can also grab a beer. Be mindful of the monkeys (there’s a reason this beach was given it’s name). Afterwards you can relax on the beach, rent a kayak, take an ATVC trip into the jungle, or do the recommended hike up to the lighthouse at Muka Head (double check that it’s open before setting off) which takes about one hour and reveals stunning views of Penang Island and the Straits of Malacca.

Your boat can then take you back to the starting point from Monkey Beach.

Alternatively, you don’t need to trek to Turtle Beach. You can arrange a boat to take you all the way there.

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. Built by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century, traditionally each jetty belonged to one family (clan). Chew Jetty is the most popular for visitors and is the most touristy. Neighbouring Tan Jetty offers a more rustic feel with stunning open views at the far end.

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.

Allow time to stroll around, take photographs, visit temples situated either end of each jetty, or sample local food at one of the 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. Eat, eat, and eat some more

Penang is known as one of the food capitals of the world, so we can’t have a guide on things to do in Penang that doesn’t include eating!

Superb places to eat are sprinkled all over the island and often the tastiest (not to mention the cheapest) options are the hawker stalls which popup everywhere. If there was an award for the best food prepared in the smallest possible cooking space, they would surely win. These are the places to try dishes such as Hokkien Mee, Curry Mee, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and hundreds of others. George Town is also home to plenty of relaxed restaurants offering dishes from around the world, with Chinese and Indian meals the most common.

If you’re in the mood for something slightly more formal and modern, head over to Straits Quay , where there’s a Mexican restaurant, Irish pub, Japanese restaurant, Italian restaurant, and even a fish ‘n’ chips restaurant.

Also, don’t disregard the food courts at the malls. Amongst the internationally recognised fast food chains, there are always lots of stalls serving a variety of Asian food at exceptional value.

9. 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 families especially, including a Skywalk, Dinosaur research centre, karting, children’s soft play, museum, aquarium, and much more besides. In all honesty, it feels a little bit tacky.

However, don’t miss the Rainbow Skywalk, which offers a bird’s eye view of George Town and beyond. Found at Level 68, on the rooftop of Komtar Tower, experience walking on glass 816 feet above sea level. If heights aren’t your thing, you can still take in the views in the air-conditioned Observatory Deck at Level 65, which also features a glass walkway that lets you watch the world go by below.

Also on the rooftop, Top View restaurant & lounge @ 68th offers great tapas food and cocktails as well as a great view.

We should also point out Tech Dome Penang (the science museum) is also in the Komtar building. Although we’ve added this as a separate activity below, so you don’t miss it. It’s a fantastic activity for kids if you’re looking for something to do to escape the heat.

10. Batu Ferringhi Beach and night market

Batu Ferringhi, with its long stretch of sandy beach, high-end resorts, restaurants, and entertainment options, is the where a large proportion of visitors to Penang choose to base themselves. Indeed, this is arguably the best beach in Penang . There are plenty of water sports on offer and the beach is perfect for a stroll, although not always conducive for swimming with 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.

This is where to come on the island to feel those holiday vibes.

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.

Whilst this is where the George Town walking tour ends, we recommend visiting on a separate day so that your fresh and rested to take in the stunning architecture and amazing stories of The Blue Mansion .

12. Fort Cornwallis

READ OUR GUIDE: Fort Cornwallis Open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm

Of all the historical events that shaped Penang’s history, one of the most significant occurred in 1786 when the British arrived and began building a fort on the north-eastern tip of Penang Island. Fort Cornwallis has evolved over the years and is now a popular tourist attraction in George Town, offering the opportunity to witness Penang’s colonial past.

Even though the surrounding area has changed dramatically, with several large trees now in the grounds, there’s still a strong sense of history within the walls. Looking out to sea, with the canon in the foreground, you can easily imagine British soldiers manning their posts and waiting for an enemy who would never appear.

It’s a good idea to take one of the guided tours if it coincides with your visit. Some of the historical aspects of the fort are less obvious now, and a guide will help bring them to life.

13. Kek Lok Si Temple

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

The largest Buddhist 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.

14. 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.

15. 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 that 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.

16. 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.

