Image via Only Penang/Kylie_Soh
You’re probably planning your next getaway, but you’re also looking for places with lesser people to avoid crowds. Penang, though a tiny island, is jam-packed with so many awesome things to do.
So, instead of the typical tourist locations, here are a few spots that aren’t super mainstream and would less likely to be crowded:
#1 Visit the smallest forest reserve, Penang National Park
Instead of crowding around Batu Feringghi or the Tanjung Bungah beaches, why not visit a more secluded place surrounded by greenery? At the Penang National Park, which is dubbed the smallest forest reserve, you can trek along the lush greenery and learn about the various types of flora and fauna there.
Besides that, if you’re a fan of sea creatures and turtles in particular, then you shouldn’t miss out on the Turtle Sanctuary located near Kerachut Beach.
Check out live turtles, pictures and even skeletons over here. If you visit during the right time of the year, which is between April and August, you can even witness little turtles hatching!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dvRQae983rE8ZRBr9
Fees: Penang National Park – RM5; Turtle Sanctuary—FREE
#2 Hiking up Penang Hill a.k.a Bukit Bendera
Believe it or not, there are 26 entrances and multiple trails up Penang Hill! You could go with the shortest route which is a quick 1.4km from the Penang Hill Lower station, also known as the Heritage Trail.
If you’re up for a more adventurous time, then you ought to try the Teluk Bahang entrance via the Taman Rimba Trail which spans 13.44km.
Once at the top, you can enjoy a jaw-dropping view of the island while sipping away on some lovely tea. You can take pictures with all the many fun spots to keep for memories.
If all that workout just isn’t for you, then you can always choose to take Funicular Train and enjoy Penang Hill in a relaxing manner.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Au5VBEaFfbN2JGnn6
Fees: Penang Hill Funicular Train —RM3 to RM40
#3 Cycle along Penang’s East and Southeast Coast
Image via The Star
Penang is well-known for being bicycle friendly in their bid to be more sustainable and greener. There are multiple routes available throughout the entire island. However, the East Coast and Southeast Coast routes might be the easiest as they’re in a near-straight line with very little slopes.
You can start at George Town and ride down along the East Coast until you reach Batu Maung (or the other way around). On one side, you’ll have a cool view of the Straits of Malacca, the Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, while the other side is all about Penang’s nostalgic architecture.
Image via Ah Pek Biker
Image via The Travel Intern
If this 20km route is too long for you, you can also opt for bicycle tours around George Town itself.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/zoSfL4DH56EGr2aUA
Fees: RM10 and above per day
#4 Fill up your IG timeline with a photoshoot sesh at Pulau Jerejak
This little islet, though popular with local Penangites, isn’t super well-known with tourists. Just 10 minutes away from Bayan Lepas jetty by ferry, you’ll first arrive at the rainbow pier and wall.
You can immediately start snapping away for the best OOTD shots. You can also take pictures with the giant bird’s nest, the swing at Jerejak beach and Stairway to Heaven.
During golden hour, you can capture gorgeous pictures of the sunset as you chill by the beach. On Saturdays at 8pm, you can catch the fire show where performers swing fireballs and breathe fire!
Then, finish up your photoshoot sesh at the Jerejak Resort LED Park for those epic night-shots.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aGQP1dZHni6GdBk79
Fees: RM20 per person for ferry ride
#5 Go hiking at Guar Petai, Tasik Gelugor
This picturesque abandoned quarry, also known as Frog Hill, is a great place to hike and also to take photos. Don’t worry though, there aren’t any actual frogs hopping around there.
The pathway is easy, so you don’t have to lug a bunch of hiking gear, but it can get pretty hot so remember to bring along lots of water and slap on as much sunblock as you can.
Image via Subtlevisual
Of course, once you reach the top, it’ll be so worth it because the many turquoise lakes look like pools of sparkling gems.
Seeing as it’s in Butterworth, you can make this a stop before you enter or after you leave the island.
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JjswnDEX2L3LrEjS6
Fees: FREE
#6 Experience an authentic kampung lifestyle
Get your kampung vibes on by booking into the Audi Guest House which houses some gorgeous rumah melayu. The location isn’t too far from the heart of Penang yet still hidden away enough from the city buzz, so you don’t feel too isolated while enjoying a chill environment.
Besides that, you can check out their Audi Dream Farm which grows non-toxic chemical added plants and a few cute farm animals. You can feed the goats, get up close and personal with camels, watch cute bunnies hopping around and also lend a hand in planting and plucking the vegetables.
Get cultured as well as you try out batik painting, a pretty underappreciated art form. P.S, it’s also a really cool spot for OOTDs 😉
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/k2C4Aznw9YrMK5eh6
Fees: From RM20 and above
So, ons mou for a trip to Penang? If you’re already planning your trip, check out penangtraveldeals.com for the best deals on hotels, attractions and tours!
This is part of the JOM! Experience Penang campaign that aims to attract more domestic travellers to Penang with the best prices and deals on offer.
For more information about the promotions under the JOM! Experience Penang campaign, visit the official website!