Location: Penang Island
Top Things to do in Penang Island
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Penang Island, Malaysia
Penang Island, the most populous island city in Malaysia, is situated in the State of Penang. With a population of 738,500, it also forms Malaysia's second largest city by population, while Greater Penang, with 2.5 million inhabitants, is the nation's second most populous metropolis. Its capital, George Town, has also been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
Restaurants in Penang Island
1. ESCAPE
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 746 reviews
ESCAPE is the fun destination with exciting rides and attractions. Hosted with nature in mind. Located in Teluk Bahang, Penang, Malaysia, ESCAPE re-introduces outdoor play in a natural environment so to give the visitor an appreciation of the world around them and shows that there's no age limit to having fun.
Reviewed By alen d - Rijeka, Croatia
We visited adventure park first, had a great time using many zip lines provided among the tree tops. The choice of different levels of courses was suitable for all our mix of older and younger kids. After finishing with heights we moved to Water Park. Very...MoreHi alen d - thank you for your review. Glad you noticed how our attractions cater to guests of all age groups, sizes, and physical abilities. We're happy to hear you found our staff friendly and helpful, hope to see you at ESCAPE again.
2. Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Cheryl K - Regina, Canada
Upon the recommendation of the hotel we headed to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion - The Green Mansion which was very interesting.
It depicts the typical home of a rich Baba-Nyonya. The museum houses thousands of Peranakan artifacts which have been meticulously cared for over the years.
Our tour was very interesting and they did an excellent job on explaining the heritage of the Peranakan people. I would highly recommend it.
3. The Habitat Penang Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 250 reviews
The Habitat Penang Hill provides the most authentic, diverse and educational Malaysian rainforest experience. Reconnect with nature in its purest form as you immerse yourself in our 130-million year old rainforest. Starting at the forest floor, our Naturalists will take you on a journey along our Nature Trail to explore the myriad of flora and fauna – plants, trees, insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals that call The Habitat home. Explore the biodiversity of the rainforest canopy on our 230m Langur Way Canopy Walk. Visit Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk at the top of Penang Hill, and embrace the 360-degree panoramic views of Penang Island from the highest viewing point of Penang. Our Shop on the Hill carries educational and ethically produced merchandise themed around all things nature and culture. Finish at our Habitat Café with refreshments ranging from artisanal coffee, gourmet cakes, and Malaysian culinary delights, to Penang-themed craft beer. Discover a different side of Penang Hill.
Reviewed By Trevor P - Singapore
If you’re planning a trip up Penang Hill, make sure to visit the Habitat, a wildlife sanctuary located along path B at the top. There are separate costs involved to enter however it is worth it.
Going into the sanctuary you’ll encounter various wildlife like the greater black squirrel, monkeys, the occasional snake and various fauna species. There are also huge swings that offer stunning views and just before you reach langur circle you will encounter a group of park guides who will take you on a tour for free. Our guide, Naz was extremely knowledgeable and friendly as he took us along langur way (a suspension bridge) whilst explaining the native species and history of the Habitat. Without him, we wouldn’t have been able to see the squirrel nests, tarantulas and even vipers in the tree that we otherwise would’ve missed.
The guide however will leave you at Curtis Crest where you get to enjoy the stunning views from one of the highest points along Penang Hill. The ticket price includes a free ride back to the train station. Just a quick tip, go towards the later part of the afternoon as most of the wildlife are nocturnal and only start to come out after the afternoon heatwave is over. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
4. Entopia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Entopia, a tropical sanctuary for our planet's little denizens from those that fly freely in the sky to the ones that creep stealthily beneath the ground. Journey into a magical paradise that honours the unsung heroes of our natural world with plenty to discover from outdoor adventures to cavernous mysteries and a multi-storey Indoor Discovery Centre. Live the moment with exciting interactive workshops and activities. There's something for everyone. Join us to experience the seen and unseen in Nature. We are the voice of nature.
Reviewed By t0ngdee - Singapore, Singapore
Was amazed at how well run the place was.. This place is suitable for family especially those with kids as they will enjoy themselves. Other offering very scenic view, the tour is also very educational. Worth the visit! Mini version of the Gardens by The Bay (Singapore) with many butterflies
5. Colonial Penang Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Our Colonial Penang museum will bring visitors back to Penang's colonial past. Experience the unique lifestyle of both the British Administrators & the wealthy merchants, appreciate the intricate art form from the past and the influence of British to our Penangites. Visitors can find unique antiques such as :- - Parchment handwritten document by Captain Francis Light, founder of Penang, - Francois Linke ,the Belle Epoque of French furniture, - The white Carrara marble statues by Atelier R.Bigazzi Florence, - Reverse painting by William Morris & Company (Westminster) Ltd., ( Ruskin House ), - Stained Glass window by Hubert McGoldrick / Alfred Ernest Child and Katherine O'Brien , - Roman pillars and tree house and many more. The museum can also be used as an educational instrument for students to promote the understanding and significant of our rich heritage in the past.
