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Penang is among the most fascinating and various locations in Malaysia. It’s an island positioned on the western shores, linked to the mainland by bridge, however has a novel tradition and panorama that makes it really feel prefer it’s personal island nation.
Identified for its UNESCO world heritage web site of Georgetown, which is stuffed with previous colonial buildings and avenue artwork, in addition to beautiful seashores, attractive historic temples, and hearty meals (locals name it the meals capital of Malaysia, and there’s a purpose for it) – you’ll discover loads of issues to do in Penang with children to maintain them entertained.
It’s a melting pot of tradition, welcoming each Indian and Chinese language influences into its heritage. So, when searching for what to do as a household in Penang, you’ll discover the points of interest are available in various varieties.
On this information, we’ve listed the highest points of interest and actions that you just can not miss in Penang along with your children, that are enjoyable for each adults too.
1. Stroll round historic George City
George City, one of many nice and dynamic cities of Penang, is a cultural melting pot crammed with a vibrant power that lures vacationers from close to and much.
It was based in 1786 by Captain Francis Mild, who was despatched by Britain to safe the island from Kedah sultanate.
Ever since, Penang has been a melting pot of tradition, drawing its influences from its ethnic mixture of Chinese language, Indian and Malay cultures in addition to colonial European structure.
It’s no surprise George City has turn out to be a mecca for vacationers searching for superb experiences crammed with historical past and tradition.
Right here you possibly can wander amidst streets lined with fascinating conventional shophouses, and unbelievable avenue artwork and go to historic websites like Fort Cornwallis or get pleasure from some scrumptious avenue meals on the iconic meals courtroom on Penang Street.
Downtown George City is kind of walkable and there may be a lot to see and discover. From taking within the structure to sipping Milo ice in cafes, I like to recommend taking time to simply stroll the streets and take all of it in.
2. Take the youngsters to Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
Youngsters of all ages will love the Butterfly Farm. You’ll be able to stand up shut and private with so many various sorts of butterflies, they flutter by freely and in case you hold nonetheless – one may simply land on you.
The farm is crammed with stone paths main round ponds and up bridges the place stunning orchids are house to much more butterflies.
Enable 2 hours for a calming go to right here. It’s the final cease on the bus, so very straightforward to search out.
3. Study spice buying and selling historical past at The Tropical Spice Backyard
Not removed from the Butterfly Farm (a fast taxi or bus journey), you will see the Spice Backyard.
We had Grandpa with us who beloved studying all concerning the spice buying and selling historical past, taking a look at all of the signed crops, and smelling the herbs and spices.
Hubby and the little children didn’t trouble a lot with that, however had a ball working alongside the gorgeous paths and roaming freely amongst the attractive gardens.
There’s a large swing that swings you out over the sting of the rainforest. There are quite a few waterfalls, ponds, and bridges to search out. It’s a pretty place to cease for an hour or two. Good tree-top cafe too!
4. Take the Funicular Railway up Penang Hill
Penang is sizzling and really humid. An effective way to flee the warmth is to move to the highest of Penang Hill.
Catch the funicular all the best way to the highest; in just some minutes you may be on the prime to have a stunning view of Penang. It’s a lot cooler up right here.
If it’s a wet morning, don’t trouble as you may be unlikely to see a lot in any respect. You might be greatest to attend till later within the day when the rain clears. There are a couple of cafes and exhibitions to take a look at additionally. (If in case you have little ones, keep away from the owl museum – discovered the exhausting approach – a lot of little breakable issues in there!)
High Tip: When you’re able to return, line up so you’re first in line to board the funicular…then race to get to the entrance carriage. (Dashing down the monitor with a front-seat view is superior!)
5. Discover Penang Botanical Gardens
When travelling with children, generally it is advisable to allow them to unfastened.
The botanical gardens are a should for energetic children. They will run alongside set paths, climb bridges and watch waterfalls. For one ringgit you possibly can leap aboard the mini practice for a trip across the gardens.
