Attractions in Penang
Beyond the food scene that’s practically heaven on Earth for your taste buds, there are also the more unusual things to do in Penang. Picture this: You’re walking along a historic street, then you stumble into an alley filled with murals depicting both modern life and olden times. Or better yet, you enter a museum — except it’s not your usual museum, but one that puts the “active” in interactive learning, regardless of your age. Hence, we’ve put together this list of quirky attractions in Penang to spice up your itinerary — whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or just by yourself! Some are futuristic takes on museums, others are outdoor spaces that offer further insight into local culture. Either way, immersive experiences have never been more fascinating.
A laid-back semi-industrial space nestled amid lush greenery, strolling around Hin Bus Depot makes you feel like you have all the time in the world. This creative hub caters to hip young locals and tourists alike — with murals, sculptures, and pop-up installations serving as the main highlight. As its name suggests, it used to be a terminal until 2014, when Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic picked it as an exhibition venue. Now, it’s among the best museums in Penang for those who want to check out the local contemporary art scene.
Photo credit: @estherng_love0127 (Instagram)
Depending on your appetite, trying out each and every Penang street food is probably not logistically possible. But what if we told you there’s a place with handcrafted replicas of over 100 types of local street food? Such is the lure of Wonderfood Museum, which takes you on a visual food trip while learning more about traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Peranakan cuisine. Expect a mix of intricate dioramas and gigantic duplicates that invite you to take as many photos as you want.
Photo credit: @atiqah.hasyim (Instagram)
The Upside Down Museum is another one of the quirky attractions in Penang that you have to see to believe. Prepare for a mind-blowing time as you defy gravity while exploring its rooms that range from cosy living rooms to cute shop interiors. Hanging from the ceiling? Walking on the walls? Surely, it’s a kind of topsy-turvy that you wouldn’t mind getting into. Bonus points if you can make your snapshots as realistically cool as an action movie poster!
Photo credit: @twoglobetravellers (Instagram)
You’ll find Art Lane inside two repurposed pre-war shophouses on a historic George Town street. This public art gallery features different works from homegrown and international artists. It also hosts regular events like yoga classes, workshops, and pop-up markets to further utilise the creative space. What’s more, you can try your hand at painting murals (and leaving your creative mark!) on vacant spots in the vast space.
Photo credit: @britneylergessner (Instagram)
Up next on our list of unusual things to do in Penang? Touring the Dark Mansion — a glow-in-the-dark interactive space that’s the first of its kind in Malaysia. It takes 3D art to the next level by using special materials for that brilliant, glowing effect. Take your pick between two light settings: daylight and blacklight. Unlike other museums in Penang that focus on the traditional, the installations here come in different fantasy themes. Think whimsical storybook-inspired gardens, otherworldly rainforests, and galactic settings.
Photo credit: @ika_ramzan (Instagram)
Bonus: Capture memories to commemorate your Penang holiday
Nothing says sealing the deal on your fun holiday like capturing photos for the ‘Gram.
Meet Wilson, a professional photographer born and bred in Penang, who will take you on a stroll through his favourite spots and hidden gems in the George Town heritage area. Stop along the way for shoots – don’t worry, Wilson will help you with your poses so you’ll be top-model material in no time. He’ll also share some photography skills and nifty camera tips.
Wilson’s personal photography style blends stage posing with candid shots, and he specialises in full to half body shots and close-ups with background and scenery. After the shoot, he’s always up for some hearty local food and drinks!
Step into a world of over 40 optical illusion paintings, all serving as your backdrop for amazing photographs. The Penang 3D Trick Art Museum embraces the old and new by mixing art from traditional Malaysian settings, to reflecting present-day culture. ‘All about Penang Life’ and ‘Modern Classic’ place you in a three-dimensional image that you can keep forever.
- Put yourself in the picture, literally, at Penang’s 3D Trick Art Museum
- Be a part of the three-dimensional imagery of Penang’s past and present
- See an amazing diorama of Penang along with life-size figures, all in 3D
