9 Romantic Date Ideas to Try in Penang

Hanging lights at the Avatar Garden, Penang
Hanging lights at the Avatar Garden, Penang | © ShangChieh / Flickr
Michelle Leong

If you want to impress your belle or beau with something a little less clichéd than watching Ocean’s 8 after dining at the ThreeSixty Skybar, we’ve got a few selections that will inspire you.

In Penang, you’ll never run out of interesting things to do, and that includes taking your special one out. From historical sites to ghost museums, handicraft markets to sunsets at the beach, there’s something for every couple to enjoy.

speech icon man in bubble

Destinations Unlocked:

Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture trip

Looking for an expert's perspective?

Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
speech icon man in bubble
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
speech icon man in bubble

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
speech icon man in bubble

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

left arrow trip map

Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
left arrow previous slide

Next

right arrow next slide
left arrow trip map

Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
speech icon man in bubble

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
left arrow previous slide

Back to Map

Entopia Butterfly Farm

Unless your date is lepidopterophobic (pathologically afraid of butterflies), this giant greenhouse-like structure will be delightful, educational, and romantic at various turns. Housing 15,000 of nature’s gentlest, free-flying, light-footed friends, as well as 200 tropical plant species plus decorative waterfalls, caves, and ponds, Entopia could truly pass for utopia.

https://theculturetrip.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/culture-trip-how-to-spend-48-hours-in-penang-malaysia-butterfly-farm.mp4

Butterflies sipping on hibiscus nectar at the Entopia Butterfly Farm | © Michelle Leong

Entopia Butterfly Farm, No. 830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Teluk Bahang, Pulau Pinang, +604 888 8111

Sunrise at Straits Green

Scrap the overplayed movie-and-dinner ploy and watch the gorgeous sunrise at the Straits Green. Extending all the way to Straits Quay and the residential compounds beyond, this stretch of promenade is the perfect spot to witness the twilight sky-ribbon displays of cherry, crimson, and canary in the early hours of 6.30-8.00 a.m.

Penang, Malaysia

Straits Green Park by The Sea , 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Penang

Live music at China House

These days, you’re considered a bore if you work in an office without a side interest in non-conformist artistic culture. So take your date to China House — a shophouse-turned-everything with coffee, cake, courtyards, and chords — and tap your feet to the funky renditions of blues, pop, jazz, rock, and fusion at the hipster bar (ask around if you lose your way). It’s 30% off beer, wines, and cocktails if you show up between 5 and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Man playing guitar

153, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang,+604 263 7299

Sunset on Batu Ferringhi Beach

Sometimes it’s the tourists who know where to go – and in Penang this means Batu Ferringhi. Nothing much happens during the day, but once evening rolls around, Batu Ferringhi becomes festival-noisy with food, music, and crowds. Romance-with-a-twist can be achieved by strolling with your loved one along white sandy shores while watching the gymnastic turns of sunset colors across the sky, before popping over to the night market for delicious seafood.

Sunset beach in Penang, Malaysia

Batu Ferringhi, 11100, Pulau Pinang

Hin Bus Depot Sunday Market

If your date is hipster, cool, and crafty, why not bring them to Hin Bus Depot? This abandoned bus station was converted into a contemporary art space, quickly becoming one of the coolest places in Malaysia. Open between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays, there’s an array of art-meets-life paintings and amazingly intricate handmade jewelry and ceramics. In fact, turn up your romantic side and bring a picnic blanket for the lawn, where you can sip kefir, eat thin-crust pizza, and smile surreptitiously at each other.

Weekend Market at Hin Bus Depot

31A, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Dinner at the Ferringhi Garden Restaurant

If you’ve got the dosh, take your girl/boyfriend to the Ferringhi Garden Restaurant. This gorgeous venue is canvassed by cascading foliage, dancing fountains, and wooden roof bows, making you momentarily forget that you’re actually here for food. Romantic, dim lighting sets the stage, grilled lobster is the first act, and intermission may feature a drink or two.

34, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Kampung Batu Feringgi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, +604 881 1193

Seafood platter at Ferringhi Garden

Visit the Ghost Museum

For adrenalin-chasing couples, the Ghost Museum should be at the top of your list. This is no Scream, but the vivid depictions of pontianaks (long-haired female ghosts of Indonesian-Malaysian folklore), zombies, and vampires definitely send a few shivers down your spine. The museum is as educational as it is fun, and you’ll get to learn about the folkloric origins of each ghost while (maybe) clutching your lover’s hand in horror.

Chinese ghost scene

57, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, +604 261 2352

Glow in the dark at Avatar Garden

Avatar Garden may be called ‘The Sea of Pearls’ in Mandarin, but in English its name will more likely conjure images from the 2009 film by James Cameron. Showers of fairy light in varying colors of pink, purple, green, and blue illuminate the small garden (which, incidentally, is not much for show during the day) turning it into an ethereal sky on earth. Your date will thank you for this excursion to paradisiacal Pandora.

Hanging lights at the Avatar Garden, Penang

336, Jalan Tokong Thai Pak Koong, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang

Relive history at the Fort Cornwallis

History buffs will relish a visit to the largest standing fort in Malaysia, which — your date will be interested to find — has never once been in operational combat. It stands like a bulwark of brick on the banks of Light Street shores, and has one of the best unhindered views of the ocean’s horizon. Entrance costs RM20 ($5).

Fort Cornwallis in George Town, Penang, Malaysia

Fort Cornwallis, Lebuh Light, Georgetown, 10200, Penang

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip 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 — and this is still in our DNA today. 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 certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

X

Holiday Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

Edit article