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I’m sure hundreds of people have written about the various things to do in Penang but here’s my two cents anyway!
I spent three weeks in George Town, Penang earlier this year and didn’t even begin to get bored. It’s a peaceful place with none of the hectic rush that comes with Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Hanoi.
Tourists will love the culture on display across George Town and the abundant nature around the island, while expats and Penang digital nomads will enjoy the cafe culture.
George Town is cultural and charming yet you can get all of your modern-day amenities should you need them. The blend of Chinese temples and colonial buildings remind me slightly of Hoi An, only with some world-class street art thrown into the mix.
PENANG ESSENTIALS
E-sim data plan
Copy of Lonely Planet Malaysia
Getting there: flight, bus, train (12GoAsia)
Pre-book your Penang airport to city transfer
Accommodation: Browse hotels on Booking.com // hostels on Hostelworld
Tours: GetYourGuide / Viator
Travel insurance: True Traveller (European travellers) / Hey Mundo (other nationalities) / Safety Wing (digital nomads)
Read my other Penang blogs:
Make sure to check out my tried & tested Malaysia itinerary!
How to get to Penang
Penang is an island just off the northwest coast of Malaysia with a vibrant capital city, George Town.
By air: one option is to arrive by air into Penang International airport. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going.
By land: Penang island connects to Butterworth on the mainland and you can arrive via water or road.
To get to George Town from the mainland, catch either a bus or train into Butterworth and then board the 5-minute ferry for just RM1.2.
Alternatively, catch a bus over the bridge to Penang’s Sungai Nibong bus terminal which is a 30-minute drive to George Town. Local taxis and Grabs will take you the distance cheaply.
Travelling in Asia? Check out:
- 3 month Southeast Asia backpacking itinerary
- 101 Southeast Asia travel tips
- Complete Southeast Asia bucket list
How long to spend in Penang
3 days is an ideal amount of time to tick off all the best places to visit in Penang, get a feel for the island and not feel rushed.
You can spend an entire day visiting all the George Town Penang attractions, another day visiting other parts of the island, and the last day seeing the things you might have missed or returning to your favourite spots.
Read next: solo travel in Malaysia for women
How to get around Penang
- Walking is the easiest way to get around George Town, the capital of Penang, but to go elsewhere on the island, choose one of the next options…
- Taxi: GRAB is the Uber of Malaysia and by far the cheapest and most efficient way to get around. It’s free to download and you can pay by card.
- Public buses are available for as little as RM2 for a 10-minute ride (ensure you have the exact cash to pay the driver). The routes and bus stops cover almost all the Penang places of interest but schedules can be irregular and there are few buses at night.
- Bike rental is an ideal option to visit the Penang attractions across the island. You can rent a bike from your accommodation or local shops around town with signs in the window and bicycles parked outside.
- Alternatively, you could take a trishaw between places which is a fun thing to do in Penang in itself.
Where to stay in Penang
Backpackers hostels:
- EZ Social – With a co-working space, lively bar lounge and laundry facilities, EZ Social Hostel is a fantastic and sociable place to stay. The hostel is a cool blend of contemporary interior within a colonial heritage building and is within walking distance of many Penang attractions. Check availability from US$11.
- The Frame – in a well-preserved heritage house with a TV lounge, spacious lockers and individual reading lamps and electrical plugs, this is the comfiest base for budget travellers. Book from $12 a night.
Mid-range hotels:
- Carnarvon House – in central Georgetown with great reviews, this is a fantastic budget hotel. It has a beautiful garden terrace, onsite minimarket, and boutique rooms. Check availability from US$31.
- Savv Hotel – a wonderful mid-range base with an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, garden, shared lounge, a bar and terrace. . Air-conditioned rooms have excellent Penang views and all the best modern amenities. Book from $60 a night.
Splash out:
- 23 Love Lane Hotel – If you love unique stays with thoughtful design touches, this chic hotel is set in a renovated heritage building with ten boutique rooms. Sip cocktails on the terrace, relax in the library and private garden, or dine at the elegant onsite restaurant. Check availability from US$100.
