There are many shopping malls in Penang. Most of them are close to George Town and some of them are even right next to each other!
Most shopping malls sell mid-range goods. But a few of these malls have interesting onsite attractions too, if you don’t really feel like shopping but want to enjoy that air-conditioning bliss!
Get your retail therapy fix at any of these options.
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.
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, 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 is attached to Gurney Paragon. Here, they have cultural exhibitions like the history of ceramics in Malaysia too. And can also learn about Myanmar, Burmese and other cultures and communities through lectures.
Sometimes there are live art exhibitions (e.g., Ming Art Exhibition) 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. 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
6. 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.
Personally, we don’t come here for shopping. But if you’re looking for exquisite souvenirs, 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
- Location: Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang 10470 Tanjong Tokong, Penang Malaysia
- Opening Hours: 10 am–10 pm
- Contact: +604-891 8000
7. 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!
Thus, this is the mall we recommend if you are in the mood for shopping.
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
8. Design Village Outlet Mall (DVOM)
Design Village Outlet Mall is a premium brand outlet, where you can get your designer brands for a bargain! Most 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.
Even though we were not here for the shops, we did enjoy strolling through this mall. There are outdoor cafes as well as a corner lot for Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. The center court of this mall is very attractive and a good space for weekend markets.
Since there is only one level, this open-air mall is wheelchair–friendly too!
We find that there are not many dining options at this mall. The food zone of this mall is mostly empty. The grocery mart, Urban Pantry does have a cafeteria of sorts though.
Note: IKEA at Batu Kawan is only a short distance away from this mall!
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
9. 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
Conclusion
Penang has many shopping malls that will keep you occupied in between hunting for street food and street murals.
Visitors can try these air-conditioned havens when the weather is not on your side!
Penang Museums
Shopping malls aren’t the only places you can go to for air-conditioning. For other rain-proof things to do in Penang, check out these Penang museums to pop into. You can learn a lot about Malaysian culture and Penang from some of these options!
Things To Do With Kids While In Penang
It’s convenient to bring the whole family to a shopping mall to cool off. But there are other places in Penang that you can take your kids to. They might enjoy these places better too. Such as Penang’s Entopia.
Penang Cafes
Cafes are also a great place to chill and pass some time between sightseeing and eating local food. And Penang has no shortage of these! You’ll be able to find many options in George Town alone.
