Once the sun sets, the historical gems and tropical beaches of Penang remain as stunning as ever. Adding to its charm is the unique mixture of cultures, namely Asian and European. These night activities in Penang will make you want to stay longer. Book the best homestays and hotels with sea view, and give your trip the green light! Unleash the nocturnal adventurer in you and explore these things to do at night in Penang!
1. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the city (from USD 16.43)
Uncover Penang’s night view from its most elevated vantage point. Climb atop the city’s iconic tower and be fascinated by uninterrupted nighttime landscapes. Partake an exciting walk on the Rainbow Skywalk, with George Town and its lights underneath your feet. If you prefer a peaceful ambiance, level 65’s Observatory Deck presents panoramic vistas in a cozy backdrop. From seasoned thrill-seekers to those simply looking to seize a memorable evening, Penang’s elevated views are a nighttime wonder not to be missed.
Penang: The Top Komtar Observatory Admission Ticket
2. Explore George Town's street art
Embark into George Town’s nighttime streets, and discover yourself amidst a canvas of metropolitan artistry. Flared in 2012 by Ernest Zacharevic’s impressive murals, Penang’s capital now brims with wall tales showcasing its roots and daily life. From energetic depictions of children gleefully cycling to vivid scenes of local street vendors, each piece tells a unique story. As you walk, find a pleasant blend of ancient culture and contemporary creativity. Nightfall in George Town isn’t just about the bright landmarks; it’s an invitation to a beautiful street art exploration.
Penang Street Art
Address: 316, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
3. Take a tour of Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si Temple is beautifully-lit at night, and is one of the prime places to visit at night in Penang. Local devotees drop by to say their prayers. Also known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss, the ten-acre establishment’s most popular attraction is the Pagoda of Rama VI. It’s where you will see over 10,000 Buddha statues made from alabaster and bronze. The sculptures serve as a symbol of harmony between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism. There’s also the 99-foot-tall bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Other highlights include the gardens, turtle and fish ponds, and the sky lift, which will take you to the highest part of Kek Lok Si. Admission to the temple is free, but you need to pay 0.45 USD to enter the pagoda and the sky lift.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Address: 1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Price: Free, but 0.45 USD for the sky lift and pagoda
Opening Hours: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Contact: +60 19-750 2139
Website: Kek Lok Si Temple
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4. Try the finest street food dishes at Gurney Drive (from USD 74.0)
A Penang nightlife experience won’t be complete without a food trip. After all, the island state is also dubbed as Malaysia’s food paradise. Gurney Drive, which is located in the historical George Town, is filled up with hawker stalls at night. These stalls sell the finest street foods in town, all of which are served under the colorful tents. The presentation of the delicacies may not be a priority, but the taste and freshness will surely make up for it. Have a taste of flat rice noodles, pork and ginger chicken, Penang curry mee, Malay fried rice, and many more.
Gurney Drive Hawker Center
Address: 172, Solok Gurney 1, Pulau Tikus, 10250 Jelutong, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6:00pm to 12:00am
Contact: +60 16-497 3907
Private George Town by Night with Food Tasting and Trishaw Ride
Duration: 3 hours
Penang Tour Guide
Ang Chin Boon
Hello...I am ANG. Licenced Tourist Guide by Ministry of Tourism Malaysia. I was born and raised in George Town, Penang. I just love Guiding! I have been actively doing guiding all these years. Drive my guests to interesting places in Penang Island, Sharing my knowledges & experiences of George Town. I wish their trip becomes story worth sharing. Will you be one of my esteemed guests ?
Tours by Ang
Penang Tour Guide
Vincent Fong
I am a licensed tourist guide of Malaysia specialising in the English language, though I am also able to communicate in the Chinese dialects of Mandarin, Cantonese, Taishanese, Hokkien and my country's national language of Malay. I do all tours inbound of Penang island such as walking tours, food tours, drive tours, historical tours, hill & temples, etc. I am a tourist guide with passion an... Read more
Tours by Vincent
Penang Tour Guide
Beth Chong
My interest in travel started from childhood and when I was a teenager, I went for my first solo backpacking trip to Paris and London. It resulted in my working in the Tourism Industry and eventually becoming a nationally licensed Tourist Guide of Malaysia. I managed to go to almost to every corner of my country and now, have become a trainer of Tourist Guides imparting knowledge and experience... Read more
Penang Tour Guide
Hon Seng Phuah
Hello. I am Hon Seng Phuah from Penang. I am a freelance tourist guide since 2013. My tour service includes Penang around island and George Town heritage walking tours. You may experience the Penang multi-culture and best foods like Penang assam laksa, nyonya cuisine, nasi kandar and to name a few, traditional business activities, colonial buildings, modern living city and last least the greene... Read more
Tours by Hon seng
Penang Tour Guide
Jenny Wan Kim Lim
Hi, I'm Jenny! I love showing people around Taiwan and Malaysia. I grew up in Penang and spend a lot of time in Tainan too. For the past few years, I've been a licensed tour guide for these 2 countries , sharing my passion for exploring. Being a guide isn't just a job to me, it's what I love doing. I enjoy finding hidden spots, introducing you to tasty local food, and making sure you have amazi... Read more
Tours by Jenny wan kim
5. Dine at Ferringhi Garden
Penang offers plenty of great places to eat. If you prefer a calmer vibe while dining, however, then Ferrignhi Garden is for you. The restaurant is renowned for its garden setting and its wide selection of barbeque, steak, and seafood dishes. Inside, you will surely enjoy not only your meal, but the Mediterranean features of the area as well. Outside, oil lamps and lush scenery provide a romantic feel, which makes it a perfect spot for dates. Both areas are filled with blooming flowers, giving visitors a feeling of bliss. It’s open from 5:00pm to 12:00am.
