One could never grow tired of Penang. The Malaysian island is home to world-class mouthwatering street food, lush natural landscapes, storied colonial heritage and a charming clash of cultures. One destination doesn’t fit all, but Penang certainly comes close.
Food is typically what comes to mind when Penang is mentioned. From hole-in-the-wall coffee shops to bustling night markets, the southern state runs the gamut on local Malaysian cuisine. You’ll find a melting pot of cultures in each dish, inspired by its Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan communities. When bookmarking spots to try, the list never ends.
Alas, not everyone is a culinary aficionado. Herein lies Penang’s charm: the many layers of the island waiting to be explored. Beyond the vibrant food scene is an illustrious multi-cultural heritage to dive deep into. Step into the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a museum dedicated to Peranakan heritage and housed in a mansion once owned by a 19th-century tycoon. Many will also recognise the interiors of the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion, one of the backdrops in Crazy Rich Asians.
Prefer to avoid the tourist route of landmarks after landmarks? There’s more. Penang’s creative and cultural community gladly welcomes the keen and curious with open arms. Take Hin Bus Depot for instance, with its lively weekend markets and circle of homegrown businesses. Art enthusiasts can revel in Cultprint, a print studio and gallery space run by artists for artists. For a glimpse into the underground scene, take a trip to Ruas Records, a haven for independent musicians, creatives and self-expression.
Perhaps you’re dying to satiate your earnest desire to be one with the great outdoors, or seeking a slower pace of life away from the hubbub of Georgetown. Maybe you’re simply looking to discover Penang like never before. You’ve come to the right place, as Vogue Singapore rounds up the island’s most underrated destinations.
1 / 8
Cultprint
Founded by artists Sheena Liam and Ernest Zacharevic, the print studio and gallery space is a blank canvas for artistic expression, collaboration and community. Here, a dynamic roster of exhibitions by local and regional artists are on display, each pushing the boundaries of their medium and themes of focus, all complemented by a diverse collection of print works.
Cultprint, 35, Lebuh Melayu, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
2 / 8
P.66
P.66 invites you to slow down over pen, paper and a matcha in hand. Nestled in a heritage shophouse, the multi-label retail and cafe space is a haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Stationery enthusiasts rejoice, as the store is known for its wide selection of fine imported stationery, local labels and souvenirs.
P.66, 66, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
3 / 8
Areca Books
As an independent publisher and bookstore, Areca Books is home to a plethora of publications encompassing biographies, social history, cultural heritage, arts and architecture surrounding Penang, Malaysia and the broader region. Each work is a culmination of thorough research and great care, gathering a community of passionate authors and contributors under one roof. You won’t leave Areca without learning something new.
Areca Books, 72, Lbh Acheh, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
4 / 8
Ten Yee Tea House
The art of brewing tea may gather quieter enthusiasm than its counterpart, but Ten Yee Tea House believes otherwise. At Ten Yee, tea is seen as a mindful practice of slowing down, immersing guests in the delicacies of the finest artisanal Chinese teas. Explore a brewed pot through unconventional ways with its masterclasses, ranging from a tea cocktail session and chocolate pairing to a mindfulness art jam.
Ten Yee Tea House, Ground Floor, 33, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
5 / 8
Ruas Records
Ruas is not your typical record store. One could spend hours flipping through their curation of vinyls by underground local and regional artists, self-taped or released by fellow independent labels. Shelves are lined with a wide collection of cassettes, CDs, books and zines, and the space doubles up as a cafe. A household name in the indie scene, the team behind Ruas also regularly runs gigs and live shows around the island.
Ruas Records Store, 20, Jalan Pintal Tali, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
6 / 8
Tropical Spice Garden
Discover a different side of Penang at Tropical Spice Garden. Situated along the island’s northeastern coast is a lush sanctuary that showcases the island’s biodiversity and spice heritage. A plethora of activities are available, awakening the senses and rooting the body in the living rhythms of nature. Set up camp in the Garden, embark on a scavenger hunt, or cycle to a nearby fishing village. The site’s cooking classes spotlight authentic, spice-laden recipes. Meanwhile, the eight-acre forest is home to a number of wellness experiences. Take your pick from yoga, sound baths, breathwork or forest bathing, to name a few.
Tropical Spice Garden, Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
7 / 8
Teochew Puppet & Opera House
The Teochew Puppet & Opera House is the first and only institution dedicated to the Teochew performing arts. It opens with a museum that traces the origins of traditional Teochew iron-rod puppetry and Teochew opera, illustrating its evolution, techniques, costumes and the classic folk legends told on stage. Beyond education and conservation, the house also hosts live opera and iron-rod puppet performances, along with classes, guided tours and photography sessions to try your hand at the surviving art form.
Teochew Puppet & Opera House, 122, Lbh Armenian, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
8 / 8
Hin Bus Depot
Once an abandoned bus terminal, Hin Bus Depot has since been revitalised to be one of Penang’s most vibrant creative hubs. It is home to a trove of homegrown eateries, studios and galleries, with the likes of Suka-Suka Store, O Sculpture Studio and Backdoor Bodega. On weekends, the Hin Market comes to life. Discover a weekly market roster of different themes, showcasing the best of local artisans, musicians and small business owners. From seasonal exhibitions and vintage finds to live performances and art workshops, there’s always something new to discover at Hin Bus Depot.
Hin Bus Depot, 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
