things to do in penang kek lok si temple — *Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang is one of the largest Buddhist temples in South East Asia*

When you think of Malaysia you’re probably thinking of its capital of Kuala Lumpur, or maybe the Batu Caves, or maybe even Malaysian food like Uncle Roger’s Nasi Goreng. But if you’re looking for the top attractions in Penang Island, I’ve got you covered! Home to a charming UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as being the epicenter for great Malaysian street food, There is just so many great things to do in Penang that you wouldn’t wanna miss out on!

I spend a good 4 days just exploring this island paradise on my recent trip to Malaysia, so if you’re on the fence about traveling to Penang Island, then let me share with you the top 15 things to do in Penang!

Check out my other Penang Island Blog Posts

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Exploring Penang Island at a Glance

Earlier this year (2025), I’ve traveled to Malaysia and spent a good 4 days exploring the top attractions in Penang Island, in fact I’ve made 2 YouTube Videos about my Penang street food adventures as well as exploring the various tourist attractions like the Kek Lok Si Temple, and Penang Hill. I would really appreciate it if you check out my YouTube videos and subscribe to my channel if you enjoy the content I produce :)

Penang Island and the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site

One thing that really surprised me about Penang Island is how different the east and west sides feel. On the east coast sits George Town, a compact urban center and UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with colonial buildings, generational shophouses, temples, and endless food stalls. It’s a dense, walkable city with history on every corner and some of the best street food in Malaysia. If you’re looking for cultural sights and local eats, this is where most of the classic things to do in Penang are concentrated.

Now the west side of Penang Island is a whole other vibe. The roads get quieter, the buildings disappear, and suddenly you’re surrounded by jungle and winding hills. Places like the Air Itam Subrub, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the trails up Penang Hill show off the island’s more natural, greener side. It’s perfect if you need a break from the city and want to get into nature without going too far. On my last trip to Malaysia (Check out my YouTube Video), hiking up mountains to having afternoon dim sum in George Town, all in the same day.

This contrast is what makes holidays in Penang so fun and rewarding. There is just no shortage of things to do in Penang!

Explore George Town’s UNESCO Heritage

Things to do in Penang Malaysia George Town UNESCO Heritage — *You can see a lot of Chinese heritage in George Town*

Welcome to George Town, the UNESCO Heritage heart of Penang! The city was founded under British rule in 1786 and it became a key trading port that brought together Chinese settlers, local Malays, Indian merchants, and British colonists under one community. Of all the things to do in Penang, taking the time to explore this lovely little town is a must!

And for that reason, I highly recommend booking a George Town UNESCO Heritage Tour, it's a relaxed, fun way to stroll through the many winding alleys, cultural districts, and iconic landmarks of this beautiful city.

You’ll find all the famous attractions in Penang Island like Fort Cornwallis, the island’s coastal fortress, built by the British in the late 1700s, or the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, St. George’s Church, and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion which is a restored heritage home filled with antiques that bring the story of the Chinese elite settlers to life. Just a few blocks away, the iconic Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) offers guided tours that dives into George Town’s multicultural history.

As someone who enjoys learning about history, exploring George Town was a treat! Although I should warn you that the weather is sweltering hot so be sure to bring an umbrella or a portable handheld fan with you.

Discover Street Art on Armenian Street

Street Art on Armenian Street Things to do in Penang Malaysia — *What a cute cat mural*

Relating to exploring George Town’s historical heritage, another one of the absolute must‑see things to do in Penang is strolling along Armenian Street, a narrow, pedestrian-friendly lane packed with bold murals and gallery-worthy street art. What began with Ernest Zacharevic's iconic “Little Children on a Bicycle” in 2012 has turned the area into a creative hotspot.

