Cecelia ChangIf you’re looking for one of the best family-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia, look no further than Penang, Malaysia — also affectionately called the Pearl of the Orient. Not only is Penang a haven for foodies, but it’s also a place that comprises both historical and modern hotspots.
That said, here are 10 things to do in Penang that will leave you and your family with wonderful memories!
Also read: A Foodie’s Guide to Malaysia: Where and What to Eat in Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka
1. Have fun in the sun at Escape Theme Park
Image credit: Escape Theme Park, Penang Official Facebook Page
As one of Malaysia’s leading theme parks, Escape Theme Park has thrilling outdoor attractions suited for all ages. When you’re here, make sure to try the world’s longest zip coaster, tower climbing, free-falling, balance beam walking, rope courses and obstacle courses, and so much more!
Also, the Waterplay zone has the world’s longest tube water slide: Feel the excitement as you slide your way down for a good four minutes! Aside from the adrenaline-pumping action, this theme park is surrounded by a lush jungle, ensuring therapeutic greenery while you’re having fun. You can even book a camping experience under beautiful night skies — inside the theme park itself!
2. Spend a day at the Batu Ferringhi beach
Image credit: Kelvin Han
What’s a family trip without a walk on the beach? Batu Ferringhi beach is one of Penang’s most famous destinations, offering glorious sunset beach views and exciting activities like banana boat rides. Here, you can spend family quality time by picking seashells, building sand castles, or even just relaxing by the shore.
What’s more, there are numerous cafes and eateries around the area. Specifically, the Batu Ferringhi Night Market offers tons of mouthwatering local food, clothing, and souvenirs!
3. Take fun pictures at Penang’s interactive museums
Image credit: Wonderfood Museum Penang Official Facebook Page
Bring your family to the interactive museums in Penang and snap truly fun and memorable pictures! What’s more, this little island has a number of unique museums to choose from. For instance, Wonderfood Museum features more than 100 types of massive local street food replicas to take quirky pictures with.
Another peculiar addition is the TeddyVille Museum, where you’ll get to see rare and historic bears — from man-sized exhibits to miniature toys. You can also visit the Penang 3D Trick Art Museum for comical photos and optical illusions; time to express your creativity and capture a mirthful family photo!
4. Visit the famous Kek Lok Si Temple
Image credit: Geraldine Ng
Kek Lok Si Temple is one of Malaysia’s most remarkable religious sites. Built in 1891, the large sanctuary comprises millions of Buddha images and historically significant carvings and sculptures.
During festive seasons like Chinese New Year, the temple stays open at night. At this time of day, the architecture, serene atmosphere, and dazzling lantern lights of the temple are something you wouldn’t want to miss when you visit Penang. To experience the full splendour of Kek Lok Si, start with an ascending walking pathway at the entrance. Be sure to stop in between to browse through the stalls selling souvenirs, trinkets, food, and other local products.
5. Go on a ride to the top of Penang Hill
Image credit: Fidelia Zheng
Have you truly been to Penang if you didn’t go up to Penang Hill? Also known as Bukit Bendera, this Penang attraction is a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike. Don’t worry, you don’t need to hike all the way up to the top: people usually take the funicular train ride.
But if you do decide to hike up, know this: The view from up here is magnificent, and the temperature is much cooler than on the ground. Here, you’ll also find a few restaurants, a souvenir shop, a temple, a bird sanctuary, and a mosque, allowing you to enjoy an entire day here while surrounded by lush greenery. There’s also a love lock bridge here that resembles the Pont des Arts in Paris!
If you have time, visit The Habitat, a forest reserve where you can get up close with Penang’s ancient rainforests. When you’re at this natural sanctuary, you can spot various forest creatures. Up the challenge by climbing to the Curtis Crest Treetop Walk — Penang’s tallest point — for a stunning panoramic view of the reserve (and Penang in the distance).
6. Catch Penang’s stunning skyline views at The TOP
Image credit: The TOP Official Facebook Page
Kuala Lumpur is not the only place in Malaysia where you can catch gorgeous views of the skyline. Enter The TOP Penang: an indoor amusement park with an 816-foot-high The TOP Rainbow Skywalk. This outdoor glass floor viewing platform allows you a captivating experience and view of Georgetown, Penang — only for the non-faint hearted.
Luckily, if braving new heights isn’t your cup of tea, there are also a number of other cool spots to visit here, like Jurassic Research Center, 7D Discovery Motion Theater, Tech Dome Penang, Ocean Explorer, and Penang Boutique Aquarium. You can also check out the area’s cafes and restaurants for some fuel!
Also read: 10 Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur to Enjoy Stunning Views From the Top
7. Hunt for the cutest street murals around the town
Image credit: Yaopey Yong
Another family-friendly thing to do in Penang is hunting for adorable street art and murals. Mainly found around Georgetown, these murals showcase the culture of Penang and will definitely add joy and colour to your Instagram feed!
Pro tip: Here’s a map of where you can find the murals. On top of this, we recommend walking or renting a bike so it’s more convenient. Besides, you’ll get to experience being a traditional, true “Penangite” for a day.
8. Shop for great deals at the Design Village
Image credit: Design Village Penang Official Facebook Page
Did someone say shopping? Indeed, Penang is another great place to shop for good deals! Design Village Penang — Malaysia’s biggest outlet mall and an award-winning mall — is located in Batu Kawan. Here, you can find a wide range of food, popular international brands, and luxury labels.
The best part? You can continue to shop til’ drop at the nearby IKEA! Plus, Penang island itself is also home to more popular shopping malls like Queensbay Mall, Gurney Paragon Mall, and Straits Quay Retail Marina.
9. Interact with butterflies at the Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
Image credit: Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm Official Facebook Page
Bring your children on a delightful excursion to Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm. After extensive expansion and renovation, this farm is now a massive nature learning centre and attraction, letting guests interact with 15,000 free-flying butterflies of up to 60 species.
Other than surrounding yourself with pretty flowers and butterflies like a Disney character, there are also other animals like reptiles and insects in Natureland: the main attraction of Entopia. What’s more, this majestic vivarium has an enormous tree, waterfalls, ponds, caves and other artistic garden features, making it a perfect picture-taking spot.
10. Explore this foodie paradise
Image credit: Krystal Ng
Last but not least, explore this foodie paradise that’s been regularly ranked as having one of the best food scenes in the world. From traditional hawker food staples like Char Koay Teow, Assam Laksa, and Rojak to contemporary Instragrammable cafes, Penang has it all.
Embark on a culinary marathon with your family to complete your trip to Penang. Start with Gurney Drive for authentic street food and thank us later!
Also read: 10 Interactive Museums in Penang to Visit on Your Next Family Outing
There are so many fun things to do in Penang, and this list is just the beginning! While there’s even more to cover, we’re sure that with these activities, you and your family can already start to enjoy the fun side of Penang.
That said, we hope your trip to Penang will be an unforgettable one!
Brought to you by DBS Bank.