Combine your visit with a stroll along the shoreline towards Laguna Beach Bar at the other end of the beach (open 4pm until midnight). It’s one of the best beaches in Penang .

17. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

READ OUR GUIDE: 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 (RM15) at the ticket booth at the entrance, just along Lebuh Cannon, opposite the ‘boy on a chair’ street art.

18. Penang Botanic Gardens

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang Botanic Gardens Open daily from 6:30am to 7pm

For over a century, Penang Botanic Gardens has provided an open and peaceful green space for the people of Penang to enjoy. Originally built on the site of an old quarry, the gardens were initially focused on botanical pursuits but this evolved after the Second World War, and they’re now primarily a place people come to stroll, hike, jog, or simply enjoy the beautiful tree-framed setting.

The first thing you’ll notice about Penang Botanic Gardens is that it is generally well-maintained and cared-for, with a couple of minor exceptions. Other botanic gardens around the world sometimes show signs of neglect and under-funding, which is understandable due to the high costs of maintaining this kind of environment. But that’s really not the case here, the tracks are well looked-after, signs are helpful and there’s a relaxed atmosphere.

There’s a well-defined walking route to follow ( click here for the step-by-step walk guide ) and you can expect to encounter a fair few animal friends along the way, including dusky leaf monkeys, birds, spiders and the occasional snake.

19. 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 its premier shopping mall, Gurney Plaza. Admittedly it’s not as huge as some of the malls in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, but for a small 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).

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. Tech Dome Penang

READ OUR GUIDE: Tech Dome Penang Click here for more information Open daily from 10am to 7pm

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!

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.

Tech Dome Penang is on Levels 4 and 5 of the Komtar building. The main entrance is on Level 5 where you’ll find the ticket gates. On the same level, near the main entrance, is the ticket office where tickets can be bought for the Tech Dome (and all the other activities in the Komtar building).

23. Ghost Museum Penang

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

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

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

24. Afternoon tea at The E&O

Click here for more information Serving 3pm to 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 a must-do activity in George Town, and a relaxing 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.

25. 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 .

26. Glow Planet Penang 

READ OUR GUIDE: Glow Planet Penang Click here for more information Open 10am to 6:30pm every day

Glow Planet Penang is an indoor interactive and immersive experience, cleverly squeezed into a traditional Chinese building in George Town. As the name might suggest, Glow Planet is all about the neon exhibits that glow in the dark, creating quite the contrast to the bright Penang sunshine outside.

In total, there are almost a dozen different rooms and exhibits to explore. Some are optical illusions, others play with your sense of perspective and the rest are intricately-designed glowing installations which wouldn’t look out of place in a modern-art museum.

Don’t expect a long visit, even with time to stop, look around and absorb the displays, you’re unlikely to be here for more than an hour.

27. Teddyville Museum Batu Ferringhi

READ OUR GUIDE: Teddyville Museum Batu Ferringhi Open 9am to 6pm every day

If you’ve heard about the Penang Teddyville Museum in Batu Ferringhi, you might be wondering whether it’s just a place to visit with young kids. After all, as cute as teddy bears can be, do they really justify a museum all to themselves?

As it turns out, this clever (and deceptively large) museum at the DoubleTree Resort is much more than just a collection of teddy bears and actually has something to offer everyone, especially if you’re interested in the  history of Penang . You’ll see displays depicting Penang’s most famous sites, e.g.  Kek Lok Si Temple , George Town UNESCO Heritage Area, Fort Cornwallis , and Penang Hill.

The detail and design of the teddy bears is intricate and manages to enhance the displays and dioramas, meaning adults and kids alike will always find something of interest. The information boards are well-written and explain different periods of Penang’s history, including pre-colonial, the arrival of the British, WWII, and modern-day.