For mum and pa, you possibly can get pleasure from studying about all of the native crops and flora of Malaysia when you’re children benefit from the points of interest.
A part of Entopia is the Natureland, a residing backyard vivarium the place animals and bugs can thrive.
You’ll be able to see all the things from reptiles to snakes, and make sure you head over to the biggest butterfly backyard in Malaysia which incorporates 15,000 free-flying butterflies.
The residing backyard is among the highlights of the gardens. It has greater than 200 species of flora, which may be greatest seen from the mezzanine terrace in David’s Backyard.
Entopia isn’t just a spot the place jungle crops can thrive, but it surely’s an academic useful resource. You’ll want to take the youngsters to The Cocoon indoor discovery centre to be taught concerning the crops and wildlife right here.
There are many monkeys to identify – watch out to cover your meals!
6. Marvel on the Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si Temple is the biggest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.
It’s open to the general public and a worthwhile expertise for you and the youngsters. There are many steps and slim columns to climb, so depart the stroller behind.
The temple grounds are stunning; there are sacred ponds and manicured crops to admire. The youngsters will love climbing the seven-tiered Pagoda of King Rama VI and can be awed by an enormous bronze statue of the goddess of mercy.
There are additionally glass elevators to trip in and turtles to feed. An incredible 2 hours of exploring and studying!
7. Eat, after which eat some extra!
I may critically write 1000’s of phrases about consuming in Penang, however I gained’t. Strive one thing new day by day, there may be a lot on your tastebuds to be taught.
By far our favorite place to eat is Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. I’m drooling as I bear in mind it.
From 6pm till late there can be a whole lot of Penang’s best meals so that you can pattern – and can price you a couple of ringgits solely.
This place can be buzzing with locals; don’t be afraid to ask them for a suggestion, or observe behind and order the identical. When shopping for meals for the little ones, bear in mind to ask the prepare dinner to not put any chili on their meals.
My favorite meals:
- Char Kway Teow (flat noodles fried with seafood)
- and Nasi Kandar: fragrant rice with curry or no matter.
We additionally caught the free shuttle bus to Little India. You should have a good time exploring laneways and discovering the right curry. The restaurateurs will enjoyment of making your children really feel at house. And on the proper avenue meals stall, samosas for $1 anybody?
8. Store ’until you drop
That you must make the most of nice procuring and low cost costs.
Retailers usually open after 10am and are open until late at night time. Gurney Plaza is one in every of many upmarket trendy procuring centres the place you will see your brand-name shops with nice financial savings.
If you wish to store for souvenirs with the locals, head to the Komtar (the most important constructing in Penang) or Prangin Mall which is throughout the highway.
Right here you will see a myriad of attention-grabbing outlets and boutique stalls. You’ll discover a lot of cool devices and knick-knacks for the youngsters to have enjoyable with.
9. Catch the ferry to Butterworth
For those who head to the ferry terminal in Georgetown, wander alongside the pier and meals stalls and leap on a ferry – simply because you possibly can.
You’ll almost certainly be the one foreigners on it, however it’s so a lot enjoyable for the youngsters. They will sit and watch different large ferries go by and after about 20 minutes you may be at Butterworth, the mainland.
While you get right here, it’s as much as you what you do. You’ll be able to flip round and return – the return journey is free – or you possibly can keep and discover.
The Penang Chicken Park is a brief taxi trip away and there’s a Temple subsequent door worthy of a glance.
You could possibly additionally take the bus to Sunway Carnival Mall for some retail remedy. From right here you possibly can catch a bus again to Georgetown which takes you throughout the bridge which hyperlinks the mainland (fairly an extended journey, our children fell asleep!).
10. Take a look at Journey Zone
Journey Zone is an amusement park that’s a part of the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort, however you don’t should be a visitor to take your children right here.
This indoor playground is full with slides, ball pits, climbing frames, and extra. It’s the right place to take the youngsters to expel some power.
Entrance charges price simply 40 MYR per little one for 2 hours and it’s open day by day from 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 6pm.
