Penang | The Adventure Travel Site

Penang’s Underrated Excursions: Water Sports & Activities Near Georgetown

Penang’s coastline is a playground for water sports enthusiasts. Away from the historical charm and heritage port of George Town, embark on an adventure out at sea, with the best water sports and activities near the city, and around the coastline.

Jet Ski at Tanjung Bungah

Seaferers Watersports offers rental services for jet skis and various boating rentals, including kayaking and sailing off the northeastern coast at Tanjung Bungah. For those staying at a George Town heritage hotel in Penang, Tanjung beachfront is a 20-minute scenic drive along the coast, passing the historic streets around The George Penang by The Crest Collection and a gilded Thai-style temple.

Parasailing

Available at both Tanjung Bungah and further west at Batu Feringgi Beach, soar over the Straits of Malacca on a 15-minute parasail adventure, with some packages offering lockers and additional facilities, as well as multilingual guides.

Banana Boat

A more laid-back, and slightly comical group activity, rent a banana boat with your friends or family, accompanied by an English and Malay speaking guide for two 15-minute rounds with Sea Horse Watersports.

Fishing Boat Trips

Alternatively, discover the aquatic life around the island with a fishing excursion from Batu Ferringi Beach out to Monkey Beach, situated on the northern tip of Penang National Park.

The Stories of George Town: Tracing the Steps of Penang’s Fascinating City

Across the water from mainland Penang, George Town straddles the line between modern urbanity and historical charm. Metropolitan apartments overlook pastel shophouses and Peranakan lacquer doors, curating a heritage site like no other. Explore the remnants of a rich history and learn the stories behind some of George Town’s most well-known landmarks.

Chulia Street

Once a bustling hub for Indian traders, today, Chulia Street retains its cultural charm, shaped by the influence of migrant labourers from the colonial era. Only a short distance for those looking to stay at a heritage hotel in Penang, rows of pre-war shophouses adorned with intricate details and architectural flourishes, house a delightful mix of shops, restaurants, and temples surrounded by numerous hawker stalls.

A dazzling landmark, the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, also known as the Blue Mansion, stands today as a testament to Penang’s unique Peranakan heritage. A 10-minute walk away from The George Penang by The Crest Collection, its indigo-washed facade and ornate European interiors, embellished with exquisite carvings and colourful tiles, offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Straits Chinese community.

The Clan Jetties

Lining the very edge of George Town, the clan jetties are more than just wooden piers. Built by Chinese immigrants over a century ago, these structures served as clan communities, offering a sense of belonging and a place to gather. A stroll along the jetties provides a unique window into Penang’s multicultural past and the enduring spirit of its well-preserved, historic communities.

Fort Cornwallis Penang

Standing sentinel over the Penang Strait, Fort Cornwallis is a captivating reminder of the island’s colonial era. Built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century, the fort is considered the largest in the country; visitors can explore its ramparts and climb the stairs to the lighthouse for panoramic views of the Malaysian coast.

How to travel like a local – Get to know more about what Penang offers

Penang, known among locals as the “Pearl of the Orient,” offers travellers a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, culinary delights, and natural beauty. To truly experience the essence of this vibrant island, here are four ways to travel like a local in Penang:

Balik Pulau

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and venture into the serene countryside of Balik Pulau. Here, you’ll discover lush greenery, traditional kampung (village) houses, and a slower pace of life. Explore fruit orchards, visit local markets, and sample authentic Malay delicacies such as laksa and rojak. Don’t miss the opportunity to savour durians, the “king of fruits,” in this rustic setting.

Penang Hill

Ascend to the summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views of the island and beyond. Avoid the tourist crowds by taking the scenic funicular train or hiking up the hill’s forested trails. Once at the top, immerse yourself in the cool mountain air and explore attractions such as the historic David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terraces, or simply relax amid the tranquil surroundings of the hill station. This attraction is just a 21-minute drive away from The George Penang by The Crest Collection a very popular heritage hotel in Penang.

Frog Hill

Discover the hidden gem of Frog Hill, a former quarry turned Instagram-worthy attraction. Located in the outskirts of Penang, this off-the-beaten-path destination features turquoise-blue lagoons, rugged limestone cliffs, and opportunities for adrenaline-pumping activities like cliff jumping and rock climbing. Pack a picnic and spend the day soaking up the sun or capturing stunning photos of the picturesque landscape.

