Choose from 17 Fun Things to Do in Penang
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Penang Hill (Flagstaff Hill)
Flagstaff Hill is the best known of the group of granite peaks which are Penang Hills. At 2,411ft (735m) it provides brilliant panoramic views of the Georgetown, the Penang Bridge and the Straits of Malacca.
It is accessible via a keen 2-hour hike up walking trails where there are thoughtfully spaced refreshment stops and viewpoints along the way. Alternatively, the 100 year old funicular railway is the more thrilling and memorably steep experience.
Practical Info
Walk trails start from the Botanical Gardens, or the funicular railway is only 10-min walk from Kek Lok Si temple in Ayer Itam.
Address: Penang, Malaysia
From $ 5
Penang War Museum
Built by the British as a fortress in the 1930s, before then being used by the Japanese as a POW camp, the Penang War Museum is now open to the general public, serving as a memorial to its darker days.
The museum is strategically located on the hills above the fishing village of Batu Maung, on the road to Teluk Kumbar on Penang’s southern coast. Sprawled across some 20 acres of land, it’s billed as being the largest war museum in Southeast Asia. The fort was originally constructed in a bid to protect the island from foreign invasion, and today a walk around the site invokes a sense of what once was.
Visitors can take a sombre walk among various displays and historical items, and even venture into the old underground tunnels and ammunition bunkers, which are located nine meters underground. It’s also possible to explore the barracks, cookhouses, and gun emplacements, with plenty of signposts to guide the way.
A trip to the Penang War Museum can be combined with visiting Penang Island’s other major highlights, including the Snake Temple and Penang Bridge.
Practical Info
Because of the location of the Penang War Museum, the easiest way to reach it is to join an organized tour, use your own transport, or take a taxi.
Did You Know? Some of the museum’s underground tunnels lead all the way to the sea, as they once served as access routes to submarines. Be aware that some parts of the tunnels require visitors to crawl through some very narrow, confined sections.
Address: Lot 1350 Mukim 12, Batu Maung, Penang, Malaysia 11960, Malaysia
Hours: 9am-6pm
Admission: Adult: RM30 / Child: RM15
From $ 35
Pinaon Time Tunnel
Travelers looking for an easily accessible way to explore Penang’s much-storied history will find what they’re seeking at the Pinaon Time Tunnel. This unique interactive museum features 12 tunnels that cover periods of time between the early 1700s and the contemporary 21st century, which together tell the tale of this incredible place. Illustrated maps, photos, artifacts and indigenous artwork cover the walls of the museum’s galleries, and while adults will find detailed information about each of the exhibits, shorter (both in height and in length) versions of placards are available for the museum’s younger set, too.
Visitors say the Pinaon Time Tunnel puts the country’s culture, history and architecture into context. Whether it’s learning about the 10-day riots in this now peaceful place or exploring the migration of its every shifting populations, Pinaon Time Tunnel helps create a fuller picture of local life for visitors who’ve spent time wandering the streets, exploring the shops and sampling local cuisine.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 39 Jalan Green Hall in the George Town neighborhood. It is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Address: 39 Jalan Green Hall, Penang 10200, Malaysia
Admission: Adults: RM25; Children: RM15
From $ 10
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
A visit to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion provides a good introduction to the history and culture of the Peranakans (also known as Babas and Nyonyas). These Straits Chinese settlers were unique to this part of the world, and adopted certain ways of life from both local Malaysians and the colonial British.
With more than 1000 items on display, this opulent mansion showcases a typical affluent Baba household from a century ago, giving an insight into their lavish lifestyle, as well as their many customs and traditions. Built at the end of the 19th century, this courtyard house features traditional Chinese carved-wood panels combined with English tiles, European furniture, and Scottish ironworks.
A trip to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion can be incorporated into a heritage tour of Penang, which includes visiting other cultural and architectural wonders, such as Khoo Kongsi and Fort Cornwallis.
Insider’s Tip: As there isn’t a great deal of written information within the mansion, using a tour guide is highly recommended. If not visiting as part of an organized tour, complimentary tours can be arranged by calling ahead, with a minimum of five people required.
Practical Info
The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is located along Church Street in George Town, making it easily accessible by rickshaw, or even on foot.
Address: 29 Church Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia 10200, Malaysia
Hours: 9:30am-5pm
Admission: RM 20
From $ 8
Snake Temple (Fu Xing Gong)
Snake Temple (Fu Xing Gong) may not be the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, but it’s certainly one of the strangest. True to its name, this small Chinese temple in Penang is filled with Wagler’s pit vipers and tree snakes perched on trees and wooden frames throughout. The smoke of the always-burning incense, combined with midday heat, renders the snakes largely immobile, but visitors are still advised to avoid handling the reptiles.
