Komtar Skybridge and Skywalk at The Top Penang: everything you need to know

Opening times and entry prices

The Skybridge, Skywalk and Observatory are open from 10.00am to 10.00pm seven days a week, aside from Tuesdays when they close at 7.00pm. The Skywalk has a last entry time an hour or two before closing hours, so check that as soon as you arrive if it’s later in the day.

The Top is home to several other attractions on the lower floors so the choice and range of ticket options can be overwhelming, with several combos and packages available.

It’s actually 10% cheaper to buy on Klook than at the ticket office, but you’ll still need to queue at the ticket office to swap your Klook QR code for a wristband. When you order on Klook, make sure you select ‘[10% OFF] New Window of The Top (Rainbow Skywalk + Observatory Deck + Skybridge)’.

Klook.com

Observatory Deck

From Level 5, the lift whisks you up to the 65th floor and the Observatory Deck. If you’ve visited any other sky towers across the globe (i.e. KL Tower), the experience will be very familiar to you: viewing machines, floor to ceiling windows, information boards and the best views for miles around.

Due to the lifts that take you even higher up the Komtar building, the Observatory Deck doesn’t stretch all the way around the building, so there aren’t quite 360-degree across the island, but you still get perfect views covering the north coast suburbs, Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Waterfall Temple, Bayan Lepas, both Penang Bridges, the Penang-Butterworth ferries and some key George Town landmarks including Fort Cornwallis and the Padang.

Skybridge

On the same level as the Observatory is your chance to step outside of your comfort zone and experience Penang properly from up on high. The Skybridge lets you walk outside the Observatory Deck and complete an (almost) complete loop of the Komtar building with only a five-foot high netting, walkway and harness holding you in place.

Find the registration point in advance and fill out the waiver forms for each member of your group. There are height (110cm) and weight (100kg) restrictions in place, with a ruler and weighing scales on hand to check you match up. We particularly enjoyed the rule that banned skirts, lest you give people down below a shock.

With the forms filled out, you’re fitted with a simple harness (different sizes available for everyone) and then led into the excitingly named ‘Departure Tunnel’. In here, your guide attaches ropes to your harness and straps the whole group together, performing a quick double-check before opening the door and leading your group out onto the fresh air.

It probably goes without saying but this isn’t an activity for people scared of heights. There are several places where the walkway changes to a lattice effect, allowing almost unobstructed, 240 metre views down to the George Town pavements and roads. The netting definitely helps with balance and a sense of safety, but you’re still very aware of where you are.

The views are even more impressive than inside, totally unobstructed as they are. As you round one of the corners, prepare for a blast of wind that blows away the cobwebs. It’s a huge amount of fun and the guide is on hand to use your phone to take any photos if you want.

Rainbow Skywalk

After the adventures on the 65th floor, you need to remind yourself that you’re not quite at the top just yet. Located another three floors towards the sky, the Rainbow Skywalk is the highest point in George Town and has the ultimate Penang Island views. On the same level as the Top View restaurant, the Rainbow Skywalk is a semi-circular glass-bottomed walkways that might need a little courage to step onto, but it’s well worth the effort.

Remember to slip on the blue fabric covers over your shoes to protect the glass floor and keep those terrifying views in full HD. A camera operator will follow you onto the platform and take a collection of photos (whether you want them or not), which can be viewed later. But the main attraction is the sweeping views and the sensation that you’re striding along at the highest point for hundreds of miles around.

Once you’ve made it back to (more) solid ground, the rooftop area has plenty of tables around to enjoy an (expensive) drink or snack, or you can try your luck at the wishing bell and ‘Luckiest Chair in the World’.

How much time to allow?

You’ll want to spend at least two hours at all three attractions, slightly longer if you decide to linger at the rooftop and enjoy some food or drink with the view.

Do keep in mind that if you’re visiting at busy periods (weekends, sunsets, public holidays), you may need to queue to get onto the Skybridge and Rainbow Skywalk, which will add to your overall time here. We suggest arriving at 10am to experience Komtar Skybridge and SkyTower at its quietest.

Check the weather

The rooftop, Rainbow Skywalk and Skybridge will all close when it rains and/or there is lightning in the area. This is very common during the rainy season in Penang, but it’s not unheard of at any time of year, so factor this into your visit.

Rain and lightning could arrive at any hour of the day, but it’s much more likely between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. Refunds aren’t issued.

What else is there to do at The Top Penang?

The Top has a multitude of other activities for visitors, largely based on Level 5. They’re fine and certainly worth a visit, but nowhere near as exciting or recommended as the activities on Levels 65 and 68.

Our recommendation is the Tech Dome, especially if you’re here with kids. Otherwise, make your choice between activities like Zombie Outbreak, Mirror Maze or the Durian Museum.

Final thoughts

The Top Penang is home to many different tourist activities but the clear favourites are the ones right at the top. Located at the summit of the Komtar building, the views from the Observatory Deck and Rainbow Skywalk are unobstructed and glorious, with the Skybridge adding an extra level of adrenaline to proceedings.

Penang Island is still relatively free of huge skyscrapers, so the 68th floor of the Komtar really does feel like the roof of the island. If you manage to visit on a clear day, you’re guaranteed the iconic view of Penang, and a whole new perspective on what’s down below.