Discover 53 Epic Things To Do In Penang
George Town which is located on the northeastern coast of Penang is a city where declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2008. It was part of Malaysia’s most visited cities from all over the world and discover 53 epic things to do in Penang and visit as well.
George Town was founded in 1786 by Captain Francis Light as a base for the British East Company in the Malay Straits Settlement. The island was renamed after Prince of Wales and soon was developed into cultural hub and state’s economic.
Its well preserved traditional wooden shop houses, colonial architecture and diverse cuisine developed by its Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan, Arabs, Acehnese, Siamese, Burmese and European communities had become one of the main attraction for tourists.
Now let’s check out 53 epic things to do in Penang and must visit throughout your stay.
1. Acheen Street Malay Mosque (Masjid Lebuh Aceh)
©CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / CC-BY-SA-3.0 @wikimediacommons
Acheen Street Malay Mosque or also better known as Masjid Lebuh Aceh in Malay was built in 1808 on the land donated by Achenese Sristocrat, Tengku Syed Hussain Al-Aidid. It was then a centre for Haj during 19th century serving pilgrims from as far as Thailand and Sumatra. The mosque have its unique Egyptian minaret style architecture.
2. Air Itam Dam
Air Itam Dam was build and completed in 1962 and has become a popular recreational and picnic venue ever since. It is located next to Penang Hill and to be said had beautiful panoramic views of George Town.
3. Batik Printing Museum
©Zighunt
The very first museum that showcase the making of Batik in Malaysia. You will learn all the evolution of this fascinating artwork over the decades. Mostly design and hosted by local pioneer batik artist.
More To Know:-
Opens: 10am – 6pm (Daily)
Website: http://www.batikpg.com/
4. Batu Feringghi Beach
©Jonatan Forsberg @wikimediacommons
The most popular for its sandy and soft beaches and it draws endless streams of tourists every year. You will find a various of fun activities such as horse riding and water sports when you walk along this winding beach. The surrounding area of this beach will come to life with a night bazaar when the sun begin to set.
5. Campbell Street
©McKay Savage @wikimediacommons
Famous and well-known for its traditional Chinese medicine shops, jewellers, textile shops and eateries. It is one of the George Town’s oldest Street Market which was built in 1900s. Usually will get busy in the afternoon.
6. Cheah Kongsi
©Zighunt
Cheah Kongsi or also known as Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi was one of oldest Hokkien clan associations in Penang. The temple was built and completed in 1870s.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9am – 5pm (Daily)
Website: http://cheahkongsi.org/
Contact: 04-261 3837
7. Cheong Fat Tze Blue Mansion
©CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / CC-BY-SA-3.0 ©wikimediacommons
Built by one of the richest industrialists in Southeast Asia by the same person of the mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze) in 1897 was completed in 1904. It is the most popular and famous location for local and international films and TV Series. Notably one of the famous film like Crazy Rich Asian was filmed here.
More To Know:-
Website: https://www.cheongfatttzemansion.com/
Contact: 04-262 0006
8. Church Of The Assumption
Currently the church of the assumption building was first constructed in 1860 with the origin was dated back in 1786 (the same year Captain Francis Light founded Penang) It was then went through major remodel back in 1929. The church was lucky enough to escape WW2 with just a few broken glass windows.
More To Know:-
Website: http://assumptionchurchpenang.org/
Contact: 04-226 1502
9. City Hall
City Hall which was completed in 1903 and later occupied by the Municipal Council in 1904. Last renovation was dated back in 1960 for the first time and still occupied by the Municipal Council.
10. Clan Jetties
©Zighunt
This Clan Jetties built on stilts over the sea and this traditional Chinese waterfront settlement was home to the city’s early fisher-folks. These jetties are conserved and cherished as one of the George Town’s cultural heritage legacy.
More To Know:-
Opens: 11am – 9pm (daily)
Contact: 019-593 5333 / 011-6246 2884 / 014-226 9549
11. Design Village
Design Village is the biggest and the only first outlet mall in Penang. Located in township Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan (mainland) and it only take approximately 5 minutes drive from the mainland entrance of the 2nd Penang Bridge. Set in a lush tropical garden with wide sheltered walkways.
More To Know:-
Opens: 11am – 10pm (Daily)
Website: http://designvillage.today/
Contact: 04-589 9888
12. Dharmikarama Burmese Temple
©CEphoto, Uwe Aranas ©wikimediacommons
Dharmikarama Burmese Temple is one of a favoured venue during the Songkran Festival (Thailand Traditional New Year’s Day – Celebrated in April) Located in Lorong Burma and the temple is surrounded by wishing pond, pagoda and Bodhi tree.
