Wat Chayamangkalaram is a Siamese temple which was officially given its site by Queen Victoria in 1845. In this iconic Buddhist temple is a 180-foot beautifully gold-plated reclining Buddha statue that remains the largest reclining Buddha statue in the world. As featured in Time Out Penang's 50 things to do in Penang.
Indisputably one of our favourite bars in Penang, The Canteen At ChinaHouse presents nightly live acts playing a diverse selection of music from jazz and soul to R&B and indie, even popular show tunes. Dress down, get hyped up, and be ready to have a fantastic night out. We love the casual vibe and the fact that the bartenders are on a first-name basis with the regulars. Insider tip: The Canteen runs a little social media stint that enables customers to win complimentary drinks – snap a picture at the bar, upload it to your Facebook or Instagram account, show a staff member proof of your post and enjoy a free beverage (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). As featured in Time Out Penang's 50 things to do in Penang.
Avoid the crowds visiting Kek Lok Si and Khoo Kongsi and visit the lesser known Hean Boo Thean Temple, which is dedicated to Kuan Yin – the Goddess of Mercy. This ‘floating temple’ located near the famous clan jetties of Weld Quay hovers above water. Erected in 1972, the temple was initially a simple shrine on stilts, but was fortified in 2012 to last against daily high tides. Visit at dusk when the temple’s twinkling lights are reflected in the North Channel.
The Clan Jetties are unique Chinese settlements that have been around since the 19th century. Along the wooden pier are villages on stilts that house the descendants of Chinese immigrants. There are eight different clans that still reside here, with each individual jetty named after their surname. Likely the most tourist-friendly would be the Chew Jetty whose residents occupy the entire stretch of jetty. Today, these houses remain homes to a number of families , so request for permission from them before snapping photos there.
Penang is a must-visit destination, with scenic views, coastal charm, and a lively street food scene. Its rich culture is evident in stunning cosmopolitan architecture and artefacts, especially in the vibrant George Town – home to UNESCO sites like the 'blue' Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and landmarks such as Kapitan Keling Mosque and Buddhist temples. Beyond its picturesque appeal, Penang has many contemporary delights on offer. So whether you're into street art, galleries, or retail therapy, the options are vast. Nature enthusiasts, meanwhile, can explore Penang Hill for a memorable rainforest experience, visit a turtle conservation centre, or discover native avian species at Penang Bird Park. With something for every traveller, the only decision left is where to stay. Luckily, we've got you covered with this curated list of the best hotels in Penang – No need to thank us just bring us back something nice. RECOMMENDED:🇲🇾 Here's where to find the best things to do in Penang Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every hotel featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.
Historically and geographically, Penang is perfectly positioned to be one of the top places for street food in Asia. As one of the great entrepots of the region, the combination of the spice trade, colonialism and the myriad of cultures which settled here through the ages has given rise to a unique cuisine which is becoming renowned the world over. The number one priority for many visitors is to eat their way through the island and this list will give you a head start. Here are 20 classic hawker dishes in Penang – what they are and where you can get them.
Also known as the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, The Blue Mansion was once was used as a squat until a team of local conservationists restored the 19th century mansion to its former glory. To do this, careful planning and renovation was carried out utilising local specialist artisans. With their philosophy of 'treading lightly and touching softly', The Blue Mansion was brought back to life and has become one of Penang's most famous boutique hotels, recognisable by its iconic indigo walls. There are 18 rooms in three categories – Tang Suites, Han Suites and Liang Collection – all decorated beautifully in keeping with the Chinese heritage aesthetic. If there was such a thing as discreet opulence, the décor here would be just that, and original artefacts from bygone eras only serve to enhance this. Most importantly, the beds are ultra comfortable and the complimentary jar of cookies was very welcome. An ideal retreat for culture buffs, as you’ll be able to boast of staying in a building that’s won a UNESCO award for heritage conservation. Another way to explore this historical building is to join one of three daily guided tours departing at 11am, 2pm and 3.30pm. As featured in Time Out Penang's 50 things to do in Penang.
