Travelling to Malaysia is easy, thanks to its hassle-free Malaysia visa online (eVisa process) facility for Indians and the multiple cheap flights from India to Malaysia. So, if you’re convinced to visit Malaysia for your next vacation, make sure to add the Island of Penang to the list. The island of Penang based off the west coast of Malaysia is known to be a mix of many different places to visit. Penang is special as it is filled with dense green beaches, majestic temples, prominent colonial-era sites, street art and foods. This could also be a great location to cool off in between an adventure-filled vacation in Malaysia.
Here are some exotic and offbeat places to visit in Penang, Malaysia.
1. Penang National Park
Image Credit: Penang Tourism Official Website
Even after being the smallest national park in Malaysia, it’s home to an abundance of flora and fauna. If you want to disconnect from the city crowd and connect yourself to nature this spot on Penang island would be an ideal getaway. Start early in the day by taking a bus or taxi to the national park. Take one of the several hiking trails through jungles and on the other side you will be welcomed by some of Penang’s secluded beaches. Researchers and nature lovers use both the land and sea areas of the park to explore the natural treasures they offer.
2. Georgetown Street Art
Image Credit: Mark Mainka
The street art and murals of Georgetown are literally something to dive into. Inspired by the same, this street art depicts the daily lives of the people of Penang. Starting with 6 murals in 2012, now the street art of Georgetown is famous worldwide. Within a small radius, there are numerous paintings. There is a street map available to explore the area but for a true experience, abandon the map, hop on a bike or roam around the streets on your own. You would surely find some interesting spots. Make sure to pose for a lot of photos with or rather in the murals.
3. The Kek Lok Si Temple
Image Credit: Sergii Figurnyi
Situated in Air Itam, the Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist Temple in Malaysia. It is also one of the most important pilgrimage sites and Buddhist devotees from Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore and other South-East Asian countries visit here during important festivals. The decor of the temple represents Chinese, Thai and Burmese architecture. The view from the topmost tier is mind-blowing.
4. Clan Jetties of Georgetown
Image Credit: Steve Douglas
Experience another different world at the Clan Jetties in Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia. This area is starkly different from the rest of Georgetown. Here there are houses built on wooden stilts in the water. Since there are various clans next to each other on the town’s east coast it’s collectively called ‘Clan Jetties’. Some of the Jetty sites are very welcoming for tourists while some are not. Try out all the Jetties to get different feels.
5. Devour the street food
Image Credit: Lyciz Mill
Trying local street food is definitely the top best thing to do at any place. In Penang, one can find a mix of various delicious yet weird foods, especially in the streets and markets. To make the most of the experience, try a locally guided street food tour. This would help you to select the best out of so many options, suiting better to your taste buds. Try the various specialities in the daily night markets held across the city.
6. Tropical Spice Garden
Image Credit: Tropical Spice Garden Facebook Official Page
Nesting in a natural valley overlooking the Straits of Malacca, this tropical landscape is home to over 500 plant species. They also provide garden tours and cooking courses on the ground. If you love spices, once you are done with the tour check out their spice store and take home with you the aroma and goodness of spices in little jars. The garden gates open from 9 AM up to 5 PM. The garden was started by the Wilkinson family. Check out various sites online or tour packages to get discounted tickets to the garden.
7. The Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion
Image Credit: Cheong Fatt Tze Facebook Official Page
Another charming pick of Georgetown and a UNESCO-listed site, the Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion is a 4-star boutique heritage hotel. This Chinese-style building with flamboyant indigo blue colour once belonged to a Chinese businessman. This beautiful property has served as a set for a number of films like the mahjong scene in Crazy Rich Asians. The decor, open-air courtyards and verandas make perfect backdrops for photos.
8. Penang Hill-top
Image Credit: Habitat Penang Hill Facebook Official Page
Ascending Penang hill is one of the most popular tourist activities in Penang. Hoping on the funicular is a must to enjoy the journey to the top of the hill. To widen your experience while ascending the hill you can hike up the 5km long jungle train and while descending board the funicular at the Penang Hill Upper Station to the foot of the hill. A one-way funicular ride is 15-30 RM for tourists. From the top, it is a stunning view of the island and towns below the hill.
9. Hin Bus Depot
Image Credit: Penang Tourism Official Website
Revamped under the 2014 art project Urban Exchange, this old bus depot now has a new face. This beautiful artistic space is now filled with small shops, indoor-outdoor paintings and murals, small cafes and a market. The main gallery space provides a platform for artists to let out their creativity.
These are some of the best things to do in Penang, Malaysia. But apart from the ones listed here, there are other things like roaming the colourful streets of Georgetown, exploring the secluded monkey beach, an overview of Penang from the Top at the Komtar, Climb to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Temple, escaping at the Secret Garden or cycling through the countryside. Adding Penang to your Malaysia tour packages is a must. Whatever activity you choose to do or sites you wish to visit, keep in mind to respect the local culture and traditions and don’t forget to capture all the memories.
Can’t wait to visit this majestical place? We can’t wait to help you procure your Malaysia visa right in time.
Read More:
- Which are the best months to travel on Malaysia Trip
- 8 Must Do Things In Malaysia
- Top 8 Attractions You Can’t Miss in Malaysia
- Explore These Top Tourist Destinations In Malaysia
- 30 Interesting Facts About Malaysia
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