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Destinations > Asia > Malaysia > Exploring Penang: The Pearl of the Orient

MORE OF MALAYSIA: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, The Habitat, Historical Malacca, The Lost World of Ipoh,
Cameron Highlands, Johor Bahru, Delicious Straits Recipes, and Johor Bahru to Singapore

Penang Island, officially Pulau Pinang, is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Filled with a variety of Malaysian delicacies and street foods, Penang is famously known as the “Food Paradise” of Malaysia. Even though it is the second smallest state in Malaysia, there are a considerable amount of things to do in Penang to enjoy!

In addition to grabbing an award winning food tour to guide you through Penang’s famous food and cuisine, you can also find a number of historical places to visit in Penang - some of which are inspired by British colonialism such as the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower in Georgetown, the capital city of Penang. However, since Penang is mostly populated by the ethnic Chinese, or Penangite Chinese, you’ll notice how some of the beautiful architectural works here are Chinese-inspired.

By having a collection of colonial British buildings, pre-war shophouses, and unique Chinese temples located mostly in Georgetown, the city was named as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008! So, if you’re planning a tour of this beautiful Malaysian state, continue reading below for our list of Penang attractions.

You can also take a ferry out to the island of Langkawi and explore the amazing Geoforest and Mangroves not far away!

So let’s begin the Journey...

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Eco-Tourism in Penang

Penang Hill

Penang Hill, known as Bukit Bendera in Malay, is the highest point in Penang at about 833 meters above sea level and was once a retreat during the British colonial period. It has now become one of the most famous destinations in Penang due to its refreshingly cool breeze and its incredible view of the city below. A few other attractions that are on Penang Hill are “The Habitat” as well as one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang - Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple.

If you’re in need of a more beautiful view, get to the hill as early as 6.30 a.m. to witness the magnificent sunrise! Not a morning person? Head there around 5 p.m. and wait for the golden hour.

Penang Hill is open daily from 6.30 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. and is accessible via a tram ride or – if you’re feeling adventurous – a hiking trail! The Penang Hill tram ticket costs around MYR30 for adults and MYR15 for children. You can also get a fast-lane ticket for MYR80 and MYR40 if you don’t want to wait in long lines. For those who would like to try the Penang Hill hiking trails, you can download the map and GPS coordinates for 26 entrances and 12 of their popular rest stops here.

The Habitat Penang

The Habitat is a perfect place for nature lovers. Located on Penang Hill, it offers you an opportunity to experience and learn more about the Malaysian Rainforest - and provides for a truly unique “Forest Bathing” experience as well (not literally “bathing”). In this 130-million-year-old forest, the naturalists will guide you through the Nature Trail where you will see various species of plants and animals - such as Black Giant Squirrels, flying lemurs, and Dusky-Leaf Monkeys. Enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Penang by visiting the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk and then have a little adventure flying around on the Zip-Line course as well!

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., The Habitat Penang Hill ticket price differs according to the package that you choose. For Standard Entrance with a self-guided walk, the fee is MYR55 for adults and MYR35 for children, students, and senior citizens. However, if you’re looking for a full experience of the rainforest, the Premium Rainforest Experience entry costs around MYR200 per adult and MYR170 for children.

See our full article on The Habitat for more information about this amazing place!

Hillside Retreat Penang

Developed by the British back in the 18th century, this Colonial Hill station is the oldest station found in Peninsular Malaysia. After a tiring day hiking up Penang hill, we recommend staying at this century-old bungalow for its relaxing view of the lush green rainforest. The tranquil surroundings of the retreat will definitely leave your mind at peace as it can act as a perfect getaway from the busy concrete jungle.

Hillside Retreat also has camping available! For a more luxurious stay, try out the Hickory.

Monkeycup & Kopi Hutan

Coffee lovers must visit this unique café surrounded by nature the moment they get to Penang. To visit Monkey Cup Café Penang, first make your way to the Upper Hill Station of Penang Hill and then hop aboard a buggy car - or wait for the 4WD car - to take you to the café.

Grab a table and then order their signature Kopi Hutan - which translates to Jungle Coffee in English. This aromatic coffee is made by blending five types of coffee beans from five different countries - how cool is that?! Also, don’t forget to try their delicious Onde-onde cake which is a cake inspired by a Malaysian traditional delicacy, “Onde-onde.”

The cafe opens daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. After enjoying a hot cup of coffee accompanied by delicious cakes, you should also check out their Monkey Cup Garden which has a collection of Pitcher plants from different countries all over the world. However, a small fee is needed to gain entry to the garden: MYR12 for adults and MYR6 for kids!

