Top Things to Do and See in Penang 2025

Travel people will love Penang. It has a nice blend of Eastern cultures. It has in store beautiful beaches, wildlife, and tasty street food for visitors. These are what make Penang the Malaysian sensation it is. For the convenience of every tourist, here is a list of doable things and visitable spots in this city. We hope these will make your trip a remarkable one.

Top Penang Activities to Do This Year

Check out these awesome handpicked things to do in Penang:

●      Walk Across the George Town

Take a walk around the famous George Town. It is good for some basic Penang understanding. You would get a taste of the city's history, heritage, and architecture. The tour begins at the Penang Town Hall and ends at The Blue Mansion.

The tour includes a map along with step-by-step instructions. Plus, it will have several stops for food and drink. Some of the popular sights to see are Fort Cornwallis, Khoo Kongsi, etc. It takes about three to four hours to complete the tour.

●      Visit Penang Hill

Penang Hill is a great spot for various things. The funicular from Air Itam is the best way to reach the summit. And guess what? It is the cheapest, too! Besides enjoying a good view of Penang Island, George Town, and the mainland, you may walk the Heritage Trail around the summit for some adventure.

Penang Hill Gallery @Edgecliffe, children's playgrounds, religious buildings, and colonial-era buildings are also worth seeing.

●      Experience Penang’s Rich Food Culture

As mentioned above, Penang is famous for its tasty street foods. You’re a foodie? Then you would be in luck here. The hawker stalls around the city offer dishes like Curry Mee, Nasi Lemak, etc.

Not just street food, Penang has attained excellence in fine dining options as well. The restaurants here serve tasty dishes consisting of Mexican, Irish, Japanese, Italian, and more kinds of foods at affordable prices.

●      View the Street Art

The past fifteen years have seen George Town being transformed into an open-air gallery of sorts displaying street art. The buildings and roads have become canvases for various murals and wire sculptures.

Viewing these artistic works will give you a unique look at the city’s heritage and history. Of course, some of these artworks have faded over time. But many are still vivid and keep revitalizing the urban atmosphere.

●    Go to Batu Ferringhi Beach and Shop at Night Markets 

The Batu Ferringhi beach attracts many travelers. There are many high-end resorts, eateries, and entertainment options around this area. It is unarguably Penang’s finest sea beach. Here, you can take a calm stroll and play water sports.

There is also a night market in Penang. This is an ideal spot for shopping lovers. This market sells locally-made crafts and dresses. There are many food stalls here as well. So, this lively and fun spot is perfect for feeling holiday vibes on the island.       

Top Penang Places to Visit This Year

While in Penang, don’t miss to stop by these places:

●    Kek Lok Si Temple 

Kek Lok Si is the biggest Buddhist temple in this nation. It is a great religious site for Southeast Asian people. The temple is home to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, a huge Kuan Yin statue, etc. There are many quiet prayer areas.

Kek Lok Si offers a lift facility for convenience. There is no entry fee for the temple itself. However, adults have to pay for things like cable cars and pagoda entry.

●      Penang War Museum

Allured by history? Then Penang War Museum should be a must-visit for you. It used to be a British fortress. This war museum now provides a look into the island’s darkest period. It was seized by Japanese forces in 1942. They used this place as a POW camp. Now restored, it stands as one of the most vital war museums in Southeast Asia.

The Penang War Museum highlights the British's misguided approach during the war and the devastating impact on the island's population. If you want an exciting and educative experience as regards history or culture.

●    Penang Bird Park 

The Penang Bird Park is the biggest bird sanctuary in Malaysia. It currently has 300+ bird species. Some of these are exotic sunbirds, eight-feet-tall ostriches, etc. Located in Seberang Jaya, this bird park has Chinese-style wooden bridges and natural ponds. This is done to provide the birds here with a natural habitat-like feeling.

Visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of plants. These include lilies, lotus, palm trees, and more.

●      Gurney Plaza

The real beauty of Penang lies in how it mixes the old and the new. That is why Gurney Plaza is its premier shopping mall. It has nine floors. There are many high street shops, restaurants, etc. Also, there is a 12-screen cinema that shows Western films in English.

Despite its small size, Gurney Plaza is impressive for its tiny island location.

●      MST Golf Arena

Gurney Paragon Mall’s MST Golf Arena is a fun place where you can play virtual golf. There are twenty tech bays for you to play courses, practice on a driving range, or enjoy fun games. This golf experience is economical. So, it won’t hurt your wallet.

The main tech behind these courses is a launch monitor. It is precise in its ball travel calculations and then displays results in real-time. The venue also features a seating area for parties to enjoy drinks and cheer on their golf games.    

Final Words

Penang offers a rich fusion of culture, history, and natural beauty that brings many visitors each year. From George Town's famous street art to the stunning Penang Hill views — there is something for every person. The local food scene is lively. It shows off yummy dishes that reflect the island's diverse heritage. Visit Penang today!