Summary of Penang Attractions
This insider guide will give you all the tips you need to visit the best Penang attractions.
Looking for a place to visit with tropical weather, beaches, jungle, a historic city, and the best food in the world? Come to Penang! It has all of these things and more.
What to do in Penang, Malaysia
Penang is a state of Malaysia located on the western coast of the peninsula. Although it is not just an island, the state of Penang is best known for its beautiful island, just off the coast, and this is where you should visit.
Penang is a fabulous place. It’s modern while being tropical and gorgeous. It’s easy to get around with many people speaking English, and it has an interesting cultural mix and heritage.
Things To Do In Penang
If you are looking for a beach holiday, you can have it in Pulau Penang (Penang Island), or if you are looking to learn more about the world, you can have that too. Either way, you can eat great food and have a great vacation at a great price.
We called it home for a year with our kids, and it was one of our best years ever. It’s a very nice and easy place to be. Penang Has Something for Everyone
In this Penang travel blog, I’m going to share with you our best things to do in Penang Island and provide information on how to get to Penang, the best time to visit, and some of the best places to stay in Penang once you make it here.
So, let’s start! Here’s my list of what to do in Penang Island.
1. Take A Funicular Tram Up Penang Hill
Penang Hill is the best place in Penang to start your adventure as you can see so much of Penang from here! It’s also noticeably cooler than the rest of Penang, making it a great retreat.
Getting to Penang Hill is half the fun of this attraction in Penang. You can walk (it’s steep!), but I highly recommend the two-kilometer funicular tram ride.
The tram ride up the steep hill is quite thrilling on the way down. Make sure you sit at the bottom of the tram for the full effect.
Once at the top, there are various Penang Hill attractions in addition to the breathtaking view, which is spectacular on a clear day. Highlights include a skywalk, mosque, Hindu temple, an owl museum, animal exhibits, a playground, a canopy walk, zip line, and numerous nature trails.
With all the options of what to do in Penang Hill, it’s easy to spend a few hours here. I particularly enjoy the Hindu Temple, which offers a tranquil setting with amazing views, cooler air, and soothing chants.
If you are hungry, there are two food courts available, one full of refreshing juice and icy treat options—perfect for trying the Malaysian Ais Kacang (a delectable shaved ice dessert).
- Funicular Information:
- Hours: 6:30am – 11pm (ticket office closes at 9:45pm)
Cost: RM30 return for adults, RM15 for kids.
Discounts are available for Malaysians.
2. Have Some Quiet Reflection At Kek Lok Si Temple
Not far from Penang Hill is Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the top places to visit in Penang Island.
Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, set against a stunning mountainous backdrop.
The complex includes a massive temple, several pagodas, and additional smaller temples.
The immaculately landscaped gardens are home to lovely ponds with fish and tortoises, making it a peaceful spot to sit and reflect.
Thanks to its mountainous location, you will encounter many stairs, but there is an inclination lift to facilitate your journey between the temples.
- Information:
- Hours: 9am – 6pm
Cost: It’s free to enter the temple grounds and RM2 for adults to enter the pagoda. The inclination lift costs RM6 for adults.
3. Learn About Penang’s Past At Fort Cornwallis
Visiting Fort Cornwallis, located by the sea in George Town, is another top activity in Penang. Fort Cornwallis stands as the largest remaining British fort in Malaysia, featuring many informative boards and a museum section.
It is here that the British first arrived on what was then an uninhabited island in 1786, establishing the port of Penang and molding it into a significant trade center. The fort encompasses a decent area and serves as a tranquil park as well.
- Information:
- Hours: 9am – 7pm
Cost: RM20 for adults, RM10 for kids, with discounts for Malaysians.
4. Enjoy George Town’s Historic Centre
George Town’s center is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique architecture, rich culture, and vibrant townscape.
Allocate at least a few hours to explore this famous area in Penang.
