30 BEST things to do in Penang

Is Penang worth visiting?

READ: 10 reasons to visit Penang

Most definitely. Although we appreciate that we’re perhaps a little biased 😉.

Penang really does pack and punch when it comes to diversity. There’s something here for everyone, whether its a 5* beach resort, the world-renowned food, the eclectic mix of religions, the fusion of cultures, or hiking in the rainforest.

If you found Kuala Lumper’s big city vibes too full on, you’ll appreciate the more relaxed vibes of Penang and the ease of getting around this compact island. However, this isn’t to say that downtown George Town isn’t buzzing, there a plenty of bars and nightlife to keep any night owls sated (head to the intersection Love Lane and Chulia Street).

There is so much to do in Penang, that you can’t do it all in the one trip. Indeed, Penang is a destination that people find themselves returning to time and time again. So just pick a select few Penang activities for your first visit with the knowledge that you will return again someday.

Short on time in Penang?

Whilst you could easily spend a week in Penang, and many travellers have been known to while away a couple of months or more, some visitors only have a couple of day to explore the “Pearl of the Orient”.

If you fall into this category, then check out the following Penang itineraries:

• 1 day Penang itinerary
• 2 day Penang itinerary
• 3 day Penang itinerary

How to get around Penang

Penang is an easy island to get around, helped by the fact that most of the sights are concentrated in the northern and eastern parts of the island. The rest of the island, in the south and west, are beautiful and remote, but less visited.

Grab taxis are the easiest way to get around, especially if you’re only visiting for a short time and want to spend your time sightseeing rather than travelling. Grab is often the most cost-effective way to move around, without the worry of haggling over fares and language problems. Check out our guide to using Grab in Penang.

There is a useful and convenient 101 bus service on the island which links the Jetty Bus Terminal with the town of Teluk Bahang (close to Penang National Park and ESCAPE Penang), via central George Town and Batu Ferringhi. Check out the Penang bus guide for more information on taking the bus around the island.

The buses run from 5:30am until midnight and cost between RM1.40 and RM4; make sure you have cash on you, ideally the correct change.

Alternatively, there are some fantastic footpaths and hiking trails around the island, so why not explore as much of the island as you can on foot? Check out our guide to the best Penang walks.

Map of things to do in Penang

Below, we suggest the best things to do in Penang for your visit. To help you gauge where things are located, here’s a map:

As you can see, the majority of Penang activities are concentrated around the north of the island, specifically George Town on the northeast coast and along the northern coastline. Very few Penang activities are in the southern half of the island, and so we recommend you base yourself in the north of the island for your visit. You may want to check out our top recommended hotels in Penang.

It’s worth checking out our top tips for visiting Penang before your visit so your are prepared to make the most of your time on the island.

1. George Town walking tour

READ OUR GUIDE: George Town walking tour

Let’s start with the easiest, cheapest and perhaps the most rewarding Penang activity of them all; a George Town walking tour, which is one of the best walks in Penang.

You’d be hard pressed to find any other city in the world which manages to pack so much into such a small area. The 3km² of UNESCO protected land is home to many different cultures, languages, cuisines and architectural styles.

Different streets and areas were traditionally home to Chinese, Malay and Indian groups and whilst those boundaries are more fluid than they once were, you’ll still recognise distinct areas such as Chinatown and Little India. And let’s not forget about the incredible street art around George Town.

The self-guided George Town walking tour includes a map, and step-by-step instructions with photos. It starts at Penang Town Hall, close to Fort Cornwallis and winds its way through six kilometres of history, religion and architecture before ending at The Blue Mansion.

As a general guide, the walking tour takes 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 things to do in George Town for further inspiration.

2. Trishaw around George Town

If you want to cover ground more quickly around George Town and aren’t up for walking, one of the best ways to explore George Town and take in all the main sites is on a trishaw.

Trishaw drivers hang around either end of Armenian Street (here and here) and cost RM40 for 30 minutes or RM80 for 60 minutes. Two adults can fit snugly into one trishaw with passengers at the front and your driver/cyclist behind. There’s a umbrella that shades the cyclist, but not quite passengers. Take sunglasses and a hat for sun protection.

In an hour, your trishaw will take you towards Clan Jetties, all around Little India, past the various churches and temples, and along the back streets around Love Lane, passing lots of Penang street art along the way.

It really is a lovely way to take in George Town, and a great option for those short on time.

