Tourist Attractions in Penang – Once upon a time known as Pulau Pinang or “Isle of the Betel Nut,” Penang was listed as one UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in 2008. This Malaysian state of Penang is home to an island and a peninsula connected to each other.
From soft sandy beaches to countless green spaces, Penang is nicknamed the Pearl of the Orient. Penang’s Capital, George Town, has become a major tourist destination in Malaysia, as the numbers of tourists have risen every year.
Definitely worth visiting, Penang has tons of places that you can visit someday. Besides marvelous colonial architecture, Penang also offers a plethora of natural attractions, from beaches to charming temples.
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A Plethora of Tourist Attractions that You Can Visit in Penang
If you’re looking for ideas on how to spend your time and leisure, there is more to Malaysia other than the twin tower or the night life of KL. Here, we have curated a list of places that you can visit in Penang.
1. The Habitat Penang Hill
The Habitat Penang Hill will bring you closer to nature through its 1.6 kilometers long nature trail, which cuts through the lush rainforest. Here in the Habitat Penang Hill, you will be taken to the heart of the Jungle.
Nothing beats the gorgeousness of Langur Way Canopy Walk, where you will be welcomed by an even more stunning view of your greenery surroundings up in the air and 230 meters long.
Another exciting thing to do is to ride the Penang Hill Railway that offers natural stunning open views over the city. The train can take up to a hundred passengers at a time, enjoy your air-conditioned seating while looking at the view.
If you are patient enough, you can wait until its dark enough for the lights to illuminate Penang Hill. The Avatar World, as how they called it, will be illuminate by colorful lights in every corner.
2. Kek Lok Si Temple
Nestled on a hilltop of Air Iram, near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple is home to a seven-tiered pagoda, the 37 meter tall Buddhist Goddess bronze sculpture of Kuan Yin, and over ten thousand Buddha Statues.
More than that, Kek Lok Si Temple has a stunning view of green surroundings and the breezy air of Air Iram, where you’ll be in awe.
Consisting of temples scattered throughout the 12 hectares area, Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist Temple in Malaysia. Due to its size, Kek Lok Si Temple is a place of pilgrimage for Monks and Novices across Southeast Asia.
Stunning at daytime with colorful temples with a touch of gold, Kek Lok Si Temple also looks gorgeous at night, where all the lights illuminate the temples and the beautiful statues.
3. Fort Cornwallis
Another popular one in Penang is the largest fort of the country, Fort Cornwallis. There are aesthetic rusty cannon remains from the original 1786 bastion, which will let your imagination travel back to the past.
The fort itself was named after Charles Cornwallis, a British general who surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown to George Washington.
You will be welcomed by the bronze statue of Captain Francis Light, the first person who had an idea to build the fort. Here, you will also learn history by strolling around the small exhibits explaining some of Fort Cornwallis’ history.
The locals or tourists alike often used the place as a park to spend a quiet afternoon in the sun, or you can play around with your kids and go on a family picnic. There’s always a good time in Fort Cornwallis.
4. Penang National Park
Still immersing ourselves in Penang’s natural beauty, we are moving on to Penang National Park, a home to over 400 different plant species. You will be greeted by a long stretch of seacoast, as well as natural forests and mangroves.
Prepare yourself for a quite long hike along the trails in the park that have been left in the original condition. So, you will feel closer to nature than ever before.
One of the most amazing parts of walking through Penang National Park is the 250 meter long canopy walk off one of the trails, which you will be walking 15 meters in the air on a wooden platform. Such a stunning view from above!
Not just that, the nearby Kerachut Beach is waiting for you.
Go on and take the most incredible strolls that you will ever take, as you will be accompanied by natural surroundings and even monkeys jumping around!
Be patient, and wait for the sun to set as you immerse in Kerachut Beach tranquility and clear turquoise waters.
5. Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
Opened for the public in 2016, this brand new tourist attraction of Penang easily caught anyone’s attention by its uniqueness. Entopia is Penang’s new butterfly farm, a home to over 15,000 free-flying butterflies.
Though places in a massive glass conservatory, the butterflies live freely and happily among the waterfalls, re-created natural habitat, and lush tropical greenery with a breath of fresh air.
A visit to Entopia will make you feel as in a natural fairytale where there is nothing but gorgeous butterflies flying around you.
Divided into two main sections, Natureland and Cocoon. Entopia is not only a home to the butterflies, but other creatures as well. There are snapping turtles, iguanas, frogs, and a number of large insects in the Natureland section.
