Things to do in Penang

More about Penang

Known for its culture and iconic architecture, tourists come and plan many things to do in Penang. The most common attractions are interactive street art and fascinating heritage buildings. Explore this tropical island on foot as Penang is a very walkable city.

The weather in Penang is normally warm and humid during the year. People love to explore the city as it has well-preserved colonial buildings, vibrant street art, and a diverse multicultural atmosphere. Penang street foods are considered the main attraction in Penang as well.

Top Things to Do in Penang

Penang will be the best place to enjoy for those who love cityscape and architecture. It is safe to explore Penang all day, and it is a great option if you want to travel alone to Penang. Enjoy this exquisite selection of historical places at your preference.

1. Kek Lok Si Temple

A serene haven for spiritual seekers, Kek Lok Si Temple is one of Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple complexes. At the center of this temple, you will see the Pagoda of 1,000 Buddhas blends in artistic elements of Thai, Chinese, and Burmese styles.

• Location: Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 8.30 AM–5.30 PM

2. Penang Hill

Stand at an elevation of 821 meters above sea level, Penang Hill is a popular destination for escaping from the heat. Be immersed in heartfelt panoramas with prominent highlights such as Hindu temple, church, and mosque if you take a funicular train to traverse the hill.

• Location: Bukit Bendera, 11300 Penang, Malaysia

3. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Commonly popular as Blue Mansion by the locals, it was the residence of a highly influential Chinese industrialist in 1890s. It transformed into a remarkable boutique heritage hotel and museum after being restored in 1989. Join a guided tour at 11 AM, 1.30 PM, or 3 PM to explore the essence of feng shui design and capture the historical details of this mansion.

• Location: 14, Leith Street, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia, 10200

4. Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram

Located within George Town, this temple is Theravada Buddhist temple. This temple is well-known with the Reclining Buddha, the massive 33-meter gold-plated statue. Besides, the great detail of architecture in this temple is worth a visit.

• Location: 17, Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 8 AM–4 PM

5. St. George's Anglican Church

Built in 1818, this church is one of the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia. The architecture of this church is a combination of hybrid “Georgian” and “Palladum” surrounded by majestic mahogany trees.

• Location: 1, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM–12PM

6. Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

Hop on this temple to see the unique architecture of this peaceful place. You can spend time self-reflecting while experiencing the culture of Burmese Buddhists. 

• Location: 24, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM–5 PM

7. Fort Cornwallis

It is a famous historical landmark in Penang designed perfectly in the shape of a star. There is a superstitious local belief that a Dutch cannon holds a positive influence on women’s fertility.

• Location: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 8 AM–11 PM

8. Kapitan Keling Mosque

Pay a visit to the most well-known mosque in Pulau Pinang. The architecture of this mosque combines Indian-Mughal influences with Gothic, Moorish, and Roman Renaissance designs.

• Location: 14, Jln Buckingham, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 5 AM–10 PM

9. Penang Street Art

Back in 2012, a London-trained Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic, was on a mission to bring a lively atmosphere around the streets of Georgetown. Known for its Chinese shophouses and historical landmarks, the street has become an open-air art gallery showing the popular Boy on a Bike, Brother and Sister on a Swing, and Susu Soya Asli & Segar.

• Location: 316, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

10. Tropical Spice Garden

Planted with more than 500 species of herbs and spices from around the world, this tropical garden highlighted three main sections which are a wide variety of herbs in terraced garden beds called The Spice Terraces, The Bamboo Garden, and The Ornamental Garden.

• Location: Tropical Spice Garden Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang,11050 George Town, Pulau Pinang 
• Opening hours: Friday to Sunday from 9 AM–6 PM, Monday–Thursday from 9 AM–4.30 PM

11. Penang Botanic Gardens

Enjoy brisk walking or have a short jog in a dose of greenery in Penang Botanic Gardens. If you follow the walking paths and track, you will be heading to Penang Hill.

• Location: Kompleks Pentadbiran,Bangunan Pavilion, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 7 AM–7 PM

12. Old George Town

Be entertained by a vibrant street life that blends the colonial past and multicultural heritage in Penang. Indulge yourself with local foods in bustling markets and hawker stalls around the area.

13. Penang Bridge

Spend time enjoying this sightseeing spot that is regarded as a symbol of Penang Island. Take some photos of this iconic gateway which connects Penang to Seberang Perai. Since 1984, this bridge has been one of the most popular running events in Malaysia, Penang Bridge Marathon.

14. Penang War Museum

Constructed by the British army during the 20th Century, the museum stands as a testament to its significant role as a Japanese army base during World War II. This museum showcases old ammunition bunkers, cannon firing bays, sleeping quarters, and a medical infirmary.

