20 Wonderful Things You Have To Experience at Penang

For many of us, our ringgits are often not enough to spend anymore but being broke does not give you the excuse to feel bored. There are plenty of things you can do for free (or very minimal cost) around Penang area.When was the last time you decided to go all the way just to enjoy a bowl of cendol for RM4.00? Or go on a Penang food trip with a bunch of friends? Here’s a list of things you can do at Penang.

Pssst – remember to share this page to your friends!

1. Penang Hill

Source

Standing at 833 metres high, Penang Hill is the oldest British hill station in Southeast Asia that dates back to the 1700s. The main highlight there is the funicular train ride that transports visitors to the Skyway, which has a stunning 360° view of the surrounding area. Visitors can also take a nature tour, pop by the owl museum and discover other cultural and historical attractions there.

Address: Perbadanan Bukit Bendera, Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera, Air Itam
Opening hours: 6:30am – 11:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +60 4 828 8880 / 839 /861 / 862
Website: www.penanghill.gov.my
Email: info@penanghill.gov.my

2. Batu Ferringhi

Source
Batu Ferringhi is a hotspot that is perfect for couples and families seeking a relaxing vacation by the beach. Home to many resorts, there is plenty to explore in this area including the butterfly farm, tropical spice garden, toy museum and night market. There are many delicious dining options around the area as well.

3. ESCAPE Adventureplay

Source 

ESCAPE Adventureplay is a one-of-a-kind outdoor theme park that has 83 challenges that you can partake in such as the aerobat, kite flyer and tubby racer. Be prepared to sweat it out and reconnect to your inner child with all these fun filled activities. The theme park has activities and courses that are suitable for both adults and children of all ages.

Address: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang
Opening hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm (Closed on Monday)
Phone: +60 4 881 1106
Website: www.escape.my
Email: info@escape.my

4. Pasar Malam Tanjung Bungah

Source

Once a week, this popular flea market attracts locals and tourists who are looking for some delicious grub! In between all the food stalls, you can find vendors selling random items like stationery, hardware tools and toys. It’s definitely a fun and affordable experience to have.

Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi
Opening hours: 7:00pm – 11:00pm (Every Tuesday)

5. Penang National Park

Source

Gazetted in 2003 as a protected area, the Penang National Park is the perfect way for nature lovers and bird lovers to spend the day. It is home to 417 flora and 143 fauna species, plus 46 species of birds such as the stork-billed kingfishers, white-breasted waterhens and great egrets.

Address: Jalan Hassan Abas, Teluk Bahang
Opening hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +60 4 881 3530/881 2016/ 826 1303

6. Penang Bird Park

Source

Established in 1988, the 5-acre park is one of Penang’s pride and glory. It is home to more than 300 species of birds from all over the world including hornbills, sunbirds and pheasants. The beautifully landscaped park is a joy to explore, and visitors can also view other wildlife such as mousedeer, pythons and the giant estuarine crocodile.

Address: Taman Burung Seberang Jaya, Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, Perai
Opening hours: 9:00am – 7:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +60 4 399 1899
Website: www.penangbirdpark.com.my

7. ChinaHouse

Source

ChinaHouse is a local institution in Penang that all visitors are recommended to go to. You will salivate at the sight of the delicious cake selections! And the mains are yummy as well. The cafe has weekly live music performances and you can also visit the art gallery on the first floor that features different local and foreign artists. The souvenir shop is worth a browse too.

Address: 153 & 155, Lebuh Pantai, George Town
Opening hours: 9:00am – 12:00am (Daily)
Tel: +60 4-263 7299
Website: http://www.chinahouse.com.my
Email: info@chinahouse.com.my

8. Chowrasta Market

Source

Established in 1890, Chowrasta Market is a great place for you to visit if you are looking for affordable tidbits to bring home as souvenirs. The pickled fruits especially nutmegs are popular treats. The market also has many food vendors that serve local favorites, plus a quaint little second hand bookstore.

Address: Lebuh Tamil, George Town
Opening hours: 8:00am – 8:00pm (Daily)

9. Penang Island Jazz Festival

Source

The first Penang Island Jazz Festival was organised in 2004. Since then, this annual musical event has featured many international and local artists on their main stage. Held every December, this festival also includes jam sessions; drum circles, forums and workshops.