Here are a few street art murals and installations you can’t miss:

Little Children on a Bicycle - The original 3D mural combining paint and a real bicycle.
I Want Bao! - Two kids reaching out for steamed buns a clever billboard-style mural by WK Setor.
Love Me Like Your Fortune Cat & Skippy - Murals from the ‘101 Lost Kittens’ campaign by ASA, raising awareness for stray animal adoption.
Teach You Hokkien - A mural of a boy offering to teach Penang’s most widely spoken dialect.
The Three Girls (Wo Ai Nee; I Love You) - a subtle homage to Penang’s Chinese, Malay, and Indian heritage.
Too Narrow / Procession / Then & Now - Iron sculptures that bring Tang Mun Kian’s cartoon style caricatures to life.

Go on a Penang Street Food Adventure!

Things to do in Penang Malaysia street food — *Roti Bakar Hutton Lane is a great place for breakfast in Penang*

Ohhhh man, now this is my absolute favorite thing to do in Penang, or in any country to be honest, eating. Penang island is widely considered to have the best street food, the food capital of Malaysia if you will, and for good reason. From Chinese hawker stalls to Indian-Muslim eateries, to local Malay restaurants, the food here is affordable yet so packed full of flavor.

Some Penang street food dishes you can’t miss are: Char Kway Teow (wok-fried flat noodles), Asam Laksa (a tangy, spicy fish-based noodle soup), Nasi Kandar (rice with a mix of curries), Hokkien Mee (stir fried prawn noodles), and Cendol (shaved ice) for dessert. Gurney Drive, Chulia Street, and Kimberley Street Food Night Market are popular spots, but you’ll also find hidden gems in places like Air Itam, there is where you’ll find the best Asam Laksa in the country.

I could go on and on about Penang street food but if you're not sure where to start or want to skip the guesswork, I highly recommend booking a guided Penang street food tour. A local guide will take you to the best stalls, explain each dish, and make sure you don’t miss anything iconic. I’ve also put together a full list of The Best Food Tours in Penang to help you choose one that fits your style and schedule.

Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

Things to do in Penang Malaysia kek lok si temple — *The Kek Lok Si Temple is glorious*

Switching gears to explore the more rural areas of Penang Island, if you’re looking for things to do in Penang, then make sure to carve out time for Kek Lok Si Temple, it’s one of the largest and most important Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia and one of the striking must-see Penang attractions. Located in Air Itam (don’t forget about that Asam Laksa!), just a short drive from George Town, this hilltop complex has been here since 1890 and blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles.

The star of the temple is the seven-tiered Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, which combines the design language from 3 different cultures, the previously mentioned Chinese, Thai, and Burmese. This consideration is rare to see in any religious site across the world. You also can’t miss the towering 36.5-meter bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, which can be seen looming over the island.

And if you come during the Chinese New Year (unfortunately I didn’t), the whole complex lights up with thousands of lanterns and LED lights to create a beautiful and almost otherworldly spectacle.

It’s one of the more peaceful yet visually stunning Penang attractions, especially if you enjoy cultural landmarks with some wow factor. For a detailed walkthrough and tips for visiting, check out my full post: Exploring Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang.

Explore the Penang Hill Resort

Things to do in Penang Malaysia penang hill funicular railway — *The Funicular Railway is the most iconic image of Penang Hill*

A few minutes away by car is one of the most scenic things to do in Penang, taking a trip up Penang Hill (also known as Bukit Bendera). Sitting about 800 meters above sea level, and the weather up there is wonderful, perfect to escape the urban center of George Town and to get a nice breath of fresh mountain air.

But I can’t talk about Penang Hill without mentioning the most iconic way to get up there, the Penang Hill Funicular Railway, the longest funicular track in Asia. A steep train that stretches up 2 kilometers. It’s so iconic in fact that the railway is basically an attraction of Penang Island itself.

Once you’re at the top, there’s actually quite a bit to explore. You’ve got the Sky Deck, which offers a beautiful scenic lookout point over the island, the Tree Top Walk, where you can stroll above the treetops for 360° views, The Habitat, an eco-park with canopy walks, rainforest trails, and even ziplining, and a bunch of popular restaurants and eateries. You’ll also find colonial mansions, and even a mosque and temple further up the hill.

