Wondering what to do in Penang that will get you out and about and exploring? We’ve rounded up a few ideas here, from atmospheric temples and rainforests to more energetic pursuits like cycling and rope climbs! Whether you’re solo or with family or friends, these tourist attractions in Penang should cater to a wide range of tastes and ages.
#1 Spot street art in George Town
The easternmost section of the capital George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s brimming with preserved historical buildings, and with lanes lined by lanterns and dotted with interesting street art, it’s now a popular tourist attraction in Penang. The street art includes a series of murals that Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic created in 2012 to showcase Penang’s culture and lifestyle. Since then, more artworks have popped up in this central area, making it a great place to wander, cycle or ride a trishaw through.
#2 Go temple hopping
Looking for tourist attractions in Penang? George Town is stacked with temples that are worth visiting. Perhaps the best place to start is with the most famous: Kek Lok Si Temple. Located in Air Itam on the city’s western edge, this huge temple was established in 1891 and is home to the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas and a Guan Yin statue. It’s also a pilgrimage spot for Buddhists from Malaysia and beyond.
Closer to the city centre, Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple is not only the oldest Thai-style temple on the island, but it also has the largest reclining Buddha statue in Penang. It’s a hotspot during the Songkran and Loi Krathong festivals. Only a few minutes away is the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple on Burmah Road. Penang’s first Burmese temple is a tranquil retreat with distinctive Burmese architecture.
#3 Cycle in the Penang countryside
A quintessential outdoor activity and a great way to discover another side of Penang is on a bicycle tour in the countryside. There are multiple operators that offer trips – one is Matahari Cycles Tours. A half-day (six-hour) option is a classic way to get a strong taste for the scenery and character of the island. You’ll leave George Town behind and cycle through villages to experience local life. The ride continues along trails through orchards, fishing hamlets, goat farms, rice fields and Chinese and Malay communities, as you enjoy the peaceful scenery and learn about Penang culture outside the urban centre.
#4 Have a beach day
It’s a tropical island, so there has to be some good beaches, right? Well, yes, there are certainly nice sandy areas for tourist attractions in Penang. Batu Ferringhi is the best known of these, and despite having a reputation in the past for its laid-back hippy vibe, today it’s lined by five-star hotels. You can still access the beach, however.
The caveat here is that the water around Penang isn’t the most conducive for a dip. It can be murky at times, and there’s also the danger of jellyfish stings. Our recommendation would be to save your swimming for a nice pool instead. One great option is to get a day pass at Parkroyal Penang Resort. The pass gives you access to a high-end hotel pool including slides and other fun extras. (From MYR 45 for kids, and 90 for adults.)
#5 Ride through rice paddies
Southwest of George Town, Balik Pulau Penang is a village known for its expansive paddy fields. Here, you can explore the lush landscapes dotted with banana and coconut trees, while also meeting local wildlife. One of the must-try tourist attractions in Penang if you love adventure is a guided ATV ride. Or, for a more serene experience that suits the laid-back nature of the area, choose a golf-kart-style buggy ride instead.
Especially popular is the Sunset Buggy Ride that runs from 6pm to 7.30pm, including a 60-minute ride around the paddy fields, offering a glimpse into rural life in Penang. After exploring the fields, there’s a 30-minute photo session. This includes a stop at Malindo Beach to watch the sunset and another at a prime paddy field viewpoint, ensuring plenty of interesting photos to take home.
#6 See beautiful butterflies
Entopia is home to Malaysia’s largest butterfly and dragonfly garden. It’s an interesting tourist attraction, with over 15,000 butterflies fluttering in a lush and natural setting. You can also see around 120 species of rare tropical butterflies up close. There’s a collection of live tropical insects and small reptiles, too, including scorpions and frogs. Make sure to view the hatchery and the ‘Preserved Butterflies of the World Museum’ for a more in-depth dive into the world of butterflies. This is an outdoor activity in Penang that will suit a family or solo adventurer alike. It’s offers a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Many tours combine visiting Entopia with a stop at the Tropical Spice Garden, a few kilometres away. This living garden boasts over 200 species of plants and includes waterfalls, ponds and caves.
#7 Ascend Penang Hill
Penang Hill is Southeast Asia’s oldest British hill station. It was established in the late 1700s, when Captain Francis Light, who founded the colony of Penang, plotted a horse track to the top. Located 9km west of the centre of George Town, the hill’s highest peak reaches 833 metres above sea level.
At the top, near the train station, there’s a viewing deck where you can enjoy some great views looking down over the island. Or, head further up to The Habitat (see #10 on this list) for an enhanced viewing experience and a canopy walk through the rainforest. A visit to Penang Hill is one of the coolest outdoor activities in both senses of the word – in fact, temperatures up here can be five degrees less than at the foot of the hill!
#8 Explore the Clan Jetties
The Clan Jetties are Chinese settlements in Penang that date back to the 19th century. Located along a wooden pier, these villages are built on stilts over the water. They’re home to the descendants of those original Chinese immigrants. Each jetty is named after the surname of the clan that resides there; there are eight different clans in total, and the Chew Jetty is particularly popular with visitors. The residents of the Chew Jetty live along the entire length of the jetty, giving it a lively atmosphere.
While exploring the Clan Jetties, do remember that these houses are still private homes for many families. Be respectful and ask for permission before taking photos. Walking through the jetties offers a glimpse into a traditional way of life that has been preserved for generations. It’s an experience that connects you to the rich cultural history of the area, and a great way to spend some time outdoors in Penang.
#9 Brave The Gravityz
Looking for what to do in Penang for thrills? The Gravityz is a sky-high ropes course challenge perched at a height of 239 metres, on the 65th floor of Komtar Penang. It’s a one-hour activity that offers a blend of excitement and scenic views – fun for adrenaline junkies and sightseers alike.
You’ll be guided by professional instructors who ensure your safety as you tackle six different obstacles: Confidence Path, High Bench, A Great Bridge, X-Point, ZWire, and G-Rocky. Each challenge is designed to boost your confidence as you seek to complete what is described as the world’s highest ropes course challenge! This is all about pushing your limits – and getting an eyeful of your surrounds at the same time.
#10 Catch the views from The Habitat
If you love a good vantage point, you’ll enjoy taking in some awesome 360-degree views of Penang from its highest viewpoint. Located over 800 metres above sea level, The Habitat is a rainforest centre where you can not only enjoy amazing scenery, but engage with local ecosystems, learning about the variety of plants and animals in the area. The highlight is strolling along the 230-metre Langur Way Canopy Walk, with Penang’s 130-million-year-old rainforest right at your fingertips. There’s also the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk. This is the iconic circular walkway you can see in the photo above.
The Habitat sits atop Penang Hill and can be reached by a funicular train from Penang Hill Railway Station. You can also take a private jeep. If you’re feeling more adventurous, hike up from the Penang Botanical Gardens – there are well-defined trails.
Enjoyed working your way through our roundup of the best outdoor tourist attractions in Penang? If you’re looking for what to do in Penang when it’s raining, see our list of the best indoor activities!
