Things to do with kids in Penang: The best attractions

Planning a family trip to Penang and wondering what to see and do? This vibrant island is the perfect blend of culture, nature, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re strolling through the colorful streets of Georgetown, exploring lush rainforests, or unwinding on a tropical beach, Penang offers enough attractions to enjoy with children. In this guide, you’ll discover the very best things to do in Penang with kids—so you can make the most of your time together on beautiful Penang Island, Malaysia.

Attractions in Georgetown, Penang

Georgetown is the capital of Penang and full of attractions. It’s the perfect destination for those who love culture, history, and great food. One of Georgetown’s most iconic landmarks is the Blue Mansion, an impressive old townhouse known for its vibrant blue façade. Today, it functions as a hotel. Visitors can also explore parts of it as a museum. The building is an architectural gem and has even served as a filming location for several movies.

The city is also famous for its cultural diversity. This is evident in the many Chinese temples, including the impressive Khoo Kongsi, which reflects the rich history of the Chinese community in Georgetown. In addition, the city feels like an open-air museum thanks to its street art. Vivid murals are scattered throughout the city, especially around the lively Armenian Street, where you’ll also find an eclectic mix of shops and art.

Being the heart of Penang, Georgetown leaves children wide-eyed with wonder. From the charming Chew Jetty (a street on stilts above the water lined with small shops) to the vibrant markets and fragrant hawker stalls serving local cuisine, there’s plenty to see. Another highlight is Little India, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Indian community, complete with colorful shops and street markets.

Attractions and things to do with kids children in Penang Island, Malaysia

Visiting Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang with kids

The Kek Lok Si Temple, perched atop a hill in Penang, is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. The temple complex includes several prayer halls and is renowned for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. It’s undoubtedly one of the must-see attractions in Penang.

In the largest prayer hall, daily prayers and meditations are held. We were lucky to witness a prayer service during our visit. Besides the prayer areas, the temple also features beautiful statues, including the famous bronze Buddha and colorful pagodas. During the month following Chinese New Year, the temple is lavishly decorated with thousands of lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere. Surrounding the temple, you’ll also find small souvenir shops selling local goods and trinkets.

The temple is easily accessible: you can reach the lower part on foot (a five-minute walk) or by funicular. However, the upper section is only accessible via the funicular, so walking up the initial stretch doesn’t save much effort or money. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of Penang. A visit to the temple takes about 1–2 hours, making it one of the most family-friendly attractions to visit with children in Penang.

Tips for Penang Hill & The Habitat with children

Penang Hill is one of the most popular attractions in Penang for families with children and pairs perfectly with a visit to the Kek Lok Si Temple, as the two are only a few minutes apart by car. To reach the summit, take the funicular train, which departs every 10 minutes and whisks you to the top in no time. Once there, you can enjoy the cool air and stunning panoramic views of Penang. There are restaurants, shops, scenic viewpoints, and walking trails for nature enthusiasts. Kids can have fun at the playgrounds while parents relax and take in the surroundings of Penang Hill.

The Habitat is a unique experience for nature lovers visiting Penang Hill. The 45-minute nature trail takes you through lush rainforest, with highlights like a suspension bridge that winds through the treetops and swings at breathtaking viewpoints. The viewing platform offers a sweeping view of the island and is one of the trail’s highlights. Entry to The Habitat requires a separate ticket, but it’s worth it. A shuttle bus is available to take you back to the start, so you don’t have to walk the same route twice.

Top attractions in Penang: Tropical Spice Garden

Located near Teluk Bahang, the Tropical Spice Garden is a beautiful and educational spot to learn all about the herbs and spices that make Penang famous. The garden is home to a variety of plants, from culinary herbs to exotic spices. You can explore at your own pace or join a guided tour to learn more about the history and uses of the spices. One of the highlights is the natural fish spa, where little fish nibble away at dead skin on your feet.

The garden also features a Tea Garden where you can sample various teas for free. It’s perfect for a relaxing break amidst the greenery. For children, there’s a fun wooden swing with a view over the garden and surrounding nature. The Tropical Spice Garden also offers cooking classes, though these are not held daily, so it’s essential to book several weeks in advance if you’re interested.

Penang National Park with kids

Penang National Park, located on the western side of the island, is a large nature reserve where you can hike through tropical rainforest or take a boat to various beaches. The most popular beaches are Monkey Beach and Turtle Beach. You can hike to both, although the trail to Monkey Beach was closed during our visit due to poor conditions. If both trails are open, you’ll have to choose between them. There’s no walking path connecting the two beaches.

