10 Must See in Penang

Arguably the largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple stands on top of a hill in the little town of Air Itam. Founded more than a hundred years ago, its temple complex is filled with beautifully-landscaped gardens and sacred temples. A striking seven-tiered pagoda called The Pagoda of 1000 Buddhas – which combines Thai, Chinese and Burmese styles in one structure - houses a stunning collection of Buddha statues made from all sorts of precious materials. Also can be found within the temple complex are the statues of The Four Heavenly Kings, guarding the four points of the compass – North, South, West and East – with the statue of The Laughing Buddha in the middle. But the temple’s focal attraction has got to be the massive bronze Kuan Yin statue high up on the hill, measuring 120 feet in height. Read more...

More than just a visitors’ attraction, the Penang Butterfly Farm is a living museum of sorts which also acts as an education and research centre. Established in 1986 by David Goh, the Penang Butterfly Farm drew inspiration from the Stratford Butterfly Farm in England. Some 4000 butterflies from more than 120 species can be found here, including some rare ones such as the unique Indian Leaf, the stunning Yellow Birdwing and the magnificent Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing. Visitors can’t help but be enchanted by these delicate beauties fluttering about freely in a lush, natural setting. The farm also features some insect and reptile species, as well as over 300 plant species. Read more...

Built by the British army right on top of Bukit Maung, the War Museum bore witness to the fall of the British army in the hands of the Japanese invaders, making it a significant historical point in Penang. The ancient fortress holds a dark story from the time when it was transformed into a Japanese army base; tales of war prisoners being tortured for information colour the walls of the fortress. As a result, Bukit Maung earns the reputation of a haunted location, sending chills down the spines of locals who daren’t go up the hill after dark. Turned into a War Museum by a local three decades later after a period of restoration, the fortress still maintains its underground tunnels and ventilation shafts, ammunition bunkers, logistic centre, canon firing bays, sleeping quarters, cook houses and medical infirmary. Read more...

Built on the principles of Feng Shui over seven years from 1896 to 1904 by a team of master craftsmen from China, the award-winning Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion was once the abode of an influential Nanyang industrialist and a first-class Mandarin in the Manchu government, who had made Penang his home in the early 1890s. The house’s beautiful, intricate details and lush interior have been well-preserved and restored throughout the years, representing the best of 18th and 19th-century Chinese architecture, which also happens to be one of the three traditional Chinese mansions left outside of China. Read more...

Named after Charles Cornwallis, the Governor General of India, Fort Cornwallis is one of the most well-known landmarks in Penang. The fortress’ 10-feet walls are laid out in the shape of a star, and within those walls, some of the original structures built over a century ago can still be seen – a chapel, some prison cells, ammunition storage area, a harbour light, the original flagstaff and some old bronze cannons, which includes the infamous 17th-century Dutch cannon called ‘Seri Rambai’, believed by the locals to have an encouraging effect on women’s fertility. Originally built out of wood, this historical attraction now houses a tourist information kiosk, a café, and open-air amphitheatre, a history gallery, a souvenir centre and tour guides to show visitors around and provide them with a peek into the fortress’ history. Read more...

Featuring over 500 exotic species of flora and fauna, the magnificent Tropical Spice Garden is a living museum of botanical wonders spread over eight acres of lush nature conservation land. With 11 garden trails and stream crossings, waterfalls and structures made of recycled organic materials, this award-winning attraction also features a Spice Museum, a Spice Café (where you can get a full view of Teluk Bahang while sipping herbal tea on the open terrace) and a Gift Centre (where you can buy organic gift items and souvenirs which include fresh spices, citronella mosquito repellent, sandalwood soaps, massage oils and perfume oils). Read more...

On the hilly terrain of Teluk Bahang, approximately 800 feet above sea level, the Tropical Fruit Farm flourishes with all sorts of tropical and sub-tropical fruit trees, from durians to West Indian cherries. Spread over 25 acres, the orchard was developed for the conservation of rare and exotic fruits, as well as a means to promote local fruits to visitors both local and international. Boasting over 250 types of fruit including some rare and exotic ones originating from faraway lands such as the Caribbean and Central Africa, the orchards also features only organic produce, using organic fertilisers instead of chemicals and pesticides. Read more...

The Khoo Kongsi is a Chinese clanhouse for individuals with the same surname – in this case, Khoo. The clanhouse represents the family’s social and spiritual commitments between extended relations, ancestors and the outside community. Embodying the triumphs of the Khoo family, the Penang Khoo Kongsi – also known as Dragon Mountain Hall – is quite an impressive architectural feat that personifies good luck and wealth. Stone carvings adorn the entrance hall and pavilions, fantastic murals portraying birthdays, weddings and most memorably, the 36 divine guardians sprinkle the interior. Overhead, massive paper lamps cast the abode in an orange glow and stunning ceramic sculptures of immortals, carp fish and dragons dance across the roof ridges. Read more...

A Thai temple built in 1845, Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram houses the giant Reclining Buddha statue. Measuring 33 metres long, the statue is said to be the third largest of its kind. It signifies Buddha’s total detachment from worldly matters during the last days of his life, and the statue is said to be Buddha’s final resting position before he dies. Besides the enchanting reclining Buddha, you can also find smaller Buddha statues in varying guises and positions around the temple, as well as those of Thai deities. There are also colourful murals depicting Buddha’s life story. Read more...