Penang Hill can and will get packed during weekends and holidays so if you want to skip the lines and get more out of your visit, I recommend booking a Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple tour, which includes hotel pickup and a guided experience. Trust me, the logistics traveling to Penang Hill can be a nightmare if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Join a Penang Cooking Class

Things to do in Penang Malaysia cooking class penangchiak — *Can you guess what we are cooking?*

If you’re looking for things to do in Penang that go beyond just eating the many delicious street food dishes, why not learn to cook the island’s famous dishes yourself? A Penang cooking class is a great way to dive deeper into Malaysian culture and cuisine. My favorite experience was the Penang Cooking Class with PenangChiak, a local cooking school run by passionate home cooks who make you feel like part of the family.

Depending on the class, the day starts with a morning trip to a wet market, where you’ll pick out fresh herbs, spices, and produce while learning a bit about the local culture. During the class, you’ll get the chance to make tasty dishes like Nyonya Kuih Pai Tee (crispy cup with savory fillings), Char Koay Teow (wok fried noodles), Roti Canai (flatbread with curry), Masala Chicken (spiced chicken curry), Penang Hokkien Mee (stir fried seafood noodles), Fish Head Curry (a spicy curry with fish heads), and many more…

And yes, you get to eat everything you cook, so be sure to cook well :)

If this sounds fun, you can book a PenangChiak cooking class here. It’s one of the most authentic cultural activities I’ve done in Penang, and it’s perfect if you want to learn some dishes to cook for your family and friends back at home.

Cycling Through the Penang Countryside

Things to do in Penang Malaysia cycling tour — *Good cardio plus great exploration, what could be a better way to spend a day in Penang?*

What could be a cooler way to explore the Penang countryside than to cycle through it? I went on a Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour and it was literally a breath of fresh air and one of my favorite things to do in Penang. It’s a small group tour that took roughly 4 hours.

The biking tour starts bright and early at 7:00 am, with a hotel pickup and transfer to Balik Pulau, the island’s laid-back western district. Once we got on our bikes we explored the town with our English speaking tour guide. The while tour will take you through a maze of minor roads, pathways, and kampung alleys, fruit orchards, lush plantations, quiet mangroves, traditional fishing villages, and dozens of stilted wooden homes. It’s a real immersive way to experience the Malaysian rural way of life. We also visited the traditional fishing village of Kuala Sungai Pinang and the family run Saanen Dairy Goat Farm too!

So if you’re interested, you can Book the Penang Countryside Cycling Tour here. It’s one of the most rewarding things to do in Penang, exercising, learning, and great views, what could be better?

Spend the Day at Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi Beach Things to do in Penang Malaysia — *Much less hectic than the beaches in Thailand that’s for sure*

Make sure Batu Ferringhi is on your holiday itinerary, it’s one of the most popular things to do in Penang both for locals and for tourists alike. Located on the northern coasts of Penang, this long stretch of golden sand is perfect for relaxing under a beach umbrella with a can of beer in hand.Batu Ferringhi is also home to many of Penang’s more luxury resorts and hotels like the Shangri-La or the PARKROYAL if you are interested in living life to the fullest.

If you are take a walk along the beachfront adjacent to the Jalun Tanjung Bungah road, you’ll find that the area is lined with restaurants and beachfront cafes serving fresh seafood, cocktails, and many more Malaysian street foods, and attractions. If you’re after a bit more action, the beaches of Batu Ferringhi offer plenty of water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and the classic banana boat rides as well.

In the evening, the famous Batu Ferringhi Night Market transforms the main road into a bustling strip of stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, and local snacks. This makes it easy to pair a beach day with some casual shopping and dinner.

Visit the Clan Jetties and Chew Jetty Heritage Walk

Clan Jetties and Chew Jetty Things to do in Penang Malaysia — *What a peaceful atmosphere*

The Clan Jetties of Penang are one of George Town’s most unique cultural landmarks, and they’re an absolute must-see attraction in George Town, Penang. These historic waterfront settlements were built over a century ago by Chinese immigrant communities with each “jetty” belonging to a specific clan. These jetties are wooden houses perch on stilts over the water, connected by narrow wooden walkways, similar to how Bangkok floating markets are laid out if you’ve ever been to one.

