Places to Visit in Penang

An island of rich Chinese heritage, Penang has an array of temples, ruins, museums, preserved forests, and beautiful beaches that make a trip here more than worthwhile. Top it off with the fact that this island is said to be the country’s unofficial food capital, and its no wonder that tourism plays a huge role in its economy. From the water’s edge at the Clan Jetties to the brilliant blue sheen of the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang is fairly impressive. We’ve listed the island’s attractions so the next time you make a trip here be sure to consult this A – Z list so you don’t miss out on anything.

Batu Feringghi

Batu Feringghi has been well-developed as a recreational spot teeming with resorts, restaurants and stalls that specially cater to the European tourist market. Batu Feringghi's atmosphere and feel can be likened to Patong Beach in Phuket, minus the pole dancers of course! There's a wide range of accommodation available that will suit even the tightest budgets. Read More...

Bukit Jambul Orchid & Hibiscus Garden

Encompassing two hectares of beautifully-landscaped gardens, Bukit Jambul Orchid & Hibiscus Garden is home to an astounding variety of flora and fauna, some of which are unique and can be found only in this part of the world. Other than the obvious – orchids, hibiscus and reptiles - the garden also has a cacti collection, a deer park, a pottery shop, a waterfall and an ornamental Japanese pond. You can even take some of the plants home by purchasing them from the garden shop. Its residents include a 20kg albino python, a 100-year-old tortoise, a pair of Bengal tigers, a talking parrot, 6 arapaima gigas, the world's largest tiger orchid and a green anaconda.

Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest

Rising 457m above sea level, Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest sprawls over 37 hectares of lush, hilly terrain. This forest reserve is equipped with camping sites and numerous streams pouring into shallow ponds. The four-kilometre hiking trail that leads all the way to the mountain’s summit is extremely popular with hikers and joggers alike. A small waterfall also passes through this area, providing visitors with a refreshing cool dip.

Bukit Panchor Forest Park

A small but well-developed recreation park, Bukit Panchor Forest Park is a 8-hectare lowland forest located in Nibong Tebal near Seberang Perai. With flowing river and lush vegetation, the forest provides a welcome respite from the hectic city life. There’s plenty to see and do here, such as unique mangrove life forms, bat caves and a wetland boardwalk.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

A boutique hotel that’s one of Penang’s best-known attractions, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is an ornate edifice built in the traditional Hakka – Teochew style. Located at 14 Leith Street, the structure was erected in the 1880s when Hakka merchant, Cheong Fatt Tze commissioned its construction. Read More...

Dharmikarama Burmese Temple

Built in 1803, Dharmikarama Burmese Temple is Penang’s first Burmese temple. This striking temple with its golden rooftops comprises pagodas, a well, Shrine Hall and Sime Hall, in which a giant Lord Buddha’s statue sits. Also within the temple grounds are a huge Boddhi tree and a wishing pond. A pair of statues called the Panca Rupa – deemed the Guardian Protectors of the World - guards the temple. Read More...

Dr Sun Yat Sen's Penang Base

A simple shop lot became the base from 1909 - 1911 for the revolutionary Chinese leader Dr Sun Yat's efforts to modernise China and turn it into a republic. Penang supported Dr Sun's efforts and raised funds for the uprising in China during that historical period. The shop lot is open for visitors wishing to learn more about the historical leader and his activities in Penang.

Eastern & Oriental Heritage Building at Penang

Eastern & Oriental Heritage Building is a large colonial-style resort that can only be described as legendary. Known as the E&O to generations of travellers, it is a true homage to the British-Raj era with classy rooms and beautiful gardens. Previous guests include some of world’s most notable glitterati. Read More...

Hainanese Mariners' Lodge/ Penang Heritage Trust

The building was formerly used by itinerant Hainanese mariners for accommodation but was converted in 1998 to set up the Penang Heritage Trust, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving Penang's unique Chinese culture.

The centre offers visitors information on Penang's heritage sites, organises projects, tours and provides accommodation.