Within this vibrant city, you can discover various neighborhoods including Little India, famous Chinese shop fronts, and colonial architecture from the British era.
It’s conveniently located in the heart of the most sought-after attractions in Penang.
Areas to explore include Love Lane, Armenian Street, and the neighborhoods around Queen Street, Chulia Street, and the market streets of Little India.
There are numerous points of interest in Penang to learn about the area’s history, including the Peranakan Mansion and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.
5. Go On A Street Art Hunt!
In recent years, George Town has gained fame for its street art, making it enjoyable to spot these murals while discovering Penang.
The artwork showcases images from the daily life and history of Penang, turning it into a playful scavenger hunt as you walk around.
Notably, some murals invite you to pose alongside them, making for excellent photo opportunities.
Top locations to uncover this art include Armenian Street, Chulia Street, and Muntri Street.
6. Take Some Silly Photos At Made in Penang Interactive Museum
The 3D museum trend is thriving in Penang.
At this interactive museum, you can take unique 3D photos while learning about Penang’s history and culture.
Instead of traditional exhibits, you’ll find isometric art where you can integrate into the artwork at designated spots.
Additionally, there are miniature scale models representing Penang’s history and culture.
- Information:
- Hours: 10am – 6:30pm
Cost: RM35 for adults, RM25 for kids.
7. See Some Monkeys At The Penang Botanical Gardens
Another best place to visit in Penang is the Botanical Gardens, especially if you enjoy nature and monkeys!
Created by the British in 1884, the gardens feature a vast variety of exotic and indigenous plant species.
Set in a serene location, the gardens comprise 12 areas showcasing different plant types—including a formal garden, tropical rainforest paths, and a cactus house.
You can also trek from here up Penang Hill in about an hour, but be cautious as it is steep and monkeys are commonly seen along the way.
It’s advisable to avoid bringing food as the monkeys are mischievous and can be quite aggressive if they sense snacks.
- Information:
- Hours: 5am – 8pm (avoid between 12:30-2pm when many enclosures are closed)
Cost: Free
8. Cool Down At Youth Park
Visiting Youth Park was one of our treasured activities in Penang; I highly recommend this if you have kids.
Even if you don’t have children, it’s an excellent spot for a nature hike or workout on the extensive exercise equipment available!
It also offers a variety of swimming pools, a large playground, and several fountains.
The park’s stunning mountain backdrop and abundant trees provide a cooler atmosphere compared to other places.
I personally prefer it over the nearby Penang Botanical Gardens due to the number of trees, making it a more pleasant stroll.
- Information:
- Hours: 6am – 5:30pm
Cost: Free
9. Be Freaked Out At Snake Temple
Another intriguing tourist spot in Penang is Snake Temple, situated close to Penang Airport, making it an ideal first or last destination to explore.
This traditional Chinese Buddhist temple, constructed in 1850 by monk Chor Soo Kong, was established to create a sanctuary for nearby snakes.
The snakes roam freely, so their numbers may vary depending on the time of year and festivals.
There is also a “snake breeding area” for young snakes.
- Information:
- Hours: 6am – 7pm
Cost: Free
10. Fly In The Sky At Batu Ferringhi Beach
The most popular beach area in Penang is Batu Ferringhi, making it one of the top tourist spots where many of the best hotels are situated.
While it is a favored destination, it’s not as crowded as similar areas in tourist-heavy countries like Thailand, allowing for a relaxed experience. This is where we lived.
The waters are gentle, and the beach stretches are clean and inviting.
Finding a secluded spot is easy; however, be aware of jellyfish—personal experience has taught me to be cautious while wading!
For adventurers, affordable water sports are available, and parasailing is a popular activity!
If you prefer a laid-back beach experience with food and refreshing drinks, Bora Bora by Sunset Bar is the perfect place to unwind.
