11 Best Free Things to Do in Penang: 2025 Guide for Budget Travellers

Looking to explore Penang without blowing your budget? This Malaysian gem is packed with culture, history, and natural beauty, all without the need to spend a single ringgit. 

History buffs, nature lovers, and casual wanderers alike will find plenty to enjoy with these 11 unforgettable and free experiences in Penang in 2025.

Also read: 3-Day Penang Itinerary For First-Time Travellers

Street art trail in George Town

Yes, this might be one of the most well-known free things to do in Penang, but did you know that some of the murals have recently changed their look?

In late 2024, Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic returned to Penang to personally restore four of his famous original street art pieces, including Little Children on a Bicycle. 

Created for the 2012 George Town Festival, Zacharevic’s murals have become a symbol of Penang’s creative spirit. With their recent restoration, this is the perfect time to visit, or revisit, and experience them in their renewed form.

The “Marking George Town” wrought-iron sculptures

Beyond the painted murals, look for the whimsical wrought-iron caricatures scattered throughout George Town. Collectively known as “Marking George Town”, these installations tell cheeky stories about local life.

Each sculpture is placed at a location relevant to its tale, offering a fun and interactive way to learn about Penang’s past while exploring its present.

Cat Beach Sanctuary

Tucked away near Teluk Bahang, the Cat Beach Sanctuary is a hidden haven for feline lovers. This seaside rescue centre is home to over 100 stray and abandoned cats, all free to roam the grounds and the beach. Visitors are welcome to drop by, cuddle the cats, and even lend a hand with light volunteer work.

There’s no entry fee, but donations or supplies are appreciated if you’d like to support their efforts. It’s a peaceful, heartwarming stop for animal lovers looking to unwind in a truly unconventional setting.

Hin Bus Depot Art Market

Art lovers will appreciate the Hin Bus Depot, a contemporary creative space in a repurposed bus station. While some events charge for workshops or exhibitions, the weekend markets are entirely free to visit. 

Expect to find live music, independent crafts, art installations, and often experimental exhibitions by local talents.

Also read: 17 Airbnbs in Penang Where You Can Live Like a Local

Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park

Once a rundown market district, Sia Boey has been transformed into Malaysia’s first urban archaeological park. The site features remnants of 19th-century shop lots, an old market building, and sections of the restored Prangin Canal.

This free-to-enter space merges heritage with greenery, offering shaded benches, playgrounds, and even the occasional public art exhibit.

Chew Jetty

Chew Jetty is one of the last remaining Chinese clan jetties in Penang, where homes are built on stilts over the water. Visitors are welcome to walk the wooden boardwalk for free and take in views of the harbour, with local life carrying on all around.

Some houses have been converted into souvenir shops or cafes, but the jetty still retains its charm as a living community. Visit at sunset for the most atmospheric experience.

Padang Kota Lama

The Esplanade (not the one in Singapore), also known as Padang Kota Lama, is a wide public space facing the sea, perfect for an evening walk.

Occasionally, you’ll stumble across free concerts, cultural showcases, or pop-up food stalls, particularly during weekends and festivals. The colonial-era City Hall and Fort Cornwallis nearby add a historical backdrop.

Temples and mosques of Penang

One of the most enriching free things to do in Penang is to explore its religious landmarks. Highlights include the Kapitan Keling Mosque, a 19th-century mosque featuring Indo-Moorish architecture and stained-glass details, and Wat Chayamangkalaram, a Thai Buddhist temple housing a 33-metre reclining Buddha, one of the largest in the world.

There’s also the Kek Lok Si Temple, Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple complex. The inclined lift and certain sections do charge a small fee, but most of the temple grounds are free to explore. The sprawling layout and hilltop views make it a must-visit.

Hike up Penang Hill

If you’re up for some exercise, skip the funicular railway and hike your way up Penang Hill. Trails start from the Moon Gate or Botanical Gardens and wind through thick rainforest, offering glimpses of dusky leaf monkeys and exotic birds.

It’s a rewarding workout with cooler air at the summit and panoramic views over the island, and it won’t cost you a thing.

Also read: Glow-Up Getaway: Rejuvenating Nature Retreats for a Healing Holiday

Penang Botanical Gardens

Located at the foot of Penang Hill, the Botanical Gardens are a serene escape from the bustle of the city. Locals come here for morning jogs, tai chi, or simply to wander among the tropical trees and exotic plant species.

Keep an eye out for long-tailed macaques and black giant squirrels as you explore the 72-acre grounds.

Balik Pulau Paddy Field Walks

For a completely different side of Penang, head to Balik Pulau in the island’s rural west. Here, time slows down as you stroll through rice paddies, mango orchards, and sleepy villages.

It’s free to roam the area, and if you’re lucky, you might see water buffalo wading through the fields.

Also read: 12 Free Things to Do in Taipei for Budget Travellers

Explore for no cost

These free things to do in Penang are just as rewarding as their paid counterparts, some even offering deeper insight into what makes this island so special.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a long stay, add a few of these to your itinerary and enjoy Penang the budget-friendly way.