Things To Do
Georgetown UNESCO Historic Site
For those arriving early or staying late, Georgetown’s old town is full of charm and easy to explore.
Armenian Street
Armenian Street is a historical and culturally rich pedestrian street known for its vibrant street art, diverse food stalls, unique shops, and historic shophouses. We've been there a few times and still find it interesting each time we're there! Google the history of this area before you go, and you'd learn so much more about Penang in just one visit!
Fort Cornwallis
Originally built to defend Penang, it never saw battle—now it’s a peaceful slice of the past.
Goddess Of Mercy Temple
Step into Penang’s oldest Chinese temple, where incense fills the air and centuries of tradition live on. This is Charlie's favourite temple - her first visit was when she was just a one-month old baby and got her ear piercings done there.. ask her about it!
Kapitan Keling Mosque
Masjid Kapitan Keling is the most famous mosque in Penang. Its architecture combines the Indian-Mughal style with Gothic, Moorish, Romanesque and Renaissance elements. Strict dress code to enter - men should wear long pants and women should also wear a headscarf, long dress/trousers. Admission is free but visitors are required to wear robes which are provided at the mosque.
Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
Tucked away in Georgetown, this ornate clanhouse is a hidden gem of Chinese heritage and craftsmanship. If you're doing the UNESCO heritage trail make sure you don't miss it!
Clan Jetties of Penang
A lively waterfront village with wooden homes on stilts—great for a casual stroll and sea views. There's a hidden temple at the waterfront tucked away at the end of one of these jetties, Hean Boo Thean temple, not very well-known but worth stopping by for the view if you're here!
Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple
This floating temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, sits elegantly on the water, offering a serene and picturesque setting. If you are planning to visit the Clan Jetties, do stop by for a little break ~ would be good to have some small change (a few Ringgits) with you to offer as donation for temple maintenance & upkeeping.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Located in Georgetown, it’s a great stop for history buffs and anyone curious about Penang’s blended Chinese-Malay heritage.
Upside Down Museum
A quick, light-hearted stop that’s perfect for families, friends, and anyone with a camera. Some said the tour felt a bit rushed but all worth it when looking back at the photos taken... great content to share on social media ~
The TOP Penang, Theme Park Penang
Ride the glass-floor Rainbow Skywalk 816 feet above ground, or explore dinosaurs, aquariums, and tech exhibits inside.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple, perched on a hill with sweeping views and stunning architecture. Do bring some small change for donation at the temple as a gesture, it gets VERY hot midday up there so try to arrange an early morning visit or late afternoon before you head up to Penang Hill!
Penang Hill
Ride the funicular up to cooler air, sweeping views, and lush forest trails—Penang Hill is a great half-day escape. There's a bar with unobstructed view of the island up there, and a great restaurant, David Brown, if you'd like to stay for the night view - one of our favourite spots in Penang! We saw an entire colony (not exaggerating here) of Dusky Leaf Monkeys with little golden monkey babies up here on our first visit - Google them, they're adorable!
The Habitat Penang Hill
Great for family with kids, or without! Tie this with your visit to Penang Hill - evening tour available for sunset view ~ Ask Gareth to come with as he hasn't been yet! What Charlie has spotted: red squirrel, lizards, a baby chameleon, butterflies, dragonflies, dusky leaf monkeys, regular monkeys (?) and some colorful little birds. Mosquito repellent is a MUST!
Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
We went here during Gareth's first visit to Penang in 2024 and we had a blast! Great for family with kids, or without! You could interact with hundreds of butterflies up close ~
Penang Tropical Fruit Farm
Located in Teluk Bahang, this eco-friendly farm offers guided tours, fruit buffets, and a peaceful escape from the city. We went there in August 2025 and had a blast - the guide we had was awesome and the tour was really educational.
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Penang’s go-to beach spot—expect golden sand, sunset views, and a laid-back vibe.
Night Market on Friday (Pasar Malam Van Praagh)
Open Friday evenings in Jelutong—great for a casual browse and a taste of Penang’s street food. It's usually very very crowded but would be a great experience if you're adventurous when it comes to trying out local food & snacks! BRING CASH! Weather-dependent so you can skip this if it rains.
Botanical Gardens Penang
A peaceful green escape with shady paths, tropical plants, and the occasional monkey sighting.
Penang National Park
Great for adventurous guests—trek to Monkey Beach or take a boat to the lighthouse at Muka Head. If you're not a fan of nature (or afraid of monitor lizard like Charlie), think twice! A giant monitor lizard terrified Charlie seconds before she screamed hysterically and scared the poor lizard into the sea water for an unvoluntary swim... (It's a true story - ask her for the video footage!) Mosquito repellent is a must, and you have the permission to go crazy! One of the paths takes you to the sea turtle conservation center, visit this guide if you'd like to learn more: https://onpenang.com/penang-turtle-conservation-centre/
Pantai Kerachut Turtle Conservation and Information Centre
Pantai Kerachut, also known as Turtle Beach, is a remote beach in Penang National Park, Malaysia, famous for its meromictic lake and the presence of the Penang Turtle Sanctuary, where sea turtles nest. Takes up to 2 hours to hike through jungle trails (you can rent a boat both ways or just the trip back!), it's a popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape. Trail to turtle beach is in good shape, some roots and uphill/downhill scrambling but pretty easy going generally. Mosquito repellent is a must, and there's no vendor or facilities at the beach so do bring your own snack & drinks for a little treat when you reach the beach, it's super rewarding! For directions on how to get there, read the tips from Jenny & Jason: https://onpenang.com/penang-turtle-conservation-centre/
ESCAPE Penang
Penang’s award-winning eco-adventure park with zip lines, water slides, and the world’s longest tube slide.
DE'8000 Mini Golf
Indoor mini golf with themed courses, fun obstacles, and air-conditioning—great for a playful break from the heat.
Places to eat ~ Charlie's list
If you're up for a local food adventure - you'd find this list handy! We've added some local favourites here, all vetted and approved by Charlie: https://maps.app.goo.gl/eWonQVDjS7zZhrnF8?g_st=iw
Holy Guacamole
We LOVE this place! Great food with amazing ambience. And their cocktails are definitely on the heavier side... A lively Mexican bar and restaurant on Love Lane—expect tacos, margaritas, and live Latin beats most nights.
WHEELER'S
Popular for brunch, dinner, and late-night drinks—WHEELER’S blends chill vibes with solid food and service.
Auntie Gaik Lean's Old School Eatery
A Michelin-starred spot serving authentic Peranakan dishes made from scratch—expect bold flavors and heritage charm. Note: We will be serving similar cuisine at our wedding reception, so save this for after the wedding if you like it and want to try more!
China House
A creative hub in George Town with cafés, art galleries, live music, and over 30 types of cakes daily.
Red Garden Food Paradise
Come hungry—Red Garden offers everything from char kway teow to sushi, plus live music after dark.
Tek Sen Restaurant
Charlie's favourite Chinese restaurant in Penang! Come early or expect a looooong wait—this Bib Gourmand favorite is one of Penang’s busiest dinner spots.