Penang is a multicultural island part of the Malacca Strait off the northwest coast of Malaysia. Nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is home to some of the best gastronomic experiences, rich Peranakan history, vivid street art in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown, and a lush tropical rainforest. Having been to Penang a few times, as we love it so much, we listed our top 21 things to do in Penang, not only to see but to experience more of the culture and history of this beautiful island and its people.
21 things to do in Penang, Malaysia
Pinang Peranakan Museum 👍
The Peranakans were and is a prominent and unique community to SouthEast Asia, especially in the Straits Settlements. Chinese immigrants who settled in Malaya, adopted and integrated local cultures, creating a unique lifestyle and customs, known as Peranakan. You can learn more about their lifestyle, antiques and clothing at the Pinang Peranakan Museum also known as Pinang Peranakan Mansion. The hand beaded shoes are magnificent, small 1mm glass beads sewn down by hand creating beautiful patterns.
Opening hours: daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm
Admission: RM20.00
📍: 29 Church St, Georgetown
Also see : Learning Peranakan beading in Singapore
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion – Blue mansion 👍
The Blue mansion starts as a tale of rags to riches. A 16 year old Cheong Fatt Tze headed to Southeast Asia in 1856. Working his ways up, as a successful businessman he decided he wanted to build a mansion true to his own Hakka heritage, but also to portray a sense of grandeur and elegance for his family. With consultation from a leading Feng Shui master of the era, the mansion in traditional Chinese house style was built by artisans from Southern China, tiles from Europe, and even English Art Nouveau stained glass windows. Looking around the mansion you will spot various cultures and aesthetic details. The mansion was both used as a living space and an office, with rooms where business guests could stay overnight as well.
You can either stay at the mansion, dine at Indigo or do a 45min tour.
Tour hours: Thursday to Sunday 2 tours a day are offered at 11am and 2pm. Reserve your tickets online.
Admission: RM25
📍: 14 Lebuh Leith, George Town
Clan jetties
This waterfront community or “floating village” known as the Clan jetties, most famous and tourist friendly – the Chew jetty, are part of the Penang Heritage Trail. The development of the Quay or Clan jetties started in 1882, mostly for loading and unloading goods, and with it overtime settlements grew. The jetties are named after various Chinese clans who live there. The area is slightly over touristed, and many little shops popped up between my first and last visit. These stilt houses are still occupied today, so please be mindful when taking pictures, and first ask permission. Keep to the path and don’t wander into peoples homes. Would suggest to go as early as possible to avoid the crowds.
📍: Weld Quay
Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
Throughout your dinner at Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Rooftop Bar you will never have the same view, as the restaurant does a full 360° rotation. The restaurant is situated at the top of the Bayview hotel, the food features both Peranakan and Malaysian delights, from Laksa Lemak, Mee Goreng Mamak to Sago Gula Melaka. Arrive earlier and enjoy a cocktail at the outdoor bar with a spectacular view of Penang and the sunset.
Opening hours: daily from 4pm to 12am
📍: 25-A Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown
Fort Cornwallis
Fort Cornwallis was built in 1786, marking the landing of Sir Francis Light on 17 July 1786, who set up a trading port. The first structure was wooden and not permanent. The solid structure left today was intended as a bastion fort to defend against pirates and other forces. It is part of the Heritage trail, but don’t expect a big exhibition inside, it has the Fort Cornwallis chapel, Arms Magazine, Fort Cornwallis lighthouse, Seri Rambai- the 17th-century Dutch cannon, the largest bronze cannon in Malaysia, and some historical descriptions plus the beautiful views.
Opening hours: daily from 9am to 6:30pm
Admission: RM20.00
📍: Lebuh Light, Georgetown
Khoo Kongsi
The Clan Temple was founded in 1835 to serve the Khoo clan. This temple is hidden away behind shop houses with the entrance an alleyway leading off 9 Lebuh Cannon. Craftsmen from China were commissioned to build the magnificent ornate structure. The impressive architecture illustrates good luck and prosperity.
Did you know that some of the filming of Anna and the King (1999) took place here?
Opening hours: daily from 9am to 5pm
Admission: RM10.00
📍: Alley way off 9 Lebuh Cannon, Georgetown
St. George Church
St. George Church is the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia, as well as one of Penang’s oldest buildings. In 2019 they celebrated their bicentennial. Work began in 1817 by the East India Company, who used convict labourers to build the rather modest building, mostly in Greek style with beautiful columns. Opposite the front entrance is a Victorian style pavilion, a memorial to Sir Francis Light.
During WWll 6 bombs were dropped on the church compound but miraculously none of the columns inside the church were damaged. Only the eastern wall and part of the roof was destroyed, so most of the building is from the original building.
There is a small heritage centre to the right, St. George’s Heritage Centre, where you can learn a bit more about the history, and where we enjoyed a cup of iced tea and pastries.
