Penang, Malaysia is a wonderful area for family travel. There are so many fun things to do in Penang with kids that we really enjoyed our time there; great food of all sorts, large malls offer shopping, movies, and more, beaches for lazing the day away and numerous cultural areas to explore. So many great things to do that it can be overwhelming when you only have a week or so in the area.
We spent quite a bit of time in Penang recently so I thought I would put together a quick list of the top 10 things to do with your family.
Penang Butterfly Garden
I am not usually one to spend time or money at a butterfly garden set up for tourists. After living in Costa Rica for 5 years and seeing so many amazing butterflies right in our backyard it seems like a moot point to us now. But when some friends visited and wanted to go I figured why not? I am so glad we went!
I would say it is most appropriate for children 8 and under but kids of all ages, adults included will enjoy the day. The garden showcases every step in the butterfly metamorphosis from egg to butterfly. There are guides there to show the kids around and explain the different parts of the life stage. There are also a host of other insects and a fun butterfly release at the end of the
Penang National Park
Hiking, swimming, and exploring the wildlife, this park has it all. Penang National park is easy to access via the bus and offers so much in the way of outdoor fun. Pack a picnic lunch and eat along the water, watching monkeys scurry around you, take a leisurely stroll throughout the well maintained paths, explore the fishing docks and floating villages, or hop n a boat and explore the park from the water. If outdoors activity is what you seek then in Penang this is a great spot!
If you have time try and do a day trip to Turtle beach and Monkey beach. For $40 a boat load (seats 10-12) you can stop off at turtle beach to see the sanctuary there, almost always complete with adorable baby turtles waiting to be big enough for release. At the opposite end of the beach you will find a walking trail and a mecromitic lake, one of only 19 in the world. But beware there are many jellyfish in the water here so don't bother swimming and the lake is only worth seeing in the rainy season. After that you will be taken to monkey beach where the swimming is much nicer and true to its name you will be overrun with monkeys.
Tip: Bring in plenty of water and snacks as there are no services inside the park and it gets hot in Penang! (Monkey beach does have some vendors with cool drinks available) Also be careful on Monkey Beach, the monkeys will stalk you, wait for you to step away a bit and steal any and all food available to them!
Kek Lok Si temple
Typically, temples are not the most family friendly places, you need to be respectful and quiet and typically not run around screaming as my little ones seem to really enjoy particularly when it is most embarrassing! Kek Lok Si is different in that it seems a bit more relaxed. Tourist stalls adorn the entire complex and although that usually gives me less of an authentic feel it also lets me know they are slightly more relaxed.
Respect needs to be observed still but there is lots of opportunity for fun - vehicular elevators, animal statues for posing and climbing on, ponds full of koi, and a great turtle pond are just a few of the attractions on the temple grounds to both impress and keep your little ones entertained.
Tip: This is still a temple so be sure to dress appropriately. Cover knees and shoulders!
Hard Rock Hotel and Resort
You do not need to be a guest at the Hard Rock in order to enjoy the fabulous pool facilities. If you are in Penang for an extended period you can also buy a family pass for under $300, good for 4 people for the entire year. It allows free entry, discounts at the spa, shops, and restaurants, a well as a complimentary night at the hotel. It is well worth the money even if you stay only 6 months. There is also a kids club and teen club that you can enjoy free of charge when you buy the family pass.
Tip: Bring in snacks and drinks of your own. I've never had anyone tell me I can't and it saves a fortune as the restaurants are exorbitantly priced. There are also many local restaurants right across the street so you can easily leave and come back.
Snake Temple
If your children enjoy reptiles this is the place for them. The temple itself is really nothing special but the thrill of spotting snakes all over the property is. I was a little nervous when we decided to check it out but the snakes all seemed quite sleepy and none were directly in our paths so it never seemed dangerous.
The snakes can be spotted at different areas of the actual temple but outside was even more fun. A beautiful garden can be found and we spent nearly an hour searching the bushes to spot the colorful snakes, all of which appeared to be vipers. If you have the time head over to the small museum where you can see large cobras, some monkeys, a beautiful albino python and perhaps the biggest snake I have ever seen, a reticulated python that measured over 20 feet long and I am quite sure could swallow my 5 year old whole! Shaking with fear...check!
Tip: Get some drinks outside the temple or bring your own as there were none for sale inside and it is HOT!
Taluk Bahang Forest Park
Another great spot for outdoor fun is the Forest Park located near the Butterfly Garden on the Northern part of the island. Inside the park there is something for everyone. A forest museum showcases the types of plants and trees located on the island, 4 well marked walking trails weave throughout the 32 beautiful hectares, and a playground and swimming pools complete with slides make it a perfect spot to spend a few hours. Entrance to the park is free but the museum will cost 1 RM or roughly 30 cents. There are bathrooms inside the park but no services inside for food or drinks so bring your own.
