Penang Attractions: Top 20 Best Things To Do In Penang You Must Know

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Things To Do In Penang

Penang is one of the states in Malaysia that rich in Chinese heritage. Other than having an array of temples, ruins, museums, preserved forests, and mesmerizing beaches, it is also listed as the country’s unofficial food capital. Here in Penang, you can enjoy hanging out by its beaches such as the most popular Ferringhi Beach, visiting the largest temple in Malaysia namely Kek Lok Si Temple, or even getting your adrenaline level pumped at Escape Adventureplay. In this article, SGMYTRIPS prepares a list of must-see Penang attractions you should not miss. Save up this list so that you would not miss out on anything during your next trip.

  1. Batu Ferringhi
  2. Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest
  3. Clan Jetties
  4. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
  5. Escape Adventureplay
  6. Kapitan Keling Mosque
  7. Kuan Yin Temple
  8. Penang Botanic Gardens
  9. Penang Butterfly Farm
  10. Penang Fort Cornwallis
  11. Penang Hill
  12. Penang Islamic Museum
  13. Kek Lok Si Temple
  14. Khoo Kongsi
  15. Penang Peranakan Mansion
  16. Penang Street Art
  17. Penang War Museum
  18. Ramlee’s House
  19. Sun Yat Sen Museum
  20. Penang Wonderfood Museum

 

Penang Attractions: Top 10 Best Things To Do In Penang You Must Know

  1. Batu Ferringhi

Penang attraction place can be classified by areas, such as the most popular Georgetown, and secondly will be Batu Ferringhi and so on. While for our first entry to Penang attractions, Batu Ferringhi is a long stretch of white and soft sandy beach. If you are hunting for beaches in this island, this is the top visited beach among of its kind and we sure you do not want to miss it. Batu Ferringhi is well developed with a host of accommodations and dining options. In fact, most of the luxury hotels in this town gathered here just to let their guests enjoy the sea view.

Other than that, there are plenty of water sports you can enjoy if you are a thrill-seeker. From jet-skiing to parasailing, windsurfing to leisure swim, there will definitely be something for everyone. Besides, the nightlife is also great at this little corner of Penang Island. Another highlight of this place goes to their weekly night market, where you get to enjoy Malaysian street food at relatively low prices. Trust us, you will definitely fall in love with these Malaysian flavors if you are a food hunter.

 

Additional Information :

You may be interested also: Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants In Penang You Must Try

 

  1. Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest

 

While for sports lover especially on hikers, Bukit Mertajam is a great spot to hike rising 457m above sea level. This recreational forest is filled with lush and hilly terrain sprawling over 37 hectares. Besides, if you wish to spend your night with this lovely nature sanctuary, there are also fully-functioning campsites within the compound. Back to the hiking trail, the overall distance was about 4 kilometers to its summit. This trail is popular among locals who likes jogging. Along the trail, you will see several water streams and even a small waterfall which you can take a cool bath in it. If you encountered with monkeys along this trail, we would like to advise you to keep them undisturbed for any unwanted casualty.

 

Additional Information :
Address : Kampung Teluk Bukit, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang
Contact : 04-539 1743

Read also : 10 Best Traditional Penang Food & Restaurants

 

  1. Clan Jetties

Clan Jetties is one of the top sights you should not miss in Penang. For your information, the reason why it is called Clan Jetties is because the jetties were occupied by Chinese villagers having different surnames. These surnames include Lim, Chew, Tan, Yeoh, Koay, Lee and mixed surnames. These clans gathered here because of rivalry over access of monopoly work consignments, and often led to fights and disputes.

As we mentioned before, there used to be seven jetties with seven jetties with seven different clans, until one of them was demolished by fire. At present time, these jetties became one of the tourist hot spots and people often hanging out here enjoying the breeze from the ocean and there were stalls along the jetties selling some local snacks and souvenirs. The Clan Jetties is also situated right next to Penang ferry terminal. If you are travelling to mainland of Penang and waiting for your ferry to arrive, you can also hang out here while enjoying the sunset.

 

Additional Information :
Address: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 019-593 5333

Read Also: Penang Cafe: Top 15 Best Cafe In Penang

 

  1. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion can be seen in most of the banners, advertisements, or even postcards of Penang. The reason why this place became one of the best things to do in Penang is because of its brilliant blue sheen. Behind the story of this gorgeous building, Cheong Fatt Tze decided to build his domicile upon getting some rewards after hard works throughout East Asia. There are plenty of selections he can choose from in terms of architectural designs, such as modern Anglo-Indians design. However, traditional-style Chinese courtyard house was the decision he made and thanks to this decision, this gorgeous masterpiece can still be seen until today.