3. Penang Hill

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang Hill
Funicular service open every day 6.30am to 11.00pm (ticket counter opens 6:15am)
Click here for more information

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Penang is to ride the funicular from Air Itam to the top of Penang Hill. This is the cheapest and quickest way to get up Penang Hill. It takes about four minutes to reach the top where you’ll find a surprising amount of activities, sights and exhibitions waiting for you.

First and foremost, take some time to absorb the view of Penang Island, George Town and the mainland, linked to the island by two mega-bridges. If you’re in the mood for some exercise, try one of the three excellent walking trails which loop around the summit, giving you the chance to burn off breakfast and see the flora and fauna.

Alternatively, skip the funicular and walk up Penang Hill instead. Check out our Penang Hill walk guide, which follows the Heritage Trail and weaves around the funicular. 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 metres.

Over the past few years, the number of permanent exhibitions has increased on Penang Hill and there’s now enough to keep you occupied for a whole morning or afternoon, including a fascinating and detailed gallery/museum at Penang Hill Gallery @Edgecliffe, children’s playgrounds and several interesting religious buildings including Penang Hill Mosque and Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Hindu Temple. Also keep an eye out for colonial-era buildings like the Convalescent Bungalow, Police Station and Bellevue Hotel.

However, by far the best activity on Penang Hill is The Habitat, which deserves it’s own section so you don’t miss it.

4. The Habitat

READ OUR GUIDE: The Habitat, Penang Hill
Open every day | Monday to Friday (9am to 7pm) | Saturday and Sunday (9am to 8pm)
Click here for more information

With so much of Penang Island covered in lush, tropical rainforest, no visit to the island is complete without at least one rainforest experience. The best place to immerse yourself is at The Habitat Penang Hill, a small but beautiful rainforest reserve where visitors can study flora and fauna, hike along short nature trails, enjoy a treetop and canopy walk, disappear off into a immersive VR world, or, for the more adventurous, try the zipline to witness the rainforest and Penang Hill from a whole new perspective (although the zipline is currently under maintenance).

The owners are extremely passionate about rainforests, the natural world, and the island of Penang, and their enthusiasm shines through at the park. With a strong emphasis on education as well as enjoyment, the park captures the beauty of Malaysia’s rainforests and gives you the chance to learn what makes them so special. If you want to round off your visit with some souvenirs or food, head to the Kommune; an eco-friendly initiative supporting local communities, with all items sourced from local farms and markets.

5. ESCAPE Penang

READ OUR GUIDE: Essential tips for visiting ESCAPE Penang
Open every day 10am to 6pm
Click here to pre-book tickets

ESCAPE Penang could best be described as several different activity centres all in one place. The waterpark is perhaps the main area and where you’ll spend most time, with tube rides (including the longest tube water slide in the world), wave pools, speed racers, kids pool, lazy rivers and water obstacle courses.

If it was just a waterpark, ESCAPE Penang would be worth a visit, but that’s only part of the story. The theme park section of ESCAPE is cleverly interwoven into the rainforest setting, with a number of harness-based activities including the longest zip-coaster in the world (yes, that’s two Guinness World Records in one place!), slingshots, giant swings, high-rope courses and traditional ziplines.

There’s even Malaysia’s first dry ski-slope, where you can choose to descend on skis, snowboards or on top of inflatable tyres.

As you can see, ESCAPE Penang combines the sort of rides and attractions you’d usually find in multiple parks, and packs them all into one long (but thrilling) day.

Some of the activities have a height-restriction (usually of 120cm and above), you can check the website to see which activities it applies to, but rest-assured there’s enough to do for kids of all heights.

We’d really recommend the brilliant BASE CAMP overnight option, a chance to camp under the stars. It’s a magical experience with tents, toilets, parking and two day park entry included.

Located on the north-western tip of the island near Entopia, take a 101 or 102 bus from George Town (just over an hour), or jump in a Grab for a quicker (45 minutes) and easier journey.

Tickets can be booked via the website and are slightly cheaper if booked in advance. You can also upload a selfie as part of the buying process to speed up entry at the ticket gates.

Kids under three, and adults over sixty are free, otherwise the advance prices are RM142 for adults and RM95 for children. If you’d like to try the BASE CAMP option, the advance prices are RM192 for adults and RM128 for kids.

