5 alternative experiences to have in Penang
With its sizzling street food stalls, glorious beaches and dense jungle, Penang should be on every Malaysian holiday itinerary. Located in the north west of the country, the state is split between the mainland and Penang Island. It's perhaps most famous for its food — during your time here, you can feast on flaky roti canai and dhal in the early morning sunshine, or opt for Chinese noodles and sweet tea at a bustling open-air cafe. Yet there's so much more to a trip to Penang than eating your way around the colourful capital of George Town. Head beyond the city and you'll find hilly hikes and adrenaline-pumping theme parks surrounded by forests, plus plenty of laid-back beaches to slow the pace. Here are just five ways to experience the lesser-known sides of Penang. 1. Marvel at glowing flora and fauna
Located on the western coast of Penang Island, Entopia is a wildlife haven that'll fascinate travellers of any age. Step inside the enclosed gardens and you'll see hundreds of species of butterflies floating through the air, surrounded by fish-filled ponds, lofty trees and tumbling waterfalls. In the 'mystery cave', there's a chance to see insects and reptiles up close, with scannable QR codes providing information about every spider, snake and lizard. And while there is a great deal to see during the day, Entopia by Night allows visitors to explore the world's first biofluorescent garden, where plants and animals, including geckos and scorpions, appear to glow in the dark. Getting to this sanctuary also allows you to see plenty of the island; to reach Entopia, hop in an inexpensive Grab taxi or take the bus that travels from George Town along the coast. Located on the west coast of Penang, Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is home to around 15,000 butterflies, dragonflies and fireflies. Photograph by Penang Global Tourism 2. Delve into Penang's colourful past
Forget staid museums — in Penang, visitors can interact with the region's past at immersive spaces like the Penang History Gallery. This 10,000sq ft space showcases the state's history through meticulously reconstructed colonial streets and war bunkers. It's located within the state's UNESCO-designated capital, George Town, where Penang's history is visible in its many impressive temples and beautifully preserved heritage buildings. You can also learn about the region's past through the imaginative street art that decorates walls around the city. Bukit Tambun — a former sugarcane plantation that is now a vibrant village — also takes this creative approach to preserving history, with its eye-catching murals splashed on buildings and paintings on shophouse fronts. Some of these paintings tell stories about this mainland town's history and culture, while others feature whatever the shop owner happens to fancy (think Bruce Lee or SpongeBob SquarePants). This mural of a dancing girl can be found in the rural town of Balik Pulau. Photograph by Penang Global Tourism George Town is home to many colourful murals, including this lifelike painting of a tomcat. Photograph by Penang Global Tourism 3. Soar through the jungle on zip coaster
At 1,135 metres, this adventurous ride at Escape Penang is said to be the world's longest zip coaster — and it's certainly one of the most scenic. Kitted out in a harness, you'll swoop, swerve and perhaps shriek as you make your way through the jungle canopy, taking in the treetops and hilly countryside as you go. In fact, the zip coaster is just one of 35 attractions at Escape Penang, a park located a 40-minute drive from George Town, surrounded by lush forest. With obstacle courses, splash parks and water slides offering entertainment for everyone from young kids to adults, this is one of the best places to cool off when the mercury rises. 4. Relax on Cat Beach Penang
Within minutes on Penang, you'll see that this is an island of beautiful beaches of golden sands and turquoise waters. But one stretch of sand stands out: Cat Beach, which is home to hundreds of stray cats living the good life on the palm-lined shores. Located in the fishing village of Teluk Bahang, Cat Beach is also a sanctuary where you can spend time with rescued cats, either as a longer-stay volunteer or on an hour-long visit. Further along the beach, you may fancy a dip in the water or find an idyllic spot to watch the sunset. With its peak sitting 2,733 ft above sea level, travellers can find panoramic views of Penang Island and the mainland from the top of Penang Hill. Photograph by Penang Global Tourism 5. Hike the thrilling 'Trek 800'
For those craving a walk in nature, Penang Island is crammed with peaceful hiking trails suitable for day-long excursion or short, challenging climbs. The just over four-mile Trek 800 trail, located in Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam park, offers you the chance to really stretch your legs and enjoy some staggering views. On this high-energy trek, you'll pass monkeys, towering trees and huge tree roots, all before arriving at a lookout point with cloud-dusted views of Mengkuang Dam. Direct flights are available from the UK to Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur. From here, several airlines offer direct flights to Penang. The cheapest way to get around George Town is on the free CAT bus, with stops dotted across the city. When venturing further, Grab taxis (an equivalent to Uber) are cheap, reliable and easily accessible via the app. Alternatively, you can hire a car or use the island's bus network. For more information, visit mypenang.gov.my This paid content article was created for Penang Global Tourism. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs.
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