• Location: Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Batu Maung, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM–6 PM

15. Panpuri Organic Spa Penang

Panpuri offers various wellness packages such as authentic onsen therapy, organic spa treatments, organic cuisines, and wellness programs. Enjoy the eco-friendly facilities that promote health, beauty, and long-lasting vitality for your body.

• Location: Eastern & Oriental Hotel, 10, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 12 PM– 8 PM

Best Restaurants in Penang

Complete your journey with various range of delicacies from the best cooks in Penang. Here are the most popular restaurants that are worth visiting during your time in Penang.

1. David Brown's Restaurant and Tea Terrace

Must place to hop on if you are visiting the Penang Hill. Enjoy great dining experience between luch greenery. Create sweet memories with your loved ones between a well-manicured garden with an elegant pond stretching accross the garden.

• Location: Strawberry Hill, Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 12 PM–10 PM

2. Beach Blanket Babylon

It is a popular place for lunch among locals in Penang. Enjoy satisfying cuisine such as mushroom cream soup, char-grilled rosemary chicken, and the laksa lemak.

• Location: 32, Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 12 PM–12 AM

3. Genting Kopitiam Chee Cheong Fan

Taste the mouth-watering peanut butter infused with dark sauce and chili served with chee cheong fan (known as har kou in Cantonese). Have a heavenly taste of Hainan chicken rice, curry mee, and other delicacies in a humble yet warm kopitiam.

• Location: Lorong Delima 3, Taman Island Glades, 11700 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday from 8 AM–4 PM (Closed on Wednesday)

4. Ali Nasi Lemak

Pay a visit to Sri Weld Food Court to enjoy traditional cuisine before starting your itinerary. Indulge yourself with the popular Ali Nasi Lemak as a breakfast in Beach Street Penang. Mix the rice with chicken, ikan bilis, prawn, or squids as you prefer.

• Location: Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8 AM–4 PM, Saturday 8 AM–3 PM

5. ThirtyTwo at The Mansion

Taste the mouthwatering slow-cooked lamb shank and barbeque ribs if you plan to have a visit to this restaurant. It has a great setup for families and small groups. Taste the sticky toffee pudding to wrap up your culinary experience here.

• Location: 32, Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
• Opening hours: Daily from 12 PM–3 PM, 7 PM–8 PM

Best Hotels Reccomendations in Penang

Discovering Penang is a good option for the history-obsessed visitors around the world. Check out these popular hotels if you are looking to hop over to Penang.

1. Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Treat yourself a comfortable stay in a legendary hotels with stunning sea views. Hard Rock Hotel Penang is located near the Malacca Straits with fun-filled vacation deals, all-you-can-eat breakfast, and signature amenities that rock.

• Location: Batu Ferringhi Beach, Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia, 11100
• Room rate: Starts from S$ 248.52 per night

2. The Blue Mansion

It is a Georgetown’s most prominent boutique hotels with interesting historical architecture and attractions for tourists. Enjoy old-school luxury hospitality in a spacious room. Find many things to do in George Town without going far from your hotel.

• Location: Batu Ferringhi Beach, Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia, 11100
• Room rate: Starts from S$ 248.52 per night

3. Hotel Jen Penang

Located in a central of busting George Town, this hotel is situated withing walking distance to many touristy. It is perfect for business or personal travel experiences, with Perangin Mall being the closest shopping attraction to the hotel.

• Location: Magazine Road, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia, 10300
• Room rate: Starts from S$ 143.09 per night

4. G Hotel Kelawai

Enjoy top-notch hospitality from a five-star hotel that offers luxurious and modern interiors with an open-air pool. This hotel is fully equipped with an executive lounge, rooftops, and an elegant yet casual room to make you feel right at home.

• Location: 2, Persiaran Maktab, Georgetown, Gurney Drive, Penang, Malaysia, 10250
• Room rate: Starts from S$ 203.50 per night

5. Macalister Mansion

It conveniently takes place in George Town, which is a perfect place if you plan to enjoy the rich colonial past in Penang. Each room in this hotel is precisely designed to give a delightful experience as you feel like you are kicking back to a Bridgerton era.

• Location: 228, Jln Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
• Room rate: Starts from S$ 308 per night

Tips When Visiting George Town

It is recommended to show proper respect to greet locals during your visits. It is common not to minimize physical contact between members of the opposite sex. If they touch their hearts, it means they greet you from the heart symbolizing the connection and understanding between you.

Spend things to do in George Town if you are into a historical exploration. Many locals welcome tourists when you ask for a direction, but make sure to check it on your maps. The ride-hailing app is recommended if you are planning to take a taxi ride.