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

25 Best Tourist Attractions in Penang, Malaysia

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: August 31, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

#1 Explore the Street Art Trail in George Town

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

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

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

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

#2 Discover the Metal Rod Art Murals

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

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

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

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

#3 Get creative at Hin Bus Depot

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

#4 See the Historic Chinese Clan Houses

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

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

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

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

Also read: The Perfect 3-night Penang Itinerary

#5 Stroll along the waterfront at Chew Jetty

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

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

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

#6 Discover Penang’s Temples

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

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

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

#7 Tour the Blue Mansion – Cheong Fatt Tzu

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

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

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

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

#8 Visit the Peranakan Heritage Mansion

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

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

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

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

#9 Follow the George Town Heritage Trail

Penang would no doubt be listed in the top five destinations if there was competition for the most cultures and influences in one place. From when the British arrived in 1786 and took control of this jungle island, it has seen cultural, religious and architectural influences from the indigenous Malay and the British, Chinese and Indian communities that have made Penang their home.

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

There are around 100 heritage properties in George Town. The trail can be done independently, or you can take a half-day city tour to see some of Penang’s most important historical sights .

#10 Enjoy the coffee scene in George Town

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

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

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

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

#11 Join a George Town street food tour

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

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

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

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

#12 Enjoy a cake at China House

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

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

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

#13 Head to the top of the Komtar Observatory Tower

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

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

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

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

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

#15 Enjoy the nightlife on Love Lane

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

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

On the outskirts of George Town

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

#16 Ride the funicular up Penang Hill

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

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

#17 Discover the rainforest at The Habitat

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

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

Book your entrance ticket to the Habitat on Penang Hill

#18 See the Penang Botanical Gardens and spot the monkeys

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

#19 Discover exotic flora in the Tropical Spice Garden

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

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

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

#20 Take time to explore Kek Lok Si Temple

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

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

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

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

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

#21 Bask on Batu Ferringhi Beach

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

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

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

#22 See the floating Tanjung Bungah Mosque

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

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

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

#23 Hike Penang National Park

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

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

#24 Discover the historic Fort Cornwallis

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

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

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

#25 Release your inner child at ESCAPE Penang

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

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

Please PIN for Future Travel to Penang

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

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

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

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

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

Blue Mansion Penang Review: Cheong Fatt Tze

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

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

Angela Price is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel. With over 35 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations. Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”

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

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Isle of the Betel

A Little About P e n a n g

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

Discover Best Attractions In Penang

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

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

Places of Worship

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

Street Food

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

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

Nature & Advantage

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

Heritage Zone

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

Starts Planning for Your Penang Trip

years history

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

Penang Hill

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Penang Botanical Garden

Penang National Park

Nine Emperor Gods Temple (Tow Boo Kong Temple)

Penang Snake Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple

Penang Bird Park

Minor Basilica of St. Anne

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

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

Mr Five Foot Way

Tok Tok Mee

“Yeoh” only

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

Little Children On Bicycle

Boy On Bike

Skippy Comes To Penang

Travel Tips

Before You Go

Accommodation

Penang Weather

Local Culture

Transportation

Penang Stories

Popular Cafes and Bars in Penang Right Now

The Lure of Balik Pulau Durians

Experience The Romantic Side of Penang

#My P e n a n g

Share your best Penang moment on instagram

About Penang Global Tourism

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

Penang Global Tourism

8B, First Floor The Whiteaways Arcade Lebuh Pantai,

George Town 10300 Penang, Malaysia.

Phone | +604 264 3456

Fax | +604 264 3455

Email | [email protected]

Tourist Information Centre

10, Ground Floor The Whiteaways Arcade Lebuh Pantai,

Georgetown 10300 Penang, Malaysia.

Phone | +604 263 1166

Operation Hours :

Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm

Sat 9am - 3pm

Sun 9am - 1pm

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

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Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Penang, Malaysia

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A mosaic of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, food, and architecture, Malaysia’s tropical island state of  Penang is one of the most multicultural spots on earth. Due to its riot of Sino-European shophouses, Chinese temples and clanhouses, mosques, Hindu temples, British Colonial buildings and some of the best street food in Asia, its capital, George Town, was named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its “unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.” 

But its charm goes way beyond heritage treasures: 2023 marked the first-ever Michelin Guide to Malaysia to anoint its growing fine-dining scene, featuring two Michelin-star restaurants in Penang and two in Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia’s capital, plus many Bib Gourmand eateries. That’s not all: a crop of new hotels, restaurants and attractions have opened, there’s a vibrant arts scene, and more high-rise apartment towers dotting the skyline of George Town, once a major trading hub that made Penang Britain’s first colony in Malaysia. 

