5 Best Things to Do in Penang

Looking for things to do in Penang? This is for you!

Start with this perfect plan in case you’ve no idea where to start. There’s always something for everyone to enjoy together.

Visit Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR)

As the tallest building in Penang and the eleventh tallest building in Malaysia, KOMTAR is one of the most iconic landmarks in Penang. It's a must-visit attraction while you're in Penang. Apart from being a "home" to the state government's office, it's designed with features of THE TOP KOMTAR.

The TOP offers a one-stop destination for your friends and family members. From children's games to adventure challenges, various built-in adventures are ready for you to explore.

Grab the chance to travel back to dinosaur time by visiting Jurassic Research Center, which has over 200 dinosaurs back to life for you.

You can experience the underwater adventure and get closer to the marine flora and fauna at Penang Boutique Aquarium.

Take the challenges and participate in the world's highest ropes course at The Gravityz and the world's first free-standing vertical drop slide - G-Drop by letting go to slide from 30 feet off the ground at Tech Dome.

After all, you must crave out an evening and step onto its Observatory Deck (level 65) and Rainbow Skywalk (the world's first tower-curved skywalk) at level 68. It's an ideal place for you to fully feel the heart of Penang by standing on top of a tall building (249 m above the ground).  

Connect with Nature

When it comes to connecting with nature, Penang has a place for you.

As awarded to be UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Penang Hill is the perfect getaway for you if you're looking for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's Malaysia's third Biosphere Reserve under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Grab the chance to experience the one and only one funicular railway service in Malaysia that will bring you to the top of Penang Hill. No journey to Penang Hill would be complete without taking this funicular railway service. FUN FACT! Penang Hill funicular railway has the steepest tunnel track in the world.

Besides taking advantage of this funicular railway service, you can opt for the hiking trail to reach the top of Penang Hill. Hiking is one of the best ways to discover the beauty of nature. Put on your best walking shoes and experience this unforgettable adventure.

Once you reach the top of Penang Hill, move your step to The Habitat. It's the perfect place where you can see, touch, and feel the nature surrounding you. Take the opportunity to step onto Langur Way Canopy Walk - the world's highest-altitude stressed ribbon bridge. Up here, you'll get to enjoy every part of nature.

Wondering where to go next? No doubt, make your step towards Batu Ferringhi beach and spend your time there. Have a leisure walk along the beach as it offers a great opportunity for you to take in natural scenes without any distractions.

Schedule your evening time to explore this wonderful beach, as it'll be the best time to enjoy such a remarkable and unforgettable sunset view. This will be the perfect moment to get into the evening mood by witnessing the giant orange ball of the sun sinking into the ocean. Sometimes there is nothing better than witnessing such an incredible sunset before the end of the day. Sunset is still my favourite colour. How about you?

Explore Penang Heritage Buildings

Penang is a city full of history. With an impressive collection of historic buildings, Georgetown Penang was awarded UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City in 2008. Every building has a story to tell.

City Hall

It's the first building in Georgetown, Penang fitted with electric lights and fans. It's also one of the famous British Colonial architecture, built in 1903.

Town Hall

It's located on the south side of the City Hall. It served as the social venue in Penang in the earlier days.

Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

It was built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee by Penang millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897. You'll notice there are only six steps of the staircase when heading up to the main door. It's to indicate the number of decades of Queen Victoria's reign.

Fort Cornwallis

It was built when Captain Francis Light – the founder of Penang, first set foot in Penang in 1786. The statue of Captain Francis Light and the Sri Rambai cannon will be the most photographed artefacts in the fort.

Kapitan Keling Mosque

As the First Arab-Indian mosque and the largest historic mosque in Georgetown, Kapitan Keling Mosque is one of the city's most photographed mosques in Penang. It's built with Moghul architecture design and features beautiful minarets and domes.

Central Fire Station 1908

It's the oldest fire station in Penang with Mughal styles and hints of Edwardian era architecture.

Khoo Kongsi

With more than 100 years of history, this temple belongs to the Khoo Kongsi clan (one of the unique Chinese clan associations in Malaysia). You'll be amazed by its fine Chinese architecture as well as craftsmanship once you step into the temple.

Kek Lok Si Temple

As one of the largest Buddhist Temples in Southeast Asia, this temple features the iconic seven-storey handcrafted "Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas" and 30.2-meter bronze Kuan Yin statue.

Experience Penang Foods

Penang was listed as one of the best cities in the world for food. From the spicy to the sweet and sour, Penang has it all.

Penang Asam Laksa was voted as Number 7 among World's 50 Best Food by CNN Travel. With the combination taste of sweet, sour and spicy, it serves as Malaysian all-time favourite noodle.

Besides Asam Laksa, Char Koay Teow can be said as one of the Penang food that hits the spot for all foodies. It's truly a Penang speciality as it will "touch your heart" and add excitement to your dining experience.

Cendol is one of the ice-cold desserts treated as the perfect dessert to refresh yourself after a long walk in hot weather.

Walking and eating your way through each corner of the street will be the best way to experience Penang. Are you ready to try all of them?

Discover Penang Street Wall Murals

Your journey to Penang will be incomplete without exploring Penang Street Wall Murals. Make sure you explore every corner of the streets, even small and hidden streets. You'll be surprised for discovering some unique murals along your way. You can even opt for the trishaw ride to have a different experience during your journey of "Mural Hunting"  in Georgetown, Penang.

There's so much to do in Penang, Malaysia. You can't see, eat and do it all in this beautiful destination at one time. It's one of the must-visit destinations in Southeast Asia worth exploring again and again. Start planning your trip to Penang now!