Things to do in
Penang Island

Our most recommended things to do in Penang Island

Penang: Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

Penang: Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

Penang is a diverse hub of culinary traditions, and the sheer breadth of local dishes can seem daunting at first. Worry not. Our curated Penang food tour offers a comprehensive introduction to some of George Town's most beloved dining spots, many of which are hidden gems not easily stumbled upon alone. During the tour, you'll take a deep dive into Penang's rich food culture and history, seeing how it has shaped the current gastronomic scene. You'll encounter the people behind the meals, salivate over 15+ tastings, and discover the key ingredients that have created this island's vibrant food scene. Four hours of feasting on our curated daily food experience awaits. Master your chopstick skills over sizzling plates of Hokkien char and char ho fun, dip lok lok in simmering aromatic hot pots, mop up daals and vegetable curries on banana leaf thalis and discover what colourful Nyonya kueh are among more than a dozen more sumptuous tastings at places you’d struggle to find alone.

Penang: 8-Hour Full-Day Tour in Penang Island with Driver

Penang: 8-Hour Full-Day Tour in Penang Island with Driver

Embark on a personalized adventure with our private tour tailored exclusively for you and your group. Unlike conventional tours, we ditch the predetermined itinerary, allowing you to choose the attractions that pique your interest. The flexibility extends to the start time and pick-up point, giving you a full 8 hours to explore the best of Penang Island. Discover renowned sites such as Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Khoo Kongsi, Clan of Jetties, Reclining Buddha, Street Art Murals, Unesco Heritage Buildings, Upside Down Museum, Entopia Butterfly Farm, Escape - Dry & Water Theme Park, local products, Batu Ferringi Beach, and more. Craft your tour based on your preferences, whether delving into historical landmarks, capturing picture-perfect moments, or simply indulging in a bit of everything. Our experienced, multilingual tour drivers (English/Chinese/Tamil/Malay) will be your knowledgeable companions, offering insights and recommendations throughout. Uncover the surprising hidden gems of Penang Island with us!

George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling

George Town, Penang: Malay Countryside Cycling

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Penang's countryside, a haven waiting to be explored. Imagine cycling through lush greenery of countryside, vibrant fruit orchards, sprawling plantations, serene mangroves, and charming fishing and traditional villages. This adventure unfolds in Penang,Balik Pulau, a region brimming with traditional Kampungs that exude the rich cultural tapestry of Malaysia. The best way to immerse yourself in this rustic charm is through a 2.5-hour bicycle ride, offering not just an active exploration but also the freedom to traverse areas with a cooling breeze that can only be fully appreciated on two wheels. Picture meeting at a designated pickup point in town in the early morning, transferring to the bike center, and being handed a bike for an unforgettable journey. The route meanders through plantation areas, fruit orchards, fisherman jetties, and traditional Malay as well as Chinese villages. Many of these roads are hidden gems known only to the locals, providing an off-the-beaten-path experience. Along the ride, anticipate delightful stops for local coffee and even a visit to a local family with a charming goat farm, offering a glimpse into the hidden treasures of Penang. This cycling escapade seamlessly combines on and off-road adventures, ensuring an experience that, while not overly challenging, requires a moderate level of cycling experience. Escape the confines of George Town without the fear of losing your way, as your knowledgeable guide leads you through lesser-explored paths, revealing rural landscapes and villages that remain hidden from the typical traveler's eye. Hotel transfers in a comfortable, air-conditioned van are included, along with all the necessary equipment, eliminating any hassle associated with cycling while traveling. Seize the opportunity to witness a side of Penang often overlooked by those confined to George Town. Let the stories of Malay rural life unfold with a local guide who will share the intricacies and anecdotes of this charming countryside, ensuring that your adventure goes beyond observation to true immersion

George Town: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket with Nature Trail

George Town: Penang Habitat Entry Ticket with Nature Trail

Discover a world-class eco-tourism park on the edge of a 130-million-year-old virgin rainforest in Penang. Take in stunning views and embark on a guided tour as you get ready to get close to nature. Prepare for spectacular views of Penang's rich valleys and diverse wildlife atop a 13-meter treetop walking path. Take a walk on a historical 1.6-kilometer nature trail built in the early 1800s by the British East India Company, and have fun on the three giant swings found along the way. Hear fascinating facts from park naturalists about the rich Penang rainforest biodiversity. Learn how the habitat integrates with the rainforest's ecosystem to provide climate regulation, water and nutrient recycling, air purification, carbon storage, and soil stability. Stroll across elevated walkways and canopy bridges as you feel the calm of the rainforest environment. Admire the flora and fauna of this unique place as you discover all it has to offer. Visitors may need a Penang Furnicular Train ticket to reach and avail of The Habitat normal walk admission ticket.