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Sunrise on Penang Hill, which was named a UNESCO Biosphere in 2019 on account of its ancient rainforest and vast biodiversity.

The best things to do in Penang, Malaysia

Get a quirky crash course in George Town history, customs, food, and legends by reading the text in the whimsical steel-rod  sculptures affixed to exterior building walls by local cartoonists and comic book artists. One depicts a fat man climbing out of the window of his mistress’ house on nearby Love Lane, so-called because wealthy men once kept mistresses there; in another a South Indian “parrot astrologer,” who foretells the future using green parakeets, an ancient custom. Find the street murals by Ernest Zacharevic, called Asia’s Banksy; one, depicting two children seated on a real bicycle attached to the wall, is so famous, you’ll see the Lithuanian artist’s mural reproduced on everything from tote bags to notecards. 

A compound of artist studios, a gallery, cafes, shops, bars and restaurants (one-Michelin-star  Au Jardin included),  Hin Bus Depot is a former motorbus terminal-turned 60,000 square-foot complex, which hosts an arts and crafts market on Sundays plus frequent exhibits, film screenings, talks, and performances. The complex began in 2014 with a solo Zacharevic exhibit.

For an adrenaline rush, seize the  world's highest rope course challenge and dangle 784 feet above sea level around Penang’s tallest building for a panoramic view of the city and sea at  The TOP , a theme park at KOMTAR tower. Its 18 attractions also feature a round glass skywalk on the 68 th floor, an exhibit devoted to the durian, the famously foul-smelling fruit (banned at Penang Airport, as signs marked by a large X attest), and kid-pleasers like over 200 animatronic dinosaurs and over 120 interactive science and technology exhibits.

Sia Boey Urban Archeological Park opened in 2019 as a tree-lined promenade along a koi-filled canal with a children’s playground, revitalizing a trash-strewn canal once used for trading. 

For cool breezes to escape steamy George Town, visit  Penang Hill , named a UNESCO Biosphere in 2019 for its ancient rainforest and biodiversity, a cluster of peaks where British settlers built their oldest hill station in Asia. Take the funicular railway – 2023 marks its 100 th anniversary - from its base station in Air Itam, a suburb four miles west, where Swiss-made metal cars whisk you to the summit in under five minutes, crossing 11 viaducts. A highlight here is  The Habitat , whose round glass skywalk, over 2,700 feet high, offers staggering 360-degree views of the city, jungle and sea. You can camp overnight: a  Starlight Camping package includes the tram, sunset, a night tour with a naturalist to spot flying lemurs and other nocturnal animals, a guided day tour, a tent with mattress, pillow and blanket, dinner in a tent and a zipline ride. There are also canopy treetop walks, nature trails, a garden of tropical carnivorous plants and a Botanic Garden with non-meat-eating flowers. 

Further west,  Art & Garden is an enchanting small garden created by Penang artist Fuan Wong to merge the “two great loves of my life: glass and plants.” Admire the lush mountain views on paths lined by his colorful plant-shaped glass sculptures and fish-shaped glass installations, art by his friends, his collection of bromeliads, agaves and orchids and his glass art shop. 

In northwest Penang,  ESCAPE , an adventure park, boasts two Guinness World Records holders: the world’s longest zip coaster ride (six solid minutes) added in May 2022, and the world’s longest water tube slide, which winds through jungle treetops. Also on northwest Penang coast,  Tropical Spice Garden showcases over 500 spices and herbs on landscaped trails high above the sea, nestled within a rainforest; the five acres also feature a cooking school for hands-on classes and exhibits about Penang in the spice trade—which is famed for nutmeg and cloves.

Au Jardin, one of Penang's two Michelin-star restaurants, offers French-style tasting menus—at times, the mustard ice cream seen here rounds out the evening in the desert course.