11. Study Chinese language communities in Malaysia on the Clan Jetties
Guests of Penang, whether or not you’re travelling with children or not, shouldn’t skip the jetty in Penang.
That is the place the Chinese language clans reside in a form of “Floating Village” because it sits on stilts above the water.
It started within the nineteenth century when many Chinese language immigrants got here to Malaysia, the place they constructed their houses in clans.
These tiny villages give guests an opportunity to see the previous Chinese language traditions, as each clan has its personal temple.
There are six villages in whole, each subsequent to the opposite. Every village belongs to at least one clan.
12. Go to the Snake Temple
The Snake Temple is a small Chinese language temple within the Southwest nook of Penang.
It was in-built 1805 and devoted to Grasp Qingshui or Chor Soo Kong, a deified Buddhist monk.
This can be a very particular and sacred temple in Malaysia, and it’s mentioned that devotees from so far as Singapore, Taiwan and China come right here on the monk’s birthday to pay their respects.
What’s attention-grabbing concerning the temple is the snakes. The temple is crammed with smoke from burning incense, in addition to quite a lot of pit vipers.
However due to the smoke, the vipers have turn out to be docile, and it’s believed they’re rendered innocent due to the sacred smoke. However simply to be protected, they’ve been de-venomed.
For those who’re afraid of snakes, it’s most likely not an attraction in Penang for you. And perhaps don’t deliver any toddlers inside…
13. Go climbing in Penang Nationwide Park
For those who love climbing and getting out into nature, you’ll discover two wonderful climbing trails in Penang Nationwide Park; the hike to Bukit Batu Hitam, or to the reservoir.
Situated simply 42 km from Georgetown, guests can escape the hustle and bustle of town to the solitude of nature in lower than an hour.
Penang Nationwide Park has a whole lot of species of birds, together with the White-bellied Sea Eagle, White-throated King Fisher, White-rumped Shama, and Emerald Dove.
For those who’re fortunate, you might also see some squirrels, otters, deer, pangolins, and pythons.
You’ll want to try the cover walkway, which is 210 meters lengthy and sits excessive within the cover of Sg. Tukun.
The park can be house to the Turtle Conservation Centre, a Meromictic Lake, and the Muka Head Lighthouse.
14. Go to one in every of Penang Island’s seashores
Penang is extensively recognised for its cities, however not a lot for the seashores. The close by island of Langawai will get many of the credit score for having a few of Malaysia’s prime seashores.
However that doesn’t imply that there aren’t attractive seashores in Penang.
The most well-liked seaside in Penang is Monkey Seashore, which will get its title as a result of, you guessed it, monkeys reside there.
The monkeys are used to individuals however do watch out with plastic luggage, bottles, and meals, as they are going to be very happy to take them out of your arms.
When you’ve seen sufficient monkeys, you will see a small bar on the seaside the place you should purchase refreshing juices, or benefit from the light waves of the seaside – because it’s in a bay, the waters listed below are often very calm.
For a calming day on the seaside with out monkeys, head to the Batu Ferringhi Seashore in entrance of the Shangri-La Golden Sands Resort, as that is the place you’ll discover a good, clear seaside that you could swim in. It additionally has probably the greatest night time markets on the island.
15. Go to the Toy Museum
Youngsters will love exploring the Penang Toy Museum within the Teluk Bahang neighborhood, which has greater than 110,000 toys, dolls, miniatures, and different collectible toys on show.
You might even be shocked to be taught that it’s the biggest toy museum on the planet!
Come and discover what toys appeared like within the days of previous. This can be a nostalgic go to for fogeys, and an eye-opening expertise for teenagers.
16. Or to the Teddyville Museum
A singular attraction that your loved ones could also be interested by is Teddyville, a 9000 sq. toes museum devoted to teddy bears.
It’s the primary and solely teddy museum in Malaysia and has 30 themed shows of teddy bears, all reinacting moments in Penang historical past and showcasing the tradition.
It’s a novel solution to find out about Penang’s lifestyle.