Penang: The Top Komtar Observatory Admission Ticket

Penang: The Top Komtar Observatory Admission Ticket

Take the chance now to visit the tallest building in Penang where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the city.  First, experience one of the highlights of the tower at the Rainbow Skywalk which is located at Level 68 on the rooftop of Top Komtar Tower. Explore this fully open-air area which offers visitors the chance to enjoy the 360-degree view of the famous Pearl of the Orient- Penang Island and get the most Instagramable photos. Adrenaline seeker can experience the thrill of walking on air 816 feet above the sea level. Then, head down to level 65 where you can enter the air-conditioned Observatory Deck which also features a glass walkway that allows you to watch the world go by below. Complete the experience with a visit to the Avenue of Adventures including a few attractions including 7D discovery Motion Theater, Jurassic Research Centre, Ocean Explorer, and more.

Penang: Island Half Day Private Tour

Penang: Island Half Day Private Tour

A private tour specially for you and your own group only to most of the attractions that you like, unlike the canned- approach of predetermined itinerary tour. We can plan a flexible & suitable time to start tour and tour starts from the pick up point. You can fully use 5hours for any of the (3-5 Attractions) in Penang Island that you’re interested . Most famous attractions :- 1) Penang Hill 2) Kek Lok Si Temple 3) Pinang Peranakan Mansion 4) Khoo Kongsi 5) Clan of jetties 6) Reclining Buddha 7) Street Art Murals 8) Unesco Heritage Buildings/Historical Places 9) Upside Down Musuem 10) Entopia Butterfly Farm 11) Escape - Dry & Water Theme Park 12) Local Products 13) Batu Ferringi Beach & Etc We can plan a tour with your own interests & homework too. You may explore in depth or simply take good pictures and move to other destinations. All our experienced and helpful local English/Chinese/Tamil/Malay speaking tour driver will accompany with you into attractions and give best recommendations. Penang Island is fully & truly surprising hidden Gems ! *Up to 3-5 Attractions can cover in 5hours (Depends on the traffic + routes)

George Town: Private Half-Day Historical City Tour

George Town: Private Half-Day Historical City Tour

Our Tour Guide picks you up from your hotel in the George Town area to start your George Town half-day tour that takes in the main attractions and picturesque sights. You will visit the Clan Jetties along the waterfront of George Town. Get a first-hand view of a house stilt by the coast of the living heritage of the Chew Clan to go about their daily life. Continue to visit the former house of the Chinese Captain, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, and marvel at their collections not found elsewhere. This elite house featured many memories of when the Chinese immigrants inter-marriage with the locals and created a fusion of east meets locals; hence a new tradition was borne. Take a tour to Khoo Kongsi, one of the grandest temples or clan houses of the Khoo family, and marvel at the splendid architecture, one of the best outside China. Learn about the history, rituals, Fengshui, and trivia stuff in Khoo Kongsi. Next, We round up the tour with a visit to Pulau Tikus and visit Reclining Buddha Temple. Be amazed at the world's 3rd longest Reclining Buddha statue and see the differences between Chinese and Siamese dragons in the Reclining Buddha temple. See the standing Buddha and check out the Guardian of the World (Panca Rupa). Throw a few coins for luck in the Fountain of Life and learn about the journey of Buddha in the Burmese temple. After finish this tour you will be transferred back to your hotel safely.

