Flip through any Malaysia travel guide, and you will find Penang listed as one of the Southeast Asian country’s top holiday destinations. Travelers to Penang have likely heard of its famous street food, culture, history, and UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

While Penang’s tourist attractions are lovely, there is a lot more to discover and enjoy in this Malaysian state. If you are looking for a less-touristy, unique adventure, here are our favourite hidden gems in Penang that only the locals know about.

1. Stay at boutique heritage hotels like the Muntri Grove Hotel

Instead of staying at a typical five-star hotel, why not opt for a hotel that reflects Penang’s Asian and European multicultural and historical heritage? Enjoy the complete Penang experience from the moment you wake up in the morning until the time you fall asleep at the end of your day.

Muntri Grove Hotel is one Penang hidden gem that will suit your needs. You can find this boutique heritage hotel at the corner of Muntri Street (Lebuh Muntri in Malay), in Penang’s capital city, George Town. It is located near the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site, so a huge number of Penang’s cultural and historical attractions are within walking distance.

Hotel origins
The hotel consists of 10 double-storey terrace houses which were built in the 19th century. In 2013, hotelier Chris Ong acquired and started restoring the houses. He turned the property into a hotel that combines the timeless decor of Penang’s yesteryear with modern amenities such as a swimming pool and WiFi.

Every room here has a four-poster, king-sized bed and bed linens with tropical bird and plant motifs. The hotel decor, a fusion of wood finishings, antique furniture, and green urban landscaping, conveys a romantic atmosphere. Its serene ambience is perfect for couples as well as solo travellers.

Muntri Grove Hotel room rates vary between an estimated RM272 (Malaysia Ringgit) and RM323 a night. Room prices may vary according to:

• The latest promotions
• Your preferred type of room
• The dates and duration of your stay

Muntri Grove Hotel
Address: 127, 129, 131A-F, Muntri Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Contact number: +604-264 2626

There are also several hotels in Penang with similar vibes. You can book a room at:

• Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion Hotel
• Campbell House
• Jawi Peranakan Mansion
• Yeng Keng Hotel

2. Savour Peranakan food at Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery

Besides Penang’s renowned street food, there’s another distinctive cuisine that you shouldn’t miss while you are here: Peranakan cooking!

You see, Penang has a sizable Baba-Nyonya (Peranakan Chinese) population. This community comprises early immigrants from China who settled down in this area between the 15th and 17th centuries.

The settlers integrated Malay cultural practices into their way of life, resulting in a unique language (a Hokkien dialect that features Malay words), attire (such as the sarong kebaya that Nyonya ladies wear), and of course, Peranakan food (Nyonya cooking with a mixture of Malay-Chinese ingredients and cooking styles).

A unique melting pot of diverse flavours and ingredients

Penang Peranakan food is different from those served by the Melaka Peranakan community (a yummy topic about another Malaysian state that we plan to showcase in the future). The dishes in Penang have touches of Thai influences as the state is located near the borders of Thailand.

You can savour quality Peranakan cuisine at Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery along Bishop Street in George Town. This eatery, which is Malaysia’s first ever Michelin one-star Nyonya restaurant, serves appetizing dishes such as pie tee (crispy pastry cups stuffed with sautéd jicama, eggs and cucumbers) and gulai tumis (spicy fish curry). These dishes are available from around RM7 (US$1.50).

Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery
Address: 1, Bishop Street, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Operating hours: Wednesday – Sunday (12:00 pm – 2:30 pm, 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm)
Contact number: +6017-434 4398
Table reservation site

Other restaurants that offer a delicious melting pot of flavours and ingredients from Penang’s multicultural heritage include:

• Jawi House (a haven for Jawi Peranakan food)
• Richard Rivalee Nyonya Cuisine Restaurant
• Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine

3. Chill out with turtles at Kerachut Beach

Kerachut Beach (Pantai Kerachut in Malay) may not be as well known as the beaches and resorts in Batu Ferringhi, but this hidden gem is a place where turtles come to lay their eggs. Look out for Green Sea Turtles between April and August, as well as Olive Ridley Turtles from September to February each year.

