Wondering what to do in Penang? Whether you’re seeking adventure, fun things to do in Penang, or need to relax and unwind, here we provide a comprehensive Penang travel guide to all the things to do in Penang, so that you can get the most out of your visit.
Penang might look like a small island from afar, but that doesn’t mean it’s short on things to do and places to see. In fact, it’s difficult to think of another place on earth which squeezes in this much variety. From dense tropical rainforest covering much of the island, to the glorious tropical views over the Straits of Malacca from Penang National Park, or the famous UNESCO city of George Town with its mix of cultures, people, architecture and religions, a visit to Penang offers more to the visitor than many other entire countries manage.
If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. If you’re wondering what’s the best approach to visiting the island, we’ve created a list of the top things to do in Penang, helping you discover and understand this unique place.
Wondering what to do on a rainy day in Penang or where to go to escape the heat? Here we have compiled the best indoor activities in Penang for you.
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.
When is the best time to visit Penang?
There is really no bad time to visit Penang. It’s going to be hot and sticky whenever you visit, with temperatures hovering around 30°C; this is the tropics after all! It’s a good idea to get out early or late in the day to avoid the mid-day heat, especially if you are planning on walking.
However, there is a rainy season in Penang, which is technically from September through to November. This isn’t to say that there is no rain during the other months of the year. Penang is in the tropics and so rain can be expected all year round. But historically, Penang experiences higher rainfall during the months of September, October, and November. Although, it’s considered quite a mild monsoon compared to other regions in the tropics and the start and end of the monsoon season can be rather blurred. Plus rainfall during this time is very unpredictable, and when it does rain, it’s does so in short, sharp bursts. Indeed, you may learn to love the rain’s cooling affect after a sweaty and sticky morning stroll. So it’s not really worthwhile avoiding Penang during the rainy season.
What you really do need to be aware of are the holidays. Being such a multicultural island means that there are a lot of holidays celebrated (Christmas, Chinese New Year, Ramadam, Deepavali, and lots in between). Click here to see if your planned visiting dates to Penang correspond with a public holiday. During these time you can expect George Town to busier and higher accommodation prices.
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 day to explore the “Pearl of the Orient”.
So if you are short on time, and wondering what to do in Penang, check out our one day itinerary for Penang.
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.
Penang 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. This post details how to get around Penang as well as the easiest way.
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.
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.
Top 10 tips for visiting Penang
We know that you will want to make the most out of your visit to Penang and it’s worthwhile noting the advice of travellers to Penang before you. We’ve travelled to Penang multiple times (our first visit was back in 2007) and now we live here. So here we share our top 10 tips for visiting Penang.
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.
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. 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. It takes about fifteen 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.
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 day 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.
3. The Habitat
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 on a short 1.6km 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.
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.
4. ESCAPE Penang
READ OUR GUIDE: Essential tips for visiting ESCAPE Penang
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.
5. 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 it’s 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.
6. 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 see 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.
7. 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 (see below). The ever-useful 101 and 102 buses from George Town will drop you at Escape which is only a five minute walk from Entopia. The journey from central George Town should take just over one hour, depending on traffic. Alternatively, we’d recommend takin
8. Eat, eat, and eat some more
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.
9. The Top at the Komtar
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 Skywalk, Dinosaur research centre, karting, children’s soft play, museum, aquarium, 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.
10. Batu Ferringhi Beach and night market
Batu Ferringhi, with its long stretch of sandy beach, high-end resorts, restaurants, and entertainment options, is the where a large proportion of visitors to Penang choose to base themselves. Indeed, this is arguably the best beach in Penang. There are plenty of water sports on offer and the beach is perfect for a stroll, although not always conducive for swimming with jellyfish lurking.
In the evening, wander out from your hotel to find the night market, a collection of stalls selling locally-produced crafts and clothing, plus numerous food stalls offering all the delightful food Penang is famous for. It’s a hectic and fun way to spend an evening, even if you’re just here to wander and look around.
This is where to come on the island to feel those holiday vibes.
11. 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.
12. 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 canon 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.
13. 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 Ait 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.
14. 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. In a handy location close to Batu Ferringhi, the Tropical Spice Garden offers much more than just another botanic garden, with a range of activities, displays and trails to keep you entertained, all under the canopy of the tropical rainforest. It’s especially fantastic if you are visiting Penang with kids.
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.
With the opportunity to explore the gardens, take part in a cooking class, visit a museum, or an educational class for adults and kids, it makes for a great visit.
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.
15. Penang War Museum
READ OUR GUIDE: Penang War Museum
Open 9am to 6pm every day
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.
16. Floating Mosque
Open every day (5am to 10pm)
Just in case anyone thought that this was an architectural phenomenon, the floating mosque in Penang, known officially as Tanjong Bungah Floating Mosque, isn’t actually floating. Originally built on land 1967, and then extended out over the sea in 2003, this mosque is built on pilings (sturdy stilts) drilled into the sea bed so that when the tide rolls it, there is the illusion that this mosque is floating over the water, although even at high tide, you will still see the pilings.
Penang Floating Mosque is especially beautiful at sunset with the call to prayer from the minaret drifts over the island and out to sea, and the fishing boats bobbing to the side provide a timeless feel on an island which is modernising at lightening pace. Please note that non-Muslims are not allowed on the grounds of the mosque around prayer times.
Combine your visit with a stroll along the shoreline towards Laguna Beach Bar at the other end of the beach (open 4pm until midnight). It’s one of the best beaches in Penang.
17. 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.
18. Gurney Plaza
Click here for more information
Open daily from 10am to 10pm
The beauty of Penang is its juxtaposition between old and new, and what better way to experience modern Penang than at its premier shopping mall, Gurney Plaza. Admittedly it’s not as huge as some of the malls in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, but for a small island, this mall is pretty impressive
Spread over nine floors, Gurney Plaza offers both high end and Western high street shops (such as Marks & Spencer) as well as restaurants and a 12-screen cinema (there are always Western films in English showing).
19. 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.
20. Upside Down Museum
READ OUR GUIDE: Penang Upside Down Museum
Open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm
Create crazy photographs and defy gravity in a world where everything is the wrong way up. Then share your photos with family and friends back home to really confuse them.
Located in George Town, Penang’s Upside Down Museum is great fun for a hour to escape an afternoon downpour or the heat. Although if you’ve been to others around the world (they are particularly popular in Southeast Asian cities) then it may lack a little novelty.
21. Tech Dome Penang
Click here for more information
Open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm
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 an 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.
22. Ghost Museum Penang
Click here for more information
Open 10am to 7pm every day
A weird and whacky museum in the heart of Georgetown with ghostly and scary exhibits that make you feel like you’ve stepped into at an 80’s Halloween-themed party. You will hear the stories from 30 different ghosts, teaching visitors about dark culture and history, and have the opportunity to take some trick-eye photos. It’s all rather garish and tacky, but will get you laughing.
23. Afternoon tea at The E&O
Click here for more information
Serving 3pm to 5pm every day
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 not 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.
24. 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.
25. Glow Planet Penang
READ OUR GUIDE: Glow Planet Penang
Click here for more information
Open 10am to 6:30pm every day
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.
26. Teddyville Museum Batu Ferringhi
READ OUR GUIDE: Teddyville Museum Batu Ferringhi
Open 9am to 6pm every day
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.
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
The best things to do in Penang
Top 10 tips for visiting Penang
One day Penang itinerary
Best hotels in Penang
How to get around Penang
A brief history of Penang