Ferringhi Garden
Address: 34-A/B/C, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: 5:00pm to 12:00am
Contact: +60 4-881 1193
Website: Ferringhi Garden
6. Chill out at Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant and Rooftop Bar (from USD 92.0)
The 17th-floor of Bayview Hotel Georgetown is home to one of Penang’s most premiere nightlife spots. Three Sixty is divided into two levels; the first one is the restaurant, while the second one is the rooftop bar. The restaurant slowly moves 360 degrees every hour, giving you a view of the beaches and colonial buildings. When you head to the second level, you can get a table or sit at the bar and have a glass of beer, whiskey, or a cocktail. Let the bright night lights of Penang astound you while you enjoy your beverage.
Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant and Rooftop Bar
Address: Bayview Hotel Georgetown, 25A Farquhar Street, George Town, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 4:00pm to 2:00am
Contact: 604-2613540 (call after 3:00pm)
Kuala Lumpur: Revolving Restaurant Buffet Dinner at KL Tower
Duration: 2 hours
7. Have drinks at The Soho Free House
If you’re looking for some fun things to do in George Town, then drinking beers and reliving the British period at Soho Free House would be a great choice. The colonial-style pub serves the best Belgian, German, and French beers and is often visited by friendly expats. If you’re not much of a drinker, the food selection is worth trying out here. Some of the most popular dishes include pastas, seafood, and burgers, particularly the chicken burger. On the second floor, you can challenge your friends on one of the pool tables. To keep up with its nostalgic theme, the music consists mostly of hits from the 80’s. It’s the best spot not just for drinking and eating, but also for socializing and reminiscing.
Soho Free House
Address: 50, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 12:00pm to 3:00am
Contact: +60 4-263 3331
Website: Soho Free House
8. Watch bands play good music at China House
The Canteen at Chinahouse hosts events featuring the most talented local musicians. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night, the band lineups consist solely of upcoming independent artists. Watching these shows is your opportunity to fully support the impressive music scene. Treat yourself to a cocktail, glass of wine, or fruit juice while the performers serenade you with their originals and covers. Fans of the 70’s will also appreciate the venue’s retro design.
The Canteen at Chinahouse
Address: 183b Lebuh Victoria, George Town, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6:00pm to 12:00am
Contact: +60 4-263 7299
Website: The Canteen at Chinahouse
9. Dance the night away at Soju Room
A night of absolute partying is what Soju Room offers. Located in Penang Time Square’s basement, this club has neon lights, comfy sofas, a wide dance floor, and a futuristic-looking circular stage. The DJs will make you dance with their mix of electro, house, and hip-hop songs. You might even catch a few bands playing classic rock, alternative, and heavy metal. For the drinks, imported beers and alcoholic beverages are available at the huge bar.
Soju Room
Address: B2, Entertainment City, Penang Times Square, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9:00pm to 3:00am
Contact: +60 12-556 5876
Website: Soju Room
10. Unwind at Javana Lounge
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The lounge is already open at 11:00am, but it gets more exciting at sunset. Javana Lounge is on the ground floor of Parkroyal Penang Resort, and its furniture and decorations have a Balinese touch. Their famous drinks include Mojito, Long Island Iced Tea, and Wild Orchid. Light snacks are also available to accompany your tasty beverage. If you love music, the live band will make your evening complete. It’s the ideal after-dinner place.
Javana Lounge
Address: Batu Ferringhi Park Royal Penang Resort, Jalan Bayu Senja, Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 11:00am to 11:00pm (Sunday to Thursday); 11:00am to 1:00am (Friday, Saturday and Eve of Public Holidays)
Contact: +604 881 1133 (Ext: 8213)
Website: Javana Lounge
11. Live music and dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Penang
At night, this mellow restaurant and bar turns into a hive of activity. The main attraction is the live music, and the cover bands are excellent. Often, you will even find international stars belting out their numbers in the venue. It’s right next door to the Hard Rock Hotel and the decor, like the hotel, hosts many music collectibles.
Your menu is full to the brim with American-style food like onion rings and burgers that are served in generous portions. The apple cobbler is recommended for dessert and it’s a magical combination of pie crust, walnuts, and caramel sauce.
