Penang is a beautiful destination in Malaysia that continues to attract tourists from all over the world. This beautiful gem will satisfy you with its rich culture and history as well as the many Muslim-friendly services it offers. There are historical places, epic views, a myriad of shopping spots, and even famous Halal food spots that will leave you coming back for me.
As Malaysia eases travel restrictions, you can expect to travel to Penang really soon! We highly recommend Penang as your next destination as there are just so many things that you can do and explore here.
Here are the 12 best things to do in Penang once it is safe to travel!
Also Read: Here Are 10 Best Family Road Trips In Malaysia
Image Credit: Fort Cornwallis by George Town World Heritage Incorporated
History should not be forgotten and visiting old ancient ruins and historical sites can be a good way to learn and remember the past. Take a trip to the largest standing Fort Cornwallis in Penang that will bring you back in time.
Fort Cornwallis was built in 1786 as a defensive structure against pirates. Located in Georgetown Area, it is reachable via bus, taxi, or any other public transportation provided in Penang. You can visit around 9 am to 6.30 pm.
There are so many things to do in Fort Cornwallis! You can request a fort tour with the guide, take photos of the unique interior of Fort Cornwallis, taking photos with a Bronze statue of Captain Francis Light at the main entrance, exploring prison cells, storage areas and barracks. Make sure not to leave the fort if you haven't taken enough photos of the numerous bronze cannons available! Bring a camera or smartphone to capture wonderful memories here.
Here is a list of mouthwatering local halal food spots that you can enjoy in Penang.
Want to make your Instagram feed more lively and aesthetically pleasing? If you are walking through the Mural Street of Penang, there are plenty of cute paintings on the wall and buildings that feature the antics and innocent kids at Georgetown! Those paintings were the masterpiece of an artist who came from Lithuania named Ernest Zacharevic which had existed since 2012.
This tourist hotspot has an abundance of high-quality spots to have your photos taken. If you are keen to visit the street art at Georgetown, you can walk along the following streets: Penang Street, Muntri Street, Weld Quay, and many more! This should definitely be at the top of your list!
Image Credit: Siti Rahmanah Mat Daud on Unsplash
For those of you craving some adventure, this tourist spot will boost your adrenaline. Bring your most loved one to experience an adventure at Escape Theme Park. I believe your friends or family will love this theme park, especially kids!
Escape Theme Park Penang includes Adventure Play, Water Play, and Gravity Play. The best thing is, it is awarded as the No.1 Theme Park in Malaysia! Good news for you guys, there’s no age limit for all rides and games!
Tropical Spice Garden offers you the chance to get closer to nature! This garden divided into three areas; the Spice Trail for the spice plants, the Ornamental Trail which includes a variety of exotic plants, and the last but not least, which is the Jungle Trail where you can see the various ferns, palms, and also different kinds of wild orchid here. You can either go around the area on your own or with a tour guide. For more information, visit their website here.
Explore the unique Buddhist heritage in this city, only at Kek Lok Si Temple, which is the largest Buddhist Temple in Penang. The temple offers a unique heritage where Mahayana Buddhism and traditional Chinese rituals come together to blend into a harmonious whole, as seen through its temple architecture and daily activities of worshippers. This temple is definitely a must-visit as you get to appreciate and learn more about the rich culture and heritage that Penang offers.
Image Credit: Yaopey Yong on Unsplash
Getting around in a trishaw is a brilliant idea! The trishaw is a 70-year traditional public transportation in Penang. These rides are easy to find around Georgetown city. The trishaw drivers decorate their trishaw with flowers, in order to attract tourists. In addition, they also put an umbrella on the trishaw to protect passengers from the sun as the weather can get really hot in Penang. A trishaw can carry up to two persons and the driver can bring you around to some spots in Georgetown area such as Fort Cornwallis, Clan Jetty, or the Kloo Clan Association. Feel the breeze of Penang and get the experience of a lifetime by taking a ride on the trishaw!
The Penang Peranakan Mansion introduces tourists to the culture and heritage of the Peranakans in Penang. Visiting this mansion is a good opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of the Peranakans during the colonial period in Southeast Asia. This historical spot is impressive with unique interiors and furniture that allows you to catch a glimpse of the past. Visit the website for more information here.
Also Read: Word Of Mouth - Penang Locals Tips
Entopia Butterfly Farm is a natural learning center that would totally fit into your itinerary with your family, as you will be get to explore and learn about butterflies and their habitat. Everyone can enjoy a visit to this farm which is divided into two main areas, The Natureland and The Cocoon. The Natureland is the largest butterfly park in Malaysia, with 15,000 free-flying butterflies at any time while The Cocoon is a center of exploration for visitors to get involved in enjoyable learning activities. Don't miss out the chance to visit the Entopia Butterfly Farm with your family and friends!
Image Credit: Kelvin Yup on Unsplash
Another most visited destination in Penang is Batu Ferringhi Beach. This beach provides a serene and relaxing atmosphere. You can walk along the white sand beaches which stretch along the coast and the incredibly blue seawater. There are many other activities that you could experience at this beach too! You can try some of their water sports activities like banana boating, parasailing, jet ski,ing and many more. Or simply take a dip into the clean seawater with your loved ones!
Your trip is never complete if you don't bring back some souvenirs as memories of the wonderful time you spent in Penang! You can find some affordable and locally hand-made goods like bags, cheap decorations, accessories from Penang, and even bargain to get these goods at a lower price. After buying some souvenirs, you can also spend some time snacking at the food stalls to enjoy some Thai-Malay cuisine. Be sure not to miss this night market which should definitely be included in your list of some of the best things that you could do in Penang!
Make sure you have jotted down all the 12 best things to do in Penang! Don't forget to download the HalalTrip App for more information on Halal food, Qibla Direction, Duas, and many more, here.