- Blue Mansion – for the ultimate treat, this 4-star heritage property has boutique rooms with antique fittings. Book from $120 a night.
Private apartment: Straits Garden Suites in George Town is a luxury private apartment with a swimming pool, gym, garden area, great views and fully equipped apartments including free Wi-Fi and laundry facilities. Check availability from $50 per night.
Browse all Penang accommodation on Booking.com and Hostelworld.
Things to do in Penang
From cultural, foodie, alternative and active things to do, here are 21 ways to stay busy during your trip!
1. Explore the street art
There’s one name you need to know when it comes to George Town street art: Ernest Zacharevic. I wrote about him already in my Ipoh street art guide, although those works were completed after his originals in George Town.
Read next: Where to find the street art in Penang
Zacharevic is a Lithuanian street artist and now a Malaysian national treasure thanks to his amazing urban murals. He first completed them for the George Town Festival in 2012 and they became wildly popular – so much so that today you have to queue up to get photos!
Today there are plenty of his interactive paintings around George Town, as well as some fantastic additions from other street artists.
2. Check out the Sunday Market at Hin Bus Depot
If your visit to Penang times around a weekend (hint: it should), don’t miss the Sunday Market at Hin Bus Depot. This space is a hipster’s paradise – an art gallery in one room, an artisan coffee shop beside it, and some quirky street art in the yard.
On Sundays, a vibey crafts market pops up selling jewellery, trinkets, clothes and food. The prices are reasonable so don’t eat before you come. There’s usually music playing and sometimes talks or performances going on. Grab a coffee and sit out on the grass for a brilliant vibe.
3. Sample the street food
A great way to experience the Malaysian culture in George Town is through the delicious Penang street food. Many local restaurants have been serving the food of their ancestors for centuries.
Countless companies offer food tours, though I’d say exploring it yourself is one of the best things to do in George Town. Most local Malay meals cost less than $2!
Once you’re full of salty, delicious street food, treat your insides to some of the healthy food in George Town.
For food tours, I recommend:
4. Eat at a hawker market
One of the best things to do in Penang is eat the local dishes but it has to be at one of the famous hawker markets where you see a mixture of culture, customs and cuisine. Hawker markets are similar to food courts, full of street food, vendors and communal tables.
Some of the best places to go in Penang for hawker markets include:
- CF Food Court, the biggest hawker market, once visited by the late Anthony Bourdain.
- New Lane Hawker Center is an outdoor hawker market that closes the street at night for the food trucks to roll in.
- Cecil Street Food Court and Sri Weld Food Court for the local dishes; some claim to be the best in town.
- Lastly, one of the most popular markets is Chulia Street with indoor and outdoor vendors and tables busy day and night.
5. Nightlife on Love Lane/Chulia Street
Once you’ve had your fill of food on Chulia Street, head to Love Lane for backpacker-style nightlife. Love Lane is just off the side of Chulia Street and links to Farquhar Street.
By day, you can enjoy cafes and street art but at night the street comes alive with live music, drink deals and lots of socialising. It’s said to be named after a British officer whose surname was Love.
6. Take the temple trail
There are few places in the world you can see a mosque, a church, a Taoist temple and a Hindu temple all side by side. Kuala Lumpur is a good place to see these various houses of worship but they’re relatively spread out across the city.
In the small city centre of George Town, they’re virtually next door to each other – you can see them all in 30 minutes (though of
Related activity: Penang racial harmony walking tour with guide
Kapitan Keling Mosque
A gorgeous whitewashed building with gilded domes and gorgeous grounds. It was built in the 19th century by Indian traders and is now part of the UNESCO Heritage Site of George Town.
Address: 14, Jalan Buckingham, George Town.
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
This colourful temple for the Hindu community of George Town was my favourite of all the temples. It’s brightly coloured and decorated with gods and goddesses from Indian folklore.
Address: Queen St, George Town.
Goddess of Mercy Temple
Built for the Chinese community, here you’ll be able to watch giant vats of incense burn as people come to worship.
Address: 30, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.
St. George’s Anglican Church
The oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia built in 1818 wasn’t the most captivating Penang attraction for me; I preferred the colourful temples which felt more culturally distinct from the churches of Europe I’m used to.
