Absolute Asia/Destinations/Malaysia/Places to Visit/Penang

Private Journeys in Penang
The Essence of Penang
Discover the best of Penang, Malaysia—from historic George Town and stunning temples to vibrant street food and scenic hills.…
Penang is one of the most exciting destinations in Malaysia: a marriage of old world charm and modern energy. Its history, culture, and food is plentiful and welcoming. Colonial architecture rubs shoulders with colourful street art, and with every meal, a new adventure awaits. George Town, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is definitely worth visiting for anyone travelling throughout Southeast Asia.
Our Top Suggestions of Things to Do in Penang
- Visit Fort Cornwallis: Fort Cornwallis is the largest surviving fort in Malaysia, with a star shape, built by the British East India Company in the late 1700s. History lovers and curious wanderers will find this one-of-a-kind stop fascinating.
- Stroll through the Botanical Gardens: Take a break from the frenzy of the city and stroll through Penang’s Botanical Gardens, or Waterfall Gardens. You’ll encounter tropical vegetation, orchids, and maybe even long-tailed macaques and giant squirrels.
- Take the Funicular to the summit of Penang Hill: Ride the funicular railway and head to Penang Hill for cooler temperatures and unbeatable views. There are walking trails, colonial mansions, and an opportunity to escape the busy city.
- Visit Entopia (Penang Butterfly Farm): Entopia is a gorgeous family-friendly park that has thousands of butterflies and insects. There are a variety of interactive exhibits, and well as activities, all of which both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Experience Kek Lok Si Temple: You can’t miss Kek Lok Si Temple, which is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. The Temple of Supreme Bliss is known for having over 10,000 Buddhas in the area, and the views of the island are quite spectacular.
- Check out the Snake Temple: The Snake Temple, which is home to real vipers sleeping on the altars and wandering amongst the incense clouds, truly offers one-of-a-kind sight. This temple may be the only one of its kind in the world.
- Eat Penang Food: Penang is known as a food culture, with a large emphasis on Nyonya food a mixture of Chinese and Malay flavours. It is hard to describe Penang Nyonya food because it offers a flavourful and tangy meal, with fruit flavours that is truly unforgettable. Don’t forget about the legendary Penang street food, from char kway teow to asam laksa.
- Walk around George Town: George Town is the spirit of Penang, and visiting George Town is beholding colonial architecture, Chinese and Indian architecture, colourful street art, and the laid-back island culture of the town make it a UNESCO World Heritage site Just walk the street, find a café, and enjoy the creative spirit of the community.
Getting to and Around Penang:
- There are several ways to easily get to both George Town and Penang, as Penang Island is connected to the mainland by one of Asia’s longest bridges (8.4 miles long) and a fast ferry service. There is inexpensive and plentiful transportation around Penang Island. The transportation options include local buses, taxis, and taxi-hail services.
Allow Absolute Asia Tours To Create your Ideal Adventure in Penang
Are you ready to take advantage of all Penang has to offer? Absolute Asia Tours can develop a customized itinerary for your visit whether you want a guided tour of the historical sites in George Town, a foodie tour of Penang‘s famous night markets, or a family day at Penang Hill and Entopia. We do all the planning so that you can relax and enjoy everything this incredible place has to offer.
Our Favorite Journeys
Penang, at Its Best Right Now
Highlights of Malaysia
12 DAYS
Highlights of Malaysia Experience the rich diversity of Malaysia on a complete tour of its most interesting parts. Starting from the colonial history of Malacca
Flavors of Malaysia
14 DAYS
Our Destination Specialists are experts at tailoring bespoke itineraries just for you, but what would their own perfect holiday look like? We asked Cambodia Spe
Malaysia & Borneo: Rainforest Adventures & Seaside Serenity
12 DAYS
Discover Saigon's golf scene on a short tour! Play at the city's best courses, explore local markets between rounds, and enjoy an array of restaurants, pubs, an
Places to Visit
Top Places to Visit in Penang
Kuala Terengganu
Discover Kuala Terengganu, a city of surprising contrasts where modern prosperity gracefully meets traditional charm. Home to one of Southeast Asia's best museu
DiscoverRedang Island
Escape to Redang Island, Malaysia's paradise of powder-white sand and turquoise sea. This protected marine park offers world-class snorkeling and diving just st
DiscoverPangkor Islands
Escape to the Pangkor Islands, a tiny archipelago where luxury meets wild nature. Explore the private island of Pangkor Laut, home to a world-class resort, pris
DiscoverYour Route Through Penang
Penang, charted by hand
Read Before You Go
Guides & Stories from Penang
Best Private Asia Luxury Tours for Americans
https://www.absoluteasiatours.com/blogs/best-private-asia-luxury-tours-for-americans/
Read moreBest Things to Do in Asia
Planning a trip to Asia? Our guide to the best things to do covers 20+ countries, including Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam. Find travel ideas for temples, beaches
Read moreKuala Lumpur to Taman Negara
Experience the best of Taman Negara in 2 days! Our tour from KL includes rapid shooting, jungle trekking, a night walk, and a visit to an Orang Asli village. Bo
Read moreWhen to Go
Start Planning
Ready to see Penang on your own terms?
Share a few details and a private travel designer will reach out within one business day.