Address: Batu Ferringhi
Tel: +603 – 2093 4725
Website: www.penangjazz.com
Email: info@penangjazz.com

10. Camera Museum

Source

Learn about the history and evolution of cameras in this unique museum. Besides exploring the numerous exhibition halls and dark room, visitors can also enter the pinhole room whereby you walk inside a camera and understanding the mechanism behind this remarkable piece of machinery.

Address: 49, Lebuh Muntri
Opening hours: 9:30am – 6:30am (Daily)
Tel: +60 4 261 3649
Website: www.thecameramuseumpenang.com
Email: cameramuseumpenang@gmail.com

11. Kek Lok Si Temple

Source

This Buddhist temple, which began construction in 1893 is perhaps one of the most famous structures in Penang. This majestic building has a seven storey main pagoda with 10,000 Buddha statues and it also has a 30.2 meters high bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

Address: Air Itam
Opening hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm (Daily)
Tel: +60 4 828 3317
Website: www.kekloksitemple.com
Email: email@kekloksitemple.com

12. Penang 3D Trick Art Museum

Source

This interactive museum opened its doors to the public in 2014. It has been gaining a lot of attraction since then and is especially popular with the younger generation. Besides taking pictures with all the artwork, you also get to learn about the history and culture of Penang.

Address: 10, Lebuh Penang, George Town
Opening hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +60 4-263 1628

13. Gurney Paragon Mall

Source

Gurney Paragon Mall is a premier shopping and entertainment center in Penang located on the famous Gurney Drive. It is home to many large international brands and stylish restaurants. It’s definitely the place to visit if you plan on going on a shopping spree!

Address: 163-D, Persiaran Gurney
Opening hours: 10.00am to 10.00pm daily
Tel: +60 4 228 8266
Website: www.gurneyparagon.com

14. Tambun Biscuit

Source

A trip to Penang is not complete without tasting some tambun biscuit! Delicious green bean paste is covered in a golden ball of oven-baked pastry. Visitors from out of town usually buy boxes of this local treat for family and friends back home.

Him Heang
Address: 62A, Jalan Burma, George Town
Opening hours: 8:30am – 5:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +60 4 2286 130

Loong Nam
Address: 213, Hutton Lane, George Town
Opening hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +60 4 2272 663

15. Little Art House

Looking for a unique souvenir made by a local artist? This is the place you can get it from! This cute little shop sells everything from paintings, photographs, to colouring books and poetry books. Little Art House also hosts regular events, classes and workshops.

Address: 90A, Lorong Macalister, George Town

16. Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

Source

This visitor centre is Penang is one of three that is found worldwide. Visitors can have an interactive experience while learning about pewter and the history of Royal Selangor. The main highlight is being able to make your own pewter bowl using traditional tools that were used a hundred years ago.

Address: 3A-G-1, Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong
Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:30pm (Daily)
Tel: +60 4 891 2018
Website: www.royalselangorvisitorcentre.com
Email: straits.quay@royalselangor.com.my

17. Ghost Museum Penang

Source

Be transported to spooksville in this museum that aims to scare all its visitors! Although this place is not for the faint hearted, kids seem to enjoy it. And you also get to learn about the different types of ghosts that are unique to the local folklore.

Address: 57, Lebuh Melayu, George Town
Opening hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm (Daily)
Tel: +60 4 261 2352

18. Pulau Payar Marine Park

Source

It takes about two hours by boat to get to the Pulau Payar Marine Park from the main city centre. Visitors can sign up for a tour and spend the day snorkeling and diving around the area. There are 15 dives sites here and you will get the chance to encounter marine species such as barracudas, lion fishes, stone fishes, sweetlips, angelfishes, butterfly fishes, parrot fishes and wrasses.

East Marine Holidays
Tel: +6 04 966 3966
Website: www.eastmarine.com.my
Email: info@eastmarine.com.my

19. Fort Cornwallis

Source

Fort Cornwallis is named after the Governor-General in Bengal in the late 1700s, Charles Cornwallis. Inside the fort, you can explore structures that were built over a century ago, including a chapel, prison cells, ammunitions storage area, a harbour light, the original flagstaff and several old bronze cannons. There is also a tourist information kiosk, cafe, open-air amphitheater, history gallery and souvenir shop in the area.

Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah
Opening hours: 9:00am – 6:30pm (Daily)
Tel: +60 4 263 9855

20. Penang Street Art

Source

Penang is wildly famous for its unique street art by both local and foreign artists. Visitors often explore the streets of George Town in attempt to find the locations of all the famous work of art. And what do you to when you get to each location? Take a selfie of course!

Address: George Town
Opening hours: 24 hours