Top 15 Instagrammable Spots in Penang Malaysia
Although Penang is a small town, it’s full of gorgeous architecture and breathtaking street art; The city has many rich cultural and heritage sites.
Many even call Penang the most picturesque city in Malaysia. Scenic beauty combined with delicious restaurants makes Penang a must-visit city for your next day trip.
In this article, we will take you through some of the most Instagrammable spots in Penang. Charge your cameras because pictures at these spots will surely elevate your Instagram feed.
1. Penang National Park
The Penang National park is home to over 400 flora and almost 150 fauna species. Initially known as the Pantai Acheh Forest, it became a national park to preserve its many living species.
Take a walk through one of its exciting trails and discover the numerous natural treasures. Make sure your camera is fully charged for this because a trip to this park can take up your entire day.
- Timing: Everyday 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Location: Pejabat Taman Negara P. Pinang jalan Hassan Abbas, 11050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
2. Pantai Kerachut
If planning your trip to Penang National Park, mark Pantai Kerachut on your list. Located deep within the Park, Pantai Kerachut is a beautiful white sand beach. Not many people know of this beach, so it is usually quite empty.
If you are an Instagrammer trying to get the perfect beach picture, then an empty beach works perfectly for you. Fewer people mean a cleaner beach and fewer photobombers as well.
- Timing: Everyday 8:00am – 5:00pm
- Location: Taman Negara Pulau Pinang, Penang
3. Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple
While in the Georgetown area, we recommend you make a short stop at the Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple. You would not find this temple in local guides, but its vibrant colors will draw you toward it. The temple is small but full of beautiful statues and a true hidden gem.
- Timing: Everyday 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Location: No. A Reclamation Area, 52, Pengkalan Weld, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Malaysia.
4. Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple
Another must-visit temple in George town is the Chayamangkalaram Thai Buddhist Temple. Unlike the Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple, Chaiya Managalaram has a much more royal look. The golden architecture makes the temple shine as the sunlight touches it.
- Timing: Everyday 8:00am – 4:00pm
- Location: 17, Lorong Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
5. Kek Lok Si Temple
This temple might just be the most underrated in Malaysia. A simple look at the Kek Lok Si Temple will leave you speechless. The temple has a grand appearance, and its vibrant colors make you want to keep staring at it.
Set aside a day to visit this temple on your visit to Penang. If you want to brighten your Instagram feed, a few pictures at the Kek Lok Si Temple will do the trick.
- Timing: Everyday 8:30am – 5:30pm
- Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang
6. Chew Jetty
Located right at its harbor, Penang’s Jetties are not one to miss. While there are many, the Chew Jetty is a crowd favorite. If you are a video gamer, you will like this even more. Take a walk on this hew Jetty, and you will feel like you are in a video game simulation.
The wooden architecture and harbor backdrop also makes for a perfect Instagram shot.
- Timing: Everyday 9:00am – 9:00pm
- Location: Chew Jetty, Weld Quay, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
7. Tan Jetty
While exploring the jetties, check out the Tan Jetty as well. Like the Chew Jetty, the Tan Jetty also has beautiful wooden architecture. However, its gorgeous wooden walkway extending into the still water puts the tan Jetty a level above the rest.
At the end of the wooden walkway is a small red boat house perfectly contrasting the colors of the sky. Stay here till sundown and watch the sky change colors as the sun sets over the harbor.
Many couples even come here for their pre-wedding photoshoots. So, if it is good enough for them, it’s undoubtedly good enough for your socials.
- Timing: Open 24/7
- Location: 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
8. Avatar Secret Garden
Personally, my favorite place in Penang is the Avatar Secret Garden. Named after the movie, this garden has tall trees with beautiful neon lights.
During the day, it may seem like any average garden. However, as nighttime sets in, the park transforms into breathtaking fantasy land.
I recommend you bring your tripod along for this and simply let your camera catch the beauty of this magical park.
Finding the exact location on google maps can be a little tricky, so I recommend you ask for directions once you get closer to the area.
- Timing: Everyday 8:00am – 12:00am (Lights turn on at 7:35pm)
- Location: 336 Jalan Tokong Thai Pak Koong Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Malaysia
9. Homestay Kampung Agong
Located in Kampung Bakar Kapor, Homestay Kampung Agong is a must-visit. It is less than an hour’s drive from Penang Bridge and the perfect spot for a peaceful getaway day trip.
