Best Attractions in Penang Island
Known for its extensive history, aesthetic cafes, and fun food trips, Penang Island is a popular destination among locals and foreigners alike. Located at the northwest of the Malay peninsular, it is separated from the Penang mainland by the Penang Strait and is connected by two of Malaysia’s longest road bridges: the Penang Bridge and the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge. There are plenty of things to do on this island, so this article will provide a comprehensive guide to help you plan your itinerary for your first or next trip to Penang Island!
Penang Hill
Penang Island has a magnificent bird-eye view and one way to feast your eyes on such a view is by visiting Penang Hill. Also known as Bukit Bendara (Flagstaff Hill in English), it was previously used as a retreat during the British colonial period. It consists of several peaks: Western Hill, Bukit Laksamana, Tiger Hill, Flagstaff Hill, Haliburton’s Hill and Government Hill. All of these hills can be accessed by a railway system. Additionally, tourists can also follow a designated hiking trail to reach the peak.
Aside from the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful view of Penang Island, there are other fun things to do on Penang Hill. Activities range from photo opportunities, temple, and museum visiting, getting a caricature, and even pampering yourself at a spa.
Address: Perbadanan Bukit Bendera, Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera, Air Itam, 11500 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Operating hours: 6:30 AM – 11 PM (Daily)
Contact email: [email protected]
Admission fees: Online/on-site ticket prices and special offers can be found here.
Museums
There are many museums scattered across the island; they cater to both history-buffs and also those looking for entertainment. Here are some recommendations for both historical or cultural museums and more entertainment-based museums.
Peranakan Mansion
Catch a glimpse of the history, customs, and lifestyle of the Peranakan community by exploring the Peranakan Mansion. Also known as Babas and Nyonyas, the Peranakan community is also prominent in Malacca and Singapore. Having survived years of decay and neglect, the Peranakan mansion is now restored to its former glory to showcase the typical life of a rich Baba.
Either by guided tours or freely doing it on your own, admire and learn the Peranakan’s lifestyle through the many artifacts and collectibles displayed. The history of this community shines through the mansion’s architecture which is a mixture of Chinese, English, and Scottish influence. The public may also reserve this mansion in advance for events by contacting the management board.
Address: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 4-264 2929
Admission fees: RM20 (Adults), Free (Children)
Sun Yat Sen Museum
Similar to the Peranakan Mansion, the Sun Yat Sen Museum is a beautifully-decorated house turned into a heritage site. The museum highlights the history of Sun Yat Sen’s early revolutionary period in Penang for his planned historic uprising of the China Revolution of 1911. The features and furniture in the mansion puts a spotlight on a typical Straits settlement merchant’s home. Additionally some of the original items such as firewood and kitchen utensils are still kept for display.
Guided tours are available.
Address: 120, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Tue – Sat), 1 PM – 5 PM (Sun), Closed on Mondays
Contact number: +60 16-442 8785
Admission fees: RM5 (Normal rates), RM3 (Student)
Penang Ghost Museum
Want to know a fun way of learning about the local customs and beliefs? Learn about the local ghosts! From Pontianak, jiangshi, to toyol, the Penang Ghost Museum showcases some of the most famous Malaysian ghosts. Besides describing the ghosts, the museum also informs its visitors regarding the beliefs that surround these ghosts and how they shape even the modern-day traditions.
With its spooky soundtrack and dim lighting to create a creepy ambiance, the museum can be enjoyed alone or with friends for some spooky fun. There is a small gift shop at the end of the museum tour where visitors can buy fun Halloween-esque goods before exiting.
Address: 57, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10 AM – 7 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 4-261 2352
Admission fees: RM28 (Adult), RM18 (Adult, MyKad holders), RM16 (Children, student, senior citizens, disabled), RM10 (Childre, student, senior citizens, and disabled MyKad holders). Free for children below 100 cm.
