What are the best places to visit in Penang? Start with the George Town UNESCO heritage zone, Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple. Then add Khoo Kongsi, the Clan Jetties, the Blue Mansion, Penang National Park, Entopia, Batu Ferringhi and Hin Bus Depot. This top 10 list explains what makes each one special, so you can plan a weekend or a free day around a work trip.
Penang packs a lot into a small island. In fact, the places to visit in Penang range from old shophouses to rainforest, temples and beaches. Better still, most of them sit within a short drive of each other. As a result, even a single free day can feel like a full holiday.
We based most details on the official Penang tourist map and other public sources. However, we have left out prices and opening hours, because they change. Please check them before you go.
EasySpace at a Glance: Key Facts
- Name: EasySpace (easySpace Sdn. Bhd.), a co-working space and business hub in Bayan Lepas, Penang.
- Address: NO. 1-2-11, 1-2-13 & 1-2-13A, SummerSkye Square, Jalan Sungai Tiram 8, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.
- Location: About 5 minutes from Penang International Airport. It is also 15 minutes from the Second Penang Bridge and 20 minutes from the Penang Bridge, near the Bayan Lepas industrial area.
- Who it serves: MNCs, overseas companies, growing businesses and entrepreneurs.
- Private offices: 4, 6 and 10 pax rooms, plus a 28 pax whole unit. Every room comes furnished. Plus, members get 24/7 face-scan access and flexible leasing.
- Rooms to book: A meeting room for up to 12, a discussion room and pod for 4, and an event space for up to 50.
- Hot desk: Hourly, half-day, day, weekly and monthly passes.
- Services: High-speed WiFi, front desk, daily housekeeping, parcel and mail handling, printing, a shared pantry and free-flow 3-in-1 drinks and cookies.
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. However, the event space runs daily from 8am to 10pm, by advance booking.
- Contact: WhatsApp +60 11-1619 8286, email hello@easyspace.asia. See Plans & Pricing for current rates.
1. George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site
George Town is the heart of old Penang. Together with Melaka, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. According to the tourist map, the core zone covers about 109 hectares and holds more than 1,700 historic buildings.
Walk the old streets slowly and look up at the shophouses. You will see Chinese, Malay, Indian and European influences side by side. In short, it is the best place to begin any list of places to visit in Penang.
2. Penang Hill
Penang Hill rises about 830 metres above sea level, according to the tourist map. Typically, most visitors ride the funicular train to the top. On the other hand, some prefer to hike up.
At the summit, you get wide views over George Town and the strait. There are also gardens, old bungalows and The Habitat, a nature park with trails and canopy walkways. See the official Penang Hill website for current details.
3. Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si in Air Itam is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. The state directory says it was founded in 1890. Its seven-storey Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas is a landmark you can see from far away.
Higher up stands a bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Moreover, the temple glows with lights and lanterns during Chinese New Year, which makes an evening visit memorable.
4. Khoo Kongsi
Khoo Kongsi is a grand clan temple in George Town. The tourist map calls it one of the finest Chinese clan temples outside China. It was completed in 1906 and belongs to the Khoo clan.
Once inside, look closely at the carvings, roof figures and paintings. Indeed, the detail is remarkable, and the courtyard makes a great photo stop.
5. The Clan Jetties
The Clan Jetties are wooden villages built on stilts over the sea. Early stevedores and fishing families once lived here. Today, the George Town World Heritage Incorporated guide describes them as an important part of the city’s heritage.
Of these, Chew Jetty is the best known. Remember that people still live here, so keep your voice down and respect their homes.
6. Cheong Fatt Tze, The Blue Mansion
This striking blue house belonged to Cheong Fatt Tze, one of the richest businessmen in Southeast Asia at the time. Work on it began in 1897. It also appears often in films and TV series.
Ideally, see the inside on a guided tour. That way, you also learn the stories behind the rooms.
7. Penang National Park
Penang National Park sits at the north-west tip of the island. The tourist map describes it as one of the smallest national parks in the world. Trails lead to beaches such as Teluk Duyung, Muka Head and Pantai Kerachut.
The park also has a turtle sanctuary at Pantai Kerachut. Plan a morning visit, wear proper shoes and bring water.
8. Entopia
Entopia in Teluk Bahang combines outdoor gardens with an indoor discovery centre. According to the tourist map, it shows over 150 species of fauna and 200 species of flora.
It is one of the easiest places to visit in Penang with children. It is also a good choice for nature lovers. Likewise, it works well on a rainy day, thanks to the indoor exhibits.
9. Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi is Penang’s best-known beach area. Along the sand, you will find water sports and other activities. Then, when the sun goes down, the night market comes to life.
Many visitors combine it with Entopia or the National Park, because they are all on the north coast. For food, Long Beach Food Court is nearby.
10. Hin Bus Depot
Hin Bus Depot is a former bus depot that is now a contemporary art space. The tourist map notes that it almost always has an exhibition on. There are also murals in the grounds and a Sunday pop-up market.
It is a relaxed stop for art lovers, and one of the newer places to visit in Penang. Meanwhile, it shows a newer, creative side of Penang that many visitors miss.
How to Group These Places to Visit in Penang
| Area | Places |
|---|---|
| George Town | Heritage zone, Khoo Kongsi, Clan Jetties, Blue Mansion, Hin Bus Depot |
| Air Itam | Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si |
| North coast | Batu Ferringhi, Entopia, Penang National Park |
Grouping places by area saves time in traffic. For example, you could pair Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si in one morning, since both are in Air Itam.
Visiting Penang for Work?
Many business travellers stay in the south of the island near the airport. From there, George Town is about 45 minutes away by road. So, plan one full free day for the city and the hill.
For quick stops near the airport, see our top 3 spots in Bayan Lepas. If you are hosting guests, our guide to hosting clients in Penang has more ideas. We also keep a list of hotels near EasySpace.
Quick Planning Tips
- Check hours: first, confirm opening times on official sites.
- Start early: next, visit outdoor places in the cooler morning.
- Dress modestly: also, cover shoulders and knees at temples and mosques.
- Group by area: then, cut travel time between stops.
- Use e-hailing: finally, Grab makes it easy to hop between places.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top places to visit in Penang?
George Town’s heritage zone, Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si are the usual top three.
How many days do I need?
Two or three days cover the main sights. Even so, one free day can cover George Town and Penang Hill.
Is George Town a UNESCO site?
Yes. George Town and Melaka became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
How far is George Town from Bayan Lepas?
EasySpace in Bayan Lepas is about 45 minutes from George Town by road.
Can I work between sightseeing trips?
Yes. EasySpace offers hot desks by the hour or day, plus bookable meeting and discussion rooms.
Where can I see prices?
Please visit our Plans & Pricing page.
See Penang, Then Get Back to Work
Penang rewards curious visitors. A little planning lets you see its heritage, hills and beaches in a short stay.
When it is time to work, EasySpace is ready. We are a Bayan Lepas co-working space and Penang co-working space close to the airport, with a Penang private office range as well. Teams that stay longer can choose a Bayan Lepas private office or a Bayan Lepas office for rent.
Visiting Penang soon? Book a hot desk or meeting room at EasySpace.
Chat on WhatsApp with +60 11-1619 8286