Must visit places in Penang — 19 top, must-go & best places to visit in Penang

This mansion is now a hotel, and is also a sightseeing spot in Penang that attracts many tourists. You can come here to admire the architecture, stop to enjoy a delicious meal, even stay overnight.

Address: 14, Leith St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opened: 1904
Hours: 11AM–12PM, 2–3PM, 3:30–4:30PM
Phone: +60 4-262 0006

What to eat near Cheong Fatt Tze?

Hameediyah Restaurant (Combination of Malay-Indian cuisine with curry dishes)

Address: 164, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hours: 10AM–10PM / Friday: 10AM–12:30PM, 3–10PM
Phone: +60 4-261 1095

Kek Seng (Where you can find desserts: ice cream, sweets, shaved ice, jelly … all on a plate, sweet, cool)

Address: 382 & 384, Jalan Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hours: 9AM–5PM / Monday: Closed
Phone: +60 16-412 1300

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

In addition to the Blue Mansion, Pinang Peranakan Mansion is one of Penang’s famous and distinctive tourist spots. The mansion was once owned by a Chinese Tycoon in the 19th century, Chung Keng Quee. He was one of the richest people in Penang at the time. Later it was turned into a museum.

Peranakan is the name of Chinese immigrants who came to Malaysia in the 16th century. Over time, the group developed their own unique culture, cuisine and even developed the local language. Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a window that leads you into this world.

From the outside, the mansion has been striking with beautiful jade green. This is a outstanding check-in spot that tourists probably don’t want to miss. The architecture of Pinang Peranakan mansion is a combination of China and Europe. Not only is a beautiful house, you can learn about the rich of Peranakan history here.

Peranakan Mansion is also the settings of many famous movies. It used to be the residence and office of Chung Keng Quee, who used to work as Kapitan, a colonial governor. The building symbolizes the wealth of the 19th-century governors in Penang with sophisticated Chinese wood carvings and more than 1.000 artifacts and painting collections.

Address: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Floors: 2
Hours: 9:30AM–5PM
Phone: +60 4-264 2929
Url: http://www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my/

What to eat near Pinang Peranakan?

Auntie Gaik Lean’s (Where you can enjoy spicy Malaysian dishes)

Address: 1, Bishop Street Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Malaysia
Hours: 12–2:30PM, 6–9:30PM / Monday: Closed
Phone: +60 17-434 4398

Jawi House Cafe Gallery (The cafe has a vintage style, ancient, suggesting a slight association to Hoi An, Vietnam)

Address: 85, Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10200 Penang Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hours: 11AM–10PM / Tuesday: Closed
Phone: +60 4-261 3680
Url: https://jawihouse.com

Fort Cornwallis

Located along the northeastern coast of Penang Island, Fort Cornwallis is Malaysia’s largest fortress. The fortress was built in 1786, when Captain Francis Light took over Penang from the Sultan of Kedah.

Cornwallis fortress is star-shaped, it still keep its original structure and works such as prisons, ammunition storage areas, harbor lighting and some old brass cannons. To get this because the fortress has never been attacked.

Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opened: 1810
Hours: 9AM–10PM
Phone: +60 4-263 9855

What to eat near Fort Cornwallis?

Hameed Pata Special Mee (where you can find traditional Malaysian noodles)

Address: 5, Explanade park, Lebuh Light, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Hours: 11:30AM–8PM / Sunday: Closed
Phone: +60 13-431 9384

Hussain Pasembur

This is a paradise of mixed dishes. Pasembur is a mixed dish of boiled eggs, squid, fried shrimp, octopus, sausage … mixed with sweet and sour sauce, rich spicy. Give this Malaysian mixed dish to the list to try it out.

Address: Medan Renong, 29, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hours: 11:45AM–12:15AM
Phone: +60 19-477 5786

Penang Botanic Gardens

Let’s discover a green space in Penang at Penang Botanic Gardens, located in the city boundary. Penang Botanic Gardens is also known as the Park of waterfalls because there are waterfalls near the gardens.

Before becoming Penang Botanic Gardens, it used to be an old quarry. Only in the late 1880s, the garden was founded by the British.

Especially, Penang Botanic Gardens covers an area of up to 30 hectares, with the most beautiful jogging and climbing path on the island. Follow the trail that will lead you to the top of Penang (Bukit Bendera peak), where you will have spectacular island views. The trail begins at Moon Gate near the entrance to the park along Jalan Kebun Bunga.

