Penang Things to Do - 23 Activities and Sights

Dieser Artikel ist auch verfügbar auf: Deutsch

The Malaysian island of Penang is located in the northwest of the country and is a popular tourist destination. Especially the capital, George Town, is heavily visited, partly due to the beautiful street art that you can admire on many house walls.

Tips for Sightseeing and Activities on Penang

Besides street art, Penang has many other attractions and activities to offer. You can try the incredibly delicious cuisine, go to the beach, or visit Harmony Lane, where you will find a mosque, a Hindu temple, a Chinese temple, and a church.

The sights of Penang are diverse. In the following article, you will get 23 tips for a varied and enjoyable stay on the Malaysian island of Penang.

How to get to Penang

To get to the Malaysian island of Penang, there are many ways of transportation available. The fastest option is usually by air, which you can often get at a reasonable price from various airlines, such as Air Asia. They fly to various destinations within Malaysia as well as international destinations like Thailand, China, or Indonesia. You can find more information about destinations and prices at Skyscanner.

Other options include the bus, which has many connections within the country, and the train. However, the train only goes to Butterworth on the mainland, where you will still need to transfer to Penang. Since the island is connected to the mainland of Malaysia by a bridge, there are some buses that go directly to Penang. You can find more information, as well as prices and tickets for buses and the trains, at 12go.asia.

Since Penang is an island, there is also the option of taking a ferry, either from the mainland or from the northwestern island of Langkawi and Sumatra. The travel time can range from 3 to 6 hours.

Accommodation in Penang – our hotel tip

For accommodation in Penang, we can recommend Campbell House. It has an excellent location, just a few meters from the bustling Lebuh Chulia street, making it a great starting point for exploring George Town on foot. The staff is very friendly and always ready to help. The rooms are very clean and elegantly furnished in colonial style. A highlight is the restaurant that offers breakfast on the rooftop terrace.

You can find a wide selection of budget-friendly hotels in George Town here.

1. George Town Street Art

Penang’s capital, George Town, is well-known beyond the country’s borders for its fascinating and diverse street art that adorns numerous walls in the city. Many of the most famous pieces were created by the Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic in 2012.

The child on the motorcycle is one of the artist’s most famous works, and you often encounter many other visitors here. So, it might happen that you have to wait a few minutes to take a picture of the artwork.

Penang Tourism offers an official street art brochure, where you can find many of the famous pieces. However, it’s more fun to simply wander the streets of George Town and discover many of them on your own.

There is really a lot to discover, and that makes Penang, especially George Town, something special. By the way, if you’re into street art, we can also recommend a visit to Ipoh. It’s still quite untouristic, and there are also many impressive street art works to discover.

2. Penang Hill

In the suburb of George Town, Air Itam, you’ll find Penang Hill. Known as Bukit Bendera in Malay, this 830-meter-high mountain is a popular destination on the island. To reach the summit, you can take a train ride that takes about 10-15 minutes.

Once you reach the top, besides the fantastic view of Penang and the Malay Peninsula, there are other attractions you can visit. These include a mosque, a Hindu temple, and a botanical garden.

You can find more information about this great excursion destination in our article about Penang Hill (coming soon in English).

3. Kek Lok Si Temple

You can easily combine a trip to the Kek Lok Si Temple with Penang Hill. On foot, these two highlights of Penang are only 15 minutes apart. The Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, and its name roughly translates to the Temple of Supreme Bliss.

Visiting the Kek Lok Si Temple is completely free. However, you will need to pay for some areas, like the Pagoda of the 10,000 Buddhas or the elevator to the giant Kuan Yin statue. You can find more information here (coming soon in English).

4. Khoo Kongsi Clan House

The Khoo Kongsi is one of the oldest clan houses in Penang, built in 1902 by a Chinese clan from the Hokkien province. Today, the clan house is a popular tourist attraction.

The house consists of two floors. On the ground floor, you will find a museum about the clan and an attached kitchen with recreated figures depicting old times. Upstairs, you will find the elaborately decorated prayer hall and other rooms, all impressively furnished.

You can enter the Khoo Kongsi Clan House from Lebuh Cannon. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and you need to purchase a ticket for the price of 10 RM as an entry fee. It is closed on Sundays and holidays.

5. Kapitan Keling Mosque

The Kapitan Keling Mosque was built by some of the first Muslim settlers of Penang in the late 17th century. However, the original structure underwent frequent renovations over many centuries until it assumed its present form.

You can see the tall minaret from a distance, from which the muezzin calls to prayer daily. There is also a madrasah, a place where Muslims can take religious lessons. You can visit the mosque for free daily outside of prayer times from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

By the way, the mosque is located on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, which is also known as Harmony Lane in Penang, as you can find many other buildings of different religions here, such as the Sri Mariamman Temple, the Goddess of Mercy Temple, or St. George’s Church.

