Penang Family Travel Guide: Best Things to Do with Kids in Malaysia
After two months of adventure through China, we landed in Penang, Malaysia—without much of a plan, but with an open mind. We didn’t expect to fall in love with it, but Penang quickly charmed us with its mix of flavors, cultures, and family-friendly pace. If you’re traveling with young kids and looking for a destination that’s rich in culture but low on tourist chaos, this guide is for you.
Why Penang?
When most Americans think of Southeast Asia, places like Thailand, Bali, or Vietnam usually come to mind. But on the northwest coast of Malaysia lies a lesser-known gem: Penang. This vibrant island blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and colonial British influences into something uniquely its own. It’s full of personality and perfectly suited for family travelers.
Penang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends old-world charm with family-friendly adventure. From chasing butterflies and admiring colorful street art to tasting durian and zipping through the island in a Grab car, Penang packs a lot of fun into a small, manageable space .
A Bit of History and Culture
Penang Island (with George Town as its capital) was a British settlement starting in 1786. Over time, it grew into a trading hub, attracting migrants from China, India, and Southeast Asia. Today, Penang reflects that heritage through its architecture, languages, and cuisine.
Language
The population is diverse: about 40% Chinese, 41% Malay, 10% Indian, and the rest made up of other groups. English is widely spoken, and Chinese is also commonly used, making Penang accessible not only for American travelers but also for Chinese-speaking visitors.
Is Penang Safe?
Yes! Penang is considered very safe for tourists, including families. According to recent traveler reports and safety rankings, petty crime is rare, and violent crime is extremely uncommon. Like anywhere, be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, but overall, Penang is a great choice for traveling with kids.
Getting Around: Grab It!
Getting around Penang is easy with Grab or registered taxis. I wouldn’t recommend driving—there are a lot of motorcyclists, people often don’t follow traffic rules, and the roads can feel chaotic. Grab is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber + DoorDash. You can use it to get rides, order food, or even groceries—all from your phone. It's cheap, reliable, and makes getting around with kids so much easier.
For example: Need milk or diapers for your baby? Just order it on Grab and it’ll be delivered right to your hotel door—no need to drag the kids to a store. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference for traveling parents.
Pro Tip: Don’t bring a baby car seat. Most Grab cars won’t have proper anchors anyway. Like most families in the region, just hold your baby securely.
Weather in Penang
Penang has a tropical rainforest climate: hot, humid, and green year-round. Temperatures range between 75–90°F (24–32°C). While many recommend the dry season (Dec–Mar), I personally think May to August is better—fewer crowds, lower prices, and it's durian season starting mid-May!
Family-Friendly and Wallet-Friendly
One of Penang’s biggest surprises? How far your money goes. Compared to neighboring destinations like Singapore or Thailand, Penang offers great value — especially for families.
Most Grab rides cost less than $7 USD (even hour-long rides rarely exceed $14), meals at casual restaurants are around $2–5 per person (fancier restaurants or hotels might be around $10 USD), and family-friendly attractions are surprisingly affordable:
- π¦ Entopia (Butterfly Farm) – Adults: ~$16 USD, Kids: ~$12 USD
- π³ The Habitat at Penang Hill – Adults: ~$12 USD, Kids: ~$8 USD
- π‘ Penang Hill Funicular (Express Ticket) – Adults: ~$17 USD
Even beach activities like parasailing or banana boats are budget-friendly compared to Western destinations. We found we could enjoy full days — including transportation, food, and tickets — for less than the price of a single museum admission back home. Penang proves that memorable family travel doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.
What to Pack
- Umbrella (for both sun and rain)
- Rain jacket / stroller rain cover
- Mosquito repellent (stronger than Cutter brand!)
- Sunscreen (don’t underestimate the tropical sun)
- Summer clothes (it’s summer every day)
- Snacks your kids love (a lot)
- Baby carrier (Penang isn’t very stroller friendly)
We brought a stroller for naps but had to carry it over stairs at times. The Habitat and Entopia are more stroller-friendly. Still, a carrier was the MVP.
Where to Stay + Family Itinerary
We found 5–6 days to be the perfect length—just enough for a great mix of fun, relaxation, and exploring without feeling rushed.
While we stayed in George Town the entire time, next time I’d definitely split our stay to reduce back-and-forth travel and better experience Penang’s distinct areas. Here’s a more efficient itinerary that’s especially suited for families:
- Day 1: Arrive and check into a hotel in George Town
- Day 2: Visit Penang Hill and The Habitat (go on a weekday to avoid crowds)
- Day 3: Explore Wonderfood Museum, George Town street art, and Chew Jetty
- Day 4: Move to a beach resort in Batu Ferringhi; enjoy the resort and visit the night market
- Day 5: Visit Entopia and the Tropical Fruit Farm or try durian tasting; relax at the beach in the afternoon
- Day 6: Head home
I recommend splitting your stay like this:
- 3 nights in George Town (ideal for cultural sites, museums, and Penang Hill)
- 2 nights in Batu Ferringhi (perfect for beach sports, nature visits, and some downtime at the resort)
This revised itinerary helped us cut down on back-and-forth driving and gave the kids more downtime in the afternoons, especially after active mornings. Highly recommend this setup if you're traveling with little ones!
