Outdoor Activities in Penang to Keep You Active in Malaysia

Penang is a highly developed island and one of the biggest cities in Malaysia. However, the cool thing about Penang is that it’s never too far from nature, with many fun outdoor activities in Penang, even while admiring the arts and sights in Georgetown.

Only a short drive away, you won’t even recognize you’re on the same island because there are so many places with such beautiful greenery and serenity. You remember the stunning beaches located throughout the busy island.

A lot of the west coast of Penang island is still undeveloped, so you can visit different fruit farms and enjoy the abundance of Penang outdoor activities. The best part is that you can enjoy these outdoor activities all year round because of Penang’s tropical climate!

So whether you’re looking for a stroll through a forest Reserve or an adrenaline-pumping adventure like rock climbing, there’s something for everyone looking for outdoor activities in Penang.

 

 

Outdoor Activities in Penang to Keep You Active in Malaysia

Penang is a beautiful Malaysian state known for its beaches and delicious food. However, there is so much more to do in Penang than just eating! If you are looking for an adventure, look no further than Penang’s many outdoor activities.

From hiking to caving to diving, there is something for everyone in a particular part of Malaysia.

 

Waterfalls in Penang

When it comes to Penang’s outdoor activities, one of the most beautiful things to see is the waterfalls, and Penang has quite a few. While the waterfalls are not large or majestic in any way, they are still a soothing spectacle. 

The Titi Kerawang Falls is located on the island’s west coast, near the small town of Tanjung Bungah and within walking distance from Entopia Butterfly Farm. The falls are about 100 meters from the main road, and a path leads you there. The falls are named after the Malaysian word for “butterfly,” which is fitting given their proximity to the Entopia Butterfly Farm.

The falls are open to the public and offer a beautiful natural setting for visitors to enjoy. The falls are best visited during the rainy season when they are at their fullest. However, they can be enjoyed year-round. Visitors should take care when walking around the falls, as the rocks can be slippery.

 

 

Another waterfall in Penang is the Bayan Lepas Waterfall, located just outside Bayan Lepas’s town. The waterfall has a height of just about 5 meters, and it flows down smooth rocks into a pool where swimming is possible. The local waterway department has developed and beautified the area around the waterfall. A bridge crosses the cascades, and the water bank has been paved so vehicles can enter and exit. There is also a wooden pavilion where you can picnic while enjoying the waterfall scenery. 

Finally, the biggest waterfall is located in Penang Botanical Gardens. The Botanic Gardens Waterfall is within the Penang waterworks department, so it remains a restricted area where access is controlled. It used to be one of the most famous waterfalls in Malaysia. However, because of the waterworks department, you need to seek approval from the authorities to go to this waterfall. It was established in 1910 and is a sight people should try and see. 

A list of waterfalls to see in Penang:

• Titi Kerawang Falls
• Bayan Lepas Waterfall
• Botanic Gardens Waterfall
• Batu Ferringhi Iron Waterfall

 

 

 

 

Penang Hill

Penang Hill was one of the first colonial hill stations developed in Peninsular Malaysia. It was discovered soon after British settlement when Francis Light commissioned the area to be cleared to grow strawberries. You can see the mountains of Langkawi on a clear day. However, the sight of a lit-up Georgetown is also pretty great at night.

The hike is excellent for most people because they can enjoy the cool, unpolluted air with multiple nature trails. There is also a 220m walkway suspended between towering trees and 30m about the dense jungle that offers excellent hillside views. There are also about 100 species of birdlife, ranging from common garden species to exotic deep forest inhabitants. 

 

 

One of the Penang Hill attractions you must visit is Habitat. Habitat Penang Hill is a Rainforest that opened in 2011. The Rainforest comprises six zones within the tourist attraction with over 500m of forest walks, including the Canopy, Mangrove, and Stream zones. The Canopy zone has a suspension bridge which is the longest in peninsular Malaysia. The Mangrove zone has a boardwalk that takes you through the mangroves, and the Stream zone has a series of waterfalls. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you can try the zip line that goes from one end of the park to the other. 

The Penang Hill Railway is also the most popular way to get to the top of the hill. It is located at the foot of the hill, is one of the world’s oldest train systems and has a 2,007m-long track that takes about 30 minutes to get to the top. As much as it is a relatively long trip, it takes you through wonderful greenery and bungalows built initially for British officials and other wealthy citizens. 

Another way up to the top is by a 5 km drive up a private road that is only accessible to vehicles of hillside residents. However, you can also take the road if you pay a certain fee. There is also a well-marked 8 km path that leads up from Moon Gate at the Botanical Gardens, it takes about 1 hour, but it is a pleasant walk with plenty of places to rest along the way. 

Best attractions to visit on Penang Hill:

• Habitat
• Penang Hill Railway
• The 8 km path from Moon Gate at the Botanical Gardens.
• Earthquake & Typhoon Pavilion
• Hindu Temple Penang Hill 
• Masjid Bukit Bendera

 

 

 

Penang National Park

The Penang national park consists of both land and sea. It is used by scientists, researchers, and nature lovers to explore its natural treasures.

The park was once known as Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve and is home to about 417 different flora and 143 different fauna species. It is located at the northwestern tip of Penang island and was declared a national park in April 2003. The national park is the first protected area under Malaysia’s National Park Act of 1980 and was established to preserve and protect flora and fauna. 