6. Sri Mariamman Temple

Also known as Arulmigu Sri Mahamariamman Temple, this is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. It was built to cater to the needs of the Indian population in the adjacent Little India. The current temple was built in 1833, but a shrine has been on this site since 1801.

The back entrance of the temple faces Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling and is part of the Harmony Lane. Externally, it is highly decorated and colorful, and inside, you will find statues of Hindu gods and an overall unique atmosphere typical of many Hindu temples.

As a visitor, you can visit the temple for free from 6:30 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Donations to the temple are welcome.

7. Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Im Teng)

Built by the Chinese settlers of Penang around 1800, the temple is now visited not only by Chinese descendants but also by many tourists. The Goddess of Mercy Temple, also known locally as Kuan Im Teng Temple, was erected in honor of Kuan Yin.

The temple also honors Ma Chor, the patron deity of seafarers. Many devotees pray in the temple, giving it a fragrant aroma of incense. It’s well worth a quick trip down Harmony Lane – which is, incidentally, free.

8. St. George’s Church

St. George’s Church is also located along Harmony Lane, or Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. After the mosque and the Hindu and Chinese temples, there is even a church here.

The church, built in 1818, is one of the oldest in Southeast Asia, and it was constructed in various styles of Neoclassicism, Georgian, and English architecture. Since 2007, it has been recognized as one of Malaysia’s 50 national treasures.

The last restoration took place in 2009. Inside, the church is very simply furnished, and you can visit it for free during the daytime. However, photography inside is not allowed. It’s definitely worth a short stop during a stroll along Harmony Lane.

9. Cheong Fatt Tze (Blue) Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze’s blue mansion is located in the northern part of the old town of George Town. It was built in the late 19th century, and the villa earned the nickname Blue Mansion due to its blue-painted exterior walls.
You can explore some of the 38 rooms of the mansion during daily tours held at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM. The price for this is 16 RM per person.

In the year 2000, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was also awarded the UNESCO Heritage Conservation Award. If you are interested in the history of Penang, you should not miss this part.

10. Town Hall and Promenade

The Town Hall of George Town was built in 1903 in the baroque style and is located almost directly on the promenade. It is a beautiful photo subject from the outside, but inside, it is only accessible to the public during certain exhibitions, concerts, or the George Town Festival.

You can also use the promenade for some beautiful photos and a stroll. However, many visitors only come here when the sun is slowly setting. You will also find a food court by the sea, which fills up with Malaysian families in the evening.

11. Fort Cornwallis

Near the Town Hall and promenade of George Town, you will also find Fort Cornwallis. The fortress is the longest well-preserved one in Malaysia and popular among many visitors to Penang. It was built in the early 19th century to protect the British trade route from pirate attacks.

Inside, you can admire old cannons, visit an amphitheater, or simply walk along the 3-meter-high wall. There is also a souvenir shop and a gallery showcasing the history of Fort Cornwallis.

Fort Cornwallis is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and the entrance fee is 20 RM per person.

12. Queen Victoria Clock Tower

The Jubilee Clock Tower, also known as the Queen Victoria Clock Tower, stands at the corner of Light Street and Beach Street, at a roundabout. It was built in honor of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

The tower has been slightly tilted since the bombings during World War II, but it’s hardly noticeable to the naked eye. Another landmark in the city to explore when you’re near Fort Cornwallis.

13. Upside Down Museum

Penang’s Upside Down Museum is a museum of a different kind and guarantees fun for everyone. The museum opened in August 2015, offering over 20 rooms to take fantastic photos.
In each room, you’ll find something different – a bathroom, a kitchen, an exterior facade, or a bedroom. As the name suggests, everything is upside down, making it look like you’re floating in the air in the photos. It’s a great way to have some fun in Penang.

The Upside Down Museum is open daily from 8:45 AM to 5:30 PM and has an admission fee of 27 RM.

14. Try Penang’s Cuisine

Penang Island is not only known for its street art but also for its excellent cuisine. At every corner, you’ll find a food stall, a warung, a restaurant, or a hawker center waiting for you. There are countless dishes to try because Penang’s cuisine is truly diverse, influenced by various cultures, including China, Malaysia, and more.

Some dishes you must absolutely try in Penang include the famous Asam Laksa soup, Hokkien Mee, and Curry Mee. To learn more about these dishes, take a look at our Malaysia Food Guide (coming soon in English).

A great way to get to know the cuisine is by taking a Streetfood Tour through George Town. A guide will introduce you to the city’s history and show you various dishes you can try.

15. Wonderfood Museum

Because Penang’s cuisine is so famous, there’s also a museum dedicated to it – the Wonderfood Museum. Inside, numerous Malaysian dishes are displayed in an enlarged form, giving you a great insight into what you should definitely try.
Just representing the dishes would be a bit boring, so they are partly presented in a gigantic size, making the museum something special. It is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the admission fee is 25 RM per person.

