15 Must-Visit Attractions in Penang, Malaysia

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.

Penang is not new to ghosts. After all, we welcome our friendly, ghostly friends every seven month of the Lunar Calendar and burn paper oblations to ease their lives in the afterworld. But what is new is this Ghost Museum on Malay Street.

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.

Not enough has been said of this market du jour. Little Penang tried to do it for a good haul, and Straits Quay attempts it every month, but if you ask me, nothing beats the vibe (pun intended) and catholic (not the religion) inclusion of this funky place. Roughly 800 people visit this market every Sunday to buy light bulb terrariums, modern handicrafts, and homemade granola.

This fun, groovy place is still fiercely “local” — and I suggest an immediate visit before the corporates swoop in and take over.

This bazaar made it to this list thanks to its eclectic vendors (who sell everything from oil paintings to batik sarongs), great seafood selections (deep-fried squid, anyone?), and long stretches of sandy beach. The closest hotel would be Rasa Sayang Resort by Shangri-La, but if you prefer a quieter stay, Lone Pine Hotel is better.

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.

Make sure you get a guided tour, or the different fruit species will be lost on you (unless, of course, you’re a biologist). At 800 feet (244 meters) above sea level, this orchard has the perfect climate to cultivate 370 edible fruit species. From green figs to passionfruit, pink guava to cherry tomatoes, here’s where the life of fruits begin, before ending up in your local market.

Note: Some fruits, like the acai berry, are still under research.

The pale-green exterior of this old clan house doesn’t do justice to what lies within — exquisite East-meets-West architecture, finely carved furniture, a plethora of peranakan artifacts. Learn about Nyonya culture from the building that has seen it all, and visit the temple beside it for a sleeping bat or two.