Penang Nightlife - Things To Do In Penang At Night

For things to do in Penang at night, you don’t have to go far! As most of the places to visit in Penang at night are close to each other!

Georgetown Penang nightlife is usually sufficient for first time visitors to the city!

And some places are the same ones you can see in the day! But time your visit right and you can be there for sunset and nightfall too!

Best Things To Do In Penang At Night

Where To Take An Evening Stroll

1. Cross The KOMTAR Rainbow Skywalk

Up on the 68th floor of The Top, KOMTAR is a short circular glass bridge that juts out from the building.

From here, you can see Penang through the glass from the sides of the bridge as well as the floor!

Rainbow Skywalk At Night
Rainbow Skywalk At Night – photo is from the official KOMTAR Facebook page

If you get the all-day ticket, you can come back again in the evening to see a different view!

Price:

  • The TOP Fun Pass (Multiple entry in a day) – RM99 (Adult), RM58 (Child/ Senior)
  • 3 Attractions Pass – RM75 (Adult), RM55 (Child/ Senior)
  • Rainbow Skywalk (Single entry) – RM68 (Adult), RM48 (Child/ Senior)
  • Malaysians are eligible for lower rates – Bring your IC!
  • You can also save 10% when you purchase tickets online one day in advance!

2. Take A Sunset Cruise

After a day of trekking at Penang National Park, you can take a boat back to the island from Monkey Beach or Pantai Keracut. At sunset, the view is mesmerizing!

Sunset At Penang National Park
Sunset At Penang National Park – photo credits to haidarhydar (Instagram)

Or just take the sunset cruises that start at 5pm and last up to ~3 hours, passing by jungle and wetlands!

You can get a boat from the entrance of the Penang National Park. The boat trips do require at least 2 people. With a maximum of 10 people per boat!

Price:

  • ~RM40 (Monkey Island)
  • ~RM100 (Around the island including the turtle sanctuary)

3. George Town From Atop Penang Hill

View the city from Penang Hill Sky Walk (or Sky Deck). Take your time as the last train down the hill departs at 11pm!

Penang Hill Sky Deck And Sky Walk At dusk
Penang Hill Sky Deck And Sky Walk At dusk – photo credits to sweet_vengence (Instagram)

The Habitat Sunset Walk

It’s not free to access The Habitat or its iconic Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, the highest point on Penang Hill!

Sunset At Curtis Crest, The Habitat
Sunset At Curtis Crest, The Habitat – photo credits to tintinvino (Instagram)

Sunset packages begin from 5:30pm onwards and include access to the platform.

Note: Last entry is at 6pm.

The packages also include a nighttime guided jungle walk to seek out the elusive Colugo (i.e. flying lemur) and other native wildlife!

Price:

Self-guided walks

  • RM65 Adult
  • RM 45 Child/Senior/Student

Guided Walks

  • RM95 per adult
  • RM65 Child/Senior/Student
  • Pre-booking is required for guided walks

4. Admire All The Lights At Kek Lok Si Temple (Chinese New Year Only)

Once a year, throngs of visitors look forward to the wonderful light display at the massive temple complex!

Kek Lok Si Decked Out For Chinese New Year
Kek Lok Si Decked Out For Chinese New Year – photo credits to chiakokhow (Instagram)

At any other time of the year, the temple is not open past 5:30pm! So take advantage of the longer opening hours and visit the temple after or right before dinner!

Closing time during Chinese New Year will be 10pm or 12am for weekdays and weekends respectively.

5. Go On An Evening Stroll At The Clan Jetties Of Penang

After the daytime crowds disperse, head over to Chew Jetty or Lee Jetty! These villages will have colorful lights on later!

Lee Jetty Colorfully Lit At Night
Lee Jetty Colorfully Lit At Night – photo credits to paulbaoluo84 (Instagram)

The floating Hean Boo Thean Temple at the end of Yeoh Jetty is a sight to behold at and after sunset too!

It’s quite romantic to walk among the houses along the pier while you listen to the waves, watch the sunset and feel the sea breeze!

6. Find Avatar Secret Garden

Note: Avatar Secret Garden has seen a decline in quality since its opening due to poor maintenance and is currently temporarily closed.

Another free thing to do in Penang at night is a detour to Penang’s own Avatar Secret Garden!

Blue Lights In The Trees At Penang Avatar Secret Garden
Blue Lights In The Trees At Penang Avatar Secret Garden – photo credits to maysihijau (Instagram)

Try to find the place before it gets dark. And you’ll have the additional treat of catching the sunset from the beach beside the garden!

Note: If you drive, expect to pay a RM3 parking fee.

The colorful LED-lit garden with walkways and an LED tulip field is behind Thai Pak Koong Temple.