Tip: Bring bug spray as we got eaten alive!
Cornwallis Fort
Fort Cornwallis is an old fort located on the NE corner of Penang. If your kids are into Mine craft, knights, and cannons then this will be a really fun way to spend a couple hours. There is also a playground located outside and some prison cells for when the kids get out of hand! Certainly not a full day outing but if you are in the area nothing says fun like an ammunition room. Although it may just be me, the mom with 3 boys:)
Tip: Read up on the history with your kids before going, it really puts the whole picture together better that way and in our opinion it was really fascinating stuff!
Orangutan Island
Okay, this is not technically in Penang but as it was an easy drive from Penang and we all had such a great time I just had to include it in the list. Orangutan island in Bukit Merah is doing some wonderful work rehabilitating Orangutans and slowly re releasing them into the wilds of Borneo. It took just 1 hour to get there from the Penang side of the bridge and it was a day full of boat rides, friendly knowledgeable tour guides, and amazingly close up encounters with orangutans of all ages.
Tip: Head there early enough to enjoy not only the orangutans but also the wildlife parks and water park that is located in the same area.
Penang Youth Park
As far as free parks go this one has got to be top of the list! Huge playgrounds, skating park, paths for biking or jogging, pools for swimming or wading, and a beautifully landscaped park can all be enjoyed free of charge from dawn until dusk. Even when it is hot so much of the park is covered with beautiful trees providing shade that it makes it bearable. When not sightseeing this is a great spot to take the kids to burn off some steam!
Tip: Be aware of monkeys and do not eat or carry food anyplace that you see them around! They can bite so avoid them and if bitten get to a doctor as soon as you can!
Adventure Zone, Batu Ferringhi
Penang can get really hot! So if you want to beat the heat, or are facing a rainy day then Adventure Zone, in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, is your best bet. There are slides, rope challenges, a toddler area, video games, and fun for every age range. Plus there is free wifi in the lobby with nice tables and chairs so you can catch up on work or choose to go in and play along with the kids. There is also a Segway course outside for an added cost and a small cafe inside serving drinks and snacks. A great way to spend a couple hours!
Tip: To save some money, bring some food or water in with you. I wouldn't bring a complete meal ,but water and some granola is fine. Also, do not go on the weekends when it is more busy and the fee for entrance increases.
If you have extra time and the kids are up for it there are also several beaches to relax on, great shopping in Georgetown (Little India), fruit and spice gardens, and numerous other temples (Burmese temple on Burma Rd is one of our favorites) and mosques (floating mosque) to explore throughout the island!
Do you have any tips of great spots for families in Penang? If so please share below!
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| Penang has so much more than just beautiful sunsets |
Penang Butterfly Garden
I am not usually one to spend time or money at a butterfly garden set up for tourists. After living in Costa Rica for 5 years and seeing so many amazing butterflies right in our backyard it seems like a moot point to us now. But when some friends visited and wanted to go I figured why not? I am so glad we went!
I would say it is most appropriate for children 8 and under but kids of all ages, adults included will enjoy the day. The garden showcases every step in the butterfly metamorphosis from egg to butterfly. There are guides there to show the kids around and explain the different parts of the life stage. There are also a host of other insects and a fun butterfly release at the end of the
Penang National Park
Hiking, swimming, and exploring the wildlife, this park has it all. Penang National park is easy to access via the bus and offers so much in the way of outdoor fun. Pack a picnic lunch and eat along the water, watching monkeys scurry around you, take a leisurely stroll throughout the well maintained paths, explore the fishing docks and floating villages, or hop n a boat and explore the park from the water. If outdoors activity is what you seek then in Penang this is a great spot!
If you have time try and do a day trip to Turtle beach and Monkey beach. For $40 a boat load (seats 10-12) you can stop off at turtle beach to see the sanctuary there, almost always complete with adorable baby turtles waiting to be big enough for release. At the opposite end of the beach you will find a walking trail and a mecromitic lake, one of only 19 in the world. But beware there are many jellyfish in the water here so don't bother swimming and the lake is only worth seeing in the rainy season. After that you will be taken to monkey beach where the swimming is much nicer and true to its name you will be overrun with monkeys.
Tip: Bring in plenty of water and snacks as there are no services inside the park and it gets hot in Penang! (Monkey beach does have some vendors with cool drinks available) Also be careful on Monkey Beach, the monkeys will stalk you, wait for you to step away a bit and steal any and all food available to them!
Kek Lok Si temple
Typically, temples are not the most family friendly places, you need to be respectful and quiet and typically not run around screaming as my little ones seem to really enjoy particularly when it is most embarrassing! Kek Lok Si is different in that it seems a bit more relaxed. Tourist stalls adorn the entire complex and although that usually gives me less of an authentic feel it also lets me know they are slightly more relaxed.