Among the six remaining jetties, Chew Jetty is the most famous and the easiest to visit. Along its wooden planks are traditional homes, small shrines, and plenty of souvenir stalls. The main thing to understand here is that Jetties aren’t just tourist attractions, people actually live here. Therefore it’s one of the more atmospheric and intimate things to do in Penang. It’s also a photographer’s dream especially at sunrise or sunset when the light reflects beautifully off the water.

Aside from Chew Jetty, other jetties like the Lim, Tan, and Lee Jetties are still active residential areas.

Explore the Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Pinang Peranakan Mansion Things to do in Penang Malaysia — *Something about us Asians and this green color…*

Another fascinating historical attractions in Penang is the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, which in my opinion, is a definite must-visit.

Built in the late 19th century by Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Quee, a wealthy Chinese merchant and community leader, this lavish home reflects the unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and European influences that define Peranakan culture. Known as the “Baba-Nyonya” heritage, the Peranakans were descendants of Chinese immigrants who settled in the Malay Archipelago and adopted local traditions while maintaining Chinese customs.

Today, the mansion is a museum housing over 1,000 antiques and collectibles, from opulent jewelry to intricately embroidered clothing. Walking through its preserved dining rooms, traditional kitchens, and decorative halls, you’ll get a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Peranakan elite in Penang’s golden days. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is great for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.

Go Cafe-Hopping in George Town’s Best Coffee Shops

Things to do in Penang Malaysia george town cafe hopping — *The city of George Town, Penang is full of great cafes and bakeries*

I love coffee, and therefore I love a good day of cafe hopping. And with George Town being a city of diverse cultures and colonial influences, cafe hopping here is on the top things to do in Penang for coffee weirdos like me. Non-coffee drinkers, don’t worry, there are also plenty of artisan bakeries, gelato shops, and matcha places in George Town as well!

Here are some of my favorite bakeries and cafes in George Town, Penang:

The Alley - Cozy spot on Stewart Lane with award-winning baristas and delicious churros.
Ome by Spacebar Coffee - Minimalist cafe famous for its wide selection of rare pour-over beans.
Norm Micro Roastery - Plant-filled roastery serving excellent coffee and creative dishes like prawn & pumpkin risotto.
La Vie en Rose Pâtisserie - Charming French bakery offering fresh pastries and great coffee to pair.
Ciao Gelato - Amazing authentic Italian Gelato, perfect for a coffee break and to wind down after a hot day.
Narrow Marrow - Artsy, vintage-style cafe known for unique tiramisu flavors and live acoustic music nights.

If you enjoy cafe hopping in Asia, Thailand is also another country with a growing coffee culture, check out my blog post on Cafe Hopping in Bangkok if you are interested! Maybe I need to write a blog post about coffee culture in Penang as well ;)

Get 360° Views from The TOP Penang at Komtar Tower

TOP Penang at Komtar Tower skywalk Things to do in Penang Malaysia — *Not for the faint of heart! Don’t look down!*

Another scenic thing to do in Penang is enjoying the panoramic views of George Town and beyond at The TOP Penang at Komtar Tower. As the tallest building on the island, Komtar has an observation deck where you can soak in glorious 360° views of George Town, the coastline, and beyond. It’s especially beautiful around sunset, when the city lights start twinkling and the sky is a soothing blue.

Also, Komtar Tower is one of the best Penang attractions for families with children. For kids, there’s the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia, the Tech Dome with over 120 interactive science and technology exhibits, an interactive Jurrassic Research Center, an Boutique Aquarium, and many more. For parents, The Top View Restaurant on floor 68 has English afternoon tea, some tapas cuisine, and a plethora of cocktails.