Location: 336, Jalan Tokong Thai Pak Koong, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang Island

Opening Hours: Daily from 8pm to 12am

Lights Turn On From: 7:30pm

Alternative: Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park

This Park was part of a project in 2018  to conserve the rich history of the area and develop it as a family-friendly recreational spot too.

Contemporary Playgroung At Urban Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park
Contemporary Playgroung At Urban Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park – photo credits to han_chou (Instagram)

In fact, the Park represents two archeological sites: the Sia Boey Market and the Old Prangin Canal Basin.

The Canal Basin, which is actually monsoon drain, has now been converted into a lively colorful koi pond.

Fun fact: Sia Boey which roughly translates to “end of the town” in Hokkien was given its name because in the 19th century Georgetown was only developed till the Prangin Canal.

While the rest of the Sia Boey has been rejuvenated with plants, a children’s playground, and a public square. This historic site is a great place a cool morning or a romantic moonlit stroll!

Entry: Free

Location: 50, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Opening Hours: 6am to 11pm

Indulge In Late-Night Shopping In Penang

7. Hit The Mall (Penang Shopping Malls)

Of all the places to visit in Penang at night, a shopping mall might not be the top of your list!

But how about 2 right next to each other?

Night Time View Of Gurney Paragon - Popular Penang Shopping Mall
Night Time View Of Gurney Paragon – Popular Penang Shopping Mall – photo credits to thanyasornkaew (Instagram)

Glitzy Gurney Paragon and Gurney Plaza hold plentiful shopping opportunities for the fashion-conscious! And a medley of late-night eateries!

Queensbay Mall has even more stores to peruse if you do not know what to buy from Penang!

8. Browse Penang Night Markets

Monday’s Macallum Street Night Market is an undisputed food haven for Penang street food like char kway teow and satay!

Macallum Street Night Market In Penang
Macallum Street Night Market In Penang – photo credits to walter.ang (Instgram)

On Tuesday’s, you’ll want to be at Tanjung Bungah Night Market! Especially if it’s durian season! There is local food as well as international street food like xiao long bao and aligot!

And over in Batu Ferringhi, the Batu Ferringhi Night Market has plenty of non-edible wares for sale! There are souvenirs, electronic accessories, jewelry, shoes and even beach wear!

Batu Ferringhi Night Market By The Beach
Batu Ferringhi Night Market By The Beach – photo credits to ifafahh_love (Instagram)

Get A Taste Of Penang Street Food Or Go Fancy!

9. Gurney Drive Food Court

Gurney Drive is home to a large food court (Gurney Drive Hawker Centre) which faces the sea on one side!

Gurney Drive Hawker Food Centre Before Nightfall In Penang
Gurney Drive Hawker Food Centre Before Nightfall In Penang – photo credits to juliana_franzizca (Instagram)

Stalls surround rows of tables and chairs in the middle of the court in typical hawker fashion.

Food to try includes satay, pasembur, char kway teow, lok lok, sotong bakar (grilled squid) and rojak!

10. Chulia Street Hawker Stalls

Although smaller than the food court on Gurney Drive, Chulia Street has enough variety to satisfy your street food cravings!

Stall owners start serving from 6pm with the peak around 8pm!

Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls
Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls – photo credits to len_j_p (Instagram)

These roadside stalls sell popiah, muah chee, hokkien mee, char kway teow, lor bak, curry mee, wantan mee, chee cheong fun, satay, laksa, and more!

11. Ferringhi Garden

Undoubtedly, the best thing about Ferringhi Garden is the ambiance!

It’s hard to beat dining outdoors when it’s in such a lovely mature garden! The indoor seating is equally cozy with liberal use of timber!

Outdoor Seating At Ferringhi Garden Restaurant
Outdoor Seating At Ferringhi Garden Restaurant – photo is from their official Facebook page

Western food like spaghetti, seafood platters and steak feature on the menu. This is also an ideal spot for breakfast as the coffee barista meets Melbourne standards!

Location: 34, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Kampung Batu Feringgi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island

Opening Hours: Daily from 4pm to 10:30pm (*Last order at 9:30pm)

Contact: +604-881 1193 (Call), +6016-415 8835 (WhatsApp)

12. Fine Dining At The Indigo Restaurant (The Blue Mansion)

The Blue Mansion’s stunning on-site restaurant is on the first floor and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

The Elegant Ambiance At The Indigo Restaurant (The Blue Mansion) In Penang
The Elegant Ambiance At The Indigo Restaurant (The Blue Mansion) In Penang – photo is from their official Facebook page

A fusion of Western and Eastern prevails in both the interior and menu! The chef hails from Penang and has over 10 years of international culinary experience!