In 1989, the mansion was then purchased by Cheong Fatt Tze’s descendants in order to save it from demolition for imminent development. You can choose to have a one-hour tour around this mansion or staying over here throughout the night. The property is currently operating only 16 rooms for accommodations to public, the rest are preserved as museum’s showcases. This is one of the boutique hotels which have great history and heritage in Penang. Check them out now!

 

Additional Information : 
Address: 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-262 0006
Site: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Read also: Segamat Nightlife: Top 10 Great Spot To Hang Out in Segamat

 

  1. Escape Adventureplay

If you have been to Malaysia, you must have noticed there are only a few theme parks in this country that are popular and often crowded with tourists and locals. Some of these exciting theme parks include Sunway Lagoon Theme Park in Kuala Lumpur, Legoland in Johor Bahru, 20th Century Fox World at Genting Highlands, and this Escape Adventureplay in Penang. Escape Adventureplay is another thrilling alternative other than hanging by the beaches and other outdoor activities.

Here at Escape Adventureplay Penang, all facilities are suitable for both children and adults. Even so, you will also feel satisfied when you are entering the premises as an adult. The park started into operations since 2012, and good reviews start to flock in immediately since the first day. Standout attractions include 20-metre-high jump platform, tree rope swing, free fall and zip lining, and water park. The entrance fee will only cost you around RM60 for adult and RM45 for kids, shuttle services are also provided from certain hotels around Batu Ferringhi areas.

 

Additional Information :
Address: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-881 1106
Site : Escape Adventureplay 

You may be interested also: Penang Hill Travel Guide: The Habitat Penang Hill Can’t Miss

 

  1. Kapitan Keling Mosque

Kapitan Keling Mosque is the largest place or worship for Islam community in Penang. As one of the landmarks in Penang, this mosque is built in 1801 by the very first Indian Muslim settlers in Penang. The mosque can be seen at junction of Lebuh Buckingham and Lebuh Pitt, initially spreads over 18 acres but now left with only eight dues to part of lands claimed by the government for city developments.

Kapitan Keling Mosque has a whitewashed exterior and a golden-yellow dome with crescents and stars on top of it. Upon entering, the spacious interior is even decorated with celestial-white Gothic, Moorish, and Roman arches. Besides, there are also calligraphy panels being hung on walls together with stained glass window. You will be required to get permission from the mosque’s officials if you wish to visit. Proper attires such as long pants for both woman and man are required as to respect their cultural and beliefs.

 

Additional Information :
Address: 14, Jalan Buckingham, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-261 4215

You may be interested also: Top 15 Must Try Halal Food In Penang George Town

 

  1. Kuan Yin Temple

Kuan Yin Temple is a place of worships for Chinese community in Malaysia. This temple is the oldest Chinese temple in Penang and is built in 1728. Set on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Kuan Yin Temple was once a magnificent building that features traditional Chinese architectural in northern Malaysia. This temple is built to honor the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. It might seem as one of the places of worship here in Penang, but it is initially used as a place for earlier Chinese settlers to socialize.

Other than that, this temple is also dedicated to Ma Chor Poh, which is a god that Chinese believes that have power over rains and the seas. Prayers were made to this God to be blessed by rains so that they can be prosper from their harvests. Upon entering to this temple, you will notice that the architectural of this traditional Chinese structure is magnificent. On most of the stone pillars here, dragon cravings were craved on it. Other structures such as tiles and window also feature traditional Chinese architecture, even the tiles are imported from China to have this authentic look. It might be a little bit smoky in the prayers room, but it is still worth noticing as you will find a statue of an 18-arm Kuan Yin and also tons of lantern being hung on the ceiling.

 

Additional Information ;
Address: 30, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-261 4137

You may be interested also: Top 15 Most Popular Shopping Mall In Penang

  1. Penang Botanic Gardens

Penang Botanic Gardens, or usually referred as Botanic Gardens by locals, is a beautiful sanctuary you must visit in Penang. The garden is located along Jalan Kebun Bunga. If you are driving here, public parking lots are more than enough. This Botanic Gardens is founded by Charles Curtis, an official of Gardens & Forests Departments Straits Settlements from the British in 1884. There are 12 sections you can explore in this garden, namely the Formal Garden, Lily Pond, Perdana Plant House, Tropical Rainforest Jungle Track, Fern House, Fern Rockery, Aroid Walkaway, Cactus House, Orchidarium, Horticulture Centre, Nursery and Quarry Recreational Park.