On the other hand, the Cocoon section is where you can learn more about butterflies and participate in exciting hands-on activities.
No matter how old you are, a visit to Entopia will bring you joy and fun.
6. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
As the capital city of Penang, George Town has grown into a vibrant port town and tourist destination, with its strong ambience of British colonial architecture. It is undoubtedly a stunning mix of Asian and European influences.
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, or popularly known as the Blue Mansion is one of George Town’s most significant historical buildings which now has turned into a place where you can stay in for a night or two.
The place is of course dominated by the color blue, just like how it is called.
Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion is a pretty place where you can take a bunch of pictures with an aesthetic background. In fact, tourists indeed come here to color their Instagram feed with the blue color of the mansion.
Or if you are willing to dig deeper about its culture, there is a nearby Penang State Museum Art & Gallery that you can visit to better understand the history behind George Town itself.
7. Clan Jetties Penang
Clan Jetties Penang is a floating village that you must visit near the George Town area!
It is such a perfect place for you to move yourself away for sometime from the hustle and bustle of the city. Prepare yourself once you step your feet at Clan Jetties Penang, as you will be fascinated by the gorgeousness of the floating village.
The Clan Jetties Penang is home to houses on stilts above the sea with wooden plank walkways connected to each other. There are six jetties that you can visit today: Tan, Yeoh, Chew, Li and Mixed Clans Jetty.
Each jetty comes with a different unique design representing each own identity. Some color their jetty with wall paintings, lovely signs, mural arts, windmill decorations and even dragon boats.
There are plenty of worthy spots to take pictures in!
8. Batu Ferringhi Beach
Did we mention that Penang is also home to soft sandy beaches? Yes, it is a fact and Batu Ferringhi Beach is one of them.
Batu Ferringhi is known as a water sports destination that will rush your adrenaline with all water activities that it offers. On the other hand, the long stretch of its white soft sands is what the tourists are searching for.
The best time to visit Batu Ferringhi Beach is said to be in July, where the beach receives an average of eight hours of sunshine each day.
Plus, the jellyfish are less prevalent at this time of the year. You don’t want to get a sting, right?
Where to stay in Penang: Our Recommendations
Well, we have visited Penang’s exciting and gorgeous tourist attractions. It’s time for us to show you two of many worthy places in Penang that you can book for a night or two, t-mates. Here, check this out.
1. Hotel Penaga
Originally built in the 1940s, Hotel Penaga located in Kalan Huton is a boutique hotel offering 3 rows of 2 storey shophouses offering comfort and excellent facilities.
It is such a perfect palace to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, as it is located in the heart of it.
Each room of Hotel Penaga features antique furniture, pieces of aesthetic Asian art pieces, and restored wooden flooring.
The Cinnamon restaurant is what is loved the most by the guests, which offers an all-day menu and a selection of high quality wines. If you are craving for a glass of cocktail, The Tanglung Bar has it all.
As the facilities are not enough, Hotel Penaga also provided a spacious library with reading materials and ample seating. On the other hand, a swimming pool is waiting for you too.
Price: starts from 323,805 IDR/room/night*
Address: Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (Check on Google Maps)
Facilities: tiket CLEAN, spa, Wi-Fi, parking, restaurant, bar, 24-hour front desk, swimming pool, etc.
2. Travelodge George Town Penang
As it offers excellent amenities and designed in a sophisticated minimalist-style, Travelodge George Town Penang is a perfect option for a 3-star hotel stay in Penang.
Each room is design in a light minimalist interior design that is perfect for any ages; young or old. It is painted with bright colors and decorated with paintings.
Here, you can have your own coffee/tea machine, complete with a mini refrigerator available in all rooms. Don’t forget about the free toiletries and even a hair dryer.
The Zest Restaurant in Travelodge George Town Penang offers a breakfast buffet daily, with a variety menu of choice.
Located strategically, Travelodge George Town Penang is in close proximity to famous tourist destinations, like Chew Jetty, Fort Cornwallis, and a 12 minute drive away.
Price: starts from 333,831 IDR/room/night*
Address: 101, Jalan Macalister, 10400 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (Check on Google Maps)
Facilities:swimming pool, 24-hour front desk, restaurant, tiket CLEAN, Wi-Fi, etc.
Discover Penang and its Beauty with tiket.com!
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*The information is valid at the time of writing. Price and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.
