1. Penang Hill
With many ways of travelling to the top of Penang Hill, there is as much beauty in the journey as there are incredible views from the top. The recently updated funicular train is the most common method of travel as it takes just five minutes to reach the top in air conditioned coaches. If embracing nature is your kind of thing, choose hiking and take in the surrounding sights. At the top there are restaurants and small souvenir and refreshment stands as well as a temple, mosque and bird sanctuary.
2. Ais Tingkap
The stall's bright blue signboard shouting 'Ais Tingkap' on Lebuh Tamil (off Jalan Penang), beside Chowrasta bazaar, will not be ignored. The young guy who'll concoct this long, cool drink called ais tingkap drink for you is the third generation to run the family's (almost) 90-year old business (since 1928). Imagine, Penangites have been drinking this delicately sweet and refreshing drink of biji selasih (basil seeds), isi kelapa (coconut flesh) and rose syrup topped with coconut water and shaved ice, for three generations. It doesn't get any cooler than that, surely. This stall also serves refreshing ais kacang and cendol to cool off the afternoon heat. Just keep in mind that the stall is closed on Sunday.
3. Batu Feringghi
This well-known area of Penang needs no introduction from us as it is known the world over as a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia. However, we would be remiss not to mention it. With its sandy beaches and proximity to world-class resorts, Batu Ferringhi is the perfect place to engage in some water sports. Or, better yet, kick back on a sunbed with a cocktail.
4. Ferry
Referred by locals as the Butterworth Ferry Terminal, Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim is one of the oldest ferry services in the country. To commute to this ferry terminal, take a trip to the Butterworth railway station or Butterworth bus terminal and travel on foot to the port. The ferries will take you to the Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda in George Town.
5. Street Art
To begin the journey of getting to know our island’s street art, you must first visit two murals. These are not difficult to find as both are painted along a weatherbeaten wall of Ah Quee Street. There are many alleys around this vicinity, so keep an eye on their Paris-green signage leading to the said street.
Follow your trusty map and you’ll soon encounter the first mural of a little boy, restraining his pet tyrannosaurus from munching on an unsuspecting teenaged boy on his motorbike. This medium-scale piece was a commissioned masterpiece by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic who shot to social network fame from his portfolio of murals – drafted and painted during a point in George Town Festival 2012.
Follow your trusty map and you’ll soon encounter the first mural of a little boy, restraining his pet tyrannosaurus from munching on an unsuspecting teenaged boy on his motorbike. This medium-scale piece was a commissioned masterpiece by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic who shot to social network fame from his portfolio of murals – drafted and painted during a point in George Town Festival 2012.
6. Waterfall Hilltop Temple
The Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Penang and was built in dedication to the deity Murugan. Its present hilltop location (in previous years, this temple could be found at the Penang Botanic Gardens) is the last pit-stop during the annual Thaipusam festival.
7. Wat Chayamangkalaram Buddhist Temple
Wat Chayamangkalaram is a Siamese temple which was officially given its site by Queen Victoria in 1845. In this iconic Buddhist temple is a 180-foot beautifully gold-plated reclining Buddha statue that remains the largest reclining Buddha statue in the world.
8. Little Penang Street Market
This small community project started as a simple market back in July 2006. Now, it’s become a last Sunday of the month staple, where stalls sell crafts and food, whilst shoppers are entertained by live music performances, visual art, and even book readings. The atmosphere is brilliant, vendors are friendly, and the street buzzes all day with culture and creativity. A must-visit if you are in town, it opens from 10am to 5pm.
9. Penang National Park
It might hold the title of world’s smallest natural park but don’t underestimate it as its two and a half thousand hectares contains a diverse collection of habitats. Lake, wetlands, mangroves, mudflats, coral reefs and turtle nesting beaches can all be found here.
10. ESCAPE
The island's newest outdoor theme part is adjacent to the Penang Butterfly Farm. Surrounded by sprawling trees and lush greenery, this family-friendly theme park is neatly divided into three sections: Adventureplay (for outdoor recreation and extreme sports), Waterplay (water recreation and pool) and its in-house hotel for your convenience. Currently, Adventureplay is the only section that opens its doors to the public. Water park and the hotel are still underway for their scheduled completion by 2017 respectively. If the waiting years can't contain your buzzing excitement, occupy your time at the Adventureplay with a skyward climb at the Gecko Tower, perform a free fall at the Atan's Leap or uncover the mining explorer within at the Discovery Dig.