Penang National Park

Taman Negara Pulau Penang, the official Malay name, is a national park that is located about an hour and a half northwest of the city of Georgetown. This is the perfect place to do a little jungle trekking and/or hiking. So, grab a map from the park’s office - or simply take a photo of the huge map posted at the entrance - and get back into nature!

At Penang National Park, you can find two hiking trails:

The first trail will take you along the coast and lead you to the Penang National Park Monkey Beach.
The other trail leads you over the hills and through the green jungle where you will find beautiful remote beaches and the turtle sanctuary!

If you would like to try both trails you will need to plan for a couple of days here, so you could even consider camping in the national park! Alternatively, you could take a traditional Malaysian boat, called a Teluk Duyung, to Monkey Beach as well. Another attraction that you can find here is the Muka Head Lighthouse - a 14-meter high lighthouse that was built by the British in 1883.

The Penang National Park entrance fee is non-existent - that’s right, it’s completely free! However, you are required to register your name at the entrance and if you wish to visit the Canopy Walkway, you will have to pay MYR5.

Entopia

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is a tropical sanctuary that houses different species of colorful butterflies, insects, and reptiles. Roam around The Natureland – a garden filled with small animals and insects living in their natural habitat – and the largest butterfly garden in Malaysia that consists of about 60 different species of butterflies! This garden is also decorated with over 200 species of live plants and trees with ponds, waterfalls, and caves making the area even more alive.

After allowing a few wild butterflies to land on your hands, continue to The Cocoon - a building divided into two floors of learning exhibitions and indoor activities where visitors are guided to participate in fun activities and interact with the attractions – such as the Pandora Forest, Metamorphosis, and Underground Mysteries.

The Butterfly Farm Penang entrance fee is MYR62 for those aged 13 and above while kids 12 or under are MYR44. Also, do keep in mind that Entopia is closed on Wednesdays.

There is a 2-stop tour that will bring you to Entopia and the Tropical Spice Garden, which makes planning and logistics considerably easier. Additionally, there is a unique Jungle Trekking experience here as well!

Tropical Spice Garden

Another enchanting highlight of Penang is the Tropical Spice Garden, Asia’s hidden Eden that is located in Teluk Bahang, Penang. Recognized as the best flower garden in the city, Tropical Spice Garden Penang now houses more than 500 exotic species of tropical plants, herbs, and spices! Visitors can wander around the garden by following the trails and pathways through the jungle terraces while enjoying the sound of natural streams. This is one of the 2 highlights on the 2-stop tour that brings you to Entopia.

If you have more time to spend, sign up for their Hands-on Cooking Classes where talented chefs will share their traditional family recipes! However, the classes are only limited to 8 people per session. The garden also opens daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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Penang Botanical Garden

Serenity is the perfect word to describe this Botanical Garden in Penang. Even though it was once a quarry site in the 18th century, this garden is now one of the top destinations in Penang. You can easily find locals jogging on the paths and the beautiful landscape makes it perfect for a picnic. Various unique plants and trees can be found around the garden such as the cannonball tree – which is usually the spot for monkeys to hang around – as well as the Black Lily, a blackish-purple colored flower.

This garden is also known for the cascading waterfall that is found nearby. Unfortunately, it is no longer open to the public – unless you get approval from the Penang Water Authority. It is also one of the main starting points if you’re planning to hike up to the top of Penang Hill.

The Penang Botanical Garden entrance fee is also non-existent (yes, free!) and it opens daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

History & Culture in Penang

Kek Lok Si Temple

Known as the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si Temple is an important pilgrimage center for Buddhists from Southeast Asia countries. Built in the late 18th century, the main building of the temple is called Pagoda of Rama VI and houses the bronze statues of Buddha, including the 37 meter tall statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. The whole complex is decorated with hanging lanterns. You can also find fish ponds and flower gardens around the temple.

If you happen to be in Penang during the Chinese New Year, be sure to visit this temple late at night as it has thousands of festive lights and lanterns turned on, making it visible even from far away!

Kek Lok Si Temple opening hours: 8.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m. It is free to enter!

Eastern & Oriental Hotel

The Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang, known globally as the famous E&O, is an exquisite hotel located in the heart of Georgetown. For over a century, the hotel has been preserving its British Colonial style. The moment you step into the lobby, you’ll feel like you have been transported back to the Victorian Era!

