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…
The Komtar building in Penang is well-known for its range of activities, with one of the most educational options waiting for you at Penang Tech Dome. Setup as a non-profit organisation, the Tech Dome aims to introduce younger kids to science, help them explore STEM subjects, and learn a little bit more about how the…
Walking is a wonderful way to explore Penang Island and there is a fantastic variety of hiking trails available, from the bustling heritage streets of downtown George Town to the trails leading up and around Penang Hill. Here we share the best walks in Penang with links to full walk guides, which include step-by-step route…
Embark on a challenging 2.6km hike up Penang Hill’s Heritage Trail, ascending 691m through lush rainforest and historic paths. 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…
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi (or Khoo Kongsi for short) is the largest Hokkien clanhouse in Malaysia and one of the recommended stops on our George Town walking tour. A visit here takes in the ornate prayer pavilion, an administrative building, performance stage and a collection of small shophouses, all arranged around a central courtyard….
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…
For an Instagram-worthy burst of colour in George Town, head to Jalan Kek Chuan, which has been awarded 17th place for the most beautiful street in the world according to housebeautiful.com (a home inspiration magazine from the United States). Forty streets were selected and only one other street in Southeast Asia (in Phuket) made the…
You might call it the paradise paradox. The more beautiful a place is, the more likely it is to become overrun with visitors. Penang Island has its share of golden sandy beaches but, especially in the case of Batu Ferringhi, the secret is well and truly out. Penang Island is always full of surprises though…
Penang is known for it’s eclectic culture and food scene, but being a tropical island, it should come as no surprise that there are some incredible beaches. However, we would not call Penang the perfect beach destination as the sea is not good for swimming (more on that later). But the beach offers so much…
Of all the events that shaped Penang’s history, one of the most significant occurred in 1786 when the British arrived and began building a fort on the north-eastern tip of Penang Island. Fort Cornwallis has evolved over the years and is now one of the top things to do in George Town, offering the opportunity…