Still, swing by to appreciate the diversity of religion here in Malaysia.
Address: 1, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town.
7. Eat cake at Chinahouse
Culture’s great but so is cake! If you only eat one dessert in George Town, let it be at China House, a local institution on Beach Street. The cake table is a sight to behold – I don’t think I’ve seen a bigger collection anywhere.
The cafe itself is worth a visit and claims to be the longest in the city. It goes back what seems like miles and is filled with quirky bric-a-brac. It’s not particularly cheap (basically UK cake and coffee prices) but this salted caramel cheesecake was one of the most moreish and indulgent things ever. Worth it!
8. Hike in Penang National Park
At just 25 square kilometres, this is one of the smallest national parks in the world but still a popular Penang attraction. A protected forest reserve, it’s home to flora, fauna, lakes and groves to explore.
There are three main trails to hike in the park which will bring you to stunning beaches, a lighthouse or a turtle sanctuary which are all free and easily accomplished in an afternoon.
Getting there: drive in 40 minutes or catch line 101 bus from Komtar to Teluk Bahan in just over an hour. Tickets cost RM 10-16.
9. Visit Penang mansions
The first mansion to visit is the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion, which was built in the 1800s by merchant, Cheong Fatt Tze, who used the distinctive, Chinese architectural-style building as his private residence.
Today, the mansion is a boutique hotel with several awards under its belt including UNESCO’s ‘Most Excellent’ Heritage Conservation Award. It was also a filming location for the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians. Entry is RM16.
The second mansion to see is Penang Peranakan Mansion which is now a museum housing over 1000 objects where you can learn about Penang heritage. The mansion is a portrayal of a typical home of the Peranakans who were a Chinese community so you will feel as though you have stepped back in time. Entry is RM20.
10. Tropical Spice Garden
Wander through this award-winning, 5-acre garden known as ‘Asia’s Hidden Eden’ to see and learn about over 500 types of herbs, plants, teas, oils and spices, as well as join a cooking class or watch a Malaysian cooking demo. This is one of the best educational places to visit in Penang and entry is just RM15.
You also have the option of camping overnight at the Tropical Spice Garden amongst the bio-diverse sanctuary of the garden where you can enjoy nature by stargazing, strolling the rainforest or listening to the trickling streams.
Address: Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Teluk Bahang, Pulau Pinang.
11. Take a trip to the Floating Mosque
Located at Batu Ferringhi beach is Tanjung Bungah Mosque, built on stilts on the ocean and known as the ‘floating mosque’ because when the tide’s high, it appears to be floating. It’s a lovely place to visit in the evening with gorgeous sunset views over the sea.
Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah.
12. Relax on Batu Ferringhi Beach
Located in the north of the island is a famous sandy beach popular on any Penang sightseeing trip: Batu Ferringhi beach. As well as the usual beach activities and water sports, there are bars and restaurants where you can catch a gorgeous sunset.
Stay in the evening for shopping at Batu Ferringhi Night Market. Expect trinkets galore and the exciting atmosphere of any Asian night market!
13. Go doorway hunting
Doorway lovers will be in their element in George Town. There are some crackers along Jalan Nagor and Jalan Muntri.
14. Explore Little India
Anywhere there’s curry, I’ll be happy! One of the best things to do in Penang
14.5. Eat from a banana leaf while there
There are endless authentic Indian restaurants in George Town. I ate a fantastic veggie feast at Shusi Banana Leaf Restaurant for only RM6 MYR including a drink. I can’t believe how cheap it was!
15. Visit the Clan Jetty’s floating houses & temple
The Clan Jetties are a unique community of homes built on stilts. They’re over a century old and named after different Chinese clans – although sadly one has been lost to a fire. People traditionally used them to moor boats and load/unload goods.
Many guides and blogs refer to the Clan Jetties as one of the best things to do in Penang but I’m not sure I agree. The main section pinned on Google is one of those spots overrun with tourism. People’s homes are now gift shops, packed with overpriced souvenirs. Luckily, there are a couple of quieter spots to experience the culture…
Tan Jetty
Just a few minutes’ walk from the busy boardwalk section is Tan Jetty, a much quieter and more peaceful section to wander. There are a couple of renowned food stalls at the base of it.