Best restaurants in Penang

Penang’s two Michelin-star restaurants in George Town couldn’t be more different.  Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery is a cozy place for Peranakan food in a casual setting with old-fashioned equipment in the windows, but there’s nothing casual about the food. Beh Gaik Lean, 69, and her team make everything from scratch, from gulai tumis (tamarind fish curry), sambal petai (stir-fried bitter beans in a spicy curry paste of raw red chile peppers, shrimp paste and calamansi juice), cucur udang (deep-fried shrimp and vegetable fritters) to nutmeg juice. 

"It was about time the Michelin Guide set its foot in Malaysia to rate the best eateries,” says Nazlina Hussin, owner of cooking school  Nazlina's Spice Station in George Town. Hussin says she’s happy Michelin honored a restaurant cooking Nyonya food. (Nyonya is another name for Peranakan people of mixed Malay-Chinese ancestry.) The cuisine is known for its intricate layers of flavor, finely hand-cut herbs, and spice pastes ground using a granite mortar and pestle. “Nyonya women could afford to spend hours to prepare for meals because there were many servants, and the kitchen was ruled by a fierce matriarch to maintain exacting standards,” she says.

In contrast,  Au Jardin offers French-style tasting menus featuring Malay ingredients, spices, and herbs, which may include cognac- and hay-aged duck, dramatically presented in a smoke-filled box; baby squid crisps with candied nutmeg, green chiles and Kaffir lime; or a curry with smoked mussel custard with mango gel. The elegant 18-seat restaurant in Hin Bus Depot, which also won Michelin’s Young Chef award, also has a gastro bar upstairs called Alchemy.

Beyond the Michelin stars, located in a shophouse on Armenian Street is  Jawi House , which serves superb Jawi Peranakan food (a blend of north Indian, Peranakan, Malay, and Arab flavors) at incredibly low prices. The laksa lemak—tuna and mackerel in coconut milk with mint, pineapple, rice noodles, chiles, onions and raw greens for $5.50—will linger in your memory, as will its tomato rice, cooked with lemongrass, mint, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and milk topped with cashews and raisins.

Cheong Fatt Tze, or The Blue Mansion, served as a filming location for Crazy Rich Asians.

The courtyard at Cheong Fatt Tze features Art Nouveau stained glass and Victorian cast-iron works.

Where to stay

The  Blue Mansion is an exquisite jewel box of a boutique hotel, among the top-ranked in Penang. Scenes for  Crazy Rich Asians  and Netflix series  The Ghost Bride were filmed at the cobalt-hued mansion, which was built in the 1880s as the home of a wealthy Chinese merchant and diplomat nicknamed the “Rockefeller of the East.” Exceptionally ornate mosaic porcelain works depicting Chinese myths and animals, gilded carved wood filigree panels, Art Nouveau stained glass, and Victorian cast-iron works are part of its beauty. In 2021, the 18-room mansion also added two duplex townhouses in century-old shophouses, about a 10-minute walk away.

Opened December 2022,  The George is a luxury boutique hotel with a white Neoclassical façade inspired by the many British Colonial buildings in the city. Strict laws for brand-new construction in the UNESCO zone meant the 122-room hotel took almost a decade to build. Opened in 2019,  The Prestige , a member of Design Hotels, is a luxury boutique hotel with a white palette inside and out, whose abundant potted plants and rattan conjure a Victorian garden conservatory, but with contemporary style (plus a rooftop pool). 

More newcomers in 2022 include the  Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang , a 143-room hotel whose spacious lobby lounge with communal tables and booths promotes socializing—perfect for solo travelers. Three miles from Penang Airport,  Amari SPICE Penang , a 453-room luxury contemporary-style hotel whose rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with city or golf course views, opened, directly connected to the Setai SPICE Convention Centre. 

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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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A Travel Guide to Penang, Malaysia

All About Malaysia's "Pearl of the Orient"

TripSavvy / Jess Macdonald

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

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

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

First Stop: George Town, Penang

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

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

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit Penang

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Going to Penang

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Penang

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

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

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

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

Things to Do in Penang

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

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

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

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Penang Travel Guide: All You Need To Plan A Trip To Penang

About penang, malaysia.

In this Penang travel guide, we’ll cover what you need to know about this famous state in Malaysia!

Penang  is at the northwest coast of  Peninsular Malaysia  and faces the  Malacca Strait .

