11 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Penang, Malaysia
Here’s a wild guess: You live in Penang. You don’t want to hike up Kek Lok Si for the 12th time. You don’t need to listen to an audio guide about Peranakan culture. And please, no more about the Penang Road Famous Laksa (you probably go there every weekend)! Well, fear not; this list was made for the non-touristy you.
1. Attend a Show at the Penang PAC
A country is only as developed as its arts, and nowhere is this idea more apparent than at the Performing Arts Centre of Penang (PAC). From politically engaged plays to side-splitting stand-ups, this is the space to (literally) watch how Penang keeps up with the rest of the world.
Note: Comedies may rely on social stereotypes. Check out their showtimes here.
Be Mansion-Inspired
Penang’s richest don’t live in apartments. They have mansions lined along Bell Road and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, complete with rolling lawns, shiny sports cars, surveillance cameras, and a security guardhouse or two. If you prefer an uphill scene, Pearl Hill is the place to drive up; sprawling manors, each with a different design, stand on brick-legged foundations to command an unparalleled view of the sea.
2. Volunteer at SPCA
Did you know that 1,000 dogs were put down in 2015, following a Rabies outbreak? Our animals need to be loved, walked, vaccinated, and spayed. The SPCA is always looking for volunteers, and they hold volunteer briefings every third week of the month. Find out more here.
SPCA, Jalan Jeti Jelutong, Jelutong, 11600 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, +60 4-281 6559
3. Join an Event at the Hin Bus Depot
Bazaar
Check Out the Weekend Market at Straits Quay
Fridays to Sundays, a thriving weekend market sets up at this waterfront complex. Browse fruit-shaped soaps, homemade nut butters (yum!), and intricate brass jewelry in the air-conditioned comfort of Straits Quay. And when you’re done, stroll along the front quay for the cool sea breeze and white yachts gently rocking on water.
Lepak in The Esplanade
Known locally as the “Padang Kota Lama,” this stretch of lawn is where the locals lepak (chill out aimlessly) after dinner. Once the sun goes down, all is quiet and unlit — and usually not conducive for selfie-taking. The Esplanade sits between the busy Light street, the City Hall, and the lapping waves of the straits. You may also wish to try the ais kacang at Jalil Special nearby.
Take Your Pet to Karpal Singh Drive
If your furry friend has walked the Straits Quay more times than his or her years alive, it’s time to switch it up to Karpal Singh Drive. This seafront promenade is a relatively young hubbub of Penang, with new residential and commercial properties popping up all around. Your dog (or cat, if so inclined to walk) will be pleased with the 0.5 miles (0.8 km) they get to exercise their paws.
4. Get a Tailor-Made Suit in Town
Earning the big bucks? Penang’s crew of tailor shops will help you look like a million bucks more. You get to choose your own fabric and design, or browse a catalogue for ideas, at the numerous tailor shops in Little India. For a more upscale experience, check out DeePee’s; they’ve been around since 1988, so there’s no question that they know their stuff.
DeePee Tailor, 3 H – G – 6, Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tg Pinang, Seri Tanjung Pinang, 10470 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, +60 4-899 7129
5. Visit the Penang Science Cluster
This cool science center isn’t just for geeks. From Linux and Python coding workshops, to learning how to “sew” on the computer, this nonprofit helps advance the local STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) scene by injecting fun into numbers. If you’re just browsing, check out the year-round exhibition, and don’t try too hard to fit into the life-sized mini airplane.
Penang Science Cluster, 37, Gat Lebuh China, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, +60 4-824 4355
Attend a Reading Event
If you enjoy reading, why not check out the local literary scene? Every two months, MYWriters Penang hosts an event featuring 15-minute readings by local or visiting writers, followed by an interactive Q&A session. Got a “pre-loved” book? You can exchange it for another at their Book Exchange, too.
6. Go Café-Hopping
Cafe
What’s better than the bars in Penang? The cafés, of course. With hundreds of chic, boutique little establishments across the island, you’re spoiled for choice. First-timers will enjoy The Mugshot Café on Chulia Street, where you can take a “mugshot” while enjoying their delightful yogurt parfaits (try the Gula Melaka!).
302, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia, +60 12-405 6276
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.