More To Know:-
Opens: 6am – 6pm (Daily)
Contact: 04-226 9575
13. Entopia Butterfly Farm
©Zighunt
Entopia Butterfly Farm is the nature land living outdoor gardens and the cocoon indoor discovery centre. With over 200 species of flora and 100 over species of fauna are featured throughout Entopia. It also showcase interactive learning exhibits and activities in the discovery centre.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9am – 6pm (Daily)
Website: http://www.entopia.com/
Contact: 04-888 8111
14. Escape Theme Park
A must visit Escape Theme Park where it is full of outdoor challenging games and activities suited for children and adult like. A concept based on conventional idea of roller-coaster rides. Currently it comprises of 2 main components which are Waterplay and Adventureplay.
More To Know:-
Opens: 7am – 7pm (Daily)
Website: https://www.escape.my/
Contact: 04-881 1106
15. Esplanade
Esplanade or better known as Padang Kota Lama (in Malay) was originally occupied by Penang Recreation and Cricket Clubs until 1932. During earlier 1908, the Cricket Club built a 2 Storey Pavilion to replace their old one until it was given up in 1940 to be demolished and returned for public use. You can find small coffee stall along Esplanade.
16. Floating Mosque
This is Malaysia first ever Floating Mosque built on the sea surface features an attractive blend of Middle East and Local architecture with a 7 storey minaret. Located along the scenic stretch of Tanjung Bungah with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 or more worshipers.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9.30am – 5.30pm (Daily)
Contact: 04-250 2800
17. Fort Cornwallis
Fort Cornwallis built in 1786 and name after the 2nd Earl Cornwallis. It was then replaced by a brick structure complete with a moat in 1804-1805 and was the moat was filled up in 1922.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9am – 10pm
Website: http://www.theesplanadepark.com.my/
Contact: 04-263 9855
18. Goddes of Mercy Temple
The oldest Chinese Goddes of Mercy Temple in Penang. It was built in 1800 and controlled by Cantonese and Hokkien on trustee board.
More To Know:-
Opens: 7am – 6.30pm (Daily)
Contact: 04-261 4137
19. Gurney Drive
Gurney Drive named after Sir Henry Gurney (High Commissioner of Malaya) is famous for its open air hawker place and shopping malls such as Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon.
20. Hainan Association and Temple
©Zighunt
Hainan Association was established in 1866 for Hainanese clansmen and the temple was completed in 1895. The architecture resemblance the style during Sung Dynasty.
More To Know:-
Opens: 8am – 8pm (Daily)
Contact: 04-262 3752
21. Han Jiang Ancestral Temple
©Zighunt
Han Jiang Ancestral Temple was built in 1864 for Teochew community back in the days. It is to be said the first Malaysian Chinese temple to use fibre optic LED lighting during festive seasons.
More To Know:-
Contact: 04-261 5629
22. Kapitan Keling Mosque
Kapitan Keling Mosque was built in 1803 and the brick mosque name after the Indian Muslim Community Captain (Kapitan) Keling Kadir Mydin Merican.
More To Know:-
Contact: 04-261 4215
23. Kek Lok Si Temple
©Zighunt
Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples and largest in Southeast Asia to date. It is a home to 7 storey handcrafted “Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas” There is also 30.2m Bronze Kuan Yin Statue. The best time to visit is during Chinese New Year season where it display with over 100,000 decorative lanterns and lights illuminate the temple.
More To Know:-
Opens: 8.30am – 5.30pm (Daily)
Website: http://kekloksitemple.com/
Contact: 04-828 3317
Others: Opening hours may extended during Chinese New Year
24. Khoo Kongsi
©Zighunt
One of the oldest and finest Khoo Kongsi Clan Temple outside China and was completed in 1906. The name of the temple itself belongs to the Khoo Clan surname.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9am – 5pm (Daily)
Website: https://www.khookongsi.com.my/
Contact: 04-261 4609
Others: Required ticket entrance fees.
25. Little India
Little India where it resemblance the South Indian culture where early Indian immigrants first settled down in Penang. It is the island’s epicentre of Indian exotic spices, cuisines, music and other authentic goods.
26. Mengkuang Dam
Mengkuang Dam is larger than Air Itam Dam where it can store 10 times more. Officially open in 1985 and is a popular destination for recreational activities and sports. Home stay programme is available as well (Mengkuang Titi)
27. Nine Emperor Gods Temple
©Zighunt
Nine Emperor Gods Temple was built in 1971 and dedicated to worshiping the Nine Emperor Gods. The Nine Emperor Gods festival is held for 9 days during the 9th month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The devotees skewer their cheeks and tongues with rods and spears plus fire walking is also carried out during the festival.
