Things to do in Penang, Malaysia: The Best Day Trips from

January 24, 2022 Marissa Gamble

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. Private Tour: Penang the Pearl of the Orient

Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

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 Round Island Tour With Tropical Spice Garden & Entopia Butterfly Farm

Penang Tours by Pesona
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

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

Active Dynamics
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

4. Penang: Flexible 6-Hours Highlights

Active Dynamics
Excellent
91%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.9 based on 29 reviews

This tour let you go to all the attractions that you like, not like the can approach of a predetermined itinerary tour. For a 6 hours visit from ship or hotel or airport, you choose some 4-7 attractions to go from the list in "tour details". You choose the places and dictate how much time to spend at each attraction. Either you explore every nooks and corners, or you simply take pictures from the outside without entering the attraction, you call the shot. If mobility is a concern, go for a round island tour and take in the view from the comfort of air-conditioned car. If you do not have a clue where to go or to do, 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 not be disappointed. Penang is a truly surprising hidden gem!

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 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

Active Dynamics
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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

Penang Tours by Pesona
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
100%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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

7. An Unmissable Wander Through George Town

Asian Trails Malaysia

A charming gem that bottles an East-meets-West culture as no other destination can. Penang’ strategic location once was the intersection of a thriving trade between continents, from which it developed its diversity of culture, culinary delights and its ever-present trade trail in the form of shophouses. Nowadays, a well-balanced, cosmopolitan vibe is flowing through its alleys and main streets with a local enthusiasm for art and expression. And in the heart of this is George Town; a treasure trove of pedalling rickshaw drivers navigating effortlessly the streets of this UNESCO-inscribed pearl and where former clan houses and temples are engulfed with a continuous stream of joss stick smoke. It is this little gem that is explored from all wind directions as we guide you through a piece of historical heritage.

Inclusions: A half day tour with a professional English-speaking guide cum driver., All applicable taxes and service charges, Entrance tickets to Khoo Kongsi Clan House and Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Exclusions: Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point, Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement., Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program, Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated, Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations, Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description, Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Reviewed By Steven L

I am a regular Tripadvisor contributor and don't think the review coverage here is really helping people make easy choices. I hope other reviewers can add more details about different providers and tips. I have done this activity a couple of times and my observations of trying to use a smaller operator this time, NBA Sports (in front of Casa Del Mar resort) are: Pros: - this is a must do trip if you can afford it, great fun - the islands are really worth seeing and you cover all a boat trip would - sometimes you are the only jetski with smaller providers and have more flexibility - despite the other bad reviews our jetski did not breakdown at all - 4 hour tour at MYR800 for two on a 1200cc jetski - reasonable photos and video taken by driver sent free within 2 hours of finishing Cons - booking online in advance is not necessary and overpriced. If you have a few days on Cenang Beach just lock in a trip on your first day. Someone correct me if they were there during a busy time and could not get a tour. - there are loads of jetski operators on the beach not many of whom instil any confidence and even when their equipment looks good what you get on the day is a different story. Our jetski was old, broken mirrors, ill fitting torn beach shoes - our tour guide seemed to have been just someone they found on the day. I suspect the beach stalls just secure bookings take a commission then pass the booking on to the jetski owner who finds a driver. You are left waiting around a lot. - driver had poor english but you do not need much guide talk for the sites, it is mostly visual. He also preferred to hangout with other drivers at each stop with no intent to entertain the customer. Unfortunately, the other bad reviews when you are spending a lot of money, do scare people into just using the main couple of higher priced companies. Even one of those, Seeman, demonstrates a terrible customer attitude when you read how they respond to complaints. I avoided them for this reason. Providers do not appear to negotiate much on price but will 'add' islands onto your trip, 'upgrade' you to a bigger machine, have an english speaking guide. I don't believe any of this comes through because they may pass you off to another company to fulfil the trip. When you get your receipt have them write down all of these promises but I guess the trips are all the same despite the extras. Whoever you choose, it is a really good trip but yes the drivers go fast and the sea gets very turbulent at times so it can be a bumpy ride. If you are the only jetski maybe skip the lake stop, it is boring and not the best use of half an hour.

8. Private Penang Hill Habitat Nature Walk with Lunch

Tour & Incentive Travel

Ascend the 720-metre high Penang Hill by funicular train to the summit. Visit The Habitat – a newly opened 1.6 km nature trail conserved to be the most complete, exciting and educational Malaysian rainforest experience. See the flora and fauna along the trail, appreciate the specialty gardens, and enjoy the fantastic views from the 230-metre long Canopy Walk and the Tree Top Walk which is the highest viewing platform of Penang.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, English speaking driver cum guide, Funicular train ride, Entrance fee, Lunch

Exclusions: Participation in other activities such as zip-lining and abseiling, 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.

9. Private Tour: Top Seven Wonders of Penang City Tour

Tripmakersonline Tours & Travels

This 8 - hours Penang Heritage Trail tour with local English speaking driver in the air conditioned vehicle will gives you a glimpse of a different part of George Town, and highlight some of its most popular attractions. This tour designed for you to get to know a few streets at a time. See colonial buildings and prewar houses which come with history events on Penang Island.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By KseniaPtilidi

This was a great experience and would highly recommend it! The tickets were delivered to the entrance of Petronas Twin Towers as I was in transit for the day, usually tickets delivered to hotel that you would be staying in. Communication was great and in a timely manner.

10. Private tour with local: Full day Penang Hill and Temples and City Grand tour

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 (Extra charges are applicable for hotel located at outside of Georgetown), Private air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Food and beverages, Personal expenses, Entrance Fee

TAGS

Share on FacebookTweet about this on TwitterShare on LinkedInPin on PinterestShare on Google+Email this to someoneShare on VkontakteBookmark

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.