This week on Traveloka Travel Guide, Aina and her new travel buddy Abam Bocey explore every Malaysian’s go-to destination for a weekend getaway: Penang.
Sure, most of us come for the yummy and oh-so-satisfying food, but besides that, there’s plenty more to see and do here. Watch the video below to see what they get up to in Malaysia’s jewel in the north!
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How many of these exciting activities have you ticked off the list?
Escape is known for its family-friendly adventure theme park where you can zoom downhill on a tube and scramble through challenging rope courses, and now it has a water park to add more fun to the equation!
While the water park has several slides to choose from, you’ll get the biggest splash with the Banana Flip, the park’s most exciting slide. At the end of the slide, you’ll be launched high into the air, where you can attempt to perform cool tricks before you land in the pool. But if high-speed rides and heights aren’t your thing, you can chill as you float down the Lazy River.
Below are the walk-in rates, but if you book in advance, you can get a discount and pay less for your tickets. It pays to plan ahead!
Walk-in Admission Fees
Future Kid (0-3): Free
Junior Kid (4-12): RM90
Big Kid (13-60): RM136
Super Kid (61+): RM90
Fascinated by things that go bump in the night? Then the Ghost Museum is a must-visit! You’ll get to learn about the origins and folklore of various ghosts from all around the world, including local spooks you’re probably familiar with and foreign spirits from faraway lands.
The museum features plenty of opportunities for you to put on cool costumes and pose with the exhibits, so bring along some friends! And don’t worry, the museum employs a “no jump-scares” policy – so no need to look over your shoulder or be wary of dark corners.
Entrance Fees
MyKad Holders: RM18 (Adult); RM10 (Child/Student/Senior)
Non-MyKad Holders: RM28 (Adult); RM16 (Child/Student/Senior)
We hope you’re not afraid of heights – aptly named The Top, this attraction is located on the very tip top of Komtar Tower, Penang’s tallest building. Take the elevator 68 floors up, where you can get the best view of the city and its surroundings. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you can carefully tread on the Rainbow Skywalk, a transparent glass bridge that extends away from the building so you can have a clear view below.
For those prone to feeling vertigo, stay away from the edge and settle down on a comfy seat at Coco Cabana, located on the same level. The bar and bistro has an extensive menu, offering hearty pub meals, thirst-quenching drinks and tempting bites to nibble on.
Entrance Fees
Adult: RM98
Child/Senior: RM58
Penang’s famed street art put the city on the map, turning mural hunting into a popular activity among visitors as they try to track down and take photos of themselves at all the known pieces of art. Much of the artwork has been painted on the walls of old buildings and narrow alleyways, making it all the more challenging. Be sure to check out our favorites: ‘Boy on a Motorcycle’, ‘Little Boy with Pet Dinosaur’, ‘Children on the Swings’ and ‘Kids on a Bicycle’.
To avoid the heat of the sun, hop on a covered beca (trishaw), which can take you around the core heritage zone of George Town to view the murals for around RM40. If you’re good at haggling, you can try negotiating a better price!
Nowadays, you can find 3D art museums everywhere, featuring neat visuals that play on perspective and interactive props that put you in fantastical scenarios, adding a bit of fun to your usual holiday photos.
At 3D Trick Art Museum, you’ll come across replicas of scenes from famous movies and well-known works of art, where you’re free to be as crazy as you like. Say cheese!
Entrance Fees
MyKad Holders: RM15 (Adult); RM10 (Child/Senior)
Non-MyKad Holders: RM25 (Adult); RM15 (Child)
For lovers of magic and sleight of hand, drop by Phantamania Magic World, a mini theme park where you can pretend you’re a magician for a day and perform your own tricks. It’s also full of amazing photo opportunities, so be sure to visit with a fully-charged camera!
Entrance Fees
MyKad Holders: RM16 (Adult); RM12 (Child/Senior)
Non-MyKad Holders: RM27 (Adult); RM16 (Child)
This 8-acre tropical garden is home to over 500 species of exotic flora and fauna. Located in Teluk Bahang, it’s on the northwest side of Penang island and is bordered by rainforest and sea.
You can choose between an audio tour or a guided tour to learn more about the many species of flowers, herbs and spices you’ll come across in the garden, as well as their various uses. Guided tours last for 2 to 3 hours for the full tour, while the express tour is 45 minutes.
Garden Audio Tours
Adult: RM29
Child: RM17
Senior/Student: RM23
Live Guided Tours
Adult: RM49
Child: RM25
Senior/Student: RM39
Penang Hill, also known as Bukit Bendera, is one of Penang’s most well-loved tourist attractions. It’s a favorite among nature lovers especially, thanks to the diversity of flora and fauna you can find as you hike up the hill. But if you’re not keen on hiking, you can also take the funicular train up from the Penang Hill Railway Station in Air Itam, which between 5 to 20 minutes.
At the top of the hill, there’s a wealth of things to see and do, including places to eat such as David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace, which serves appetizing Western dishes and afternoon tea. There’s also The Habitat, which is Penang’s premier eco-tourism attraction, aiming to educate visitors about the importance of protecting the environment. Check out the Treetop Walk at sunset for an unforgettable bird’s eye view of the jungle from up above!
After a long day of exploring Penang, rest your tired feet at the modern luxury of Tropics Eight Suites. Set on Jalan Gottlieb, it’s just down the road from Gurney Drive and has several cafes and restaurants within walking distance, such as Mellowcup Coffee and Goodall Cafe.
With rates starting from RM234 a night, you can stay in spacious suites fitted with urban comforts such as a cozy living room and a well-equipped kitchen. Facilities include an all-day gym and a self-service laundry room. So if you’re traveling in a group, this is the place for you!
Stay tuned for the second part of Aina and Abam Bocey’s adventures in Penang in the next episode!
How well do you really know Malaysia? Test your knowledge and uncover a different side of the country with our “Traveloka Travel Guide” video series. In each episode, we list the crème de la crème of things to see and do in Malaysia’s top destinations.