Welcome to Penang, the humble island with a giant personality!
Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Orient”, don’t leave a pebble unturned in this multicultural lucky dip. UNESCO World Heritage Zones of Chinese clan temples and British stately homes close enough to borrow a cup of sugar. A street that feels like the other side of the Andaman Sea paired with a metropolis of street food gastronomy.
These are the 12 things you should not miss on your visit to Penang:
George Town
A visit to the UNESCO-ranked capital of Penang is a must, to understand the British influence from the late 18th century.
Its substantial collection of colonial architecture makes it one of the top places in Southeast Asia to go for an insight into this period.
As an important international trading port, George Town has become a cultural melting pot of Asian and European influence. Those interested in the heritage of Penang should give this town a visit for its fascinating blend of contemporary buildings, Buddhist temples and colonial forts.
Thanks to its expansive history, George Town is a fantastic place to grab some food made with the island’s imported and deported spices and ingredients. Fetch yourself a divinely gooey bowl of Rojack from the Hock Seng cart and go for a wander near the beach to spot some native fairy penguins!
Tropical Spice Garden
One of the best things you can do in Penang is to take a culinary tour of the Tropical Spice Garden.
The forest garden carries you through a timeline of herbs and spices that acted as the moving force in this city’s evolution. See the plants that brought Penang its international fame in the trading world.
It would be a travesty to visit this blessed city and forget to take some time to acknowledge the merits of the herbs, spices, and plants that flourish here. Wander through coffee plants, nutmeg and cloves and discover the culture of indigenous farming, built on the grounds of an old rubber plantation.
Guided groups and audio tours are available from reception to talk you through the surroundings and there are activities to help get the little ones involved. And when you grow thirsty, fetch a glass to sip spring water fresh from the garden waterfall.
There are cooking lessons to teach you how to use the local ingredients in your kitchen, so you can take back recipes to impress your guests at home. Head to the onsite shop to purchase recipe books and the freshest herbs and spices.
Kek Lok Si Temple
A pinnacle visit when in Penang, you have to visit the Kek Lok Si Temple of Serene Bliss.
As the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, and one of the tallest in Southeast Asia, the grandeur of the temple’s design thoroughly lives up to its name.
Check out the 7-tiered wedding cake of gold and white pagoda which stands with a sweeping backdrop on the valley of Air Itam.
Take time to notice is different layers of cultural architecture. From its lantern-coated Chinese base to the carvings of the golden Burmese upper tier and the brightly coloured Thai middle level. As with much of Penang, you can see the joining of cultures in the temple’s structure.
Other notable attractions include the imposing figure of the Goddess of Mercy, which towers over the area at 37 metres high.
The temple is open to visitors daily until 6 pm. If travelling around Chinese New Year, it is worth making a trip both day and night to see it for its architecture as well as the splendid illuminations that take over the site.
As a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists all around Asia, entrance to the area is free and more than worth your time. Be sure to pack your camera for the numerous breathtaking points of interest.
Fort Cornwallis
One of the most famous attractions in Penang can be found in George Town.
The largest remaining fortress in Malaysia provides a glimpse back into the lifetime of Penang’s founder, Sir Francis Light. Head there to see the statue of the quintessential leader, alongside the fortress created under his command.
Fort Cornwallis is an unscathed demonstration of maritime defence straight out of the 18th century. Since it was never used in battle, feel free to investigate the prison cells, weapon rooms and barracks close to their original state. There are several cannons from the era which are of great interest to a range of visitors.
Suffolk House
Visit the UNESCO-protected former home of the founding father of Penang.
Suffolk House is a traditional18th century British colonial abode. Anyone with an interest in architecture should check out the mansion’s grand arches, white stone walls and elegant garden.
Guided tours of the building are available, where you can discover the lifestyle and history of Sir Francis Light.
Following the tour, in the true British style, help yourself to a cream tea of sweet pastries, finger sandwiches and a steaming cup of brew. The onsight restaurant provides a glimpse into the culinary style of life the former resident would have lived.