According to local legend, snakes began entering the temple on their own shortly after it was built in the mid nineteenth century, and the monks at the time allowed them to stay. The monks will tell you that the snakes are “blessed,” and that’s why they’ve never bitten anyone.
The temple itself is free to enter, but for a small fee, you can also tour the onsite snake farm where it’s possible to see several species of snakes and handle a few of them under expert supervision.
Address: Jalan Tokong Ular, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas, Penang 11900, Malaysia
Hours: Open daily 8:30am - 6:00pm
From $ 5
Camera Museum
Film fanatics will love Penang’s first and only camera museum. The well-curated galleries span the millennium and display a variety of cameras—like pinhole and large and medium formats, now defunct film options, and even a working dark room that showcases the age-old technique of processing film. Travelers say the museum is small, but agree it’s the perfect stop for travelers with extra time on the island. Option guided tours are ideal for camera enthusiasts looking to learn more about the museum’s impressive collection.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 49 Lebuh Muntri in Penang near the Choong Fatt Tze mansion. It is open daily from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Entrance to the museum costs RM20 for adults and RM10 for students and senior citizens.
Address: 49 Lebuh Muntri, Penang, Malaysia
Admission: Adults: RM20; Children: RM10
From $ 5
George Town
George Town is known for its colonial heritage and old-world architecture, but travelers to this Penang destination will find a unique mix of Indian, Chinese, and Muslim cultures along its European streets. Call to prayer rings out daily and tasty dim sum stalls start selling their tasty snacks as the sun rises.
Some 600,000 people call George Town home, and travelers to this bustling center will find restaurants, shops, and temples tucked among traditional colonial-style buildings, like the Municipal Council of Pulau Pinang Hall. While visitors would certainly do well to wander the streets, architecture along Armenian Street and the typical items in Little India are worth a visit. Fort Cornwallis, with its historical galleries and restored grounds is an ideal stop for history lovers and Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple proves one of the city's most iconic religious structures.
Practical Info
George Town is the capital of Penang and located on the west coast of Malaysia. Because it's the state's transportation hub, travelers will find plenty of options for getting in and out of Penang. Ferries to and from Butterworth can be found at the Raja Tun Uda terminal. Boats to Langkawi and Pulau Payar leave from Swettenham Pier. Most of the town shuts down from Saturday afternoon through Sunday, so those looking to really experience the place should make a visit during the week.
Address: Penang, Malaysia
From $ 72
Penang Botanic Gardens
Nicknamed the Waterfall Gardens, Penang Botanic Gardens was established by British colonists in 1884 on the site of an old granite quarry. Today, the gardens cover 74 acres (30 hectares), with landscaped grounds, tropical forests and several themed gardens, like a cactus house, orchidarium, herb garden and pine forest.
Besides featuring its collection of indigenous and exotic flora, the Penang Botanic Gardens are an excellent place to see various colorful birds and butterflies, as well as dusky leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques and black giant squirrels. The monkeys are known to be quite aggressive, so keep a firm hand on your belongings, particularly food items. You’ll see signs posted throughout the grounds warning against feeding the monkeys, and it’s wise to heed them.
Address: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang 10350, Malaysia
Hours: Daily 5am-8pm
From $ 10
ESCAPE Adventureplay
ESCAPE Adventureplay is one of Penang’s most unique attractions—a sky-high ropes course that throws visitors into an all-out balancing act above the forest floor. Navigate complex obstacles that increase in difficulty the higher you climb. A scooter park and kids playground offer fun closer to the ground.
The Basics
ESCAPE Adventureplay comprises half of the greater ESCAPE park (the other half is a water park called Waterplay) and houses numerous fun-filled activities for both kids and adults amid Penang’s natural surroundings. The Monkey Business aerial obstacle course is a highlight; other activities include platform jumps from Atan’s Leap, downhill rides on the Tubby Racer, and the Zoom Bug kart ride.
Choose a basic admission ticket, which includes access to both Adventureplay and Waterplay, or a hassle-free park entrance ticket with one-way transportation to the park from Penang hotels.
Things to Know Before You Go
- ESCAPE Adventureplay theme park is a must for families with kids and adventure travelers.
- Remember to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Wear light, comfortable clothing for sports activities, as well as sneakers or other closed-toe shoes.
- Lockers are available for rent.
- Most of the park’s attractions are not accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to ESCAPE Adventureplay is to prebook transportation along with your entrance ticket. Alternatively, catch Rapid Penang bus 101 or 102, both of which stop in front of the park.
When to Get There
The park is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Since Adventureplay specializes in outdoor activities in a natural environment, it’s best to visit during the dry season (November to April). Expect longer wait times for activities on weekends and public holidays.