Nearby are some Chinese workshops that include a traditional carpenter, a goldsmith's guild and a Cantonese association, all open for visits.

Kapitan Keling Mosque

Situated along Pitt Street, the Kapitan Keling Mosque is Penang’s first-ever mosque built in the 19th century, which is also the largest and one of the oldest mosques in town. A monumental structure surrounded by low walls and crowned with Moghul-style copper domes, the mosque was named after the head of the Indian Muslim community back then, Cauder Maydin Merican, a prominent trader appointed by the-then British rulers as leader of the community. The word ‘Keling’ refers to South Indian immigrants back then, so the word ‘Kapitan Keling’ literally means ‘Captain of the Kelings’.

Kuan Yin Temple

Penang’s oldest temple, Kuan Yin Temple, was built in honour of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy (Kuan Yin), an important Buddhist deity, hence why this temple is also sometimes referred to as ‘The Goddess of Mercy Temple’. Constructed in the early 1800s by early immigrant settlers from China, the temple features a classic Chinese architectural style, with stone carvings of dragons and wavy rooftops. The temple is also dedicated to Ma Chor Poh, the patron saint of seafarers.

Mengkuang Dam

The biggest dam in Penang with a storage capacity of 23, 639 million litres of water is located in the Mengkuang Valley north of Bukit Mertajam on the mainland. It was officially opened by the former Governor, Dr. Tun Awang Hassan in 1985.

At the same time, here is also a haven for nature lovers, the dam features a well-landscaped garden with rubber, pinang and pine trees and some wildlife. Besides using the jogging tracks and walking trails, fitness buffs also hold regular sporting and recreational activities.

Mengkuang Dam is also one of the venues for the annual Penang International Dragon Boat Festival. A lively afffair, the festival is a fiesta of colour and noise, in which traditionally-built boats race through the waters of this dam, the boats are cheered on by enthusiastic spectators. The race begins with a slow beating of the drums by the helmsmen. The beat increases steadily, going faster and faster, and then rising to a crescendo as the boats cross the finish line. The ornate and beautifully painted 'dragons' on the boats' prows add to the gaiety of the festival.

Millionaires' Row

There is a popular saying among the Straits Chinese - immigrant Chinese families cannot keep their wealth any longer than three generations; the first will earn it, the second will prosper it, and the third will waste it away. That was the subject of a recent local movie in Malaysia entitled 'Third Generation'. How the saying ties in with the Millionaires row of houses is left for you to ponder as you admire the street of mansions, now owned by the descendants of millionaires. Each of the five mansions on the street was built by wealthy businessmen, including the Honda dealer Loh Boon Siew and former shipping magnate Lim Mah Chye.

Old Georgetown - Historical Streets of Penang

A fascinating fusion of eastern and western influences, Penang is Malaysia’s most tourist-visited destination. The island manages to embrace modernity while retaining its colonial traditions; due to its well-preserved heritage buildings Penang’s capital, Georgetown, has been accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Read More...

Pantai Teluk Kampi / Teluk Kampi Beach

An hour away from Kerachut Beach in Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kampi is the longest stretch of beach in the Penang National Park, offering a variety of recreational activities including swimming, camping and bird-watching. Between February to April, Teluk Kampi becomes a turtles’ breeding ground – an opportunity which you should not miss to witness.

Penang Batik Factory

Founded in 1973, Penang Batik Factory is one of the largest handmade batik producers in the country. Synonymous with quality and fairly-priced batik products, the centre sells a huge range from garments to accessories.

Visitors also get the chance to witness the batik-making process and even try their hands at the art of batik-making and batik-printing.

Penang Bird Park

The first and largest of its kind in Malaysia, Penang Bird Park’s 5-acre land area is home to more than 300 species of birds from all over the world, including some rare and exotic ones.

More than 150 cages, including two massive walk-in aviaries that imitate the birds’ natural habitat, house thousands of birds for breeding and conservation purpose. Its beautifully-landscaped gardens feature an impressive collection of flora amidst free-roaming pelicans, flamingoes, swans, storks and ducks. Penang Bird Park is also a home to a variety of wildlife species such as deers, reptiles and tortoises.

