Penang has lot of must-see attractions. Not sure what to cover in your itinerary? We have listed down the iconic venues and historical spots, make sightseeing a lot easier for you to experience Penang in a short space of time.
Here are the best 26 things to do in Penang. Perfect for locals & travellers of all ages.
#1 Magnificent view at Penang Hill
Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the island’s breeze at Penang Hill, the oldest British hill station in Southeast Asia. At the top, you get a amazing panoramic view of the northern coast and Georgetown city.
Pray at Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si temple is one of those places that makes your jaw drop in awe. It’s a massive structure, apparently the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, so allow ample time to explore. It is also photographer’s dream, lots of views of the architecture and Georgetown city in the backdrop. Try to climb on foot to avoid missing the tortoise pond. Not to worry if you are a little unfit book a tour with car so you can avoid the steps
#3 Catch Breathtaking Sunset at Batu Ferringhi Beach
Arrive early at 6+pm to take a strol and grab a seat at the beach or sea side cafe and watch the parasailers, the horses go by and to enjoy the cool sea breeze. Sit back and relax and catch the amazing sun sets around 7-ish.
#4 Escape from the city : Visit Penang National Park
After having so many great food in Penang. Visiting Penang national park is a great way to burn some calories and great opportunity to see some wildlife and some great views of Penang and the sea. You can go to different stops along the way all the way from monkey beach, the lighthouse and Pantai Keracut. If you are looking for a quiet beach, Pantai Kerachut could be for you, it lacks the watersports and mass tourism noises of Monkey Beach and Batu Ferringhi. Remember to book a boat ride back to the National Park entrance if you don’t want to hike all the way back.
#5 Great fun exploring the street art
Riding bicycle and cycling around the heritage site to catch the mural is always a good idea. All you need is to rent a bicycle and get your camera ready and start searching for Ernest Zacherevic’s murals and other street arts.
#6 Explore the Heritage Site
It’s a pleasure walking through the Georgetown Heritage Site, enjoying the heritage architecture and experience the authentic Penang street life. Get a free streets map from any of the shops along the streets and you can easily rent a bicycle to get around too.
#7 Walking on the water at Chew Jetty
Chew jetty is among the last of floating villages in Penang. Wandering along the Chew Jetty is really interesting. The residents have turned it into a little shopping area which is very enterprising given the space or lack of it. A must see when visiting Penang.
#8 Take an #OOTD at Hin Bus Depot
Hin Bus depot very much a instagrammable spot. The atmosphere was relaxed and there were lots of things to attract the eye and tummy. There are two cafes and an art gallery, there’s a pop-up market on every Sundays.
#9 Party at Chulia Street
Chulia street is probably the best known street in the city, making a visit to the backpacker’s paradise is one of the best thing to do in Penang. Chulia streets is really happening at night along on the street and everyone was friendly, with a huge variety in nationalities all mixing together. The food is cheap, beer is cold and nice people kicks on till late. Not to be missed.
#10 I dare you @ the top Komtar
YES! I dare you. New attractions at THE TOP of Komtar. Palpitations feelings & heart pounding sensation SkyWalk. Located on the 68th floor of the building, The Rainbow Skywalk is a semi-circle glass path that just several meters out of the building. The Open Deck will leave you amazed with a spectacular view and experience without windows. Be amongst the clouds and the rainbows!
#11 Escape “It is time to Escape to Adrenaline world”
Escape offers interesting games, tube sliders, flying kites, tree climb, geckos, monkey business and for sure my favorite, flying lemurs(zip line). This place is awesome with friendly instructors, great facilities, superb games which you can leave your fear away and built your self-confidence. Fully recommended to all of the outdoor lovers. Come and challenge yourself!
#12 Go experience interesting Museums in Penang!
Do you like museum? I certainly do. There are now more museums in Penang than ever before. These alternative museums in Penang are great place to have fun, photo taking and most importantly get to know more about Penang. Check out our lists of top 19 museums to visit in Penang.
#13 Go Cafe Hoping in Penang!”
Cafe hoping is one of the best things to do for a reason. Penang is the home to many hipster cafes that are worth exploring. Almost all of their cafes are beautifully decorated and intricately adorned with interesting trinkets and art pieces make great OOTD backdrops and serve a delectable variety of brunch items and splendid desserts. Checkout the 23 Cafés in Penang to visit at least once in your lifetime here.
#14 Try one of the Best Streets Food in the World!
