Located in the northwest region of Malaysia, near the border with Thailand, Penang Island is a famous destination known for its rich heritage, street art, and beautiful landscapes. After visiting Penang for a second time, I realised how much more there was to discover. So, I updated this post with my latest recommendations ! Let me take you on a tour of the best things to do in Penang and share some of my favourite places to visit, whether it’s your first time or, like me, you’re coming back for more !

• Georgetown
• Street Art walk with Ernest Zacharevic
• Penang Peranakan Mansion
• Khoo Kongsi Temple
• Clan Jetties
• Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion
• Hin Bus Depot
• Penang Hill
• Kek Lok Si Temple
• Tropical Spice Garden

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Georgetown

Georgetown is Penang’s capital and one of its main spots for tourists to visit. In 2008, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list for its architecture and historical heritage. The city has become more popular over the years and is now filled with souvenir shops and cafés. Still, I found that the city hasn’t lost its charm, and you can still experience its beauty as you walk around.

Street Art walk with Ernest Zacharevic

Several artists have displayed their work within Georgetown’s narrow streets, but Ernest Zacharevic’s pieces became some of the most famous. This Lithuanian artist, based in Georgetown, created several artworks depicting the Malaysian way of life and gained widespread recognition in 2012. You can easily find their locations online, but as you walk around looking for them, they may still be pleasantly hidden, adding to the thrill of the search. 

To me, the success of Zacharevic’s artworks comes directly from the integration of the landscape. By integrating objects into the paintings, they feel like a more natural part of the decor. Since Zacharevic is not the only artist in Penang, you’ll stumble upon many other artworks, so really take your time to explore and attempt to collect them all. (just like Pokémons !)

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Penang Peranakan Mansion

Peranakan culture is deeply ingrained in Georgetown, especially in the architecture of historical buildings.  If you have never heard about Peranakans before, I recommend that you start your visit at the Penang Peranakan Mansion. This splendid green-façade house is now a museum, but it once belonged to Chung Keng Kwee, a significant figure in the Chinese community in the 19th century. 

As you enter the mansion, you walk into a central courtyard bringing light directly inside, along with beautiful wooden designs. Each room is filled with artefacts collected over the years to showcase the way of life of families back then. On the first floor, you will also find a collection of British glass and porcelain, along with a traditional wedding room. 

I would recommend doing the guided tour to better understand Peranakan culture, but it is also possible to explore it on your own.

Khoo Kongsi Temple

Only 10 minutes away from the Penang Peranakan Mansion, you can find Khoo Kongsi Temple. Established in 1901, it belongs to the Khoo clan,  the largest Hokkien clan in Malaysia. The temple was built to demonstrate the power and prosperity of its owners. Although the temple has undergone multiple renovations over the years, it has kept its cultural and historical significance, proudly showcasing the Hokkien heritage. 

I was impressed by the large lanterns at the entrance, with beautiful calligraphy and multiple colours. The carvings on the wall showcasing animals were also very impressive !

Clan Jetties

Penang’s coastline is famous for its scenic beaches. But I want to draw your attention to another coastal asset of Penang and, more specifically, the Clan Jetties. These small villages built near the water, with a wooden path over the ocean, were built by Chinese immigrants working in the harbour nearby. As families with similar names settled in the same places, the jetties took their family name. 

Today you can still see houses where people still live. But the most fascinating thing for me is the wooden path over the sea. You walk on this tiny bridge with no fence, and you are so close to the water that I was scared of falling over at first ! But it is the best spot for photographers and Instagram pics !

Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion

BBuilt at the end of the 19th century, the Blue Mansion is a jewel of Georgetown’s architecture and Peranakan heritage. Still, I only discovered the house the second time I visited Georgetown ! The Mansion takes its name from the deep blue that was used to paint its walls. The first time I saw it, it took my breath away. I also had a chance to book a night there, so it felt even more special as I crossed the main hall. The wooden wall carved with golden pieces completely hides the rest of the house, tempting you even more to go inside ! 

There are guided tours every day, but they tend to get busy, so be sure to book in advance ! One drawback is that a lot of spaces are reserved for hotel guests. So you might not be able to see the whole house. If you want to experience it fully, you can book a night, but just like the visit, think about it well in advance ! Still, the Mansion’s story is fascinating, so I would definitely recommend it. To give you a quick overview: 

Owned by Cheong Fatt Tze, a famous business, the Blue Mansion is his biggest achievement.  You can see it in the details of the woodwork and in the materials he used. Today, the house also owes its beauty to Penang’s conservationists, who restored it years after the owner’s passing. The Blue Mansion also paved the way for Penang’s heritage protection, making the place even more special !

Hin Bus Depot 

For a breath of fresh air outside of Georgetown’s busy city centre, you can head south to Hin Bus Depot. This old bus depot was completely revamped into a trendy space used for weekend markets. If the name had not kept a link to its previous life, I would never have guessed that it was once a bus depot ! As you enter, a small exhibition welcomes you into the place, displaying projects that regularly change. It brings you directly into the artsy side of the place ! Then, you reach the open area with a small garden where the market takes place. 

On the left side, you can find many stands of local sellers displaying their products ; from food to jewellery, you can definitely find souvenir ideas ! On the right side, you can lounge in chairs on the grass, eat snacks, or shop at Kazimi Paper ! The place is very relaxing and a very nice spot for a chill weekend evening.

Tip : Think about bringing some cash because most of the vendors don’t accept cards ! The place doesn’t have ATMs, so you will have to walk back to the nearby mall if you didn’t bring any !

Now that you’ve already seen some very good spots you can find in Georgetown, let me guide you through other very nice places to visit on the rest of the island !

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Penang Hill

Even if the main city doesn’t give you this impression at first, Penang is actually an island with natural places. Penang Hill is your gateway to the rest of the island’s natural landscape. Renowned for its refreshing climate, it is the best place to seek refuge from the heat. On top of that, it offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city. 

You can reach the hill’s summit in under 10 minutes using a funicular, but for the more adventurous, there’s also a challenging forest path. At the hill’s peak, you’ll encounter a temple, a mosque, and various trails leading into the forest, making it a delightful destination for those seeking an escape from the city.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Located in the same area as Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple stands as the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. As you take a look around, you will quickly understand why ! The temple is arranged in several stages that you access by climbing from one flight of stairs to another. Each viewpoint offers a unique view of the surrounding nature, so you always feel like you are seeing something new as you walk. What really struck me was the quiet and relaxing atmosphere you get from visiting the prayer halls and gardens. The visit was truly relaxing. One of the main highlights is the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, where you can find thousands of Buddha images ! At the top of the hill, a 30-metre bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, watches over the entire complex.

Tropical Spice Garden

The Tropical Spice Garden is one of my favourite places in Penang. As it is much further away from the city centre than the other spots, it can be less convenient, but I can tell you that it is totally worth it ! The garden has a vast array of tropical plants, including fruit trees, spice bushes, and exquisite orchids that bloom just once a year. As you wander through the garden, you’ll find benches, hammocks, and a swing that provide a perfect setting to relax and enjoy the view. If you’d like to dig deeper into the experience, guided tours are available, and you’ll find a lovely shop if you’re looking for souvenirs to take back home.

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Let me know your thoughts on these best things to do in Penang ! Share your ideas below, if I didn’t mention your favourtie ones ! And check ouy my other Malaysian blog posts here !

Malaysia 🇲🇾