Most Popular Places and Activities to Explore in Penang 

Tropical Spice Garden

In the past five years, the Tropical Spice Garden has been transformed into a living exhibition for visitors. With more than 500 plant species, there's a variety of plants for everyone. For all the tourists and locals who flock here during the year, there is no doubt that this garden is an experience. It is undoubtedly a place where visitors can get to know about their global heritage, as well as witness a feast of diversity, from the lush and exotic to the colourful, the diverse, and the rich.

Ben's Vintage Toy Museum Penang

A private museum is located next to Kapitan Keling Mosque and Khoo Kongsi. These are vintage and rare collectables of Ben and his dad. The oldest collection is the Victorian-era tricycle horse made in the 1800s in England. The museum houses a vintage collection ranging from robots and rocket ships to boats, trains, antique aircrafts, trucks, wooden horses and trolleys. This place is open from 10 am to 7 pm daily, except Fridays. Worth a visit for both young and old alike.

Penang Hill

From the foothills of Penang Hill come a number of other trails which lead to many other areas in Penang. At the top of the hill sits the summit of Western Hill, which is 833 metres high. It is quite a famous tourist destination with a railway funicular that takes people to the top of the hill.

Penang Hill is one of several hills on Penang Island. It can be accessed by means of the Penang Hill Railway, which travels from the base station at Hill Railway Station Road. This funicular railway system is unique among other similar systems in Malaysia, allowing millions of visitors to ascend the top of Penang Hill.

Kapitan Keling Mosque

Kapitan Keling Mosque is one of the greatest mosques in the city, located in the heart of Chinatown. This grand mosque has a glorious past as a place of 

worship for Muslim traders from India and was designed by the Indian Muslim trader community. Now, it is part of the World Heritage Site of George Town. 

Non-Muslims are forbidden from entering the mosque. The entrance is through the long passageway leading to the mosque.

Penang Bird Park

There are many different kinds of bird parks that you can visit around the world. However, no bird park is quite like Penang Bird Park. With a whopping 300 species, the park hosts more than three times what any other facility in Malaysia. This includes giant aviaries, geodes, and naturalistic habitats. For a 

12-minute drive away from Ixora Hotel Penang, you will get to see all sorts of birds and enjoy the sound of their song.

Festivals to attend in Penang

The state of Penang offers many festivals, such as Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Hungry Ghost Festival, and more. Buddhism observes Wesak Day, while Hindus celebrate many festivals like Sankranthi, Mahashivratri, Deepavali and Baisakhi. Muslims in Penang host many major holidays like Ramadan, Eid ul Fitr, Eid ul Adha, 

Penang is famous for its noodle, seafood, and traditional pastries called tau sar pneah. Penang is also a major shopping hub and hosts many retail stores, like hypermarkets, clothing malls, and more.

Best Restaurants in Penang

Penang, located in the northeast of Malaysia, is known for its delicious food. It has beautiful beaches and is well known for its famous 'Istana Bukit Merah' palace. In fact, Penang has been ranked as one of the top 5 places to eat in the world by TripAdvisor. From eating at local markets to eating at elegant 

restaurants with amazing views and from food carts to fine dining with the best of the culinary world, Penang offers something for everyone.

● Coffee Elements

● Il Bacaro

● Spink Restaurant & Lounge

● Kebaya Dining Room

● Restaurant Blanc Penang

● Monsieur Bar & Restaurant

● Orinea by Farquhar Mansion

● Beso Rosado

● Platform 9 3/4 Fine Dining & Cellar

● Arashi

● Holy Guacamole

● Indigo Restaurant @ The Blue Mansion

Best shopping malls in Penang

Penang is famous for its many tourist attractions. However, a place that is equally popular with locals and foreigners alike is shopping malls. Penang is home to more than 30 major shopping malls spread throughout the state. Shopping is definitely a very popular activity among visitors and locals alike, and tourists can take advantage of these malls by purchasing souvenirs, food and groceries, clothes, and various other items. Popular malls include Senawang Plaza, Plaza Rakyat, KOMTAR Mega Mall, and of course, The Curve Mall.

Best Heritage sites to visit in Penang

To many, Penang is known for its heritage sites, such as the Gurney Paragon, which is one of the oldest buildings made using wood in the world. Another is Penang Hill which is said to be the highest point in the city, with the highest temple at the top.

● Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

● Rumah Teh Bunga

● Pinang Peranakan Mansion

● Sun Yat Sen Museum

● Acheen Street Mosque

● Jubilee Clock Tower

● Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi

● Heritage shophouses

November to February is the best opportunity to go to Penang as the weather conditions are wonderful and favourable for touring. Since this is the beginning of Christmas and New Year this is the most energetic season as bars and cafés are loaded with individuals enjoying the season.