Recognized as the culinary paradise of Malaysia, Penang has been a popular tourist destination for gourmands all over the world. George Town, its state capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a plethora of unique things to do in Penang. The diverse food scene, along with its eccentric fusion of culture, showcases its international influence and traditional customs. With so many fun things to do in Penang, we have narrowed down the top 10 attractions you definitely shouldn’t miss:
Kek Lok Si Temple (Temple of Supreme Bliss), sitting atop the Crane Hill in Air Itam, is one of the most interesting places at Penang. The temple complex features an array of magnificent statues, grandiose pagodas and pavilions, historic shrines, landscaped gardens, souvenir kiosks, and the tortoise liberation pond. If you want to see the temple adorned by dangling lanterns that light up beautifully at night, it is best to visit during the Chinese New Year celebrations. You can also get a glimpse of the scenic views surrounding the temple when you take a ride via the inclined lift or the funicular railway to the hilltop.
Situated along the outskirts of Air Itam, Penang Hill covers the following peaks: the Bukit Bendera (Flagstaff Hill), Bukit Laksamana, Government Hill, Tiger Hill, and the neighboring Western Hill, considered the highest point in the island of Penang. As you begin your journey, you can choose to hike from the botanical gardens, but it is recommended to take the famous funicular railway which is the highlight of any visit to the hill. Some popular attractions to visit in Penang Hill are The Bel Retiro, a heritage building considered the oldest bungalow made for the governor of Penang, and the Habitat, an eco-tourism park where you can enjoy an educational tour of the Malaysian rainforest, along with zip lines and a bridge walk.
The Penang Hill Upper Station is the tourist destination at the end of the funicular railway. The lush hilly forest top offers several ways to help you relax and enjoy the panoramic scenery of the George Town skyline and the Langkawi mountains. The Skywalk and the Skydeck are some of the most popular spots where you can see the breathtaking vistas and 360-degree views of the island while soaking in the cool breeze. Make sure to get the fast lane ticket on the tram ride to the Penang Hill Upper Station to avoid long queues, especially during weekends and public holidays.
Gurney Drive, located within George Town, is one of the most popular places to visit in Penang for its vibrant food scene at night, where seafront hawker centers, food courts, and high-end restaurants come to life. You can enjoy both the delectable street food and the luxurious cuisines, all while dining by the sea. Some of the must-try Penang food include laksa, satay, bak kut teh, char kway teow, pasembur, and rojak. After satisfying your cravings, you can opt to visit the historic temples along Gurney Drive such as the Dharmikarama Burmese Temple or the Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple.
Located at Jalan Kebun Bunga in George Town, Penang Botanic Gardens is home to a wide array of flora and fauna like the black lily, cannonball tree, black giant squirrels, dusky leaf monkeys, along with a variety of insects and other plant species. For people who wish to exercise or jog in the morning, the gardens contain walking paths and tracks suitable for a calming run. For those who want to explore the gardens without needing to walk, there’s an available tram ride for you to sightsee without breaking a sweat. Before or after a hike to the Penang Hill, we recommend including the botanical gardens on your itinerary, especially the well-known waterfall.
If you want to learn more about Penang’s remarkable history and culture, Penang State Museum and Art Gallery located between Lebuh Farquhar and Lebuh Light in George Town is the place for you. This attraction is divided into two sections: the permanent and the temporary. The permanent museum holds a historical collection of costumes, embroidery, jewels, furniture, ancient maps and documents, past photographs, and old relics. Meanwhile, the temporary art gallery is where you can spot the exhibits of local artists and paintings of old Penang by William Daniels and Captain Robert Smith.
If you want to take a break from your food crawl adventure in George Town, a trip to the Goddess of Mercy Temple Penang is a great option, where you can take it slow as you appreciate the history and culture of Penang. Found at the Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling in Georgetown, this Chinese temple boasts a marvelous architecture established based on feng shui principles and other traditional aspects. Most tourists visit the temple during significant celebrations like the Chinese New Year, but numerous locals also go here on regular days to light up incense and hold their rituals as they wish for good health and luck.
The Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, located in Lorong Burma, is one of the reasons why George Town is considered the enclave of historical and cultural heritage in Penang. You can walk around the peaceful surroundings of the temple while admiring the majestic architecture, well-manicured gardens, small fish pond, and the golden bell tower where you can have impressive views of the complex. If you wish to immerse more in the local customs and traditions, there are Burmese Buddhist monks around the temple offering blessings and well-preserved intricate artworks, statues, and paintings revealing the life story of Lord Buddha.
Located just beside the Penang State Museum & Art Gallery, St. George’s Anglican Church is considered the oldest Anglican Church in South East Asia. During your visit, check out its famous Greek architecture designed by Captain Robert Smith and be sure not to miss out on hearing the pipe organ during regular morning services! Discover more about the church’s history with the exhibits of photos, books, and souvenirs at the Heritage Center. Once you get exhausted after roaming the place, you may grab a drink at the coffee shop inside which offers a variety of refreshments.
A visit to Penang would be incomplete without seeing the legendary Penang Bridge! Though initially created to ease the congestion concerns of the state, back when the ferry was once the only way to cross the sea and travel to Penang island, it is now considered an iconic landmark that allows both locals and travelers to drive from the mainland peninsula. The bridge not only boosts island tourism but also brings about opportunities for people to see more of Penang’s beauty.
Previously a British port along the Strait of Malacca, Penang is now a blooming city on the cusp of history and modernity. Most importantly, it's also earned a reputation for being the food capital of Malaysia!
Pop by the capital of Georgetown and go on tour to explore the British colonial buildings and spot vibrant street art across the city. Explore a slice of Peranakan life at the Pinang Peranakan Museum, a refurbished Peranakan mansion turned museum, or hop on a heritage trishaw ride for a charming experience. When in Penang, make sure to overdose on mouthwatering street food eats like the famous Penang Laksa and iconic Char Kuey Teow.
Penang is best known as the food capital of Malaysia. The hawkers and street stalls offer endless food options that deliciously blend international spices, flavors, and textures. Aside from this, it is also famous for its surrounding brilliant architecture, cultural heritage sites, historical parks, stunning beaches, as well as art galleries and kid-friendly museums.
You can always visit Penang at any time of the year since it has a tropical climate, but the best time to visit is from December to March during the dry season. The peak season for tourists, on the other hand, is May and June. Some of the events that you can include on your itinerary are the George Town Festival (July/August) and Butterworth Fringe Festival (August).
If it’s your first time in Penang, George Town is the best place to stay as it offers a wide range of accommodations and amenities. Batu Feringghi and Tanjung Bungah are perfect for those who want to enjoy the nightlife, water sports, and beach activities.