[Updated 6 August 2020]
Penang may be known for its beautiful street art, delicious halal street food, and gorgeous boutique hotels, but did you know there are many Instagrammable spots in Penang? With many scenic spots to explore and up your game, it's also close to an abundance of Muslim-friendly eateries in Penang. Perfect for your next road trip, we've listed the best Instagrammable spots in Penang (that's not street art!) to explore.
1. BookXcess
BookXcess Gurney Paragon is one of the ultimate Instagrammable spots in Penang. Featuring a two-storey bookshelf, which also received a nod as Malaysia's longest bookshelves, you can create a good snapshot in this beautiful bookstore. Here's a tip: most Instagrammers would make their way to the top floor to take photos at the beautiful glass-panelled staircase against the massive selection of books - so give it a try!
Nearby halal food
Seoul Garden
Cuisine: Korean
Halal status: Halal-certified
Opening hours: Open daily; 11.30AM-10.30PM
Address: 170-B1-46, Plaza Gurney, Gurney Dr, 10250, Penang
Contact: +604 217 0559
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Homestay Kampung Agong
Surrounded by tall coconut trees and traditional wooden houses, make your way to Homestay Kampung Agong that looks like a page out of Lat's Kampung Boy comic book. Situated at Kampung Bakar Kapor, which is 50 minutes drive from Penang Bridge, this homestay is peppered with hanging nests that are inspired by actual burung tempua nests (also known as the weaver bird) found around the village.
Homestay Kampung Agong also has many Instagrammable swings that are made from discarded wood and nets. The crowd's favourite swing is the one that faces the vast paddy fields and village landscape. You can read more about Homestay Kampong Agong here!
Nearby halal food
Mee Rebus Pak Din Sg. Tembus
Cuisine: Malay
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 3PM-11PM (Closed on Sun)
Address: Kampung Sungai Tembus, 13100 Penaga, Penang
Contact: +6016 474 9480
3. Penang City Hall
The Penang City Hall is a true testament to the Colonial British architecture. The building's stark design stands out in the middle of Georgetown with its pure white Edwardian Baroque architecture and makes a totally post-card worthy photo ?
Nearby halal food
Hameed Pata Mee Sotong
Cuisine: Malay
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Mon-Thu; 11.30AM-8PM, Fri; 11AM-8PM, Sat-Sun; 11.30AM-8PM
Address: 5, Esplanade Park, Lebuh Light, 10300 George Town
Contact: +6013 431 9384
4. Tan Jetty
With long and straight paths, jetties are always stunning locations for the perfect photo of the day. Tan Jetty is one of the six clan jetties in Penang and has its own picturesque charm with its minimally curved wooden pathway on near still water ? On a good day, you might even see a spectacular sunset across the horizon! And don't be surprised to find couples having their pre-wedding photoshoots there too.
Nearby halal food
Restaurant Kassim Mustafa Nasi Dalcha
Cuisine: Indian-Muslim
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Open daily; 24 hours
Address: No. 12, Lebuh Chulia, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +604 263 4592
5. Jawi Peranakan Mansion
Peranakan Culture remains a large part of Penang's identity. To fully immerse in the Peranakan culture in Penang, here over to Jawi Peranakan Mansion. Detailed with ornate colours, intricate tiles, and Peranakan touches in almost every aspect of its design, you'll feel like you've taken a step back into the past ?
Its stunning archways and opulent details make one of the most beautiful backgrounds for a vacation #OOTD! Not to mention that you'll be able to learn a lot about the Peranakan Culture too.
Nearby halal food
Roti Canai Transfer Road
Cuisine: Indian
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Mon-Sat; 7AM-12AM, Sun; 7.30AM-12PM
Address: 114, 110, Jalan Transfer, 10050 George Town, Penang
6. Khoo Kongsi
Khoo Kongsi is one of the most visited attractions in Penang and with its elaborate architecture and designs, it's no surprise why ? The lavishly decorated temple was built around 650 years ago and is a big part of the Hokkien community on the island. Find yourself exploring the amazing structure with plenty of ornate and lavish details that are perfect for your next Instagram upload ?
