Things to do in Penang Island, Penang: The Best Sightseeing Tours

December 11, 2021 Randal Brittian

Penang Island, the most populous island city in Malaysia, is situated in the State of Penang. With a population of 738,500, it also forms Malaysia's second largest city by population, while Greater Penang, with 2.5 million inhabitants, is the nation's second most populous metropolis. Its capital, George Town, has also been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
Restaurants in Penang Island

1. Private Tour: Penang the Pearl of the Orient

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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Penang is known as the pearl of the orient and you will get to see why during your private day tour. On every street corner of this beautiful city, you will find a little pieces of heritage, culture and friendly local people. We will visit a number of the highlights of the city and try out some famous local Malaysian dishes in Penang. Please note that the price is per car with maximum 4 person (small-group) to ensure your guides full attention throughout the day.

Inclusions: Small private tour with English speaking guide, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off by air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and beverages, Personal expenses

2. Penang Half Day City Tour Including The Top Komtar

Penang Tours by Pesona
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore George Town’s colonial heritage, colorful neighborhoods and craftsmanship on a half day tour to some famous attractions in Penang. Learn about local traditions and cultural, we make sure you see the best of Penang.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel pick up and drop off, Entrance Fee

Exclusions: Gratuities, Personal expenses, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By Li S

First, the good side. The tour carefully select the places we are going to visit. There are two more Buddhist temples, besides Kek Lok Si, to visit in the tour. One is a Thai styl tmeple. The other Burma style . But Kek Lok Si is the main one and rightly so.You do need a car to go up to the main temple. This is a plus.Then we visited The Chew pier before we visit the other main site, the Khoo Kongsi.This sis a lavish community hall of the Khoo clan and is very worth visiting. The guide , Ah Shing, explained reasonably well and is also quite attentive to our need, eg he would start the car earlier so that it is cool down a bit in this hot weather.Howeer, there are four things that the tour need to improve. First, it should arrange a brief lunch. It is unreasonable to expect one could last from 10am to 3 pm without eating something. Second, a bottle of water should bee provided . Simple thing, I know. But it is not done.Third. Given the importance of Buddhism in the local history, I feel the guide do not know enough in this area. Fourth,the wall painting sites are all passed by without opportunity to take photos.

3. Penang Round Island Tour With Tropical Spice Garden & Entopia Butterfly Farm

Penang Tours by Pesona
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Penang, located at north west of Peninsular Malaysia, is a small island but it is compact with interesting and intriguing places. It is the first British Settlement in Malaysia and it flourished and thrived to became the busiest port in the region then. Penang is best known as a melting port for many ethnic groups with the most prominent trade was spices; which the early European paid dearly for these "green gold". Indulge yourself with a round island tour with many places to be seen and great memories!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Hotel pick up and drop off, Entrance fee

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities

Reviewed By Li S

First, the good side. The tour carefully select the places we are going to visit. There are two more Buddhist temples, besides Kek Lok Si, to visit in the tour. One is a Thai styl tmeple. The other Burma style . But Kek Lok Si is the main one and rightly so.You do need a car to go up to the main temple. This is a plus.Then we visited The Chew pier before we visit the other main site, the Khoo Kongsi.This sis a lavish community hall of the Khoo clan and is very worth visiting. The guide , Ah Shing, explained reasonably well and is also quite attentive to our need, eg he would start the car earlier so that it is cool down a bit in this hot weather.Howeer, there are four things that the tour need to improve. First, it should arrange a brief lunch. It is unreasonable to expect one could last from 10am to 3 pm without eating something. Second, a bottle of water should bee provided . Simple thing, I know. But it is not done.Third. Given the importance of Buddhism in the local history, I feel the guide do not know enough in this area. Fourth,the wall painting sites are all passed by without opportunity to take photos.

4. Penang: Orang Utan Island & City Flexible Full Day Tour

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A full day (8 hours) tour, starting with a visit by driving over Penang bridge to Orangutan Sanctuary Island on mainland Peninsular Malaysia to see some 17 Orangutan up close and personal. Get to know them by names - BJ, Adam, Hiroshi, Manu and others. We, the human, are being enclosed, not the orangutan. Alpha may weigh up to 300 kilogram, so be careful, they have the strength up to 7 adults! They shared some 97% of human's DNA; no wonder they are fun to watch. Upon returning to Penang Island, the afternoon is flexible itinerary. Among others you can visit a wet market to see unique produce and sample some exotic and fusion local foods. Visit a temple with poisonous snakes or enjoy street arts, Clan jetty, Clan-house, a Captain's house, George Town's World Unesco Heritage enclave or Thai temple. Experience George Town's diverse multi-racial cultures living harmoniously side by side along street of harmony. Talk to your tour guide on the options for the rest of the available time.

Inclusions: Parking Fees, Professional Guide, Transportation by Private Vehicle, Tolls, All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Entrance tickets, Foods and Drinks, Gratitude, Train/Lift Tickets

Reviewed By 37hughm

Lee was a very informative guide, he has a lot of passion for Penangs history, fantastic day! We were shown around George Town (street art, chew jetty, temples, ...), Penang Hill.