Penang Botanic Gardens

Filled with all sorts of plants from hundreds of species, Penang Botanic Gardens showcases the wonders of nature in a sprawling 29 hectares of green land. A public park cum botanical gardens, it is as much an educational area as a recreational spot. Hiking through its jungles or jogging in its parks is a refreshingly pleasant affair. There is also an impressive waterfall within.

Penang Butterfly Farm

Opened in 1986, the Penang Butterfly Farm – located in Teluk Bahang – is one of Penang’s best known and most popular tourist attractions. The eight-hectare butterfly sanctuary houses an impressively varied collection of butterfly species as well as an assortment of other insects. The farm sits at the foot of the Teluk Bahang hills – between the Taman Rimba Park and Teluk Bahang village. It features more than 4,000 butterflies from more than 120 groups as well as other insects and reptiles. Read More...

Penang City Hall

The City Hall located along the Esplanade is a fine building of Victorian architecture built in 1903; a reminder of the colonial era in Penang.

The City Hall faces a historic field - Padang Kota which is a venue for festivals and other large-scale events.

Today, the Hall is still used for period meetings among the Penang Municipal Council Chamber.

Penang Cultural Centre

An sort of all-in-one cultural theme park, the Penang Cultural Centre presents the diverse cultures of the country’s natives in a nutshell. At once informative and entertaining, the award-winning centre features attractions such as Cultural Village, a Malay theatre restaurant and widely-acclaimed cultural performances. Three two-hour guided tours are available daily, bringing you through a cultural journey which includes traditional games, handicraft demonstrations and a 45-minute cultural performance.

Penang Fort Cornwallis

Located close to the Esplanade, on the northeastern coast of Penang, the star-shaped Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia and one of the earliest structures in Penang. Not a particularly impressive edifice, these days the privately managed historical site is simply a set of ten-foot high outer walls with an enclosed park within; a stroll along the perimeters takes approximately ten minutes. Read More...

Penang Floating Mosque

Masjid Terapung or the Floating Mosque was built in 2004 in a bid to replace an older mosque which was damaged in the year’s major tsunami disaster. Situated along Tanjung Bungah’s stretch of beach, the mosque is an architectural wonder with its Moorish design, seven-storey-high towering minarets and 360-degree panoramic view of the sea. It’s the first mosque in the country to be built on the sea, with pillars and stilts supporting its majestic structure. Covering an area of 1,295sqm, it can accommodate up to 1500 people during prayer times.

Penang Hill

With the right dose of history and culture, Penang plays host to a variety of attractions ranging from beaches and historical architecture to cultural hotspots and a smorgasbord of cuisine. Located on the northern sector of the island, Penang Hill – one of Malaysia’s oldest hill resorts – is a hillside retreat comprising Western Hill, Bukit Laksamana, Tiger Hill, Flagstaff Hill and Government Hill. It is not as popular as Genting Highlands or Cameron Highlands but it is one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions. Read More...

Penang Islamic Museum

Housed in a beautiful heritage building which was once the residence of Syed Al –Attas, the Penang Islamic Museum takes you through the beginnings of Islam and its development in the country throughout the years, from the early days to the present day. Featuring exhibits which are displayed according to themes in its many sections and galleries, the museum also illustrates the beauty and the philosophies of the religion.

Penang Kek Lok Si Temple

Standing on a hilltop at Air Itam, near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. The complex is divided into three zones while the temple grounds comprise the hill entrance, souvenir, food and drinks stalls and the turtle liberation pond. The mid section of the temple houses temples, gardens, the pagoda and the four heavenly kings pavilion; meanwhile the hilltop plays host to an enormous statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin as well as more gardens and temples. Read More...

