Interested in a Penang local staycation? Rich in culture and steeped in history, Malaysia’s second-smallest state has plenty to offer both locals and expatriates alike.

In this article, you will have all the information you need to eat, shop, visit and play on Penang island:

• Where to stay in Penang

• Top Penang Street Snacks

• Top Penang Walking Tours

• Top Penang Visual Arts Experiences

• Top Experiences of Penang Peranakan Culture

• Top Penang Shopping Destinations

• Top Penang Traditional Crafts

Have a splashing good time with your family at the resort’s Amazonia Water Theme Park. With water slides of varying heights and splash zones in a tropical beach-like setting, it offers endless fun for children (and adults) of all ages!

Feeling peckish after all that action? Try the Cinnamon Asian Kitchen at PARKROYAL Penang Resort, which serves palette-pleasing local and Asian culinary delights. All our dishes are prepared with freshly harvested ingredients seasoned with fragrant herbs and aromatic spices. Pick from your choice of ala carte or buffet options.

Looking for a change in dining scenery and cuisine? Indulge in a relaxing beachfront dining experience at Gustoso by The Beach as you catch the stunning sunset view with authentic Italian cuisine and a glass or two of your favourite tipple.

Ready to venture out onto the island of Penang? To help you plan for your Penang staycation, the team at PARKROYAL Penang Resort has curated a list of recommended activities for your Penang local getaway.

Get ready for a hearty appetite when visiting Penang. Its cuisine reflects a mix of Nyonya, Chinese, Malay and Indian cooking, with street foods that have gained significant acclaim in the region. Popular dishes here include Assam Laksa, Char Kway Teow and Nasi Lemak. 

Beyond these scrumptious dishes, consider picking up equally delicious street snacks like goreng pisang and nyonya kuehs—they’re ideal for munching while on the go.

You may have heard of Roti Canai (or Roti Prata in Singapore), but have you heard of Apom? Also an Indian breakfast, this dish is made from rice flour and eaten with orange sugar. The best place to sample this is at Ah Guan Apom, which prepares the dish slightly differently—with eggs, flour, desiccated coconut and banana slices. Ah Guan Apom has been in operation for five decades, a testament to the enduring popularity of its food.

Get directions to Ah Guan Apom

If you are into savoury pastry, head to Batu Ferringhi and stop by the Warun Idris Karipap Ayam & Daging stall. The piquant curry puffs here are filled generously with either chicken or beef, and are guaranteed to satisfy your hunger pangs. 

Get directions to Warung Idrus Karipap Ayam and Daging

You cannot visit Penang without trying its Nyonya Kuehs (traditional cakes done Peranakan style). The go-to place here is Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay & Canteen, an august institution which has been in operation for at least 60 years. Take your pick of a wide variety of kuehs, all prepared the traditional way to produce a more fragrant taste. 

Get directions to Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay & Canteen

Sink your teeth into sweet, juicy and crispy Goreng Pisang. This beloved snack of Malaysians all over the world is made by dipping bananas into batter and deep fried until golden yellow. You can enjoy this traditional snack at the highly lauded Tanjung Bungah Goreng Pisang which has been in operation for over 30 years. 

Get directions to Penang Tanjung Bungah Goreng Pisang

Fancy exploring the heritage and culture rich city of Penang on foot? There are plenty of places to explore and hidden gems to uncover. From nature walks to cultural treasures, these walks offer you an intimate look at the city from multiple perspectives.

Learn about the history of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and discover the stories behind its unique cultural heritage through this guided tour. Walk along the streets of Acheen Street, Armenian Street and Cannon Street, and be regaled by your guides' fascinating tales of Penang’s multi-cultural history. 

Get directions to George Town Lacala Discovery Walk

Admire George Town’s architecture during the night by embarking on the George Town Night trail. Explore the inner city of Penang’s cultural hub as you meander through its various streets and alleys while learning about the origins of different buildings and structures. 

