Diverse culinary experiences, rich multicultural history, and a sprinkling of pristine islands are just some of the things that Malaysia is famous for. However, did you know that you can actually experience all of those things I mentioned by just visiting Penang?
Indeed, the Pearl of the Orient has plenty to offer to different types of travelers. But if you’ve never heard of Penang or if you’ve never been there, don’t sweat it. Today, let me tell you about some of the things that the island is known and famous for.
Penang is famous for its tantalizing local street food and for being one of the most popular destinations in Malaysia. It is a place where cultural tradition and modernity blend seamlessly into one. Penang is also known for its beautiful beaches, rich heritage, and alluring natural scenery.
Table of Contents
1. Mouthwatering street food
Ask any Malaysian what Penang is known for, and most (if not all) of them will provide the same answer: food. Yes, Penang is resoundingly famous for being THE foodie paradise in Penang, and having visited the island myself while I was in Malaysia, I can totally understand why.
Food in Penang is a big deal, whether it be fancy restaurants or hawker stalls by the roadside. Penangites are fiercely proud of their food and have their own list of “things to eat in Penang”, often featuring different dining spots for different delicacies.
When the moment you set foot in Penang, you’ll be assailed by an endless variety of mouthwatering food — asam laksa, char koay teow, Penang hokkien mee, nasi lemak, and lor bak to name a few.
In fact, Penang is so famous for their food that the island is actually home to two of Malaysia’s very first Michelin Star restaurants: Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, and Au Jardin.
2. Gurney Drive
Speaking of food in Penang, one of the most popular food-hunting spots for tourists that Penang is famous for is the bustling Gurney Drive.
Located along the shore of the Penang Strait in the northeastern part of the island, Gurney Drive is where you’ll find some of the best seafood restaurants and food courts (a dining hall filled with many different hawker stalls) in the city. There’s even a popular food spot called the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre which sells truly delectable street food at night.
In addition to the food, Gurney Drive is a popular location for both locals and tourists because it is home to some of the best shopping malls and hotels in Penang, such as G Hotel, which is connected to Gurney Plaza and a stone’s throw away from Gurney Paragon, home to one of Malaysia’s biggest book stores — BookXcess. Maybe you can pick up a few books about Malaysia while you’re here.
3. Tau Sar Pneah
Since good food is what Penang is known for, it comes as no surprise that home to many famous souvenir shops where you can buy edible gifts to bring back to your loved ones. In fact, edible snacks are some of the best souvenirs in Malaysia!
Of the many delicious souvenirs in Penang, the most famous has to be tau sar pneah, a flaky Chinese pastry that’s filled with mungbean paste. These bite-sized biscuits are often packaged neatly in beautiful gift boxes, ready to be given out once you arrive back home.
But it’s not just the aesthetically-pleasing boxes that make tau sar pneah special. It’s food heritage. Many of the most popular bakeries that sell these pastries (I personally like Him Heang the best) are family-run businesses that have been operating for generations!
4. Balik Pulau durians
Durian lovers will surely voice their fervent support for this. One of the locations that Penang is best known for is Balik Pulau and the reason is simple — this is where you can find some of the best durians in Malaysia!
In fact, whenever durians are in season, aficionados of the “king of fruits” travel from as far as Johor (that’s a 10-hour drive!) to Penang just to sample some of its famous Balik Pulau durians. Such is the fanfare surrounding durians in Balik Pulau, that there are even orchard stays in the area for those who want don’t think one day is enough to satisfy their durian cravings.
Alternatively, some durian lovers prefer visiting Pulau Tikus, another popular location that’s famous for their durian orchards.
5. A multitude of heritage hotels
Penang is known for its rich history and heritage, evidenced by the many well-preserved colonial buildings that you can find on the island, especially in the vicinity of George Town.
What I particularly like about these buildings is that some of them have been turned into ambient heritage hotels that allow you to really immerse yourself in the local culture with an overnight stay.
I have to admit, many of these heritage hotels, like the Cheong Fatt Tze “Blue Mansion” (featured in Crazy Rich Asians), can be a bit pricey when it comes to the room rates. But I do feel that they are worth a punt since you’ll be hard-pressed to find a similar stay in Malaysia that allows you to spend a night in centuries-old historical buildings!
6. Ambient historical locations
Apart from having unique stays in storied buildings, Penang is also known for its multitude of historical tourist locations and iconic landmarks.
For example, there’s Fort Cornwallis, a historically significant fort that was built in the 18th century that now serves as a tourist site; the beautiful Khoo Kongsi, a vibrant Chinese temple built in 1851; and Kek Lok Si, one of the most famous and beautiful Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia.
You can even take a walk on Armenian Street, where you can find plenty of traditional shop houses, just to name a few. Basically, no matter where you go in Penang, you’re surrounded at all times by links to the island’s rich history!
7. George Town
Speaking of history, the vibrant George Town is arguably the most famous historical location in Penang. After all, it is here where you will find many of the most famous buildings, eateries, and tourist attractions.