11. Get Back To Nature At Penang National Park
Penang National Park may be the smallest national park in Malaysia, but it certainly offers substantial attractions and is definitely worth adding to your Penang itinerary.
With an array of jungle trails, it leads to some of the island’s most stunning beaches.
A canopy walkway that invites visitors 15 meters off the ground is only a leisurely 20-minute walk from the park entrance.
Highlights of the park include Monkey Beach and the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. Monkey Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand inhabited by macaques.
You can hike to these areas or take a boat, with a campground available at Monkey Beach.
Visiting on weekdays is advisable to avoid crowds.
- Information:
- Hours: 8am – 5pm
Cost: Free! However, registration is necessary upon entry for a permit.
Add-ons: The canopy walkway is RM5 for adults, RM3 for kids. Boat ride costs start at RM50, negotiated directly with operators.
12. Eat Everything You Can At A Night Hawker Centre
The ultimate night experience in Penang is undoubtedly a visit to a night hawker centre. These spots are not only vibrant but also overflowing with delicious and affordable food.
Hawker centres consist of numerous food stalls, akin to a food court yet more casual and typically outdoors.
These venues are perfect for sampling as many delightful Malaysian dishes as possible.
Prices can be low; however, if the food is exceptionally cheap, expect fewer meats and vegetables, which can impact taste.
Some great hawker centers are:
- Long Beach Kafe in Batu Ferringhi
- Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
- New Lane Hawker Centre in George Town
As an added bonus, Long Beach Kafe is surrounded by a night market, ideal for souvenir shopping.
13. Discover New Beaches
Explore beyond Batu Ferringhi beach and discover some of Penang’s hidden coastal gems.
This island is home to numerous beaches!
Stop whenever you spot a beach and pay a visit—you might find a serene stretch of sand entirely to yourself.
14. The Rainforest At Teluk Bahang Forest Park/Penang Eco Park
If you’re inclined to natural attractions, don’t miss Penang Eco Park, located within the Teluk Bahang Forest Park.
This park offers a variety of nature trails, picnic areas, camping spots, a playground, and lovely waterfalls.
A rich array of flora and fauna can be appreciated here.
It also features several small pools where you can swim, one of which includes a waterslide.
Expect large crowds on weekends.
At the entrance to the park, a Forestry Museum details the importance of the forestry sector to Malaysia’s economic development and environmental preservation.
- Information:
- Hours: 9am – 5pm, closed from 12-2:30pm on Fridays
Cost: Free
15. See Butterflies At Entopia
Entopia offers one of the best experiences in Penang, divided into two sections—Natureland and Cocoon.
Natureland is a vast garden area teeming with approximately 15,000 butterflies across over 200 species of plants, alongside other invertebrates and reptiles.
The gardens are beautifully arranged with ponds, caves, and waterfalls.
The Cocoon portion showcases two floors of exhibits and activities to educate visitors about invertebrates, making it a delightful destination for families and butterfly enthusiasts.
- Information:
- Hours: 9am – 6pm
Cost: RM65 for adults, RM45 for children. Discounts for Malaysians.
16. Enjoy The Views From The Ferry to Butterworth
While there are bridges linking Penang Island to the mainland, the most efficient method to traverse between Butterworth and George Town is via ferry.
This mode of transport turns into one of the fun activities in Penang.
The ferry ride lasts about 15-20 minutes, spanning three kilometers and providing stunning views of both Penang and the mainland.
Ferries begin operating at around 5:20 am and run until midnight, departing every 20-30 minutes, although the frequency decreases post-10 pm.
The ferry offers an open-air experience under shade, providing enjoyment and a unique glimpse into local life.
- Information:
- Hours: 5:20am – 12:40am, though exact times depend on departure locations.
Cost: RM1.20 from Butterworth to Penang, and free in the opposite direction.
Extra fees apply for cars, motorbikes, and bicycles.
Best Time To Visit Penang
Being situated in the tropics and close to the equator, Penang experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year.
