Top 10 Things to Do in Penang, Malaysia

Penang, located in northwest Malaysia, is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is recognized as the food capital of Malaysia for its rich cuisine influenced by both Western and Eastern cultures. From the tropical landscape to cultural heritage sites, from unique architecture to mouthwatering food, Penang offers a diverse range of experiences to make your trip unforgettable. If you're dreaming about having a memorable tour in Penang, why not try these 10 best things to do and make your trip memorable?

Explore Street Art in George Town

As a World Heritage Site, George Town is described as "a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia." by UNESCO. The charm of this city has caught the attention of travelers around the world. One of the things that contributed to its cosmopolitan reputation is street art. George Town's Street art is an ingenious combination of historical facts and vivid imagination. Radiating from the core of George Town, works created by international artists form a scene as if the city is an open-air art museum. While walking around the warren of old streets, unexpected views may appear around every turn. Such a fascinating experience can only be found here in George Town!

Street Art in George Town

Sample the Street Food at Hawker Market

Penang is known as the culinary heaven in Southeast Asia for its street food. Owing to its various cultures and ethnicities, street food in Penang creates a fusion of different types of Asian flavors.

In Penang, the best street food cannot be seen on the street side but in a specific market called Hawker Market - vendors selling delicious cuisine in a one-stop-shop in an outdoor food court. As you set foot in the market, the strong aroma of lime, soy sauce, and garlic immediately stimulates your appetite. From signature fried rice noodles to sweet Apom pancakes, authentic flavors will tickle your taste buds for sure. Depending on your arrival time or preference, food in the market is separated into two types. Breakfast and lunch are available from noon to 2:30 while dinner opens from 3:00 to 5:00.

Laksa, Malaysia Cuisine

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Malaysia Foodie Tour: Kuala Lumpur, Penang & Malacca 8 DAYS Explore This Tour

Relax at Monkey Beach

How can anyone say no to joyful beach times when you are traveling in a beautiful coastal country like Malaysia? Differing from normal beaches, Monkey Beach in Penang has something different waiting for you.

As the name suggests, there inhabit several species of monkeys such as Macaque monkeys and gray leaf monkeys. During your visit, you can easily encounter and observe these wild species, as well as interact with them. Besides monkeys, the epic ocean view and natural rainforest are also worth the price. After a fun time at the beach, you can also pay a visit to a 14-metre-tall lighthouse called Muka Head. It was built by the British in 1883 at the northeast corner of the island. If you wish to see the island 360 degrees, feel free to climb up the spiral staircase for a spectacular ocean view.

Try the Rainbow Walkway

Standing at the top of the tallest skyscraper in George Town, the rainbow walkway is considered the highest outdoor glass skywalk in Malaysia. If you are looking for somewhere to see Penang from a bird-eye perspective, then this is the place you go!

The Rainbow Walkway is a U-shaped transparent glass skywalk on the 68th floor of Komtar Tower with an unimpeded view of Penang City. Standing on the see-through floor can definitely raise your adrenaline levels. If you're feeling hungry, why not enjoy a fine meal at Coco Cabana Café (the highest restaurant in Penang) on the same floor? You can taste the quality dishes and cocktails after making a reservation in advance.

Visitors are encouraged to visit other floors of the tower. The observatory deck is a perfect spot to enjoy the views of suburbs and landscapes. "The Gravityz" offers a thrilling outdoor activity for those who are seeking excitement. The Top Boutique Aquarium is suitable to go with kids. Come and enjoy limitless fun at Komtar Tower!

Visit the Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion

The Cheong Fatt Tze blue mansion is the historical legacy owned by Cheong Fatt Tze, "Rockefeller of the East." The architecture is known for its distinctive indigo-blue outer walls and Chinese architectural style. The color blue was chosen to show the stature of Mr.Cheong. This fascinating color comes from natural blue dye imported from Indonesia by the British. From the Gothic louvered windows to Glasgow cast iron works, every feature in the house was carefully selected from all over the world.

The mansion has now turned into both a hotel and a museum. You can not only enjoy your stay and meals but also explore the mansion's enchanting architecture and rich history.