Get directions to the George Town Night Trail

Home to diverse art galleries, performance art venues, and street art, Penang’s artistic vibe attracts Malaysian locals and expatriates, as well as visitors from South East Asia and beyond. Spend a day or two exploring the island’s enchanting treasure troves of visual and historical art.

Can natural and man-made materials be harmoniously blended into works of beauty? Yes they can! Under the skilled hands of glass artist Fuan Wong at the whimsical Art and Garden by Fuan Wong, you will experience how real plants, glass sculptures and installations work seamlessly together.

Get directions to Art and Garden by Fuan Wong

The street murals in George Town have attracted visitors from all over the country and the world. Created by famed street artist Ernest Zacharevic, these artworks reflect the simple lifestyle of Penang folks and creative interpretations of their life. Some of the must-visits here include Kung Fu Girl, Old Motorcycle and The Trishaw Man. You can find these charming works of art from this map.

Get directions to Penang Street Art

Admire the immaculate handiwork of local and international artists at Ming Fine Arts—they include South East Asian oil paintings, Chinese ceramics and fine fabrics skillfully woven with intricate patterns. The gallery prides itself on not just showcasing established artists but presenting the works of emerging artists. 

Get directions to Ming Fine Arts

Intrigued with Penang’s Peranakan culture? Descendants of the first Southern Chinese settlers in the Malay Peninsula, Peranakans have stayed true to their Chinese roots while absorbing both Malay and Chinese cultures.

Also known as the Baba & Nyonya Museum, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is a shining example of a wealthy traditional Peranakan home built in the 19th century. The house displays more than 1,000 pieces of exquisite antiques and fine collectibles from that era, while its architecture is heavily influenced by local and European styles.

Get directions to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Savour authentic Peranakan cuisine such as Sambal Goreng (prawns with local chilli-based gravy), sweet potato leaves and Curry Kapitan (dry chicken curry), as well as Masak Lemak (chicken with turmeric) at Nyonya Breeze. Remember to save some space for sweet desserts like Beeko Moi (black glutinous rice) and Punggat (hot bobo charchar) too!

Get directions to Nyonya Breeze

Figure flattering traditional Peranakan apparel like the Sarong Kebaya and beaded shoes are intricately embroidered and come in bold, daring colours. At Kim Kebaya Fashion, you can bring home stunning traditional Peranakan fashion hand-sewn the old-fashioned way. 

Get directions to Kim Kebaya Fashion

Fancy some retail therapy during your staycation? Penang offers an entire range of shopping spots—from sprawling malls and specialist retailers to street markets. 

Easily one of Penang Island’s most popular malls, Gurney Plaza houses more than 380 stores, boasting big brands like Rolex, Versace and Fossil. It also offers a wide variety of dining and entertainment options.

Get directions to the Gurney Plaza

Conveniently located in the centre of George Town, 1st Avenue Mall meets all your shopping needs—from clothing, accessories and food, to household brands at accessible prices. 

Get directions to 1st Avenue Mall

Just in front of the PARKROYAL Penang Resort is the bustling Batu Ferringhi Night Market, where hundreds of stores offer everything from clothing, trinkets, street snacks, and toys to home decorations.

Get directions to the Batu Ferringhi Night Market

Craving for more shopping? Read this list of shopping options in Penang.

Penang is steeped in history and culture, and its people are proud of it. Old trades are still alive, with craftsmen and artisans working to produce crafts with quality artistry. It is an eye-opener for both locals and visitors alike to find out how these tradesmen perfect their craft.

The traditional theatrical art of Wayang Kulit (shadow puppets) is one where puppets are used to cast shadows on a white screen to tell a story. This centuries-old art form combines hand movements, voice acting and singing. Interested in crafting your own puppets? Sign up for a workshop and train under a skilled puppeteer. 

Find out more about other traditional crafts you can learn in Penang.