Things to do in Penang

There’s a plethora of things to see and do in Penang, and we’ve cobbled together some of the very best to help you plan your visit perfectly.

The Must See Sights

For as long as you’re in Penang, you’ll never be short of sights to see or places to explore. The island is true a melting pot of man-made and natural beauty, from the vibrant Street Art plastered across the walls of George Town, to the idyllic age-old Penang Botanic Gardens.

During your visit, venturing up to Penang Hill resort by train is a must – offering a sublime view of the island you simply won’t find anywhere else. If it’s tradition and culture you seek, you can find it in the form of the Kek Lok Si-Temple of Supreme Bliss. A Buddhist temple unlike any other, this ancient building is a striking, tranquil site, with many considering it to be the biggest temple of its kind in this part of the world.

But the Kek Lok Si-Temple of Supreme Bliss is not the only sanctuary worth investigating on your visit. Situated elsewhere on the island is the enigmatic Snake Temple – a shrine stuffed with vipers slithering through aromatic incense that burns in the air.

Lastly, there’s Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion), a baffling but beautiful blue building that was constructed way back in the 19th century and still stands today as a hotel. Even if you decide Blue Mansion isn’t an appropriate spot for you to enjoy your stay, it’s still well worth taking a day trip to see the building – which remains one of the region's most famous landmarks.

Eating, Drinking and Dancing

If you’re seeking terrific Malaysian cuisine, you can find it at both Kebaya and Teksen, although be warned that the reputation of these restaurants means they fill up pretty quickly in the evenings. There are also an enormous range of beach bars selling cocktails and ice cold beers for you to sip on whilst staring out onto the waves lapping the shores, but if you fancy more a of an urban atmosphere, you can head up to Upper Penang Road where a wide range of lively bars line the long streets.

Soak Up The Sun

If you feel the need to kick back and soak up some rays in tropical temperatures, the beaches in this incredible part of the world offer you a terrific opportunity to do so. There are a number of soothing sun-dappled shores to set up shop for the morning, afternoon and evening, including Miami Beach, Mas Beach, and Teluk Duyung – otherwise known as Monkey Beach.

The National Park also offers you a fine opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Penang, whilst a Sunset Cruise gives you the chance to gaze upon the island in its best light: the hypnotic orange glow of impending-dusk.