Mention the word “Penang”, and everyone instantly waxes lyrical about the scrumptious food and thriving arts scene that this beloved Malaysian island has to offer. If you’re planning a trip over with your family soon and want to know where to go and what to do with kids, here are some family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained!
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- The Top Penang – KOMTAR
- Escape Penang
- Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
- The Habitat Penang Hill
- Tropical Fruit Farm
- Countryside Stables
- Hin Bus Depot
- Wonderfood MuseumÂ
- Upside Down Museum
- Penang ATV Eco Tour – Balik Pulau
1. The Top Penang – KOMTAR
KOMTAR Penang is a landmark tower located in Georgetown, which was recently upgraded to house many attractions. The Rainbow Skywalk, located at the tower’s 68th floor, is an open air platform that offers stunning panoramic views of Georgetown and its surrounding areas. A short stroll along the semi-circle transparent glass walkway will give you a feel of walking among the clouds!
Prehistoric enthusiasts can also travel back in time to visit the dinosaurs at the Jurassic Research Center. Take a walk with about 200 dinosaurs, and view replicas of the fossils, eggs and teeth of these great behemoths. Technology buffs will also appreciate the Tech Dome Penang, which is located at the geodesic dome of KOMTAR. Explore and immerse yourselves in over 120 of its interactive science and technology exhibits (and feel the adrenaline rush, by taking a plunge down the world’s first and tallest free-standing Vertical Drop Slide!).Â
Source: The Top Penang
There are also many more attractions, such as an aquarium, a musical carousel and a magic mirror maze. You can choose to get tickets for each individual attraction, or purchase these as a combo package.Â
Opening hours:Â Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck (Open daily: 10:00am to 10:00pm, Tuesdays: 10:00am to 7:00pm); All other attractions (Open daily: 10:00am to 7:00pm, closed on Tuesdays)Â
Contact:Â 012-336 8074/ 017-289 0366; 017-289 0800 (WhatsApp)Â
Location:Â 1, Jalan Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Penang
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2. Escape Penang
With thrills and spills for the whole family, this theme park is surely not to be missed! Located at Teluk Bahang, Escape Penang offers a unique experience for adventurers of any age. The rides and attractions are build around nature, and the park itself holds two Guinness World Records’ awards: for the longest tube water slide (measuring 1,111 metres) and the longest zip coaster (at 1,135 metres), respectively. Choose from over 35 rides in the adventure and water section for a fun and adrenaline-filled day out with the family!
Opening hours:Â Tuesdays to Sundays, 10.00 am to 6.00pm. Closed on Mondays.
Contact:Â 017-797 7529 (WhatsApp)
Location:Â 828 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang
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3. Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
Source: ENTOPIA (Facebook)
Marvel at the beauty of butterflies, and learn about insects at this gorgeous green space. This nature’s classroom, also located at Teluk Bahang, is divided into two sections, comprising of The Natureland and The Cocoon.Â
The Natureland serves as a living outdoor garden, housing over 15,000 free-flying butterflies and over 200 species of plants. Kids can join in the race by being the fastest to seek out the beautiful butterflies, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the mezzanine-terrace from David’s Garden for a view of Entopia’s majestic Home Tree. At The Cocoon, Entopia’s indoor discovery centre, little explorers will get to learn about the world of invertebrates through interactive stations and hands-on learning activities.Â
Opening hours: Open daily, from 9.00 a.m to 6:00 pm. Closed on Wednesdays.
Contact:Â 04-888 8111/ 013-4252 830
Location:Â 830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang
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4. The Habitat Penang Hill
A walk in the park like no other, The Habitat is located at Penang Hill and is accessible via the funicular train from Air Itam, Penang, or by jeep from the Penang Botanical Gardens. Experience the 130 million-year-old lush tropical rainforest by walking on the Langur Way Canopy Walk, with stunning views of the hills, forest valleys and the Andaman Sea, or try out their Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk, which offers 360° views of Georgetown (and Langkawi Island, on clear days). Adventurous families can also take part in their Starlight Camping experience for an unforgettable night under the stars.Â
Opening Hours: Open daily, from 9.00am to 7.00pm. Sunset walks are available every Saturday and Sunday, from 5.30pm onwards
Contact:Â 019-645 7741
Location:Â The Habitat Penang Hill, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Penang
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5. Tropical Fruit Farm
Situated about 800 feet above sea level on the hilly terrains of Teluk Bahang, is South East Asia’s largest collection of fruits. Take a guided tour to learn about your favourite local fruits, from durians and guava, to ciku and rambutans, before ending with a delicious fruit buffet spread. The tour will also cover the process of making fruit enzymes and virgin coconut oil.Â
Opening hours:Â Open daily, from 9.00am to 5.00pm
Contact:Â 012-4971931
Location:Â 18th Mile Stone, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Pulau Pinang
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6. Countryside Stables
Hold your horses – this is one place you and your family won’t want to miss out on! These picturesque stables in the town of Balik Pulau are set in a relaxed, countryside style. Enjoy your time there by feeding the horses and ponies, or take your young riders out for a spot of horseback riding.Â
Opening hours:Â Open daily, from 2.00pm to 7.00pm
Contact:Â 012-408 0678
Location:Â Lot 10050 Jalan Sungai Burung, Kampong Jalan Baru , Balik Pulau
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7. Hin Bus Depot
This creative hub is the place to be for lovers of the arts. What used to be an old bus terminal has now been transformed into a wonderful space that regularly host markets and art exhibitions over the weekends. There are kids’ activities and a great communal area for picnics with food, drinks and music. Get updates on upcoming events via their socials or website.
Opening hours:Â Differs, based on the events
Location:Â 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang
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8. Wonderfood Museum
You’ve tasted the culinary delights that Malaysia has to offer; now it’s time to see these, larger than life! The Wonderfood Museum houses over 100 types of food replicas, with intricate details designed to make you drool. Their exhibits not only make for a great photo opportunity, but also provide interesting information relating to the dishes, making this experience both an Instagrammable and informative one!Â
Opening hours: Open daily, from 9.00am to 6.00pm
Contact:Â 04-251 9095
Location:Â 49, Lebuh Pantai Georgetown, 10300 Penang
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9. Upside Down Museum
Time to channel your inner Batman and hang out in the upside down world of this curious museum! Walk through of each section of this fun space, where the only thing right-side-up is you. Young explorers will love this topsy-turvy perspective, with tons of creative photo opportunities for the entire family.
Opening hours:Â Open daily, from 9.30am to 6.30pm
Contact:Â 04-264 2660
Location:Â 45, Lebuh Kimberly, George Town, 10300 Penang
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10. Penang ATV Eco Tour – Balik Pulau
Feel the wind on your face while you ride an ATV though Balik Pulau, off-road style. Explore the scenic southwest side of Penang Island, as you ride through paddy fields, beach terrains, mangrove swamps and get an excellent view of the sunset (only available for 6.00pm bookings). All rides are accompanied by a marshal, and are suitable for kids and beginners as well.
Opening hours:Â Open daily, from 9.00am- to 6.00 pm. Prior booking is required
Contact:Â 013-480 3866
Location:Â 298, Mukim I, Kampung Perlis, 11000 Balik Pulau, Penang
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By Kalaivanie JoedyÂ
Kalai is a stay-at-home mum to a preteen girl. Originally from KL, she relocated to Penang 18 years ago and has fallen in love with the city. When she is not busy running her own business and driving her daughter around, she and her family explore the island for great food locations, outdoor activities and anything that sounds fun.
