Things to do in Penang

Penang is rich in history and attractions, and offers a large variety of places to visit, from old temples to ancient buildings. Visitors can cover many different sights in one day, as the island is small and easy to get around. Among the more popular attractions are Fort Cornwallis, Gurney Drive and the Toy Museum. 

Despite the large population and fast urbanisation, Penang still has some wonderful beaches and islands to offer. Visitors can take part in a range of nature-based activities, for example, a train ride up Penang Hill, trekking in the Teluk Bahang Recreational Forest or hugging snakes at the Snake Temple.

Fort Cornwallis

An ancient fort built by Francis Light, the founder of Penang, Cornwallis was built on the site where he landed in 1786. It was initially constructed as a wooden bulwark by convicts, having concrete reinforcements added over time. Today, the fort has been converted into an open-air park, housing an amphitheatre, a history gallery, cafés and souvenir shops.

Khoo Kongsi

The influx of Chinese immigrants to Penang during the 19th century gave rise to the formation of clans, or kongsi, which functioned as substitute kinship and professional associations for immigrants who had left behind family and friends. A large amount of kongsi sprung up in Penang, and each association built a hall to serve as the centre of its community. 

The Khoo Kongsi is the most famous of these halls, having been designed with such splendour that it was said to rival the palace of China's emperor. Whether by misfortune or because such resemblance was viewed as an offence, the original Khoo Kongsi burnt to the ground almost as soon as it was completed. The present structure was built as a scaled down version of that original, though it is an extraordinarily impressive structure nonetheless. The building features a magnificent hall embellished with intricate carvings and richly ornamented beams of the finest wood, each bearing the mark of master craftsmen from China.

City Hall

Built in 1903, the City Hall on the Esplanade is a fine example of Victorian architecture and a reminder of the colonial era in Penang. The City Hall faces an historic field, Padang Kota, which is a setting for festivals and other large-scale events. Today, the hall is still used for period meetings among the Penang Municipal Council.

Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is a reminder from the colonial era of the British Empire in Penang. Built to honour the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1897, the Clock Tower was a gift to the British authorities from a local millionaire, Cheah Chen Eok. Moorish style dominates the structure and from a distance, it looks like the minaret of a mosque.

Komtar

The Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, a prominent Penang landmark, houses government departments, commercial offices, department stores, shops and restaurants. The 65-story complex also houses theatres, squash courts and a dome which serves as a multi-purpose hall, while the 55th floor affords a panoramic view of the city and on clear days, also of Gunung Jerai in the mainland state of Kedah. Phone: +60 4 261 6663.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

The house was built in 1890 and named after a Hakka migrant. He was born a poor person, but ultimately became the most influential overseas Chinese merchant of his time in Nanyang. Moving to Penang, he went on to develop his empire of shipping, opium and mining in Southeast Asia. The house is a splendid architectural wonder, with distinct European styling and stained-glass windows. Today, the house is open for visitors to learn more about Cheong’s history through antiques and paraphernalia displayed in the building. Phone: +60 4 2625289.

Penang Hill

The hills of Penang, including Western Hill, Tiger Hill, Strawberry Hill and others, have long been popular sanctuaries from the heat of the low-lying city. As the funicular railway rolls along its 30-minute climb up the hill, a wide panoramic view of Georgetown slowly unfurls. Flagstaff Hill, at the top of the line, is a lovely spot to watch night descend over the island. 

The train leaves the station at Air Itam at 06:30 and every half hour thereafter. For those who enjoy an energetic walk or dread a funicular ride, there is a very good walking track up the hill. It takes about 4 hours and should not be taken light-heartedly. The jungle trail begins at the moon gate at Waterfall Road, about 300 metres from the entrance to the Botanical Gardens. Phone: +60 4 829 9412.

Snake Temple

Built in 1850 and dedicated to the deity Chor Soo Kong, the temple is located three kilometres from Penang International Airport. Pit vipers are the only species found here. Although vipers are venomous and aggressive, those in the temple appear docile. Devotees say the thick clouds of incense smoke act as a tranquilliser. This is apparently true, as the snakes appear to be motionless, even asleep. Nevertheless, you should still handle the snakes gently and with care.

Museums

There are some very appealing and interesting museums and galleries for the culturally interested visitor in Penang. Located at Lebuh Farquhar, the Penang Museum and Art Gallery contains old photographs, maps, charts and historical relics. It was built in 1821 and was formerly the Penang Free School. 

Art-lovers may also be interested in the Penang Art Gallery, located within the Dewan Sri Pinang. Offering two exhibitions, there is also a permanent collection featuring the best of Malaysian artists on the third floor, and a contemporary collection on the ground floor. Themed exhibits featuring individual artists and other exhibitions are also held here regularly.

The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is an excellent example of adaptive reuse. The former home of Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee has been converted into a showcase of the opulent lifestyle of the Peranakans and their many customs and traditions, displaying over 1,000 pieces of antiques and collectibles from this unique community. 

If you want to know what life was like in Penang during wartime, you'll find some of the answers at the Penang War Museum. Housed in what was once a British fort built during WWII, the museum is the only one of its kind in the country.