We hiked to Turtle Beach, which took about 1.5 hours. It’s a wide, secluded sandy beach where swimming is not allowed due to jellyfish. There’s also a small turtle sanctuary, but don’t expect too much of it. From Turtle Beach, we took a boat to Monkey Beach, the other major beach in the park. Monkey Beach is a tropical sandy beach lined with palm trees, and monkeys! The good news is that you can swim at this beach. It also has a restaurant. Most visitors to the park take the boat round-trip just to visit Monkey Beach, which makes it a bit more crowded. But it is definitely the nicest beach when visiting Penang National Park with kids.

Penang with children: beach town Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi is a popular beach destination on the northern coast of Penang, just a few kilometers west of Georgetown. This quiet beach town mainly attracts families and older tourists seeking a relaxing vacation. You’ll find several hotels, resorts, and beachfront apartment: many with sea views. Although the beaches here aren’t as stunning as those in Langkawi, it’s still the most pleasant beach town in Penang for families with children. Watersports are available, though not heavily used during our visit, so the beach remained peaceful.

Batu Ferringhi offers a wide range of dining options, from cozy eateries to beachside restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood with an ocean view. In the evenings, there’s a night market along the main road, where you can buy souvenirs and try local treats.

Family-Friendly accommodations in Penang

Where’s the best place to stay in Penang with kids? Most people choose Georgetown, staying in one of the many boutique hotels. Georgetown also offers other types of accommodations, such as apartments in residential towers on the city’s edge. There’s no shortage of family-friendly options here.

However, many families with children choose to stay in Batu Ferringhi when visiting Penang. And so did we. Our main reason was the peaceful atmosphere. Being right on the beach, we could enjoy evening strolls, had plenty of dining options, and a good selection of apartments, hotels, and resorts. We booked an apartment in the ‘By the Sea’ complex. It was very spacious, with access to a pool and a great view of the beach. The only downside to staying in Batu Ferringhi is that you’ll need your own transport if you want to explore Georgetown and the other attractions in Penang.

Eating out with kids in Penang

In Penang (and especially in Georgetown) it’s hard to decide where to eat because there are so many options. Penang Island isn’t dubbed the culinary capital of Malaysia for nothing. Even when dining out with kids, Penang has more than enough restaurants to choose from. We only tried a few, but we can definitely recommend these:

Nasi Kandar Merican: A small spot in Georgetown we’d never have found without the Lonely Planet guide. The food was absolutely delicious and very affordable! You can build your own plate from the day’s offerings. We had a full, flavorful meal for just a few euros.
Helena’s Café: A popular restaurant in Batu Ferringhi. It’s not large, which gives it a cozy atmosphere. The menu features Malaysian and Asian cuisine with a light Western twist.
Secret Garden: A stylish, upscale restaurant in Batu Ferringhi. It’s quite pricey by Malaysian standards, but also one of the few of its kind in the country. It’s geared toward tourists, with a menu that blends Western and Asian influences. The food is high-quality, they serve good wine, and the service is excellent. Definitely worth visiting if you’re looking for a special evening out. Or to end your trip on a high note, as we did.

How to get there

Useful instructions and addresses to get to Penang Island, Malaysia

By bus: The Komtar Bus Terminal is the main bus station in Georgetown. Several bus companies offer direct routes from various cities in Malaysia. There’s a daily connection between the Komtar Bus Terminal and Kuala Lumpur (a 5–6 hour journey), and there’s even a direct route from Singapore. Another option is to first travel to Penang Sentral, the major bus terminal in Butterworth, the city located on the mainland. From the adjacent terminal, you can take the ferry to Georgetown on the island. On Penang itself, buses are also the main form of public transportation.
By Plane: Fly into Penang International Airport (PEN), which is located near George Town. There are direct flights from several Malaysian airports, such as Kuala Lumpur, as well as international flights from destinations across Asia. From the airport, you can easily take a taxi, Grab, or local bus to reach the city or other parts of Penang.
By car: Have a rental car? You can reach Penang via one of the two long bridges that connect the island to the Malaysian mainland. These are highways that link directly to the AH2, the main highway running past Kuala Lumpur along Malaysia’s west coast. Keep in mind, however, that traffic on Penang can be very heavy. There are many traffic lights and congestion, so even short distances can take a while.
- Tip: A Touch ’n Go card can be used for parking garages and toll booths. You can top up the card at most supermarkets and petrol stations.