More To Know:-
Opens: 7am – 10pm (Daily)
Contacts: 04-331 8717
28. Penang Bird Park
Penang Bird Park is a home to over 300 species of birds around the world. With 5-acre park filled with natural ponds, waterfalls and rich with flora and fauna surrounding. You can also spot swans, mandarin ducks, free roaming pelicans and other kinds of bird species.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9am – 6.30pm (Daily)
Website: http://www.penangbirdpark.com.my/
Contact: 04-399 1899
29. Penang Botanic Gardens
Set up in 1884 to collect specimens from the surrounding hills. Penang Botanic Gardens is a popular place for recreational activities for the locals.
More To Know:-
Opens: 7am – 7pm (Daily)
Contact: 04-226 4401
30. Penang Bridge
First Penang Bridge
An iconic landmark bridge in Penang. This first Penang Bridge is link between Penang Island and the Mainland of Peninsular Malaysia. Completed in 1985 spanning 13.5 KM. It is also an annual Penang Bridge International Marathon site.
31. Penang Ferry
Penang Ferry begin its operations in 1920 and making it the oldest ferry service in Penang. It ferries both passengers and vehicles between Seberang Perai at Mainland and Penang Island.
More To Know:-
Operation Hour: Visit Here
Contact: 04-255 8000
32. Penang Golf Club
Penang Golf Club offers a formidable fairways and greens surrounded by rock passages and dense jungle. The golf course was designed by architect Robert Trent Jones Jr.
More To Know:-
Opens: 7.30am – 9pm
Website: http://www.penanggolfclub.com.my/
Contact: 04-644 2255
33. Penang Hill
Penang Hill located at 830m above sea level offers a panoramic view of the city. You can get to the top by hiking or taking a train to enjoy scenic views along the hill. Explore the flower garden, owl museum, mini bird park, bungalows, guest houses and historic Bellevue Hotel at the summit. The Penang Hill surrounding provides the most authentic, educational and diverse rain forest experience.
More To Know:-
Opens: 6.30am – 11pm (Daily)
Website: http://www.penanghill.gov.my/index.php/en/
Contact: 04-828 8880 / 04-828 8839
Others: Required ticket for train and the counter close 1 hour before the last train from top station.
34. Penang Municipal Park
The Penang Municipal Park was built in 1970s on quarry land. One of the most popular venue for sport activities. There is also an outdoor auditorium for open-air festivals and concerts, mini water park as well as skating rink.
More To Know:-
Opens: 7am – 7pm (Daily)
Contact: 04-226 3051 / 04-227 0618
35. Penang National Park
Home to a rich natural heritage and of the smallest national parks in the world. Penang National Park is a definite must visit place for nature lovers. Hike all the way up and experience the nature trails along the park. It is also home to a turtle sanctuary which located on Pantai Kerachut.
More To Know:-
Opens: 8am – 5pm (Daily)
Website: https://www.wildlife.gov.my/index.php/en/public/2016-05-10-02-34-43/peta
Contact: 04-881 3530 / 881 3500
36. Penang State Mosque
Penang State Mosque was constructed in 1970s and completed in 1980. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. The mosque is located on a 45ha land that is able to accommodate up to 5,000 worshipers.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9am – 5pm
Website: http://mypenang.gov.my/all/directory/562/
Contact: 04-828 2212
Others: Do dress properly and remove your shoes before entering. Permission to enter is strictly required from mosque officials.
37. Penang State Museum
Originally the Penang State Museum was built for Penang Free School (PFS) back in 1896. After the school moved to Jalan Masjid Negeri in 1928, Hutchings School then took over it until 1964 when the Penang State Museum took over.
More To Know:-
Website: http://www.penangmuseum.gov.my/
Contact: 04-226 1462
Others: The museum is closed for renovation
38. Pinang Peranakan Mansion
©Supanut Arunoprayote @wikimediacommons
Pinang Peranakan Mansion was built in 1890s on the site of the Ghee Hin secret society headquarters. It was then a former residence of Hai San secret society leader Chung Keng Kwee (Kapitan Cina)
More To Know:-
Opens: 9.30am – 5pm (Daily)
Website: http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my/
Contact: 04-264 2929
Others: Required ticket entrance (Children Free)
39. Protestant Cemetery
Develop soon after the British East India Company occupied Penang in 1786. Protestant Cemetery was the final resting place of many important person connected to the early establishment and growth of George Town. Captain Francis Light was buried here.
40. Pulau Aman
Pulau Aman is a small fishing village is accessible via 15 minutes boat ride from Batu Musang Jetty, Seberang Perai. Water sports, jungle trekking as well as fishing are some of the popular activities on the island. Famous for its variety of fresh seafood from a floating seafood restaurant on the island itself.