Located in attractive Air Itam, you can visit Suffolk House anytime between 11 am and 11 pm.
Khoo Kongsi
One of the highest-ranked attractions in the city is the former temple of one of Malaysia’s most prominent clans.
Those who want to discover the local history of Chinese heritage should visit the large temple home of the Khoo clan. Over 650 years ago, the rooms were inhabited by well-known Chinese warriors.
These days you can explore the former residency and its civilised artwork to get a closer look into the lives of the Khoo. Notice the elaborate Chinese detail, particularly on the roof and altarpiece. Murals and carpentry show off exceptional craftsmanship.
Head outside to the courtyard, where you will find a small museum and the living spaces of the clan. The whole area can be found in George Town.
Look out for popular events, such as the Chinese Opera Show and Festivals of Light, which take place throughout the year.
Tour in a Trishaw
Take a tour of the streets of Penang in style. A traditional trishaw ride is a stress-free and exhilarating way to get around the places you want to go – and some places you might not have thought of going!
Your friendly trishaw driver will, more often than not, be thrilled to point out the spots of interest along the way. And it helps to have a local’s point of view on the best stops to make.
Enjoy a private tour of Penang and have the time to soak up the surroundings at your own pace. The vibrant, three-wheeled trishaw often comes with a parasol, so those looking to hop out of the sun for a while can leap onboard.
At an average of 40RM per hour, it adds up better than a taxi – and you’ll have more fun!
Little India
There’s a neighbourhood in Penang that will make you believe you’ve taken a right turn into a whole other country.
The three winding streets dedicated to Indian heritage are known by the name of Little India. This is one of the oldest Indian communities in the country and for anyone hoping to delve deeper into local Indian heritage, this is the best place to do so.
It is here you can find the oldest Hindu temple in Penang, see the Diwali festivals taking place and purchase traditional Indian goods.
Jalan Pasar (Market Street) is home to a plethora of fragrant restaurants, dishing out Indian biryani and samosas, as well as Malaysian-Indian fusion foods. Brightly coloured shops blast Bollywood tunes into the street with saris on sale and incense sticks filling the air.
This trio of streets transforms multicultural George Town into the bustling roads of Dehli.
Snake Temple
Snake Temple is quite feasibly the most eccentric of all the temples in Malaysia.
Those with an appetite for adventure are welcome in the 19th-century place of worship – as are the snakes who decided to move in!
You can explore the temple that honours the Chinese healer/god, Hock Hin Keong. Head inside to the prayer room, if you dare, to see the coat racks and trees entwined in serpents. Mind your step – the snakes have made themselves at home around the altarpiece.
You can even pose for a photo holding one of the snakes if you dare get any closer. But don’t worry, they are known to not be dangerous and do not attack people.
Peranakan Mansion Museum
For a breakdown of Penang’s Chinese heritage, a trip to the Peranakan Mansion Museum is in order.
Discover the life and history of the wealthy Straits Chinese from when they reloaded to Malaysia in the 19th century, to the Malay culture that was brought with them.
Encounter typical Peranakan living spaces and authentic luxury furniture from the period. Utilise the assembly of artefacts and photographs for a genuine insight into the Straits’ extravagant lifestyle.
The pale lime mansion it is housed inside is a prime example of the homes the community were living in. Explore it with a guidebook at no extra cost.
Find it on the edge of Little India.
Chulia Street Night Market
As the beaming food capital of Malaysia, the island has been renowned for its stockpile of local ingredients, ever since it got into the trading game.
Food connoisseurs will want to head straight to Chulia Street Night Market for a late-night spot of something delicious. Sample some of the best street food in Penang at the George Town market.
Inviting carts bear fragrant odours of popular classics. Try eating rice from a banana leaf; sip creamy spicy coconut laska with thick noodles and pick at chargrilled pork, slow-cooked to perfection.
The belly-rumbling festivity kicks off at sunset and is the hotspot for dinner, any day except Monday!
