Situated on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is a gem of an island, beckoning with a vibrant tapestry of culture, cuisine and captivating experiences. For families seeking a harmonious blend of history, excitement as well as culinary delights, this enchanting island promises not just a getaway but also an unforgettable odyssey.
Join us as we unveil a carefully curated guide to unlocking the wonders of Penang in just four days and three nights - a testament to its charm as Asia's premier family-friendly destination.
Start your adventure by experiencing the rural charm of Kampung Agong, an attractive ‘Agro Themed Park’ and a coconut grove next to paddy fields, which was launched in 2019, covering 15 acres of scenic countryside views.
For a full back-to-basics adventure, opt for a homestay experience or try out one of the camping packages. Also available here are a range of paid village activities, team-building packages as well as event venues. In addition, the park is a mecca for Instagrammers, with its picture-worthy Balinese hammocks, Giant Tempua bird nests and countless #OOTD spots. Tripod rentals are also available on-site.
Visitors can fully immerse in rural life by participating in Jom Turun Bendang, which includes activities such as paddy planting, constructing traditional kites, fishing and guided tours (prior bookings also a minimum team size are required). Other fun activities include traditional clothing rental, unwinding at Malaysia's largest container cafe, a little animal farm as well as horse rides. A surau, bathrooms and a cafe are among the available amenities. Prepare for an enjoyable visit by packing extra sets of clean clothes for activities such as Jom Turun Bendang, or enjoy tram rides or bicycle rentals to properly explore the theme park. Kampung Agong is open from 9:00AM to 6:00PM daily.
*Prices may vary. Please visit Kampung Agong Website for further information.
Once you have delved into the wonders of Kampung Agong, make your way to Penang's bustling capital city for more excitement. Begin with a visit to the Wonderfood Museum, where larger-than-life replicas of Malaysia's most iconic dishes offer an immersive and educational experience. The museum showcases the island's rich culinary heritage, making it an exciting and flavorful stop for food enthusiasts of all ages complete with a picture booth for creating new memories. Wonderfood Museum is open daily from 9:00AM to 6:00PM.
To learn more, head over to Wonderfood Museum Facebook Page for further information.
After exploring the Wonderfood Museum, head to The TOP Komtar, Penang's Highest Iconic Entertainment Tower. The Top provides an unmatched experience as the island's largest indoor theme park, with over 18 exhilarating attractions under one roof.
Marvel at the spectacular Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck, which offer panoramic views of George Town or dive into the world of dinosaurs at the Jurassic Research Center and discover Penang's Boutique Aquariums.
Top View Restaurant, Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck are open to the public every day from 10:00AM to 10:00PM, closing at 7:00PM on Tuesdays. Other attractions are open daily from 10:00AM to 7:00PM. Visitors are required to purchase tickets online at least one day before entering the attraction.
Visit The Top Website for further information.
After a long day of exploration, unwind with a satisfying dinner at Deen’s Maju Nasi Kandar near The TOP Komtar. This renowned restaurant offers a flavourful variety of dishes, including succulent meats, fresh seafood and perfectly spiced curries, making it the ideal eatery at which to end your day on a delicious note.
Transition into the more tranquil side of town where you can enjoy a fantastic view unlike any other at Penang Hill, where Asia's longest funicular train ride (two kilometres long) is offered. The ride transports passengers 833 metres above sea level to its summit in about five minutes. Alternatively, to access the hilltop, hikers can take the Heritage Trail. Take in the sights at the Skywalk observatory deck and Skydeck, which offer stunning 180-degree views of Georgetown. Penang Hill, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, has six permanent forest reserves, a central park, two dams as well as key water catchment areas.
Penang Hill is also steeped in history, housing colonial-era architecture whilst providing access to the UNESCO-designated Habitat Penang Hill. It also boasts amazing attractions such as the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, Langur Way Canopy Walk and beautifully restored 1800s nature paths.
