15 Ideas For What To Do In Penang With Kids

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Penang is among the most fascinating and numerous locations in Malaysia. It’s an island positioned on the western shores of the nation, linked to the mainland by bridge.

It’s recognized for its UNESCO world heritage web site of Georgetown, which is embellished with colonial buildings and avenue artwork. The island can be the place you’ll discover beautiful seashores, attractive historical temples, and hearty meals (locals name it the meals capital of Malaysia, and there’s a motive for it).

It’s a melting pot of tradition, welcoming each Indian and Chinese language influences into its heritage. So, when in search of concepts on what to do in Penang, you possibly can make sure to discover a numerous array of sights so as to add to your itinerary.

On this information, we’ve listed all the very best issues to do in Penang and all the highest sights, so you can also make planning your go to straightforward. It’s top-of-the-line locations in Malaysia, and also you’re quickly going to seek out out why.

What to do in Penang with children

No matter the place you keep and the way luxurious it could be, please get out and discover Penang, Malaysia. Now we have been there twice with our kids; each occasions we had a child who was welcomed by each native.

Here’s a record of issues to do in Penang in no explicit order.

1. Stroll Round 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 change into a mecca for vacationers in search of superb experiences crammed with historical past and tradition.

Right here you possibly can wander amidst streets lined with fascinating conventional shophouses, and unimaginable avenue artwork and go to historic websites like Fort Cornwallis or take pleasure in some scrumptious avenue meals on the iconic meals courtroom on Penang Street.

Downtown George City is sort of walkable and there’s 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 Children to Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm

Children of all ages will find it irresistible right here. You possibly can rise up shut and private with so many alternative 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 lovely orchids are dwelling to much more butterflies.

Enable 2 hours for a soothing go to right here. It’s the final cease on the bus, so very straightforward to seek out.

3. Study About Spice Buying and selling Historical past at The Tropical Spice Backyard

Not removed from the Butterfly farm (a fast taxi or bus journey), one can find the Spice Backyard.

We had Grandpa with us who liked studying all concerning the Spice buying and selling historical past, taking a look at all of the signed vegetation, and smelling the 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 big swing that swings you out over the sting of the rainforest. There are quite a few waterfalls, ponds, and bridges to seek 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. A good way to flee the warmth is to go to the highest of Penang Hill.

Catch the funicular all the way in which to the highest; in just some minutes you can be on the high to have a beautiful view of Penang. It’s a lot cooler up right here.

If it’s a wet morning, don’t trouble as you can 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 number of cafes and exhibitions to take a look at additionally. (You probably have little ones, keep away from the owl museum – came upon the exhausting means – a number of little breakable issues in there!)

5. Discover Penang Botanical Gardens

When travelling with children, generally you could allow them to free.

The botanical gardens are a should for energetic children. They’ll run alongside set paths, climb bridges and watch waterfalls. For one ringgit you possibly can soar aboard the mini practice for a trip across the gardens.

For mum and pa, you possibly can take pleasure in studying about all of the native vegetation and flora of Malaysia whilst you’re children benefit from the sights.

A part of Entopia is the Natureland, a dwelling backyard vivarium the place animals and bugs can thrive.

You possibly can see every thing from reptiles to snakes, and make sure to head over to the most important butterfly backyard in Malaysia which incorporates 15,000 free-flying butterflies.

The dwelling backyard is among the highlights of the gardens. It has greater than 200 species of fauna, which may be greatest seen from the mezzanine terrace in David’s Backyard.

Entopia isn’t just a spot the place jungle vegetation can thrive, however it’s an academic useful resource. Make sure you take the youngsters to The Cocoon indoor discovery centre to be taught concerning the vegetation and wildlife right here.

There are many monkeys to identify – watch out to cover your meals!

6. Marvel on the Kek Lok Si Temple

That is the most important 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 slender columns to climb, so depart the stroller behind.

The temple grounds are lovely; there are sacred ponds and manicured vegetation to admire. The children will love climbing the seven-tiered Pagoda of King Rama VI and shall be awed by a large bronze statue of the goddess of mercy.

There are additionally glass elevators to trip in and turtles to feed. An excellent 2 hours of exploring and studying!

7. Eat – Then Eat Some Extra

I might severely write 1000’s of phrases right here, however I received’t. Attempt one thing new day-after-day, there’s a lot in your tastebuds to be taught.

By far our favorite place to eat is Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. I’m drooling as I keep in mind it.

From 6pm till late there shall be a whole lot of Penang’s most interesting meals so that you can pattern – and can value you a number of ringgits solely.

This place shall be buzzing with locals; don’t be afraid to ask them for a advice, or comply with behind and order the identical. When shopping for meals for the little ones, keep in mind to ask the cook 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 proper curry. The restaurateurs will enjoyment of making your children really feel at dwelling. And on the proper avenue meals stall, samosas for $1 anybody?

8. Store Until You Drop

You should benefit from nice purchasing and low cost costs.

Retailers typically open after 10am and are open until late at evening. Gurney Plaza is one in every of many upmarket fashionable purchasing centres the place one can find your brand-name shops with nice financial savings.

If you wish to store with the locals, head to the Komtar (the most important constructing in Penang) or Prangin Mall which is throughout the highway.

Right here one can find a myriad of attention-grabbing outlets and boutique stalls. You’ll discover a number of cool devices and knick-knacks for the youngsters to have enjoyable with.