“Staff are friendly and efficient (deferential porters are dressed in pith helmets, white shorts and knee socks) and the atmosphere deluxe. Rooms are decked out with cool white linens and polished marble floors and in-room conveniences subtly and cleverly include modern comforts such as cable TV, Wi-Fi and the works into its Victorian façade. Over the years the Eastern & Oriental Hotel has made a concerted effort by means of refurbishments to recreate the time period within the modern building: all in all, it pulls off the colonial vibe flawlessly.” - Penang by Hotels.com

Relax in the clean and spacious suites overlooking the sea, and try some of the hotel’s popular restaurants – The Java Tree, a restaurant that serves Straits Nyonya favorites and Classic European dishes and Farquhar’s Bar, a vintage cocktail bar where you can enjoy after-dinner drinks while gazing at Penang’s Waterfront outside the window. It truly feels like you’re stepping back in time!

The TOP Penang @ KOMTAR

Also known as The TOP Komtar, Penang, this fun attraction is definitely a must-visit for both adults and kids. Located in the tallest building in Penang, The TOP has a lot more to offer than just a magnificent view of the city from the Rainbow Walk!

There is a boutique aquarium with a myriad of marine life and the Jurassic Research Centre - where you and your kids can learn about what the earth was like a million years ago. Our son loved both of these exhibits as he was already an avid lover of fish and, likely because of the Jurassic Research Centre, now really enjoys everything involving dinosaurs!

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can head on to GravityZ, located on the 65th floor of The TOP Komtar - where you get to challenge your fear of heights by going through obstacles on the worlds highest ropes course - in the open air at 239 meters above the ground! Need even more adrenaline adventure activities? Check out the ESCAPE Theme Park as well.

The TOP is open every day except Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

George Town Street Art

Noticeable almost instantly upon your arrival in George Town, Penang, is the colorful and vibrant street art. Not only just paintings and murals on the walls around the city, but certain art exhibits even involve physical objects - such as the iconic old bicycle with a painting of two little kids riding it.

Some of the artworks are funny and will definitely put a smile on your face. You’ll also happen upon many of these murals while on the history walk - or you can also rent bicycles and cycle around the vibrant streets to find them on your own!

Wonderfood Museum Penang

This food museum in Penang is also located in Georgetown, not far from Little India and a number of the more famous street art.

Wonderfood is a unique museum that displays replicas of local foods that are larger than you! These realistic food replicas are handcrafted Sean Lao, the owner of the museum himself! Set in an old Colonial building, the museum is divided into three different galleries:

Info Zone - a section that shows how locals eat on a typical day
Wow Zone - a gallery that is full of humongous food replicas
Educational Zone - a section that educates the visitor about how certain dishes cause negative impacts on the environment

Wonderfood Museum Penang ticket price: MYR25 for adults and MYR15 for children.

The museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you’re looking for a real food experience in Penang, check out the 3-hour heritage on a plate food tour - where you’ll get to try Penang’s famous dishes, desserts, and beverages!

Little India

Little India, Penang is located in the center of the heritage zone in Georgetown and is filled with loud Indian music and colorful street lights. The local Indians in this area occasionally wear their traditional clothes - saree and dhoti.

Known as Little Madras by the British, Penang’s Little India is also well known for its food - and that’s why it’s one of the major stops on the History Walk around Georgetown. Make sure to try some of the delicious homemade Kesari and Ladoos while you are here!

Also, do not leave Little India without trying the iconic Banana Leaf Rice, and perhaps, if you still have some room in your stomach, order a plate of biryani, and cheese naan too!

Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion

If you ever watched the film Crazy Rich Asians, you’ll recognize this iconic architectural gem in Georgetown. In the film, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, a.k.a. “The Blue Mansion,” is where Michelle Yeoh & Constance Wu had their Mahjong showdown!

This indigo-blue mansion was built by the Chinese merchant named Cheong Fatt Tze. It has a total of 38 rooms, 5 courtyards, 7 staircases, and 220 louvre windows. Originally served as a private residence for Cheong, this beautiful Imperial-Chinese-style mansion now operates as a hotel and a museum.

If you are planning to visit the museum, you will need to join a guided tour of the mansion. The tour guide will tell you stories about how the mansion was first built and the history behind it over the course of about 45 minutes. However, certain parts of the mansion are not accessible to maintain the hotel guests’ privacy - but, you can access these areas as well if you are staying at the mansion!

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion ticket price is MYR25 for adults and MYR12.50 for children below 12!

Fort Cornwallis

Also known as Kota Cornwallis in Malay, this fort is the most famous landmark in Penang. This bastion fort in Georgetown was built by the British East India Company back in the 18th century. Even though this fort is the largest standing fort in Malaysia, it was never used in combat. Back in those years, there were 77 cannons installed along the walls of the fort. However, now, only 17 cannons remain today.

Fort Cornwallis ticket price is MYR20 for adults and MYR10 for children. This historical fort also opens daily from 9 a.m. up to 10 p.m.

