Penang — the Pearl of the Orient, is a vibrant island where rich history meets modernity, and every corner tells a story. Whether you’re an adventurer, a culture enthusiast, or a foodie on a quest, this enchanting destination recommendations promises unforgettable experiences. Here’s a handpicked selection of must-visit spots that will make your Penang trip truly special.
1. Seven Terraces
Tucked in the heart of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seven Terraces is a masterful restoration of 19th-century Straits Chinese terrace houses, reimagined into an intimate luxury heritage hotel.
Seamlessly blending the grandeur of Penang’s Chinese Peranakan past with contemporary comforts, the property offers a rare glimpse into the opulence of Straits Chinese living. Intricately carved teakwood furniture, antique porcelain, and gilded details create an atmosphere of understated elegance, while its spacious suites, open-air corridors, and tranquil courtyard transport guests to a bygone era.
More than just an accommodation, Seven Terraces embodies the spirit of heritage conservation, preserving the architectural charm of George Town while offering a refined boutique hospitality experience. Guests can even experience sleeping on heritage furnitures such as the Wedding Beds of the Chinese Peranakans, while being surrounded by intricate antiques scattered around the hotel compound and rooms.
ABOVE Interior design of Seven Terraces’ courtyard & traditional Wedding Bed for guests to rest.
Beyond its aesthetic and historical allure, Seven Terraces also serves as a gateway to Penang’s rich cultural tapestry. Guests can indulge in an exquisite dining experience at Kebaya Dining Room, the hotel’s in-house restaurant, renowned for its refined take on Straits Chinese cuisine, or explore the surrounding streets brimming with colonial-era shop houses, hidden artisan cafés, and vibrant cultural landmarks. Whether it’s a retreat for history enthusiasts or a luxurious escape for discerning travelers, Seven Terraces captures the essence of Penang’s timeless charm—where heritage meets contemporary sophistication.
ABOVE Kebaya Dining Room’s interior design.
2. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion)
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the grandeur of the yesteryears, this is where you should visit or stay at! Step into a world of opulence and history at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as The Blue Mansion. This architectural masterpiece, painted in a striking indigo hue, was built in the late 19th century by Kapitan Cheong Fatt Tze, a wealthy Chinese merchant and philanthropist. Designed with a seamless blend of Chinese, European, and Art Nouveau influences, the mansion is a testament to his legacy and love for craftsmanship.
Join a guided tour to uncover the stories behind its intricate wooden lattices, antique furnishings, the fascinating life of its original owner, and how the mansion was restored after being left in ruins. We highly recommend for you to experience the tour as the storytelling and information shared by the tour guide from our previous visit was excellent.
Today, the mansion serves as a boutique hotel, offering guests a rare opportunity to stay within its historic walls and experience its timeless charm.
Read also: The Blue Mansion, Georgetown: Architectural Gem, Boutique Hotel, and Cultural Legacy
3. The Cheah & Khoo Kongsi
Immerse yourself in Penang’s rich heritage by visiting the Cheah Kongsi and Khoo Kongsi, two of the most distinguished Chinese clan temples in George Town. These grand ancestral halls, built by the Cheah and Khoo clans, showcase the architectural brilliance and deep-rooted traditions of Penang’s early Chinese settlers.
At Cheah Kongsi, the oldest of Penang’s five major Hokkien clan houses, you’ll find a stunning blend of Southern Chinese, and European influences, a testament to the colonial influence of the Straits Settlements. Wander through its intricately carved wooden panels, gold-leafed altars, and elegant courtyards that whisper stories of a glorious past.
Just a short stroll away, Khoo Kongsi stands as the grandest and most elaborate of all clan houses in Penang. Its intricate stone carvings, gilded beams, and stunning frescoes reflect the wealth and influence of the Khoo clan. Step inside to experience a world of symbolic wooden carvings on its architecture such dragon motifs and Chinese folklore stories, ancestral tablets, and hidden passages that once safeguarded the family’s prosperity.
Whether you admire its craftsmanship or explore the heritage of these clan temples, this living heritage site offers an unparalleled glimpse into Penang’s Chinese diaspora.
4. Ayer Itam Morning Market
For an authentic taste of Penang’s everyday life, head to the Ayer Itam Morning Market, a bustling hub where locals gather to shop, eat, and socialize. As dawn breaks, the market comes alive with a vibrant mix of sights, sounds, and aromas—fresh produce stacked in colorful heaps, hawkers expertly preparing beloved street food such as Char Koay Teow, Penang Curry Mee and Nyonya Kuehs.