6. Penang National Park

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang National Park
Open year-round from 8am to 5pm

In the northwest corner of the island, Penang National Park makes for an ideal day trip to experience the rainforest and spend a few hours relaxing on a tropical beach or hiking in the rainforest. Most visitors arrive from George Town (45 minutes) or Batu Ferringhi (20 minutes), which are easily accessible via a Grab taxi. If you’d prefer the bus, number 101 leaves from the Jetty in George Town (1 hour) and passes through Batu Ferringhi (35 minutes) before terminating at the National Park entrance.

To experience the best of Penang National Park, we suggest following the hike to Turtle Beach from the park entrance. This takes approximately 1.5 hours (be prepared for the rough terrain and take enough water with you). Turtle Beach (or rather Pantai Kerachut) is one of the most beautiful beaches on Penang Island. Here you will also find the Meromictic Lake (an rare lake ecosytem where freshwater and seawater create two separate layers) and the free-to-enter Penang Turtle Conservation Centre.

From here a boat can take you to Monkey Beach (arrange your boat at the park entrance). Here there are a handful of snack bars, and you can also grab a beer. Be mindful of the monkeys (there’s a reason this beach was given its name). Afterwards you can relax on the beach, rent a kayak, take an ATVC trip into the jungle, or do the recommended hike up to the lighthouse at Muka Head (double check that it’s open before setting off) which takes about one hour and reveals stunning views of Penang Island and the Straits of Malacca.

Your boat can then take you back to the starting point from Monkey Beach.

Alternatively, you don’t need to trek to Turtle Beach. You can arrange a boat to take you all the way there.

7. Clan Jetties of Penang

READ OUR GUIDE: Clan Jetties of Penang

Handily located a short walk from central George Town, the Clan Jetties offer a unique opportunity to see how the traditional Chinese communities live and work in Penang. Built by Chinese immigrants in the 19th century, traditionally each jetty belonged to one family (clan). Chew Jetty is the most popular for visitors and is the most touristy. Neighbouring Tan Jetty offers a more rustic feel with stunning open views at the far end.

The wooden buildings built on stilts jut out into the water, still busy with activity as the local community goes about their day. Visit early in the morning when it’s at its quietest; whilst many inhabitants now have jobs in the city, you’ll still witness this fascinating traditional community come to life.

Allow time to stroll around, take photographs, visit temples situated either end of each jetty, or sample local food at one of the small, family-run restaurants. The Clan Jetties of Penang really are a very unique area of the island.

8. Entopia

READ OUR GUDIE: Entopia
Click here to pre-book ticket
Open 9am to 6pm every day except Wednesday when Entopia is closed

It’s almost forty years since the Penang Butterfly Farm opened, and it’s still an enjoyable and informative place to visit, especially if you have an interest in these beautiful creatures.

There’s no shortage of activities to keep you all occupied, as you’d expect it’s heavily focused on butterflies but you’ll also get the chance to see other insects including silkworms and spiders.

Entopia is split neatly between two distinct areas, an indoor educational centre where you can learn all about the lifecycle and habitat of butterflies, and an outdoor garden area where you’ll get to experience the butterflies in their natural habitat. The indoor section is one of the best indoor activities in Penang and perfect for a rainy day or to escape the heat.

There are numerous walking trails with helpful, friendly staff on hand to answer your questions and provide extra information about the butterflies. The outdoor gardens are wheelchair and pushchair friendly, which is a welcome feature, not always commonplace in Malaysia.

Try to set aside half a day for your visit, with the park open from 9:00am to 6:00pm (closed on Wednesday). It’s quite an expensive activity (RM260/£45 for a family of two adults and two children), so make your own judgement if that’s good value based on your love of butterflies and other insects.

Admission prices are:

• International adult/senior/child: RM75/55/55
• Malaysians adult/senior/child: RM59/39/39

Entopia is located in the north-western tip of the island, quite close to ESCAPE. The ever-useful 101 and 102 buses from George Town will drop you at Escape which is only a five minute walk from Entopia. Alternatively, we’d recommend taking at Grab. The journey from central George Town should take just over one hour, depending on traffic.

9. Eat, eat, and eat some more

READ OUR GUDIE: Best restaurants in Penang

Penang is known as one of the food capitals of the world, so we can’t have a guide on things to do in Penang that doesn’t include eating!

Superb places to eat are sprinkled all over the island and often the tastiest (not to mention the cheapest) options are the hawker stalls which popup everywhere. If there was an award for the best food prepared in the smallest possible cooking space, they would surely win. These are the places to try dishes such as Hokkien Mee, Curry Mee, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and hundreds of others. George Town is also home to plenty of relaxed restaurants offering dishes from around the world, with Chinese and Indian meals the most common.

