How to Spend 5 Hours in Penang

There are more than enough things to do in Penang once you step in. How to spend 5 hours in Penang?

Let's discover together and have a fun and short trip.

Penang Hill

For those who want a tropical getaway

With having the one and only one funicular railway service in Malaysia, Penang Hill has become one of Penang's most famous tourist destinations. As awarded to be UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2021, it's the perfect getaway for you if you're looking for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

FUN FACT! 💡 Penang Hill funicular railway has the steepest tunnel track in the world.

Besides taking advantage of this funicular railway service, you can opt for the hiking trail to reach the top of Penang Hill. You'll discover the beauty of nature along the way.

Once you reach the top of Penang Hill, there are various places of attractions ready for you to explore, such as Monkey Cup Garden, The Habitat, Penang Hill Gallery @ Edgecliff,  heritage/cultural buildings and many more. All the attractions will never fail to amaze you, especially The Habitat.

The Habitat is the perfect place where you can see, touch, and feel the nature surrounding you. Take the opportunity to step onto Langur Way Canopy Walk - the world's highest-altitude stressed ribbon bridge while you're in The Habitat. This canopy walk is designed with multiple viewing platforms, approximately 230 meters in length and 15 meters as its highest point. These platforms offered an uninterrupted view of Penang and provided the opportunity to get up close to nature. With an extension to the trees themselves, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Penang Hill offers a relaxing atmosphere that you'll not want to leave. What are you waiting for? It's your time to explore and discover this fantastic place.

Batu Ferringhi beach

For those who love white sand and sea breeze

Plenty of famous beaches are available in Penang; however, it's the most developed beach you must visit when you're in Penang. It's the perfect getaway if you're looking for a short escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

If you're a sporty person, there are numerous water sports activities, such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing waiting to "wake up" your body and mind.

If you like to enjoy the natural scenery, you can opt for a leisure walk along the beach as it offers a great opportunity to take in natural scenes without any distractions. Besides, you can even perform meditation by sitting at the edge of the sea water and letting the breeze and waves wash your dissatisfaction away.

Schedule your evening time to explore this wonderful beach, as it'll be the best time to enjoy such a remarkable and unforgettable sunset view. This will be the perfect moment to get into the evening mood by witnessing the giant orange ball of the sun sinking into the ocean. You can even opt for horse riding before dinner.

Sit back and enjoy your dinner by the beach at Beach Corner Seafood restaurant when it's time for dinner. It'll be another great choice to experience Batu Ferringhi beach. You'll notice the rolling waves are the perfect soundtrack there.

You'll get what you want once you step into Batu Ferringhi beach. Let's connect with nature and make your trip memorable. "Be the one with nature"; nature is the home for every one of us!

Georgetown

For those who love to explore historical architecture in Penang

With an impressive collection of historic buildings, Georgetown Penang was awarded UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City in 2008. Come and visit all these iconic historical buildings during your short trip in Penang.

City Hall

It's the first building in Georgetown, Penang fitted with electric lights and fans. It's also one of the famous British Colonial architecture, built in 1903.

Town Hall

It's located on the south side of the City Hall. It served as the social venue in Penang in the earlier days.

Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower

It was built to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee by Penang millionaire Cheah Chen Eok in 1897. You'll notice only 6 steps of the staircase when heading up to the main door. It's to indicate the number of decades of Queen Victoria's reign. Take a closer look at this tower, you'll be surprised that the tower is slightly tilted – due to the impact of the bomb during World War 2.

Fort Cornwallis

As one of the most important architectures in Penang, it was built when Captain Francis Light – the founder of Penang, first set foot in Penang in 1786. The statue of Captain Francis Light and the Sri Rambai cannon will be the most photographed artefacts in the fort. You'll also have the chance to see the first Christian chapel in Penang, barracks and even a small jail cell that served as an exhibition gallery nowadays.

Clan Jetties

Built-in the 19th century, it's a whole settlement of wooden houses built above the sea shores where the Chinese clans live in. The best time to visit Clan Jetties will be evening time. You'll catch such a remarkable and breathtaking sunset view along the shore.

Kapitan Keling Mosque

As the First Arab-Indian mosque and the largest historic mosque in Georgetown, Kapitan Keling Mosque is one of the important landmarks for you to discover and explore. With Moghul architecture design and features beautiful minarets and domes, it's one of the city's most photographed mosques in Penang.

Khoo Kongsi

With more than 100 years of history, this temple belongs to the Khoo Kongsi clan (one of Malaysia's unique Chinese clan associations). You'll be amazed by its fine Chinese architecture as well as craftsmanship once you step into the temple. It's also a perfect spot to take an Instagram-worthy photo.

Other Amazing Attractions

Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (KOMTAR)

As the tallest building in Penang and the eleventh tallest building in Malaysia, it's a must-visit attraction while you're in Penang. Apart from being a "home" to the state government's office, it's designed with features of THE TOP KOMTAR. Get your camera ready to capture its perfect view.

Penang Street Wall Murals

Your journey to Penang will be incomplete without exploring Penang Street Wall Murals. Make sure you explore every corner of the streets, even small and hidden streets. You'll be surprised to discover some unique murals along the way. You can even opt for the trishaw ride to have a different experience during your "Mural Hunting" journey in Georgetown, Penang.

Little India

Made up of several lanes and is usually crowded, especially at lunch and dinner time. What makes the place interesting is the wonder of aromatic scents and the coloured lights, and the loud Bollywood music along the street. Walking and eating your way through Little India will be the best way to experience the street and its history. Pay a visit to Sri Mahamariamman Temple - the oldest Hindu temple in Penang after a good meal.