One of the highlights here is the legendary Ayer Itam Assam Laksa, a must-try for any food lover, and a perfect introduction to Penang’s food culture. This tangy, spicy, and aromatic noodle dish has been drawing crowds for decades. Beyond food, the market offers an eclectic mix of goods, from fresh seafood and local herbs to and traditional kitchen essentials such as kueh moulds for Angku Kueh or Kueh Kapit (perfect for collection or daily use).
Whether you’re here for a quick bite or to soak in the lively atmosphere, Ayer Itam Morning Market provides a delightful glimpse into Penang’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.
5. Kek Lok Si Temple
Perched on a hillside in Ayer Itam, Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest and most magnificent Buddhist temple in Malaysia. A beacon of faith and architectural splendor, this sacred site has been a pilgrimage destination for over a century, drawing devotees and visitors alike with its stunning pagodas, intricate carvings, and breathtaking panoramic views of Penang.
The temple’s crown jewel is the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, an awe-inspiring structure that beautifully blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural influences. Towering above the temple grounds, it symbolizes harmony between Buddhist traditions across Asia. Another highlight is the 46-meter-tall bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, which stands as a symbol of compassion and protection over Penang.
the best time to visit here is during Chinese New Year, as you’ll witness the temple transformed into a glowing wonderland, illuminated by lanterns and light-works throughout the temple grounds. Whether you’re here to admire the artistry, seek spiritual solace, or simply take in the breathtaking hilltop vistas, Kek Lok Si offers a serene yet majestic experience that lingers long after your visit.
6. Wong Durian House in Balik Pulau
One of Penang Island’s heritage is also for its durian farms. For durian lovers, a trip to Penang wouldn’t be complete without durian hunting in Balik Pulau, the island’s famed durian heartland. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush orchards, this rural escape is home to some of the best durians in the world, including highly sought-after varieties like Musang King, Black Thorn, Red Prawn.
During my visit to Wong Durian House last June, I had the privilege to taste a local variety called Green Skin (Orh Chneh in local dialect), and to my surprise, it instantly became my favourite durian varietal. Blue-green hues of durian flesh, but extremely creamy and meaty, with hints of bitter notes at the end – my ideal of a perfect durian.
From May to August, Balik Pulau transforms into a paradise for durian aficionados, with local farms offering fresh, tree-ripened durians straight from the orchard. Many farms provide all-you-can-eat durian buffets, where you can savor the creamy, bittersweet flavors of different cultivars while enjoying the cool countryside breeze. Do note that the durian varieties available at the start of the season differ from those found towards the end.
Even if you’re not a fan of the “King of Fruits,” Balik Pulau is worth the visit for its scenic landscapes, rustic charm, and local delicacies like nutmeg juice and Penang-style laksa. Whether you’re a seasoned durian connoisseur or a curious first-timer, durian hunting in Balik Pulau promises a uniquely Malaysian gastronomic adventure.
7. Baba Phang
For an authentic, unpretentious experience of Nyonya cuisine, Baba Phang is a gem in Penang that captures the essence of Penang Nyonya Cuisine. Tucked away in a charming setting, this restaurant is known for its home-style flavors, rich heritage, and dedication to preserving time-honored recipes. Best of all, you know you’re at the right place if its patrons are majority Penangites themselves.
Run by Chef Phang, whose passion for Peranakan gastronomy shines through in every dish, the menu features a delightful array of flavorful, spice-laden specialties. A must-try include the Kerabu Kacang Botol, Purut Ikan, Kari Kapitan, and Ju Hu Char (stir-fried jicama with cuttlefish).
Beyond the food, dining at Baba Phang feels like stepping into a warm, familial space where heritage and hospitality go hand in hand. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned lover of Nyonya cuisine, this intimate eatery promises a memorable journey through Penang’s rich Peranakan culinary legacy.
We suggest that it’s best to make a reservation, as walk-in availability is purely a matter of luck.
Experience Penang Your Way
Penang is a tapestry of cultures, cuisines, and stories waiting to be explored. Whether you’re wandering through historic mansions, indulging in street food at a bustling morning market, or seeking spiritual tranquility at Kek Lok Si, each moment here is a discovery.
From the grandeur of Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion to the rustic charm of Balik Pulau’s durian farms, and the rich flavors of Nyonya cuisine at Baba Phang, these destinations offer a glimpse into the island’s soul. Beyond the landmarks, it’s the warmth of its people, the fusion of old and new, and the undeniable passion for heritage that make Penang an experience like no other.
So, take your time, savour the moments, and let Penang’s charm unfold with every step. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this island always has something new to offer.
Where will your Penang journey take you next?
Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored by any of the establishments mentioned.
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