Located on the northwest coast of Malaysia, the island of Penang blends rich multicultural heritage with a bold culinary spirit that has made it one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. Whether you’re wandering through George Town’s colorful lanes or gazing out over the city from a mountaintop temple, here are the best things to do in Penang.
1. Wander George Town’s UNESCO Heritage Streets
One of the top things to do in Penang is to explore George Town, a vibrant city center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, British colonial buildings, Chinese shophouses, Hindu temples and Islamic mosques all share the same streetscape. Meander past hand-painted murals, duck into antique shops and take in the aroma of sizzling satay from nearby hawker stalls. It’s Penang’s living postcard — and every corner tells a story.
2. Ride a Trishaw Through Penang’s Past
Step back in time on a trishaw ride through George Town’s historic core. These three-wheeled pedal taxis offer a breezy, intimate way to see the sights — from stately courthouses and Chinese clan houses to colorful temples and bustling marketplaces. Pause for a cup of local coffee at a traditional kopitiam and let the slower pace reveal the textures of daily life in one of Malaysia’s most culturally rich cities.
3. Visit Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill
Towering over the town of Air Itam, Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia—and one of the most striking. The complex is a kaleidoscope of prayer halls, pagodas and serene gardens, capped by a massive bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy. From here, take the funicular to the summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views over the city and coastline. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the mainland.
4. Dive Into Penang’s Street Food Scene
Food isn’t just a passion in Penang—it’s a way of life. Savor smoky char kway teow noodles, tangy assam laksa and rich, aromatic curry mee from roadside vendors or legendary hawker stalls. Whether you’re sampling sweet treats in Little India or sipping kopi in a colonial-era café, the flavors here are bold, diverse and utterly unforgettable. This is street food at its finest.
5. Explore the Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Step inside a beautifully restored heritage home that once belonged to a wealthy Peranakan family and discover a world of intricate tilework, opulent antiques and cultural fusion. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion showcases the unique blend of Chinese and Malay influences that define the Straits Chinese identity. Every room tells a story—of customs, craftsmanship and the elegant lifestyle of a bygone era.
6. Stroll the Clan Jetties
Just off George Town’s shoreline, the Clan Jetties are wooden stilt villages built by Chinese immigrant clans over a century ago. Connected by narrow planks and dotted with shrines, these communities offer a glimpse into Penang’s maritime past. Chew Jetty is the most accessible and photogenic, complete with souvenir stalls and scenic water views.
7. Pose With Penang’s Famous Street Art
George Town is a canvas—and its murals are legendary. Created during the 2012 George Town Festival, these playful artworks transformed the city’s backstreets into open-air galleries. Keep your eyes peeled for iconic pieces like “Little Boy with Pet Dinosaur” or “Children on a Bicycle,” and be ready to strike a pose—they’re some of the most photographed spots on the island.
8. Visit the Wonderfood Museum
A quirky, photo-friendly stop, the Wonderfood Museum takes Penang’s obsession with cuisine and turns it into larger-than-life art. Giant models of local dishes, interactive exhibits and playful dioramas make this museum part food education, part whimsical entertainment. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike—and a great way to learn about the island’s edible icons before you dig in for real.
9. Sample Coffee and Tea at a Local Café
Penang’s café culture is steeped in history and hospitality. Stop at a traditional kopitiam (coffee shop) for a cup of strong black coffee or milk tea paired with kaya toast or curry puffs. These cozy spots offer a moment of pause—and a window into everyday island life—whether you're sipping indoors beneath vintage ceiling fans or watching the world go by from a shady patio.
10. Take a Heritage Walk with a Local Guide
For a deeper understanding of Penang’s multicultural roots, join a guided heritage walk through George Town. These immersive experiences connect landmarks to stories—from British colonial rule and the spice trade to Chinese migration and modern-day Malaysia. You’ll come away not only with a map of the city’s layout but also a sense of the traditions that continue to shape it today.
What Are the Top Things to Do in Penang?
The top things to do in Penang include exploring George Town’s UNESCO sites, riding a trishaw through historic neighborhoods, visiting Kek Lok Si Temple, sampling famous street food and learning about Peranakan culture at the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. With its blend of heritage, flavor and charm, Penang offers a vibrant taste of Malaysia’s past and present.
Discover the Best of Penang with a Shore Excursion
Whether you’re tasting your way through a hawker center or taking in hilltop views from a temple balcony, Penang shore excursions make it easy to uncover the island’s cultural treasures. With a mix of history, flavor and street-level fun, this Malaysian gem proves that some of the best adventures happen one bite—and one step—at a time.