5. Penang: Flexible Full-Day Adventures

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4.9 based on 11 reviews

This guided tour is flexible tour for 8 hours meaning you can customize your own tour in Penang from ship or hotel or airport. You choose some 5-9 attractions to go from the list in "tour details" and dictate how much time to spend at each attraction. Either you may indulge in details in the attractions, or kind of "touch and go" or you simply snap pictures from the exterior without going in, you call the shot. If heat is a concern, go into more indoor attraction or go up the hill. If mobility is your concern, then go for a round island tour with the comfort of air-conditioned car. If you like shopping then your American dollars are stretch 4 X versus Ringgit Malaysia as everything is a bargain. If you do not have a clue where to go or to do, no problem, let our learned tour guide choose it for you. The tour guide cum driver, will accompany you into all attractions and give commentary on the go. You will be surprised what Penang has to offer.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Professional Guide, Transportation by private vehicle, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Foods and Drinks, Gratuities, Entrance Fees, Train/Lift fees

Reviewed By Travelhungry059

We booked a tour with this company the day before and they responded quickly and professionally. Our guide, Eng Seong, picke us up at our hotel and showed us the itinerary. Of the best sights. My husband wanted to see the island and Eng gave us a totally personalized tour that accommodated my husband and also showed us many of the hidden gems that were not the usual fare. Eng spoke perfect English, was professional and knowledgeable and had a warm personality that we enjoyed interacting with. He also helped us to plan what we could do on our own. We had a great day with Eng and were thrilled with the personalized service.

6. 4-Hour Georgetown Food Tour

St. George's Anglican Church, Penang, Malaysia, 1, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia Simply Enak - Food Experiences
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4.9 based on 113 reviews

Be a part of an exclusive group as you venture through Malaysia's Georgetown Heritage area. Be hungry for food and knowledge as your local Penang-born tourist and food guide walks you through each step of the way on this food trail. Savor delicious local cuisine which the forefathers of Georgetown has kept alive as we unveil the history and heritage of this area. End the food trail with an optional drink at a local bar.

Inclusions: Beverages, Food tasting, Dinner, Professional guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Personal expenses, Gratuities

Reviewed By Lovethyextra

We had a fantastic time exploring the streets of Penang. We ate along the way and learned about the history of Penang and It’s food. The culture of the area Is amazing, especially the clan houses. I would definitely book again.

7. Penang: Flexible Half-Day Escapes

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4.8 based on 10 reviews

This is a guided tour and it let you have the flexibility to pick and choose attractions that you like. You will be spoilt for choices. For a 4 hours visit from port or hotel or airport, you may select to go to some 2-4 attractions from the list below. You choose the places and dictate the time to spend at each attraction. Either visit the attraction to your heart fills, or simply take picture from the outside without entering, you call the shot. If mobility is a concern, go for a round island tour and take the comfort of viewing from the car. If you do not have a clue where to go, let our learned tour guide choose it for you. The tour guide cum driver, will accompany you into all attractions and give commentary on the go. You pick some 2-4 attractions/activities from the list in tour details. Penang is a land of charm and you will be surprised what it got to offer and you wish you stop by here longer!

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Professional Guide, Transport by Private Vehicle, Hotel/Port Pickup Dropoff, Parking Fees

Exclusions: Meals, Gratuities, Entrance Fees

Reviewed By 37hughm

Lee was a very informative guide, he has a lot of passion for Penangs history, fantastic day! We were shown around George Town (street art, chew jetty, temples, ...), Penang Hill.

8. The Habitat at Penang Hill Admission Ticket

The Habitat Penang Hill
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4.5 based on 85 reviews

With world-class facilities, dramatic natural beauty, and a commitment to conservation and environmental awareness, The Habitat on Penang Hill is the place to visit for the most complete, exciting and educational Malaysian rainforest experience. Embark on a self-guided day at The Habitat to see a magical natural kingdom of genuine beauty. Entrance ticket is inclusive of all fees. Habitat is open from 9:30am - 6pm.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees, and handling charges

Exclusions: Food and/or drinks, Hotel pickup and/or drop-off, Funicular train ride up Penang Hill, Guide

Reviewed By LFernH

Went for the Kancil Walk with our personal guide, Mr Choo, and thoroughly enjoyed the 3-hour educational walk cum talk. Despite not spotting some fauna, our guide has brought along some photos to show us and kept us interested throughout with his anecdotes and vast knowledge. The Habitat is well kept and the information plaques tells interesting stories.

9. Private Discovery Tour of Entopia from Penang

Tour & Incentive Travel
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4.0 based on 1 reviews

Entopia – the Penang Butterfly Farm where the world of insect is seen in harmony with nature, is divided into 2 parts – the Natureland which is a living vivarium where live butterflies, dragon flies, stick insects, reptiles and etc… are seen in its natural habitat and surroundings, and the Cocoon which covers indoor nature activities and exhibition such as the reproduction process of insects including the firefly and beetles with technology guided interpretation. Scheduled live insect show is included, but refreshments at its Tapestree Café will be at own expense.​

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, English speaking driver, Entrance fee

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By NikoCherry

The famous street in Penang and most of the travelers will visit it in George Town. i enjoyed taking pictures there.

10. Penang City Private Half Day Tour With Khoo Kongsi & Kek Lok Si

Penang Tours by Pesona
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4.0 based on 2 reviews

This tour will give you a full tour of Penang main highlights. You will experience and get a chance to witness the different cultures and architecture of Penang. We will also get a chance to visit the Penang Street art, the heritage buildings, local temples as well as Penang history. This is a perfect city tour for couples or families visiting for the first time.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Hotel pick up and drop off

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities

Reviewed By EricY1292

Perfect and excellent... good. Tourist guide is professional one. He can introduce a lot of information of Penang... Awesome

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