The BEST Penang walks: easy coastal strolls to challenging hill hikes

Map of the best Penang walks

Use the map below to see where our best Penang walks are located.

1. Batu Ferringhi Iron Waterfall (1.3km)

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START: Next to Kafe Vsassy
Total ascent: 16 meters
Time: allow 2 hours

Only a fifteen minute walk (630 metres) from the main road in Batu Ferringhi, the Iron Waterfall might seem close but it feels a world away from the tourism of the resorts and beaches. Very few tourists know about this beautiful spot and chances are you’ll have it all to yourself.

Batu Ferringhi Iron Waterfall derives its name from the reddish hue of its water and rocks, which are attributed to a high concentration of iron in the water. It’s a beautiful contrast to the lush green of the surrounding vegetation.

The track to the waterfall is relatively flat and easy-going with only the very last section (40 metres) along a muddy path and a few upward steps. However, be cautious when crossing the bridge, as there are often territorial dogs in the area. While they might appear aggressive, simply keep walking, and they’ll leave you alone once you’ve moved further along the path.

2. Penang Botanic Gardens circular walk (2.2km)

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START: Penang Botanic Gardens entry gate
Total ascent: 65 meters
Time: allow 1 hour

For over a century, Penang Botanic Gardens has provided an open and peaceful green space for the people of Penang to enjoy. Originally built on the site of an old quarry, the gardens were initially focused on botanical pursuits but this evolved after the Second World War, and they’re now primarily a place people come to stroll, hike, jog, or simply enjoy the beautiful tree-framed setting.

The first thing you’ll notice about Penang Botanic Gardens is that it is generally well-maintained and cared-for, with a couple of minor exceptions. Other botanic gardens around the world sometimes show signs of neglect and under-funding, which is understandable due to the high costs of maintaining this kind of environment. But that’s really not the case here, the tracks are well looked-after, signs are helpful and there’s a relaxed atmosphere.

The walking route around the gardens is on well-maintained, wide path and very easy to navigate. There is a very slight incline in the first half of the walk.

This is easily the best pram-friendly walk in Penang and you can expect to encounter a fair few animal friends along the way, including dusky leaf monkeys, birds, spiders and the occasional snake.

There are no entry fees for Penang Botanic Gardens. It’s FREE!
Open daily from 6:30am to 7pm.

3. Penang Hill walk via the Heritage Trail (2.6km)

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START: Thean Kong Thnuah Temple
Total ascent: 691 meters
Time: allow 2 hours

It’s now more than a hundred years since someone had the good sense to build a funicular up to the top of Penang Hill but, if you’re up for a challenge, there’s still the option of stepping back in time and walking to the summit using much of the original route. This Penang Hill walk follows the Heritage Trail, a two mile hike which climbs and weaves around the funicular track.

But be warned that this walk shouldn’t be taken lightly; you’ll need a decent level of fitness, plenty of stamina and water, good hiking footwear and high levels of perseverance. There are countless steps and you will be ascending 691 meters.

The first section of the walk is particularly challenging, with a constant climb up steep steps before reaching the Middle Station. Once here, the views towards George Town and the mainland open up, and the gradient becomes just a touch friendlier as you gradually approach the summit of Penang Hill.

Despite the challenges, this is a diverse and rewarding walk, with the promise of an easy funicular ride back down to the bottom when you’ve finished. There’s also beautiful flora and fauna to appreciate en route, and you may also spot a monkey.

4. Straits Quay walk in Tanjung Tokong (3.2km)

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START: Thean Kong Thnuah Temple
This is a flat walk
Time: 45 minutes

Straits Quay is an upmarket retail marina in the north of Penang Island. There is a fantastic array of dining options here (Mexican, Italian, Thai, seafood) and the traffic-free footpath that hugs the coastline is superb for a light stroll.

This easy-going Straits Quay walk starts from Thai Pak Koong Temple, 1km northwest of the marina (just behind this is Oceano Symphony, one of the best bars in Penang).

The first section of coastline on this walk is very different to the snazzy marina, with local fishing boats, wooden shacks, a WW2 bunker and temple. Indeed this is a walk of contrasting halves as the second half of the walk is reminiscent of Sydney with impressive whitewashed houses to your right and skyscrapers in the distance.

It is best experienced first thing in the morning when the sun is rising and locals are out exercising, be it tai chi, yoga or power walking. At this time, the air is much cooler and there are a couple of coffee shops open in Straits Quay for a refuel half way.

Alternatively, it’s a spectacular sunset walk. Although for sunset, we recommend doing this Straits Quay walk in reverse so that you are walking into the sunset.

5. Penang National Park hike to Turtle Beach / Pantai Kerachut (3.8km)

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START: Penang National Park entry gate
Total ascent: 172 metres
Time: 1.5 hours

The hike to Turtle Beach in Penang National Park is a personal favourite on the island and is one of our must do Penang activities for visitors. Navigate through lush rainforest with the meditative jungle sounds as your backdrop to arrive at arguably one of the best beaches in Penang, Turtle Beach, known locally as Pantai Kerachut.

Here your sweaty adventures will be rewarded with a stunning, sandy beach, to relax. Or perhaps explore the Meromictic Lake (there’s only a few left in Asia) and Penang Turtle Conservation Centre.