Penang Khoo Khongsi

Erected some 650 years ago, the Penang Khoo Kongsi is a part of the ‘Goh Tai Seh’ (five big clans) that formed the backbone of the Hokkien community in olden-days Penang. A kongsi (Hokkien for ‘clan-house’) is a building in which Chinese families of the same surname gather to worship their ancestors. These days the primary functions of kongsis are supportive roles as they strive to help with the educations of members’ children, settling disputes and advancing loans. Representing a family’s social and spiritual commitments between extended relations, ancestors and the outside community, the kongsi also acts as an important means of solidarity. Read More...

Penang KOMTAR

KOMTAR is located in central Georgetown, along the north-south Jalan Penang and east-west Jalan Magazine. The 65-storey high-rise and mall is one of the most prominent landmarks in Penang with a viewing deck on the 58th floor offering views of the island and across the straits to Penang’s mainland. Read More...

Penang National Park

Penang National Park, otherwise known as Taman Negara Pulau Pinang, is a piece of nature reserve in the northwest corner of the island. Many flora and fauna species can be found here, including some very rare and endangered ones, thriving in abundance for centuries, untouched and undisturbed. Trails around the forest brings you in touch with the wonders of nature living within it.

Penang Peranakan Mansion

The opulent lifestyle of a Peranakan (Straits Chinese) tycoon is recreated in this century-old stately mansion, offering a glimpse into the Peranakan customs and traditions. Serving as a museum of sorts for the Peranakan heritage, this mansion was once the abode of a rich Baba leader, Kapitan (Captain) Chung Keng Kwee. Amongst the items displayed are a traditional marital bed, an opium bed and opium-smoking paraphernalia, and various women’s accessories and gold jewellery. Read More...

Penang Road

Penang’s version of Hollywood’s Rodeo Drive, Penang Road is arguably the most important thoroughfare on the island. A mixture of nouveau-riche and quaint heritage, it runs the length from Lebuh Farquhar in the north, to Jalan Gurdwara in the south – near the Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR tower) – at the junction of Macalister Road. Brightly lit, Penang Road is divided into four main sections and it’s thoroughly tourist-friendly with walkways and plenty of plants. Read More...

Penang Snake Temple

Also known as ‘Temple of the Azure Cloud’, the Snake Temple was originally built in 1850, in the memory of Chor Soo Kong, a Buddhist monk said to have great healing powers. According to legend, he had provided shelter to a number of snakes during those days, and it is said that the snakes that had entered the temple had stayed and never left as a mark of respect to the monk.

One of the oldest temples in the world, devotees come from all over the world to visit the temple every year. Local devotees believe that the snakes residing within the temple had come of their own accord, and even though they look quite docile and are believed to be de-venomed, it is still not advisable to touch them or pick them up on your own. Stepping into the temple is quite a surreal experience you can see several snakes in all shapes, colours and sizes slithering about – definitely not for those with ophidiophobia Read More...

Penang State Museum & Art Gallery

Reputedly one of the best state museums in the country, Penang Museum & Art Gallery is dedicated to Penang’s historical past, showcasing Penang’s culture and heritage throughout the years with galleries housing a fine collection of photographs, maps, documents, antiques, costumes and other historical artefacts. Located on the first floor is the Art Gallery housing the works of local artists as well paintings of old Penang. Seasonal exhibitions are also held here from time to time.

Penang Toy Museum

Housing over a whopping 100,000 toys, figurines and collectibles, Penang’s Toy Museum is the country’s first toy museum and reputedly the largest of its kind in the world. The idea for the museum started when its owner, Loh Lean Cheng, visited London’s Toy & Model Museum, aged 19, in turn inspiring him to start his own collection. Divided into sections which include ‘Chamber of Horror’ and ‘ Hall of Beauties’, the collection includes rare limited editions acquired by Loh on his travels. Sound and motion effects accompany some of the exhibits, so don’t be surprised if the toys start moving or talking!

Penang Tropical Fruit Farm

A 25-acre organic orchard that features more than 250 types of fruit, the Penang Tropical Fruit Farm is located approximately two kilometres down the road from Teluk Bahang. Home to over 250 types of tropical and subtropical fruit trees, the garden was developed in 1993 in an effort to conserve rare and exotic fruit trees. Additionally the compound seeks to educate and promote the role of agriculture in the state’s rural areas. Read More...