ESCAPE Waterplay
Adventureplay is only one half of the ESCAPE experience. You can also cool off at Waterplay, a water park filled with body and raft slides, a swimming pool, a lazy river, and several kid-friendly water features.
Address: Jalan Teluk Bahang, Georgetown, Penang 11050, Malaysia
Hours: Tues - Sun: 10am - 6pm
Admission: Adults: RM980 Kids: RM600
From $ 35
Made in Penang Interactive Museum
This one-of-a-kind museum features street art style murals with a truly unique slant. That’s because most of the images and displays in this popular tourist spot are designed to allow photo-loving travelers to snap off-beat pictures that thanks to lighting and angles, play tricks on even the soundest of minds.
Expert staff stands by to help guide and position visitors to ensure each and every picture that pairs traveler with art is perfectly styled, leaving viewers to ask, “just what is going on here?!” Be sure to download the museum-specific app that allows visitors to view their photos in a special 3D way, adding just a bit more fun to a trip to the tricky Made in Penang Interactive Museum.
Practical Info
The museum is located at No. 3 Pengkalan Weld in George Town and it is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission is RM15 for adults. Those in the know suggest visiting in groups of two or three to make picture taking easier.
Address: 3 Pengkalan Weld, Penang 10300, Malaysia
Admission: RM15
From $ 9
Monkey Beach
At the base of Muka Head Cape in Penang National Park is secluded Teluk Duyung, commonly know as Monkey Beach due to the long-tailed macaques that reside there.
A sheltered cove it has flat, sandy seabed making it calm, tranquil and great for swimming in the clear green waters. Often lots of wildlife: macaques, fruit bats,sea eagles and even sea otters. A popular bbq-picnic area - also a steep walk to the lighthouse.
Practical Info
Monkey Beach is located on the north coast, reachable by an energetic 2-hour jungle trek through the national park from Teluk Bahang, or the more relax option is a 20-min boat from Batu Ferringgi.
Address: Penang, Malaysia
From $ 86
Penang State Museum
Opened in 1962, the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery tells the history of Penang through its collection of photographs, artifacts, paintings and other works of art. The museum, housed within the old Penang free school on Farquhar Road, is the best place to learn about how the island has changed over the years. Among the most interesting pieces are the photographs of old street scenes, showing the transition from horse-drawn carriages and rickshaws to electric buses and railways.
Another fascinating collection of artifacts dates back to the riots of 1867, when George Town erupted in violence as several Chinese secret societies began fighting in the streets, nearly causing a civil war.
Visitors can find a collection of works by local artists in the galleries on the first floor and a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art -- from 1965 onward -- on the second floor.
Address: Farquhar Street, George Town, Penang 10200, Malaysia
Hours: Sat. - Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: RM 1.00
From $ 20
Sam Poh Tong
Located in Gunung Rapat, about three miles (five kilometers) south of Ipoh, Sam Poh Tong is thought to be the largest cave temple in Malaysia. Local lore tells of a Chinese monk who was passing through Ipoh in 1890 when he discovered the cave and decided to stop and meditate there. According to the legend, he remained in the cave for 20 years until his death.
The temple structure in its current form dates back to the 1950s, and to this day, it remains a place where Buddhist monks and nuns come to meditate. A series of 246 steps lead you up to the mouth of the open cave, with its small reclining Buddha statue inside. Just outside the temple, you’ll find a Japanese koi pond where local devotees of the Buddha come to release turtles, as they’re thought to be a symbol of longevity.
The ornamental garden outside the front of the temple are worth walking through, and they offer beautiful views of Ipoh below.
Address: Gunung Rapat, Malaysia
Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm
From $ 11
Penang Hill Funicular Railway
When the heat and humidity of Penang get to be too much, many a local and visitor ride the Penang Hill Funicular Railway to enjoy the cool, fresh air of Penang Hill, located 2,750 feet (823 meters) above sea level. Situated in the north of the state, Penang Hill was the first hill resort of its kind in Malaysia, and since its opening in 1923, the funicular railway has provided a convenient way to reach the top.
New cars were added in 1977 and again in 2011, and today, passengers make the 13-minute journey to the top of the hill in air-conditioned, Swiss-made coaches capable of transporting 100 people at a time.
Try to ride the funicular up in early evening, as the spectacular views from the top are even better at dusk, when the lights of George Town begin to flicker to life. The railway leaves the base station every 30 minutes daily.
Address: Perbadanan Bukit Bendera Pulau Pinang, Pulau Pinang 11500, Malaysia
Admission: RM 30.00
From $ 45
Entopia
When Entopia opened in 1986 as the Penang Butterfly Farm, it was the first facility of its kind anywhere in the tropics. This living museum showcases more than 15,000 rare, endangered, and indigenous butterflies and dragonflies representing some 120 species alongside 200 species of plants. A multistory indoor discovery center known as the Cocoon lets visitors explore the world of invertebrates through a series of hands-on exhibits and activities. Entopia doubles as a research and conservation center for butterflies, insects, and their habitats.
