Aditi ShuklaPenang , a stunning state in Peninsular Malaysia, boasts a rich cultural heritage, several UNESCO-listed sites, and is a food lover’s paradise. Your love for Penang is bound to grow manifold each time you visit the diverse land, as it has a plethora of options to choose from and a line-up of things to do.
Also read: 20 Fun Things to Do in Penang On Your First Trip
1. Ghost Museum
You’re in for a scare…
If you thought the movie The Ring was scary, imagine a face-to-face encounter with its characters, both on and off the television. Now imagine crossing a passage of scorpions and roaches and watching hands hanging from the bathroom. Well, this is just a glimpse of the haunt that is waiting to taunt you!
The eerie museum is a ten-minute walk from Komtar Tower. Gear up for the horror walk and get ready to be ambushed by ghosts, mummies and more. The experience is bound to last a lifetime. Click pictures with the monsters and head into a room full of witches, or should we say witchcraft? What’s more – you get a chance to dine with a family of vampires, click pictures at many themed corners and have fun exploring the pathways that lead you to the ghastly side.
TripZilla tip: Take a guide along, who will help you click and pose, while explaining all the ghostly secrets you have ever wanted to know.
Dare to help them?!
Address: Ghost Museum, 57, Lebuh Melayu, 10010 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 8am–7pm
Ticket prices:
- Locals: RM18 for adults and RM8 for children and senior citizens
- Foreigners: RM36 for adults and RM16 for children
- Students get a special discount. Make sure you show your ID to avail yourself of the rates.
- Children below 7 years can walk in for free
2. Upside Down Museum
No, the picture hasn’t been uploaded upside down 🙂
If you want to monkey around (quite literally) and have a crazy time, you cannot miss the Upside Down Museum. Situated at Georgetown, this museum invites all those who love clicking bizarre pictures. The arrangement is topsy turvy, which means the floor is empty to walk around and all the rooms have their furniture on the roof.
Also read: Penang 3 Days Itinerary
My life is topsy-turvy!
Click and have fun as you falsify the image of you being upside down, thus the name. The staff is amiable and guides you around the museum while assisting you to strike the right poses. Don’t forget to check out every room and corner, click against the flight of steps and head upstairs to an inclining floor which gives you a different dimension to walking.
TripZilla tip: Go home and edit your pictures a little. Make sure you post them upside down.
Oops! I’ve got flush water above me…
Address: Upside Down Museum, 45, Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9am – 5:30pm; Saturday-Sunday: 9am – 6pm
Ticket prices:
- Locals: RM16 for adults and RM8 for children and senior citizens
- Foreigners: RM27 for adults and RM16 for children
- Students get a special discount. Make sure you show your ID to avail yourself of the rates.
- Children below 5 years can walk in for free
3. Asia Camera Museum
Image credit: Asia Camera Museum Official Facebook Page
Calling all quirky photography enthusiasts: the Asia Camera Museum is a must-visit! This unique museum boasts over 1,000 cameras, including some rare photographic accessories you won’t find anywhere else. As you wander through its eclectic collection, you’ll discover vintage cameras from Germany, Sweden, the United States, and Japan.
Delve deeper to uncover glass negatives and authentic retro photo editors from yesteryear. The true highlights include a fascinating Magic Lantern projector from the 1900s and a charming silent movie projector powered by oil lamps and gears. So grab your camera and prepare for an adventure through this extraordinary archive of photographic history!
Address: 1st Floor, 71, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Ticket prices: RM22 to RM25.
4. Penang Toy Museum
Image credit: Penang Global Tourism Official Website
The Penang Toy Museum is a quirky must-see for any avid collector. It’s been recognized twice in the Malaysia Book of Records as one of the largest toy museums in the country. This fascinating place features life-sized figures of iconic characters from Hollywood blockbusters, along with heroes and villains from popular comics and TV series.
In addition to these large figures, the museum showcases a variety of smaller collectables, including Barbie dolls, Garfield miniatures, Disney figurines, and more. Best of all, every item is an original, copyright-licensed piece. So, make sure to snap plenty of photos with your favourite figures and collectables when you visit this unique toy museum in Penang!
Address: Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 9am–6pm
Ticket prices: RM15 for adults, RM10 for children.
5. Glass Museum Penang
Image credit: Glass Museum Penang Official Facebook Page
While it may not be your typical ‘weird’ museum, the Glass Museum Penang is definitely a unique spot that travellers in Penang shouldn’t miss. Both art enthusiasts and Instagram lovers will find it captivating. As Malaysia’s first glass museum, it boasts the country’s longest batik motif glass painting. Stepping into this vibrant space feels like entering another realm, especially when you walk through the geometrically mirrored passageway that creates infinite reflections of yourself.
Throughout the museum, you’ll discover a wide array of unique decorations made from recycled glass, each featuring its distinct style and artwork. What’s more, you can take part in their interactive glass painting workshop, where you can create your own glass-painted masterpiece to take home. This one-of-a-kind experience is even certified by the Malaysian Book of Records!
Address: 6, Jalan Burma, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 9.30am–6pm; Saturday: 9.30am-5pm; closed on Sundays
Ticket prices: RM30 for a standard admission with Glass Bottle Painting
Also read: 12 Museums to Visit in Penang, From Traditional to Quirky Ones!
So there you have it — a glimpse into some of the quirkiest and most entertaining museums in Penang that are sure to offer a fun and memorable experience. The next time you’re in Penang, step outside the traditional museum experience and dive into these unconventional gems. Fun is guaranteed!