- However, it is less humid during the dry season (November to February).
- December and January are the busiest tourist months, so visiting in February or November is highly recommended.
- March and April also present pleasant conditions.
Rain in Penang
However, other periods are still enjoyable. Rain tends to dissipate quickly and generally happens at night. Throughout our stay in Penang, only one day impeded our plans due to rain.
Pollution in Penang
A bigger concern may be the haze, originating from fires in Indonesia. While most years, air quality isn’t an issue, when pollution spikes, it may not be ideal to venture outside.
The timing and severity of haze can fluctuate annually, with occurrences typical from June onwards.
Best Hotels In Penang
Below are my recommendations for Penang hotels across three different budget categories.
Luxury – Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang
The 5-star Rasa Sayang is a stunning resort situated directly on Batu Ferringhi beach, and just a short walk from the Long Beach Kafe hawker centre and night markets, placing it in a prime location.
This expansive resort offers multiple outdoor pools (including an adults-only option), restaurants, a kids club, gym, and golf course among other amenities.
With a range of room types from doubles to family options, I recommend booking a room in the Rasa Wing for exclusive perks such as afternoon tea, cocktails, and pre-dinner canapés.
Midrange – Bayview Beach Resort
For valuable accommodation, the Bayview Beach Resort shines in the Batu Ferringhi area.
Located on the beachfront, it features four pools and a water playground for kids, a day spa, tennis, and basketball courts, while offering kids club facilities for entertainment.
Numerous restaurants and bars are on-site, or you can stroll along the beach to the main strip.
There’s also a solid option in George Town if you prefer to stay there.
Budget – Old Penang Guesthouse
For budget accommodations in George Town, consider the Old Penang Guesthouse located on Love Lane, conveniently situated near major attractions.
While the guesthouse doesn’t offer extensive facilities, options for bike rentals and laundry service are available.
Room choices vary, from dorm beds to private accommodations with shared or private bathrooms; all rooms come equipped with air conditioning.
AirB&B Penang
AirB&B presents an excellent alternative for hotel stays, especially for prolonged visits.
Find your perfect apartment or vacation home through the link below.
How To Get To Penang
Penang boasts an international airport with multiple domestic flights across Malaysia, as well as some international routes mainly to neighboring countries.
Domestic flights often come at low prices and are a convenient option from locations like Kuala Lumpur.
If coming from farther away, connecting to a flight to Penang via Kuala Lumpur is highly manageable.
Additionally, fantastic bus services are available from various points across Malaysia that will take you straight to the island.
You can also opt for a train to Butterworth followed by a ferry ride, as mentioned earlier.
Ferries are accessible from Langkawi to Penang, although flights may typically offer better rates.
Getting Around Penang
Once you arrive in Penang, a reliable bus service facilitates local travel, primarily focused on George Town; thus, staying here makes commuting by bus convenient.
Taxis are also easily accessible via the Grab app, which I recommend installing before you arrive for better rates.
Unlike hailing taxis in the street, Grab functions similarly to Uber (as Grab merged with Uber in Malaysia).
Driving in Penang is straightforward, with possible great deals, though be aware that local drivers may switch lanes and turn suddenly without signalling.
Recommended Penang Tours
When booking tours and day trips, we recommend using Get Your Guide for excellent offerings, which allow easy last-minute bookings and cancellations with prior notice.
Consider the Private Penang City Tour for a full day immersed in the cultural diversity of Penang, visiting George Town, Kek Lok Si Temple, and Penang Hill.
Also, partake in the George Town Food Hop to explore Penang’s history through its diverse cuisine.
If preferring flexibility, a Self Guided Audio Tour allows you to explore at your leisure.
Alternatively, enjoy a private guided experience by booking a Private City Tour, featuring Penang’s rich tourist attractions alongside a culinary tasting experience.
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I hope you found this Penang travel guide useful. Feel free to ask any questions below!