The vibrant capital city,  George Town  on  Penang Island  ( Pulau Pinang ) is a  UNESCO World Heritage Zone  with a rich history as a trading hub.

Penang Island  is small with narrow streets. Unlike in Kuala Lumpur, the city does not have a monorail system to diffuse the rush hour traffic.

2 bridges connect  Seberang Perai  (referred to as the mainland) to  George Town . The newer  Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge  is the longest sea bridge in  Southeast Asia .

For a Malaysian city, Penang has an unusually high ratio of Chinese, in particular those of Hokkien descent!

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There are many remaining landmarks from former  British  rule,  Peranakan traders  and immigrants from  China  and  India .

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Malaysian integrated healthcare provider IHH Healthcare has agreed to acquire the 600-bed Island Hospital in Penang for 3.92 billion ringgit (US$905.71 million).

A sales and purchase agreement for the all-cash deal was signed on September 4 between wholly owned IHH subsidiary Pantai Holdings and Comprehensive Care, a company established and majority-controlled by Asian private equity firm Affinity Equity Partners.

“Island Hospital presents a transformative opportunity for us in Malaysia. Its leading position in Penang, extensive specialist pool and clinical offerings, as well as its status as the hospital of choice for foreign patients, make it an asset that complements our growth plans in the country,” says IHH group chief executive officer Prem Kumar Nair.

Penang is IHH’s second largest cluster in Malaysia. Adding Island Hospital – the largest private hospital in the state – will allow IHH to build on its leadership position in Penang and provide a platform for further growth. Post-acquisition, IHH will have more than 1,000 operational beds in Penang.

The group will also gain a larger share of medical travel into Malaysia. Island Hospital is the leading hospital for medical tourism, attracting approximately one in three foreign patients in the country. The hospital’s foreign patient volume has more than tripled under Affinity’s ownership.

IHH expects more than 200 million ringgit in synergies over the next five years following the acquisition. By aligning commercial practices and operations with those of IHH such as consolidated procurement, Island Hospital can enhance efficiency in its operations. As part of the broader IHH network, it can also drive more cross-referral opportunities to better serve more patients in Penang and across Malaysia for greater revenue.

Island Hospital holds a landbank valued at 223.4 million, with approvals secured for future development. IHH says this will future-proof its growth in the region and meet increasing healthcare demand from both local and foreign patients.

IHH is one of the largest private healthcare providers in Malaysia. Its network currently comprises 11 Pantai hospitals, four Gleneagles hospitals, Prince Court Medical Centre, and Timberland Medical Centre.

The Island Hospital deal is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Citigroup Global Markets Singapore is the sole financial adviser to IHH on the transaction.

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IHH’s RM4bil medical tourism gambit

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Thursday, 05 Sep 2024

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IHH said it will pay RM3.92bil in cash to fully acquire Island Hospital.

Once the purchase is completed, tentatively by end-2024, more than one out of three medical tourists into Malaysia will be utilising IHH’s network of 18 hospitals.

IHH said its medical tourism revenues will also double, with increased access to the Indonesian catchment area. In 2023, about 55% to 60% Indonesian medical tourists chose Malaysia for their treatment.

IHH is 25.94% owned by Khazanah Nasional Bhd, which in turn is wholly-owned by the government.

The acquisition of the 600-bed capacity Island Hospital comes with a vacant land adjacent to the currently built hospital, valued at RM223.4mil.

Approvals have been secured for future development with a gross floor area of over 120,000 square metres.

The land can be used to build the third wing for Island Hospital, with the potential to add additional capacity of about 400 beds.

In a stock exchange filing yesterday, IHH said it will pay RM3.92bil in cash to fully acquire Island Hospital, which has a net debt of RM276.3mil as at end-June 2024.

IHH’s indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Pantai Holding Sdn Bhd, has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Comprehensive Care Sdn Bhd (CCSB) as the seller for the proposed acquisition.

CCSB is 78%-owned by private equity firm Affinity Equity Partners, 16% owned by Mark Wee (the founder of Island Hospital), and 6% owned by 41 other individual shareholders.

