Top 8 things to do in Penang, Malaysia

We spent two days in Penang, Malaysia during our last trip to South-East Asia but we had a blast. We knew nothing about Penang when we got there, but there were so many things to do and see, and we never got to all of them! I would love to go back to Penang and explore more! Here are our top 8 things to do in Penang.

Top 8 things to do in Penang

Here are the sights we recommend in Penang:

1. Penang Hill

As the signs say, you have not been to Penang until you have visited Penang Hill. We loved Penang Hill. The view from the top of the hill is fantastic. There are also many things to see and to at the top. There are a mosque and a Hindu temple at the top, a restaurant, the owl museum and lots of food stalls selling traditional fare. When we were there-there were photo opportunities with snakes, parrots and a dinosaur exhibition. A lovely way to spend a few hours.

2. Penang Interactive Museum

The Penang Interactive Museum is easily the most fun museum I have ever visited. We had such a lovely fun time there that I recommend visiting it to anyone young at heart. It is a place with lots of murals painted on the wall; one can then position yourself next to these murals, and when you take pictures it looks real! We spent more time here, exploring the different pictures at different positions! There is also a small history section, but it is not the focus of this museum!

3. Pinang Peranakan Mansion

This is another museum we consider a must-see, especially if you enjoy learning about cultures different from your own. It is a whole house that has collections of furniture, fashion, jewellery of the Peranakan people. It also gives details on their traditions and history. Fascinating stuff!

4. Khoo Kongsi Temple

This temple is spectacular. Its decorations are so intricate, and an unusual one can stare at it for hours. The inside is beyond beautiful. At the back of the temple, there is a small museum with details of the temple it is and a bit of the history of Penang. Interesting. Opposite the temple is a stage for Chinese opera. Definitely worth a visit.

5. Long Beach Kafe and Batu Ferringhi Night Market

One place we enjoyed the most in Penang was the Long Beach Kafe. They sell such a large variety of food – food from Singapore, Malaysia, India and even Italy. And the prices were very reasonable! The night market is not such a big deal, it is a standard market, but visiting Long Beach Kafe and taking a stroll through the market is a nice way to spend a relaxing evening.

6. Penang Time Tunnel

This is actually a museum, but it is tunnel starting at a specific point in the history of Penang. As you walk along the tunnel there are exhibits with descriptions.

7. Kek Lok Si Temple

Another impressive temple. This one is massive! To get to the big buddha on the top, you need to take a funicular. The gardens are beautiful and there is also a shop where you can buy Buddhist things. From the top of the pagoda you get an amazing view of Penang.

8. Chew Jetty

Although Chew Jetty is not the most exciting place to visit, we still thought spending some time there is worth it as it is a unique historical site. A clan jetty is a place where Chinese immigrants build houses on stilts with wooden walkways over the water between them. Chew refers to the surname of the specific family who build the Chew Jetty. We spent about an hour there. It is a spotless area and have several ladies selling fried tofu or shrimps. There is also a Chinese restaurant there.

Have you been to Penang? What are your favourite things to do in Penang?