Top Things to Do in Penang, Malaysia

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Penang occupies a small portion of the Malaysian map but has many interesting spots for vacationers. From visiting the Escape Theme Park to strolling on the lush green trails of Penang National Park, there's a lot to do here. Furthermore, one can relax on the sandy beaches, explore street art, or indulge in the amazing local cuisine.

Nicknamed the multicultural island of Malaysia, Penang has a large Chinese and Tamil community living alongside Malays. So, it is guaranteed that you will see a variety of traditional architecture all over the island. This blog will cover the top 5 things to do in Penang (Malaysia).

5 Top Things to Do in Penang, Malaysia

If you want to explore beautiful buildings, museums, gardens, and temples, Penang definitely won't disappoint you. Here are the best things to do in Penang (Malaysia):

1. Take a Tour of Tropical Spice Garden

The Tropical Spice Garden is one of the major highlights of one's Penang trip. This garden is an ode to all the herbal spice trees indigenous to the island, which is why this is a must-visit place.

Here you can opt for guided tours, and there are activities for kids as well, which will get them interested in knowing about various plants. Moreover, this place also houses a culinary school where you can learn to make traditional Malaysian dishes from scratch.

2. Visit Various Religious Places

Penang is renowned for its various temples. When you visit this multicultural island, you cannot miss the various temples situated in this place. These temples and mosques are among the most popular tourist attractions in Penang. Some famous temples are Kok Lok Si, Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, Arulmigu Karumariamman Temple, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, and the Snake Temple, which is home to various snake species. Apart from temples, there are also many other religious places that you can visit, like the Penang Floating Mosque and St. George's Anglican Church.

3. Explore Penang National Park

The Penang National Park is located on the northwest tip of the island and is the country's smallest national park. The park offers a magnificent scenic view and has many hiking trails that go through the jungle. Moreover, you can also hike the entire day and camp overnight here in one of the huts available near the beaches.

4. Visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Pinang Peranakan Mansion used to be a Chinese tycoon's residence and office, which has now been converted into a museum. This place is located on Church Street in George Town. Here you will get to see some artifacts, collectibles, and antiques that date back to the Peranakan period. The architecture of this place is extremely beautiful and exhibits marvelous Peranakan styles.

5. Indulge in Local Cuisine

The huge Chinese, Malay, and Tamil community has widely influenced the local cuisine in interesting ways. You can go for some street food on your own or choose one of the many guided tours. You can visit Pelita Nasi Kandar and have rice heaped with seafood, meat, and vegetable side dishes for lunch. You could also try some trendy restaurants and cafes like Northam Beach Café and Three Sixty Rooftop Bar.

Key Takeaways

Penang has many places to visit and things to do that you easily cannot cover in a day's trip. We suggest you take a 3-4 day trip here to visit the various attractions on this island. There is more to this island than just chilling in Batu Ferrenghi Beach and exploring the Batu Ferrenghi night market.

You can also book cruises from www.cruisebooking.com if you wish to cruise around the Malaysian islands.