Sightseeing at the Kek Lok Si Temple

Besides the magnificent ocean view, finger-sucking seafood, and unique natural scenery, religious sites in Penang are also worth discovering.

Located at the foot of Ayer Itam hills, Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and a crucial pilgrimage place for Asian Buddhists. It was built in 1890 and inspired by Beow Lean, the chief Chan Buddhist monk of the Goddess of Mercy Temple.

The temple complex consists of prayer halls, pavilions, and a giant Buddha statue. Millions of sculptures, carvings, and murals adorn both the interior and exterior, creating a beautiful masterpiece. The temple peacefully combined Mahayana, Buddhism, and Chinese rituals and is considered to be a heritage treasure.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Hike in Penang National Park

Penang National Park is the smallest national park in the world. Hundreds of flora and fauna are preserved in the park. Besides natural features like sand beaches, tropical forests, and natural habitats, what's truly special about the park is the meromictic lake. During rainy seasons between May and February, both freshwater and saltwater species coexist on different layers of the same lake. Hiking offers an opportunity to visit multiple natural wonders at once. For hiking, you have two routes to choose from: One is a 15-minute easy route that leads you to Tanjung Aling (supply jetty), Monkey Beach, and Muka Head (a rocky promontory). Another one is a long route that takes you to Pantai Kerachut (a beautiful white sand beach), the meromictic lake, and eventually arrives at Teluk Kampi (the longest beach in the park).

Admire the View from Penang Hill

Featuring a long history and spectacular natural scenery, Penang Hill is a must-visit place for tourists.

Back in 1788, Sir Francis Light (the founder of Penang) discovered this precious area due to its cool climate and amazing mountain view. He has turned Penang Hill from a remote mountain area into a popular tourist destination. Take a stroll around the hill, you may come across the old train coach, bungalows built by British and Chinese tycoons, and some colonial restaurants where you get some food and beverage.

There are several ways to get to the top, but the most recommended way is to take the Penang Hill Railway—a funicular railway that takes you to the top of the hill in 5 to 10 minutes. Once you get to the top, be ready for the fun activities waiting for you! Fond of wild species? Your best choice is to visit The Habitat, a natural park where you can reconnect with nature. Interested in religious sites? Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan is one of Penang's oldest temples. Its unique Dravidian architectural style and elaborate sculptures made it a perfect spot for photo taking.

View from Penang Hill

Explore the Little India

Under the immigration of Sir Francis Light, Indian immigrants in Penang clustered together on Chulia Street. Later the community grew bigger and turned into an enclave called "Little India." For decades, Indian traders and merchants have been carrying out business in the area. Some of their stores are still here accompanied by several recent enterprises. While you are here, why not try to spend a day as the locals do? You can go shopping in those stores and purchase some delicate textiles as souvenirs. In addition, Indian restaurants in the block serve authentic Indian flavors that you don't want to miss. Normally, the dishes are served with no cutleries, but you can always ask for cutleries.

Join the Batu Ferringhi Night Market

Part of the fun of traveling is to do as the locals do. In Penang, one of the ways to fit in with the Malaysian vibe is to enjoy vibrant nightlife at night markets. People visit night markets not only for the delicious cuisine and wide variety of products but also for the relaxing atmosphere and casual lifestyle they offer.

The Batu Ferringhi Night Market sits next to the Batu Ferringhi Beach and stretches for 1 kilometer long. With a wide range of goods and cuisine, it is popular among both locals and tourists. The range of goods is beyond imagination. Sunglasses, swimwear, flip flops, sling bags, souvenirs... Anything you can think of can be found here. After a long time of shopping, you might feel hungry or thirsty. You can find a variety of restaurants near the main street serving Indian, Thai, Chinese, and other tempting flavors.

Set off When You Are Ready!

Are you excited about creating precious memories in Penang with your family, friends, or simply by yourself? Whether you're looking for a leisure holiday or exciting adventures, we're here to make it happen. Contact us, and we'll create an ideal Malaysia tour with Penang that's customized just for you!