Address: Kompleks Pentadbiran,Bangunan Pavilion, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hours: 8AM–5PM
Saturday, Sunday: Closed
Phone: +60 4-226 4401

What to eat near Penang Botanic Gardens?

Waterfall Café (Address: Jalan Air Terjun, George Town, 10470 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia): A simple Indian eatery right at the Botanic Gardens entrance. Some dishes to try: cari, naan, roti, sambals.

Astaka Bukit Bendera or Cliff Cafe (Address: Astaka Bukit Bendera, Jalan Tunku Yahaya Petra, 10000 Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia / Hours: 9AM–6PM / Phone: +60 4-828 8880) 3-storey café in Penang Hill, so the view is quite nice.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si is considered as one of the largest temples in Asia. The temple is located at the top of the Air Itam hill, facing the sea, opened since 1905. Not only a normal temple, Kek Lok Si also includes a number of prayer rooms, monasteries, flower gardens and statues. For a small fee, you can take the elevator to the top of the mountain or if you feel energized, you can walk.

In addition to the majestic Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara statue 30 meters high, visitors will find a large lake full of koi carp and admire the cityscape from above. Kek Lok Si Temple is one of Penang’s most famous attractions.

Address: 1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opened: 1905
Construction started: 1890
Area: 4 ha
Phone: +60 4-828 3317

Penang Hill

Just 5 minutes by rail, you can step into heaven, Penang Hill. At the top of Penang Hill, you will admire the panoramic landscape as well as enjoy a slightly lower temperature than the town of Georgetown below.

You can also join a buggy tour, discover many beautiful old houses along the way, or climb to the top of Penang Hill if you want, but many people choose the railroad when going up and take a leisurely stroll on the road when going down.

Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi, located on the northern coast of the island, is one of the largest tourist centers in Penang. You will see many beaches stretching, as well as restaurants and hotels open all night. Although there are many beaches here, they are probably not very clean because of crowded with tourists, and jellyfish are also a problem for you.

If you want to walk away from the crowd a bit, you can going to the lighthouse of Muka Head. From the lighthouse, you can see the whole shimmering beach at night. After a day spent at the beach, go to Teluk Bahang Pier, where there are many unique seafood restaurants to choose from.

Penang National Park

To experience the natural, pristine area of the island, take the time to visit Penang National Park. The park boasts a wide range of terrain and landscapes, meaning you can wander through the forest and then relax on the beach in the same park.

Famous beaches like Monkey Beach and Teluk Kampi are also located in this park. Penang National Park is one of the most ideal destinations for hiking and camping on the island. However, most of the area here is primary forest, so it is best to have an accompanying guide to ensure safety.

Address: Pejabat Taman Negara P. Pinang, jalan Hassan Abbas, 11050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Area: 9.896 mi²
Hours: 8AM–5PM
Phone: +60 4-881 3530
Established: 2003

Chew Jetty

Visit Chew Jetty to go back in time and experience a Malaysia of the past. For over a century, Chew Jetty is a collection of wooden houses built right next to the edge of the water.

“Jetty” meant a row of thick wooden planks, where boat passengers could dock there, but Chinese immigrants working at ports in the 19th century built houses right on this “Jetty”. One of them, called Chew Jetty, still stands until today.

Houses at Chew Jetty have been somewhat modernized over time, equipped with things like electricity and tap water. However, the nature of this work is still there, as a representative of the past. Chew Jetty is an absolute contrast to modern buildings in Penang.

Address: Chew Jetty, Weld Quay, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hours: 9AM–9PM
Phone: +60 11-6246 2884

Made In Penang Interactive Museum

Made In Penang Interactive Museum is a place to visit in Penang that really helps you eliminate all previous concepts about museums that they are outdated and boring. Instead, the museum offers visitors a fun and exciting experience when admiring the artworks. Especially there are intelligent 3D features too. For example, a painting of Penang Snake Temple with 3D effect with snakes crawling out of the picture frame.

A museum that you can participate in is really fun. The pictures varied from history when the ships were fired by artillery, to the elevator with symbolic characters of horror movies inside. The gimmick is that the artist used different colors, marked and edged according to motifs, added a few details to create a vivid and special picture.

Address: 3, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hours: 10AM–6:30PM
Phone: +60 4-262 6119

Upside Down Museum

This is a upside down museum. Here, you will experience the feeling that you are in the space upside down because every object is sticky designed on the wall and ceiling. The museum will have staffs instructing how to pose and take photos for visitors. Looking at the photos will make people surprise because they don’t understand why you can do that.