Penang Tropical Spice Garden

Set just up the road from the Teluk Bahang junction, Penang’s Tropical Spice Garden is an eight-acre collection of secondary jungle with some 500 species of flora and fauna. Southeast Asia’s only tropical spice garden is a good place to spend the afternoon with your kids – the nature conservation complex features three garden trails that take you on 20-45 minute journeys past stream crossings, waterfalls and structures made of recycled organic materials. Read More...

Penang War Museum

The site where the battle against the invading Japanese army was lost, Bukit Batu Maung – located on the southern coast of Penang – is the locale of one of Malaysia’s best known British-built fortresses. Erected in the 1930s, the stronghold is now known as the Penang War Museum; situated on the road to Teluk Kumbar, it is a preserved citadel that was constructed as part of a plan to protect the island from foreign invasion. Read More...

P.Ramlee's House

The Malay actor P. Ramlee was the most famous actor of his time in Malaysia. This was his residence during his career in the 1930-40s.

Inside, visitors can view his memorabilia and other articles related to his acting and biography. All furnishings have been carefully preserved to maintain the house as it originally was when it was used by P. Ramlee.

Pulau Aman / Aman Island

Pulau Aman stands for 'Island of Peace' in Malay. Located some 2.5 nautical miles off the mainland state of Seberang Perai, the island is a tranquil place with a population of only 300 people living in a quaint village, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. A short boat ride from the town of Tambun will take you here.

Pulau Jerejak / Jerejak Island

Located just off the island’s south-east, Pulau Jerejak is a lush tropical island with a rich and colourful past. Once ‘Malaysia’s Alcatraz’, Pulau Jerejak has been developed into a major tourist attraction, with a resort, a Spa and a number of recreational facilities available for visitors to this island. The island’s jungle, one of the few remaining rainforests in Malaysia, is said to be more than 400 years old. There is a ferry service from the Pantai Jerejak terminal in Bayan Lepas, which takes visitors to and from the island daily.

Sri Mariamman Temple

The colourful Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. Featuring a distinctive South Indian Dravidian architectural style, the temple is filled with intricate carvings and sculptures of Hindu deities, with the main focal point being an opulent statue of Lord Subramaniam which is decorated with gold, silver, diamonds and emeralds. In the early morning, visitors can observe the prayer sessions that are being held.

St. Anne’s Church, Jalan Kulim

It was built asa small chapel on a small hill in 1846 by a French priest Adolphe Couellan. There are Chinese characters still visible as the early congregation were mainly Chinese Catholics of Bukit Mertajam.

The church was named after St. Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and has a sitting capacity of 1,800. Celebrations are held on a grand scale annually in conjunction with the annual St. Anne's Feast (in the month of July) which is usually followed by two nights of candelight procession by thousands of devotees at the church grounds.

The St. Anne Feast of Bukit Mertajam is one of the 20 biggest Catholic pilgrimages in the world, drawing about 40,000 to 60,000 devotees each year. Within the grounds of St. Anne's Church is the ancient Hindu inscriptions of Cherok Tokun, called the Cherok Tokun Relics.

Every year on 29 July, the St. Anne’s Festival is an annual event where Penang’s Catholics congregate in St. Anne's Church to pay homage to their patron saint. Saint Anne's Feast is held here annually at the end of month of July. This attracting thoudsands of crowds up to a quarter of a million and culminating in a candle light procession.

St George’s Church

Built by convicts back in 1816, Penang’s St George’s Church is South-East Asia’s oldest Anglican church. Even through all these years, the original structure of the building hasn’t altered much, and the walls haven’t weathered much either. One of Penang’s most beautiful heritage landmarks, the most striking features of the church are the huge Grecian columns that stand outside the building. Since its conception in the 19th century, it has been holding regular services. A grand Francis Light memorial sits in front of the church, a tribute to the man who had established the island in 1786.