Nearby halal food
Jawi House Cafe Gallery
Cuisine: Malay
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Wed-Mon; 11AM-9.30PM (Closed on Tue)
Address: 85, Lebuh Armenian, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +604 261 3680
Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Penang War Museum
Take a step back in time at the Penang War Museum and explore the timeless site filled with wartime artefacts and preserved forts! The museum is located on a site where the battle against the Japanese and the British army for Penang occurred. Take your time and explore the place including the barracks, tunnels, and secret passageways. With an amazing historical reserve like this, it'll add a unique old-time touch to all your photos ?
Nearby halal food
Medan Ikan Bakar Teluk Tempoyak
Cuisine: Seafood
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 6PM-11PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: Jalan Teluk Tempoyak, Kampung Teluk Tempoyak Besar, 11960 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang
8. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
You can't have a list of Instagrammable spots in Penang without including the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. This beautiful blue mansion has been a popular spot for many travellers and photographers with its cobalt blue walls, Peranakan touches, and intricate designs.
The mansion is now a boutique hotel and a restaurant but you can drop by for a visit (or even join some of their multiple daily tours) and take advantage of one of the most picturesque structures in town. Every single corner of the mansion is meant to be photographed with its lavish mix of eastern and western designs.
#HHWT Fact: Remember the significant mahjong scene in Crazy Rich Asians (played by Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh)? It was filmed at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion!
Nearby halal food
Sup Hameed
Cuisine: Malay
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Open daily; 7AM-3AM
Address: 48, Jalan Penang, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +604 521 265
9. Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm, a beautiful glass-like dome observatory is worth a trip to Batu Ferringhi. Explore the maze-like land filled with lush tropical greens and over 13,000 friendly butterflies flying freely, which will add a pop of colour to your photos ? If you’re a nature lover, here are 10 other amazing spots in Malaysia for you to check out too!
Nearby halal food
Sri Ananda Bahwan
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Halal status: All meats and ingredients are sourced from halal-certified suppliers
Address: 14, Jalan Tanjong Bungah, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +604 890 9771
10. The Church of Assumption
With its all-white decor and simple old-school western design, the Church of Assumption stands out as one of the most photo-worthy spots in Penang. ? The church is also believed to be one of the oldest church in Penang and was founded by Penang's iconic Captain Francis Light.
With its stunning architecture and minimalist colours, it'll definitely give your #OOTD an awesome boost ? Do note that the church is still an active prayer space, so be mindful during your visit.
Nearby halal food
Tajuddin Hussain Nasi Kandar
Cuisine: Indian-Muslim
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Mon-Thu; 10AM-3PM, 6PM-10PM, Fri; 10AM-1.30PM, 6PM-10PM, Sat; 10AM-3PM, 6PM-10PM (Closed on Sun)
Address: 45-63, Lebuh Queen, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +6016 444 9716
11. Penang Avatar Secret Garden
As the name indicates, the Penang Avatar Secret Garden is inspired by the Hollywood blockbuster, Avatar. End your day here as the attraction only starts in the evening, and find yourself exploring a jaw-dropping fantasy land. The entire park is decorated with bright neon lights, giving it a surreal atmosphere ?
Nearby halal food
Mahadi Nasi Melayu
Cuisine: Malay
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Sun-Fri; 9AM-3PM (Closed on Sat)
Address: Gerai No. 9, Flat Uda, Jln Tanjung Tokong, Tanjong Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Penang
Contact: +6012 490 5529
12. Penang Hill
Penang Hill is a favourite among many travellers because of its picturesque views from the top of the hill, and its lush greens surrounding the vicinity. You can reach the top of the hill by hiking, or taking the easier way up - by funicular train! Once you reach the top, don't forget to take a panoramic shot of Georgetown too ?
Nearby halal food
Nasi Kandar Kampong Melayu
Cuisine: Malay
Halal status: Muslim-owned
Opening hours: Open daily; 6.15AM-1.30PM
Address: A-29, Jalan Kampung Melayu, Kampung Melayu, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +6019 575 5877
And there you have it, now you have many Instagrammable spots in Penang to explore for the best photos. It's time to gather that photographer and foodie friends of yours for an exciting road trip to Penang! ?