Steep prices ensure exclusivity. And you can expect faultless service while you’re here!

Notes:

  • Lunch menu has a more reasonable price point
  • Dinner guests get to join the evening tours of the mansion at 6:30pm

Location: 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island

Opening Hours: Daily from 12pm to 3pm; 6:30pm to 10pm

Contact: +604-262 0006

For other fine dinining options, head on over to our article on the top places for fine dining in penang island for a more detailed list!

Have A Late Cuppa At A Night Cafe In Penang

13. Wheelers Café Penang

Healthy food, a clean environment, commendable filter coffee, air-conditioning and a satisfying drinks menu makes Wheelers a favorite with tourists around Love Lane!

Wheeler's Cafe & Bar In Penang
Wheeler’s Cafe & Bar In Penang – photo credits to wenny_liu (Instagram)

Prices are acceptable considering that the portions are large and that the pork-free food is tasty!

Do try their double cheese burger and signature espresso chicken! There are vegan options too!

Savory Meal At Wheeler's Cafe In Penang
Savory Meal At Wheeler’s Cafe In Penang – photo credits to rgreddy5 (Instagram)

And they have a set breakfast (daily) and lunch menu (weekdays only) available for dine-in guests!

Location: 67, Lorong Love, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island

Opening Hours: Daily from 8am to 12am

Contact: +6019-524 7703

14. Norm

An inconspicuous exterior belies a trendy café in minimalist tones bathed in natural light!

Artisan coffee, pasta and fresh dessert waffles of different flavors (like Apple Crumble or Citrus Passion) reign during the day. Desserts like their sinful tiramisu are a must-try!

Neon Lights At Norm Cafe In Penang
Neon Lights At Norm Cafe In Penang – photo credits to john3sixteen (Instagram)

And by night, bartenders replace the baristas along with unique tropic-infused cocktails (Tipsy in Tambun, Jungle Bird, etc)!

Note: Not enough space for large groups.

Location: 260c, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island

Opening Hours: Daily from 2pm to 10pm (Closed on Thursdays and Fridays)

15. Narrow Marrow

It’s really easy to miss the front of this café with its tinted windows and potted plants on Carnarvon Street!

Inside Narrow Marrow Cafe In Georgetown Penang
Inside Narrow Marrow Cafe In Georgetown Penang – photo credits to thankbryan (Instagram)

Keeping much of the original 2-storey pre-war shophouse intact, Narrow Marrow specializes in coffee (particularly black coffee) and cheese cakes!

Note: There are some savory bites too
Tiramisu Cakes By Narrow Marrow
Tiramisu Cakes By Narrow Marrow – photo is from their official Facebook page

Cake Flavors That They Have:

  • Lemon
  • Matcha Rum
  • Expresso Kahlua Tiramisu
  • Salted Gula Melaka
  • Apple Crumble

Location: 252A, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island

Opening Hours: Daily from 3pm to 11pm (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

Contact: +6014-303 6647 or +604-226 3083

16. Hard Rock Cafe Penang

At Hard Rock Café Penang, you can order American favorites like burgers, pizza, beer, decadent milkshakes, brownies and sundaes, salads and New York cheese cake! In huge portions!

Live Band Playing At Hard Rock Cafe Penang
Live Band Playing At Hard Rock Cafe Penang – photo is from their official Facebook page

There’s a live band performance every day too from 10.30pm to 2.00am.

And naturally, music memorabilia deck the walls of the café!  While the on-site Rock Shop® sells Hard Rock Cafe Penang t-shirts, caps, pins and others!

Location: Ground floor of Hard Rock Hotel, Batu Ferringhi Beach 11100, Penang Island

Opening Hours:

  • Sunday – Thursday from 12pm to 11pm
  • Friday & Saturday from 12pm to 12am
  • Rock Shop Café: Sunday – Thursday from 12pm to 10pm; Friday & Saturday from 12pm to 12am

Contact: +604-886 8050

17. Chinahouse

Chinahouse beckons with its multiple establishments within 3 linked heritage shop-houses! All surrounding a beautiful courtyard with a public pool!

One Of The Entrances To China House Penang
One Of The Entrances To China House Penang – photo credits to jr_yeo (Instagram)

A library is at the top floor with drawing materials free for public use!

Cafes: Kopi C

Restaurants:

  • BTB (middle-eastern fusion cuisine)
  • The Canteen (live music on the weekends!)

Bar: Vine & Single

Shops: Bonton Shop 2 (jewelry shop)

Bakery: Beach Street Bakery (many many different types of cakes!)

