Things to Do in Penang, Malaysia

Penang is an island which lies just off the coast of northern Malaysia. It’s a fascinating place, encompassing a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian architecture, culture and people. A couple of years ago, I spent two months living on the island and got to know Penang very well. Read on to discover my pick of some of the best things to do in Penang.

Hike in the National Park

Penang may be a relatively small island, but it even has its own national park. Penang National Park is located in the northwest corner of the island and covers just 23 square kilometers, but packs in a lot. Despite its size, it’s home to over 1,000 species of flora and fauna. Choose to hire a boat and a guide to zip around the headland, straight into the heart of the park, or hike through the jungle. One of the most popular hikes takes you to Monkey Beach via a series of forest trails and coastal walks – and yes, it’s likely you’ll see lots of monkeys on the way too.

Sample the Island’s Famous Street Food

A visit to Penang isn’t complete without delving into its famous street food scene, known throughout South East Asia. While there are some amazing restaurants on the island, don’t be afraid to pull up a plastic chair and order something from the carts and stalls at the hawker centres, dotted all over the island. One of the best street hawker centres is on Chulia Street in George Town. Some of the most popular dishes to try include char kway teow (stir fried flat noodles), popiah (spring rolls filled with tofu and shrimps) and laksa (a sweet and sour noodle soup with tamarind, pineapple and fish). 

Ride the Funicular to the Top of Penang Hill

The highest point on the island is Penang Hill, which is also one of the most popular spots for families at the weekend. Towering 821 metres over George Town, the best way to reach it is via a funicular all the way to the top. It’s in fact the steepest tunnel track in the world. From up here, you can enjoy incredible views over the whole island. The hill features an odd mix of nature trails, temples and amusement-park style attractions. There’s even an Owl Museum. Whatever you’re into, it’s particularly great for nature lovers, home to monkeys, flying lemurs, civets, bats and wild boar.

Look for Street Art in George Town

The capital of Penang is elegant George Town; part British colonial style, part ancient Chinese, part Islamic and part vibrant Indian, it perfectly sums up the multicultural nature of Malaysia. While ancient temples and traditional architecture are a major draw, so is something slightly more modern – its street art. Since 2012, the streets of George Town have become an outdoor gallery, showcasing traditional Malaysian life. Many of the most famous pieces are by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, but today it attracts street artists from around the world.

Visit the Kek Lok Si Temple

One of the best temples on Penang is Kek Lok Si, the largest Buddhist temple in the whole of Malaysia. It’s located in Air Itam, on top of a hill, just south of George Town and is a whole complex filled with gorgeous pagodas, sculpted gardens and intricate statues. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting around Chinese New Year, you’ll find the whole complex lit by tens of thousands of tiny coloured lights.

Explore the Tropical Spice Garden

If you’re into cooking (and eating) and want to learn all about where cinnamon comes from, how vanilla grows and what tree nutmeg comes from, then you can’t beat the Tropical Spice Garden. Situated right on the northern shore of the island, it features a series of jungle trails and over 500 different varieties of flora, spices and herbs. There are both guided and audio tours, teaching you about all the different plants, as well as traditional Malaysian cooking classes.

Discover the Khoo Kongsi Clan House

One of the most impressive buildings in George Town is the Khoo Kongsi clan house, which is also one of the most distinctive in the whole of Malaysia. It’s a place where Chinese families with the same surname gather to worship their ancestors. This particular clan house dates back to the 19th century and is like a mini village, containing an intricately decorated temple, dwellings and a traditional theatre.

Eat Until You Drop in Little India

Penang, and in fact the whole of Malaysia has a large population of Indian Malaysians, and one of the best places to learn all about their culture is George Town’s Little India. A riot of colour, sounds and exotic smells, Little India is an assault on all the senses. Filled with temples, shops and restaurants, one of the best things to do here is of course – eat. As most of the Indians here are of Tamil descent, from southern India, most of the restaurants specialise in this type of cuisine. Think huge platters of thalis, crispy dosas filed with spiced potatoes and various types of fragrant rice-based biryanis.

Walk Down the Clan Jetties 

The Clan Jetties are a series of traditional wooden waterfront houses built on stilts, dating back to the 19th century. They are home to several clans of Chinese immigrants who have made the jetties their home for several generations. Today there are around eight clans that live here and occupy a jetty each. Each one is named after the surname of the families who live there. The Chew Jetty is the most tourist friendly, with several of the families selling traditional snacks, toys or souvenirs from their houses. Don’t forget, these are still people’s homes, so don’t take photos without permission and don’t enter any of the buildings.