Situated like a shimmering gem off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is the essence of Malaysia‘s diversity, heritage, and culinary excellence. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” this island seamlessly weaves together a rich tapestry of history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.
We have previously shared posts – All about Penang, Penang Food (we are always updating it as there’s too many delicious local foodie to share with you) and how to travel in and around Penang. And we know readers are looking for guides and tips to travel to Penang (easily and smoothly, of course!) with family especially few kids around and elderly in group.
Fun Things to do with Kids and Elderly!
Here the list of activities we enjoyed and would like to share with you! From world ‘longest tube waterslide’ waterpark, free beach play, fun bike or trishaw ride through town with famous street arts around to wildlife experiences to choose either indoor farms or outdoor farms.
ESCAPE Theme Park Penang
Having world’s longest tube water slide (incredible length of 1,111m!), ESCAPE Theme Park is definitely at the top of list when it comes to activities in Penang for a trip with family! Built in lush greens, the theme park offers over 30 thrilling activities including ziplining, twisting water slides, challenging rope courses, rock climbing, refreshing pools, and more – all in one space. Most of the rides and games within the theme park are designed for range of age groups, abilities, and energy levels, so you’ll have just as much fun here as your little ones. Click here to check on ticket prices!
Address : 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang (map coordinator, click here).
Trishaw Ride, Leisure Walk or E-Bike around George Town
This 3km2 of UNESCO protected land is home to many different cultures, languages, cuisines and architectural styles. Home to dozen of street art, which not only beautiful but unique art pieces through town. Slow walking, e-bike or trishaw ride around town would always lead you to many realistic 3D-inspired art pieces. So, children or even elderly can be entertained for ages by playing on these 3D art bikes, benches, and market stalls. In particular, there are many murals, colourful buildings, and events in Georgetown’s UNESCO Historic Site. If walking or biking is not your thing, take trishaw ride then! Local called as ‘Beca Ride’, to explore from town to several popular places likes Fort Cornwallis, Penang Town Hall, Khoo Kongsi, Goddess of Mercy Temple, and Little India.
Tip : You may check on this, to plan street art fun tour route. While for trishaw ride trip, you may book thru here and kids below 3years old is FOC (yay!).
Penang Hill a.k.a Bukit Bendera
For a great view and different perspective on the island, take a trip up Penang Hill on the funicular railway or you can choose to hike all the way up which best way to burn some energy especially active children. Your children can get their wiggles out on the hiking trails or relax at the Habitat lookout point. On top there covered Penang Hill Gallery @Edgecliff which museum focusing on history and background of Penang Hill to learn about, playground with some larger structures for older children.
The Habitat Penang Hill is a real highlight, a small but beautiful rainforest reserve where visitors can see flora and fauna, hike on a short 1.6km nature trails, enjoy a treetop and canopy walk, disappear off into a immersive VR world, or, for the more adventurous, try the zipline to witness the rainforest and Penang Hill from a whole new perspective. The Habitat is open from 9:00am to 7:00pm each day, and ticket prices start from range RM 40 to RM RM60, also selling family combo package (slight cheaper).
Tip : Avoid weekend or local public holidays as it could be very pack and queue on both ticketing office and railway are no joke for children and elderly. Ticket range from RM3 to RM30 opt between round trip and one way. It takes about fifteen minutes to get to the top and the railway is open seven days a week from 6:30am to 10pm, ticket office closes at 8:30pm.
Address : Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang (map coordinate, click here).
Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm
Built in a giant glass-house conservatory, Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm is a magical space where butterflies and all types of insects come out to play around. It is a safe harmony home to over 15,000 free-flying butterflies and it’s most popular family outing spots in Penang. Located at surrounding of beautiful waterfalls, ponds, caves, vertical gardens, and winding trails, best is they even have an indoor discovery centre that features two floors of learning exhibition, interactive edu-stations, and indoor activities that are perfect for the curious little ones. Kids or even parents and grandparents could easily spend hours here learning and having fun (with cooling temperature that so much like natural wind!).
Address : C6X8+33, 830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang (map coordinator, click here).
Kek Lok Si Temple
Penang, Malaysia, has a strong and influential Chinese community. Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Because of its size, it is a place of pilgrimage for many Monks and Novices from across Southeast Asia. The construction of the temple reflects the diversity of Malaysia, with bits of the top pagoda showcasing Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles. Brace yourself when you first arrive, the initial glimpse of the temple is something you’ll long remember. Aside from walking around and taking in the overall splendour, you’ll see the famous Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda, the almost forty metre tall statue of Kuan Yin, as well as the peaceful prayer areas. Definitely place for kids to marvel and learn while to burn energy around (suggest to come during morning with sunscreen and mini fan).
