Things to Do in Penang Island, Malaysia - Penang Island Attractions
Things to Do in Penang Island
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Escape Penang, Penang Hill, Flea & Street Markets, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Escape Penang, Penang Hill, Flea & Street Markets, Nature and Wildlife Tours. For personalized recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Penang Island.
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)$90
Private and Luxuryfromper adult (price varies by group size)$57
Eco Toursfromper adult$31
Car Toursfromper adult$62
Street Food Toursfromper adult$45
Day Tripsfromper adult$93
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)$65
Historical Toursfromper adult$7
Cooking Classesfromper adult$94- fromper adult (price varies by group size)$84
Amusement & Theme Parks
Admission tickets from $55
Outdoor adventure park set in a lush forest with thrilling activities like zip-lining, water slides, and a ropes course, plus unique wildlife encounters.
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Trams
Scenic hilltop destination featuring panoramic views, a variety of dining options, and a cable car ride. Highlight includes a unique monkey cup garden and native wildlife.
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History Museums
Historical mansion with well-preserved Peranakan antiques and vibrant jewelry exhibits. Features detailed guided tours and insights into colonial life and customs.
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Architectural Buildings
Serene Buddhist temple with ornate prayer houses and a large Mercy goddess statue, featuring multi-level architecture and cultural fusion. Visitors enjoy local culture and panoramic views.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Admission tickets from $14
Rainforest trail with guided walks, canopy pathways, and a treetop walk boasting panoramic views. Includes tram rides, wildlife spotting, and a tranquil environment.
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Historic Sites
Historic Sites
Vibrant street art and historic architecture line this bustling neighborhood, with eateries and local shops ideal for cultural exploration and photography.
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Neighborhoods
Traditional fishing village ambiance on stilts, with local eateries and quaint shops. Provides cultural insight with scenic harbor views and a vibrant community vibe.
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Tranquil botanical retreat with thematic gardens, waterfalls, and serene walkways. Home to diverse flora, fauna including monkeys, and historical tropical landscapes.
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Speciality Museums
Historic clan house displaying a blend of Chinese, Peranakan, and Malay influences through intricate carvings, colorful decorations, and a museum detailing the local clan's history.
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Lush botanical sanctuary with diverse plant life and educational spice garden tours. Includes a cooking class, serene landscapes, and a curated gift shop with local spices and oils.
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Popular Cities in Penang Island
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Jasmyn TKuching, Malaysia3 contributionsI had an absolutely memorable time at Escape Penang on Friday, December 6, 2024! The weather was perfect—bright and sunny, without being too hot, especially after several rainy days in Georgetown, Penang.
The highlight of my visit was definitely the Aerobat activity! I can’t even begin to describe how exhilarating it was to try trapeze for the first time. Initially, I was quite skeptical about attempting something so daring, especially since I had zero experience with anything like it. But thanks to the incredible staff members, Nazar and Zahid, I quickly overcame my doubts. They were so patient, supportive, and knowledgeable, ensuring I felt safe and confident every step of the way.
Nazar and Zahid's expertise really shone through. They made sure I understood the techniques and reassured me that even complete beginners could succeed. Even when I struggled and failed my first attempt, feeling a bit discouraged as others seemed to nail it right away, their encouragement never wavered. They kept telling me not to feel bad about myself and assured me that it was all part of the learning process. They patiently worked with me, offering continuous support until I finally nailed the move!
The moment I succeeded, I felt an overwhelming rush of happiness and confidence. I couldn’t have done it without their guidance and positivity. Their encouragement made all the difference, and I’m so grateful for their dedication to helping me push through my fears.
I highly recommend everyone to give Aerobat a try—you will love it! The sense of achievement and the fun of learning something new is absolutely worth it. Thank you again, Nazar and Zahid, for making my experience at Escape Penang so special and memorable. Best staff at Escape Penang!!Written December 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - manish pKathmandu, Nepal78 contributionsView from the top was great… it gets crowded so better to go early.. you can walk around at the top but not too many things to doWritten November 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- SudrabfoxKyoto, Japan7 contributionsIf you’re in Penang and not visiting the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, what are you even doing? This place is like walking straight into a time capsule—but not the dusty kind. Think opulent, colorful, and absolutely dripping with stories of the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) lifestyle.
The mansion itself is a jaw-dropper. Every corner screams, “Take my picture!” From the intricate carvings on the doors to the antique furniture that looks straight out of a royal drama, you’ll feel like you’ve been cast in a period film. The details here are next-level: gold-leaf accents, hand-painted tiles, and chandeliers so grand they make the palace at Versailles look humble.
