15 Best Things to Do in Penang

Penang Hill, also known as Flagstaff Hill or Bukit Bendera, stands tall at an elevation of 821 meters above sea level, offering a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat below. It's a very popular destination in Penang, capturing the hearts of visitors who embark on a journey to the summit, where they are rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramas of the entire island.

For a convenient ascent, you can hop aboard a funicular train that gracefully traverses the hill, completing the oascent within 30 minutes. Prominent highlights include a Hindu temple, a church, and a mosque, symbolising the coexistence of different faiths in Penang. 

The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia. Set atop a hill in the town of Air Itam, this awe-inspiring sanctuary is adorned with landscaped gardens and revered temples, creating a serene haven for spiritual seekers.

The Pagoda of 1,000 Buddhas stands at the heart of the complex. This striking 7-tiered pagoda blends the artistic elements of Thai, Chinese, and Burmese styles, serving as a testament to the cultural fusion within the temple. Within its sacred walls, a collection of Buddha statues crafted from precious materials takes centre stage. Enveloping the temple complex are the statues of The Four Heavenly Kings, dutifully guarding the cardinal points of the compass. Their presence exudes a sense of protection and tranquillity, further enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. A statue of Laughing Buddha is nestled amidst these celestial guardians.

The illustrious Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, once the residence of a highly influential Chinese industrialist in the early 1890s, stands as a testament to Chinese architecture of the 18th and 19th centuries. This award-winning mansion embodies the essence of feng shui design, meticulously crafted over a period of more than 7 years by a team of master craftsmen from China. 

Affectionately known as the Blue Mansion among locals, it encompasses a indigo blue façade, 5 resplendent granite courtyards, 38 exquisitely designed rooms, 7 intricately adorned staircases, and 22 stained glass windows. It's one of only three traditional Chinese mansions found outside of China. In 1989, a restoration effort breathed new life into the mansion, transforming it into a remarkable boutique heritage hotel and museum. Join a guided tours to delve into the captivating history and intricate details of the mansion. These tours occur at 11 am, 1.30 pm, and 3 pm, and require an entry fee.

Fort Cornwallis stands proudly as one of the most iconic landmarks in Penang. Its imposing 10-ft-high walls are meticulously designed in the shape of a star. Named in honor of Charles Cornwallis, the former Governor General of India, it was originally constructed using wood. However, refurbishments have transformed its appearance into the solid concrete façade that stands today. 

Exploring the fort reveals several intriguing structures, including a 17th-century chapel, prison cells, ammunition storage areas. One of the notable attractions within the fort are the impressive bronze cannons, each bearing its own unique story. Among them is a Dutch cannon, believed by superstitious locals to hold a positive influence on women's fertility. This intriguing folklore adds an air of mystique to the historical site. These cannons serve as reminders of the fort's strategic importance in protecting the island during times of conflict. 

The Khoo Khongsi is a magnificent Chinese clanhouse dedicated to individuals bearing the surname Khoo. As a clanhouse, it serves as a symbolic embodiment of the social and spiritual connections between the extended Khoo family, their ancestors, and the wider community. With the moniker Dragon Mountain Hall, it exudes an aura of auspiciousness and prosperity, evident in the intricately crafted stone carvings that grace its entrance hall and pavilions.

Inside the clanhouse, vibrant murals narrate significant moments in the lives of the Khoo family, including birthdays and weddings. The depiction of 36 divine guardians stands out among these captivating artworks. Above, paper lamps bathe the interior in a warm glow, adding to the enchanting ambience. The roof ridges come alive with stunning ceramic sculptures, featuring immortal beings, carp fish, and dragons.

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram is a Thai temple that dates back to 1845. It proudly stands as the custodian of a magnificent Reclining Buddha statue, which stretches an impressive 33 metres in length. The sculpture holds significant reverence as it represents his serene repose prior to his ultimate passing.

Nestled within the temple grounds, alongside the majestic reclining Buddha, you will discover an array of smaller Buddha sculptures, each embodying various guises and postures, as well depictions of revered Thai deities. Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram also has vibrant and colorful murals adorning its walls, most of which vividly narrate Buddha's remarkable life story. 

Old Georgetown in Penang is a captivating blend of history, culture, and vibrant street life. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers a glimpse into Penang's colonial past and multicultural heritage. Its narrow streets are lined with beautifully preserved heritage buildings. Vibrant street art cover the walls, adding a modern artistic flair to the surroundings. 

Old Georgetown has plenty of bustling markets and hawker stalls, where you can indulge in local delicacies. From exploring temples and clan houses to discovering hidden gems, you can easily spend an entire day in this historic part of Penang. 

The clan jetties of Penang, situated along Weld Quay, is a picturesque scene of wooden houses perched on stilts above the water, connected by a planked walkway. These charming fishing villages, dating back to the 19th century, serve as enduring remnants of Penang's vibrant history. 