In fact, George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, specifically its historical center. Since 2008, the historical part of George Town, which covers around 259 hectares, has been recognized as a significant cultural location, thanks in no small part to its architecture, traditional shophouses, vibrant religious sites, and eateries that have been around for generations.
It is also in and around George Town where you will find another tourist attraction that Penang is famous for — its beautiful street art.
8. Traffic jams and “bad” drivers
Unfortunately, given how many people visit the city, one thing that Penang is known for is traffic jams, particularly in the George Town area. What’s more, Penangites are often stereotyped by the rest of Malaysia as bad drivers.
I’ve driven in Penang once and all I can say is, it was intense. While no one really broke any traffic laws, many of the drivers around me didn’t exactly drive safely either. But that pales in comparison to the traffic situation in George Town. There were so many cars! Parking was an absolute nightmare!
My friend tells me that the Penang government is looking at implementing a rail system to improve traffic congestion. I can only hope that the plan comes to pass!
9. Stunning street art and murals
The history of Penang’s vibrant street art can be traced back to 2012, when Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic was commissioned by the Penang Municipal Council to create several street murals around the area of George Town that highlighted the daily life of Penangites.
The murals soon went viral as locals and tourists started lining up under the hot sun just for a chance to snap a photo with them. Soon, other artists started to follow suit and Penang very quickly became an art canvas, with many popular street murals, like Little Children on a Bicycle, Brother and Sister on a Swing, The Aged Boatman, and more quickly gaining attention.
The murals have now become an intrinsic part of Penang, and are now must-see sights on the island. In fact, there are even dedicated tour routes that were specially curated to help tourists hunt down famous street art by bicycle!
10. The George Town Festival
When it comes to showing appreciation for the arts, perhaps no other city in Malaysia does it better than Penang. After all, Penang is known for its annual George Town Festival, a month-long celebration of local arts, culture, and heritage that usually takes place in August!
Taking place in George Town (duh!), the month-long festival (first launched in 2010) is one of the most highly-anticipated cultural events in the region, attracting visitors from far and wide every time the festival is in town. During the celebrations, you’ll find plenty of activities highlighting the arts scene in Penang, from open-air film screenings and street performances to concerts and even local theatre!
One of my favorite activities during this time is the George Town Literary Festival. As the name suggests, this event brings together writers from across the world for workshops, readings, and more, all while promoting Penang’s unique cultural heritage.
11. A different version of Hokkien
If you ever visit Penang, you don’t have to worry about communication problems. After all, most Penangites speak fluent English, Bahasa, and Mandarin. However, Penang is also famous for its unique Hokkien dialect.
While you can find Hokkien speakers everywhere in Malaysia, Penang Hokkien is a little bit different. Certain words and phrases are conveyed differently, which sometimes leads to funny situations when Penangites speak the dialect with Malaysians from other states.
That said, Penang Hokkien is a cultural gem in and of itself. So much so, that at one point, according to my local friend, the police force in Penang actually made their officers study the language to better communicate with locals!
12. Peranakan culture
On the topic of Penang’s cultural heritage, one particular subculture that thrives in Penang is the Peranakan (sometimes known as Baba Nyonya) culture. To put it briefly, the Peranakans are a unique cultural community that came to be as a result of interracial marriages between Chinese immigrants and local Malays between the 14th and 17th centuries.
Peranakan culture is a unique hybrid of both these cultural groups, best reflected in Peranakan cuisine, where both conventional Chinese and Malay cooking techniques are used to prepare appetizing dishes. In addition, the Peranakan community is known for their ornate and colorful clothing that’s influenced by both Chinese and Malay fashion.
The best place to find out more about this unique subcommunity is to visit the popular Pinang Peranakan Museum.
13. Interactive Museums
Apart from historical museums like the aforementioned Pinang Peranakan Museum and the Penang State Museum, the Pearl of the Orient (that’s Penang’s nickname) is also famous for housing a few unique, interactive museums.
Off the top of my head, I remember visiting the Penang Ghost Museum, which, unlike a haunted house, is more like a ghost-themed exhibition that focuses on local folklore and ghost stories, with a couple of mini jumpscares wedged in between.
Another museum I remember is the Wonderfood Museum which, as you can guess, is all about Penang and Malaysia’s food culture.
14. Penang Hill
Penang has no shortage of must-see locations and attractions, but none are as timeless as the beautiful Penang Hill. A classic attraction for decades, Penang Hill offers a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of city life as you immerse yourself in the lush natural rainforest of Penang.
The funicular ride to the top is an experience in and of itself that Penang is famous for. In fact, it’s featured on plenty of postcards in souvenir shops. But apart from the scenic ride up, Penang Hill has plenty to offer in terms of must-see locations and experiences.
My favorite is hiking even further up from where the funicular stops. That’s where you’ll find The Habitat, a pristine natural sanctuary that offers an intimate experience of Penang’s virgin rainforests. Plus, it’s where you’ll find the Curtis Crest Treetop Walk, the highest vantage point in Penang! It is truly one of the best natural gems in Malaysia.
