Have an entire day to spare in George Town? You can fill it by visiting a few Penang shopping malls! Most of them are close by while some of them are right next to each other!
Most of the shopping malls in Penang sell mid-range goods. But a few of these malls have interesting onsite attractions for you to kill some time too.
So, get your retail therapy fix here!
Table Of Contents:
- Shopping Malls In George Town
- Malls In Tanjung Tokong
- Mall In Bayan Lepas
- Shopping Malls On Mainland
11 Best Shopping Malls In Penang
Shopping Malls In George Town
We’ve listed down 6 reputable shopping malls:
1. Gurney Plaza
Along the esplanade Gurney Drive and beside G Hotel Gurney and Kelawai, Gurney Plaza is one of the oldest and most prestigious shopping malls.
This waterfront mall is the second-largest mall on the island too. It boasts 9-stories’ worth of international brands among 380 tenants!
You’ll find a stellar selection of F&B restaurants, clothing outlets, and beauty brands all under one roof.
It makes the perfect hangout over the weekend, with elaborate festive decorations during major celebrations, creating ample photo opportunities perfect for the Gram.
Anchor Department Store:
- Parkson
Entertainment:
- Golden Screen Cinemas
- Red Box Karaoke
Dining:
- Canton-I
- Din Tai Fung
Supermarket:
- Mercato Gurney Plaza
Pharmacy:
- Guardian
- Stay Well Pharmacy
- Watsons
Beauty:
- Estée Lauder
- Innisfree
- Kiehl’s
- L’occitane
- The Face Shop
Fashion:
- Marks & Spencer
- Adidas Original
- Skechers
- Calvin Klein Jeans
- Charles & Keith
- UNIQLO
- HLA
Dollar Store:
- Daiso
Closest Hotels:
- Location: 170, Gurney Dr, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Penang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
- Contact: +604-222 8222
2. Gurney Paragon
Not to be confused with Gurney Plaza Penang, Gurney Paragon is just a 5-minute walk from the former.
Surrounding a world-heritage chapel, this 9-story shopping mall features over 200 brands under its roof, flanked by a luxurious residential complex and executive office tower.
This modern mall appeals especially to the fashion-conscious with trendy local and international fashion outlets!
One of the highlights here is Penang’s first BookXcess bookstore on the 7th floor. It’s here that you’ll find the longest (70-meters long) and tallest (2-story high) bookshelf in Malaysia!
However, this shopping mall doesn’t have benches for those who need a break. When we were last there, we noticed that it is less crowded compared to Gurney Plaza.
Straits And Oriental Museum
This shopping mall is attached to Gurney Paragon. But Straits and Oriental Museum (as the name implies) is home to more than just shops.
They have cultural exhibitions like the history of ceramics in Malaysia too.
And while here, you can also learn about Myanmar, Burmese and other cultures and communities through lectures.
Sometimes there are live art exhibitions (e.g., Ming Art Exhibition) too and members of the audience will be able to interact directly with the artists.
Entertainment:
- TGV Cinemas (anchor tenant)
- I Am Singer
Dining:
- Haidilao Hot Pot
- Lunarich Malaysia Pizza & Pasta
Supermarket:
- Jaya Grocer
Pharmacy:
- Caring
- Guardian
- Watsons
Beauty & Health:
- Sephora
- Bath & Body Works
- Sasa
- Hibari Clinic
Fashion:
- Cotton On
- H&M
- Michael Kors
Music & Books:
- BookXcess
- Bentley Music
Closest Hotels:
- Location: 163-D, Gurney Paragon Mall, Gurney Drive, 10250 George Town, Penang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
- Contact: +604-228 8266
3. Prangin Mall
If you’re looking for a less crowded mall, the Prangin Mall is the place to go.
Native Penangnites will attest that this mall has lost its luster, with many leading brands have moved out over the years.
Besides that, there’s relatively new competition with 1st Avenue Mall that is accessible via a link bridge from Prangin Mall.
Despite all that, Prangin Mall is the place to go for affordable local-brand apparel and electronic gadgets.
Connectivity is excellent too because you can catch a free Rapid Penang CAT bus opposite Prangin Mall, which goes through different tourist sites in George Town!
Entertainment:
- Kidland
- MM Cineplexes
Food & Beverage:
- McDonald’s
- Nasi Melayu Asli
- Sushi King
- Starbucks
Pharmacy:
- Guardian
- Watsons
Beauty:
- Essential Hair Specialist
Fashion:
- Body Glove
- Giordano
- Levi’s
- HI Style
Closest Hotel:
- Location: Prangin Mall, No 33, Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, George Town, 10100 George Town, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
- Contact: +604-262 2233
4. 1st Avenue Mall
Easily-accessible, 1st Avenue Mall links to both Prangin Mall and KOMTAR. International fashion brands, an arcade (K.B. Fun Arcade), and karaoke (Red Box) will keep shoppers busy!