16. Floating Mosque at Tanjung Bungah Beach

At Tanjung Bungah Beach, just before Batu Ferringhi (see the last point), you will find the Floating Mosque. However, it doesn’t actually float; it has been built on stilts in the sea.

The mosque is relatively new and was constructed between 2005 and 2007 as a replacement for another mosque that was nearby. The large mosque can accommodate nearly 1500 worshipers and can be visited for free daily, except during prayer times.

17. Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram is the largest Thai Buddhist temple in Penang. A definite highlight is the 33-meter-long reclining Buddha statue inside, often mentioned as one of the three largest in the world. Whether that’s true is up for debate, but it’s impressive nonetheless.

Construction of the temple began as early as 1845. On the temple grounds, you will find many other shrines and Buddhist as well as Hindu statues. Along the walls of the main temple, there are also numerous paintings depicting the life of Buddha.

You can visit the temple for free from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. By the way, you can take Bus 101 from George Town to the temple for about 2 RM. The bus departs from locations such as Lebuh Chulia or the Komtar Bus Terminal. You should get off at Jalan Burma.

18. Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

Founded in 1803, the Burmese Dhammikarama Temple is located directly across from the Thai Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram in Penang. It was one of the first Burmese temples in Malaysia and remains a frequently visited place of worship today.

The spacious temple grounds are beautifully landscaped and house several Buddhist statues, pagodas, as well as many images at the entrance depicting the life of Buddha. From the pagoda in the rear area, you can enjoy a great view of the entire compound.

You can visit the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple daily, free of charge. Donations are also appreciated here.

Together with the Thai temple, the Dhammikarama Temple is definitely a hidden gem in Penang. Highly recommended!

19. Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple

The Taoist Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple was built in 1845 and is dedicated to Tua Pek Kong. It symbolically represented the values of the community and was used for rituals similar to those in the Fujian Province of China.

Over time, the temple fell into disrepair, but in 2006, some Chinese craftsmen renovated it, and you can now marvel at it in its current form. Inside, you will find a few altars, and the whole place is impressively adorned.

You can visit the Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple daily, free of charge. It is located at the corner of Lebuh Armenian and Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling.

20. Penang National Park

The Penang National Park is located in the northern part of the island and is a great day-trip destination. The national park covers only 25 square kilometers, making it the smallest in Malaysia. You can see a variety of plant and animal species in the park in just one day.

Within the national park, there are several hiking trails that lead to the highlights. Most visitors hike to Monkey Beach (Teluk Duyung), Turtle Beach (Pantai Kerachut), or Muka Head Lighthouse. Most attractions require a walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, which is relatively easy to manage.

The Penang National Park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and admission is free. You only need to register at the entrance with your passport.

21. Clan Jetties and the Floating Temple

The Clan Jetties are another highlight of George Town. You can find them near Lebuh Armenian, right by the water. The Chinese clans have built their houses on stilts around various piers, which attract many tourists. Visiting during sunset, when you can gaze out at the sea, is worthwhile.

The Chew Jetty is the most visited Clan Jetty. You can watch the sunset here, and you’ll also find a few shops with souvenirs and trinkets. Another highlight is the Tan Jetty. While it may be less crowded here, from the end of the pier, you have a great view of the floating temple, Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin. It may be somewhat kitschily lit, but it still makes for a beautiful photo opportunity.

Since the Clan Jetties are free to enter, you can explore them at your leisure and take some great photos.

From the Clan Jetties, you can also embark on private city tours, where you can explore attractions like the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Fort Cornwallis, or the oldest temple in Penang.

22. Chulia Street – Backpacker District

Lebuh Chulia is also known as the backpacker district of Penang. Here, you will find numerous hostels and affordable hotels for backpackers. Chulia Street is a very long street that stretches through large parts of George Town. You can find the backpacker area near Love Lane.

Along Lebuh Chulia, you’ll also find many bars, restaurants, and a small night market where many backpackers gather in the evening, and you can meet fellow travelers. Numerous travel agencies have also established themselves here.

The street, with its old buildings, exudes a special charm for many travelers and is therefore a popular nightlife district with several accommodation options.

23. Batu Ferringhi Beach and Night Market

In the northwest of George Town, you’ll find the most popular beach in Penang, Batu Ferringhi. There are plenty of hotels along the beach, so you don’t necessarily have to stay in George Town; you can also find accommodation right on the beach.

In addition to the hotels and some restaurants, during the day, the beach offers a variety of water sport activities like kite surfing and kayaking.

Evenings are not dull either. You can visit the Batu Ferringhi Night Market. After sunset, numerous stalls are set up there, selling handicrafts, souvenirs, or even some Malaysian delicacies.

Penang: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Penang in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Penang.

Have you ever been to Penang? What attraction or activity did you enjoy the most there? We look forward to your comment.