15. ESCAPE Penang
Speaking of nature escapes that Penang is known for, another must-see attraction on the island is ESCAPE Penang, often regarded as one of the very best theme parks in the country.
Apart from the thrilling rides, obstacle courses, and water activities, ESCAPE Penang stands out from other amusement parks because of its verdant surroundings. You see, the theme park is nestled in the middle of a lush jungle, allowing visitors to have fun while soaking in the natural surroundings.
More importantly, ESCAPE Penang holds two Guinness World Record. One for being home to the longest tube water slide in the world, and another for the longest zip coaster in the world.
16. Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
Another classic attraction that Penang is famous for is the Penang Butterfly Farm. Only these days, the once humble farm is now known by a different name — Entopia.
In short, Entopia is the rebranded, refurbished, and reopened version of the old Penang Butterfly Farm. Gone are the old open fields, replaced by a futuristic glassed dome called The Natureland, a stunning living vivarium that features plenty of greenery, scenic photo spots, a giant tree, and even a man-made waterfall.
The highlight is undoubtedly the 15,000 free-flying butterflies that flutter about in the area!
17. Lovely beaches
Another thing that Penang is famous for is having stunning beaches that adorn its coastline. Most of these beaches are found in the northeastern part of the island.
Two of the most famous beach areas in the state are Batu Ferringhi, which is famous for its fine sand, family-friendly activities, and lovely sea breeze, and Tanjung Bungah, known for its relaxing suburban vibe.
To maximize your beach days in Penang, I’d recommend staying at a beachside resort, like Hard Rock Penang. Not only do these resorts provide quick and convenient access to more secluded areas on the beach, but they also allow you to wake up to the stunning sight of Penang’s coastal beauty!
18. The Snake Temple
Compared to the other attractions in Penang, the Snake Temple isn’t as modern or popular as it used to be. That said, it is still one of the quirky attractions that Penang is famous for.
As the name suggests, the Snake Temple (a.k.a the Temple of the Azure Clouds) is a Buddhist temple that houses a multitude of pit vipers. Supposedly, the snakes were originally drawn to the temple because of the smell of the incense and are docile whenever they get a whiff of it. However, to ensure the safety of visitors, the snakes have all been de-venomed as they roam around the temple freely.
You’re not allowed to pick up the vipers, but you can say a little prayer at the temple for good fortune!
19. KOMTAR
Located smack dab in the middle of the busy George Town area is Kompleks Tunku Abdul Rahman (KOMTAR for short), arguably the most iconic building in all of Penang.
KOMTAR is essentially a skyscraper that functions as both a commercial and government building (it is the headquarters of the Penang State Government). Built in the 1970s, KOMTAR has been a mainstay of the Penang skyline for ages and features an observation deck that allows you to enjoy a bird’s eye view of Penang.
In addition, the top levels of KOMTAR have also been converted into an activity space called The Top, which features a plethora of activities, such as a thrilling obstacle course that hugs the outside of the building!
20. The iconic Penang Bridge
Another one of the architectural marvels that Penang is famous for is the Penang Bridge, once known as the longest bridge in all of Southeast Asia. While the bridge itself is nothing much to look at and is merely a means to travel between Penang Island and the mainland, it is featured on many postcards in the city.
The 13.5km bridge was built in 1985 after five years of construction. Apart from serving as a vital transport link, it is also the site of the Penang Bridge International Marathon, a yearly event that attracts thousands of participants from around the world.
Fun fact: A second bridge between the island and the mainland, the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, was completed in 2014 and is the second-longest bridge in Southeast Asia. However, because it is not really widely used, the term “Penang Bridge” still refers to the original one built in 1985.
21. Lee Chong Wei and Nicol David
Beyond the good food, popular attractions, and rich cultural history, Penang is also famous for being the birthplace of not one, but two legendary Malaysian sports personalities.
The first is Lee Chong Wei, arguably one of the greatest badminton players in history. Born in the sleepy town of Berapit, Lee would go on to be Malaysia’s most decorated singles badminton player, winning countless accolades and trophies, including the All-England Championship, three Olympic silver medals, and a record 46 BWF Open titles.
The second Penangite who shares similar stature to Lee is Nicol David, the undisputed queen of squash. She has won countless championships and titles, including five back-to-back World Champion wins between 2008 and 2012!
Additionally, Penang is also the hometown of prominent Malaysians like luxury shoemaker Jimmy Choo and Malaysia’s current Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
Conclusion
And there you have it: 21 things that Penang is known and famous for. If you’ve never been to Penang, I highly recommend visiting this popular tourist destination in Malaysia. I’m sure that, from the list above alone, you’ve already figured out that the island has something to offer everyone.
But even if Penang isn’t your next destination, why not visit Kuala Lumpur instead? I guarantee you won’t regret it!
I was at the beach you described today, but what I saw were washed away beaches of course grey sand. I was unable to walk the length of the beach as it was interrupted by a stream of fowl smelling water from a black creek running from the island. There is nothing pleasant about this beach.