Penang is often considered the most enjoyable destination in Malaysia for many travelers. The island is renowned for its unique blend of cultures, as well as its lush nature, beautiful temples, and intriguing history. In a distant past, Penang served as a crucial trading route for Europe, the Middle East, China, and India. Traders brought their own customs, leading to a melting pot of cultures that can still be seen today. You’ll find Buddhist temples, mosques, Christian churches, and Hindu shrines side by side. You can also experience and taste these cultures at the numerous street food markets in the capital, Georgetown. Read on for all the tips on things to do in Penang!

Georgetown is the Base for Penang

Georgetown is the capital of Penang and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s not surprising, given the stunning historical center. You’ll find many beautiful colonial buildings painted in vibrant colors. The streets are adorned with murals, creating a lively atmosphere in the city. In addition, there are numerous excellent restaurants and comfortable accommodations to be found. All of this makes Georgetown a fantastic destination to stay for a few days, and from here, you can easily explore the rest of Penang!

Tip: At the bottom of this article, we’ll recommend some great places to stay in Georgetown.

How to Travel to Penang?

Most people travel to Penang from Cameron Highlands or Langkawi. Read on to learn how to get there from these destinations.

What to Do in Penang & Georgetown?

There’s plenty to do on Penang to keep you entertained for several days. Here are our tips:

Spot Street Art in Georgetown

Georgetown is known for its raw and artistic atmosphere. The streets are characterized by colonial buildings and numerous murals. Georgetown exudes creativity, and you can spend hours wandering around in search of the most beautiful street art. Many accommodations provide maps with all the murals marked. If you’re a cat lover, you’ll find various cat-themed murals around Armenian Street, such as at this location.

Visit (or Stay at) Cheong Fatt Tze in Georgetown

Cheong Fatt Tze, also known as The Blue Mansion, is a mansion in Georgetown with an interesting history and a unique interior. It was built in the 19th century in traditional Chinese style. The exterior is painted in a striking blue color, and it features numerous beautiful details. The mansion resembles a Moroccan riad. The Blue Mansion is named after the wealthy trader Cheong Fatt Tze. In his teenage years, he was penniless, yet he became a successful businessman. He commissioned the construction of the mansion because he wanted a home for all his descendants. Cheong Fatt Tze had 8 wives, 8 sons, and 6 daughters.

Today, the mansion is a museum and a boutique hotel. When you stay at The Blue Mansion, you’ll overnight in a beautiful room and receive top-notch service.

Opening Hours and Tours: Cheong Fatt Tze is open every day from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Guided tours start at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. There’s a maximum number of visitors per tour, so it’s a good idea to book in advance. You can also explore independently with an audio guide.

Experience Art and Atmosphere at Hin Bus Depot

Hin Bus Depot is a creative space in Georgetown where local entrepreneurs exhibit their work. The gallery is open daily, and you can enjoy food and drinks in the courtyard. Every Saturday and Sunday, there’s a market where artists and creatives sell their handmade items. It’s a lively atmosphere with live music and acrobats practicing their skills.

Take the Train to the Top of Penang Hill

Penang Hill, also known as Bukit Bendera, is approximately 700 meters (2297 feet) high and covered in lush jungle. It’s about a twenty-minute drive from Georgetown, and to reach the summit, you can hop on a train here that will swiftly take you to the top. Inside the train, you can catch glimpses of the jungle and enjoy the impressive views over Georgetown. Once you arrive at the top, it’s enjoyable to take a stroll through the national park. This is a 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) trail where you walk across several enormous bridges through the high treetops of the jungle. During the walk, you’ll also come across a butterfly garden, a giant swing, and a zipline. Keep your ears and eyes open for animals, unique plants, and trees.

Wander Down Armenian Street in Georgetown

In the heart of Georgetown, you’ll find the charming street known as Armenian Street. The street is named after Armenian traders who settled here en masse around the year 1800. There are many colorful trishaws, murals, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. The street is adorned with lanterns and cheerful umbrellas.