Tip : Kek Lok Si is open to the public from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Admission is FOC, while RM 2 is charged per pax to climb to the Pagoda Guan Yin statue top for amazing view (no regret!).
Address : 1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang (map coordinate, click here).
Clan Jetties | Chew Jetty | Lim Jetty | Tan Jetty
Distance a short walk from central George Town, the Clan Jetties are where you and your family can see how the traditional Chinese communities live and work in Penang. The wooden buildings built on stilts jut out into the water, still busy with activity as the local community goes about their day. Visit early in the morning best possible when it’s at its quietest; whilst many inhabitants now have jobs in the city, you’ll see witness this fascinating traditional community come to life. Walk around, take photographs, do some shopping, visit temples, or enjoy a scrumptious meal at one of the many small, family-run restaurants. Your kids will surely enjoy a walk with local tradition ice cream selling around.
Tip : There’s few popular jetties clan to venture – Chew Jetty, Lim Jetty and Tan Jetty (come with lesser crowd). Sunset at jetties is breathtaking, you shouldn’t missed. Do be mindful as local still living in these houses, keep voice down while strolling around. Map coordinator, click here.
Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi located at a long stretch of sandy beach and is one of Penang’s most popular destinations! It’s all sun and fun in the day time and lined with bars and restaurants to chill at once the night falls. Let your little ones run around in the soft sand, fly some kites, build sandcastles, or try out the range of water sports available here from jet-skiing to parasailing, banana boat, and more. A popular Batu Ferringhi Night Market that’s open till past midnight. Also for beach lovers or would like to let kids to have more time playing at beach, consider booking your stay at a hotel by the beach! To experience like a local nor eat like a local, make sure to visit Pasar Malam Batu Ferringhi (night markets) where you can find them all!
Tip : Sunset is a must see thing, bring over mat and set up picnic if you’d like. It’s FOC! Drop by to one of most unique Starbucks store in island, located just right at the beach side (coffee with view, no one could resist!). Map coordinator, click here.
Penang Bird Park
It has over 300 species of birds from around the world, the Penang Bird Park is the first and largest bird park of its kind in Malaysia. This 5-acre park consists of giant-sized walk-in aviaries, little huts, winding paths, and beautiful ponds where you can check on many types of cute birds from tiny sunbirds to 8-foot tall ostriches, free-roaming pelicans, elegant swans, well-trained parrots, owls, flamingos, hornbills, storks, and colourful ducks. The bird park imitates the natural habitat of the birds, has a nice calming vibe, cooling wind around and promises hours of fun for everyone. Not only seeing birds, it is also home to several species of deer, fishes, pythons, crocodiles, tortoises, and other wildlife. Your kids will love it!
Tip : You may browse and book ticket here for a fun and hassle-free visit , it offers package promotion and even discounted rate!
Address : Jalan Todak Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang (map coordinator, click here).
TeddyVille Museum
For rainy day, no worries! Penang got it all of the most unique museums in Malaysia. One of it museum that’s great for family holidays is the adorable Teddyville Museum that Malaysia’s first and largest collection of teddy bears from various nations and eras. Collection includes one of the first batches of teddy bears ever made, and teddies of all sizes from tiny miniature size to human-sized bears! A total 9000sqft space of this museum yo reflect the rich culture and history of Penang, where teddies dressed like locals and placed in sets representing the attractions in Penang. For children or adult who’s teddies fan, will definitely have so much joy checking around.
Tips : Children or anyone can even build their very own teddy here as a souvenir!
Address : DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang, 56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang (map coordinator, click here).
Saanen Dairy Goat Farm
I bet most children like animal, even myself! Don’t missed farm visiting with your family. Located in Balik Pulau, Saanen Dairy Goat Farm is a hidden gem where you can interact closely with gentle animals like dairy goats, ostriches, chickens and more. Feed, pet, cradle, and take selfies with these adorable creatures in this family-friendly farm (all you can, animals here are super friednly!). This Goat Farm is a family-run business and admission is free (yay!)! For larger group visit, you may contact owner directly for arrangement.
Tip : Grab goat milk, goat milk pudding, or a yogurt drink before you leave, freshly produced!
Address : 298 Mukim 1 Sungai Pinang, 11010 Balik Pulau, Penang (map coordinator, click here).
There are more to share with you, we will be updating post from time to time. Do check out!
Travelling to Penang soon? Considering Penang for next holiday destination? Or you are now packing luggage excitedly? Let us help you right away!
Penang, Malaysia Travel Guide – Food
Penang, Malaysia Travel Guide – Transportation
Do check on our upcoming post if you are clueless to plan your Penang itinerary, stay tune!
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