10 Things to do in Penang

Penang is a land filled with fun, excitement and magic. Make most of your visit and try these 10 things to do in Penang.

  1. Ride through the heritage district of George Town on a bicycle to admire the pleasing architecture and street art. You can choose to hire a trishaw and be regaled by tall tales by the “trishaw uncle” serving as your personal city guide.
  2. Sample the gastronomic delights Penang has to offer, be it cheerful hawker fare, or decadently plated international delights. Food in Penang is a bold representation of the diverse world cultures arriving on her shores.
  3. Take the funicular to the top of Penang Hill and wander through the nature trails and colonial homes established by British colonial officers at a time when the hill was used as a cool respite from their duties.
  4. Shop up a storm at the Design Village at Batu Kawan, a shopping paradise within a tropical park. Browse the latest fashions and strike up a deal at one of the many international brands found within the convenience of a mall.

5. Climb to the top of Batu Hitam, frolic on the sandy beaches of Pantai Kerachut and admire the biological diversity found at the Penang National Park, the smallest national park in the world.

6. Test your nerves by taking a jaunt to the top of KOMTAR and conquer the Rainbow SkyWalk. Overcome your fears and embrace the thrill of walking on air, 250m above the ground for a spectacular view of the island.

7. Take a journey to the spiritual heart of community life by visiting the many magnificent places of worship found in Penang. Make a circuit of the immense St Anne’s Catholic Church and the gorgeous Tow Boo Kong Temple on Mainland Penang, and the spectacular Harmony Street on Penang Island.

8. Luxuriate in one of the many world-class beach resorts found on the Batu Feringghi strip. From the posh Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa to the hip Hard Rock Hotel, you will be spoilt for choice. Pamper yourself with a massage and let the sound of crashing waves be a soothing lullaby.

9. Explore the cavernous antique shops and art galleries that dot the island for exquisite artefacts. Penang is a treasure trove of one of a kind antiques and priceless art pieces such as the experimental batik art creations of the late Chuah Thean Teng and authentic Peranakan jewellery.

10. Revel in the colourful festivals that take place the year over; the artfully curated George Town Festival in August is not to be missed as it runs over the same mid-monsoon month as the Hungry Ghost Festival. Close the year with 10 days of three festivals – the George Town Literary Festival, In-between Arts Festival and Penang Island Jazz Festival.