Things to do in Penang
Let’s be real – when it comes to short getaways to Malaysia, we typically veer towards a day trip to JB or a weekend staycay in KL. After all, there are plenty of things to do near the JB causeway and new things to do in KL. But besides these popular places, try giving other states like Penang a go.
Just 1.5 hours away from Singapore by air, Penang has a ton to offer besides its famous char kuey teow and laksa. From unique cafes and neon skating to traditional farmstays, here are new things to do in Penang in 2024 you can add to your bucket list.
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What you need to know before visiting Penang
A 3 day vacation in Penang will be more than enough time to do everything you need without having post travel regrets. As for getting around the city, Grab is a readily available option although you can also cover it easily by foot.
There are several ways to get to Penang. The fastest is through direct flights to Penang International Airport that will take just 1.5 hours from Singapore.
You could rent a car in JB to drive directly to Penang, but it will take around 7.5 hours straight. If you’d rather relax on your trip, a bus ride straight to Penang is also possible. You can do it through companies like Konsortium and Sri Maju. For a complete rundown, check out our guide on getting from Singapore to Malaysia by bus.
1. Penang Green Acres
Traditional farmstay experience with durian farm tours
Image credit: @justlifeshop via Instagram
Those who have gone to farmstay experiences know the serenity of being able to live away from the city, shrouded in mother nature. Penang Green Acres offers just that in their 16-acre organic fruit farm. You can choose to either stay at a treehouse or a traditional Malay house you would normally find in a kampung.
Image credit: @justlifeshop via Instagram
As for the fruits themselves, you can dig into their naturally farmed durians from over 500 matured trees at the Guided Farm Tour (RM165, ~S$47.33). Tours are limited to small groups so everyone can chip in on the interactive experience. Those looking for the complete overnight farmstay experience complete with an itinerary plan can sign up for the Treehouse Farm Stay (RM625, ~S$179.32).
Book a tour at Penang Green Acres.
Book a farmstay at Penang Green Acres.
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2. Rollerka
Neon skating rink
Everyone raves about Penang being a food haven but it’s rarely discussed on how you can burn off the calories from all that yummy grub. For a cardio experience more fun that just jogging, head over to Rollerka.
Image credit: @ginv1010 via Instagram
Here, you can roller skate under sparking luminous neon lights and vibe alongside upbeat songs with your friends. Adults would have to pay RM35 (~S$10.04) for 2 hours whilst the rate for kids below the age of 12 is RM25 (~S$7.17). A locker deposit to safeguard your belongings will set you back RM10 (~S$2.85).
3. Fu Coffee Cafe
Cafe hidden behind a car wash
Image adapted from: Tan Zang Xiang and Fu Coffee Cafe
While not exactly a speakeasy cafe, the fact that Fu Coffee Cafe is within a car wash is admittedly sick. The unique atmosphere of the cafe is elevated with the inclusion of camping chairs outside that give you a unique al fresco dining experience. As you soak in the outdoor atmosphere, sip on their signature drinks – sea salt latte (RM13, ~S$3.73) and lemonmind (RM14, ~S$4.02).
4. Hurry Hari Coffee
Personalised drinks based on your mood
Image credit: @hurryhari_my via Instagram
Leave it to the body language experts at Hurry Hari Coffee to make you a personalised drink based on their first impression of you. What you receive will be a surprise, and rarely are 2 drinks ever made the same.
Image credit: Wooper Ong, Lim Lim via Google Maps
While you sip on their drinks, enjoy their zen interior that’s been done up in a Wabi-Sabi look. There are both indoor and outdoor areas to chill at.
5. Linear Garden
Walkable garden by the water
Image credit: @arch.netakdc.aktc via Instagram
Get a bright start to your mornings with a leisurely stroll at Linear Gardens. It was given a facelift last year with nearly 70 new species of plants and trees added to the garden to check out.
Image credit: Koay J-Shenn via Google Maps
If you’re a fan of history, do check out the war memorial erected to pay homage to fallen soldiers from WW1. The iron fences that used to surround the monument have been removed, so visitors can see the cenotaph up close. Behind the calm sea, this memorial serves as a reminder for us to appreciate the peace we have today.
6. KKV Global
China’s largest retail lifestyle store now in Penang
Image credit: @kkv.global via Instagram
For souvenirs, accessories, and toys amongst many others, swing by KKV Global. Located at Sunway Carnival Mall, it is home to China’s largest retail lifestyle brand offering more than 20,000 items spanning makeup, skincare, and household supplies. Think Daiso or Miniso, but on steroids.