If you’re in the mood for something slightly more formal and modern, head over to Straits Quay, where there’s a Mexican restaurant, Irish pub, Japanese restaurant, Italian restaurant, and even a fish ‘n’ chips restaurant.

Also, don’t disregard the food courts at the malls. Amongst the internationally recognised fast food chains, there are always lots of stalls serving a variety of Asian food at exceptional value.

Feel like there’s just too much choice? Then check out our guide to the best restaurants in Penang and take your pick from there.

10. Check out the street art

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang street art

Over the past 15 years, the buildings and streets of George Town have been used as a canvas for wall murals and wire structures, creating an open-air street art gallery around the city. Now one of the most popular activities in George Town, the numerous pieces of art dotted around can sometimes appear in the most unexpected of places, but they’re guaranteed to make you stop and appreciate a new perspective to the city.

Focusing on George Town’s heritage, culture and history, some are slowly fading away while others offer a vibrant explosion of colour, but all are helping to breathe new life into the city’s urban landscape.

The locations and a map of the best artworks can be found in our Penang street art guide.

11. The Top at the Komtar

READ OUR GUIDE: Komtar Skybridge and Skywalk at The Top Penang
Rainbow Skywalk & Observatory Deck is open every day (10:00am to 10:00pm, although closes at 7pm on Tuesdays)

The tallest building in Penang, Komtar divides opinion after its controversial construction displaced residents and destroyed many heritage buildings in the 1970’s. Whatever your viewpoint, Komtar is instantly recognisable and has become a symbol of the changing face of Penang. For the visitor, the majority of the building (housing offices) is of little interest until you reach the top of the tower and find the fittingly named ‘The Top’.

An entertainment centre and indoor theme park, The Top has plenty to offer families especially, including a Dinosaur research centre, karting, children’s soft play, museum, aquarium, mirror maze and much more besides. In all honesty, it feels a little bit tacky.

However, don’t miss the Rainbow Skywalk, which offers a bird’s eye view of George Town and beyond. Found at Level 68, on the rooftop of Komtar Tower, experience walking on glass 816 feet above sea level. If heights aren’t your thing, you can still take in the views in the air-conditioned Observatory Deck at Level 65, which also features a glass walkway that lets you watch the world go by below.

Also on the rooftop, Top View restaurant & lounge @ 68th offers great tapas food and cocktails as well as a great view.

If you’ve really got a good head for heights, then how about trying the Komtar Skybridge? The Skybridge lets you walk outside the Observatory Deck and experience an (almost) complete loop of the Komtar building with only a five-foot high netting, walkway and harness holding you in place.

You can get a combined ticket for the Skywalk, Skybridge, and the Observatory deck (it’s not possible to purchase single tickets). However, make sure you pre-book via Klook as you get 10% off.

We should also point out Tech Dome Penang (the science museum) is also in the Komtar building. Although we’ve added this as a separate activity below, so you don’t miss it. It’s a fantastic activity for kids if you’re looking for something to do to escape the heat.

13. Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion

READ OUR GUIDE: The Blue Mansion
Click here for more information
Two tours daily at 11am and 2pm, or book a self-guided audio tour

Painted in distinct indigo-blue, Cheong Fatt Tze (more commonly known as ‘The Blue Mansion‘) is an impressive Chinese historical mansion in George Town.

Built at the end of the 19th century by the merchant Cheong Fatt Tze, who was once regarded as the richest person in Malaya, this mansion is now a boutique hotel (and one of the best hotels in Penang) and also offers tours for visitors to marvel at the architecture and understand more about Chinese history on the island.

There are two tours daily at 11am and 2pm, lasting 45 minutes. Numbers are capped at 35 and the tours are very popular, so pre-booking is advised.

Alternatively, you can also book online for a self-guided audio tour. You are able to enter the mansion between 11am and 6pm, although there is a maximum of 12 per day, so again, pre-booking is advised. This is the much more relaxed way to enjoy a tour of the Blue Mansion, but unfortunately there is no guide to ask questions to. Ensure you download the tour app onto your smartphone before your visit (a link is provided when you book your ticket) and that you have earphones to connect and listen.

Whilst this is where the George Town walking tour ends, we recommend visiting on a separate day so that your fresh and rested to take in the stunning architecture and amazing stories of The Blue Mansion.

