The 5 Best Malls in Penang, Malaysia

Straits Quay marina, Penang, Malaysia.
Straits Quay marina, Penang, Malaysia. | © Angela Royle / Shutterstock
Michelle Leong

Do you like air-conditioning, high-end retail shops, and shelter from the rain and sun? If so, you’ll like these malls in Penang.

Penang is no stranger to malls, which means the malls here are spectacularly well-equipped. Find your regular favorites, including Starbucks, Debenhams and Swarovski, as well as al fresco restaurants, fitness centers and (yes) karaoke houses.

1. Gurney Plaza

Shopping Mall

Gurney Plaza shopping centre in George Town Penang, Malaysia.
© footageclips/Shutterstock

With anchor tenants like Golden Screen Cinemas, Parkson (department store), and Cold Storage (grocery store), is it any wonder this mall has one of the state’s highest daily footfall? Featuring over 380 retail shops, including Timbaland, Armani and Guess, as well as an al fresco stretch of eateries like Winter Warmers, Secret Recipe and Dome, this mall is a haven for shoppers and foodies alike.
More affordable fashion stores are located on the fourth and fifth floors. There are also several tech shops selling mobile phones, laptops and related accessories in the new wing.

2. Gurney Paragon

Shopping Mall

MONKL fashion store in Gurney Paragon, Penang.
© TY Lim/Shutterstock

Also set along the extensive Gurney Drive, this shopping mall is the higher-end, less crowded version of Gurney Plaza — which incidentally is only a two-minute walk away. With over 40 retail fashion stores, 30 eateries, a TGV cinema, a Times bookstore, and one of the most successful fitness centers in Penang, this shopping mall will please your palate, senses, and running shoes.
Often referred to simply as ‘Paragon,’ this shopping mall is open between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. (eateries may be open until later). Like Gurney Plaza, there are two entrances to this mall — Kelawai or Gurney — so if you’re taking a GrabCar, be sure to indicate which entrance you want to be dropped off.

3. Queensbay Mall

Shopping Mall

Clinique Laboratories cosmetic store in Queensbay mall. Penang, Malaysia
© TY Lim/Shutterstock

Take the Jelutong Highway to Bayan Lepas and you’ll find yourself riding up to Penang’s largest shopping mall, Queensbay. This mall is a sprawling indoor mall spanning 2,500,000 sq. feet, which means you’ll be walking — a lot. But in the name of food and shopping, this may well be worth it, as Queensbay houses popular stores like Giordano, Levi’s and British India.
Main anchor tenants here include AEON (a department and grocery store) and the Golden Screen Cinemas. Book lovers will appreciate the last remaining Borders on this side of peninsula, while those who enjoy coffee and cake might prefer a trip to well-established names like Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Dome and Starbucks.

4. Straits Quay

Shopping Mall

Straits Quay marina, Penang, Malaysia.
© Angela Royle / Shutterstock

This is the place to go if you want to shop, eat, and walk leisurely after both. The extensive promenade along the quay front is the main attraction of this mall, where small yachts and boats rock gently on the waves.
Shops here include Royal Selangor and Monica Quen, and there are eateries like Blue Reef, Healy Mac’s and Papparich. For more affordable bargains, the mall also hosts a ‘market’ in the center court every weekend. You’ll be able to find pop-up cards, mobile phone cases and handmade jewelry here.

5. Juru Auto City

Shopping Mall

Mercedes-Benz Auto City, Penang, Malaysia.
© siam.pukkato

Designed like an American strip mall, Auto City is located on the Penang mainland in Juru. This is where roadshows, carnivals and exhibitions are often held, but if you’re not here for any of them, this outdoor complex also includes highly successful fashion boutiques, restaurants, and over 30 automobile brands.
Club-hoppers may enjoy Bed, a happening clubhouse after sunset, while karaoke-enthusiasts will like Citi-Box. Eateries here include Seoul Garden, Manhattan Fish Market and Golden Triangle Restaurant.

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