9. Catch the Ferry

In case you head to the ferry terminal in Georgetown, wander alongside the pier and meals stalls and soar on a ferry – simply because you possibly can.

You’ll more than likely be the one foreigners on it, however it’s so a lot enjoyable for the youngsters. They’ll sit and watch different big ferries move by and after about 20 minutes you can be at Butterworth, the mainland.

Once you get right here, it’s as much as you. You possibly can flip round and return – the return journey is free – or you possibly can keep and discover.

The Penang Fowl Park is a brief taxi trip away and there’s a Temple subsequent door worthy of a glance.

You would 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 youngsters fell asleep!)

10. Try 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 proper place to take the youngsters to expel some power.

Entrance charges value simply 35 MYR per youngster for 2 hours and it’s open day-after-day from 10am – 1pm and 3pm – 6pm. 

11. Study About Chinese language Tradition on the Clan Jetties

Guests of Penang, whether or not you’re travelling with children or not, mustn’t skip the jetty in Penang.

That is the place the Chinese language clans dwell in a type 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 properties 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 complete, each subsequent to the opposite. Every village belongs to 1 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 change into docile, and it’s believed they’re rendered innocent due to the sacred smoke. However simply to be secure, they’ve been de-venomed.

In case you’re afraid of snakes, it’s in all probability not an attraction in Penang for you. And perhaps don’t convey any toddlers inside…

13. Go Mountaineering in Penang Nationwide Park

In case you 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.

Positioned simply 42 km from Georgetown, guests can escape the hustle and bustle of the 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.

In case you’re fortunate, you may additionally see some squirrels, otters, deer, pangolins, and pythons.

Make sure you try the cover walkway, which is 210 meters lengthy and sits excessive within the cover of Sg. Tukun.

The park can be dwelling 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 a lot of the credit score for having a few of Malaysia’s high seashores.

However that doesn’t imply that there usually are not attractive seashores in Penang.

The most well-liked seashore in Penang is Monkey Seaside, which will get its identify as a result of, you guessed it, monkeys dwell there.

The monkeys are used to individuals however do watch out with plastic luggage, bottles, and meals, as they are going to be more than pleased to take them out of your palms.

When you’ve seen sufficient monkeys, one can find a small bar on the seashore the place you should purchase refreshing juices, or benefit from the mild waves of the seashore – because it’s in a bay, the waters listed here are normally very calm.

For a soothing day on the seashore with out monkeys, head to the Batu Ferringi Seaside in entrance of the Shangri-La Golden Sands Resort, as that is the place you’ll discover a good, clear seashore that you would be able to swim in.

15. Go to the Toy Museum

Children will love exploring the Penang Toy Museum, which has greater than 110,000 toys, dolls, miniatures, and different collectible toys on show.

You could even be shocked to be taught that it’s the most important toy museum on this 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 youths.

Getting Round Penang

Personally, I wouldn’t trouble with organised excursions. You will get bundle offers by way of numerous operators who will choose you up out of your lodge and take you to a few sights in at some point – Straightforward!

When you’ve got 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 manner you possibly can see two or three sights in at some point and your driver shall be ready patiently till you might be 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.

The bus system is so unbelievable and low cost. You possibly can attain most locations by bus and the drivers are completely satisfied to level you in the appropriate path. You should buy pay as you go bus tickets to present you limitless hassle-free journey.

The place to Keep in Penang

Now you realize what sights in Penang are at your disposal, it’s time to get your bearings. Penang is an island composed of 121 km², so ensuring you’ve got the appropriate base is important for benefiting from your journey.

The place you keep in Penang shall be decided by the sights you need to see. However there’s two essential locations 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 one can find all of the big-name resorts with child’s golf equipment, and buffet breakfasts, and most of them are proper on the seashore.

Whereas it’s a seashore and one can find many water sports activities, remember that it’s probably not a swimming seashore – the water isn’t as clear as you could count on it to be.

Batu Ferringhi comes alive at night. The principle avenue is reworked right into a bustling market, with each sort of ware (together with real fakes) obtainable. Be at liberty to haggle and barter in your greatest cut price.

Don’t eat at your over-priced lodge restaurant, stroll to the Lengthy Seaside Hawker Centre with some spare change and you’ll expertise a few of Penang’s greatest meals.

Batu Ferringhi is the very best place to remain for households or teams of people that take pleasure in nightlife. In case you resolve to remain right here, please depart your resort to discover Penang. There are sights simply accessed from the bus cease in entrance of your lodge.

George City, Penang

If you’re after one thing much less ‘foreigners rock’ then George City is the place to remain. It’s grown in reputation through the years because it affords 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 obtainable for households from massive resorts, homestays, and self-catering flats.

You received’t discover a resort right here, however there’s something about dwelling amongst locals that actually does it for me. You possibly can even discover VRBO rental properties to present you that extra native expertise.

George City is greatest suited to {couples}, backpackers, solo vacationers, households, and properly, everybody!

High Excursions for Penang

Try these hottest excursions in Penang, Malaysia

Ultimate Ideas on What to Do in Penang

I like Penang, it’s my religious dwelling. As you possibly can see, there are many issues to do in Penang to maintain you and your loved ones busy.

I do hope your go to is as a lot enjoyable as ours, and that you simply find it irresistible as a lot as we’ve got.

Be sure to keep for at the very least one week, extra if you’re ready. There may be a lot extra to see – and eat!

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