14. Fort Cornwallis

READ OUR GUIDE: Fort Cornwallis
Open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm

Of all the historical 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 a popular tourist attraction in George Town, offering the opportunity to witness Penang’s colonial past.

Even though the surrounding area has changed dramatically, with several large trees now in the grounds, there’s still a strong sense of history within the walls. Looking out to sea, with the cannons in the foreground, you can easily imagine British soldiers manning their posts and waiting for an enemy who would never appear.

It’s a good idea to take one of the guided tours if it coincides with your visit. Some of the historical aspects of the fort are less obvious now, and a guide will help bring them to life.

15. Kek Lok Si Temple

READ OUR GUIDE: Kek Lok Si Temple
Open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm

The largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, and an important pilgrimage site for devotees across Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam has been drawing visitors since its construction around the turn of the 20th century.

Brace yourself when you first arrive, the initial glimpse of the temple is something you’ll long remember. Aside from walking around and taking in the overall splendour, you’ll see the famous Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, the almost forty metre tall statue of Kuan Yin, as well as the peaceful prayer areas. A lift handily takes you up to the top and back down again if you don’t fancy the sweaty, uphill walk.

Open each day between 8:30am and 5:30pm, entry to Kek Lok Si Temple is free, although you do need to pay for the cable car (RM8 each way per adult) and for entry to the pagoda (RM2). Due to its significance as a pilgrimage site, it will often be busy, particularly around Chinese New Year, when the festivities are at their fullest.

Located in Air Itam, quite close to Penang Hill Funicular, the easiest access is to use a Grab taxi, although the 201 bus from central George Town can drop you one kilometre from the entrance if you fancy a walk.

16. Tropical Spice Garden

READ OUR GUIDE: Tropical Spice Garden
Click here for more information
Open daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm (until 6:00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday)

For a chance to understand the flora and fauna which makes Penang unique, take a trip to the Tropical Spice Garden Penang. More than just a botanic garden, this attraction offers a wide range of activities beneath the lush canopy of the tropical rainforest. Wind your way up and down jungle paths, keeping an eye out for waterfalls, jungle swings, and interactive stations along the way; you may even spot dusky leaf monkeys in the treetops. With garden trails to explore, hands-on cooking classes, a museum, and educational programmes for both adults and children, it’s a fun and family-friendly destination, especially for those visiting Penang with kids.

Open daily from 9:00am to 4:30pm (until 6:00pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday), the Spice Garden can be reached by Grab taxi or 101/102 Rapid Bus.

Tickets for adult/senior/child cost RM28/20/15 and can be booked via the website. A free audio tour is included in the price.

It’s well-placed for a visit if you’re staying at one of the Penang beach resorts, or heading towards Escape or Penang National Park.

17. Penang War Museum

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang War Museum
Open daily from 9am to 6pm

For a thought-provoking and often bleak glimpse into the island’s darkest period, Penang War Museum is an unmissable excursion. Originally a British fort built in the 1930’s, the complex was taken over by the Japanese in 1942 and used as a prisoner of war camp.

Abandoned after the war, it has since been reclaimed from the jungle to serve as one of the most important war museums in Southeast Asia. Small details like bullet holes in the wall and the haunting remains of a guillotine stand are reminders of the horror that took place here.

Just as interestingly, the museum brings to life the original fort, at a time when the British felt in control of their world and invincible from invasion. The museum shows how the British were looking in the wrong direction the whole time, and the catastrophic effect this would have on the population of the island who remained after the British abandoned Penang.

Even if history isn’t particularly your thing, Penang War Museum is an interesting, well-planned and informative place to visit, guaranteed to leave you with plenty to think about.

18. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

READ OUR GUIDE: Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Open daily from 9.30am to 5pm

With it’s distinctive green façade, Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a Chinese heritage mansion displaying the rich history of the Peranakans, also known as the Babas and Nyonyas people. These people, through the adoption of local Malay and colonial British cultures, have created a unique and prominent Chinese community in Penang.

Within the opulent house are over 1000 antiques from the era on display. But the house itself, which has been lovingly restored, is a fascinating architecture mix of Chinese woodwork, English floor tiles. and Scottish ironwork.

Tickets are priced at RM25 per person (children aged 6-12 Rm12, under 6s are free). While their website states that advance booking is required for tours, you can simply turn up without a reservation.

19. Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

READ OUR GUIDE: Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
Click here for more information
Open daily from 9am to 5pm, including public holidays

Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, or Khoo Kongsi for short, is arguably one of the grandest Chinese clan community centres in Malaysia. The temple, which is the focal point, is beautifully ornate and stunning to walk around.

You will also find here a small museum providing information on the history of clan buildings and culture, as well as Chinese history on Penang, plus a souvenir and ice-cream stall.

No need to pre-book. Just turn up and pay the entrance feel (RM15) at the ticket booth at the entrance, just along Lebuh Cannon, opposite the ‘boy on a chair’ street art.

20. Penang Botanic Gardens

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang Botanic Gardens
Open daily from 6:30am to 7pm

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.

There’s a well-defined walking route to follow (click here for the step-by-step walk guide) and you can expect to encounter a fair few animal friends along the way, including dusky leaf monkeys, birds, spiders and the occasional snake.

21. Penang Tropical Fruit Farm

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang Tropical Fruit Farm
Open daily from 9am to 5pm

The tropical Penang climate is ideal for growing a wide variety of fruit and, hidden away in the northwest corner of the island, you’ll find Penang Tropical Fruit Farm, home to the largest collection of fruit in the whole of Southeast Asia.

Over the 30+ years the orchards have been in operation, the list of fruits grown here has gradually increased, bolstered by imports from around the world. It’s now a relaxing and informative place for tourists to visit, not only to learn about the different types of fruit, but also to taste and sample honey and fruit enzymes, all in a stunning location 800ft above sea-level.

We recommend booking onto a farm tour for the full experience, which starts with a short truck ride to the start of the tour. The tour guides are passionate, friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the different types of fruit grown here. Their small satchel contains an array of fruit samples, pocket knives and a flip-book, which are brought out at various points on the tour. As you pass by each fruit tree, the guide will give you a brief explanation of the fruit, its taste, texture and medicinal/health properties, and then offer you the chance to taste it. 

After the tour has finished, you can try some of the fruit enzymes you saw being made earlier on the tour as well as taste honey also made on the farm, before enjoying your fruit tasting platter on the terrace boasting rainforest views.

Do bare in mind that it’s almost impossible to get at Grab back from here. Either ask for your driver to wait, or the ladies on reception can call you a taxi (RM35 to Teluk Bahang, which is where the nearest bus stop is).

23. Play virtual golf at MST Golf Arena

READ OUR GUIDE: MST Golf Arena Penang
Open 10am to 10pm every day

Do you like the idea of a round of golf but don’t fancy walking around in the Penang heat? Perhaps you’re new to the sport and want to see what all the fuss is about? Either way, MST Golf Arena in Gurney Paragon Mall is a fun, inexpensive, and air-conditioned activity for all ages and abilities.

You honestly don’t need to worry if you’ve never played golf as there are lessons and clubs available or, for non-playing members of your party, a chance to sit back and enjoy some food or drink.

There are twenty Tech Bays where you can play one of the many available courses, practice on a driving range, or play other fun games. These courses are exact replicas of real courses around the world, so you’re (sort of) playing the real thing.

The technology behind them is a launch monitor which observes each shot you’ve hit and measures a bewildering array of values including lateral spin, ball speed, clubhead speed, direction and launch angle. Based on this data, it can accurately calculate where your ball would have travelled and displays the result on the screen in front of you, all in real-time.

Note that you use real clubs and balls, so the effect is quite accurate to real life. There is a seating area for each bay, allowing your party to sit, have some drinks and cheer/criticise your golf game.

READ OUR GUIDE: Penang Upside Down Museum
Open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm

25. Tech Dome Penang

READ OUR GUIDE: Tech Dome Penang
Click here for more information
Open daily from 10am to 7pm

Tech Dome Penang is Penang’s Science Museum, showcasing 120 interactive science and technology exhibits all under the one roof. This is a superb Penang indoor activity for any science-buffs!

Understand gravity with the G-Drop, code your bot around a maze, try to escape the laser beams, float balls with air, and take on the climbing wall. This science museum is brilliant fun and will get you thinking.

Tech Dome Penang is on Levels 4 and 5 of the Komtar. The main entrance is on Level 5 where you’ll find the ticket gates. On the same level, near the main entrance, is the ticket office where tickets can be bought for the Tech Dome (and all the other activities in the Komtar building).