Additional ticketed attractions include the Penang Hill Gallery at Edgecliff, Teddyville Museum, Monkey Cup Garden and more. David Brown Restaurant, Cliff Cafe, Sky Terrace Café, The Loaf as well as Kopi Hutan all offer a variety of delicious meals.
Amenities here include a mosque, a temple, restrooms, a playground, a police station, a clinic and buggy jeep services. Note that tickets are single-use and only valid on the day of purchase; online tickets must be purchased 24 hours in advance. Lockers are also available for rent at the Lower Station. Operations start at 6.30AM to 11:00PM daily.
Please visit Penang Hill Website for further information.
Elevate your Day 3 adventure with a thrilling exploration of nature’s marvels at Escape Theme Park. This dynamic outdoor theme park offers 39 different activities for all ages across its Adventureplay and Waterplay zones. Highlights include the Guinness World Records-breaking Longest Tube Water Slide (1,111 metres) together with Zip Coaster (1,135 metres), Malaysia's first Ski Slope as well as the Dead Sea Pool for natural floating. Showers, toilets and changing rooms are available, while dining options such as Costa Coffee and A&W also operate here. There is also a dedicated campsite called BASE CAMP that comes complete with a surau, first-aid room, water dispensers plus rentable items such as rash guards, Muslim swimwear, towels and lockers. Operations start at 10:00AM to 6:00PM (Tuesdays - Sundays). Closed on Mondays for safety maintenance.
Please visit Escape Website for further information.
After a thrilling and invigorating day at Escape Theme Park Penang, recharge your energy with a delectable dinner at the iconic Gurney Drive Hawker Center, a bustling food court serving a broad range of popular Penang street food. It is split into two separate areas: one for halal food and another for non-halal food, assuring that it can easily accommodate a varied clientele.
Conclude your Penang adventure with a visit to Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang. This farm is a tropical butterfly sanctuary featuring a nature park with live butterflies and small reptiles living in their natural environment.
The farm is divided into two worlds: The Natureland; an outdoor living garden vivarium with over 200 plant species, fresh waterfalls, ponds and caverns as well as The Cocoon; a two-story interior discovery centre with interactive edu-stations for self-exploration of invertebrates.
Entopia has approximately 15,000 free-flying butterflies across 60 species and offers Nature Learning programs such as Vita Nova (a butterfly-release activity) and Nature Talk (guided tours), which teach visitors about the butterfly's life cycle. It also offers the first-ever dine-with-butterflies experience at Tapestree Cafe.
After immersing yourself in the enchantment of Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm, continue your experience with a culinary feast at Tapestree Restaurant. Here, you can enjoy a diverse menu featuring local Asian delicacies, delectable Western cuisine and tempting snacks paired with refreshing beverages, all set amidst the vibrant ambience of the butterfly farm.
Photo Credit: Entopia
Thoughtful facilities include wheelchair access, a nursing room, first-aid facilities, a sick bay, bathrooms, a surau and parking lots, as well as The Sphere multi-function hall for larger events or functions is available here.
Please visit Entopia Website for further information.
Next, let’s switch gears to indulge in some retail therapy at the Design Village Outlet Mall, an award-winning outlet mall concept encompassing 24 acres in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan. Officially opened on November 23, 2016, it is now one of Penang's top shopping destinations.
The open-air mall houses 150 stores, including a mix of international and local brands, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, shaded pathways and stunning jewel-inspired architecture. As the only outlet mall in Penang even in the Northern Region, it is located in the Northern Development Corridor, a modern luxury-living hub within proximity to landmark developments such as Aspen Vision City, IKEA Penang and Ultropolis. Design Village also provides facilities and amenities including locker rentals, a prayer room, a nursing room, ATMs, EV charging stations, baby strollers as well as wheelchair rentals. Opening hours start from 11:00AM to 10:00PM daily.
Please visit Design Village Penang Website for further information.