Explore the Beaches

No trip to Penang is complete without a visit to its pristine beaches. Escape to lesser-known stretches of coastline, such as Teluk Bahang or Monkey Beach, where you can unwind on soft sands, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy water sports like snorkelling and kayaking. For a taste of local beach culture, head to Batu Ferringhi, where you can browse handicraft markets, sample fresh seafood and witness breathtaking sunsets.

Hiking in Penang

Penang, Malaysia is always a good idea! And an especially great idea if you are a nature enthusiast or an avid hiker. Here are some fun trails to check out if ever you visit Penang!

Home Base

Where you base yourself when you’re on holiday is always a very important decision. Whether you’re travelling in a group or flying solo, serviced apartments in Bukit Mertajam, such as the Sky Residence Prai are a convenient and safe choice and are worth considering.

Penang National Park

This National Park, despite being the smallest in the country, has two very scenic and popular hiking trails. Both trails are challenging and rewarding, of which one is along the coast and the other takes you deeper and higher up into the jungle.

Youth Park

For families travelling with kids, the Youth Park is worth checking out, since it has plenty of trails, spaces and activities to keep the little ones entertained as well. The walking trail in this park takes you past the Botanic Gardens, the skate park to its summit which is at Penang Hill.

Teluk Bahang Eco Park

This 80-acre park in Penang is by far one of the best-maintained parks and is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. With over a dozen hiking trails and numerous footpaths, there are plenty of steps you can clock in at this Eco Park.

Penang Street Art

You may think art is something that can only be seen in art galleries or museums, but sometimes it can also be found all around us. In today’s busy cities full of metal and steel structures however, it is hard to spot “art” and one can often get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. That’s why a trip to Georgetown in Penang is so rewarding. Here amidst the laidback old world charm of its streets and alleyways you will find unique artworks and murals that have become a part of the city’s landscape.

Penang Street Art as it is known cannot be found in any gallery, but is rather painted on buildings and walls around the city. In fact, some are so cleverly done incorporating real objects, you may not at first realise that they are indeed works of art! There is no one place to see these murals and paintings and it is often a nice surprise to turn a street corner and see a larger than life depiction of everything from kids to cats! Ideally look to stay at a centrally located property so you can easily walk around and explore the city. One option would be Georgetown City Hotel belonging to Berjaya Hotels & Resorts from where you can set off on your street art adventures.

Many of the well known street art pieces in Penang have been done by Ernest Zacharevic as part of a 2012 project called “Mirrors George Town.” Of course other artists have also contributed to the growing street art landscape in the city and the old town area in particular is a hub of such works.

So what are some of the popular creations? Undoubtedly one of the most well known is the “Kids on Bicycle” depicting a girl cycling and a small boy (presumably her brother) holding onto her for dear life enjoying the ride of his life! A unique feature is that the bicycle they are riding is an actual bike welded into the wall. It is a great place to pose for a picture and become a part of this art. Here’s a handy hint; since these paintings have faded a bit, try wear something not too bright so you can “blend” into the street art when taking a picture.

On you adventures around Georgetown you may also come across a painting of a boy on a real motorbike against the backdrop of a wooden door as he looks slightly worryingly behind him; on the adjoining wall is an artwork showing a small boy taking what looks like his pet dinosaur for a walk! Also worth seeing is what is sometimes called “Kung Fu Girl” which is a huge painting of a girl seemingly balancing herself on her hands that are placed on either side of two actual windows on the wall.

Cat lovers will love the fact that their feline friends are also featured as part of Penang street art. The collection which is known as “101 Lost Kittens” includes a gigantic painting of a cat referred to as “Skippy Comes to Penang,” one titled “The Real Bruce Lee Would Never Do This” which shows the martial arts legend in his famous mid-air kicking pose and a cat seemingly flying through the air and just to ensure there is poetic justice, a painting of a martial arts cat kicking a minion!

You never know just what kind of mural or drawing you may come across so just make sure to have your camera or phone handy to capture those street art moments.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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