 

 

There are two beaches in the national park; Monkey beach and Turtle beach. There are two ways to get to both coasts. You can hike for about an hour and a half to get the Monkey beach, and while that is the scenic route, it is a long hike. The other way to get there is by taking a boat, depending on the boat driver; one method can range from around 50RM-70RM. Word of advice is to find a group to join the expense together. 

These are just a few natural things you can do while in Penang. There are many nature trails as well if you are an avid hiker. But all in all, Penang is one place where you can enjoy the best of both worlds; nature and city life.

As of November 1, 2022, the entrance fee for the National Park is 50rm. With some of the disrupted paths and infrastructure, the prices would be welcomed for the park, which is quite beautiful with the maintenance needed. 

Best Places to visit in Penang National Park:

• Monkey beach
• Turtle Beach
• Nature trails
• Muka Head Lighthouse
• Lazy Boys Campsite

 

 

 

Entopia Butterrfly Park

Location:

Teluk Bahang, Penang – Opening hours 9 am – 6 pm (daily)

Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is one of the best places to visit for family fun. They have an indoor and outdoor section with over 15,000 live butterflies from more than 150 species. The outdoor area also has a Cocoon Cafe where you can relax and drink while surrounded by nature.

The indoor section has three main parts: The Discovery Centre, The Emergence Gallery, and The Cocoon Room. In the Discovery Centre, you will learn about the life cycle of a butterfly and see pupae hatching into butterflies.

 

 

In the Emergence Gallery, butterflies emerge from their chrysalises and take their first flights. In the Cocoon Room, you can see how caterpillars spin their cocoons and watch as silk is made. Entopia is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn about butterflies and experience family fun.

Entopia Butterfly Park is located in Teluk Bahang, about 30 minutes away from Georgetown by car. If you are taking public transportation, you can take the 101 or 102 Rapid Penang bus from Georgetown to Teluk Bahang. The entrance fee for adults is 30RM, and for children (3-12 years old), it is 20RM.

What to expect:

• Over 15,000 live butterflies from more than 150 species
• A butterfly farm and museum all in one
• An indoor and outdoor section
• A Cocoon Cafe

 

 

 

Penang Bird Park

The Penang Bird Park is a must-see attraction for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Situated across the ways in Butterworth, the park is home to more than 300 birds from over 100 species. The birds can roam around the park, and visitors can get close to them.

 

 

There are also regular feeding times when you can feed the birds. Bird Park is a great place to learn about different species of birds and their behaviours. It’s also lovely to relax and soak up the natural surroundings; you’ll fall in love with the different types of flamingos.

The Penang Bird Park is an excellent place for bird watching, and it is also a good place to learn about different bird species. The park is open every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance fee is 20RM for adults and 10RM for children (3-12 years old).

What to expect:

• More than 300 birds from over 100 different species
•  A chance to get up close to the birds
• Feeding times
• Bird watching

 

 

 

Tropical Spice Garden

The Tropical Spice Garden out of Batu Ferringhi is a welcome sight while you slowly explore the gardens with the sounds of nature around you. With over 500 different types of plants and trees, the smells will tantalize your senses as you walk through the luscious greenery and appreciate ever more the outdoors in Penang.

The tropical climate and soil are perfect for these tropical plants and feature species from all around South and Southeast Asia. As you stroll through, look for nutmeg, clove, pepper, and vanilla trees!

 

 

You might even spot some monkeys or other small animals playing in the trees if you’re lucky. After working up an appetite, stop by the on-site restaurant for a bite before heading back out into the garden.

There is also a cafe serving light meals and snacks and a gift shop where you can buy spices and essential oils. The Tropical Spice Garden is open every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the entrance fee is 30RM for adults and 15RM for children (3-12 years old).

What to expect:

• Over 500 different types of plants and trees
• A spice garden, café, and gift shop all in one
• A chance to learn about different spices and how they are used
• A chance to relax in nature

 

 

Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi beach is excellent for relaxing and enjoying the sun when looking for beach activities in Penang. The water is clean and clear, and the sand is soft and white. The beach is located on the northwest coast of Penang Island and is one of the most popular beaches.

The beach is open daily and has great places to swim or participate in water activities. The best thing about the Batu Ferringhi beach area is the beachfront Starbucks, which is a great place to take a break from the sun and enjoy a refreshing Frappucino with views and WIFI.

If you’re looking for adventure, try parasailing or jet skiing with several operators seen while walking along the beach’s calm waters!

What to expect:

• A long stretch of sandy beach
• Restaurants, cafes, and stalls selling souvenirs and trinkets
• Parasailing and jet skiing

 

 

 

The Botanical Gardens

The Penang Botanical Gardens, also known as “Waterfall Gardens” because of the cascading waterfall, is a great place to spend an afternoon. The gardens are enormous, and there is something for everyone.

If you’re looking to relax, there are plenty of benches and shady areas to rest in. If you’re feeling active, there are walking trails and a track for jogging or running. The gardens are also home to several plant species, some of which are rare and endangered.

 

 

The Penang Botanical Gardens are open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is free for Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, and there is a small fee for foreigners. The gardens are a short drive from the city centre, and plenty of parking is available.

What to expect:

• A cascading waterfall
• Walking trails and a jogging track
• Benches and shady areas to relax in
• Rare and endangered plants species
• Monkeys roaming about at will

 

These are just some outdoor activities you can do in Penang. There are many more things to see and do, and you will have an unforgettable time. So what are you waiting for in your Penang escape? Plan your trip today!