The BEST things to do in Butterworth: beyond just the transit stop

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For many travellers, Butterworth is simply a transit point between Kuala Lumpur and Penang Island. But linger a little longer and you’ll discover a town rich in local flavour, heritage, and community spirit; a side of Penang few visitors take time to explore.

Butterworth often sits in the shadow of its island neighbour, George Town. Many visitors only experience it through the transport hub of Penang Sentral, either catching a train from Kuala Lumpur or hopping on the ferry across to Penang Island. Situated just to the north of Penang Sentral, Butterworth rewards those who pause their journey. This mainland hub is evolving, with art spaces, waterfront views, and a variety of temples that reflect Penang’s layered culture.

Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or lingering longer between transport connections, here are the best things to do in Butterworth.

Map of things to do in Butterworth

1. Butterworth Art Walk

On a much smaller scale to the street art over the water in George Town, Butterworth Art Walk (located here) occupies a slightly ramshackle spot between the Padang and container port, spread across a couple of side streets. It’s beautifully done though and the urban setting certainly gives the art an extra dimension.

It’s a mixture of irreverent, small paintings and elaborate murals that take up the entire side of heritage buildings. New murals and paintings are being added all the time, although you’ll still only need ten minutes or so to take it all in.

2. Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Temple

Founded in the 1850s, Sri Maha Mariamman Devasthanam Temple is an unexpected delight in a old part of town, now hemmed in by the ring road and residential buildings. After a concerted effort in the 1980s to rebuild and improve, it’s now one of the most intricate and exceptional Hindi temples in Penang, and one that you’re likely to have to yourselves.

Off the tourist radar and very much part of the local community, the temple is free to enter and wander around on its marble floors. Take your time to inspect the ceilings, walls and flooring inside, before heading back outside and spending a few minutes appreciating the magnificent gopuram.

3. Pantai Bersih

Penang has many strengths, but beaches isn’t one of them. Aside from a few excellent options, the beaches here tend to be narrow and untidy, the water populated by jellyfish. Butterworth’s best option, Pantai Bersih (someone ironically, this translates as ‘Clean Beach’), is a case in point, but still makes for an interesting excursion from the town.

In its favour, there are a large number of restaurants and food vendors along the main road and shoreline, which tend to open in the early evening. At the weekends, this is a very popular spot for locals.

The beach offers a perfect view of Penang Island across the water, and it’s even better from the Butterworth Viewing Platform located slightly further along the beach, which allows you to walk 250m out to sea.

You’ll need to take a Grab out here. It’s usually fairly easy to get picked up again afterwards too.

4. Tow Boo Kong Temple

This deceptively large temple complex keeps on going and going, leading you through separate prayer rooms and corridors until you reach the newly constructed section at the rear. Founded in 1974 and undergoing almost continuous improvements and extension, the latest works were completed in 2024.

Starting with the imposing entrance gate squeezed up against the main road, Tow Boo Kong Temple is one of the largest in Penang and is an interesting companion visit to Kek Lok Si Temple on the island. Take your time walking around the complex, it’s somewhere you could easily spend a full hour or two.

5. Apollo Market

Open 6am to 12pm

Arrive early to fully appreciate Apollo Market; by 12.00pm all the store holders have packed up and left for the day. Earlier in the morning though, this is a hive of activity, with vendors selling a wide array of produce and products, making it one of the largest markets on the mainland and hugely popular with locals.

Visitors will love wandering around the rows of stalls, even if they don’t end up buying anything. It’s a fantastic place to eat and you’ll find every type of Penang food staple here, including hokkien mee, char kway teow and laksa.

6. Nine Emperor Gods Temple

Only a few minutes drive away from Tow Boo Kong Temple, Nine Emperor Gods Temple is another recommended temple to visit, usually quieter than Tow Boo Kong, and a place to explore at your own pace. Leave your shoes outside the entrance temple and thread your way through the halls and corridors, passing by a koi carp pond along the way.