Image credit: @apple5696 via Instagram
The best part – prices start from as low as RM2.90 (~S$0.83).
Address: 182, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: KKV’s Instagram
7. Food Bayana
Malaysia’s first semi-automated food court
Get bragging rights of being able to dine in Malaysia’s first semi-automated food centre at Food Bayana. Located near the iconic Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, the 2-storey food court has more than 30 food stalls for you to choose from, serving all sorts of Malaysian classics.
Image credit: The Smart Local Malaysia
To order, just scan the QR code and the robots will deliver it to a pick up point for you to collect. In line with their theme, they are a 100% cashless food centre. Additionally, the cutleries are automatically cleansed by a robot and the place is decked out with free phone charging ports.
As for the actual food, we hear the nasi kandar set (RM14.50, ~S$4.16) with a cup of kopi (RM2.50, ~S$0.72) are must-trys. Check out our review of Food Bayana.
8. Gurney Bay
Seafront park with playgrounds & skateparks
Image credit: Chris Khoo via Google Maps
Opened earlier this year, Gurney Bay consists of a bunch of playgrounds and mini obstacle courses for the kids. As for older peeps, there are slopes, bars, and ramps perfect for performing cool skateboard tricks for the ‘Gram. Plus, it has a very wide promenade, ideal for a shiok night jogging or cycling sesh next to the sea.
After sweating it out skating, you can freshen up at the clean public restrooms available.
Image adapted from: Adam Lee and Vernice Choo via Google Maps
Furthermore, you can look forward to more exciting amenities to come like mangrove gardens, retail shops, a beach jetty, and even a hawker centre arriving sometime next year.
9. Klippa Shopping Centre
Nearly 300 brands to shop at
Image credit: @yoshiko_lifeistravel via Instagram
At Klippa Shopping Centre, you can shop to your heart’s content with nearly 300 brands at your disposal – Kenny Rogers, Chicago Chicken City, and TMG Plus Supermarket are just some of the tenants here. You can even restock on your sporting equipment at the sprawling 20,000,sqft Decathlon outlet that opened earlier in February this year.
Image credit: @yoshiko_lifeistravel via Instagram
Don’t just think this mall is just for shopping though. Get a quick workout in by heading over to Project Rock, a rock climbing gym. Even if you’re a newbie to the sport, you check out their beginner’s bundle (RM60, ~S$17.20). It is an hour-long workshop that shows you the ropes of rock climbing from belaying to climbing. Climbing gear is provided and as a bonus, you get 2 weeks worth of unlimited entry after the course date.
10. Munchkin & The Gang Cat Cafe
Play with 14 cats
Out of the 14 cats 10 are munchkins, with the rest being maine coons.
Image adapted from: Munchkin And The Gang Cat Cafe Facebook
At Munchkin & The Gang Cat Cafe, you can satisfy your cat therapy needs with their 14 resident cats, drink and chill under the shiok aircon from RM25 (~S$7.17). Here’s the kicker, there’s no time limit so you can stay for as long as you want. Do be reasonable lah, as others want to play with those cute cats too.
The smoothies are mixed with yoghurt and come in 3 flavours – mango, strawberry, and passionfruit.
Image adapted from: Kelvin Ying and Fragile Joe via Google Maps
Their menu is diverse, offering a range of drinks, snacks, and pastas. Dig into crowd favourite English Curry Spicy Pasta With Smoked Duck (RM25.90, ~S$7.43) for explosive bites of curried duck and cool it off with milk smoothies (RM18.90, ~S$5.42) for a filling meal.
There are also light snacks veered towards the younger peeps like popcorn chicken (RM16.90, ~S$4.86) and cheesy wedges (RM15.90, ~S$4.57). Take note that kids below the age of 10 are not allowed entry.
If you’re in Singapore and feeling FOMO, fret not, we’ve got plenty of cat cafes in Singapore you can check out too.
Bookmark Penang for your next getaway
If you’re wondering how to stack your ALs with the number of remaining long weekends in Singapore, head over for a trip to Penang – you’ll find that there’s more to the state than its well-known laksa and chendol dishes. And with all these new gems around the state, there’s certainly no shortage of activities to do and places to visit.
Other things to check out in Malaysia:
- Eco Spring Labs in Johor Bahru
- Best shopping malls in Johor Bahru
- Johor hiking trails
- Hiking in Malaysia guide
Cover image adapted from:
Originally published on 20th June 2022 by Joycelyn Yeow. Last updated by Syahiran Sean on 24th June 2024.