The 10 Best Things to Do in Penang, Malaysia

October 10, 2017 Rosalyn Ihle

Penang is a Malaysian state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait. It has two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley) on the Malay Peninsula. The second smallest Malaysian state by land mass, Penang is bordered by Kedah to the north and the east, and Perak to the south.
Restaurants in Penang

1. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

29 Church Street, George Town, Penang Island 10200, Malaysia 604-2642929
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Reviewed By Cheryl K - Regina, Canada

Upon the recommendation of the hotel we headed to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion - The Green Mansion which was very interesting.
It depicts the typical home of a rich Baba-Nyonya. The museum houses thousands of Peranakan artifacts which have been meticulously cared for over the years.
Our tour was very interesting and they did an excellent job on explaining the heritage of the Peranakan people. I would highly recommend it.

2. Kek Lok Si Temple

Air Itam, Penang Island 11500, Malaysia +60 4-828 3317
Excellent
43%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 3 reviews

Kek Lok Si Temple

Reviewed By EmmaLovesLife - New York City, New York

This temple fascinates not only because of the view but mainly because of the beautiful and spacious complex itself. Very clean and well-maintained. Maybe a bit too touristy (souvenir shops, yu have to pay for a parking spot etc.). Kek-Lok-Si was probably our favourite temple of all temples we visited while being in Malaysia.

3. Adventure Zone

Jalan Batu Ferringi | Golden Sands Resort, Batu Ferringhi, Penang Island 11100, Malaysia 604 886 1911
Excellent
40%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 281 reviews

Adventure Zone

Adventure Zone is a 10,000-square-foot facility comprising of a comprehensive indoor playground with three categories of drop slides and multiple sections of modular play equipment. The main highlight will be the drop slides, which have proven to be extremely safe and offer high level of enjoyment for both children and adults.

Reviewed By quito2003

The main attraction is the slides, which come in 3 levels of difficulty.. the red and blue slides seemed daunting for younger ones, but the older kids will have an adrenalin rush. Remember to bring long sleeves and a pair of socks. Parents must accompany the kids but there are chairs for bored parents to sit on.

4. ESCAPE

828 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, Penang Island 11050, Malaysia +60 4-881 1106
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 745 reviews

ESCAPE

ESCAPE is the fun destination with exciting rides and attractions. Hosted with nature in mind. Located in Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia, ESCAPE re-introduces outdoor play in a natural environment so to give the visitor an appreciation of the world around them and shows that there's no age limit to having fun.

Reviewed By Adam T - Watford, United Kingdom

Certainly a very different day out to most other things we did on our trip to Malaysia, but one of the most fun. The lack of electricity and having to rely on dragging your own rubber ring up the hill is a novelty that soon...MoreHi Adam T - thank you for your review. We're glad to hear this was one of the most fun activities you did in Malaysia. Appreciate the recommendation to others, we hope to see you at ESCAPE the next time around.

5. Colonial Penang Museum

No. 7 Jalan D S Ramanathan | Pulau Tikus, George Town, Penang Island 10350, Malaysia +60 12-488 7561
Excellent
73%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 268 reviews

Colonial Penang Museum

Our Colonial Penang museum will bring visitors back to Penang's colonial past. Experience the unique lifestyle of both the British Administrators & the wealthy merchants, appreciate the intricate art form from the past and the influence of British to our Penangites. Visitors can find unique antiques such as :- - Parchment handwritten document by Captain Francis Light, founder of Penang, - Francois Linke ,the Belle Epoque of French furniture, - The white Carrara marble statues by Atelier R.Bigazzi Florence, - Reverse painting by William Morris & Company (Westminster) Ltd., ( Ruskin House ), - Stained Glass window by Hubert McGoldrick / Alfred Ernest Child and Katherine O'Brien , - Roman pillars and tree house and many more. The museum can also be used as an educational instrument for students to promote the understanding and significant of our rich heritage in the past.

Reviewed By Bruce C - Sharon, Connecticut

When you consider that this is a personal collection, amassed over 50+ years by Jasmine Tan and her husband, it is amazing...especially, since this is only about 40% of what she has amassed, the remainder is in her personal bungalows.
The stained glass,and Carrera marble sculptures are extra special. We were lucky that in the beginning Ms. Tan explained a number of the items and history of her collecting. Our guide told us that her family had in the past rubber plantations, until synthetic rubber was invented.
The exhibit is very unusual, and a number of the items are rare. It also gives an idea of items that Chinese bought and had in their homes or were in buildings in the late 19th and early 20th Century.
Definitely worth the small entrance fee, and taking some time to read the posted information about some of the displays.
Also, her husband collects wood and the tree house and rose wood tree trunks are amazing also.
A very enjoyable stop and tour.

6. Queensbay Mall

100 Persiaran Bayan Indah, Bayan Lepas, Penang Island 11900, Malaysia 604 646 8888
Excellent
27%
Good
55%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 373 reviews

Queensbay Mall

Queensbay Mall opened for business on 1 December 2006. It is currently the largest, longest and most modern shopping mall in Penang with a gross built up of 2.5 million sq ft and over 1 million sq ft net lettable area. The Mall is located in Bayan Lepas, minutes away from the Penang Bridge, the heart of a prime waterfront development sprawling over a land area of 73 acres. It is the most preferred shopping destination for both the locals and tourists – with 5 levels of retail, Jusco as its anchor tenant with more than 10 junior anchors and 500 retail merchants. Besides a well-planned tenant mix, shoppers can enjoy the “low rise walk-thru” layout which stretches as far as 500 meters with excellent visibility of the shop façade and merchandizing displays. The facility and amenity signages are meticulously planned to enhance the convenience and comfort of the shoppers.The overall interior design and lightings are aimed to create a conducive and safe shopping environment for the whole family. Added to the attractions are the integrated entertainment zone on the third floor that provides a wide range of entertainment and leisure attractions ranging form multiplex to roller skating.Queensbay Mall with its tagline “It’s all happening here!” aptly epitomized the “enriched” lifestyles that Queensbay Mall offers – a place which is vibrant and full of activities, one can shop, play, relax, get together, entertain, be entertained. It is a “family lifestyle mall” of international standard catering to households who are looking for good value for money and the latest in designs and styles. Welcome to Queensbay Mall, it’s all happening here!

