Penang Island, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is surrounded by the Straits of Malacca. It is also known as “The Pearl Of The Orient.” From mainland Malaysia, one can reach Penang Island by one of the road bridges, Penang Bridge or Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge. George Town, the capital city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Zone with a rich history. Penang is also a food paradise and known as the top food destination by Lonely Planet.

Best Things To Do in Penang

1. Penang Street Art

Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist, created nine artworks for the George Town Festival. These murals quickly become famous across the globe. “The Little Children on a Bicycle” stand out among other murals.

The iron-rod caricatures, the first series of artwork in town, are worth hunting for. Armenian Street is a good starting point for the murals.

Step into Cannon Street for the Cat-theme artworks.

Explore the historic and charming town on foot or rent a bicycle to discover the many artworks at every corner of the streets.

2. The Clan Jetties

Big wooden homes stand above the sea along the coastlines, known as the Clan Jetties. In the early days, the immigrants built their houses above the water to avoid paying land taxes to the British rulers. These houses barely change in the century. The Chew Jetty is the most popular among others. Souvenir shops filled both sides of the route. Walk to the Tan Jetty for the most authentic. If possible, walk to the end of the jetty for an endless sea view of the Straits of Malacca. The Lee Jetty is not to be missed, as their houses look the best among others.

3. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Visit the historic house that transports every visitor back to the old days.

The mint green mansion standing at its original ground was once the residence and office of Chung Keng Kwee, a Penang tycoon and Kapitan China. In 1894, the bungalow was built and known as Hai Ji Zhan. A mixture of Chinese and Western elements was used to design the building.

With the passing of the family, the house was left untouched. The current owner, an avid antique collector, restored the bungalow to its glory. His collection of antiques and collectibles was display in the mansion. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is one of the best Peranakan museums in Asia. 

Be sure to walk to the galleries located in the building behind the main hall. The collections of traditional Peranakan garments, beaded shoes, accessories, and wedding gowns were from affluent Nyonyas.

In the Chung Keng Kwee Ancestral Temple, you will find a life-sized dark wood with gold elements sculpture of Chung Keng Kwee at the altar. The figurines on the archways and rooftops are one of the kind fine artwork pieces.

Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm Daily

Admission: RM$25 (Adults) RM$12 (Children 6-12 yrs)

Guided Tours are available in both English and Chinese at certain time slot

4. Penang Hill and The Habitat

Penang Hill, also known as Bukit Bendera or Flag Hill, the highest peak is 833m above sea level.

Ride the Funicular Train from the lower to the upper station in less than 10 minutes. At the top of Penang Hill, it offers visitors panoramic views of the island. One can even see the afar Penang Bridge when the weather is clear.

The surrounding temperature is colder than the town, thus a more comfy leisure walk. Explore the surrounding for some scenic viewpoints before heading to The Habitat entrance.

The Habitat, located at the backside of Penang Hill, is a private park inside the million years old rainforest. Walk through the 230 m-long Langgur Canopy Walk to feel the greenery and see the top of the trees. Another highlight is the Curtis Cres Tree Top. Climb to the circular ring to enjoy the panoramic view of the rainforest and the Straits of Malacca. Not to forget the two giant swings available. Walk into the rainforest for some forest bathing and hear the forest. At the end of the 1.6km nature trail, visitors can take the free buddy services provided back to the upper station zone.

Funicular Train

Opening Hours: 6:30 am to 10 pm

Admission: Standard Adult RM$30 / Senior RM$30 | Fast Lane Adult RM$80 / Senior RM$60

The Habitat

Opening Hours: 9 am to 7 pm (Last admission 5:30 pm)

Admission: Adult RM$60 / Senior RM$40

5. Balik Pulau

Balik Pulau, at the southwest corner of Penang Island, has many durian plantations. June is durian season, thus a must to visit one of the durian plantations for the king of the fruit.

At almost every corner of the winding road stands a durian stall. Countless roadside stalls selling durians. The durian trees filled the roadside of the hilly Balik Pulau region. “Red Prawn” is one of the best varieties in the region.

6. Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si temple, built in 1891, is the biggest Buddhist complex in Malaysia and one of the biggest and finest in Southeast Asia.

The temple is developed over three levels and can easily access on foot or via an inclined lift. There are four stations for the lift, Foothill Car Park, Avalokiteshvara Hall, Main Prayer Hall, and Kuan Yin Statue.

At the Foothill Car Park, visitors can walk to The Liberation Pond with beautiful Chinese arch bridges. Buy some green to feed the turtles in the pond. Do not miss out the giant Turtle statue above the bridge.

At the top of the temple stands a 36.5m tall bronze Kuan Yin goddess. The statue is shelter in a Chinese styled roof with beautifully engraved pillars.

Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm

7. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as The Blue Mansion, was built in the late 19th century with only the best material he chose from. The Mansion was designed and constructed to keep the Chinese culture and traditions. It was one of the most elaborate buildings of its time.

Cheong Fatt Tze was a man of a legend himself, from a nobody boy to a man of international. Visit the Mansion and get to know more about him. Step into the building and courtyard to admire its beauty.

The Blue Mansion is a hotel.

The public can join a English guided tour. Self-guided audio tour is available (Enter the premise after 11:30 am).

Guided Tour: 11 am or 2pm at RM$25 each. Limited group each tour.

8. Entopia

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is a place for kids or nature lovers. Start the discovery of unique or never see before creatures at The Cave zone. Get close to the free-roaming butterflies on the outdoor garden trail. In the Underground and Understory zone, visitors can see many other insects up close safely. There are also exhibit showcase the life cycle of different types of butterflies.

Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm (Last admission at 5 pm) Closed every Wednesday

Admission : RM$75 (Adult) RM$55 (Child/Senior)

9. Walk around Georgetown

Wonder around the street of Georgetown is another way to discover hidden gems.

Eating around in Penang

Penang is also known as a food paradise, and in 2014, Lonely Planet described Penang as one of the best food destinations in Asia. Food hunting around the island is a must to do.

Nonya cuisine is not to be missed. The flavors are different from what we had in Melaka. Penang Nyonya cuisine uses more herbs, lemongrass, and pandan. The Tangy flavors and scents of spices suggest the mixture of Siamese and Burmese food with the local communities. The Nonya food in Melaka is of different flavors due to the influences from Central and East Java.

> Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery

Must try: Nasi Ulam (fragrant rice mixed with freshly chopped herbs), Assam Hae (sweet, sour, flavorful prawn), Sambal Brinjal

Address: 1, Bishop St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town

> Bibik’s Kitchen Nyonya Cuisine

Must try: Ayam Rendang, Cincalok Pork, Guava Kerabu (salads)

Address: 73, Jalan Sri Bahari, George Town, 10050 George Town

Most of the Nyonya Kuihs are made from glutinous rice and coconut milk. There is a wide range of colorful and tasty kuihs from the Nyonya. One great place to satisfy the sweet bud is Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay, with 60 years of kuihs making.

Address: Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Masjid, 10200 George Town

Dine like a local at Cecil Street Market Hawker Centre. Here you can find a wide variety of local dishes. Get your breakfast or have a feast over lunch. We tried the following :

• Lum Lai Duck Meat Koay Teow Th’ng
• Apom & Kuih Tayap
• ‘Barefoot’ Char Koay Teow
• Nyonya Kuih stall     

In Georgetown, there are many long-standing Chinese restaurants. One of them is Tai Tong Restaurant, which has opened its door 70 years ago. Being the oldest and most established dim sim place, they also serve zi char. For dinner, diners get to order zi char dishes and available dim sim.

Address: 45, Lebuh Cintra, George Town, 10100 George Town

Teksen Restaurant, operating for at least 60 years, is another gem. The never-ending queue at its front show its popularity among the locals and tourists. Dishes are simple and tasty.

Address: 18, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town, 10100 George Town

Yong Pin Restaurant is another spot with a wide range of traditional dim sim. Despite its new Hong Kong retro style look, they still serve handmade dim sim that attracts many locals.

Address: 59A, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town

Bao Teck Tea House is a hidden gem in the street of Lebuh Melayu. As you step into the restaurant, you will be amazed by the elaborate interiors and attracted by the moss garden. The dim sim is made from fresh ingredients and its plating stand out among others. Their signature tea creates the dining experience to another level. The menu range is at the higher end.

Address: 25, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10100 George Town

The must-try Penang Chendol at Lebuh Keng Kwee that recommended by many locals.

A hot bowl of soft and melt-in-your-mouth beancurd from the nearby Woong Kee Beancurd, from Ipoh, is worth a try.

At the junction of Campbell and Cintra Street, look out for a cart that sells delicious local snacks.

The famous Air Itam Assam Laksa is a must before or after a visit to Kek Lok Si Temple. Be prepared to sweat a lot as you dine in the limited space. But the bowl of laksa was worth it all. Do check out their opening hours on Facebook as likely it only opened on weekends only.

Just a few shops down the street, a more comfortable dine-in awaits. Their bowl of assam laksa is of lighter and more refreshing taste. It suits diners with simple taste buds.

Hai Boey Seafood is another highly recommended dining venue. At the southern end of the island, the restaurant has a panoramic sea view, and diners get to scroll by the beach before and or after their meals. Do remember to take a photo with their famous giant octopus. Their unique, fresh, and delicious dishes attract many. At peak hours, the restaurant is always full house. Make your reservations to avoid the long wait.

Address: MK 9, 29, Jalan Pasir Belanda, Teluk Kumbar, 11920 Bayan Lepas