The area is full of traditional wooden houses and sky-high coconut trees. However, the most exciting feature of this area is its hanging nests.
These nests mimic the Burung Tempua (the weaver bird) nests. Lounge into these nests and get your perfect Instaworthy shot taken. I assure you, many people will be asking you about this location.
- Timing: Everyday 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Location: 841, Kampung Bakar Kapor, 13100 Penaga, Penang
10. Jerejak Island
I am sure you must have come across pictures of this island on your Instagram discover page at least once. Jerejak Island recently became one of Penang’s most hyped-up Instagrammable spots. And rightfully so, I must say.
The island has numerous picturesque spots, including the famous stairway to heaven and the rainbow pier. Going to Penang and missing out on this island will make your trip incomplete.
Apart from gorgeous picture spots, the island also has multiple activities for its visitors. You can rent bicycles for a reasonable price and go on a long trek with your friends or significant other. End your day with a lovely beach picnic while looking at the sunset. A day well spent.
Important: While roaming around on the island is free, getting to the island does cost some money. A ferry takes passengers to the island every hour, and its tickets only cost RM20 per person.
- Timing: Ferry Timing is from 6:30am – 10:30pm (Weekdays) and 6:30am – 12:30am (Weekends).
- Location: Pulau Jerejak, Pulau Pinang
11. Container Arts
Dispersed across Penang, you will find some jaw-dropping murals made on containers. These murals came into being during the 2020 Container Art Festival.
Initially, the government planned to take them down. However, looking at the number of tourists it attracted, these beautiful containers can be found in 5 locations across the city.
- Timing: Open 24/7
- Location: Balik Pulau, Karpal Singh Drive, Prangin Mall, Butterworth, Batu Kawan
12. SETIA Spice Arena
Unlike the more historical and natural places mentioned above, The Setia Spice Arena is exceptionally modern. The gorgeous architecture and design make you feel like you were suddenly transported into the future.
- Timing: Weekdays 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Location: 108, Jalan Tun Dr Awang, Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
13. Arte S Penang
Another example of Penang’s futuristic architecture is the Arte S. It’s comparatively newer, so not many tourists know about the area. But luckily for us, fewer tourists mean lesser crowds and a more peaceful visit.
Arte S’s spiral skyscrapers will make you feel like you are in a sci-fi movie. The buildings look even more futuristic at night as the bright lights turn on and bring the entire building to life.
- Timing: The streets are open 24/7
- Location: 3, Jalan Bukit Gambir, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang
14. The TOP, Komtar
This skyscraper is the tallest building in Penang, and must I say, the views from the top are “immaculate.” Climb its rooftop during the dark to see all of Penang light up at night.
The window on the 68th floor gives you a 360-degree view of the city. I guarantee the pictures here will turn out stunning. Tickets for this Skydeck are only $13 per person.
- Timing: Everyday 11:00am – 10:00pm
- Location: 1, Komtar, Jln Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang
15. Campbell Street
Campbell Street has some of the most delicious street food available in Penang. Further, the beautifully preserved and vibrant buildings also make for the perfect backdrop.
Get your camera ready as you pose next to these buildings with your favorite street snack in hand.
- Timing: The markets open up as early as 7:00 am, and the heritage sites are open till late hours at night
- Location: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, Pulau Pinang
Final Thoughts
Here are my top 15 Instagrammable spots in Penang. Indeed there are many more. However, I feel like these 15 should surely top your list. Let me know if you think I missed out on some essential spots. And if you visit the places mentioned above, share your pictures here!
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT INSTAGRAMMABLE places in penang malaysia
Penang is known for its vibrant and picturesque Instagram spots. Some of the most popular ones include:
– The Street Art in George Town, where you can find numerous colorful murals and interactive street installations.
– Penang Hill, which offers stunning panoramic views of the island and the city skyline.
– Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, with its ornate pagodas and beautiful gardens.
– Clan Jetties, traditional Chinese settlements on stilts over the water, perfect for capturing the local way of life.
– Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion), a beautifully restored 19th-century heritage building with its striking blue façade and intricate architecture.
– Batu Ferringhi Beach, a sandy stretch famous for its sunset views and water sports opportunities.
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