Hard Rock Cafe Penang
Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach Penang, Malaysia
Website: Hard Rock Cafe Penang
12. Experience fine dining at the Indigo Restaurant in The Blue Mansion (from USD 6.0)
The Blue Mansion in Georgetown is an example of beautiful architecture and it’s worth exploring a bit. Inside, you will find the Indigo Restaurant, known for fine dining. It stays open until 10:00 pm, so it’s a great place to dine while exploring the nightlife in Penang. Downstairs, there’s a cocktail bar where you can relax.
The menu is mainly French and European. The food is well presented and delicious. A favorite is a lamb rack served with crispy veg and scalloped potatoes. The asparagus soup is highly recommended. The high-class restaurant in Penang comes with impeccable waiter service.
Indigo Restaurant in The Blue Mansion
Address: 14 Lebuh Leith | 14 Leith Street, George Town, Penang Island 10200, Malaysia
Penang Cheong Fatt Tze The Blue Mansion Admission Ticket, Tour
Duration: 45 minutes
13. Dinner at Penang Hill (from USD 102.0)
In this Penang night tour, you’ll be taken up Penang Hill by a funicular train. You will board at Penang Hill Railway in George Town and be greeted with spectacular views of the city as you travel up. The tour takes about three hours and will stop at David Brown’s Restaurant & Tea Terrace for a nice dinner. Apart from the train ride and dinner, hotel pickup and drop-off and an expert guide are included in the tour. It’s a unique date night activity in Penang if you are in the state with your special someone. Book the tour now!
Dinner at Penang Hill
Duration: 3 hours
14. Join the Sunset Cruise (from USD 72.0)
Penang National Park is home to over a thousand hectares of forests and wetlands, and you can explore these natural treasures on a boat. Starting at 5:00am, the cruise will give you an up-close look at the diverse greenery and wildlife of the park. There is still enough natural light, thus making way for many photo opportunities. On the way back, get ready to be enthralled by the sunset view. The cruise requires a minimum of two people and a maximum of ten.
Sunset Cruise at Penang National Park
Address: Pejabat Taman Negara P. Pinang, Jalan Hassan Abbas, Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang, 11050 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Price: from 11 USD (Monkey Island); 22 USD (around the peninsular and turtle sanctuary)
Opening Hours: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Contact: +604 8813500
Website: Penang National Park
You can also get on a 4-hour Monkey Beach trip that lets you spot the native wildlife in Penang National Park.
Monkey Beach and Penang National Park Tour from Penang
Duration: 4 hours
15. Ferringhi shopping spree (from USD 78.0)
First on the list of what to do in Penang at night is shopping! Batu Ferringhi is popular not only for its beachfront location, but also for its vibrant night market. At 7:00pm, numerous stalls take over the street and locals and tourists start flocking in to do some shopping. Prices range from 1 to 5 USD, and you can use your skills in bargaining to get cheaper rates. The stores offer different kinds of items such as CDs, DVDs, artworks, clothes, bags, shoes, and souvenirs. Shop till you drop or just walk around and enjoy the night market’s lively surroundings up to 12:00am.
Batu Ferringhi Night Market
Address: Jalan Pantai Batu, Taman Pantai Batu, 11200 Tanjong Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 7:00pm to 12:00am
Contact: +60 18-283 4117
Private Half-Day Discovery Tour of Penang Island
Duration: 5 hours
16. Marvel at the view from The Top (from USD 7.0)
The Top at Komtar is arguably one of the most frequented attractions in the state of Penang, and for good reason! Climbing up the view deck of The Top provides the most heavenly view of Penang. It’s a great avenue for conquering your fear of heights, too! You do not want to forget how paradise looks from above, so make sure to pack your cameras. Besides the view, Top houses Rainbow Skywalk, 7D Discovery Motion Theater, Penang State Gallery, and an indoor theme park!
The Top Penang Malaysia
Duration: 1 day
The night is young
With an atmosphere as energetic as Kuala Lumpur, Penang promises no dull moments. So step out of your heritage hotel or vacation rental and feel the good vibes rise as you wander the Penang night street. Along the way, get a deeper understanding of the rich culture and make new friends. See you there!
Firefly-watching experience in Nibong Tebal
Contributed by Tour Guide, Ken
Looking for an enchanting evening activity in Penang? Head to the southern part of Penang for a mesmerizing firefly-watching experience in Amazing Nibong Tebal. Just a 45-minute drive from George Town, reservations are required by phone or WhatsApp at +60 12-555 4873. Upon arrival at your designated time, you’ll receive a briefing on firefly facts and etiquette before boarding the boat. As you journey along Sungai Kerian, you’ll witness the breathtaking sight of hundreds of fireflies twinkling in sync along the mangrove forest. These fireflies favor Sonneratia Casseolaris, or Berembang Trees, congregating in large numbers during the night. The males emit synchronized neon twinkles to attract females for mating, adding to the enchantment of the experience. As the boat approaches areas teeming with fireflies, it slows down, allowing you to marvel at nature’s spectacle. The fireflies’ faint glow against the dark backdrop creates a mesmerizing scene, enhanced by the starry sky above. The whole trip would take about 40 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about things to do at night in Penang
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