An insider guide to the best things to do and see on Penang Island in 2024.
Penang is Malaysia’s top holiday destination, a fabulous tropical island in the Strait of Malacca. Imagine exotic beaches, luxuriant rain forests, extravagant temples and World Heritage sites. Add in some amazing food and a bundle of exciting activities, for the perfect exotic getaway.
If you’re looking for advice on what to expect and which places to see, Ken and Jules, a friendly couple from Penang are here to share their tips on where to go and the top things to do, suggesting adventures for all the family, and recommending favourite local foods, everything a visitor needs to know, a true insider guide to Penang Island.
Guide to Penang Island
Historic attractions are part of what makes Penang so interesting, especially sections of George Town which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Penang Island has a history of colonial architecture, connections to WW2, as well as green natural spaces ranging from the manicured botanical gardens to the exuberant tropical forests which make it such an amazing place to visit.
Top Things To See and Do in Penang
Authored by Jules and Ken, a local couple who live on Penang Island.
Introduction to Penang Island
The Island of Penang lies in the Malacca Strait, only 11 kilometres from mainland Malaysia. With its rich history, gorgeous beaches and interesting places to visit, this is one of the best vacation spots in Asia. Filled with a fascinating mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian and British cultures, a collection of top heritage sites, and the tastiest cuisine, Penang Island is definitely worth a visit.
Travelling to Penang is quite simple, either fly into the international airport (connections to major cities across SE Asia) or come in by road. It takes around 5 hours to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang by bus, for example.
Two bridges reach over from Seberang Perai, aka mainland Penang State – the Penang Bridge expressway (13.5 km) and Penang Second Bridge (actually the longest bridge in Malaysia at 24 km).
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It’s easy to combine your trip to Penang Island with a direct flight to other unique places to see in Malaysia such as Kuching (Borneo), Langkawi, and Kuala Lumpur – or destinations nearby such as Bangkok, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
A small pearl-shaped island measuring roughly 25 km from top to bottom, and only 16 km across at the widest point, Penang is easy to get around by bus, car or bike. Once called the Prince of Wales Island or Pulo Penang, the British East India Company set up base here in 1786, and it is still one of the main seaports of Malaysia. The colonial heritage is evident in Georgetown, the vibrant capital city.
Beautiful Places to Visit on Penang Island
1. George Town
The historical sites of George Town are a must-see. The UNESCO Heritage of George Town’s old city is a fusion of Asian and European cultures, and a major tourist attraction of Penang Island.
Although George Town has developed a lot from colonial days and the modern cityscape is impressive, you’ll want to see the traditional architecture, the Chinese Malay houses and little stores around the old town, many still preserved or converted into museums.
The most iconic places to visit in George Town are the six Clan Jetties, 18th century Fort Cornwallis, the grand Penang Mansions, and the famous Loong Nam Oldest Biscuits Shop.
So, what is the best way to explore multicultural George Town? Just take a stroll around to discover the sights and some surprising street art along the way.
Or take a trishaw ride through the city centre to the Heritage Sites. A typical cycle-drawn rickshaw like those in Kathmandu or Hanoi, haggle with the peddler for a fair price.
Finally, get the modern funicular railway up to the top of Penang Hill for the best viewpoints.
The Clan Jetties are private settlements which jut out on stilts from the waterfront quay near Penang ferry terminal.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion and Museum on Church Street opens every day 9.30 am to 5 pm, entrance costs 25 RM.
Fort Cornwallis is located by the city esplanade on the eastern headland, open everyday from 9 am to 7 pm, entrance for foreign visitors costs 20 RM.
Loong Nam Oldest Biscuits Shop is on Jalan Kuala Kangsar Street near Chowrasta Market. The bakery is open everday 7.30 am to 4.30 pm.