The Chew Jetty stands as the largest and most renowned among the cluster of 8 clan jetties in Penang. The rest are called Koay Jetty, Lee Jetty, Lim Jetty, Peng Aun Jetty, Tan Jetty, Yeoh Jetty, and Mixed Clans Jetty. Thanks to its unique architectural heritage, these notable landmarks offer a captivating insight into the lives of the locals and their connection to the sea.

The Penang Bridge is the iconic gateway to the island. Spanning an impressive 13.5 km, this dual carriageway suspension bridge serves as the vital link connecting Penang to the mainland at Seberang Perai. It might not be an official sightseeing spot in Penang, it's widely regarded as a symbol of the island. The bridge's architectural marvel and role in enhancing connectivity make it an integral part of the island's identity.

Every year in November or December, thousands of marathoners gather for the Penang Bridge International Marathon or Penang Bridge Marathon. It has been held at Penang Bridge since 1984, making it one of the most popular running events in Malaysia. 

The Penang Botanical Gardens are located in a valley along Jalan Kebun Bunga in George Town. It's a well-landscaped place containing a huge variety of indigenous and exotic plant species. It was set up by the British in 1884, specifically by Charles Curtis of the Gardens & Forests Departments Straits Settlements. 

The Penang Botanical Gardens are about 8 km from George Town. Prominent plants at the gardens include the cannonball tree, Pacific Walnut tree, pinang palm, black lily, slipper orchids and more. Some of the more interesting plants at the gardens are only open to visitors for limited hours. There is a special trek at the Penang Botanical Gardens’ Moon Gate that takes you to Penang Hill within 1 hour. 

Penang street art is mostly concentrated around the streets of Georgetown, an area known for its atmospheric Chinese shophouses and hhistoric landmarks. In 2012, the municipal council enlisted the talents of Ernest Zacharevic, a London-trained Lithuanian artist. Charged with the task of breathing new life into these historic streets, Zacharevic embarked on a mission to create captivating art pieces. His whimsical and thought-provoking artwork became objects of attention, captivating those who strolled along the streets.

Murals adorn the walls of Armenian Street, depicting captivating scenes of Penang's history, culture, and daily life. These art pieces, created by Zacharevic plus several local and international artists, have turned the street into an open-air art gallery. Standouts include Boy on a Bike, Brother and Sister on a Swing, and Susu Soya Asli & Segar.

The Penang War Museum stands as a testament to its significant role in history, having been constructed by the British army during the 20th century. Located on Bukit Maung, its past carries the weight of wartime events, as it served as a Japanese army base during WWII. The hill itself has gained a reputation among locals for being haunted, prompting them to avoid venturing up after nightfall.

Despite its dark history, the Penang War Museum has undergone restoration to preserve its intricate network of underground tunnels and ventilation shafts. The museum showcases the base's old ammunition bunkers, cannon firing bays, sleeping quarters, and medical infirmary, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the lives and conditions experienced by those who occupied the site.

The Tropical Spice Garden in Penang spans 8 acres of lush secondary jungle, with an impressive collection of around 500 species of flora and fauna. As the sole tropical spice garden in Southeast Asia, it offers a delightful destination for families to spend an afternoon immersed in nature. 

The complex is dedicated to nature conservation. 3 captivating garden trails guide you on 20- to 45-minute journeys through scenic landscapes. Along these trails, you'll encounter enchanting stream crossings, serene waterfalls, and fascinating structures crafted from recycled organic materials. 

The Penang Peranakan Mansion offers an immersive journey into the opulence and cultural heritage of the Straits-Chinese people. This century-old residence meticulously recreates the opulent lifestyle and rich heritage of the Peranakan community

Once the residence of esteemed Baba leader, Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee, it now stands as a captivating museum, preserving the customs and traditions of the Peranakan culture. As you wander through its grand halls, you'll encounter many fascinating artefacts. From an ornate traditional marital bed to an opium bed and its accompanying smoking paraphernalia, each item tells a story of the Peranakan way of life. Delicate women's accessories and exquisite gold jewellery further showcase the community's refined tastes and intricate craftsmanship.

The Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest presents an idyllic retreat for those looking to reconnect with nature and embark on invigorating treks in Penang. Embracing the land at an elevation of 457 meters above sea level, The verdant expanse encompasses 37 ha of land, at an elevation of 457 metres above sea level. It's equipped with well-maintained campsites and numerous streams meandering into shallow ponds.

Hikers and joggers can tackle a 4-km hiking trail, which winds its way up to the summit of the mountain. There's also a small waterfall cascading through the area. Its cooling waters often attract visitors to take a refreshing dip and rejuvenate in the natural surroundings.