Cakes On Display At China House Penang
Cakes On Display At China House Penang – photo credits to cindy_tkp (Instagram)

Location: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang

Opening Hours: Daily from 9am to 11:30pm

Contact: +604-263 7299

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

Check Out Penang’s Night Scene! (Pubs, Bars & Nightclubs)

18. Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant And Rooftop Bar

Right on top of Bayview Hotel is a revolving restaurant and rooftop bar with floor-to-ceiling windows! It doesn’t matter where you sit as the whole restaurant will complete its circuit gradually!

Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, Penang
Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, Penang – photo credits to rraj_vin (Instagram)

The intimate space is suitable for a birthday or private celebration! They serve local and western food in buffet style. With imported beer on tap!

And it goes without saying that this is another spot to see the sunset! Against Penang’s skyline!

Location: 25-A, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang Island

Opening Hours: Daily from 4pm to 12am

Contact: +604-261 3540

19. Sky Terrace (Penang Hill)

On weekends, this place is usually full of families. The food is good and there’s a spectacular view of Penang!

David Brown's Sky Terrace
David Brown’s Sky Terrace – photo credits to voo.gin (Instagram)
Note: If you go during lunch time, you can take advantage of the lunch set which comes with enough food to share!

In fact, this is a prime spot for watching the fireworks on New Year’s Eve as you can sit outside in the garden! And have drinks from the bar while you listen to the live band in the evening!

Location: Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Air Itam, Penang

Opening Hours: Daily from 12pm to 9pm (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

Contact: +6018-409 6277

20. QE II Restaurant (Muchacha)

Penang nightlife doesn’t get any better than the weekend vibes at spacious seaside QE II Restaurant!

Full House At Muchacha QE2 Penang
Full House At Muchacha QE2 Penang – photo is form their official Facebook page

Sit outside in the breeze with views of the harbor and excellent Spanish tapas, wood fired pizza or salsa prawns! Order something from the well-stocked bar too!

Music is either from a live band or their fine sound system! There’s enough space to dance if you want to!

Location: 8, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang Island

Opening Hours: Daily from 6pm to 1am (Closed on Thursdays)

Contact: +604-261 2126

21. The Tipsy Tiger Party Hostel

There’s no need to seek out another party space if you’re a guest at this renowned backpacker hostel! Drinks from the bar are low-cost too!

Tipsy Tiger Party Hostel In Georgetown Penang
Tipsy Tiger Party Hostel In Georgetown Penang – photo credits to totoocto (Instagram)

Every evening will see an atmosphere not unlike a college party! With beer pong contests and rowdy energy! You can easily make a new friend from across the world this way!

For the sake of the guests though, these parties will end just before midnight! Which is no big deal since Love Lane is close by!

Location: 20, Stewart Ln, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang

Opening Hours: Daily from 8.30 to 11.45pm

Contact: +604-261 2063

Stay Out Late At One Of Penang’s Live Streets!

22. Love Lane Penang Nightlife

Love Lane Penang is sure to be on any list of things to do in Penang at night!

Many of the daytime eateries double up as pubs perfect for people watching and socializing!

Micke's Place Love Lane
Micke’s Place Love Lane – photo credits to ikmalfareeq (Instagram)

And there’s usually another nighttime haunt just beside or right around the corner if you want to bar-crawl!

Recommendations:

  • Holy Guacamole
  • The Loft
  • Micke’s Place

Read more: 11 Best Penang Massage Spa Centres To Get A Relaxing Body & Foot Massage

23. Chulia Street Penang Nightlife

Like Love Lane, Chulia Street is famous for its lively night scene!

1945 Penang is a highly-rated Western-style restaurant on Chulia Street! Their cocktails don’t cost much and they serve snacks too!

Live Band Performing At 1945 Penang
Live Band Performing At 1945 Penang – photo is from their official Facebook page

They actually open from 10am in case you want to grab a nice cool beer in the afternoon!

Other Recommendations:

  • Chulia Court The Tavern
  • The Original Reggae Club
  • The Pokok – All Day Bar
  • Fidalgo
  • Rockafellas Kitchen & Bar

Getting Around Penang

RayTheTour is a private tour service that will bring your Penang experience to another level!

Penang Tour - RayTheTour & Travelswithsun

Why You Should Book With Us:

  • Comfortable and spacious transport – van or MPV
  • Direct pick up (and drop off) at any Penang location
  • Standard hours are flexible around 9am to 6pm
  • Go anywhere you want with no fixed itinerary!
  • Our team has local guides who speak English or Chinese

Further reading:

Conclusion

Boredom is out of the question with so many things to do in Penang at night! From sunset and right until after midnight!

Penang nightlife is just as rich as its daytime persona. Don’t forget to check for any upcoming events and festivals too!

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