Hean Boo Thean Temple
Walk further still and get slightly lost in some residential streets as you arrive at this floating Chinese temple. It’s brightly painted, free to enter and usually free from other tourists. Much better than the selfie stick section!
16. Take a day trip to Kek Lok Si Temple
The biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia is absolutely gorgeous and boasts stunning views over George Town from the tallest pagoda. Kek Lok Si Temple is a 25-minute taxi ride from town or slightly longer on the bus. Follow my guide for a full guide to visiting.
Related activity: Kek Lok Si & Penang Hill tour
18. Catch the funicular up Penang Hill
A short drive (or bus ride) from the Old Town and within walking distance from Kek Lok Si Temple is another of the top things to see in Penang. Getting to the top of the Penang Hill is the best part as you can either hike or ride the funicular, one of the oldest funiculars in South East Asia.
Once within the grounds, you can visit the Habitat (a jungle reserve), a temple and mosque, take walking trails, visit a bird sanctuary and zip line over the forest.
18. Climb Komtar Tower
Summiting the popular skyscraper, Komtar Tower, should be on any Penang to-do list.
This multicomplex reaching level 68 is full of Penang attractions and collectively known as The Top. You can enjoy fine dining or drinks, observe scenic views over the island including a stunning sunset, zip-line the exterior of the tower and walk over the glass walkway.
19. Fort Cornwallis
For a historic thing to do in Penang, visit Fort Cornwallis, the oldest and largest fort in Malaysia built by the British in the late 1700s. Located on the north-eastern tip of the peninsula, the star-shaped building was constructed by Captain Francis Light to protect the island from pirates.
Within the fort, you’ll find a drawbridge, a prison, cannons, a statue of Francis Light and a lighthouse. You can stroll the fort until 10pm when the walls and flagstaff light up. Entry is RM20.
Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town.
20. Get cultured at the many museums
For such a small island, there are over 25 museums. Some of the top choices include 3D Trick Art, War Museum, Penang House of Music and:
- Ghost Museum with rooms representing horror films and superstitious beliefs from different countries. You can dress up, take pictures and learn about myths and folklore around the world. Entry is RM15.
- Upside Down Museum for a unique, interactive experience in an upside down world. There are various rooms you can explore and take creative photos in such as kitchens, bedrooms, shops and cafes. The staff will help you take trick photos to make you look magic. This is definitely one of the funnest things to do in Penang. Entry is RM29.
- Wonderfood, one of the best Penang tourist attractions for foodie lovers, is an interactive museum showcasing giant-sized replicas of over 100 Malaysian street foods. Entry is RM25.
21. Enjoy the cafe scene
Once you’re done with the culture, the final thing to do in Penang is kick back with a coffee at one of the many Penang cafes. Some of my favourites are Mugshot Cafe, Bean Sprout Cafe and Secawan Hutton.
Digital nomads travelling in Malaysia can check out the many co-working cafes in Penang.
Thanks for reading
Kuala Lumpur posts:
Melaka posts:
- What to do & see in Melaka
- The best food in Melaka
- 10 cute Melaka coffee shops
- Melaka street art guide
Ipoh posts:
Southeast Asia travel planning:
- Complete 2 week Malaysia itinerary
- The ultimate Southeast Asia bucket list
- 101 backpacking Asia tips
- The perfect 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary
See you next time for more adventures,
Rose
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Malaysia quick links
Flights – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going.
Stay connected with E-sim data plans that don’t require delivery or collection; just scan the QR code.
In my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Copy of Lonely Planet Malaysia.
For Malaysia buses and trains, I use 12GoAsia. The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations.
I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld.
To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters, a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets.
For activities, I use GetYourGuide and Viator as they both have a huge range of affordable tours.
Need travel insurance? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote.
For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing.
Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!
Shusi banana leaf rice is now MYR 10.50 (17 July 2023). ice water =50cent malaysia. teh o limau ais (ice tea with lime) MYR 3.30
Thanks for the update!