Besides, there is a secret pathway which is serene to walk along at. The path leads to one of the iconic attractions in Penang namely the Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera). The path might be a little bit steep but trust us, it will definitely be rewarding. Take note that you might encounter some cute little creatures such as monkeys along the path, feeding is strongly prohibited. You will be fined for a certain fee if caught so. Penang Botanic Gardens is open to public only from 7am to 7pm daily. If you wish to trek up Penang Hill from this gorgeous garden, please be early!

 

Additional Information :
Address: Kompleks Pentadbiran,Bangunan Pavilion, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-226 4401
Site : Penang Botanic Gardens

Read Also: Top 17 Best Hotel To Stay In Penang

 

  1. Penang Butterfly Farm

Except from the gorgeous sanctuary which we mentioned before this entry, there are also other places that takes you to a fairy-land full of mystical little fairies. Another Penang attraction place which most of the tourist would like to check out will be Penang Butterfly Farm. This fairyland is located at Teluk Bahang and overall compound spreads over eight hectares of land. The farm houses for more than 120 groups of butterflies as well as other exotic insects and reptiles. From what we know from its guided tour, there are more than 4,000 butterflies in this farm.

It might seem that Penang Butterfly Farm is a business set up to promote tourism in this island. However, you will be shocked and amazed once you heard about the story behind this farm. David Goh, the owner set to promote entomology (study of insects) to locals of Malaysia. Years after that, the farm grew steadily and eventually became one of the ‘safe spot’ for butterflies in Malaysia. With dedicated care and handling, some of the endangered species get to live without going into extinction. Besides, the farm is also well-known in foreign countries for its butterfly’s conservation. Visit these little fairies during your next visit to Penang!

 

Additional Information :
Address: No.830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-888 8111
Site : Penang Butterfly Farm

You may also like: Langkawi Tourist Attractions: Top 10 Attractions You Must Never Miss

 

  1. Penang Fort Cornwallis

How about learning through how this beautiful country are paid off with? Penang Fort Cornwallis which located in Georgetown is the largest standing fort in this country which helps us defend our home land. Initially, Fort Cornwallis is designed to defend against pirates, Kedah forces and the French during the Napoleon Wars. It eventually ends up being used as an administrative center rather than being defensive. From the information we knew, the fort is built from wooden structures, then only reconstructed with bricks and stones during Colonel R.T. Farquhar’s jurisdiction.

Today, the remains of Fort Cornwallis as one of the best things to do in Penang are only left with a set of ten-foot tall outer walls with a privately-managed park in within. There are lots of exhibits you can learn on its history such as weapons, canons, traditional weapons, and even tunnels. You can also experience how it is like crawling under an underground tunnel during wartime. Open from 9 am to 6.30 pm daily, why not have a whole different experience of travelling here?

Additional Information :
Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-263 9855
Site: Penang Fort Cornwallis

Also Read: Top 15 Best & Famous Penang Hokkien Mee You Must Try

  1. Penang Hill

 

Another top thing to do in Penang will be Penang Hill. Initially, this area is commissioned by Sir Francis Light to grow strawberries. There is a bungalow on top of this hill, namely the Bel Retiro. The bungalow is now used as the holiday residence for the governor of Penang. Penang Hill has other name as well, local referred it as Strawberry Hill as the initial purpose for this developed area is to grow strawberries like we mentioned before.

There are two ways to get to the top of Penang Hill, either by trekking up or taking the Penang Hill Railway. Although the most popular way will be taking the railway, trekking up can also have a different experience especially the panoramic view on Penang Island and also mountains of Langkawi Island. Upon reaching to the top, the air is much cooler compared to the air below the hill. This is why most of the tourists and even locals like to get up there and hanging around.

 

Additional Information : 
Address: 11500 Bukit Bendera, Penang

Also Read: Top 15 Best & Famous Penang Char Kway Teow Places

  1. Penang Islamic Museum

Next up, Penang Islamic Museum is a place where you can learn through the beginnings and developments of Malay community in this country. The museum is built in a beautiful heritage building, where you can expect to see many exhibits being displayed according to different themes and galleries. Besides, the beauty and philosophies of this religion are also being showcased throughout the compound. If you wish to know more about ethnicity and community in Malaysia, why not sped some time here at Penang Islamic Museum?