Penang: Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill Guided Tour

Penang: Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill Guided Tour

Explore Penang on a half-day tour. See the Kek Lok Si Temple, one of Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temples, and take a funicular ride up Penang Hill to enjoy panoramic views of Georgetown. Start your tour with a convenient hotel pick-up. Head to the Kek Lok Si Temple, one of Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temples. Marvel at the stunning 7-Tier Pagoda, home to 10,000 Buddhas, which showcases a blend of Thai, Burmese, and Chinese architectural styles. At the heart of the temple stands a magnificent Bronze Statue of the Goddess of Mercy, offering a serene view over the temple grounds. Next, embark on an exhilarating funicular ride up Penang Hill, reaching an impressive elevation of 833 meters above sea level. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Georgetown and immerse yourself in the lush flora and fauna of this scenic location.

Penang: Morning Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

Penang: Morning Food Tour with 15+ Tastings

When it comes to food, the residents of Penang have it good. There’s few places which measure up to George Town’s culinary prowess. It might not be as visited as Bangkok or Singapore, but those who cross the Penang Strait are treated to some serious feasting. There’s just nowhere like it. Each morning the street vendors and shophouses burst into breakfast action simmering, frying and steaming some of George Town’s best eats. This tasty tapestry of flavour stems from over a century of Malay, Indian and Southern Chinese influence. Over four hours we’ll take a deep dive into Penang’s food scene mopping up 15+ tastings around old George Town. Highlights including kaya-slathered toast with runny egg, smoky stir-fried char koay kak Chinese radish cake, fruity Penang-style laksa and some of the island’s best dim sum among more than a dozen more dishes. Along the way, discover the history and culture of Penang’s food expertly led by a knowledgeable host.

Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour

Private Half Day Penang Tasty Local Street Food Tour

This 4-hour tour will start from your hotel lobby at your chosen time slot of 9:00AM or 2:30PM. Meet and greet your professional English-speaking driver or guide and start your tour in a clean air-conditioned vehicle. Explore the back lanes of Penang off the beaten track, where you’ll make four or five stops to taste delightful snacks, drinks, and desserts. Along the way, listen to your foodie guide describe the street-food phenomenon in Penang. Infused with a variety of spices, Malaysian food showcases Malay, Chinese, and Indian flavors. Try traditional fritters such as prawn, tofu or yam; bite into Penang lobak, a spiced deep-fried pork roll; slurp signature noodles; and sample delicious seafood among other savory snacks. When it’s time for dessert, sink your teeth into a sweet Indian pancake called an apom — deliciously crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Or, try a bite-sized kuih, a traditional sweet treat made of sticky glutinous rice. Other delectables available are heow piah (brown-sugar biscuits), coconut tarts and a variety of tropical fruits: jackfruit, assorted guava, coconut, dragon fruit, rambutan, and mangosteen. Drink it all down with a local favorite, choosing from a variety of non-alcoholic options including lime juice with sour plum, nutmeg juice, Chinese herbal tea, grass jelly, chrysanthemum, winter melon, fresh calamansi lime juice with plain or rose syrup, and more.

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Frequently asked questions about Penang Island

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What people are saying about Penang Island

Overall rating

4.3
(66 reviews)

I was so full by the end, it was absolutely ridiculous. I've booked multiple food tours in countries around the world, and this was the best by far. You'll learn a lot and the distance between each place is not too far. EVERYTHING was delicious and there are plenty of choices. The guides do an amazing job of communicating and making sure that everyone is taken care of. I was a little worried at the cost of this, but honestly it is absolutely worth it. WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING as you will be so full you'll need it.

Our tour guide Eng was absolutely stellar. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, funny! He was also very happy to answer all of the questions I kept throwing at him throughout the tour. Both the temple and Penang Hill were interesting and worth visiting for different reasons. The Buddhist temple was grand and inspiring. And Penang Hill was lush with greenery and trees and monkeys. It was also several degrees cooler than down in Georgetown, so that was nice. Great tour!

Josh was absolutely amazing. He took the time to show me the temple in much details, explaining the meaning of everything. Going to Penang Hill was the icing in the cake. This tour makes you fall in love with Penang even more. Definitely recommend it!!!

The guide was excellent, friendly and knowledgeable. The vehicle was in excellent condition and I would highly recommend to my friends and family to engage your service.

We really enjoyed our tour. Jenny, our tour guide, was awesome. She was very informative and knowledgeable. Thanks, Jen!