Reviewed By Bruce C - Sharon, Connecticut
When you consider that this is a personal collection, amassed over 50+ years by Jasmine Tan and her husband, it is amazing...especially, since this is only about 40% of what she has amassed, the remainder is in her personal bungalows.
The stained glass,and Carrera marble sculptures are extra special. We were lucky that in the beginning Ms. Tan explained a number of the items and history of her collecting. Our guide told us that her family had in the past rubber plantations, until synthetic rubber was invented.
The exhibit is very unusual, and a number of the items are rare. It also gives an idea of items that Chinese bought and had in their homes or were in buildings in the late 19th and early 20th Century.
Definitely worth the small entrance fee, and taking some time to read the posted information about some of the displays.
Also, her husband collects wood and the tree house and rose wood tree trunks are amazing also.
A very enjoyable stop and tour.
6. Street Art in George Town
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 721 reviews
Reviewed By Joan0452013 - Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Clustered around the Heritage area surrounding Armenian Street, admiring this street art can be incorporated into the Heritage Walk. Some are life-size and others are larger than life and depict everyday life in Penang. Most are paintings on once-bare walls and a few feature actual objects such as a bicycle in the one entitled Kids on Bicycle.
There are also several wrought-iron artworks scattered around the inner city.
I would recommend that you walk, armed with a copy of the George Town Exploratory map (available from most hotels) which shows exactly where each artwork is situated.
Start early to avoid the heat and crowds though there are cafes and coffee shops to escape to for a cool drink or ice cream.
An early start would also mean that you can photograph the artwork without including other people in the picture.
7. Asia Camera Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By pianocello - Shah Alam, Malaysia
The staff were quite friendly and this place makes a nice diversion and addition to the Armenian Street area.
Sadly, I can't give this too high a rating. The place makes me feel like a camera studio was wondering what to do with their old cameras and hit upon the idea of getting additional old unwanted cameras from other camera studios. This is then followed by making some copies of the Internet of some famous photos and there you are - a camera museum!
There's nothing wrong with that except the ticket price is too high and the place is not well - curated. We only spent 15 minutes there as there is only one main room (not including the dark room partition) and there is not enough information on why each camera is special historically. Had the ticket price been half of what it is, I would still be ok but as it is now, it feels like a lesser version of the other camera museum in Penang.
8. Penang House of Music
Overall Ratings
5 based on 55 reviews
A celebration of Penang's glorious musical heritage and cultural diversity with carefully curated Exhibitions and interactive features. We showcase, among many things, Penang's popular music from the 1940s-1960s, a feature on communal music, a recreation of a radio booth and cinema, and many others! Also available is a resource center where visitors may discover an ever-growing vinyl collection, newspaper clippings, previously unreleased recordings, audio and video interviews and many, many more.
Reviewed By Choo Kheng S - Penang Island, Malaysia
This is one place where the passion and dedication of the owner /founder are written all over the corners. The attention to details and painstaking researches have managed to bring the glorious musical past of Penang back to life. So the saying goes, "Without music...MoreThank you for your support! we hope to see you again soon
9. Tropical Spice Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Garden Audio Tours available in 7 Languages: English, Chinese, Malay, Arabic, Japanese, German & French. Alternatively you may take the Live Guided Tour starting at 9am, 11am, and 1.30pm. The trails are slightly inclined so do wear comfortable walking shoes, unfortunately wheelchairs & strollers are not recommended. The Asia's Hidden Eden! Timeless and enchanting, Tropical Spice Garden is an eco-attraction tucked within a natural valley fronting the Straits of Malacca. The showcase garden houses over 500 species of herb, spice and tropical plants. Explore and discover the fabulous diversity of nature as you through trails and pathways that meander through undulating hills, jungles terraces and natural streams.
Reviewed By minikitten - Bristol, United Kingdom
Had a lovely morning here. Much cooler than in George Town so nice to escape headband humidity for a bit. Tropical spice Gardens were very interesting and really enjoyable. It was great to learn so much about the different spices and herbs we use at home...MoreThank you minikitten, those are really very encouraging words to us. We are glad you enjoyed the Gardens as much as we do. Hope that you had a great time in Penang, and do visit us again if you're in Penang next time! :)
10. Wonderfood Museum Penang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Emily C
This was one of the highlights of my time in George Town. This museum is super informational and highlights the history and culture of Malaysian food. Not only is it educational it is super interactive and fun. Great for taking photos for Instagram! You can spend a good few hours here. Highly recommend for foodies.
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