 

Additional Information : 
Address:  128, Lebuh Acheh, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-262 0172

Also Read: Top 15 Best Nyonya Food & Restaurant In Penang

  1. Kek Lok Si Temple

Behold for the largest and most popular place of worship for Chinese community in Malaysia. The temple is so large that there is even a road path to the top of the hill. There are three zones in total for this temple, the temple grounds, the middle zone and the hilltop. All of these sections or zones house for different Gods. In the temple grounds area, you can expect to see souvenir, foods and drinks stall together with a turtle liberation pond. While in the middle zone, house temples, gardens, the pagoda, and four heavenly kings pavilion sits right here. Lastly in hilltop zone, it is housed with the highlight of this temple, the large and magnificent statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin.

Although it is a perfect attraction here in Penang Island, we strongly suggest you to visit this temple during Chinese New Year. There will be a light up ceremony in that season and we guaranteed, you will definitely be amazed! To visit the enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, you can either take a short railway with little charges, or you can drive up there if you are driving. The environment in this temple is pretty serene, from large fish ponds to gorgeous garden, and many more statues scattered around the compound for you to take photo with. Besides, the buildings in this temple, yes there are many buildings in one single temple, are also rich in traditional Chinese architectural. Some of the materials such as tiles and window are imported from China. If you ask which attraction is the must visit in this island, well this is it!

 

Additional Information :
Address: Penang, Air Itam, 邮政编码: 11500
Contact ： 04-828 3317

You may be interested also: Top 12 Best Cheap & Budget Hotel In Penang

 

  1. Khoo Kongsi

Khoo Khongsi is a clan house built by Hokkien community in olden-days in Penang. Built for more than 650 years ago, the clan house is part of the goh tai seh (five big clans) of Hokkien community. For your information, a kongsi is a place where Chinese with same surname will build to worship their ancestor. Thus, this place which still exist until present day in Penang is a spot worth noticing. Not only there is rich history being showcased to public, you can also learn how Chinese community starts and develop in this country, or perhaps more precisely, in Penang.

In present days, these kongsi is used as an administrative role; helping their members with educations of children, settling disputes and advancing loans. Not only Khoo Kongsi is built in Penang, there are still other kongsi available here. However, this kongsi stands out among other for its strategic location which near to Penang street arts area. Many tourists that wish to hunt for street arts will eventually pass by this place and go in for a visit. To enter this premise, you will be charged for a certain fee. These fees are used to contribute to their operating cost, they rarely earn from these visitor fees. The architectural of this building is worth every cent you paying. Check them out now!

 

Additional Information :
Address: 18, Cannon Square, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-261 4609

Also Read: Best Guide & Map to Penang Street Art Worth A Visit

  1. Penang Peranakan Mansion

As its name suggests, Penang Peranakan Mansion is set to educate locals and even tourists on the starting, developments, and cultural of Peranakan community here in Malaysia. This mansion is referred also as a Peranakan Museum by the locals. Set inside a gorgeous recreated 19th century Baba home, this mansion showcases over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles. You will also notice some beautiful materials used to build this mansion such as English tiles, Scottish ironwork, continental European art and furniture, and also Chinese carved-wood panels.

The cultural of Peranakan is exactly similar to this architectural, mixed up with different elements from different community in the world, and this is why this community is so unique, or perhaps beauty of its own to learn about. Penang Peranakan Mansion is a great place to hang out with if you are first time visiting this country. The furniture and artifacts being displayed can be taken photo with, but be careful, you would not want to broke it.

 

Additional Information :
Address: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang
Contact : 04-264 2929

You may be interested also: Top 15 Penang Assam Laksa Places You Absolutely No To Miss

  1. Penang Street Art

Printed on most of the postcards in this country, Penang Street Art is one of the most popular things to do in Penang. There are more than one painting or so-called street arts in Georgetown, most of these pieces scattered around Jalan Penang, Murni Street, Weld Quay, Lebuh Leith, Armenian Street, Ah Que Street and more. The most popular street among all will be Armenian Street, where the highlight will be the “Little Children on a Bicycle”. These paintings were made by a London-trained Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic. He was hired by Penang’s municipal council in 2012 to bring Georgetown into a new breathing life.

