Top 10 Attractions in Penang

Top 10 Attractions in Penang

 Penang has plenty of must-see attractions that you should cover in your itinerary if you wish to experience Penang in a short space of time. In our list of Top 10 Things to Do in Penang, we skip the unimportant sights, and instead focus on places that can be considered the essence of the island - so much so that to miss them would be as good as not having been to Penang in the first place.

When handpicking selections for our list, we decided upon an interesting and eclectic mix of modern and quirky offerings, family-friendly amusement parks, and natural and cultural attractions, all of which are suitable for visitors of all ages.

1. Penang Hill

Penang Hill

The view of Penang Island from 735 meters (2,411 feet) up is fantastic, and the funicular makes getting to the summit of Penang Hill (also known as Bukit Bendera) a breeze. Walk one of the forest paths, visiting the wonderfully ornate Hindu temple Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan and nearby mosque Masjid Bukit Bendera, and pop in the quirky Owl Museum on your way back to the funicular.

2. Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple

The grandeur of this temple lies not only in its size, but also its reverence. Kuan Im or Guan Yin name originated from translations of Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. Kuan Im refers to the Goddess of Mercy, one of the most revered deities in East Asian Buddhism. She is believed to perceive the sounds of her disciples and is often called upon by people desiring children. Kek Lok Si is an important place of pilgrimage for many. Devotees throng the temple during the Chinese New Year, when it dazzles with colorful lanterns and related festivities.

3. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Within the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town, Penang, lies a regal mansion built at the end of the 19th century — a glamorous mix of old world charm and contemporary comforts, it’s an iconic Malaysian landmark, and a winner of the UNESCO Conservation & Heritage award.

The Blue Mansion — so named for the indigo shade on its walls — was commissioned by self-made tycoon Cheong Fatt Tze back in the 1890s, but gradually deteriorated after his death until a group of Penang conservationists bought it over in 1989. By 1995, the place was restored in its magnificence, and it opened its doors to visitors as a boutique hotel in 2001.

4. Escape Adventureland

Escape Adventureland

The hours that you will spent at Escape Adventureland Penang are likely to rank as some of the most thrilling and emotionally-charged moments of your life. After all, hurtling speedily through the open air, dozens of feet off the ground, is pretty exciting and memorable.

5. Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck

Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck

The Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck offer stunning seamless views of George Town and beyond. Located at George Town’s highest point, the open-air Rainbow Skywalk is at Level 68, on the rooftop of KOMTAR tower, offering visitors the thrilling experience of walking on air 816 feet above sea level. Meanwhile, the air-conditioned Observatory Deck at Level 65 also features a glass walkway that lets you watch the world go by below.

6. Made In Penang Interactive Museum

Made In Penang Interactive Museum

The museum, which is the latest attraction, tells the history of Penang which was once a famous port in Southeast Asia. Various replicas of ports and merchant ships can be the gaze of visitors to learn the history of the state.

In addition, visitors can also learn the cultural richness of Penang in a relaxed and interactive way by exploring the 5 parts of this museum, namely Wall Painting, Handmade Jetty Water Front, Interactive 3D Trick Art, Interactive Kiosks  and  Coffee time.

7. The Penang War Museum

The Penang War Museum

The Penang War Museum is reputed to be the largest war museum in South East Asia. Strategically located on top of the Batu Maung Hill on the south-east of the island, the Penang War Museum was initially a military fortress designed by the British in the 1930s. The 19.36 acres military fortress has a magnificent 320-degree view of the sea around the island, to defend the Straits of Malacca from Japanese attack coming from the South channel.

8. Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis

This is the earliest roofed structure surviving in Penang from the colonial era. It was built in 1799 on the landward side of Fort Cornwallis on the southwest bastion. The first recorded marriage here took place in 1799 when John Timmers married Martina Rozells, the widow of Francis Light (who founded the colony).

9. Penang Khoo Khongsi

Penang Khoo Khongsi

Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi or simply Khoo Kongsi, is a marvelous Chinese clan house and temple that’s right in George Town!

It has an impressive lineage of over 6 centuries! Visitors can visit the UNESCO World Heritage site to personally admire the exquisite architecture of the buildings!

10. Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram is a Thai Buddhist temple in George Town, Penang, Malaysia, most notable for its Reclining Buddha statue. The statue is the 3rd largest of its kind, being 33 meters in length. In the main shrine in front of the Reclining Buddha there are smaller shrines of different Buddhas and popular Thai deities. Also, on the temple grounds many colored statues of Devas and other mythical creatures are on display.