Upside down Museum
Another fun museum worth checking out during your trip to Penang Island is the Upside down Museum! With its quirky furniture placements and decorations, take advantage of the visual illusion to create fun and stunning photographs of you walking on walls or doing back-flips on a bed. Wow your friends and families on social media by showing a glimpse of your topsy-turvy adventure at this museum.
Address: 45, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 9 AM – 6:30 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 4-264 2660
Admission fees: RM21 (Adult, Malaysian), RM12 (Children (5-12 years old), Malaysian), RM29 (Adult, Foreigner), RM21 (Children (5-12 years old), Foreigner)
Historical landmarks
There are many historical landmarks across Penang Island that can provide an insight into the lives of its citizens and how Penang Island came to be today. From temples to art streets, this article recommends some landmarks you can consider paying a visit to!
Kek Lok Si Temple
Also known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss, the Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest and one of the most popular Buddhist temples on the island. With stunning architecture featuring arched roofs and vibrant colored tiles, the temple houses countless of beautiful statues, carvings, and murals in both its exterior and interior. One of its most prominent features is the pagoda where you can gaze upon the beautiful statue of the Goddess of Mercy, completed in 2002.
You can pay a small fee to use the Sky Lift to reach the pagoda.
Address:11500 Ayer Itam, Penang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 4-828 3317
Admission fees: Free, except for entrance to the pagoda and the Sky Lift (RM2)
Fort Cornwallis
Originally built as a defense structure against pirates in 1786, Fort Cornwallis is now one of the oldest structures in Penang Island. It is named after Marquis Charles Cornwallis and although now only the outer walls remain, Fort Cornwallis still has some interesting structures including barracks and a harbor light as well as Penang’s first chapel built-in 1799.
A popular structure is the bronze cannon Seri Rambai, which is regarded as a symbol of fertility among the locals. It is a common sight to see locals leaving flowers and joss sticks at its base.
Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 9 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 4-263 9855
Admission fees: RM10 (Malaysian), RM20 (Foreigners)
Old Protestant Cemetery
The old Protestant Cemetery is an old, disused Christian cemetery turned into a local heritage. It continues to draw in visitors from locals and foreigners alike for the fact that prominent historical figures rest here. Some names include Captain Francis Light, the co-founder of Penang James Scott, the Browns of Gulgor, etc. Those who now rest in the cemetery came from various social classes and most of them passed away before the age of 30.
Spend a couple of hours walking through the cemetery and read the descriptions on the tombstones filled with heartfelt messages from the deceased loved ones. You may feel like you have been transported into a distant past where an entirely different community lived on this island.
Address: Jln Sultan Ahmad Shah, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Armenian Street
If you are a fan of street art, this next place is the one for you! Armenian Street is a narrow street located in Georgetown that offers a rich cultural experience and street art. Named to honor descendants of the Armenian settlers who brought economic, social, and civic life to the island, charming shophouses, galleries, and murals painted on the walls now fill this street.
Some of the available street arts here tell the history of Armenian Street, such as its previous name as the Coppersmith Streets due to the brass and copper wares made there.
Address: George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Food hunting
Your trip to Penang Island would hardly be complete without at least one round of food hunting! In fact, Penang Island is considered food heaven for the locals living throughout Malaysia. Thus, it is common thing for people to take weekend trips to the island simply to try the island’s local mouth-watering cuisines.
A definite must-try Penang food is the Penang Char Kuey Teow. This is a fried flat noodle dish cooked with a delicious blend of soy sauce, spices, seafood, and egg among others. While you can find char kuey teow throughout the country, most locals agree the ones made in Penang reigns supreme. So don’t miss your chance to try some when you are there!
Another local dish special to only the Penang region is the Penang Asam Laksa. Laksa is a noodle dish which tastes and ingredients vary by region. Penang Asam Laksa is known for its spicy-sour fish broth, served with white flat rice noodles, eggs, onion slices, and plenty of greens. You will be rest assured that it is not only a treat to your taste buds, but it is also healthy to eat.