Towards the rear of the temple, stairs lead up several levels to offer views across Butterworth and across the temple itself.

7. Penang Bird Park

Located just a 4km drive from central Butterworth, Penang Bird Park is Malaysia’s first and largest bird park, spread across five beautifully landscaped acres. Established in 1988, the park is home to over 3,000 birds representing more than 300 species, including around 150 native to Malaysia.

Visitors can stroll through walk-in aviaries and geodesic domes where hornbills, sunbirds, and pheasants thrive in natural-style habitats. The tranquil gardens, complete with ponds, waterfalls, orchids, and tropical palms, create a peaceful escape. Flamingos, pelicans, and storks roam freely around the ponds, while bridges and Malay-style huts provide scenic viewing points.

Beyond birds, the park also features small deer, crocodiles, turtles, and fish exhibits, offering a broader glimpse of Malaysia’s wildlife. A small on-site restaurant serves local and Western meals.

8. Penang River Cruise

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang River Cruise

A 20 minute Grab ride southeast of Butterworth, Penang River Cruise is very worthy of your time. This two-hour journey runs along a 6km stretch of river that was once choked with rubbish; over 700 tonnes of waste have already been removed, and part of your ticket goes directly towards ongoing efforts to restore the waterway for future generations to enjoy.

As the boat drifts past mangroves and fishing villages, keep an eye out for monkeys and monitor lizards in the jungle, or try your hand at traditional fishing. The cruise continues out to the river mouth, where sweeping views of both Penang bridges open up.

Launched in summer 2025, this is still a Penang hidden gem that few tourists have ventured out to explore.

How to get to Butterworth

Butterworth is on the main west coast railway line in Malaysia, with several trains per day travelling to and from Kuala Lumpur. You can also take the KTM Komuter towards the Thai border at Padang Basar, where an excellent sleeper service to Bangkok continues.

Butterworth (and Penang Sentral in particular) are major stops on the Malaysian long distance bus network and you can reach virtually every town and city in the country from here.

Train and bus tickets can be bought via the 12Go website.

If you’re on Penang Island, by far the best way to reach Butterworth is on the Penang ferry. It only takes 20 minutes, costs RM2 and will drop you at Penang Sentral. Otherwise you can take a Grab taxi over Penang Bridge, handy if you’re starting your Butterworth adventures further away from the ferry terminal.

Penang buses also serve Butterworth and the surrounding area, with Penang Sentral the main terminal. You can track your bus’s progress using our handy bus tracker page.

Where to stay in Butterworth

If you plan to stay in Butterworth for a night or two, here are our recommended hotels. Whether you’re after a comfortable base before crossing to George Town or simply want to explore the mainland at a slower pace, these options cover all budgets.

Luxury – Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City

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This sleek addition to Butterworth’s skyline offers all the modern comforts you’d expect from an international brand. Rooms are spacious and stylish, there’s a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the water across to Penang Island, and the location makes it easy to reach both the ferry terminal and Penang Bridge. Ideal for couples or families wanting a little indulgence while staying on the mainland.

Mid-range – Ixora Hotel Penang

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Situated in Perai, around a 10-minute drive from central Butterworth, Ixora Hotel Penang offers stylish comfort at a reasonable price. Rooms are modern and well-equipped, with a swimming pool, gym, and on-site restaurant adding to the appeal. Do note that the lower-priced rooms come without windows, so it’s worth upgrading if you prefer natural light. The hotel sits next to the Megamall Penang shopping complex, making it a convenient base for modern dining and shopping options.

Budget – Chariton Hotel

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Located close to the Butterworth ferry terminal, Chariton Hotel is a practical and affordable choice for travellers. Rooms are simple yet comfortable, with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and ensuite bathrooms. The location makes it ideal for ferry crossings to George Town and is a short walk to Butterworth Art Walk. It’s a little rough around the edges and doesn’t look overly appealing from the outside, but it’s the best budget choice in town.