An underrated gem in Malaysia, Penang is famed for its industries, which earned it the title 'Silicon Valley of the East. Its George Town capital is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Penang is among the most developed states in the country with much modern entertainment and retail choices, but it has its fair share of historical attractions in the form of colonial buildings, museums and historical sites.

Despite its urbanization, there is also a considerable amount of natural environment in the state that is being conserved, such as the Penang Botanical Gardens and the City Park, which are the major parks in the capital, as well as the Penang Hill which is the green lung for the island.

There is also the strong food culture that is going on around the island that is the pride and joy of many Penangites and at times are exported to many parts of Malaysia too, such as nasi kandar.

One can certainly look forward to a good time when coming to Penang, either if you just come to enjoy the island vibes or just to go around to have a taste of their famed food culture at the source.

Most flights from Manila to Penang International Airport include a stopover. It can be to Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Singapore’s Changi Airport, depending on the airline where you’ll book your flight.

Once you arrive, you would still need another mode of transport, be it a car or bus, to get into the island area since the train station ends on the Penang mainland.

Make sure to know if there could be travel restrictions being imposed and specific guidelines to adhere to, which can change from time to time.

Among the handful of airlines operating at this airport include AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Scoot, and Singapore Airlines.

With the rich history and nature as well as many urbanized areas, there are many things to explore in the state of Penang. Check our top recommendations below for a fun trip.

Being one of the prominent attractions of Penang Island, Penang Hill is super easy to reach from the state capital of George Town.

Covering a number of hills with the highest at an elevation of 833 meters, Penang Hill peak can be accessed via the Penang Hill Railway, which begins from its base station at the Hill Station Railway Road.

The railway system used is unique and one of a kind in the country. Also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, it is a reference to its most developed peak, Flagstaff Hill.

Why is it a must-visit?

Things to know:

Magical World Penang is a unique attraction that is a small-scale theme park that focuses more on the titular magical elements.

Highlights here would include the optical illusion sets allowing you to get photographed distinctively, as well as the mirror maze, which challenges your focus and wit. There is also a café serving food and beverages for people who want some refreshments.

Things to know:

Set on Persiaran Bayan Indah, which is merely within walking distance to the hotel, Queensbay Mall is sandwiched between the Penang Bridge and the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone.

It is the largest mall in the state, with the main anchor tenant being AEON and a Golden Screen Cinema complex housed within its top floor.

Being at a strategic seaside location facing Jerejak Island, it covers up to 2.6 million square feet of gross built-up area with 400 shop lots over five floors with several international brands.

Queensbay Mall has a multitude of entertainment and dining options. You will never run out of things to do when you are here.

Found at Cannon Square, the Khoo Kongsi is a huge Chinese clan house with very detailed and highly ornamented architecture, marking the dominant presence of the Chinese in the state of Penang, Malaysia.

It is the grandest clan temple in Malaysia, being a major historical attraction in the city.

Interesting facts:

Welcome to the bird sanctuary! Located within the vicinity of Seberang Jaya, the Penang Bird Park is the first and the largest of its kind in the country, opening to the public since 1988.

Fun fact: It operates on five-acre land.

This park amasses a collection of three thousand birds of 300 species from all over the world, with half of these species being native to Malaysia. It consists of two walk-in aviaries and two geodesic-domed enclosures that mimic the natural habitats of the birds.

Things to know:

Penang Botanical Gardens or also known as the Waterfall Gardens is the state’s very own version of its botanical gardens.

Found on Jalan Air Terjun in George Town, it occupies 29 hectares in a valley of greenery, including a cascading waterfall.

The garden has an extensive history since 1794, with the modern-day gardens being established by Nathaniel Cantley with Charles Curtis as his assistant later in 1884.

After the independence and formation of Malaysia, the garden administration was handled by the Penang government under the Botanic Gardens Department.

Located at 128, Lebuh Acheh, the Penang Islamic Museum is a museum dedicated to the religion of Islam.

Once a residence of a wealthy Acehnese pepper merchant, the building that was used to be a villa is now renovated to its current form.

The museum highlights the roles and contributions of the many local leaders in the growth and spread of Islam in Penang and Malaysia, as well as their influence in the state.

More to see:

Open hours: Wednesdays to Mondays from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm.

Located at 49, Lebuh Pantai, the Penang Food Museum itself is placed in a 1940s colonial building setup. It is within the vicinity of the city and totally accessible in minutes by mere walking if you just happen to be in town.

Rather than becoming an exhibition place of sorts, the museum takes a fun approach by putting into the display larger-than-life hyper-realistic displays of Malaysian dishes.

Visitors would indulge by taking creative photos as they pay a visit to the museum. It has three galleries: Info Zone, Wow Zone and Educational Zone.

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