2. Penang Hill
Penang Hill is a hill station in the Air Itam mountains overlooking George Town, a great place for a wildlife experience and to capture the beauty of Penang Island from above. A tropical rain forest protected by seven peaks, there are several walking trails and bridle paths across this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
However, the main focal point is Flagstaff Hill. To get here, you can take the funicular from the bottom of the hill to the Upper Station (service runs from 6.30 am to 9 pm seven days a week) or hike up from the Botanical Gardens, about 10 km away.
Although you can wander freely around the Penang Hill reserve, for guided tours or recreational activities at popular The Habitat eco-park it’s worth paying the fee.
Fun things to do include the nature trail and jungle trek around the forest, a treetop walkway, canopy bridge walk, and ziplining, or starlight camping for the ultimate outdoor experience.
The hilltop summit has panoramic views of Penang, and is just magical at sunset or dawn. The fresh air means it’s cooler up here, so don’t forget to bring a jacket in the evening or if you’re doing a night jungle tour.
Anyone who wants to stay overnight can book into the hillside retreat Bellevue Hotel, an authentic colonial mansion surrounded by tropical gardens, the only accommodation on Penang Hill.
3. Penang National Park
One of the smallest protected National Parks in Malaysia, Penang National Park is a Forest Reserve which reaches down to the ocean on the island’s northwest shore, a 30 minute drive from George Town. Don’t let its size fool you, with an area of 23 square km, this parkland has the highest biodiversity in Malaysia.
The Meromictic Lake is of particular interest, one of few places in the world where fresh water and seawater can be seen floating separately, in two distinct horizontal layers.
Explore the jungle paths through pure rainforest, discover the rare wild flowers, watch monkeys playing in the trees, and then take a dip in one of the natural pools.
Head down to the shore, the beautifully untouched, soft sand beaches (nine in all) shaded by coconut palms and mangroves are considered to be the best on the island. It’s a good chance to swim in the warm sea, and to spot dolphins or turtles in the waters.
Entrance to the park is free. Facilities include the Interpretation Centre, Turtle Conservation Centre, wildlife observation points, picnic areas and camping grounds.
4. Batu Ferringhi Beach
Batu Ferringhi Beach is favourite place to enjoy the sands and the waves of Penang Island. This is the perfect destination for some beachlife day and night. Laze in the sunshine on the golden sands, cool off in the sea, and then take a buggy or horseback ride along the lovely, long beach.
Enjoy the upbeat vibe of this popular beach resort and do your favourite watersport – rent a kayak or jet ski, have a go at parasailing, or just muck around on a banana boat.
At sundown sip cocktails at a beach bar before dining on a seafront terrace. The night market has a great variety of colourful stalls where you’ll find souvenirs and bargain-priced clothes, as well as tempting street food.
If you’re looking for a family holiday in Batu Ferringhi, the child-friendly hotels with oasis pools and kiddies waterparks have a wide range of things to do to keep everyone happy.
On Penang’s northern coast near Penang National Park, only 10 minutes from ESCAPE Theme Park and 30 minutes from George Town, Batu Ferringhi makes an excellent base for taking day trips around the island.
Best Things to See on Penang Island
5. Kek Lok Si Temple
A top site to see on Penang Island is the 130-year-old Kek Lok Si Temple perched on a hill near George Town. This is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, also known as the ‘Temple of Supreme Bliss’. Famous for the amazing 7-storey pagoda which holds 10,000 bronze and alabaster images of Buddha, another highlight is the huge statue of Kuan Yin (the Goddess of Mercy) standing 120 feet tall at the top of the shrine.
There is a popular Tortoise Liberation Pond, where turtles are released in a ritual that symbolizes spiritual freedom.
Meanwhile, the most impressive time to visit Kek Lok Si is for the Chinese New Year, when the temple is decorated with tens of thousands of LED lights and Chinese lanterns to celebrate the traditional festivity.
The walk up to Kek Lok Si Temple starts in the market town of Air Itam, a 20 minute bus ride from the centre of George Town. Open 8.30am – 5.30pm everyday. Entrance is free although there may be a small fee to visit some parts of the complex.