If you want to save time and skip the lines, you can get an all inclusive ticket with access to all the attractions at the Top Penang. book your tickets for The TOP Penang here.

Have Fun at ESCAPE Penang

Things to do in Penang Malaysia escape penang waterpark — *I’ll be honest, I’m afraid of roller coasters and water slides…*

If going to Batu Ferringhi isn’t enough water for you, one of the most thrilling things to do in Penang is spending the day at ESCAPE Penang in Teluk Bahang, and adventure playground and outdoor waterpark that you certainly don’t wanna miss. This eco‑friendly theme park has over 35 rides and attractions across zones like Adventureplay, Waterplay, and Gravityplay.

But the most exciting ride of all is the Guinness World Record‑holding world’s longest tube water slide and the Longest Zip Coaster in the world, stretching an incredible 1,111 meters through the jungle canopy. Add to that high ropes, free‑fall platforms, a giant tipping bucket, and even kid‑friendly courses, ESCAPE Penang is perfect for families, kids, and adults who don’t mind being kids again.

You can book your ESCAPE Penang tickets here for easy access and to skip the queues, as on the weekends and public holidays, the theme park can get packed full of people

Visit Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm

Things to do in Penang Malaysia entopia by penang butterfly farm — *Butterflies and nature are more my thing, compared to the water park*

If you're searching for one of the most enchanting attractions in Penang, make sure to add Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm to your itinerary. This extraordinary nature sanctuary in Teluk Bahang is home to over 15,000 free-flying butterflies from more than 120 species all fluttering through lush greenhouses. Once known as the Penang Butterfly Farm since 1986, Entopia now offers both immersive nature and conservation education for everyone.

Entopia is divided into two zones:

Natureland - Where you can wander through tropical gardens alive with vibrant plants, cascading waterfalls, ponds, caves, and even small reptiles like geckos and frogs. Inside
Cocoon - A two-level indoor discovery center packed with interactive exhibits in themed areas like Pandora Forest, Metamorphosis, Lumino City, and more.

The park tends to be less crowded in the mornings when butterflies are most active, and you can easily spend 2–3 hours exploring both zones. To make your visit stress free, it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance, you can book your Entopia tickets here.

Penang 3D Trick Art & Wonderfood Museum

There are two noteworthy playful museums in George Town, Penang. The first one is the Penang 3D Trick Art Museum, a quirky little place tucked in the heart of George Town. Since opening in 2014, this two-story art space has become a crowd favorite, offering over 40 interactive 3D murals and optical illusions that let you “step into” everything from prehistoric scenes and jungle adventures to whimsical cultural mashups.

I loved posing inside an oversized Chinese shrine, hanging with a giant panda, or pretending to skateboard off a cliff. It’s a great place to snap a few photos to post on your social medias. Admission tickets can be purchased online here.

For fellow foodies like you and I, the Wonderfood Museum in George Town features over 100 hyper-realistic replicas of iconic Malaysian dishes, With the giant bowl of Asam Laksa being my personal favorite. Do you know those replica food displays that Japanese restaurants have? Yeah imagine that but wayyyy bigger. For anyone building their list of things to do in Penang, this museum is a deliciously fun detour that’s as much about storytelling as it is about the food. Entrance tickets can be purchased online here as well.

Looking for More Things to do in Malaysia?

Things to do in Malaysia Batu Caves — *The Batu Caves in Malaysia are a must visit!*

Aquaria KLCC - Explore up to 5,000 land and over 150 species of aquatic creatures!
KL Tower - Admire the gorgeous cityscape of Kuala Lumpur from the KL Tower!
Genting SkyWorlds Ticket - Tickets to the Genting SkyWorlds theme park
Discounted Tickets - Browse a variety of attractions, tours, and transports all for a great price

Useful Resources for Traveling in Malaysia

Tourism Information - All the information you need when travelling in Malaysia
Private Airport Transfers - Private transfer from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the city
KLIA Ekspress Ticket - Ticket for the KLIA transfer via express train