Image source: malaysiamall.my
#1 Clan Jetties Floating Village
Wondering what life’s like at a floating village? At Clan Jetties Floating Village, you can witness Chinese families practicing old traditions, praying at the temple, or preparing food. Stroll the wooden piers to take beautiful snapshots and explore the entire village. Do be respectful as people still live here. The village is also close to the Penang ferry terminal.
Admission: Free
Address: Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Image source: Malaysia Airlines Facebook page
#2 Penang Avatar Secret Garden
Inspired by the 2009 blockbuster Avatar, Penang Avatar Secret Garden imitates the breathtaking Pandora world. Walk into the magical forest with dazzling colours which comes alive at night.
Admission: Free
Address: 336, Jalan Tokong Thai Pak Koong, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Image source: Drhtgoon/Wikimedia Commons
#3 Penang State Museum and Art Gallery
The building which houses the museum was built in 1821 and was formerly the Penang Free School, the oldest English-medium school in Southeast Asia. It showcases old photographs, maps, charts, historical relics, and paintings of early Penang.
Admission: RM1/person
Address: No.57 Macalister Road, Georgetown, 10400 Penang
Image source: Vnonymous/Wikimedia Commons
#4 Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge
One of Penang’s most iconic landmarks, the 24,000 metre-long Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge plays a vital role in connecting people from Seberang Perai (in Peninsular Malaysia) to Batu Maung (Penang) for the past four years.
Admission: Toll rate starts from 60 cents for private cars
Address: Second Penang Bridge, Bayan Lepas, Penang
source: Chongkian/Wikimedia Commons
#5 Sun Yat-sen Museum
The museum showcases the life and work of Dr. Sun Yat Sen, a 20th-century nationalist figure who led the Chinese Revolution in 1911 and brought down the Manchu regime. He first came to Penang in 1905 and later made the island the headquarter for his political party. Though his stay in Penang was short-lived, his popularity rose in the 1950s Malaya.
Admission: RM5/person, RM3/student (with a valid student card)
Address: 120, Lebuh Armenian, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Image source: Guwashi999/Flicker
#6 Sri Mahamariamman Temple
The oldest Hindu temple in Penang features intricate statues of Hindu deities including the Lord Subramaniam, Durga, and Ganapathy. During festive seasons, like Deepavali or Thaipusam, the temple will be packed with thousands of devotees making offerings.
Admission: Free
Address: Lebuh Queen, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Image source: Gryffindor/Wikimedia Commons
#7 Penang Islamic Museum
The Penang Islamic Museum used to be the home of Syed Mohammad Al-Attas, a Muslim of Achehnese descent who supported Acheh’s struggle against the Dutch in the 19th century. Explore the hard work of Malay leaders in growing and spreading the Islamic religion in Penang and Malaysia. There’s also a beautiful collection of 19th-century furniture and a life-sized diorama of a dock scene.
Admission: RM3/adult and RM1/child (below 12 years of age)
Address: 128, Lebuh Acheh, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Image source: Gryffindor/Wikimedia Commons
#8 St. George’s Church
The majestic 19th-century St. George’s Church is the oldest Anglican church in Southeast Asia. The church features a combination of Neo-Classical, Georgian and English Palladian architecture styles as well as a portico of Doric columns. There’s also a memorial pavilion of Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang.
Admission: Free
Address: 1, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Image source: Cmglee/CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia Commons
#9 Jubilee Clock Tower
Built in 1897 in commemoration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, Jubilee Clock Tower features a Moorish-style architecture with four tiers. Also known as the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, you’re allowed to enter and explore the tower and take photographs. The tower is also within walking distance to Fort Cornwallis.
Admission: Free
Address: Persiaran King Edward, Lebuh Light, 10450, George Town, Penang
Image source: shankar s./Flicker
#10 Wat Chaiyamangkalaram
Wat Chaiyamangkalaram is a Thai Buddhist temple where you can find the gold-plated reclining Buddha measuring 33 metre-long. Also known as the Sleeping Buddha Temple, the temple’s reclining Buddha is one of the largest in the world. Built in 1845, there is also a small Thai village and a Thai cemetery just behind the temple.
Admission: Free
Address: Wat Chaiyamangkalaram, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Before you go...
A travel credit card comes in handy while booking flight tickets or hotel rooms. That said, always consider the minimum spend requirements and air mile conversion rate before you sign up for one. Check out some of the top travel credit cards in Malaysia.