6. Penang War Museum
Penang War Museum in Bukit Batu Maung gives an insight into the conflicts which have shaped Penang over the past century or so. Originally a British fort and gun armoury back in the 1930s, the complex has been carefully restored and converted into largest war museum in SE Asia.
The main attractions are partially underground in the tunnels and bunkers which makes it quite atmospheric. In the museum, you’ll find some of the original weapons left behind by the fleeing soldiers when the Japanese army invaded Penang in 1941, such as ammunition, guns and cannons.
You can still see bullet holes in the wall, a Japanese suicide vest, and even a guillotine stand. This is a great place for history-lovers. A paintball circuit also makes it a fun day out.
Located near the island’s southeast coast, there are several fishing villages in the vicinity which are worth a visit.
Penang War Museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily, entrance fee for foreign visitors is 35 RM.
7. Penang Botanic Gardens
Penang Botanic Gardens are located in the natural landscapes of Waterfall River Valley, on the foothills of Penang Hill near George Town. Although the gardens have been transformed several times over the ages, the project began with a spice garden in 1786, then in the early 1900’s ornamental shrubs and flowers were cultivated.
A picture perfect place for posing, expect to see monkeys hanging from the branches of cannonball trees, fashionable black lilies, and the emblematic Pinang Palms (which gives the island its name).
Take a stroll past the lily pond, observe exotic plants inside the greenhouses, and see the waterfall cascade which flows through the gardens to a reservoir lake.
The vicinity is a popular leisure spot for jogging and the start of various hiking trails.
Penang Botanic Gardens are open 6.30 am to 7 pm everyday throughout the year, entrance is free of charge.
8. Teluk Bahang Dam
Located near Penang National Park, Teluk Bahang Dam is an impressive sight. The dam wall is almost 60m high and 700m in length with footpath access across the top, and was built in 1999 to assure the island’s water supply. The surrounding countryside is a scenic area for picnics, walking or cycling.
The reservoir lake holds the annual regatta, the famous Penang International Dragon Boat Festival. One of the island’s top events, this year’s race is due to be held on 2nd and 3rd December (2003).
Top Things to Do on Penang Island
Not only an interesting historic and beach destination, there are lots of things to do on Penang Island that will keep the family entertained, from theme parks to cool museums, and butterfly farms.
9. ESCAPE Penang Theme Park
Take the kids to ESCAPE Theme Park, for an exciting day out in Penang. Malaysia’s top theme park, ESCAPE Penang is an adventure park and waterpark rolled into one. With 40 themed attractions and rides, it’s suitable for all ages, children, adults and pensioners.
‘Monkey Business’ is a star attraction, an obstacle course encircling the ‘dry zone’ with three height levels of increasing difficulty. Budding Tarzans can try jungle swings and vertiginous leaps, or climb the coconut trees and gecko tower. Not that adventurous? Riding the chairlift gives a leisurely vista of the scene from above.
Meanwhile, the ‘wet zone’ has a world record breaking waterslide 1.11km long, as well as twisting tubes, rushing rapids, underwater adventure pools, and an aquatic playpark, to name a few of the water attractions.
Prices and Opening Hours ESCAPE Penang:
The great thing about ESCAPE Theme Park Penang is that you just need to purchase one entrance ticket to have fun in both zones (under 3’s and those aged 61+ enter free of charge if they’re with paying guests). Tickets prices adults 167.00 RM, kids 4-12 years of age 111.00 RM.
Open 10am to 6pm, closed Mondays.
Located near in the northeast between Penang National Park and Teluk Bahang Dam, get here from Batu Ferringhi Beach or George Town (Komtar Terminal) on bus line 101.
10. Entopia Butterfly Farm
If you like insects and butterflies, Penang’s Butterfly Farm is something you have to see. The butterfly farm allows visitors to stroll around the estate’s jungle trails and take part in nature talks. Kiddies will love the smiley gecko or seeing new butterflies emerging from cocoons and fluttering past in the aviary.