26. Ghost Museum Penang

READ OUR GUIDE: Ghost Museum Penang
Click here for more information
Open daily from 10am to 7pm

Sometimes, you just need a change of pace, and a change of scenery. The heritage streets of George Town are wonderful places to soak in the history and culture of Penang, but if you need a break for an hour, the Ghost Museum on Malay Street might just be what you’re looking for.

Don’t expect a relaxing visit though, this three-storey museum is full of ghoulish models, scary stories and realistic zombie rooms. It’s a world away from what you’d normally experience in George Town so, if for no other reason than that, it might be worth some of your time.

Be warned, the Zombie room on the top floor is particularly scary and not a place we’d recommend taking young kids.

27. Afternoon tea at The E&O

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Serving daily from 3pm to 5pm

The Eastern & Oriental Hotel, commonly known as the E&O Hotel, is an iconic and historic landmark situated in the heart of George Town. Established in 1885 by the Sarkies Brothers, who also founded the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, the E&O Hotel exudes an old-world charm that transports guests to a bygone era.

It’s one of Penang’s most luxurious hotels, but you don’t need to pay the hefty price tag to enjoy its grandeur. Afternoon tea at The E&O is a must-do activity in George Town, and a relaxing indoor activity for a rainy day or beating the heat.

The three-tiered English afternoon tea that is served every afternoon between 3 and 5pm is the quintessential E&O experience. Please note that there is a dress code after 3pm;  smart-casual attire is required (Polo T-shirts are acceptable but guests are discouraged from wearing shorts, singlets, flip flops and gentlemen’s sandals).

Pre-book your afternoon-tea online to guarantee a table.

However, a little tip… you don’t have to book for afternoon tea to experience The E&O. You can actually pop into the Palm Court (next to the lobby) earlier in the day for just a standard tea or coffee costing just RM18. Lunch is also served here from 12pm.

28. Get a massage

Lots of different options around Penang. Best to check Google Maps for a spa close to you.

One of my (Jenny) personal favourite things to do on a free rainy afternoon in Penang is to get a massage. An hour or two of pure, relaxing bliss to zone out and reset.

Massages in Southeast Asia are always so much cheaper (and better) that ones back home in the UK, so I never feel guilty with the mini splurge.

The easiest way to find a spa near to where you are based in Penang is to check Google maps. For downtown George Town, Bliss Wellness or Spakita Reflexology are both good options. And along the main stretch of Batu Ferringhi (where you’ll find Penang beach resorts) there are lots of options. For something a little more upmarket, try De Villa Spa or Tower Spa Penang.

29. Glow Planet Penang 

READ OUR GUIDE: Glow Planet Penang
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Open daily from 10am to 6.30pm

Glow Planet Penang is an indoor interactive and immersive experience, cleverly squeezed into a traditional Chinese building in George Town. As the name might suggest, Glow Planet is all about the neon exhibits that glow in the dark, creating quite the contrast to the bright Penang sunshine outside.

In total, there are almost a dozen different rooms and exhibits to explore. Some are optical illusions, others play with your sense of perspective and the rest are intricately-designed glowing installations which wouldn’t look out of place in a modern-art museum.

Don’t expect a long visit, even with time to stop, look around and absorb the displays, you’re unlikely to be here for more than an hour.

30. Teddyville Museum Batu Ferringhi

READ OUR GUIDE: Teddyville Museum Batu Ferringhi
Open daily from 10am to 6pm

If you’ve heard about the Penang Teddyville Museum in Batu Ferringhi, you might be wondering whether it’s just a place to visit with young kids. After all, as cute as teddy bears can be, do they really justify a museum all to themselves?

As it turns out, this clever (and deceptively large) museum at the DoubleTree Resort is much more than just a collection of teddy bears and actually has something to offer everyone, especially if you’re interested in the history of Penang. You’ll see displays depicting Penang’s most famous sites, e.g. Kek Lok Si Temple, George Town UNESCO Heritage Area, Fort Cornwallis, and Penang Hill.

The detail and design of the teddy bears is intricate and manages to enhance the displays and dioramas, meaning adults and kids alike will always find something of interest. The information boards are well-written and explain different periods of Penang’s history, including pre-colonial, the arrival of the British, WWII, and modern-day.

Want some more ideas of things to do in Penang?

Then check out our guide to off-the-beaten track in Penang, which includes Batu Ferringhi Iron Waterfall, Tanjung Bungah Market, Penang Waterfall Hill Temple, and lots more.