If your itinerary in Penang does not allow you to walk over all these streets, you can also find a trishaw which will bring you for a tour on all of these street arts. Price starting with RM40 will be charged for an-hour ride. First time visiting Penang? You might not want to miss out this in your itinerary. There are many tourists queueing up to take photos, be patient and you will definitely get your perfect shot.

 

 

Additional Information :
Address: 316, Beach Street Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Also Read: Top 10 Popular Movie Theatre and Cinema In Penang

  1. Penang War Museum

Penang War Museum which located in Bukit Batu Maung is the largest war museum in Southeast Asia. This bunker is built by the British in the 1930s. The bunker is well-known among locals after the battle for Penang against the Japanese invaders was lost. In the present days, the museum was restored as a Museum as a memorial of its dark days. The Museum features many artifacts and weapons used in the previous WWII, such as cannons, guns, and even underground tunnels. The tunnels are believed to be used as a secret passage to reach submarines in case the bunker fells. Besides, there is also an ammunition bunker which is located 9 meters away in the underground.

Behind the story of this bunker, it is set to protect the island from foreign invasion. However, during WWII, the Japanese army invades from the inner lands rather than from the sea. All of these invasions were expected by the British too. Since then, the bunker is commanded by the Japanese as a place for cruelty and torturing. Locals often referred this place as Bukit Hantu (Ghost Hill) as more than hundreds of people are brough here and beheaded.

 

Additional Information : 
Address : Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Batu Maung, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 016-421 3606

You may be interested also: One Day Trip Guide On Malacca – The City Of Nyonya Culture In Malaysia

 

  1. Ramlee’s House

Who is P. Ramlee? P. Ramlee is Malaysia’s iconic actor, director, singer, songwriter, composer and movie producer. In present days, it is nearly impossible for one single man that can acquire so many skills near to perfect. This is why P. Ramlee is highly popular personnel in Malaysia. The house is set along Jalan P. Ramlee, or formerly known as Counterhall Road.

Upon his decease, the house is used to display the collection of the actor’s personal effects and memorabilia, old photographs, movie posters, and music records. His life in this series of career include over 60 films and 250 songs, that most of these compose appealed to a wide cross-section of Malaysian society.

 

Additional Information :
Address: Lot 2180, Jalan P. Ramlee, Taman P. Ramlee, 10460 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-281 7484

 

  1. Sun Yat Sen Museum

Other things to do in Penang can also be visiting Sun Yat Sen Museum which located in Armenian Street. If you are into the history of certain places or personnel that have make contribution in the history of a country, this is the place you might be interested with.  Dr. Sun Yat Sen, which is a leading Asian nationalist figure in the 20th century. Sun Yat Sen has led the Chinese Revolution in 1911, which he also attracted massive support from overseas Chinese community. He ends up became China’s first provisional president.

A physician turned nationalist; Dr. Sun Yat Sen moved to Penang from Singapore after realizing that most of his greatest backing are from Penang party members. Though he only lived here for not a long time, his home became one of the popular destinations in Penang after his decease. Back in the days in 1950s, Dr. Sun Yat Sen is so popular that his poster was printed in Shanghai and circulated among Chinese schools in Malaya. His wills were also read aloud in these schools and students bowed respectfully towards him.

 

Additional Information :
Address: 120, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 016-442 8785

Also Read: Where to Stay in Georgetown: Top 10 Luxury Hotels You Must Check In At

 

  1. Penang Wonderfood Museum

Last but not least, we believed that every tourist even for the first-timer visiting this country will fall in love with Malaysian flavors. Hereby, Penang Wonderfood Museum is one of the places you should not miss while having a vacation here in Penang Island. The museum offers an in-dept experience into most of the foods available only in this country. Although these displays are mostly artifacts, you will definitely be drooling just by looking at these foods model.

In Penang Wodnerfood Museum, there are three different zones you can explore. Namely the Info Zone, Wow Zone, and lastly the Educational Zone. All of these realistic models are handcrafted by the owner of this museum, Sean Lao. The entrance fee for foreign travelers will be at RM25 for adults and RM15 for children. If you are one of the Malaysians, you just need to pay for RM15 for adult and RM10 for children. This is the place you should not miss, especially for food hunters. Check them out at Lebuh Pantai, Georgetown!

 

Additional Information :
Address: 49, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact : 04-251 9095

 

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