Located near ESCAPE Penang Theme Park, Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is open from 9 am to 6 pm (closed Wednesdays). The adult entrance price for non-Malaysians is 75 RM, for children 4 to 12 years of age and the over 60’s 55 RM.
11. 3D Trick Art Museum
Spend a few hours in Penang’s funniest museum. Laugh at the optical illusions created in the 3D Trick Art Museum, trick your eyes and camera with mind-bending stunts, feel the adrenalin of illusionary skydiving or the cuteness of hugging a panda. Shelter under an umbrella as tea rains down from the sky, merge into the wall murals, and take a selfie with the proverbial Chinese Rat for good luck.
The attractions are amusing for all ages, an experience to remember every time you think of Pengang. Located in George Town, 3D Trick Art Penang is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily, entrance for foreign tourists costs: Adults 28 RM, kids 14 to 12 years of age 18 RM.
Shopping in Penang Island
Shopping is part of an Asian vacation, and you’ll have heard of the mega malls in Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Penang is a shopaholic haven with futuristic malls as well as typical markets to browse around. Some of our best retail centres have been here since 1974 and are still popular today.
The modern malls have endless fashion outlets and discount designer stores, food halls and fusion restaurants, on-site entertainment includes dance clubs, escape rooms, multi-screen cinemas, motion theatre, aquariums… In contrast, the markets of Penang Island are your chance to enjoy the local ambience and to try some authentic home-cooked delicacies.
12. KOMTAR Mall and Skywalk
Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, KOMTAR is the oldest shopping mall in Penang Island, constructed back in 1974 and located in south George Town. The landmark 68-storey entertainment tower is divided into different sections (some of these are government offices).
KOMTAR Bus Terminal is on the ground floor, and going up there’s Asia Comic Cultural Museum, the House of Music, Tech Dome, Digital Mall, hypermarket department store, fashion boutiques, and countless eateries, etc.
The legendary Skywalk is a glass bridge at the top of KOMTAR tower from where you can see almost the whole of Penang Island from the top to bottom. Do note, the transparent 360ª viewing deck may be scary for people who are afraid of heights!
KOMTAR is open from 10.30 am to 10.30 pm. Opening hours of The Top Penang (indoor theme park, rainbow skywalk, @68th Floor Restaurant, and similar attractions) may differ and require an entrance fee.
13. Batu Ferringhi Night Market
Shopping isn’t all about malls and branded stores, sometimes it can just be a simple street bazaar. Batu Ferringhi Night Market is a great place to pick up some bargains while enjoying the evening in Penang.
The market features more than 100 stalls and stretches along the seafront for about 1km. Stalls sell everything from batik clothes and the latest sports gear fashion to household items, handcrafted decorative plates, embroidered pillowcases, and unique pieces of jewellery.
Guide to Penang Food
Penang is well known for its food, from the street vendors to malls and to almost everywhere. The food in Penang isn’t limited to Malay cuisine only, you can also find Chinese, Indian, and Baba-Nyonya (Chinese and Malay fusion) foods. Another great thing about the food on Penang Island is that it’s cheap!
Nasi Kandar
One of the best-loved foods of Penang is Nasi Kandar. A favorite local dish which is basically plain or lightly seasoned steamed rice, Nasi Kandar is served with a selection of curries and other accompaniments including little dishes of sautéed chicken, salted eggs, anchovies, and more.
The name originates from olden times when street vendors carried 2 buckets of nasi (cooked rice) hanging on a kandar pole over their shoulders. You can still eat the traditional recipes at Mamak stalls, informal indoor or outdoor eateries that do takeaways.
