What to Do in Penang | Tour George Town UNESCO Sites & Top Museums

Penang is an island state on the northwest coast of Malaysia loved for its multicultural history (… and food, but that’s another article). Penang also has its fair share of beaches, but travelers looking for what to do in Penang will find loads of activities in the capital city of George Town. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with historic landmarks, museums and a colorful mix of colonial, Malay and Chinese culture. The best part about exploring downtown George Town is that many of the most popular things to do are within walking distance of each other.

Fort Cornwallis

Built in the late 18th century to protect the island, Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia and still maintains many of its original charms, such as Fort Cornwallis Lighthouse. Fort Cornwallis was named after the lieutenant general who commissioned its construction, and guests can tour the fort’s preserved prison cells, barracks, storage units and chapel.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Entry fee: 20 MYR (4.75 USD) for adults (foreigners); 10 MYR (2.40 USD) for children (foreigners); Malaysian citizens pay 10 MYR and 5 MYR for adults and children, respectively.

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Museums in Penang

Penang is known throughout Malaysia for its many museums and historic landmarks, many of which are within walking distance from each other in the heart of George Town. Sightseers can plan a DIY walking tour with these five popular museums in Penang. Tourists should be flexible, however, as George Town contains many more can’t-miss attractions that shouldn’t be passed up while strolling around.

• Penang 3D Trick Art Museum, 10, Lebuh Penang – open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Entry fee for foreign tourists is 25 MYR (6 USD) for adults and 15 MYR (4 USD) for children. Malaysian residents (with MyKad ID) pay 15 MYR (4 USD) for adults and 10 MYR (2.40 USD) for children.
• Pinang Peranakan Mansion, 29, Church Street (3-minute walk from Penang 3D Trick Art Museum) – open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tickets are 20 MYR for adults. Children under the age of 6 get in for free.
• Wonder Food Museum, 49, Lebuh Pantai (4-minute walk from Pinang Peranakan Mansion) – open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Entry fee for foreign tourists is 25 MYR (6 USD) for adults and 15 MYR (4 USD) for children. Malaysian residents (with MyKad ID) pay 15 MYR (4 USD) for adults and 10 MYR (2.40 USD) for children.
• Ghost Museum, 57, Lebuh Melayu (15-minute walk from Wonder Food Museum) – open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Online tickets prices for foreign tourists are 25 MYR (6 USD) for adults and 9 MYR (2.15 USD) for children. Malaysian residents (with MyKad ID) pay 14 MYR (3.35 USD) for adults and 9 MYR (2.15 USD) for children.
• Upside Down Museum, 45, Lebuh Kimberley (5-minute walk from Ghost Museum) – open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are 29 MYR (7 USD) for adults and 21 MYR (5 USD) for children (foreigners); Malaysian nationals for MyKad ID pay 21 MYR (5 USD) for adults and 12 MYR (3 USD) for children.

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Penang Hill

Penang Hill is one of the few top attractions located outside George Town. The scenic spot does offer outstanding views of the capital city, though. Penang Hill stands about three miles west of George Town and is considered the island’s grandest resort area. Visitors who don’t want to stay in Penang Hill, though, shouldn’t miss a day of hiking and sightseeing in the region. Guests can ride the Penang Hill train to the top of the hill where they’ll find incredible views, walking trails, wildlife and even cooler temperatures.

Hours of operation for Penang Hill railway: 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Ticket counter operates from 6:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.)

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Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion

Guests can book a tour or even book a stay at this prominent Penang landmark. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, a.k.a. The Blue Mansion, was built in the late 1800s by Cheong Fatt Tze, a local merchant who incorporated aspects of Chinese, Malay and British architecture into the mansion’s décor, which is dominated by shades of blue. Tours offer peeks into boutique bedrooms, courtyards and other sections of the quirky, yet luxurious, home. Guests also can dine at Indigo, the onsite restaurant located on the first floor.

Hours: tours take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily
Entry fee: 25 MYR (6 USD) for adults and 12.5 MYR (3 USD) for children younger than 12

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Kapitan Keling Mosque

Tourists are invited to step inside one of Penang’s most beloved landmark, Kapitan Keling Mosque. The best time to see George Town’s largest mosque is at night, when its lighted façade glows against the night sky, but daytime views are just as impressive. Visitors are welcome to admire the scores of calligraphy panels displayed on white-washed walls as well as gorgeous stained-glass windows, sparkling marble floors and colorful floral motifs. Kapitan Keling Mosque was built in 1801.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Visitors should note that Kapitan Keling Mosque is a working place of worship and local traditions and customs should be respected.)
Entry fee: free

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Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Peace Hostel

Sunway Hotel Georgetown