Excluding the value of the vacant development land, the enterprise value of the transaction implies 19.2 times of the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) for the six-months ended June 2024 (6M24).

The 6M24 Ebitda represents a 45% year-on-year growth. IHH expects the growth momentum to continue into 2025.

“IHH expects more than RM200mil in synergies over the next five years following the acquisition, with expected Year 1 synergies of RM25mil,” the healthcare giant said, referring to expected increase in Ebitda.

It further added that the purchase of Island Hospital is expected to be earnings per share and return on equity accretive from Year 2 (2026).

The proposed acquisition will be funded via internally generated funds and external borrowings, the proportions of which have yet to be finalised at this juncture.

The funding mix will be determined at a later stage after taking into consideration the internal cash requirements, gearing level and interest costs of IHH.

It is worth noting that the acquisition of Island Hospital carries impairment risk.

“IHH expects to recognise goodwill arising from the proposed acquisition, the amount of which is determined based on the excess of the fair value of the consideration paid against the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired as at completion date.

“Any impairment on the carrying amount of goodwill arising from the proposed acquisition and the assets acquired may materially and adversely affect IHH’s financial position and performance.

“IHH will monitor the financial performance of Island Hospital and work with the management of Island Hospital to drive the committed business plan towards the achievement of the financial targets of Island Hospital.”

Established in 1996, Island Hospital’s core specialties encompass orthopaedics, cardiology, oncology, gastroenterology and general surgery.

It currently has nearly 119 resident and visiting specialists across nine centres of excellence, which IHH described as the “largest specialist pool”.

Island Hospital is in the midst of scaling up its operations and has doubled its built bed capacity from 296 beds in the third quarter of 2022 (3Q22) to a total of approximately 500 beds in 3Q24, with an ability to expand to 600 beds with minimum capital expenditure.

Post acquisition, IHH will have more than 1,000 operational beds in Penang.

Island Hospital is expected to see over 430,000 outpatient visits and 42,000 inpatient admissions this year, with about RM12,000 average revenue per inpatient admission. It also performs about 16,000 surgeries per year.

“By aligning commercial practices and operations with IHH, including consolidating procurement, Island Hospital can enhance efficiency in its operations.

“As part of the broader IHH network, it can also drive more cross-referral opportunities to better serve more patients in Penang and across Malaysia for greater revenue synergies.

IHH is one of the largest private healthcare providers in Malaysia, with a network currently comprising 11 Pantai Hospitals, four Gleneagles Hospitals, as well as Prince Court Medical Centre and Timberland Medical Centre.

Island Hospital will become the 18th hospital and one of the largest hospitals in the IHH Malaysia network.

IHH group chief executive officer Dr Prem Kumar Nair said: “We expect significant synergies from the transaction and a unique opportunity to elevate Island Hospital as a leading integrated medical facility in Asia.”

Tags / Keywords: HHHealthcare , MedicalTourism , IslandHospital , HospitalAcquisition , PrivateHealthcare , IndonesianPatients , HealthcareSynergies

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Tourist-focused Island Hospital will enhance IHH Healthcare’s attractiveness to higher-paying foreign patients: analysts

Acquisition is seen complementing group’s existing Penang hospitals and yielding immediate commercial synergies

Megan Cheah

• Island Hospital’s RM12,000 per patient average is 12% above that of IHH’s Malaysia operations, says Macquarie Capital research analyst Gan Huan Wen. PHOTO: ISLAND HOSPITAL

INTEGRATED healthcare provider IHH Healthcare ’s RM3.9 billion (S$1.17 billion) acquisition of Penang’s Island Hospital will propel the group to a leading healthcare provider for medical tourists, doubling down on the flow of patients coming from nearby regions, said analysts.

They are largely positive due to longer-term earnings accretion, but note that the acquisition came at a premium valuation and the transaction is pending the finalisation of its funding structure.

Macquarie Capital research analyst Gan Huan Wen said that the 600-bed Island Hospital, which IHH acquired from private equity firm Affinity Equity Partners , is a top destination for medical tourists; in comparison, medical tourism revenue makes up just 5 to 6 per cent of IHH’s Malaysia revenue.

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