17. Trip the slides at Escape Penang
If your loved ones love theme parks and journey, go to the Escape Theme Park, which holds not one however FOUR Guinness World Information – the longest tube water slide, the longest zip coaster, the longest tubby racer, and largest tipping bucket!
Not solely does it have document holding rides, but it surely’s an eco park, so it’s environmentally acutely aware too. It has 35 rides and actions to discover, and is surrounded by jungle.
If you wish to get your thrills on, problem one another to the 111 rope course within the jungle cover, Monkey Enterprise within the Adventureplay zone, or if it’s a sizzling day, calm down within the Waterplay zone and splash round within the wave pool or trip down water slides.
Plan for a full day right here, there’s a lot to see and do.
Getting round Penang
Personally, I wouldn’t trouble with organised excursions. You will get package deal offers by varied operators who will choose you up out of your lodge and take you to 3 points of interest in at some point – straightforward!
When you could have children you want that flexibility to remain longer or depart earlier, it’s very straightforward to flag down a taxi driver and negotiate his providers for the day.
This fashion you possibly can see two or three points of interest in at some point and your driver can be ready patiently till you’re prepared for the subsequent one or to return you to your lodge. He’ll allow you to depart the stroller and umbrellas within the boot too.
Alternatively, you should utilize rideshare app, Seize, and order taxis or motorbikes (or scooters). If in case you have older youngsters, you could need to go for bike – that is the best way to get round in Malaysia, so no want to fret about whether or not it’s protected, the motorcycle riders have most likely been driving motorbikes since they have been 10 years previous!
The bus system is so incredible and low cost. You’ll be able to attain most locations by bus and the drivers are completely satisfied to level you in the proper path. You should buy pay as you go bus tickets to offer you limitless hassle-free journey.
The place to remain in Penang
Penang is an island composed of 121 km², so ensuring you could have the proper base is important for profiting from your journey.
The place you keep in Penang can be decided by the points of interest you need to see, however there’s two most important neighborhoods that vacationers select to remain in, Batu Ferringhi and George City.
Right here’s a fast overview of every neighborhood.
Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Most individuals select to remain at Batu Ferringhi (the locals name it ‘foreigners rock’).
That is the place you will see all of the big-name resorts with child’s golf equipment, and buffet breakfasts, and most of them are proper on the seaside.
Whereas it’s a seaside and you will see many water sports activities, bear in mind that it’s not likely a swimming seaside – the water shouldn’t be as clear as you could count on it to be.
Batu Ferringhi comes alive at night time. The principle avenue is reworked right into a bustling market, with each sort of ware (together with real fakes) out there. Be happy to haggle and barter on your greatest discount.
Don’t eat at your over-priced lodge restaurant, stroll to the Lengthy Seashore Hawker Centre with some spare change and you’ll expertise a few of Penang’s greatest meals.
Batu Ferringhi is the perfect place to remain for households or teams of people that get pleasure from nightlife. For those who determine to remain right here, please depart your resort to discover Penang. There are points of interest simply accessed from the bus cease in entrance of your lodge.
George City, Penang
In case you are after one thing much less ‘foreigners rock’ then George City is the place to remain. It’s grown in recognition through the years because it presents inexpensive lodging choices in distinctive, conventional visitor homes.
Because the capital of Penang, it has one thing for everybody. It’s a place the place there’s a Catholic Church subsequent to a Mosque subsequent to a Temple.
In George City, there’s a vary of lodging out there for households from massive resorts, homestays, and self-catering residences.
You gained’t discover a resort right here, however there’s something about residing amongst locals that actually does it for me. You’ll be able to even discover VRBO rental properties to offer you that extra native expertise.
George City is greatest suited to {couples}, backpackers, solo vacationers, households, and properly, everybody!
Closing ideas
I like Penang, it’s my religious house. As you possibly can see, there are many issues to do right here to maintain you and your loved ones busy.
I do hope your go to is as a lot enjoyable as ours, and that you just like it as a lot as we did.
Be sure to keep for no less than one week, extra in case you are in a position. There may be a lot extra to see – and eat!
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