Penang is trending as a top tourist destination, not just because of the favourable ringgit, but also because visitors are discovering there’s so much more to this island than just George Town.
While George Town’s attractions are a hit, tourists are now venturing further afield to uncover the hidden gems of Malaysia’s stunning Penang Island. Staying at popular spots like St Giles Wembley Penang on Magazine Road, visitors can kick off a day-long island adventure right after breakfast.
Footprints and war stories
The Lim Chong Eu Expressway, heading towards Batu Maung, offers breathtaking views of the southeastern coastline, including both bridges connecting the island to the mainland. Batu Maung itself is home to charming fishing villages, the intriguing Sam Poh Footprint Temple, and the fascinating Penang War Museum.
The Sam Poh Footprint Temple, built to honour a giant rock-embedded footprint, attracts devotees from various backgrounds. The Chinese believe the imprint was made by Sam Poh, the local name for the 15th-century Chinese envoy Admiral Zhenghe. Meanwhile, Malays and Indians attribute it to the giant Gedembai and the monkey god Hanuman, respectively.
/penang-1-2412/The-Penang-War-Museum-is-a-former-British-fort-tha.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto "The Penang War Museum is a former British fort that showcases WWII history with tunnels, bunkers, and artifacts.")
The Penang War Museum is a former British fort that showcases WWII history with tunnels, bunkers, and artifacts.
Nearby, the Penang War Museum and Teluk Tempoyak offer rich historical and cultural experiences. The museum highlights battles between the Allies and the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II, while Teluk Tempoyak features scenic Malay seaside villages and the Cheng Chooi Keong Temple, which shares its principal deity with the renowned Penang Snake Temple in Bayan Lepas.
Seafood and see eagles
Seafood restaurants at the island’s southwestern tip are popular lunch spots. Enjoy freshly caught crabs, prawns, and fish while watching white-bellied sea eagles soar in search of their own meals.
Durian delights and heritage sights
Heading north, the road traces Penang’s western coastline to Balik Pulau, a bustling township known for its seasonal durian varieties and surrounding fruit, nutmeg, and clove orchards.
/penang-2-2412/Balik-Pulau-boasts-seasonal-durians-heritage-shops.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto "Balik Pulau boasts seasonal durians, heritage shops, scenic orchards, historical landmarks, and delicious local snacks, offering a charming blend of nature and culture.")
Balik Pulau boasts seasonal durians, heritage shops, scenic orchards, historical landmarks, and delicious local snacks, offering a charming blend of nature and culture.
Established three centuries ago, Balik Pulau’s streets are lined with heritage shops offering afternoon snacks like laksa, passembur, and hokkien noodles. Must-visit landmarks include the 170-year-old Church of the Holy Name of Jesus and the recently refurbished roundabout monument built by local Hakka tycoon Koh Seang Tatt in 1882.
Nature calls and night markets
Teluk Bahang, at the island’s northeastern tip, becomes a hive of activity by late afternoon as visitors explore the Penang National Park, home to a variety of interesting flora and fauna.
The drive back to George Town along the island’s northern coastline offers stunning sunset views and a chance to visit the Batu Ferringhi night market.
/penang-3-2412/Masimagam-Theppa-Thiruvizha-is-an-annual-Hindu-fes.jpg?tr=w-600%2Ch-340%2Cfo-auto "Masimagam Theppa Thiruvizha is an annual Hindu festival in Penang, featuring a floating chariot procession honoring the goddess Singamuga Kaliamman.")
Masimagam Theppa Thiruvizha is an annual Hindu festival in Penang, featuring a floating chariot procession honoring the goddess Singamuga Kaliamman. Photo Credit: Facebook/Masimagam Theppa Thiruvizha - Penang
Notable stops include the century-old Sri Singamuga Kaliamman Temple, where pilgrims from Malaysia and Singapore celebrate the annual Hindu Masimagam Theppa Thiruvizha festival by setting brightly lit pavilions out to sea, and the Tanjung Tokong Tua Pek Kong Temple, known for its annual Chinese New Year flame-watching ritual.
Sky-high sips and stunning views
The day-long excursion concludes back in George Town with premium after-dinner beverages and snacks at DSRT Sky Bar on Level 31 of St Giles Wembley Penang. This highest hotel bar in town offers a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscape, perfect for reflecting on a truly memorable day.