Penang

Off The Beaten Path: Penang for the Adventurer

i;m bored of penang but they are still fun

Locations
10
Unique places to explore

Monkey Beach

Within Penang National Park, accessible by jungle trek or a short boat ride from Teluk Bahang

#13

About

A secluded beach fringed by rainforest and white sand, Monkey Beach is named for its mischievous long-tailed macaques who often roam the shoreline.

Experience

Relax in hammocks or swings by the sea, swim in calm waters, and enjoy the tranquility of a beach framed by lush greenery. The monkeys may watch curiously—or try to steal your snacks.

Tikus Island

Off the northern coast of Penang, accessible only by charter boat

#14

About

Known as "Rat Island," this tiny isle is mostly untouched and uninhabited, offering spectacular views of Penang Island from the middle of the sea.

Experience

Arrive by boat and feel as if you've stepped into another world—surrounded by water with Penang rising in the distance. Snorkeling and diving are possible for adventurers.

Frandy Beach Bar

Teluk Bahang beachfront

#15

About

A laid-back beachside bar known for sunsets, fire shows, and a warm local welcome. Frandy has been a friend of travelers and locals for years.

Experience

Lounge on beanbags, listen to live music, and stay for the nightly Fire Hunters performance—an exhilarating fire dance show that lights up the beach after dark.

Country Home & Café

Southernmost tip of Penang Island

#16

About

A charming countryside café and farm, known for growing its own pineapples and serving the freshest juice on the island.

Experience

Sip homemade pineapple juice overlooking untouched shoreline, with nearby hiking trails weaving through the natural landscape.

Moon Gate Trail (Penang Botanic Gardens)

Entrance at the Penang Botanic Gardens

#17

About

A historic stone arch marks the start of a beloved hiking trail up Penang Hill, frequented daily by locals.

Experience

The hike winds upward through dense jungle. Along the way, you'll find a curious sight—an outdoor gym inexplicably set up partway up the mountain, where locals stop to work out mid-hike. Some say a mysterious tea club meets here, where strangers share tea before continuing the climb.

Balik Pulau

Western side of Penang Island

#18

About

Balik Pulau is the rural heart of Penang, far removed from the pace of George Town. Surrounded by rice fields, fruit orchards, and kampung villages, it preserves the island's agricultural and cultural traditions.

Experience

The best way to see Balik Pulau is by cycling through paddy fields and village roads, visiting local markets, and stopping at durian farms during the fruiting season. Homestays allow travelers to experience traditional kampung life up close.

Sungai Pinang Fishing Village

Southwest coast of Penang Island

#19

About

A small fishing village where life still revolves around the sea, with traditional stilt houses, mangroves, and colorful fishing boats.

Experience

Walk the wooden jetties, watch fishermen bring in their daily catch, and enjoy freshly cooked seafood in local homes or small stalls.

Bukit Genting Leisure Park

Hills above Balik Pulau

#20

About

A hilltop escape featuring Thai-inspired shrines and sweeping views over Penang's western coastline.

Experience

Drive up steep winding roads to reach the hilltop, where simple restaurants and lookout points await. Sunset is the most spectacular time, when the landscape glows in golden light.

Penang War Museum

Southeastern tip of Penang Island

#21

About

Originally a British military fort built in the 1930s, the site was later occupied by the Japanese during World War II and has since been transformed into an outdoor war museum.

Experience

Visitors can explore underground tunnels, bunkers, and artillery placements hidden in the jungle. The museum covers history with an atmospheric, almost haunting presence.

Pantai Teluk Bayu

Southern coastline near Sungai Batu

#22

About

Pantai Teluk Bayu is a quiet, lesser-known beach tucked along Penang's southern coastline near Sungai Batu. Unlike Batu Ferringhi or Tanjung Bungah, this beach remains mostly untouched by mass tourism and is still very much a local favorite.

Experience

The sandy stretch is lined with unique seashells, many of which are homes to tiny hermit crabs scuttling about the shore. It's a peaceful escape where you can wander barefoot, explore tidal pools, or simply relax beneath the trees with the sound of the waves as your backdrop. The water is calm and the atmosphere serene, making it a perfect place to unwind after exploring the island's busier attractions.