6 Amazing Places to Visit in Penang, An All-Inclusive Daycation Plan

A weekend getaway in Penang, why not? This island is rather small yet packed with various attractions to explore. An all-in-one destination for those needing a mental reset without elaborate planning or a hefty budget – doesn’t it sound perfect? Let’s dive into all the great places to visit in Penang, so you can get a clearer picture of how colorful your vacation is going to be!

Top 6 Places to Visit in Penang

With so many nice places to visit in Penang, planning a one or two-day itinerary can be quite challenging. You might need to pick one place for each type of attraction so you’ll end up with various kinds of fun. Take a look at this list. Maybe that’ll inspire you to come up with your own plan.

1. Georgetown

It’s undeniable – Georgetown should always be number one amongst all places to visit in Penang. Granted UNESCO Heritage Site status, the entire city is a delight to explore. Take a leisurely walk, especially around the Old Town, to experience how Malaysia has shaped its culture. Chinese shophouses, Indian temples, and colonial buildings were infused into Malay traditional charms. It’s like an open-air gallery with some interactive street elements and authentic eateries to enrich the experience.

2. Market, Market, & Market

Hawker centers, traditional markets, and night markets (pasar malam) are abundant in Penang, and they’re integral parts of the island’s charm. Yes, most people will come for the food – authentic, fresh, high quality, and incredibly affordable. But beyond that, it’s also nice for people-watching, as the vibrant interactions truly reflect the local culture. It would be a shame to have so many places to visit in Penang without making at least one stop at one of the markets. At least visit one that is near your hotel or attraction.

3. Batu Feringghi Beach

Out of so many beaches around the island, Batu Feringghi Beach is everyone’s top place to visit in Penang. Come by the late evening to catch the sunset, and you’ll see how this spot has the perfect perspective to see the golden sun slowly sinking into the Malacca Strait. And as if to enrich the ambiance, the area around the beach will suddenly transform into a lovely night market.

4. The Habitat Penang Hill

City parks in KL are nice, but you can level up your game by including The Habitat Penang Hill as one of the places to visit in Penang. Picture this in your mind, a well-preserved ancient rainforest with canopy bridges and comfortable trailing pathways. Go up on the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, which is up to 800 meters above sea level. The 360° panorama is truly breathtaking.

5. Orinea Fine Dining

All the places to visit in Penang mean you need at least one super-satisfying meal to make the daycation complete. And the best thing about Orinea is how they fuse the decadent art of French cuisine with the hearty cuisine of authentic Malaysia. Order the full tasting menu – it’s a comprehensive journey instead of just fancy meals. Book a table near the glass wall, and your evening will get even more elevated with the stunning view of the sea.

6. Sphere Rooftop Bar

Sphere Rooftop Bar offers a contemporary aesthetic with neon blue lights, serving as a contrast to the whole old-style of Georgetown. After having many places to visit in Penang, it would still be incomplete without chilling at the bar at the end of the day. While most bars tend to get crowded after sunset, many patrons come around just right before it. Apparently, seating at the rooftop lounge while sipping some urban-style cocktails is a fantastic way to witness a golden sunset.

More reads: More Things to Do in Penang

Best Hotels Near Great Places to Visit in Penang

Penang is small enough to be explored in a daycation, but it can also be a bit exhausting to go here and there all day long. Lucky us, Flow has plenty of hourly hotels all over the island, which means you can always stay near places to visit in Penang. Just hop from one hotel to another as you roam around the island. Now, here are some of the best hourly hotels available:

1. Iconic Marjorie

Near the airport and city center, Iconic Marjorie Hotel has been popular for a daycation transit between your scheduled flight and all the places to visit in Penang. The utmost luxury is indeed necessary to switch off your hectic mind to a slow-living mode. And if you need more modern leisure outside the hotel facilities, just go straight to the Queensbay area.

Rate: From MYR 350 / 4 hours

Hotel Features: Infinity pool, jacuzzi, steam room, fitness centre (24-hour), spa, restaurant, bar/lounge, poolside bar, business centre/library, meeting/banquet facilities, concierge, 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, parking, EV charging, airport shuttle, laundry/dry cleaning

Address: 239A, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kampung Sungai Nibong, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (Google Map)

2. Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City

For people who daycationing to Penang from the mainland via the bridge, Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City is the ideal transit point. It’s lavish, with a beautiful view of the Penang Strait from the room window and rooftop pool area. It’s also nice that Butterworth Art Walk is nearby – consider it as a warm-up before exploring all the places to visit in Penang.

Rate: From MYR 140 / 4 hours

Hotel Features: Outdoor swimming pool, indoor pool, fitness centre/gym, rooftop terrace, restaurants, bar/lounge, café, 24-hour room service, business centre, meeting rooms, banquet hall, concierge, 24-hour front desk, free Wi-Fi, parking, laundry/dry cleaning, luggage storage

Address: Jalan Bagan Luar, Bandar Selat, 12000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (Google Map)

3. Sho Hotel

You need at least one hotel in Georgetown when exploring the historical site, and the Sho Hotel is one of the best to consider. It has a pleasing aesthetic combining the Japanese minimalism with clean-cut modernity – so elegant! It feels tranquil in every corner, including the semi-outdoor pool lounge. Another bonus point is that the famous Jelutong Night Market is only 5 minutes away.

Rate: From MYR 169 / 4 hours

Hotel Features: Outdoor swimming pool, fitness corner/gym, restaurant, café, bar/lounge, co-working space, 24-hour front desk, concierge, free Wi-Fi, parking, laundry

Address: Level 09, Menara VOS, 28, Jalan Tunku Kudin, Bukit Dumbar, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (Google Map)

4. Hotel Mercure Penang Beach

From Hotel Mercure Penang Beach, it’ll take less than 15 minutes east to Batu Feringghi Beach, and 15 minutes south to The Habitat Penang Hill. And if you’re not ready yet to make the drive, the hotel itself already has a private beach. Even staying in your room would be spoiled with a scenic ocean view from the window. It’s truly a hotel for a Penang vacation.

Rate: From MYR 126 / 2 hours

Hotel Features: Outdoor swimming pool, beach access, fitness centre/gym, restaurant, bar/lounge, poolside bar, kids’ pool, tennis court, business centre, meeting rooms, 24-hour front desk, concierge, free Wi-Fi, parking, laundry/dry cleaning

Address: 505, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (Google Map)

Anytime you have the time – and a need – for a short escapade, just head to this wonderful island. You can plan which places to visit in Penang on your way there. Even booking your hourly hotels is still possible at real times. It’s easy, affordable, yet ultimately healing!

Browse your hotel options in Penang on Flow App now!

More reads: More Hotels in Penang || Best Staycation for Couples

Our reviews and recommendations are honest and not influenced by compensation or sponsorship. Unless stated otherwise, we do not receive payment or free products for positive reviews. Any compensation or products received for reviews will be disclosed in the relevant post.

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