Opening hours: Gardens & monuments – daily from 7:30am to 5pm
Sunday service at 9am, Wednesday service 9:30am
Heritage Centre – Monday, Wednesday – Saturday 9am – 1pm
Admission: Entry is free but donations are welcome
📍: 1 Lebuh Farquhar, Georgetown
Penang Street food – Red Garden Food Paradise 👍
A one stop paradise to explore and delight in the various food to offer from Penang as well as from across the world. With about 30 plus stalls you are sure to find a few dishes you need to try, from Penang curry Mee, Nasi Briyani, Tandoori chicken, satays, Meh Goreng, various seafood, Pat Thai, and even pizza. The hawker centre is conveniently located in the centre of the city. The stage in the centre will at times have performers entertaining as well as karaoke nights. Great location both for families and friends dining and relaxing after a full day of walking and exploring.
Opening hours: daily from 4:30pm to 1am
📍: 20 Leith Street, Georgetown
Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si temple stands on a hilltop at Air Itam, near Penang Hill, and is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Built in 1891 by Beow Lean, the temple complex features pagodas and pavilion as well as many images of Buddha and other carvings. At its highest you will see a 36.5 metre-high bronze statue of Kuan Yin. To reach the temple’s upper levels you can either take the funicular or walk steeply uphill on the road. If you are a bit hungry after your visit you can stop at the vegetarian restaurant.
📍: 11500 Ayer Itam, we took the bus from Georgetown.
Also see : Penang best photo spots
Penang hill – hike Moon Gate Hiking trail or via tram 👍
To reach the top of Penang Hill via Moongate trail is a difficult 11.6 km trail with a gruelling staircase. Remember to bring water, mozzie repellent and sunscreen. This is not the only trail, have a look here at Penang Hills suggested trails, with 26 different starting points.
If hiking is not your thing use the funicular railway up the hill, which is the steepest tunnel track in the world. 👍
Operating hours: 6:30am – 11pm (last tram down)
Ticket: RM30 two-way (fast lane RM80)
📍: Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Bukit Bendera
Penang Botanical Gardens
The Penang Botanical Gardens also known as Waterfall Gardens, spans across 50 hectares and houses a wide variety of both exotic and indigenous plant species to view. About 8km from Georgetown the garden was first planned and built by Charles Curtis from Britain in 1884 in an old abandoned granite quarry. The garden consists of 12 sections from the Formal grade, Tropical Rainforest track, Cactus house, Horticultural centre as well as a Nursery to name a few. Some of these are only open on specific days and during certain hours and might require a booking.
This Botanical Garden also offers hiking trails up to Penang Hill. Keep a look out as you might spot the occasional wild boar or monkey, monitor lizards and birds.
Operating hours: daily 5am – 8pm
Admission: free
📍: Pavilion Administrative Complex, Jalan Kebun Bunga
High Tea at David Brown or view from Sky terrace 👍
Hidden away on Penang Hill you will find David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea terrace. This classical British colonial restaurant is the highest in Penang. Enjoy a high tea from 3pm – 5:45pm or sit at the Sky terrace to enjoy a cold beverage and some snacks weekdays 9:30am-6pm, and weekends 8:30am-7pm.
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 10:00pm
📍: Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Air Itam
The Habitat – forest bathing
Located on the edge of virgin jungle reserve area, part of prehistoric rainforests in Malaysia. With rich biodiversity, from dusky leaf langurs, black giant squirrels, Sunda Colugos, Highland vampire crabs, racket-tailed drongos, Asian Emerald doves, and many more species and plants. You can choose from doing the Langur Way canopy walk at 40m above the forest floor, named after the Dusky leaf langurs. Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk provides 360-degree views of Penang or wander through the other nature trails.
Ticket: They have various passes from a standard pass at RM55, to a forest bathing experience at RM 138, you can also add on a picnic in the park.
Opening Hours: 8.30am – 6:30pm. (Last entrance at 5:00 pm)
📍: The Habitat Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera
Beaches- Batu Ferringhi Beach
Batu Ferringhi Beach is one of the most popular beach in Penang, with a stretch of hotels and loads of water sport activities, it is only a short drive out from Georgetown. You can savour in the beach vibe, but I would not swim here, water was murky. Enjoy a bite to eat at one of the beach restaurants or hotel restaurants. I would recommend staying in the area to be closer to some of the other attractions that follow. Sunset walks are beautiful here.
Butterfly farm 👍
Penang Butterfly farm is an eight-hectare butterfly sanctuary, located in Teluk Bahang, that houses more than 4,000 butterflies as well as other reptiles and insects. The conservation centre is actually a safe haven for various indigenous species to the island.