The best part? The guided tours. If you’re lucky enough to snag a passionate guide, you’re in for some real tea about Peranakan culture, from their lavish traditions to the cheeky superstitions that make you wonder how people even survived the Victorian era of Asia. Bonus points to the guide who referred to the massive wedding bed as “Instagram-worthy but cursed.”
And the jewelry collection? Let’s just say it’ll make you wish you lived in an era where wearing gold the size of a small plate was socially acceptable.
A quick tip: Go early to avoid the crowd and get those “I have the mansion to myself” photos. Also, don’t rush! There’s so much to take in that you’ll want to spend at least an hour here, if not more.
Bottom line: If you love history with a side of drama and a whole lot of glam, Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a must. Don’t miss it—and don’t forget to look up at the ceilings. They’re just as extra as the rest of the place. 10/10, would get lost in the beauty all over again.Written November 28, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Mike DHua Hin, Thailand639 contributionsIt's the Disneyland of temples, you have to go through the gift shop before you get to where you want to go!
Take a grab to the bottom of the temple and purchase your lift tickets. Go to the top and work your way down the different levels.
Walk the paths, go into the temples.
That's about it.Written September 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - to_calvarySingapore237 contributionsWhat a gem! For those who love little critters and especially butterflies, you can really spend 2-3 hours here! We happened to arrive at 10am and were in time for various interactions - holding little insects and 10:30an for the butterfly release! Very informative and all the keepers are so knowledgeable, warm and friendly! 3 of us (2 adults and 1 teen) thoroughly enjoyed our trip. The only thing was we only budgeted 1.5 hours but that is really not enough. There is an aviary where we spent nearly 1.5 hours and an extended indoor part showing the life cycle and amazing things about butterflies. We had to skip through most of that unfortunately. Do leave enough time if you really love insects. Kudos to the staff who are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable.Written November 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WirksWandererMatlock, UK150 contributionsWe arrived by funicular at the top of the hill and decided to take a trip to the Habitat. A local guide advised us we’d need about 45min - 1 hr.
In the end we spent about 4 hours ! It was interesting to slowly walk the trails, skyway and skywalk spotting birds, butterflies and animals. The slower you go and watch - the more you see.
We also had a lovely lunch at the cafe at the end too.Written December 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - S KSingapore, Singapore432 contributionsWe arrived just before 3.30 pm and was advised the guided tour is sold out. Not wanting to wait till 4.30 pm for the audio tour, we took the option of a high tea for 2 there. The high tea was good and allowed us the option of exploring the beautiful interiors of the Blue Mansion at our own pace. The hotel section was out of bounds. Relative to the Peranakan Mansion which is a lot bigger and visually more captivating, the same entrance fee ( with guided tour) at 25 myr per pax appeared high here. The high tea is reasonable at 88 myr for 2 pax ( Mon-Thurs) .Written August 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ian FNorthern Ireland, UK706 contributionsPleasant walking area with many attractions/shops etc to see. Food was available to suit your wishes and needs. Having come off a cruise plenty of taxis are available to bring you here. Most of the traders take credit cards so no issues spending.Written November 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Paul ChoongPenang Island, Malaysia127 contributionsA vibrant, historic wooden jetty in Penang showcasing the unique Clan Jetty culture. Explore fascinating architecture, local life, and scenic vistas.Written October 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DavidjellisLowestoft, UK9,490 contributionsMy wife and I visited on a cruise ship excursion and we had just under an hour here to enjoy the pretty surroundings. It's an easy walk and fairly flat. There are many interesting plants and trees to see, and our guide explained that the gardens were mainly known for its trees and plants, in contrast to botanical gardens elsewhere that focused on flowers.
There are wild macaque monkeys here...just don't go too near or wave any bags around as they will try to grab the bag on the premise there might be food inside. We loved the fascinating cannon ball trees, the cannon balls are really odd plants that apparently smell rotten on the inside. We could have easily spent longer here but we were on a tight timetable.
The gardens are located at Jalan Kebun Bunga and it is Malaysia’s only botanic gardens. There are many ferns and cactus houses too, including some rare species.
The Botanic Gardens is open every day from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m and there is parking available.Written January 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Paul ChoongPenang Island, Malaysia127 contributionsKhoo Kongsi: A mesmerizing 19th-century Chinese clan temple, where intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and rich history converge to create an unforgettable cultural experience.Written October 30, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jane m5 contributionsOne of our favourite stops in Penang!! We were warmly welcomed, shown how to download an audio guide and offered insect repellent. We bought some fish food and set off. We wandered around, enjoyed the free fish foot spa, tried some tea and had a great morning. Kids would love the swing and the slides. The gift shop was good too. Would love to try a cookery class next time!Written November 15, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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