Visitors especially love coming to this less-crowded mall to catch a movie and relax.
It hosts a variety of electronic shops on the second and third floor, making it the place to scout for second-hand MacBooks, and computers!
The food court on Level-4 also serves a wide range of food at reasonable prices. Moreover, the opening of a Village Grocer here is bound to draw the crowd back.
Just remember to bring a jacket because the air conditioning is freezing!
Entertainment:
- Red Box
- K.B. Fun Arcade
- TGV Cinemas
Pharmacy:
- Watsons
- Guardian
Beauty:
- Sasa
- Avenue Hair Specialist
- Yun Nam Hair Care
Fashion:
- H&M
- Brands Outlet
Closest Hotels:
- Location: 182, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
- Contact: 04-261 1121
5. Penang Plaza
Penang Plaza prides itself as one of the pioneers! Its modern look is a product of a major renovation back in 2010.
This modest-3 story shopping mall is still a favorite among locals who frequent the Giant supermarket for grocery shopping.
Go early on weekends to avoid the crowds!
Anchor Department Store:
- Giant Supermarket
Pharmacy:
- Guardian
- Watsons
Dining:
- Noble Season
- Location: Penang Plaza, 126, Jalan Burma, 10050 George Town, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
- Contact: +604-210 6060
6. ICT Digital Mall @ KOMTAR
The ICT Digital Mall is a sprawling 4-story podium that hosts over 250 shop lots of computer hardware and software solutions.
Attached to the iconic KOMTAR building and linked to 1st Avenue and Prangin Mall, you’ll find a dizzying array of the latest electronic gadgets and repair shops.
This mall sells second-hand options alongside brand-new gadgets too, just be sure to shop around to get the best bargain before you make a commitment.
For our personal recommendation, check out the Kao Yek Wholesaler on the first floor where you’ll find a gamut of IT accessories at reasonable prices!
- Location: Geodesic Dome, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 8pm
- Contact: +604 – 250 8661
Read more: 11 Best Night Market In Penang – Monday To Sunday (Especially #5)
Shopping Mall In Tanjung Tokong
Tanjung Tokong is a suburb of George Town along the northeastern coast of Penang! Here is where you can find another seaside mall!
7. Straits Quay Marina Mall
Housing a performing arts centre and a convention centre, Straits Quay is a seaside mall with an elegant façade and many swanky Western and Asian eateries.
As a retail marina fronting the sea, the Straits Quay Marina Mall boasts a decent mix of tenants. It is however, the spectacular views that are not to be missed if you’re more of a window shopper anyways.
What we like to do best at Straits Quay Marina Mall is to take a relaxing stroll along the seafront to admire the numerous docked private yachts. This is a popular spot for residents to walk their pampered pooches too.
Or you can dine with a view at one of the restaurants facing the quay!
If you are a keen shopper, note that there aren’t many big brands here. Although, the selection of bespoke merchants should keep you in the mall for a few hours.
Note: You can find the famous Malaysian pewter smith brand, Royal Selangor at this mall!
Supermarket:
- Sam’s Groceria
- K market
Dining:
- Subway
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- Nyonya Breeze Desire
- Healy Mac’s Irish Bar & Restaurant
- Blue Reef Fish & Chips
Fashion:
- Shoepoint
- Monica Quen
- Wiss Boutique
- Location: Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang 10470 Tanjong Tokong, Penang Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 10 am–10 pm
- Contact: +604-891 8000
Read more: 17 Best Cafes To Visit In Penang
Shopping Mall In Bayan Lepas
From Bayan Lepas, you can see the Second Penang Bridge, the longest bridge in Southeast Asia! You can also find Penang’s largest shopping mall here!
8. Queensbay Mall
Queensbay Mall is a few minutes’ drive away from the Penang Bridge!
During the Christmas season, the 2.5 million sq. ft. mall never fails to put up an impressive wintry display in their main hall! It’s different every year.
That aside, this shopping paradise plays host to many popular brands across different shopping categories, with the AEON departmental store and dining outlets standing out.
You’re always spoilt for choices at this five-story mall with its plethora of tenants (~400) that truly make Queensbay Mall a one-stop shopping center!
Anchor Department Store:
- AEON
Entertainment:
- Golden Screen Cinemas
- Mission-Q
Dining:
- Sushi King
- Pho Vietz
- Haidilao Hot Pot
- Canton-i Restaurant
- Dragon-i Restaurant
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Supermarket:
- AEON
Pharmacy:
- AEON Wellness
- Caring
- Guardian
- Watsons
- Ubatku Pharmacy
Dollar store:
- Daiso
Beauty:
- The Body Shop
- Bath & Body Works
- Sephora
- Laneige
Fashion:
- G2000
- Timberland
- Uniqlo
- Puma
- Birkenstock
- HLA
Closest Hotel: Eastin Hotel
- Location: Queensbay Mall, 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:30am to 10:30pm
- Contact: +604-619 8989
9. Bukit Jambul Shopping Complex
Another shopping sanctuary in the southern region of Penang is Bukit Jambul Shopping Complex. Here, you can shop for affordable gadgets, home essentials, and clothes.