This is a linear walk. Whilst you can return along the same track, we recommend booking a boat to return via the coastline (RM100 per boat). This can be booked at the park gates (more detail on this in the Turtle Beach walk guide).

This Turtle Beach walk takes about 1.5 hours and is 3.8km. Whilst the start of the walk is flat and easy going, after 500 metres the climbing begins. The footpath from this point can be tricky underfoot with exposed tree routes, although there are also steps in places. Expect to sweat as you ascend and descend along the route. The total ascent is 172 metres, reaching a maximum altitude of 157 metres.

Please note that you will need to pay National Park fees at the start of this walk.

6. Pearl Hill Walk, Tanjung Bungah (linear, 5km)

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START: Ingolf’s Kneipe German Restaurant And Bar
Total ascent: 193 metres
Time: 1.5 hours

The walk to the summit of Pearl Hill (196m) is popular with expats living in Tanjung Bungah and offers a steady incline to a viewpoint to get the blood pumping. The majority of the walk is along paved roads and offers a great opportunity to check out some of the impressive Penang property that wouldn’t be out of place in the suburbs of Sydney, Australia.

Towards the end of the walk, you leave the road and walk along a track that leads to a jungle path lined by prayer flags to the summit. It’s an impressive view over Tanjung Bungah and the sea beyond to reward your efforts. Do be aware of dogs on this last section; carrying a walking stick can be helpful. Additionally, applying mosquito repellent is advisable for the brief rainforest segment.

7. Air Itam Dam with optional extension to Kek Lok Si Temple (5.1km)

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START: Air Itam Dam car park
Distance around reservoir: 2.8km
Distance including walk to Kek Lok Si Temple: 5.1km
Total ascent: 136 meters
Total descent: 324 meters

Sitting above Kek Lok Si Temple on Penang Hill is Air Itam Dam. Commissioned in 1962, this dam forms a vital component of Penang’s water supply. There’s an easy going loop walk of 2.8km around the reservoir, which is paved all the way around. It’s slightly undulating, but relatively easy going. Aside from the section across the dam wall, the walk is sheltered by trees (beware of the monkeys).

This is a really lovely spot for a morning stroll and while very few tourists venture here, you’ll see lots of locals enjoying the walk.

We also detail an optional extension to walk down to Kek Lok Si Temple (2.33km), the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, and an important pilgrimage site for devotees across Southeast Asia.

However, please bear in mind that the walk down to Kek Lok Si Temple is exceptionally steep. In wet weather, it is very slippy. Hiking poles are a very good idea.

8. George Town walking tour (6km)

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START: Penang Town Hall
This walk is very flat
Time: allow 4-5 hours

If you’re visiting George Town and want to make the most of your time, you need a plan. The UNESCO-listed streets are perfect for exploring on foot but, with the Penang heat a constant companion, it makes sense to plot your route first.

The good news is that we’ve already studied the map and done the hard yards for you. With this George Town walking tour, you’ll get to experience the best of the city’s sights, sounds, attractions, heritage and landmarks, with some well-deserved food and drinks stops along the way.

The walk starts at Penang Town Hall and winds its way through six kilometres of history, religion and architecture before ending at The Blue Mansion. So check out our step-by-step walk guide strap on your shoes and take a wander around this unique and fascinating city.

As a general guide, we’d expect this 6km walking tour to take about 3 or 4 hours to complete, with a stop for some food and drink along the way. Whilst the walk itinerary passes by several activities and landmarks, we wouldn’t recommend trying to visit all of them this time. Some (e.g. visiting Fort Cornwallis or Khoo Kongsi), are one-hour activities in their own right, and there aren’t enough hours in the day to do them justice and complete the full walking tour.

Instead, treat the walking tour as an introduction to the best of George Town, make a mental note of your favourite places and plan to visit them another day. Check out our guide for the best things to do in George Town for more inspiration.

9. Ngor Hean Temple walk from Air Itam Dam (8km)

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START: Air Itam Dam car park
Total distance (to the temple and back): : 8km
Total ascent: 345 meters
Total descent: 345 meters

Tucked away from the bustle of Penang’s high rises, this walk from starting from Air Itam Dam leads to Ngor Hean, a Taoist temple perched above Balik Pulau, offering sweeping views of the southwest coast.

The linear trail (4km each way) winds through the foothills of Penang Hill, beginning with a gentle walk alongside the reservoir dam before transitioning into a steady uphill climb. A paved path cuts through lush jungle, with around 345 metres of ascent, a manageable challenge for most. Though the route is mostly peaceful, you may occasionally share it with a passing moped or car.

Blending nature, tranquillity, and breathtaking views, this walk is a rewarding way to slow down and discover a different side of Penang. Indeed very few tourists visit this area of the island and we feature it on our guide to Penang off-the-beaten-track.

Do be warned that there is are no shops on this walk, so bring plenty of drinking water and snacks with you. There are public toilets at the start next to the car park and very basic ones at the temple (bring toilet paper). Mosquito repellent, hat, and sunscreen are also essentials, and walking poles are a good idea for the return downhill walk.

This walk could also be combined with a walk around Air Itam Dam, with an optional extended walk to Kek Lok Si Temple.