15 Must-Visit Attractions in Penang, Malaysia
There’s more to Penang than char koay teow. Here are 15 top attractions you need to see for yourself.
1. Penang National Park
Forest, Park
Tucked away on the less populated side of the island (Teluk Bahang), Penang’s National Park is thick with rainforest, wildlife (monkeys, lizards, cicadas that sing even in the daytime). It covers eight beaches, including but not limited to Pantai Kerachut, Pantai Mas, and Teluk Duyung (also known as “Monkey Beach,” though real monkeys are scarce).
The end goal of most trekkers is the Muka Head lighthouse. Climb atop and you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the sea and city.
2. Kek Lok Si
What better way to spend Chinese New Year than at Penang’s most illustrious temple? Built in the late 19th century, this “Heavenly Temple” has a Goddess of Mercy that stands 99 feet (30.2 meters) tall under an octagonal pavilion and a devotional pagoda that incorporates the best of Thai, Burmese, and Chinese architectural designs.
When it lights up for Chinese New Year, the entire complex is bathed in an ocean of light — kind of like the penultimate scene in Disney’s Mulan.
3. Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Hindu Temple
This elaborate Hindu temple in Queen Street is hard to miss. A small, colorful gopuram (a tower ornamented with Hindu deities and floral decorations) rises out of this unassuming temple, housing the Goddess Mahamariamman.
It’s best to visit during the Chitraparuvam festival, when the temple becomes the final destination of the Chariot procession of Lord Subramaniyaswami.
Lebuh Queen, 10450 George Town, Penang, +604 264 3493
4. Ghost Museum
Museum
Learn about ghosts from different cultures and take a selfie with that long-haired pontianak. If you’re used to horror films, this is children’s play.
5. Hin Bus Pop-Up Market
Market
This fun, groovy place is still fiercely “local” — and I suggest an immediate visit before the corporates swoop in and take over.
6. Wat Chaiyamangalaram Temple and Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
Nobody really goes to one without going to the other. Situated side by side on Burma Road, these two temples feature intricately decorated pagodas and stunning golden statues. In fact, the centerpiece of the Wat Chaiyamangalaram is a Sleeping Buddha measuring 108 feet (33 meters), making this stone figure the third longest (of its kind) in the world.
Inspired by a bit of cultural Buddhism? You can even purchase prayer beads and lotus candles from the temple or the vendors outside.
7. Butterfly Farm
Unless you’re allergic to these delicate winged creatures, there’s no reason not to visit the Entopia Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang. A remarkable hub of exotic plant species and 15,000 free-flying butterflies, this beautiful garden will make you wish you were a garden fairy.
For those who enjoy learning about our insect friends, the cocoon features interactive edu-stations and illustrative butterfly evolution maps. Super kid-friendly.
Entopia Butterfly Farm | © Hussain Ajina
Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang, +604 888 8111
8. Tropical Spice Garden
Ever wondered which herbs made your jiu hu char so flavorful? Well, this is where you find out. With eight acres (32,375 square meters) of award-winning gardens featuring hundreds of tropical herb plants, this lush plot is where you should be spending your afternoons.
If you’re prone to mosquito bites, you might want to wear long pants or bring mosquito repellent. Go for the guided tours — they’re better than the audio ones.
9. Snake Temple
Park
It’s in the name. Amidst the smoldering joss sticks and burning paper effigies, there are snakes lurking around. Most have been de-venomed, though legend insists that the pit vipers wouldn’t hurt anyone anyway, out of reverence for the Buddhist monk who first gave them shelter in the temple.
Heads up: The snakes aren’t caged.
Snake Temple | © Prince Roy/Flickr
Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, +604 643 7273
10. Avatar Garden
Bar
If night has fallen and you want to do something quick before bar-hopping, drop by the Avatar Garden in Tanjung Tokong. This romantic, mystical place is roped with a dazzling array of colors, and the best time to see it is after sunset. Entrance to the garden is free, but parking can be a pain, so be sure to grab an Uber or GrabCar (or, really, a bus).
11. Ferringhi Night Walk Bazaar
Bazaar, Market
12. Street Art
Recent years have re-established George Town as a central hub for art and culture, and this is in no small part thanks to the flourishing street art scene. Artists the likes of Ernest Zacharevic, Louis Gan, Rone, and Kenji Chai have made Penang their canvas, memorializing the city’s past by painting it on present walls.
Don’t forget that street art isn’t just confined to George Town. Balik Pulau has a few wicked murals too, many of which are painted by the Russian artist Julia Volchkova.
Girl in Blue | © Phalinn Ooi/Flickr
Best begin your street art trail fromLebuh Armenian, 10450 George Town Penang
13. Kapitan Keling Mosque
Mosque
The charm of Malaysia is its ethnic and religious diversity, and if you’ve been to the Buddhist and Hindu temples in town, it’s time to visit the Kapitan Keling Mosque too. First built by Indian Muslim settlers in the 1800s, this stately mosque has a well-manicured lawn, whitewashed walls and columns, and Jawi calligraphy.
You will be asked to wear appropriate clothing to enter.
14. Tropical Fruit Farm
Natural Feature
Note: Some fruits, like the acai berry, are still under research.
15. Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Museum
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