Reviewed By Markus L - Switzerland

Sure, it is just a mall, not that different from others on this island. However, what I like is the mix with restaurants and the cinema. Enough to spend a rainy afternoon or evening there. Even for men...

7. The Habitat Penang Hill

Bukit Bendera, Penang Island 11300, Malaysia +60 4-826 7677
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 250 reviews

The Habitat Penang Hill

The Habitat Penang Hill provides the most authentic, diverse and educational Malaysian rainforest experience. Reconnect with nature in its purest form as you immerse yourself in our 130-million year old rainforest. Starting at the forest floor, our Naturalists will take you on a journey along our Nature Trail to explore the myriad of flora and fauna – plants, trees, insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals that call The Habitat home. Explore the biodiversity of the rainforest canopy on our 230m Langur Way Canopy Walk. Visit Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk at the top of Penang Hill, and embrace the 360-degree panoramic views of Penang Island from the highest viewing point of Penang. Our Shop on the Hill carries educational and ethically produced merchandise themed around all things nature and culture. Finish at our Habitat Café with refreshments ranging from artisanal coffee, gourmet cakes, and Malaysian culinary delights, to Penang-themed craft beer. Discover a different side of Penang Hill.

Reviewed By Trevor P - Singapore

If you’re planning a trip up Penang Hill, make sure to visit the Habitat, a wildlife sanctuary located along path B at the top. There are separate costs involved to enter however it is worth it.
Going into the sanctuary you’ll encounter various wildlife like the greater black squirrel, monkeys, the occasional snake and various fauna species. There are also huge swings that offer stunning views and just before you reach langur circle you will encounter a group of park guides who will take you on a tour for free. Our guide, Naz was extremely knowledgeable and friendly as he took us along langur way (a suspension bridge) whilst explaining the native species and history of the Habitat. Without him, we wouldn’t have been able to see the squirrel nests, tarantulas and even vipers in the tree that we otherwise would’ve missed.
The guide however will leave you at Curtis Crest where you get to enjoy the stunning views from one of the highest points along Penang Hill. The ticket price includes a free ride back to the train station. Just a quick tip, go towards the later part of the afternoon as most of the wildlife are nocturnal and only start to come out after the afternoon heatwave is over. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

8. Entopia

830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, Penang Island 11050, Malaysia 6048888111
Excellent
56%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Entopia

Entopia, a tropical sanctuary for our planet's little denizens from those that fly freely in the sky to the ones that creep stealthily beneath the ground. Journey into a magical paradise that honours the unsung heroes of our natural world with plenty to discover from outdoor adventures to cavernous mysteries and a multi-storey Indoor Discovery Centre. Live the moment with exciting interactive workshops and activities. There's something for everyone. Join us to experience the seen and unseen in Nature. We are the voice of nature.

Reviewed By t0ngdee - Singapore, Singapore

Was amazed at how well run the place was.. This place is suitable for family especially those with kids as they will enjoy themselves. Other offering very scenic view, the tour is also very educational. Worth the visit! Mini version of the Gardens by The Bay (Singapore) with many butterflies

9. Asia Camera Museum

71 Lebuh Armenian, George Town, Penang Island 10200, Malaysia +60 12-474 0123
Excellent
60%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 239 reviews

Asia Camera Museum

Reviewed By pianocello - Shah Alam, Malaysia

The staff were quite friendly and this place makes a nice diversion and addition to the Armenian Street area.
Sadly, I can't give this too high a rating. The place makes me feel like a camera studio was wondering what to do with their old cameras and hit upon the idea of getting additional old unwanted cameras from other camera studios. This is then followed by making some copies of the Internet of some famous photos and there you are - a camera museum!
There's nothing wrong with that except the ticket price is too high and the place is not well - curated. We only spent 15 minutes there as there is only one main room (not including the dark room partition) and there is not enough information on why each camera is special historically. Had the ticket price been half of what it is, I would still be ok but as it is now, it feels like a lesser version of the other camera museum in Penang.

10. Penang House of Music

Penang Road | ICT Mall, Level 3 KOMTAR, George Town, Penang Island 10000, Malaysia +60 4-370 6675
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 55 reviews

Penang House of Music

A celebration of Penang's glorious musical heritage and cultural diversity with carefully curated Exhibitions and interactive features. We showcase, among many things, Penang's popular music from the 1940s-1960s, a feature on communal music, a recreation of a radio booth and cinema, and many others! Also available is a resource center where visitors may discover an ever-growing vinyl collection, newspaper clippings, previously unreleased recordings, audio and video interviews and many, many more.

Reviewed By Choo Kheng S - Penang Island, Malaysia

This is one place where the passion and dedication of the owner /founder are written all over the corners. The attention to details and painstaking researches have managed to bring the glorious musical past of Penang back to life. So the saying goes, "Without music...MoreThank you for your support! we hope to see you again soon

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