Opening Hours: Weekdays 9am – 5:30pm, Weekends 9am- 6pm
📍: No. 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang
Penang National Park – Hiking and beaches
Penang National Park at 1,213-hectares is Malaysia’s smallest and youngest national park which lies 22km from Georgetown. With the entrance only a short walk from the bus stop it is an easy trip to take with the Rapid Penang Bus. The park has many trails to choose from and a few of the best beaches to be found in Penang. Before entering the park all visitors are required to register at the information counter which is open from 7:30am to 6pm, if you are not camping you need to be out by 6pm as well, but first need to get permission to camp and the location where permitted. To enter the park is free but one of the trails, the Canopy walkway trail requires a ticket.
As mentioned before there are many trails to choose from, a few moderate trails to some more steep and harder trails, especially those heading up Penang Hill which can take up to 6+hours. For more trails have a look here on Alltrails site. Two of the popular trails in the park are the 6.6km to monkey beach, where you will spot as the name mentions, monkeys but also a lighthouse. The second would be the 7.2km trail to Kerachut beach, this area is the nesting ground of sea turtles. From both of these beaches you can charter a boat at a cost back to the entrance of the park if you are too tired or if it is too hot.
Operating hours: daily 7:30am – 6pm
Admission: free, except the Canopy walkway trail
📍: Pejabat Taman Negara P. Pinang, jalan Hassan Abbas, 11050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Penang War Museum
The museum on Bukit Batu Maung, is not only a museum housing artefacts and the tragic history from WWll, but also a rather sombre remembrance to all those who suffered and succumbed during those times. If you are into history and military history this might be for you, as it is said to be the largest war museum in Southeast Asia.
Built during the 1930s by the British as a fort, it was the site of battle for Penang against the invading Japanese army during WWll which was lost in 1941. It was used as a prison camp for POW and many cruel acts and torturing happened here.
Penang War Museum is said to be one of the most haunted sites in Asia, due to its horrific history and ghost stories, it even featured on National Geographic top 10 most haunted places in Asia. Slightly sensationalising it, as emphasis is placed on ghost stories and ghost tourism, which should not over shadow the true history and facts that could be lost.
Operating hours: daily 9am – 7pm
Admission: RM35.00
📍: Lot 1350 Mukim 12, Daerah Barat Daya, Batu Maung
Over the past few years, I have read quite a few none fiction and fiction novels set in WWll in the Straits and Southeast Asia, regarding the sad and tragic events that happened. All though I have not visited this museum, I have visited those in Singapore. Visiting these places really gives insight to how the people suffered and how live were disrupted.
Cooking class at Tropical Spice Garden
Nothing better than to learn about a culture through their food and even better learning how to make it with all their secret ingredients. When visiting the Tropical spice garden you can walk through the meandering paths or sign up for a cooking class. They feature various cuisines from Malay, Penang street food, and even Nonya cuisines. You will be taken on a tour of the garden shedding some insight on the use of various herbs and spices to create delightful flavours. Finishing your experience by having lunch on the patio.
Classes start: 10am to +-12:30pm
Garden : Wednesday – Thursday 9am – 4pm, Friday – Sunday 9am – 6pm
Admission: Garden RM20.00, Contact them for pricing of cooking classes.
📍: Tropical Spice Garden, Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang
Penang Batik Factory
Malaysia is also known for its beautiful vivid floral batik, the patterns quite different from the Indonesian Batik. At Penang Batik Factory you can do a tour to see first hand how they create these beautiful pieces either by hand drawing or with block prints. Batik is a resistance method in creating patterns, where they use beeswax to outline and either paint or dye the fabric.
Operating hours: daily 9am – 5:30pm
Ticket: RM35.00
📍: 669m, Mk. 2, Teluk Bahang 11050 Penang
You might also be interested in visiting Yahong Art Gallery closer to Batu Ferringhi.
Art spotting 👍
Delve into Georgetown on a quest to find street art. With larger than life murals by world renown artists such as Ernest Zacharevic, to wrought-iron caricatures depicting everyday life and history of the area. Some of the art has faded over time, and others have become Instagram spots, so be aware that at certain places you might not be able to get a photo without someone in the picture. We loved exploring Georgetown, and created a map to make it easy to find them.
Also see : Penang street art with a detailed map
Cafe hopping
And last but not least, cafe hopping. With numerous coffee shops across Georgetown and Penang you will find a wide variety of coffee treats and eateries. Would love to hear from you which are your favourites in the comments below.
Some of ours are:
- Cafe 55 – 55 Lorong Stewart
- Wheeler’s – 67 Lorong Love
- China House – 153 Beach St
- Narrow Marrow – 312 Lebuh Pantai
- Urban Daybreak – 338 Lebuh Pantai
To cover all of these activities you would need a few days even a week in Penang, Malaysia to be able to enjoy them properly. Take your time, learn and enjoy the food!
👍 Recommended as our first to visit, if you have limited time.
xxx
*Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are my own.
Rates and opening hours might change, so please check with the vendors before going. Some places might not be open at this point in time either, do check first.
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