The Basics
You can purchase tickets to Entopia Butterfly Farm online or upon arrival at the butterfly farm; discounts are available for children, seniors, and families visiting with two adults and two children. While it’s possible to visit Entopia on your own, a private tour of the butterfly sanctuary offers added convenience with hotel pickup and drop-off, plus your own private guide who can offer insight into the colorful wildlife of Malaysia. Some tours include a visit to the nearby Tropical Spice Garden.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Entopia is a must-see for families and animal lovers.
- Choose to visit independently or with a private tour.
- Plan to spend two to three hours exploring the farm and its many exhibits.
- Entopia is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Entopia is located at the foot of the Teluk Bahang Hills, on Jalan Teluk Bahang near Batu Ferringhi. You can get there via Rapid Penang buses 101, 102, or 501 to Teluk Bahang, or by riding the hop-on hop-off bus Beach Route to stop 21.
When to Get There
Entopia is open daily from 9am to 7pm, including on weekends and public holidays. The park hosts several educational programs and shows throughout the day, so be sure to check the schedule in advance of your visit.
What’s Nearby
If you’re visiting Entopia independently, you might want to plan to spend the day in this area of Penang Island to explore some of its other attractions. Just up the road from Entopia is Escape, a ropes course, zipline, and climbing tower popular with families. Also nearby, the Tropical Spice Garden encompasses 500 acres (202 hectares) of fragrant landscaping where you can learn more about more than 500 species of local spices and medicinal plants.
Address: 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Penang 11050, Malaysia
Hours: 9am–7pm daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 15
Little India
Colorful Little India is a three-street community in already eclectic Georgetown that envelops visitors with the sights and sounds of a small street in Mumbai. On Jalan Pasar (Market Street), colorful storefronts scrawled in Brahmi script blare Hindi melodies. The community is of the oldest Indian enclaves in Malaysia and dates to the earliest British settlements of Georgetown in the late 1700s.
Wind through the narrow streets and you'll find sari and cotton clothing shops, wedding florists, Bollywood posters and DVDs, spice merchants, gold jewelers and an abundance of eateries with popular Indian favorites such as roti, briyani rice and tandoori chicken as well as Malaysian Indian fusion cuisine. On nearby Jalan Bandar, the Sri Mahamariammam Temple, built in 1883 in the ornate and towering South Indian style, it is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. The area really comes alive during Indian holidays such as Deepavali (Diwali) festival of lights each autumn.
Practical Info
Little India is within the Penang Heritage Zone, a UNESCO-designated site, in Georgetown, the capital of Penang, Malaysia. Georgetown is located on the Island of Penang Palau and is connected to the mainland by bridges. Though Little India is not strictly confined, the main streets are Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Ah Quee and Jalan Pasar. The region is walkable (it's also fun to take a trishaw) and is reachable by bus from other parts of Georgetown"”the nearest stop is outside Opps Yap Temple. The Penang Hop-On Hop-Off Tourist Bus also stops here, as do a number of other Georgetown tours.
Address: Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
From $ 20
Armenian Street
Armenian Street (or Lebuh Armenian) is a narrow street located within the Unesco World Heritage Site and Penang capital, George Town. Surrounded by Chinese temples and clan houses, the street itself is lined with old shophouses, art galleries, cafes, and some of the most fascinating street art on the island.
A stroll along Armenian Street reveals countless shops selling everything from furniture and antiques to crafts and other souvenirs. There’s also a choice of quaint little cafes in which to stop for a coffee and take a break from the daytime heat. In addition, you’ll see an abundance of street art adorning the buildings here, with the most famous, Kids on Bicycle by Ernest Zacharevic, featuring a bike affixed to the wall with two children riding it. This mural attracts huge attention from tourists taking turns to have their photograph taken with it.
If you’re visiting Armenian Street on a Saturday evening, you’ll stumble across the Armenian Street Fair, where you’ll find stalls selling local arts and crafts as well as various music and dance performances.
Armenian Street is part of the itinerary on a Penang George Town heritage tour, which also includes a visit to the impressive Kapitan Keling Mosque nearby, a trip to Pinang Peranakan Mansion, plus a tour around Little India.
Practical Info
While Armenian Street can easily be explored on foot, it is also possible to hire bicycles and trishaws from this area.
Did You Know? Armenian Street got its name from the Armenian merchants families who settled here in the early part of the 19th century. Nowadays, the street is more associated with George Town’s Chinese community, which explains all the temples and other Chinese-influenced architecture in the area.
Address: Armenian Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia, Malaysia
From $ 10