Penang is among the most popular places in Malaysia in terms of tourism. And while the country is overall known for its beaches and food, Penang is no exception. One of the popular routes among travelers and tourists from Singapore happens to be Singapore to Penang. To help your itinerary, we have listed down the many attractions of Penang that are a must-visit.
Best Time to Visit Penang
November to January: This is the best time to visit Penang as the weather is extraordinary during these months, and the climate remains pleasant for sightseeing and beach hopping. This is a perfect time to explore Penang which boasts everything from beaches to spice gardens and monasteries to amusement parks.
February to April: Many people opt to travel to Penang from February to April because the rush dies down a little, and there is less tourist crowd then.
How to Reach Penang from Singapore by Bus
Flight/train tickets from KL to Penang are costlier than bus tickets. The time taken by a bus and a train is similar for this route. Also, you will not find frequent flights/trains, but there are several buses that ply on this popular route from Singapore to Penang. Tourists, as well as commuters, prefer travelling by bus on this route. Besides that, bus travel is also a budget option. And with redBus, you can book bus tickets online that too at attractive offers.
The city of Penang is around 7 to 8 hours away from Singapore, and it can be accessed non-stop from Tuas Checkpoints or Woodlands. You can book a Singapore to Penang bus on redBus. The bus online tickets will cost you anywhere around SGD 45-75 as per the type of bus. Be it express bus, coach bus or luxury buses, several operators like Supernice Grassland, and Starmart Express offer their bus services on this route.
Top Places to Visit in Penang
If you are looking for places to visit in Penang, look no further because although it has many secrets, it doesn’t take much to list down some of the best places to visit in Penang simply because they are so popular and always in demand.
Here are some of the top places to visit in Penang.
- Batu Ferringhi Beach: Batu Ferringhi Beach is famous mainly among the top places to visit in Penang due to the many water sports and adventure sports one can attend there. Ranging from jet skis to parasailing, the beach destination has it all. Furthermore, it is also a serene beach perfect for spending time with your family and friends on a leisurely holiday.
- Kek Lok Si: Malaysia’s town is not just about amusement parks and sea beaches. It also consists of very rich heritage, including the famous tourist spot Kek Lok Si, the Buddhist temple, built near the Penang Shore. Buddhist pilgrims from all over the country and the continent visit this place. There is a large statue of Buddha and thousands of pictures that tell the tale of his life, religion, and faith. It is also home to both Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. It is a mind-blowing place built in the backdrop of Ait Itam Mountain and decidedly the best place to visit in Penang for religious enthusiasts.
- Penang Butterfly Park, Entopia: Situated in Entopia, the Penang Butterfly Park is among the most visited tourist destinations in Penang. The charm of nature itself is breathtaking, and the thousands of beautifully vibrant and playful butterflies are sure to set you in a vacation mood. There are over four thousand butterflies from almost two hundred species in the park, which you can reportedly witness during sightseeing in Penang.
- Tropical Spice Garden: South Asian countries are most famous for their spices. A visit to this local spice garden is among the most off-beat things you can do when in Penang. Decades ago it used to be a rubber plantation, which was then transformed into an aromatic and picturesque spice garden. There are over 500 different kinds of spices, herbs, and fauna inside what is called by many the best place to visit in Penang, especially if you are interested in aromas and zoological sciences. The owners give tours of the garden, and you can also buy souvenirs in the form of freshly packed hand-picked spices for your loved ones.
- Penang House of Music: The Penang House of Music is a reminder of the rich and versatile nature of Penang’s culture, art, and history and its people. The musical tradition of the community is beautifully preserved for enthusiasts and music fans alike. It is a must-visit place for indulging in the musical history and culture of the place. It is among some of the most visited tourist attractions in Penang.
- Glass Museum Penang: The Glass Museum in Penang is among the most popular photoshoot spot among tourist destinations because the breathtaking reflections are impossible to assume. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and people rave about the beauty of this place long after they leave the country. This sightseeing in Penang is filled with Kaleidoscopes, and the pictures are both exciting and mesmerizing.
- Penang National Park: The Penang National Park is the smallest National park in Malaysia and breaks all the stereotypes about a national park being massive and full of animals and jungles. There are a few trails one can walk by in this national park; the only animals present are monkeys and giant lizards. However, the reason that Penang National park is so famous is that the park ends with an excellent beach where people take sunbathe as well as picnic all day round. The Kerachut beach is also home to thousands of turtles if you are lucky enough to spot them.
- Penang Floating Mosque: Until very recently, Penang Floating Mosque was the only mosque that was built in the ocean water. It is really like any other mosque, but the uniqueness of its beauty and architecture makes it stand out from the crowd. People who visit are allowed to swim around when the tides are bearable to witness the underwater engineering that holds this religious building afloat.
- The Top Komtar Penang: The Top Komtar Penang is among the highest tourist destinations. The building consists of various adventurous and exciting activities like Magic Mirror Maze, 7D Discovery Motion Theatre, Ocean Explorer, Window of the Top, DanceOki, Rainbow Skywalk, etc. People always visit this place as it ranks high among the top tourist attractions in Penang.
- Penang Floating Mosque: Until very recently, Penang Floating Mosque was the only mosque that was built in the ocean water. It is really like any other mosque, but the uniqueness of its beauty and architecture makes it stand out from the crowd. People who visit are allowed to swim around when the tides are bearable to witness the underwater engineering that holds this religious building afloat.
Also take a look at our travel guide on Singapore to Georgetown!