Best Things to do in Penang
Penang, State of Penang, is located in the northwest of Malaysia. And the George Town, capital of Penang, is the second largest city in Malaysia, only second to Kuala Lumpur. It used to be the earliest British colony in Malaysia, where the East India Company was established. Penang preserved many old colonial buildings. The scenery is unique and nostalgic humanity, attracting a large number of tourists to visit. In 2008, it was rated as a world heritage with Malacca. Penang is the place with the largest number of Chinese in Malaysia, and there are also many delicious foods to taste. This article will list best things to do in Penang.
1. Learn about the Colonial History of Penang at Fort Cornwallis
Location: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Reason to visit: UNESCO Heritage Site in George Town, Penang, famous historical landmark in Penang, one of the oldest and largest forts in Malaysia, ideal starting point to learn about the colonial history of Penang, Malaysia
Things to do. At Fort Cornwallis, you can learn about the colonial history of Penang and Malaysia. You can visit the statue, cannons, old buildings and other historical sites of Penang. At the same time, you can enjoy the picturesque and wonderful scenery of the sea. By the way, you can see the stunning view of sunset on the sea here. Here you can taste delicious Malay foods and afternoon tea.
2. See the Slanting Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
Location: Lebuh Light, George Town, 10450 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Reason to visit: one of the most famous clock towers in Malaysia, typical Moorish architecture style, famous landmark and historical site in Penang
Things to do. At the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, you can admire the exquisite design of the clock and the Moorish building. You can take photos of the beautiful building. You can also stroll around the streets to feel the various buildings of Penang. Learning about the history of the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower is also interesting. And you can observe the tower carefully to find if it is really a little slanting after the World War II.
3. Visit the Houses Built on the Stilts above the Sea at Clan Jetties
Location: Pengkalan Weld, George Town, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Reason to visit: Floating Houses on the sea, traditional village on stilts over the water in Penang, best place to feel the multi-culture of Malaysia
Things to do. At Clan Jetties, you will learn about the stories of the Chinese immigrants, who built the houses on the stilts above the sea in the shoreline of Penang Island. There are several main jetties of Clan Jetties that you can visit. At the Clan Jetties, you can experience the street art of Penang. You will see many pictures painted on the walls of the houses. You can know about the daily life of the local residents at the Clan Jetties. You can also enjoy the beautiful view of seaside including sunrise, sunset and sunset glows. You can also taste the delicious food and snacks of Chinese style.
4. Overlook the City at Penang Hill
Location: 11500 Bukit Bendera, Penang, Malaysia
Reason to visit: the newest UNESCO biosphere reserve in Malaysia, highest peak of Penang, best place to have a panoramic view of Penang, providing spectacular day views and charming night views, best place to enjoy the beautiful sunrise, sunset and sunset glows
Things to do. At the top of the Penang Hill, you can have a panoramic view of the city. You can enjoy the stunning view of sunrise and sunset at the top of the Penang Hill. Also, the night view seeing from the top of the Penang Hill is charming and impressive. Penang Hill is a famous summer resort in Penang and Malaysia with fresh air and rich oxygen. Alongside the way of cable car, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the George Town and the sea.
5. Admire the Penang Street Art
There are not only beautiful architectures of varied styles in Penang, but also vivid and interesting murals in the streets of Penang. There are some famous classic murals on the walls of the streets in Penang. And the murals are increasing every year. You can enjoy the beautiful murals by walking leisurely and stop to take pictures. If you have enough time, you can spend time to explore the beautiful murals in Penang.
Famous Murals in Penang and Their Locations
Penang Street Art - Boy on chair
Location: 14, Cannon St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Mural - Kids on Bicycle
Location: 2, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Street Art - Brother and Sister on a Swing
Location: 63, Gat Lebuh Chulia, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Street Art - I want Bao
Location: 28, Gat Lebuh Armenian, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Street Art - Boy on Motorbike
Location: 12, Lbh Ah Quee, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
6. Feel the Culture of Nyonyas at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Location: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Reason to visit: heritage museum of exquisite antiques and collections of Peranakans, a mansion to know about the Nyonyas culture, place of the TV program photographing
Pinang Peranakan Mansion is the residence of a rich merchant, a Malaysian Chinese. At the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, you will know more about the culture and history of the Peranakans, also known as Babas and Nyonyas. You can see over 1,000 antiques and collections at this museum. This mansion was built in late 19th century, which is a building mainly of Chinese quadrangles’ style, also combining some British and Scottish elements. At the museum, you can also wear the beautiful costumes of Peranakans and take photos. By the way, a guide is recommended for you to better know the history of the mansion.
7. Burn Incense and Worship at the Kek Lok Si Temple
Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia
Reason to visit: one of the largest and most majestic Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, integrate the construction styles of China, Thailand and Myanmar
Things to do. At the Kek Lok Si Temple, you can visit the architectures with the construction styles of China, Thailand and Myanmar. If you want, you can take the cable car to the temple instead of climbing. You can also burn incense and worship at the temple to wish for health, study and career for yourself, families or friends. At the top of the Kek Lok Si Temple, you can have a panoramic view of Penang as well as experience the Buddhist culture.
8. Relax Yourselves at the Picturesque Beaches
You can not miss the wonderful beaches in Penang once you come to visit Penang. At the beaches of Penang, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of sea, including impressive sunrise, sunset and sunset glows. You can walk alongside the coast, feel the breeze gentle blowing and have fun with the sea water. Also, there are various water activities like banana boat, surfing and motorboat.
Recommended Tours
10 Days Best Malaysia & Beach Holiday
Kuala Lumpur - Malacca - Cameron Highlands - Penang-Langkawi
10 Days Singapore & Malaysia Small Group Tour
Singapore, Penang, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur
13 Days Singapore, Malaysia & Thailand Group Tour
Singapore, Penang, Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Ayutthaya