Address: 45, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hours: 9AM–5:30PM
Phone: +60 4-264 2660

The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower (Jubilee Clock Tower)

Built in 1897 on the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign, the tower has a height of exactly 60 feet. The dome of the clock tower is built in Moorish architecture slyle with the four sides have a clock design with a scenic balcony.

Address: Lebuh Light, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opened: 1897
Hours: Open 24 hours
Completion date: 1902
Dedicated to: Queen Victoria

Kapitan Keling Mosque

Located on Jalan Masjid street, center of George Town, this mosque was built by Indian merchants in 1801. The original architecture was just a prayer room built of stone from India. After many times of restoration, the mosque has become a beautiful architectural work as today. You can visit for free every afternoon, note that sightseeing hours will be shorter on every Friday and dress must be serious, both men and women must have to wear costumes to cover their arms and legs and women must use headscarf (Muslim Hijab Scarf). Free entrance gowns are provided at the entrance.

Address: 14, Jalan Buckingham, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opened: 1801
Phone: +60 4-261 4215

City Hall

The building is Georgetown’s administrative center so far, located on the Esplanade Street next to Kinta River. This is also the first building in Penang to have an electrical system installed. Right in front of the City Hall is a green square commonly known as Kota Lama. The ruling British government cleared the area for cricket game and other sports, as well as military parades. Today, this area is used to organize concerts, year-round celebrations.

Address: Jalan Padang Kota Lama, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opened: 1903
Architectural style: Edwardian Baroque architecture

Komtar Building

This is Penang’s largest shopping and entertainment center, also the tallest building in the city with 65 floors. Here, you can enjoy shopping and enjoy cuisine around the world, or participate in exciting mini games. If you want to buy electronic products, go to ICT Digital Mall Digital Center of 4 floors connected with Komtar. Here, you can find all devices, from laptops and mobile phones and other strange electronic products. Or walk around the other floors to find fashion products at quite cheap prices or choose to buy small souvenirs. You can also buy tickets to the observation deck on the 60th floor to enjoy a panoramic view of Penang city from above.

Address: Lebuh Tek Soon, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Height: 249 m
Floors: 65
Hours: 11AM–8PM
Saturday, Sunday: 11AM–9PM
Construction started: 1974

Tropical Spice Garden

This is a “miniature tropical forest” with over 500 species of plants and animals, over 100 species of herbs and spices. This is an ideal place for those who love to learn nature and discover spices plants. The paths in the garden all have signposts and each species has a nametable for visitors to know the medicinal plants or cooking plants. When your foot get tired, you can come to enjoy free herbal tea in the reserved area. In addition, the garden also has a souvenir shop selling products refined from spices plants and a café in the middle of a dense forest with a view overlooking the sea.

Address: Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hours: 9AM–6PM
Phone: +60 4-881 1797

Penang Butterfly Farm (#best places to visit in penang)

Covering an area of over 8 hectares, the farm includes an impressive collection of different butterflies and insects. Besides, the farm also planted an organic fruit orchard with over 250 safe and quality fruits.

Address: No.830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Hours: 9AM–6PM
Phone: +60 4-888 8111

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Penang you can refer to

• Private Penang Airport Transfers (PEN) for Penang
• Private City Transfers for Penang and Surrounding Cities
• Shared Penang International Airport (PEN) Transfers for Georgetown or Batu Ferringhi
• Explore Georgetown
• The Habitat Penang Hill Ticket
• Klook Pass Penang
• The TOP Penang Ticket
• ESCAPE Penang Ticket
• Explore Georgetown Half Day City Tour
• Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm Ticket
• Dark Mansion Museum Ticket
• Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing
• Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Tour in Penang
• Georgetown Penang Private Car Charter
• Boutique Aquarium Ticket at The TOP Penang
• Heritage Tour and Trishaw Ride in Penang
• Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing
• Penang Heritage & Street Food Tour
• Georgetown Scenic Night Tour
• KL TravelPass (Metro Card) in Kuala Lumpur
• [SALE] 4G Prepaid SIM Card (MY Airports Pick Up) for Malaysia
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Malaysia

Are you looking for more top things to do in Penang: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Penang travel blog — The fullest guide for a budget trip to Penang of Malaysia. And Penang in 1 day: Let’s check it out here.