The turtle sanctuary on Kerachut Beach helps protect and nurture turtle eggs and baby turtles. When these turtles are old enough to survive in the wild, they are released. Watching adorable young turtles scurrying to the seas is a wonderful experience for your whole family.

How to reach Kerachut Beach

Kerachut Beach is accessible through a 15-minute boat ride from Penang National Park, Teluk Bahang (located at the northwestern tip of Penang island) or a 3.5 km one-way hike through the national park.

Remember, the turtle sanctuary is open between 10 am and 4:30 pm daily (and closes for lunch from 1 pm to 2 pm). So plan your visit accordingly.

To enjoy the best of both worlds, feel free to hike through the lush greenery to Kerachut Beach and get a boat ride on your return trip.

Penang National Park entrance fees

Most visitors to the Penang National Park will have to pay an entrance fee:

• RM50 (US$10.70) for non-Malaysians and RM10 (US$2.15) for Malaysians
• A non-Malaysian student will only have to pay RM20 (US$4.30) while it costs RM5 (US$1.08) for a Malaysian student. Students will have to bring their student cards to enjoy these discounts.
• For children between three and 12 years old, it costs RM15 for non-Malaysians and RM5 for Malaysians.
• All children under the age of three and senior citizens who are at least 60 years old can enjoy free admission.

Additionally, boat ride prices from the Penang National Park jetty to Kerachut Beach range from RM100 (US$21.50) for a one-way journey and RM200 (US$43) for a two-way trip.

Penang National Park
Address: Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia
Contact numbers: +604 881 3530 / +604 881 3500
Website

4. Visit the Bao Sheng Durian Farm and other similar resorts

In addition to the historical sites of George Town, Penang is also known for its durian farms. Need a break from city living? Come experience a rejuvenating outing at Penang’s durian farms in Balik Pulau.

Stay and eat

During the durian season (May to August), orchards like Bao Sheng Durian Farm are popular destinations among Penangites. Situated just 30 km from the Penang International Airport in the southwestern region of Penang island, the Bao Sheng Durian Farm offers visitors a chance to “stay and eat” at its scenic resort.

This resort offers air-conditioned rooms with a view of the sea and sunset. The room rates vary from RM1,200 (US$257) to RM2,400 (US$517) per night. Durian lovers can savour the king of fruits at Bao Sheng Durian Farm while relaxing amid the fresh air and greenery with their loved ones.

Bao Sheng Durian Farm
Address: 150 Mk2 Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia
Contact number: +6012 411 0600
Website

Feel free to check out other equally scenic durian farms and resorts in Balik Pulau:

• Karuna Hill
• Green Acres Orchard & Ecolodge

5. Unwind with Penang-style cocktails at Backdoor Bodega

There are plenty of happening nightspots in Penang’s George Town. However, if you prefer unique watering holes that are different from the typical music-blasting bars, Backdoor Bodega at Jalan Gurdwara is a hidden gem you’d want to explore.

Tucked away inside a clothing store called The Swagger Salon, this charming, modern-day, “speakeasy” bar serves interesting cocktails blended with Penang-style flavours. Guests get to unwind with quirkily named drinks such as:

• The coconut and pandan-infused Kepala Hotak
• Chrysanthemum, a mixture of cold brew tea and gin
• One-Two Som (Tam), a papaya-rum mix

Backdoor Bodega has also made it to the 51-100 list of Asia’s Best Bars for 2022. If you wish to enjoy local-inspired cocktails during your stay in Penang, be sure to visit this speakeasy. The bar’s cocktail prices start from RM35.

Backdoor Bodega
Address: 37, Jalan Gurdwara, George Town, Penang Malaysia
Operating hours: Thursday – Sunday (8 pm – 1 am)
Website

Looking for more culture-infused speakeasies and hidden bars around Penang? These watering holes are worth a visit!

• Magazine 63
• Manchu Bar
• 12 Senses

As you can see, Penang has so much to offer beyond the usual tourist attractions you see on travel guides. Do include these Penang hidden gems in your travel itinerary!

Remember to bookmark this page for your reference.