More To Know:-
Contact: 019-409 0945 (Boat Service – Haji Yaakob)
41. Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower presented itself to George Town in 1902 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The 60ft tower was contributed by Penang millionaire Cheah Chen Eok back in those days.
42. Snake Temple
©Khalzuri Yazid @wikimediacommons
The Snake Temple was built in 1850 to dedicate to a Buddhist monk Chor Soo Kong who believe to have extraordinary healing powers. There is a folklore where he said to offer the pit vipers shelter to escape from danger and since then, the snakes have stayed in the temple.
More To Know:-
Opens: 7am – 6pm (Daily)
Contact: 04-643 7273
43. Sri Maha Marianman Temple
Originally Sri Maha Marianman Temple was a shrine in 1790s and then replace by a temple in 1833. Further expansion was then carried out in 1933. The main entrance as you can see feature a colorful sculptures of gods and goddess.
More To Know:-
Website: http://penang.attractionsinmalaysia.com/Sri-Mahamariamman-Temple.php
Contact: 04-264 3494
44. St Anne’s Church
Founded in 1846 and the St Anne’s Church was named after St Anne mother (Blessed Virgin Mary) St Anne’s Feast is celebrated grandly every year in July followed by 2 nights of candle light procession and vigil.
More To Know:-
Contact:- 04-538 6405
45. St George’s Church
©Graystravels @wikimediacommons
St George’s Church to be said one of the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia and just celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2018.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9am – 4pm (Mon-Fri) | 9am – 12pm (Saturday) | 10am – 12.30pm (Sunday)
Website: https://www.stgeorgeschurchpenang.com/
Contact: 04-261 2739
Others: Commercial Photography and Wedding Photography inside the church are strictly prohibited without prior arrangement.
46. State Assembly Building
The Penang State Assembly Building was served as Police Courts and part of Central Police Station back in mid 19th century.
47. Suffolk House
Suffolk House was built in 1780s on a vast estate owned by Captain Francis Light. The architecture features authentic Anglo-Indian which earned its special recognition from UNESCO. Part of the mansion has been converted into a restaurant today.
More To Know:-
Opens: 10am – 6pm (Daily for Public Viewing) | 12pm – 10pm (For Restaurant Dining)
Website: https://www.suffolkhouse.com.my/
Contact: 04-228 3930 / 014-444 0650
48. Sun Yat Sen Museum
©Supanut Arunoprayote @wikimediacommons
The Sun Yat Sen Museum is open to those who wish to know and learn more about Sun Yat-Sen (The Founding Father of Republic China) throughout his activities.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9am – 5pm (Tuesday – Saturday) | 1pm – 5pm (Sunday) | Closed on Monday
Website: http://sunyatsenpenang.com/
Contact: 016-442 8785
Others: Required normal admission fees of RM5 and RM3 for students.
49. Teluk Bahang Dam
Teluk Bahang Dam sets the stage for the annual Penang International Dragon Boat Festival races. Located at the Northern Cape of the Penang Island and attract a lot of locals as a favorite spot for picnic.
50. Town Hall
The Penang Town Hall was once used a private college until its reinstatement as a venue for a civic events after its last restoration back in 2005. Open in 1880 and the rooms were used as municipal offices until 1903.
51. Tropical Spice Garden
Tropical Spice Garden is a home to over 500 exotic types of unique plants with beautifully landscaped trails. Set out at 8 acres of secondary forest and the only Asia’s award winning spice garden.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9am – 6pm (Daily – Last admission at 5.15pm)
Contact: 04-881 1797
52. War Museum
Built on the remnants of an Old British fort which defended Penang’s coast back in those days. This Penang War Museum features the lifestyle of soldiers in those times and old war relics. Besides, it also offer authentic battleground for paintball tournaments.
More To Know:-
Opens: 9am – 6pm (Daily)
Contact: 016-421 3606 / 012-636 0659 /
Contact Reservation: 04-626 5142
53. Wat Chayamangkalaram
Built back in 1845 and this Thai Buddhist temple houses one of the largest Reclining Buddha statues in the world. The Reclining Buddha status is approximately 33m long and cover with gold-plated. Besides that, you will find other crafted statues of Devas and mythical creatures on Wat Chayamangkalaram temple.
More To Know:-
Opens: 6am – 6pm (Daily)
Contact: 04-226 9575
2 Comments
wow! very detailed attractions/information about Penang. It included every attraction I need in one page.
There are some attractions that I really interested, hope can visit there someday.
hi YwS,
Thanks and hopefully you will find the information is helpful for you to plan your trip to Penang.
Cheers !