Those are only a few of the many Penang cuisines you can try on the island. While many daytime restaurants would serve these cuisines, to get a full experience of eating it among the locals, it is recommended for you to visit the island’s many hawker centres. Keep in mind though; most of these hawker or food centres operate from evening onwards, but it is worth going to one. The ambience of the hustle and bustle of the stall owners and the customers chatting definitely gives your meal a more homely experience.
Here are some recommendations of popular hawker centres and food courts you can visit.
New Lane Hawker Centre
Address: Lorong Baru, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 4 PM – 11 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Address: 172, Solok Gurney 1, Pulau Tikus, 10250 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 4:30 PM – 11 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Long Beach Food Court
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach, Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang 11100 Malaysia
Operating hours: 6 PM – 11 PM (Daily)
Presgrave Street Hawker Centre
Address: 67 D, Lebuh Presgrave, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 4 PM – 11 PM (Daily)
Shopping places
So you have visited all the places you wanted to see and have had plenty of delicious food. Now, you want to buy things to bring home, or to replace things you have run out during your trip. Penang Island has no shortage of places to shop. From giant shopping malls to the bustling traditional markets, there are plenty of places to buy the things you want or need.
Here are some of these shopping malls and traditional markets you can visit on Penang Island.
Gurney Paragon
Gurney Paragon is a place you will want to go to if you are looking to try some of the popular fashion trends among the locals. Or if you just want some new clothes in general! With about 40 high fashion stores in its first two levels, you can spoil yourself its dizzying array of available clothes to try. The mall also has around 30 restaurants if you ever feel hungry by the end of your shopping trip.
The mall is built around a 1925 chapel called St. Joseph’s Novitiate, which the government carefully and beautifully restored before it was included in the mall’s final design.
Address: 163-D, Gurney Paragon Mall, Gurney Drive, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 4-228 8266
1st Avenue Mall
If you are looking for some familiar fashion brands such as H&M and Victoria’s Secret, it might be worthwhile to shop at 1st Avenue Mall. Besides that, you can find a wide variety of entertainment places alongside its fashion stores in this mall. These places include a cinema, a bowling alley, a karaoke place, PC cafes, a snooker bar, and even an Escape Room. Thus, if you are looking for more than just a fun shopping trip, this mall is for you.
Address: 182, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours:10 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 4-261 1121
Batu Ferringhi Night Market
If you are looking for a more traditional setting to buy your wares, then Batu Ferringhi Night Market may pique your interest. As the name suggests, this traditional market only opens from 7 PM onwards but it goes on until early in the morning. At one kilometer long with over 100 stalls to visit, this market is good for those looking for an array of goods to choose from.
The stalls sell a variety of things, ranging from clothes, batik-printed fabric, to even household goods. There are also handicrafts that would make great souvenirs to gift to friends or bring back home as a memento. The handicrafts include embroidered pillow-case or carefully made intricate jewelry.
Address: Jalan Pantai Batu, Taman Pantai Batu, 11200 Tanjong Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 7 PM – 1 AM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 18-283 4117
Chowrasta Bazaar
Chowrasta Bazaar is a place you would want to visit to catch a glimpse into the lives of the housewives bustling about to buy fresh groceries. Not only that, you can find stalls selling sweets, pickled fruits, and dried chips which you can safely bring home as a souvenir.
Another feature to note is that Chowrasta Bazaar has an indoor market on the upper floor which sells second-hand books. This is a perfect opportunity to buy a book to read on your plane ride home for only a fraction of the price you would find at most bookstores.
Address: Lot 124, Jln Penang, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating hours: 6:30 AM – 6 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 16-434 3768
With its magnificent view, places to visit, and friendly people, it is no wonder Penang Island became one of the most popular travel destinations among Malaysian and overseas tourists. Although this guide only touched on the tip of the iceberg of what you can do on this beautiful island, hopefully, it gives you an idea of what you can expect during your very first, or maybe your second or third, trip there!
