Discover the rich Peranakan culture and more on your visit to Penang, Malaysia through this guide – with local insights!
Penang (or Pinang) is a hotspot of Peranakan heritage – a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and European influences, with its cuisine even picking up hints of Thai sweet-and-sour flair. Visiting Penang is a cultural feast: from rituals and language to dress and food, the island showcases a rich tapestry of multi-cultural heritage.
This guide focuses mainly on Penang Island (west side), and was curated with the help of my friend Zachary Black, a Penang local, to highlight the best experiences the island has to offer.
Best Places to Visit in Penang Island
1. Pinang Peranakan Mansion
One of Penang’s most iconic heritage homes, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion showcases how wealthy Peranakans lived a century ago. Step inside to explore their opulent lifestyle, customs, and traditions. The museum houses over a thousand antiques and collectibles from the era, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Baba-Nyonya community.
Location: 29, Church St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 09:30 – 17:00
2. Blue Mansion
Photo: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion for its iconic indigo-blue façade, is one of Penang’s most famous heritage buildings. Discover its elegant architecture and rich history on a guided visit, or stay overnight in its boutique hotel. Movie fans will also recognise it from the unforgettable mahjong scene in Crazy Rich Asians — making it a perfect blend of heritage, luxury, and pop culture.
Recommended by a local
Location: 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Guide tour hours: 11:00 and 15:00
3. Penang Street Murals
Children On A Bicycle mural – one of the six across George Town. Photo: Giselle Umali
Commissioned by the George Town Festival back in 2012, Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic created a series of wall murals across George Town. These artworks, inspired by locals and everyday life, have since become some of Penang’s most photographed sights. In a full-circle moment, the children who inspired two of the murals reunited with the artist 12 years later. See how many of these playful murals you can spot around the city – and stop for a photo along the way.
Location: Across George Town
4. Chew Jetty
A visit to Chew Jetty with Team Armada.
Established by Chinese immigrants from the Chew clan, Chew Jetty is a historic waterfront settlement built on stilts over the sea. What began as a modest fishing village has evolved into a lively living community and one of George Town’s most visited attractions. Today, the wooden jetty is lined with row houses selling souvenirs, handcrafted items, and local snacks.
Recommended by a local
Visiting hours: 09:00 – 21:00
Penang is a charming island — diverse, delicious, and full of character. It’s a beautiful mix of rich heritage and a modern city that will definitely leave you wanting more.
5. Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay
Classic delicacies at Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay. Photo: Zachary Black
Specialising in traditional Nyonya kueh, Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay serves sweet and savoury treats just as they did in 1933, when the founder’s father opened the original kueh factory. Expect classic Nyonya favourites such as kueh lapis, kueh talam, ang koo, Nyonya chang, and other authentic Nyonya dishes.
Recommended by a local
Location: Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Masjid, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:30 – 17:00
6. Upside Down Museum
My friend Giselle and I enjoyed posing for these photo illusions!
Turn your world upside down (literally!) at Upside Down Museum. Pose in gravity-defying rooms and let the staff help you capture hilarious photos and videos that are totally Instagram-worthy. Perfect for friends, family, or anyone who loves a laugh.
Location: 45, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 09:30 – 18:30
7. Hin Bus Depot
Discover Penang’s artsy side. Photo: Hin Bus Depot
Once an abandoned space, Hin Bus Depot is now George Town’s creative playground. Ernest Zacharevic, the same Lithuanian artist behind the murals across the city, discovered it while scouting for a location for his exhibition. Today, a local collective runs the space, showcasing emerging artists, galleries, events, and creative shops. Tip: Visit during the weekend market, when the whole place is much more buzzing!
Recommended by a local
Location: 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
8. Penang Hill
Zach with his mom and our friends at Penang Hill. Photo: Zachary Black
Penang Hill, or Bukit Bendera in Malay, is a hill resort made up of several peaks on Penang Island. Its highest point, Western Hill, rises 833 metres (2,733 ft) above sea level. Located about 6 km west of George Town’s city centre, the summit is easily reached via the funicular Penang Hill Railway from the base station at Jalan Bukit Bendera. From the top, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the island and surrounding coastline.
Recommended by a local
Location: Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera, 11500 Air Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 06:30 – 23:00
9. ChinaHouse
With Zach at ChinaHouse, checking out some art after devouring our cakes. Photo: Lord Acuña
ChinaHouse is Penang’s go-to spot for cake, coffee, art, and live music – all under one roof. Spanning three heritage buildings and divided into 14 spaces, it features cafes, shops, a performance area, and a courtyard with a pool, offering plenty to eat, drink, and explore throughout the space.
Recommended by a local
Location: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10:00 – 00:30
10. Kimberley Street Food Night Market
Can’t miss the char kway teow in Penang. Photo: Zachary Black
At night, Kimberley Street in George Town comes alive as a bustling food haven. Locals and travellers come here to sample Penang’s best street eats, from sizzling woks to fragrant spices and endless local delicacies. With its lively atmosphere and mouthwatering aromas, it’s worth checking out if you’re keen to experience Penang’s food scene.
Recommended by a local
Location: 1, Jalan Sungai Ujong, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Opening hours: 17:00 – 23:00
So now you are ready to explore and have the best time on Penang Island. Big thanks Zachary for sharing your local perspective on the best things to do in your hometown!
About this collaboration
This Penang Island travel guide is a collaboration with my friend Zachary Black, who's a Penang local but has called Singapore home for over a decade now.
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