PRO TIP: Entry is free after sundown!

Penang Town Hall & City Hall

The Penang Town Hall is an administrative building built by the British in the late 18th century. It once housed the Municipal Commission of George Town and acted as the place for social events for the European Elites. Now, the Town Hall is used for public events such as the annual George Town festival.

Adjacent to this beautiful white building is the City Hall. Located at Esplanade Road overlooking the parade ground, the City Hall now functions as the seat of the Penang Island City Council.

Many people hang out and picnic in the field between these halls and the area that Fort Cornwallis is located in. If you’re looking for a little relaxation, this is a great place to grab a little food and sit down.

Kapitan Keling Mosque

Another famous landmark in Penang, Kapitan Keling Mosque, a.k.a. “Masjid Kapitan Keling,” is the largest mosque in Georgetown. This mosque was built by an Indian Muslim settler back in the early 18th century.

It is a magnificent white mosque that is topped with golden domes and features an Indian-Islamic minaret as well as spectacular views during sunset!

If you wish to enter the mosque, be sure to be properly dressed - women must wear long pants or skirts, and their heads must be covered. For men, you have to wear long pants and appropriate shirts. To get a more in-depth experience, with an brief introduction to the Muslim practice, join a history walk.

Featured

Best Things to do in Penang

Penang Island is a great place for everyone - from those who love history to those who are nature lovers. If you need a budget trip, you can never go wrong with Penang as there are a lot of affordable boutique hotels and cheap street food that will make you drool!

However, if you only have a short amount of time to spend in Penang, here is what we recommend for the best 1-day experience:

Choose the Blue Mansion or the Eastern and Oriental Hotel for your base
Start your day out at The Habitat for a morning forest bathing experience - consider adding in a Colonial Style lunch
Stop by Kek Lok Si Temple for some photos, history, and Buddhist culture
Grab an early evening award winning food tour around Georgetown while looking for some of the famous street art.

This will be give you the very best 1-day experience of Penang - a little taste of everything - that you’ll be sure to remember forever! You can even make this your customized Penang day if you're on the “Bangkok to Singapore” adventure trip.

So, pack your bags and travel to Penang as soon as you can - you won’t regret it!

FAQ’s

How much does it cost to visit Penang Hill and the Kek Lok Si Temple?

The cost of visiting Penang Hill and the Kek Lok Si Temple depends on the mode of transportation and the entrance fees. The most popular way to reach Penang Hill is by taking the funicular train, which costs RM 30 for adults and RM 15 for children for a round trip¹. The Kek Lok Si Temple is located near the base of Penang Hill and can be reached by walking or taking a taxi. The temple itself is free to enter, but there are some optional attractions within the temple complex that require a fee, such as the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas (RM 2), the Inclined Lift (RM 3), and the Statue of Kuan Yin (RM 2)².

What are some other attractions or activities in Penang besides the ones mentioned in the article?

Penang has many other attractions and activities to offer besides the ones mentioned in the article, such as the Penang National Park, the Penang Street Art, the Penang Peranakan Mansion, the Penang Butterfly Farm, the Penang Tropical Spice Garden, and the Penang War Museum. These places showcase the natural, cultural, and historical diversity of Penang and cater to different interests and preferences³.

How is the public transportation system in Penang and what are the best ways to get around the island?

The public transportation system in Penang consists of buses, taxis, trishaws, and ferries. The buses are operated by Rapid Penang and cover most of the island and the mainland. The fares range from RM 1.40 to RM 4.00 depending on the distance. The taxis are metered, but some drivers may refuse to use them and charge a fixed price instead. The average fare for a short trip within George Town is RM 10. The trishaws are traditional three-wheeled vehicles that offer a leisurely and scenic ride around the heritage sites of George Town. The fare is negotiable, but usually around RM 30 to RM 40 per hour. The ferries connect Penang Island and Butterworth on the mainland and operate every 20 to 30 minutes. The fare is RM 1.20 for adults and RM 0.60 for children for a one-way trip. The best way to get around Penang depends on the budget, time, and destination of the traveler. For convenience and flexibility, taxis are the best option, but they can be expensive and hard to find during peak hours. For affordability and accessibility, buses are the best option, but they can be crowded and slow during traffic jams. For novelty and nostalgia, trishaws are the best option, but they are limited to certain areas and can be tiring in hot weather. For crossing the sea, ferries are the best option, but they can be delayed by weather conditions.

(1) Penang - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penang.

(2) THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Penang - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298302-Activities-Penang.html.

(3) Penang travel - Lonely Planet | Malaysia, Asia. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia/peninsular-malaysia-west-coast/pulau-penang.