A good place to enjoy Nasi Kandar after a night out is Liyaqat Ali Nasi Kandar store, George Town, where there’s usually a queue of Penangites lined up to get a portion. Opens 10pm until late. Line Clear Nasi Kandar is another top choice (open 24 hours) or go along to Restoran Hameediyah, the oldest restaurant in Penang which has been serving Nasi Kandar since 1907.
Laksa
Laksa is another dish that you may hear locals mention. Laksa is a popular Chinese noodle dish with prawn, chicken, or fish toppings with spicy coconut soup or broth seasoned with asam (tamarind or gelugor).
The origin of Laksa is hard to pinpoint as each state has its own traditional recipe. The differing spices used by chefs around Malaysia makes it unique. You’ll notice that Laksa has a quite a distinctive taste in Penang.
Penang Road Famous Laksa in George Town is the best place to try out Laksa, although the name sounds like a film title, it really is an eatery! Open 9am to 5pm, closed Wednesdays.
Roti Canai
Roti Canai makes a great snack or meal for everyone, whether it’s for lunch or dinner. Sometimes called Roti Chenai, this flatbread dish has been influenced by Indian cuisine and is very filling. Roti Canai is usually served with curry, or cooked with eggs, cheese or meat, or even served plain.
While waiting for your dish, Roti Canai chefs typically put on a small performance, expanding and tossing the dough to a large size before cooking it. Many Mamak stalls have a Roti Canai stand beside or in the shop with them, so keep an eye open for this.
Cendol
Speaking of food, we can’t forget about the delicious desserts of Penang right? Cendol is one of the desserts you should try when you come to over to the island.
The icy shavings are made with coconut milk, sweetened with palm sugar, and coloured with green flour jelly. Don’t be surprised when you’re served a dish as looks like noodles!
The best place to get a bowl for yourself is Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendu in Georgetown. The Chendu Original bright green slivers of ice are served with kidney beans! A popular place, don’t come too late or it will be crowded! Opening hours 10.30am to 7pm.
Ice Ball
Another of Penang Island’s cool desserts is Ice Ball. Multi-colour Ice Balls are created with shaved ice that is piled into two small bowls and squeezed into shape. Two wooden satay sticks are poked into the ball like a lollipop and you can decide the toppings and juice dips. This dessert is perfect for cooling down on a hot day and is very cheap. Armenian Street Ice Ball in George Town is a great place to get one for yourself. Open 9am to 9pm.
Durian Fruit
Yes, try some durian! Durian is one of Malaysia’s best fruits and we call it ‘the King of Fruits’. Despite its looks and unusual distinctive smell, the flesh of durian is sweet with a faint hint of bitterness, and is nutritious.
Some of the best varieties are D24, Musang King and Black Thorn, among others – just ask the locals which durian to try. The best time to eat the fruit is during Penang’s durian season which is usually between May and the end of August.
Looking forward to seeing you in Penang Island!
If Penang sounds spectacular just image how hard it is to write about everything here on our island, there is much more to see and do! the best way to explore Penang Island is to come over and find out for yourself. Wishing everyone who visits our homeland a truly wonderful holiday and a stay safe to all.
About the Authors
Ken and Jules live on Penang Island in Malaysia, a tropical country where it is summer all year round.
Outdoor lovers, travellers, and writers all rolled into one, find out more about them on Outdoormagnet, a site for those seeking adventure, where they write about the outdoors way of life, camping, kayaking, or RVing.
How to Get to Penang Island
Penang International Airport (PEN) is located 16 kilometres south of George Town. One of Malaysia’s busiest airports, there are connections to major destinations across SE Asia. Major airlines and low cost carriers (Air Asia and Firefly) fly here.
Rapid Penang Bus lines 102, 306 and 401E run from Penang Airport to George Town (get 102 for Batu Ferringhi). Purchase tickets at the counter in the Arrivals Hall for a few Ringgits (1.40 to 4 RM depending on length of the journey) or a seven day unlimited bus travel ‘Rapid Penang Tourist Pass’ which costs 20 RM.
Taxis and car hire are also available at the airport.
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