Taste Street Food in Georgetown

In Malaysia, people rarely cook at home. Many locals eat at street food stalls, which creates a lot of street-side vibrancy. The street food culture is particularly strong in Georgetown. There are numerous excellent restaurants and food stalls throughout the city. Besides bringing people together, street food is also incredibly affordable! Chulia Street Hawker and New Lane Street Foodstalls are perfect places to tantalize your taste buds. To get you started, here are a few popular dishes:

Asam Laksa: Malaysian spicy fish noodle soup
Poh piah: Fresh spring rolls with various fillings
Char kway teow: Flavorful rice noodles with shrimp
Chee cheong fun: Steamed rice rolls
Apam Balik: A fried pancake filled with butter, peanuts, and sugar

Have a Drink at the Lively Love Lane

For a fun evening, head to Love Lane. Love Lane is a well-known nightlife street in Georgetown, and you’ll find plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants here. It usually starts getting lively from around 9:00 PM onwards. The aforementioned Chulia Street Hawker is just around the corner, so you can grab a bite to eat there and then enjoy a drink on Love Lane.

Visit the Clan Jetties of Penang

Clan Jetties are water villages in Penang. In 1900, many Chinese immigrants arrived in Malaysia. Since they couldn’t purchase land, they built their houses on stilts in the sea. There are six different Chinese villages on the outskirts of Georgetown, and each village has its own community and temple. It’s enjoyable to walk through these villages and see how important Chinese traditions and customs have been preserved.

Tip: Go early in the morning to witness the small fishing villages come to life. It can get quite crowded during the day.

Visit Penang National Park and Hike to Turtle Beach

Despite being a small park, Penang National Park is home to various animals, and you can enjoy beautiful jungle hikes. At the park entrance, you’ll get information about the hiking trails. One highly recommended hike is to Turtle Beach (Pantai Keracut). This is a beautiful white sandy beach with clear blue water. The hike takes about an hour to an hour and a half from the park entrance. When I was there, butterflies were flying everywhere, and I spotted several monkeys in the trees. When you arrive at Turtle Beach, you’ll likely have the entire beach to yourself. There’s a nice viewpoint, and at the end of the beach, you can visit a turtle sanctuary. Unfortunately, you can’t swim at Turtle Beach. That’s why I took a water taxi to Monkey Beach after visiting Turtle Beach. You can swim at Monkey Beach.

Tip: Inform the park entrance whether you’d like to be picked up by a water taxi. They will arrange it for you.

Relax at Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple is located about twenty minutes’ drive from Georgetown and is Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple. On the way to the temple, you can catch your first glimpse of the sacred Guanyin statue, which is part of the temple complex and overlooks the entire city. The colorful temple complex is a mix of Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architecture, richly adorned with many details. You can leisurely walk around and explore the various pagodas for about an hour to an hour and a half.

Tip: It’s often quieter and not as hot in the early morning.

Best Restaurants for Penang

All these restaurant tips are for Georgetown since it serves as the base for exploring Penang, and you’ll likely spend most of your time there.

Wheeler’s: This delightful restaurant is open all day and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is extensive, including paninis, pizzas, pasta dishes, and healthy salads.
Backdoor Bodega: This speakeasy bar is hidden within a clothing store. Once inside, you can order the finest cocktails. A unique place!
Langit Senja Kopi: Enjoy a nice coffee and leave a kind message on the wall for someone else.
Dutchie: If you’re looking for Dutch snacks like bitterballen with mustard, this is the place to go.
Pitayabyjuicecode: Every dish on the menu is a small celebration. It not only looks delicious but also tastes fantastic and is super healthy!
Vegan Falafel Penang: At this small spot, you can enjoy the tastiest falafel in Penang!
Holy Guacamole: Immerse yourself in Mexican vibes at Holy Guacamole, where they serve tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, of course. 

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Penang (Georgetown)

Carnarvon House is located in a super central location in Georgetown and is one of the best spots for a budget-friendly stay. You’ll stay in an authentic building with many beautiful wooden details. For a unique experience, stay at Ren I Tang Heritage Inn. Here, you’ll stay in a beautiful old Chinese building with a rich history that the owner will passionately share with you. It’s right in the heart of Chinatown, so stepping out the door puts you right in the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re looking for luxury and comfort, SAVV HOTEL is a modern hotel with a delightful rooftop pool. It’s the perfect place to spend warm afternoons, providing the ultimate relaxation after exploring Penang!

Carnarvon House More information

Ren I Rang Heritage Inn More information

SAVV Hotel More information