Sungai Tukun Recreational Forest

Cover 23-hectares of rainforest, Sungai Tukun is a small but charming place to enjoy the treasures of nature. For bird-watchers, the Sungai Tukun area attracts white-bellied eagles, eaglets and kingfishers while those who want a panoramic view of Teluk Bahang and Batu Feringgi can climb up to the observation tower. Camping grounds and dormitories are available for those who wish to spend a night out in the forest.

Tanjung Bungah Beach

Located close to Georgetown between Gurney Drive and Batu Feringghi, Tanjung Bungah is hidden among lush greenery and rocky landscapes. Some claim that the views of the horizon from the beach are simply the best in Penang! Several upmarket hotels cater for various accommodation needs, letting you enjoy the pristine and serene surroundings. Read More...

Teluk Bahang

The scenic beach of Teluk Bahang is rocky, shady and serene - perfect for a weekend retreat minus the large crowds of nearby Batu Feringghi. Those who crave isolated beaches should go to Teluk Duyung, Monkey Beach, Pantai Kerachut or Pantai Mas – all only accessible via trails around the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve in Teluk Bahang. There are camping grounds available for you to spend a night under the stars and in the morning, head to the recreational forest for jungle-trekking or visit the Forestry Museum. Coastal villages dot the area where evenings signal the return of the fishermen from the sea with their day's catch. Look out for great seafood in Teluk Bahang - it's one of the best!

Teluk Bahang Recreational Park

Measuring a whopping 32 hectares, Teluk Bahang Recreational Park is a popular and well-maintained recreational park equipped with park benches, picnic and camping areas, waterfalls and a playground. Showcasing a wide variety of flora and fauna, it provides an interesting introduction to the Malaysian rainforest with a good network of hiking trails and a well-manned forestry museum.

Temple of the "Ninth Emperor God" (Nine Emperor Temple)

This temple will be decorated for the annual Nine Emperor Gods (Kew Ong Yeah) festival on every 9th month of Chinese Lunar Calendar. This is a very beautiful temple. The building architecture is impressive.

The sculptures and carvings are very neat and nice! The temple was constructed in 2000 by about 50 craftsmen from China which has three grand prayer halls, replaces an older temple that was built next to it in 1971.

The Clan Jetties

Consisting of a row of wooden houses on stilts along a planked walkway built over the water, The Clan Jetties are picturesque fishing villages lined along Weld Quay. The traditional fishing settlements have been in existence since the 19th century, and are some of Penang’s remaining links to its rich and colourful past. Eight clan jetties can be found here – Chew Jetty, Koay Jetty, Lee Jetty, Lim Jetty, Peng Aun Jetty, Tan Jetty, Yeoh Jetty and Mixed Clans Jetty – with Chew Jetty being the biggest and most well-known.

The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

One of the most recognisable icons in Penang, The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower was commissioned by a local millionaire, Cheah Chen Eok, to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. Standing at 60 feet tall with each foot representing each year of the Queen’s 60-year reign, the clock tower leans to one side due to the impact from bombs being dropped around it during the Second World War, although it’s hardly noticeable.

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple

Penang boasts a varied array of cuisine, people and religious beliefs. The island’s landscape is liberally sprinkled with plenty of sightseeing spots as well as various temples that feature Buddhist architecture. One of its most noteworthy houses of worship is the Wat Chaiya Mangakalaram Temple. Read More...

Yahong Art Gallery

Bringing together a collection of Malaysian arts and crafts, Yahon Art Gallery displays artworks in watercolour, oil and ink, as well as antiques and a mesmerizing collection of fine olden-day jewellery made from gold, jade, ivory, lapis lazuli and other semiprecious stones. The gallery is also home to Malaysia’s master of batik, Chuah Thean Teng, whose batik paintings are displayed in the upper level. Visitors also have the opportunity to watch batik-making demonstrations, as well as purchase batik souvenirs to take home which includes batik paintings, clothing and accessories.