Are you planning to travel to Penang, Malaysia, soon? Read our tips below on the things to do in Penang, with suggested tours.

Penang is a state of Malaysia composing of a part of the mainland, Seberang Perai, and an island, the Penang Island. Its capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you come to Malaysia, don’t forget to stop in this charming state. Read more for fun adventures that await you.

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List of Things to do in Penang, Malaysia

1. Walk Around George Town

Getting there: From Butterworth Bus Terminal, go to the port and ride a ferry to George Town

One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Malaysia is “Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca.”George Town, named after King George III, has heritages from Asia, and British Influence is making it unique. As you walk in the historic part of the capital, you will discover many landmarks. See the City Hall, Fort Cornwallis, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, KapitanKeling Mosque, and many more. It is something you should do when in Penang, Malaysia.

Suggested Tour: Georgetown Heritage Tour

2. Enjoy Batu Ferringhi

Getting there: You can catch bus 101 or 102 on the main road and stop at Batu Ferringhi

As waters surround Penang Island, don’t forget to go to a beach. Batu Ferringhi is a suburb un North Penang with white sand and many beach resorts. Besides swimming and relaxing on the beach, you could try fun activities like Parasailing and Jet Skiing!

Suggested Tour: Jet Ski and Parasailing Experience at Batu Feringghi Beach

3. Witness the view from Penang Hill

Getting there: Ride Bus 204 to Penang Hill Lower Station and ride a train up to Penang Hill

Known as Bukit Bendera, Penang Hill will give you a breathtaking view of George Town and Penang Island. If you are lucky, you can see a sea of clouds at the top. Riding a train uphill is also very memorable. You will surely enjoy your time with nature and gorgeous spots here.

Suggested Tour: Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing

4. Feast on Penang Cuisine

Penang Cuisine consists of various cuisine from Malay to Chinese to Indian. They are usually sold near the road and are known as muckan carts. It’s something you should not miss in Penang, Malaysia. It’s also very affordable and open from day to night. It was awarded as one of the top ten street food cities in Asia by CNN Travel.

Try snacks like Apom, Eu char kuih, Popiah, or Otak-otak. There’s also Biryani, Curry, Hainanese chicken rice, Oyster Omelette, or Penang Laksa. Cendol, Tau Foo Fah, Rojak, or Ice Kacangare what you should eat for desserts.

Suggested Tour: Penang Walking Food Tour

5. Check out Kek Lok Si Temple

Getting there: Ride buses 203 or 204, and you can stop at the base of the temple

The largest temple in Malaysia is located in Penang, and it’s the Kek Lok Si Temple. It is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists from South East Asia. It’s gorgeous and filled with beautiful temples and statues. You will not regret visiting this place if you go to this part of the country.

Suggested Tour: Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing

6. See the houses at Clan Jetties

Getting there: Ride bus 307 and 401E to get to clan Jetties

If you want to see something interesting, see the Clann Jetties of Penang. They are Chinese water villages or “Floating Villages.” The houses are on stilts above the water, where many Chinese have lived since the 19th century. Take a stroll here, especially during sunset, as the view is breathtaking.

Suggested Tour: Penang Experience Day Tour

7. Relax at Penang Botanic Garden

Getting there: You can catch bus 10 or 304

If you want to enjoy nature and see a waterfall you can go to Penang Botanic Gardens. Take a stroll here or a short hike, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. This is also called “Waterfall Garden” as there is one nearby, so you can check it out. It’s something you should not miss on your trip to Penang.

Where to stay in Penang, Malaysia

Budget Hotel

Museum Hotel

Set in a restored historical building, Museum Hotel offers traditionally-decorated accommodations in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site George Town. It features an outdoor swimming pool, and guests can enjoy meals at the in-house restaurant. Decorated with colonial-era furnishings, air-conditioned rooms at the Museum Hotel are fitted with ironing facilities, a flat-screen TV, and a minibar.

Price: Starts at USD 24 for a Standard Double Room for two

Luxury Hotel

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang

Overlooking BatuFeringgi Beach, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang offers spacious rooms surrounded by 30 acres of tropical gardens. It features two outdoor swimming pools in the Garden Wing and one adult pool in the Rasa Wing. Rooms are spacious and decorated with wooden carvings and colorful fabrics. Private bathtubs and free internet are provided for guest’s comfort.

Price: Starts at USD 112 for a Deluxe Room for two

How to go to Penang, Malaysia

By Air: The nearest airport is Penang International Airport. Besides domestic flights, there are also flights from South East Asian Countries, China, Qatar, and Taiwan.

From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: You can take a train from KL Sentral to Butterworth. In case you want to go to George Town, then ride a ferry.

From Thailand: You can cross borders from Thailand via Padang Besar. You can then catch a train ride to Butterworth via KTM Commuter. In case you want to go to George Town, then ride a ferry.

Transportation Tip: If you’re looking for the cheapest way to book the Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers on this route, we use 12Go.Asia to compare the prices!

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