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25 Best Things to Do in Penang

(Malaysia)
Penang is one of the most famous spots in Malaysia and with good reason. Most
of the state of Penang is located on an island and as such you can enjoy
beaches, sparkling waters, and a laid back island feel coupled with a big city
experience. This part of Malaysia is also known for its food, and anyone who
loves to eat will truly find a culinary paradise here, much of which is down to the
mix of influences in the city. 25 Most Beautiful Medieval
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Penang enjoys a large Chinese and Tamil community, along with the indigenous
Malay residents, and you will find a fantastic and diverse food scene that
includes fiery curries, toothsome noodles, and a plethora of street food delights.
All of this is encircled by gorgeous architecture and the traditional center of
Penang is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right.

This means that you can explore pretty ancient buildings as well as museums,
forts, gardens, and temples, and visitors to Penang will certainly not be short of
places to visit and sights to check out on a trip here.

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Let’s explore the best things to do in Penang:
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1. Tour the Tropical Spice Garden

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Tropical Spice Garden

One of the highlights of Penang, especially if you want to get out of the central
areas is the Tropical Spice Garden located on Jalan Teluk Bahang.

The garden is an ode to all the gorgeous herbs and spices that are indigenous to
this part of the world and sits on the site of what used to be a rubber plantation.

This is an amazing place to visit for anyone interested in Malay flora and fauna
and you can even take a cookery class here to learn how these herbs and spices
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are used to make classic dishes enjoyed across Malaysia.

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There are also guided or audio tours of the garden and activities for younger
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2. Learn some history at Fort Cornwallis

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Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis is one of the most famous sights in Penang and dates from the
18th century.

It was built by the British East India Company under the direction of Sir Francis
Light who was the founder of Penang and was designed to defend the city in
case of an attack from the water.

The fort is still in good condition and you can see a famous statue of Francis
Light that stands at the entrance to the fort as well as a selection of original
cannons.

If you notice any flowers in the cannon, then this is because there is a local
legend that says that anyone wishing to conceive should make an offering here.

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3. Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

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Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si Temple is famed for being one of the largest Buddhist temples in
Southeast Asia and as such you should make sure not to miss it if you are
travelling to Penang.

Many Buddhist devotees consider this to be an important pilgrimage site and

you can spot the beautiful towering Kek Lok Si Pagoda as well as the statue of
Guanyin.

The statue is constructed in the shape of the Goddess of Mercy and stands at a
height of 36.5 meters and the entire temple complex is built in a range of styles.

As such make sure to look out for the Chinese base, Thai style mid-section, and
the Burmese inspired top level.

4. Sunbathe on Batu Ferringhi Beach

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Batu Ferringhi Beach

Anyone coming to Penang in search of some sun and sand should make their
way to Batu Ferringhi which is known for being one of the best beach areas on
the island.

Here you will find a long strip of golden beach, part of which is public and some
of which is used by the resorts that line the coast.

Popular past times on the beach include sunbathing or swimming in the soothing
waters, or just relaxing and sipping on a coconut as you look across the water.

If you can, try to come here at sunset as the views are simply stunning.

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5. Have afternoon tea at Suffolk House

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Suffolk House

Suffolk House offers a glimpse of traditional British colonial architecture in

Penang and sits in the scenic part of the island known, rather alarmingly, as Air
Itam or Black Water.

The house would have been the former home of Sir Francis Light who is
remembered as the official founder of Penang although it fell into disrepair
following his death and was closed to the public.

It reopened in 2007 having been lovingly restored over 3 years and now you can
take a guided tour that will fill you in on all the history of this spectacular
building.

One of the big highlights of a trip here is the onsite restaurant where you can
enjoy a traditional cream tea which comes with delicious pastries and a range of
delicate sandwiches.

6. Visit Khoo Kongsi

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Khoo Kongsi

Khoo Kongsi is another one of Penang’s most iconic attractions and used to be a
clan-house in the days of old.

Nowadays the home has been turned into a museum and you will find gorgeous
architecture here as well as elegant stone carvings that have a heavy Chinese
influence.

The home was built in the 19th century and has a number of breathtaking
signature features such as a large temple altar that is decorated with gold leaf
and inlaid with ancestral tablets.

You can take a tour of the house and if you happen to be in town at the right time
you may even be able to watch a Chinese Opera show here as several
performances take place throughout the year.

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7. Go for a trishaw ride

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Trishaw Ride In Penang

One of the best ways to see Penang in an afternoon is to use one of its
traditional modes of transport in the form of a colorful trishaw.

The trishaws are either operated by a small motor or by pedal power and are
usually covered in interesting design features such as fairy lights or flowers.

Riding in a trishaw also gives you to opportunity to check out some of the less
visited parts of Georgetown and most drivers also act as guides and will fill you
in on all the history of the areas you visit.

8. Visit the Penang Peranakan Museum

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Penang Peranakan Museum

The Penang Peranakan Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the

Peranakan people who are also sometimes referred to as Straits Chinese.

The Peranakans moved to Malaysia in the days of old and a unique culture came
with them which is a blend of traditional Chinese and traditional Malay customs.

As such, if you want to know more about this amazing culture then the Penang
Peranakan Museum will take you back in time and there are even recreations of
traditional homes from the 19th century as well as galleries of photographs and
antiques.

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9. Scare yourself at the Snake Temple

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Snake Temple

As the name suggests, the Snake Temple in Penang is full of resident slithery
creatures and as such is one of the most unique temples in Malaysia.

Most of the residents here are pit vipers and the temple dates from 1805 when
snakes found their way to the building and the benevolent monks allowed them
to take up residence here.

Nowadays you will see snakes coiled in corners all over the temple as well as
lounging on the temple altars and you can also have your picture taken holding
one of the snakes if you are feeling brave.

This is a great place to come with all the family and the snakes are said to be
safe and do not attack visitors.

10. Have lunch at Pelita Nasi Kandar

Source: Azhari Fotolestari / shutterstock

Nasi Kandar

Pelita Nasi Kandar is known across Malaysia and is not to be missed if you want
to try some of the best local food in Penang.

Nasi Kandar is basically rice which is heaped with meat, fish, seafood, and
vegetable side dishes, and is then liberally doused in delicious curry sauce.

All the food is presented in a glass fronted case and you can simply point to what
you want to eat and have it added to your plate.

The food has a strong Tamil influence due to the local Tamil community in
Penang so expect Indian style curries and flavors with dishes such as cabbage
and okra fried with mustard seeds and turmeric.

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11. Explore Little India