In terms of aesthetics, it lacks the extravagance of newer malls but makes up for it with a decent array of mid-to-lower-priced items.
Over the weekends, the mall is quite packed and because it doesn’t have the luxury of space, parking spaces are pretty limited as well.
But if you’re looking for the best foreign currency exchange rate in Georgetown, then this mall is your best bet.
All in all, you can swing by here if you’re in town, or if you’re on the hunt for cheap IT repair work or FOREX rates.
- Location: 3A, 06-01, Jalan Rumbia, Kampung Seberang Paya, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang
- Opening Hours: Daily 11am – 10pm
Read more: 21 Things To Do In Penang With Kids
Shopping Malls On The Mainland, Penang
The mainland has just as many interesting attractions as the island. But with a quieter atmosphere and smaller crowds.
This part of the state has its own reputable malls too.
10. Design Village Outlet Mall (DVOM)
Design Village Outlet Mall is a premium brand outlet, where you can get your designer brands for a bargain! The majority of the shops here are of mid-range pricing!
The landscaping here is breath-taking with ample open space, outdoor light, and ornamental plants set among relaxing water features.
Adopting an open-air layout with a huge car park, the so-called greenest mall in Malaysia is wheelchair–friendly too!
On another note, adrenaline junkies can head over to the rooftop to enjoy the 1st rooftop go-karting experience in Penang!
Note: IKEA at Batu Kawan is only a short distance away! You can take the free shuttle to IKEA from Design Village.
Fashion:
- Coach
- Kate Spade
- Adidas
- Guess
- Padini Outlet
- Reebok
- Brands Outlet
Pharmacy:
- Watsons
Beauty:
- Sasa
Closest Hotel: The Upper House Hotel
- Location: 733, Jalan Cassia Barat 2, Bandar Cassia, 14110, Penang
- Opening Hours: Daily from 11am to 10pm
- Contact: +604-589 9888
Read more: 27 Best Things To Do In Penang
11. Sunway Carnival Mall
As one of the nicer shopping malls within the town center of Seberang Perai, Sunway Carnival Mall is a crowd-puller over the weekends.
It is conveniently walking distance from The Light Hotel too, one of the top 5-star hotels in Penang.
However, don’t expect super lavish setups or anything fancy. Still, this non-descript 4-story mall is a go-to spot for locals and tourists staying in this area.
And it’s good enough to get your basic shopping done, sample some good food, or watch a movie!
Anchor Department Store:
- Parkson Grand
- Harvey Norman
Entertainment:
- Golden Screen Cinemas
Supermarket:
- Jaya Grocer
Food & Beverage:
- Starbucks
- Sushi King
- Seoul Garden
- Haidilao
Pharmacy:
- Natural Health Farm
- Guardian
- Watsons
Beauty:
- Shins
- Sasa
- The Body Shop
- Bath & Body Works
- The Face Shop
- Elianto
Fashion:
- Al-ikhsan
- Young Hearts
- Body Glove
- Edwin
- HLA
- Location: 3068, Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang Island
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
- Contact: +604-202 0128
Read more:
- 15 Best Hotels In Penang For An Unforgettable Stay
- Top 11 New Hotels In Penang
- 9 Best Cheap Hotels in Penang
Getting Around Penang
It’s not difficult to get a Grab from most shopping malls:
On the other hand, you can request to be dropped off at a mall after a private tour with RayTheTour too!
Or RayTheTour can fetch you from a mall to your hotel to drop your shopping off before starting the tour!
Why You Should Book Our Service:
- Friendly local guides who are familiar with Penang
- Flexible and customizable itineraries based on your needs!
- Spacious MPVs and vans
- English-speaking and Mandarin-speaking guides
- Covers transportation and petrol!
- Pick up and drop off service before and after the tour!
- They accommodate tours in Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, and Taiping too!
Tour Penang with RayTheTour by booking through WhatsApp!
Further reading:
- How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown (4 Easy Ways)
- How To Get To Penang Island From Kuala Lumpur (KL)
Conclusion
Penang has many shopping malls that will keep you occupied in between hunting for street food and street murals.
Some shopping centers in Penang have their own attractions too other than shopping.
Visitors who do not know what to buy in Penang can try these air-conditioned havens when the weather is not on your side!
For other rain-proof things to do in Penang, check out the top 21 Penang museums to pop into, like the Penang Peranakan Mansion.
Other posts you will like:
- Little India Penang (New Guide) – Immerse Yourself At This Cultural Street In Georgetown
- Kek Lok Si Temple – If You Only Have Time For 1 Temple In Penang, Let It Be This One!
- The Habitat Penang Hill (Detailed Guide) – With Tips For Entrance Fee Discounts!