Respect needs to be observed still but there is lots of opportunity for fun - vehicular elevators, animal statues for posing and climbing on, ponds full of koi, and a great turtle pond are just a few of the attractions on the temple grounds to both impress and keep your little ones entertained.
Tip: This is still a temple so be sure to dress appropriately. Cover knees and shoulders!
Hard Rock Hotel and Resort
You do not need to be a guest at the Hard Rock in order to enjoy the fabulous pool facilities. If you are in Penang for an extended period you can also buy a family pass for under $300, good for 4 people for the entire year. It allows free entry, discounts at the spa, shops, and restaurants, a well as a complimentary night at the hotel. It is well worth the money even if you stay only 6 months. There is also a kids club and teen club that you can enjoy free of charge when you buy the family pass.
Tip: Bring in snacks and drinks of your own. I've never had anyone tell me I can't and it saves a fortune as the restaurants are exorbitantly priced. There are also many local restaurants right across the street so you can easily leave and come back.
Snake Temple
If your children enjoy reptiles this is the place for them. The temple itself is really nothing special but the thrill of spotting snakes all over the property is. I was a little nervous when we decided to check it out but the snakes all seemed quite sleepy and none were directly in our paths so it never seemed dangerous.
The snakes can be spotted at different areas of the actual temple but outside was even more fun. A beautiful garden can be found and we spent nearly an hour searching the bushes to spot the colorful snakes, all of which appeared to be vipers. If you have the time head over to the small museum where you can see large cobras, some monkeys, a beautiful albino python and perhaps the biggest snake I have ever seen, a reticulated python that measured over 20 feet long and I am quite sure could swallow my 5 year old whole! Shaking with fear...check!
Tip: Get some drinks outside the temple or bring your own as there were none for sale inside and it is HOT!
Taluk Bahang Forest Park
Another great spot for outdoor fun is the Forest Park located near the Butterfly Garden on the Northern part of the island. Inside the park there is something for everyone. A forest museum showcases the types of plants and trees located on the island, 4 well marked walking trails weave throughout the 32 beautiful hectares, and a playground and swimming pools complete with slides make it a perfect spot to spend a few hours. Entrance to the park is free but the museum will cost 1 RM or roughly 30 cents. There are bathrooms inside the park but no services inside for food or drinks so bring your own.
Tip: Bring bug spray as we got eaten alive!
Cornwallis Fort
Fort Cornwallis is an old fort located on the NE corner of Penang. If your kids are into Mine craft, knights, and cannons then this will be a really fun way to spend a couple hours. There is also a playground located outside and some prison cells for when the kids get out of hand! Certainly not a full day outing but if you are in the area nothing says fun like an ammunition room. Although it may just be me, the mom with 3 boys:)
Tip: Read up on the history with your kids before going, it really puts the whole picture together better that way and in our opinion it was really fascinating stuff!
Orangutan Island
Okay, this is not technically in Penang but as it was an easy drive from Penang and we all had such a great time I just had to include it in the list. Orangutan island in Bukit Merah is doing some wonderful work rehabilitating Orangutans and slowly re releasing them into the wilds of Borneo. It took just 1 hour to get there from the Penang side of the bridge and it was a day full of boat rides, friendly knowledgeable tour guides, and amazingly close up encounters with orangutans of all ages.
Tip: Head there early enough to enjoy not only the orangutans but also the wildlife parks and water park that is located in the same area.
Penang Youth Park
As far as free parks go this one has got to be top of the list! Huge playgrounds, skating park, paths for biking or jogging, pools for swimming or wading, and a beautifully landscaped park can all be enjoyed free of charge from dawn until dusk. Even when it is hot so much of the park is covered with beautiful trees providing shade that it makes it bearable. When not sightseeing this is a great spot to take the kids to burn off some steam!
Tip: Be aware of monkeys and do not eat or carry food anyplace that you see them around! They can bite so avoid them and if bitten get to a doctor as soon as you can!
Adventure Zone, Batu Ferringhi
Penang can get really hot! So if you want to beat the heat, or are facing a rainy day then Adventure Zone, in Batu Ferringhi, Penang, is your best bet. There are slides, rope challenges, a toddler area, video games, and fun for every age range. Plus there is free wifi in the lobby with nice tables and chairs so you can catch up on work or choose to go in and play along with the kids. There is also a Segway course outside for an added cost and a small cafe inside serving drinks and snacks. A great way to spend a couple hours!
Tip: To save some money, bring some food or water in with you. I wouldn't bring a complete meal ,but water and some granola is fine. Also, do not go on the weekends when it is more busy and the fee for entrance increases.
If you have extra time and the kids are up for it there are also several beaches to relax on, great shopping in Georgetown (Little India), fruit and spice gardens, and numerous other temples (Burmese temple on Burma Rd is one of our favorites) and mosques (floating mosque) to explore throughout the island!
Do you have any tips of great spots for families in Penang? If so please share below!