Tasting Penang street food is one of the best things to do in Penang. The streets of Penang city (especially Georgetown) are renowned as a food paradise mainly due to its diversity in ethnicity, culture, and religion. There are so much street food to eat in Penang like Laksa, Hokkien Mee, Char Koay Teow, Curry Mee, Koay Teow Th’ng, Nasi Kandar, Mee Goreng, Cendol, Rojak, Pasembor and so much more! Its multi-ethnicity brings forth such celebrated variety in Penang’s street and hawker food. Check out the 28 Penang Street Food that Penangites Proud of.
15# Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm “Heaven for insect-lovers, and most children”
The tropical space inside Entopia is stunning and a great deal of care has gone into the design of the interior landscape and the facility. Butterflies in all sizes and colors fluttering around you. Beautiful setting and gardens inside the dome. This gives excellent photo opportunities. For those interested to deepen their knowledge of butterflies and insects, there is plenty of information available. There are so many rooms at Entopia which have lots of interactive games to play with, mainly kids games but still fun for adults.
#16 “Get thrilled at Tech Dome”
Tech Dome is a must go for everyone. The various stations are really interactive and focus on helping you explore and learn science concepts. Must try the signature experience g-drop in an actual free fall. Lots of educational interactive fun for both kids and adults.
#17 Hop on a trishaw for a breezy tour of George Town
Finding your way around Penang can be bewildering to the uninitiated so it is good advice to take a trishaw ride to get your bearings. Most of the driver is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful in identifying the points of interest which give you a great insight of Penang streets experiences.
#18 Ready to climb and visit the waterfall hilltop temple Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple
It’s a Hindu temple on the top of the hill. To reach up one has to walk up the stairs. During the night it’s so colorful wrapped up with colorful lights. The highlight of this temple is THAIPUSAM that is during January. Thousands of Hindus and tourist gather here for this festival to fulfill their vows. It’s fill with music and joy praising Lord Muruga.
#19 Pay a visit to the Snake Temple
Entering the Snake Temple is free. The snakes are Green Pit Vipers which we were warned are venomous, so no touching. They do appear in the most unusual places, by the checkout in the little shop, curled up in the corner on the way to the toilet.
#20 Take a nice stroll at the Penang Botanical Gardens
The Penang Botanical Gardens is truly a beautiful local wonder. You can see numerous monkeys and the grounds are well maintained. If you go in the mornings you will find the grounds are busy with people, getting in exercise before the heat of the day, but any time of day is great to visit. Bring your camera if you enjoy taking scenic photos.. Must see if you visit or live in Penang.
#21″Exoti & Colorful” Dharmikarama Burmese Temple
The Dharmikarma temple is across the road from the Wat Chayamangalaram. It is relatively smaller but very beautiful. you should pay special attention to the beautiful lattice kind of work done around the Buddha statue and the ceiling work is quite amazing too.
#22 “Gold & Sparkle everywhere!” Wat Chayamangkalaram
This traditional Thai Buddhist Temple features the 4th largest reclining Buddha in the world complete with painted nails. Another must visit temple in Penang, it’s a wonderful place to find some peace and quietness after the street hassle in Penang.
#23 Occupy Beach Street (Every Sunday)
Every Sunday, Project Occupy Beach Street will temporarily barricade major streets adjacent to Beach Street for family-friendly, community activities that the public can be a part of. This is in conjunction with the state government’s initiative for Penang Car Free Day, where everyone can utilize the six-hour, traffic-free space for brisk walking, jogging, biking, dancing and social activities – yes, busking is officially legit. Skip the drive to Beach Street on Sundays and hop on the public bus to these streets.
#24 Visit Beautiful Floating Mosque
Built in the sea supported by strong concrete pillars. It does not actually ‘float’ as the name would suggest rather it stands on water and when it is high tide it appears to be floating on water when you look at it from certain angles. A holy place where you can feel the calmness and beauty which makes it to the list of best thing to do in Penang.
#25 Eat & Shop at Penang Night Markets
One of the fun things to do in Penang at night is to visit night market. Night market also is best known as ‘pasar malam’ is generally available in large residential areas. While Pasar Malam is a place where you can find plenty of local delights, here is a list of famous ‘pasar malams’ in Penang where you can satisfy your cravings.
Lists of Penang Night Market:
Monday Night: Macallum Street Night Market
Tuesday Nights: Tanjung Bungah Market
Wednesday Nights: Farlim Night Market
Friday Nights: Jelutong Night Market
#26 Little India
Visiting Little India is the best thing to do when you’re in Georgetown. Excellent street food, fresh juices, Indian sweets and loads of shopping. Walk the streets, smell the food and spices, watch a Bollywood movie outside a video shop or shop for very gold trinkets. Fresh, authentic Indian food at its best. The best time to visit little India would be 6 evening as you can wandering the streets with chilly weather and less crowded.
