Best Things To Do In Penang

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

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

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

Table of contents:

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

27 Best Things To Do In Penang

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

1. Eat Penang Food

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

Asam Laksa Kim Laksa Balik Pulau, Penang
Asam Laksa Kim Laksa Balik Pulau, Penang

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

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

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

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

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

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

On The Penang Hill Funicular
On The Penang Hill Funicular – Photo by Travelswithsun

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

Read more:

3. Stop By The Pinang Peranakan Museum

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

Main Courtyard Of Penang Peranakan Museum
Main Courtyard Of Penang Peranakan Museum – Photo by Travelswithsun

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

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

What we feel about Penang Peranakan Museum.

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

4. Wander Among The Clan Jetties Of Penang

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

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

Shops Along Chew Jetty
Shops Along Chew Jetty

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

Read more about each of the clan jetties in Penang.

5. See The Famous Street Murals

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

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

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

6. Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

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

Guan Yin Statue Seen From The Top Of The Pagoda At Kek Lok Si In Penang
Guan Yin Statue Seen From The Top Of The Pagoda At Kek Lok Si In Penang

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

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

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

7. Admire The Flora At Penang Botanical Gardens

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

Both are transformed abandoned quarries by past British colonial administrators.

At Penang Botanic Gardens
At Penang Botanic Gardens

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

More details on Penang Botanical Gardens.

  • Location: Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 George Town, Penang Island
  • Contact: +604-226 4401
  • Opening Hours: 6am–7pm

Remarks:

  • Free entry
  • No WiFi
  • This is where you can start your hike up to Penang Hill.

8. Climb Up To Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple

Not far from the botanical gardens:

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

Rewarding Views Of Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, Penang After A long Climb
Rewarding Views Of Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, Penang After A long Climb – photo credits to wolverboy (Instagram)

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

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

9. Soak In The History Of Fort Cornwallis

Note: Moat restoration works in progress

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

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

Canon Facing The Flagstaff At The Fort Cornwallis
Canon Facing The Flagstaff At The Fort Cornwallis

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

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

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

10. Have Fun At An Interactive Museum

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

Entrance Of Wonder Food Museum In Penang
Entrance Of Wonder Food Museum In Penang

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

Recommended museums:

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

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

Front Of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Temple
Front Of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi Temple

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

Read more about Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.

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

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

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

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

The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion)
The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goddess Of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Temple)
Goddess Of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Temple) – photo credits to food_ian0903 (Instagram)

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

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

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

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

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

Type Of Boat That You Can Take To Monkey Beach At Penang National Park
Type Of Boat That You Can Take To Monkey Beach At Penang National Park – Photo by Travelswithsun

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

  • Kerachut Beach (Pantai Keracut) – the turtle sanctuary and meromictic lake are here
  • Monkey Beach (Teluk Duyung)
  • Muka Head Lighthouse – additional steep climb from the coastal trail
Entrance To Penang National Park
Entrance To Penang National Park – Photo by Travelswithsun

See this detailed guide on Penang National Park.

Penang National Park Office:

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

15. Step Into The Penang Butterfly Farm (Entopia)

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

Butterfly On Hibiscus Flowers At Entopia By Penang Butterfly Farm
Butterfly On Hibiscus Flowers At Entopia By Penang Butterfly Farm

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

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

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

16. Tropical Fruit Farm

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

At The Viewing Deck Of Tropical Fruit Farm At Teluk Bahang, Penang
At The Viewing Deck Of Tropical Fruit Farm At Teluk Bahang, Penang

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

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

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

17. Go For A Tour Inside Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque

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

Floating Mosque, Penang
Floating Mosque, Penang – photo credits to chiachuin.graphon (Instagram)

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

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

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

18. Ride A Horse At Countryside Stables Penang

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

The entrance and lesson fees are affordable.

Countryside Stables Penang
Countryside Stables Penang – photo credits to wrawos (Instagram)

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

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

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

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

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

View Of The Hills At Balik Pulau Paddy Field
View Of The Hills At Balik Pulau Paddy Field

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

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

Close Up Of Balik Pulau’s Stunning Paddy Fields
Close Up Of Balik Pulau’s Stunning Paddy Fields

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

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

20. Roam Penang’s Colorful And Lively Little India

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

It is busiest before and during Deepavali and Thaipusam!

Little India Of Penang
Little India Of Penang – photo credits to ivan_teoh (Instagram)

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Penang
Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Penang – photo credits to i_am_yumi.h (Instagram)

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

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

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

22. Treat The Kids To Adventure Zone Theme Park

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

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

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

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

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

Entrance Fees:

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

23. Get Your Adrenaline Going At ESCAPE Theme Park

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

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

Highlights Of The Adventure Park:

  • Kite Flyer (50m swing through the jungle)
  • Tubby Racer (Ride a rubber tube down a slide!)
  • Zip lines
  • Flying fox
  • Monkey Business (High rope obstacle course)
The Gecko Tower At Escape Penang, Teluk Bahang
The Gecko Tower At Escape Penang, Teluk Bahang

Highlights Of The Water Park:

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

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

Read about our experience at Escape Theme Park in Penang.

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

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

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

Rainbow Skywalk At The Top Komtar Penang
Rainbow Skywalk At The Top Komtar Penang – photo credits to raghav3134 (Instagram)

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

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

Entrance Fees:

Tickets are cheaper for Malaysians!

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

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

25. Jog Or Walk Around Air Itam Dam

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

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

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

Air Itam Dam
Air Itam Dam – photo credits to chongming6009 (Instagram)

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

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

View Of Penang From Air Itam Dam
View Of Penang From Air Itam Dam – photo credits to kehhung (Instagram)
  • Location: Jalan Balik Pulau, George Town, Penang Island
  • Contact: +604-509 6509

26. Relax At The Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park

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

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

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

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

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

27. Watch The Sun Set At Batu Ferringhi Beach

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

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

Parasailing At Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang
Parasailing At Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang

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

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

Getting To Penang Attractions Easily

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

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

Penang Tour - RayTheTour & Travelswithsun

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

Make bookings or inquiries via WhatsApp.

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

Similar Posts