Penang is a cultural crossroads where Oriental, Colonial, and local influences collide. It has a laid-back yet distinctively cosmopolitan vibe. The east-meets-west charm of George Town heritage town, the cool summit of Penang Hill, and the world’s best street food all add to the allure of this charming Malaysian island.
Don’t know where to begin? Take notes and scribble down some of Penang’s hidden gems from the list below!
Accomodation
Discover the best of Penang with Amari SPICE Penang, the city’s newest leading business-leisure hotel, offers world-class integrated hospitality facilities and services just minutes from Penang International Airport. We offer direct access to the SPICE Convention Centre, which includes the SPICE Arena, SPICE Aquatic Centre, and SPICE Canopy.
Setia SPICE Arena
Setia SPICE Arena is a multipurpose venue for concerts, sporting events, and exhibitions. A covered walkway connects it to the Amari SPICE Penang.
Setia SPICE Aquatic Centre, a clubhouse facility with an Olympic-size swimming pool, and Setia Spice Canopy, a lifestyle entertainment venue, are both on the same ground.
George Town
Penang’s George Town is a laid-back capital of a cultural melting pot. Every corner depicts the frozen-in-time history since British colonialism blended with Chinese and Indian influences.
In 2008, UNESCO designated this Asian Havana vibe as a World Heritage Site. A street art hunt is an absolute must! Get your camera ready!
Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion
Located at the heart of George Town, the Blue Mansion is one of George Town’s most visited gems. Built by Cheong Fatt Tze as his private haven at the end of the 19th century, it is now an accommodation that welcomes guests and tourists across the globe. In the iconic indigo blue, the architectural building reflects the Chinese Imperial Period.
Photo by Raissa Lara Lütolf (-Fasel) on Unsplash
Kek Lok Si
Kek Lok Si is the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. It is a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists across Southeast Asia. If you’re impressed by the temple during the day, check out the temple at night when the lights illuminate. The architecture resonates with the harmonious coexistence of Buddhist sects of Mahayana, Theravada, and traditional Chinese Buddhist rites.
Penang Floating Mosque
Penang Floating Mosque is the first mosque built in the ocean water in Malaysia. When the tide is high, you can see the mosque floating. It is also possible to swim around, exploring how the underwater structures were built to hold the mosque above water.
Penang Hill
Penang Hill is a place not to be missed. Immerse yourself in Penang’s pristine nature with the magnificent scenery of Penang Island from the hill that will take your breath away, both day and night.
Enjoy the scenic vibe while riding the Penang Hill Rail up the mountain, which was first built for the Brits to enjoy the cooler air of the hill in the past.
Snake Temple
Built in 1850 as a holy place dedicated to Chor Soo Kong, an enlightened Buddhist monk, Snake Temple is renowned as a sanctuary for poisonous snakes. Don’t let that scare you away! It is believed that they are either de-venomed or put into a drowsy state by the incense smoke, so one has never been bitten.
By Khalzuri Yazid Uploaded by Ryulong, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9928935
Glass Museum
Inspired by the Malaysian batik motif, the Glass Museum is a perfect place to learn the glass making process, where you can use your creativity to create your own glass as a souvenir! This modern museum has glass-themed 3D art and a mirror tunnel where pictures of your trip can’t get any better.
Escape Theme Park, Penang
Located in the middle of the stunning nature near Penang National Park. Escape Theme Park is the first ever amusement park in Penang, equipped with a wide range of thrilling rides and fun games for everyone of all ages.
Photo by https://www.esca pe.my/pg
G2F+ Coffee Roastery Cafe
You cannot miss this hidden gem if caffeine is in your blood! 2F+ Coffee Roastery Café, a hippie-low-profile café in Bayan Lepas district, is only an 8-min walk from Amari SPICE Penang. They not only offer delicious coffee but also provide a wide range of coffee beans from all over the world and educational yet fun coffee workshops to attend.
