Known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang Malaysia is a world-class fascinating holiday spot popular for its sandy coasts and its plethora of exotic food which is why locals call it the food capital of Malaysia. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site during 201, as this beautiful paradise has a rich culture and natural scenery that attracts people. There are a lot of things you can do while visiting the place like exploring the beautiful streets of Penang where most art murals are, or strolling around the famous beach of Penang which is Tanjung Bungah. You can even visit the nooks and crannies of Georgetown and the Tropical Spice Garden where you’ll get to experience the best of Malaysian culture. In case you’re going to visit Malaysia, listed below are the best things to do alone in Penang.
1. Wander around the famous Street of Harmony (from USD 128.0)
One of the best things that you’ll find during your visit to Penang is the diversity of its culture. You’ll see it when taking a stroll around the famous Street of Harmony in Georgetown, where some of the beautiful attractions are, like the Hindi and Taoist Temple, an old church retaining its beauty, and colorful houses lining the street. If you’re a wanderer, this beautiful place is something you won’t mind getting lost in; it’s a place where you’ll find home.
Private Tour: Full Day Penang Heritage Tour
Duration 8 hours
2. Admire the street murals of Penang
If you’re an artist or just a plain art enthusiast, you’ll surely love strolling around the beautiful streets of Penang where you’ll see a lot of art murals in every nook and crannies of the streets. Every corner of the street is an Instagram-worthy spot perfect for travelers who love posting aesthetic pictures. You can see the playfulness and creativity of the artists who made the murals with just one peek. Strolling just becomes more exciting.
Street murals of Penang
Address:316, Beach Street Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Street murals of Penang
Opening hours: 24/7
3. Indulge in Malaysian street food
Little Penang Street Market is one of the many places you shouldn’t miss when visiting Malaysia. It houses the best of local products, souvenirs, and of course food. Enjoy indulging some of Malaysian’s street food on the lined stalls of food here at Penang Market for an affordable price. Your vacation in Malaysia won’t be complete without visiting this place and experiencing the Malaysian culture like a true local.
Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls
Address: Chulia St, Georgetown, 10450 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 6pm - 12am (daily)
Penang Street Food Tour, Malaysia - Klook
Duration 3hrs30 Min Duration
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4. Explore Georgetown on a trishaw (from USD 21.05)
If you’re someone who’s not fond of traveling by foot, you can always choose to ride on a trishaw to see all the pleasant views of Georgetown. Riding a trishaw will make you feel like you’re a local and a true townie. It is ideal to see Georgetown during the day where you’ll still be able to witness the grandeur of the whole place, but you can also choose to see them at night where there is music, and dance.
Heritage Trishaw Ride in Penang Philippines
Duration 3hrsDuration
5. Spend a night filled with lights at Kek Lok Si Temple (from USD 48.85)
Standing tall on the Air Itam hilltop near Penang Hill is the famous Kek Lok Si known as the largest Buddhist Temple in Malaysia. It has three zones wherein the temple grounds cover the hill entrance, food stalls, and the beautiful turtle liberation pond wherein you’ll experience the best of Malaysian culture. It’s a good idea to visit this place during the night when the streets are livelier, and the whole place shines because of the lights surrounding the temple.
Penang Hill and Temple Sightseeing Philippines
Duration 4hrsDuration
6. Tour the Wat Chayamangkalaram temple
The Reclining Buddha Temple or the Sleeping Buddha is a Thai Temple famous for its gold-plated Buddha which is known as the largest Buddha in history. It’s an old temple whose land is given by Queen Victoria which enables locals and tourists alike to see the beauty of this. The place is fascinating and beautiful especially to visitors who will be seeing this for the first time. if you’re ever around the area, the Reclining Buddha Temple is something you must see.
Wat Chaiyamangalaram
Address: 17, Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
7. For thrill-seekers who seek adventure
If you’re a thrill-seeker and one who lives for adventure, the Penang Snake Temple is something that will surely get your blood pumping. It’s a Chinese Temple in Malaysia where locals pray for enlightenment and guidance. It is said that the place brings peace and calmness to people who are undergoing a lot of stress. On top of that, it’s one of the places wherein you can be eye to eye with venomous snakes and still come out alive to tell the dangerous tale.
Penang Snake Temple
Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Penang Snake Temple
Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 5 RMB (0.74 USD)
8. Pump up your adrenaline at Penang Ghost Museum
A must-experience destination in Georgetown Penang, this Ghost Museum is something you shouldn’t miss when in Malaysia. It’s like a horror house ideal for visitors who love scary things. A lot of tourists who visited the place compliments the way the whole place is being set up and how it’s a truly terrifying experience. If you’re after a little adventure, then don’t forget to check this one out.
Ghost Museum
Address: 57, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Ghost Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
9. Be an artist and experience the Malaysian culture (from USD 30.79)
One of the loveliest things to do when visiting Penang is to learn how to make Malaysian traditional handicrafts including antique repairing, bamboo weaving, leaf origami, mask carving and more. Malaysia is known for its rich culture that’s being showcased through its arts and handicrafts. It is something you’ll witness in Penang. Learning a craft or taking away from the place is the most fulfilling thing especially if you’re someone who’s traveling solo and is looking for something productive to do while in the place.
Penang Art & Culture Half Day Tour - Klook
Duration 6hrsDuration
10. Experience a story you won't forget (from USD 61.0)
Known as Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil, Penang Hilltop Waterfall Temple is one of the oldest temples here in Penang. It’s one of the attractions tourists love visiting as it tells a lot about the myths and legends of Malaysia. It’s also known that the place is as old as the founding of Georgetown, but still, the place is able to retain its beauty and glory. In case you’re going to visit Penang, don’t forget to check this one out.
Penang Spiritual Experience - Private Tour
Duration 4 hours
Soul searching and a leap of faith
Penang, Malaysia, is one of the best places you can go to whether you’re after a good adventure or soul search, it’s something you should see. If ever you decide to take a leap of faith and jump on the next plane towards Malaysia, listed above are the best things to do for lone travelers like you.