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Penang
Beach and Water Activities
Parasailing & Donut Boat – Yes, we did both—with our almost 4-year-old! It was a thrilling experience and family-friendly. The operators were accommodating, and our daughter absolutely loved the gentle lift into the sky and the speed of the donut boat. Compared to similar activities in the US or Singapore, it was much more affordable.
But beware of overpriced operators. We were overcharged because we followed our driver’s recommendation without checking in advance. Afterward, we found a reliable and reasonably priced operator online: ferringhiseasports.com.my.
Pro tip: Do your research and book directly with a reputable vendor. If you’re traveling with a baby or toddler, one parent can stay back at the beach while the other goes on the ride. It’s a fun way to balance family logistics while still getting some adventure in!
The beach itself? Penang’s beaches might not rival the pristine white sands of Thailand or the Maldives, but they’re still great for a relaxed family outing. The sand is soft enough for kids to build sandcastles and chase waves, and the water is usually calm and safe for wading. Batu Ferringhi is the main beach area, with a long stretch of coastline lined with resorts and beach bars. While the water isn’t ideal for snorkeling due to limited clarity, it’s perfect for beach sports, parasailing, or simply lounging under the sun. If you’re staying nearby, the bustling night market adds fun and flavor to the evening.
Penang Hill & The Habitat
Taking the funicular train up Penang Hill was one of the highlights of our trip. I strongly recommend getting express tickets—especially if you’re traveling with kids. Here’s why: express tickets let you skip the long queue for purchasing, provide access to a lounge with seating (a lifesaver with young children), and give you priority boarding so you can actually sit on the train. With standard tickets, you’re looking at standing in a long, hot line, boarding last, and likely holding your child in a packed car. These family-specific details were surprisingly hard to find online, so I wanted to call them out clearly.
The train ride itself is scenic and enjoyable, climbing steadily through the lush forest. Once at the top, you’re welcomed by a refreshing breeze and panoramic views of the island—on a clear day, it’s breathtaking. Pro Tip: if the weather forecast calls for heavy rain all day, consider rescheduling. We went up on a rainy morning and couldn’t see a thing until the skies cleared an hour later. Without the view, you miss a big part of the experience. On rainy days, indoor attractions like Wonderfood Museum or the Upside Down Museum might be a better choice.
Penang Hill also gives you a glimpse into the colonial past with its hilltop buildings, gardens, and a mix of religious sites including a mosque and a Hindu temple.
We spotted a family of dusky leaf monkeys during a gentle rain shower—an unforgettable experience for the kids. We then made our way to The Habitat, a beautifully designed rainforest experience that’s educational, shady, and stroller-friendly. The canopy walk, tree species, and unexpected wildlife encounters made it memorable. We saw jackfruit trees, wild berries, a tiny hidden crab, and even a green snake. We didn’t book a guide, but tagging along behind one helped us spot these cool details—we definitely would’ve missed them otherwise. Pro Tip: Try to book a guide for The Habitat—they point out fascinating wildlife and plant species that are nearly impossible to notice on your own, especially if you're wrangling kids. It really enriched the experience and turned a nice walk into an unforgettable adventure.
After the walk, a shuttle brings you back to the entrance—very welcome with tired little legs. We wrapped up with lunch at David Brown’s Restaurant. The views and garden were lovely, but the food was underwhelming and overpriced. Pro Tip: If you want the view, just walk into the garden and snap some photos—you don’t need to dine there.
Entopia
Butterfly farm with frogs, insects, and interactive exhibits that offer hands-on learning for kids. We were lucky enough to join a butterfly release session—though ours flew off too fast for a photo, some families got great shots with butterflies perched on fingers. Beyond the outdoor garden, there’s a large indoor section with air-conditioned exhibits that explain metamorphosis, insect defense mechanisms, and more—perfect for escaping the midday heat.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check the activity schedule when you arrive—they host different activities throughout the day, and kids especially love the interactive ones. There’s also a simple cafΓ© onsite, which isn't gourmet but serves convenient meals when you're juggling naps and feeding times. If you have younger children or babies, this is one of the more stroller-friendly spots in Penang.
George Town
Explore George Town’s vibrant street art trail, where murals turn alleyways into interactive art galleries—great for fun family photos. Wander along Chew Jetty, a historic village built on stilts over the water, where you can catch a glimpse of traditional Chinese settlement life and grab a snack or souvenir from the quaint shops.
If the weather turns rainy, head to one of George Town’s quirky indoor museums. We enjoyed the Wonderfood Museum, which was not only entertaining but educational—did you know Nasi Kandar, a local favorite, has Indian origins? The Upside Down Museum was another hit with the kids, offering a silly and imaginative photo experience. These museums are on the smaller side but pack in plenty of fun, especially when you need to escape the heat or rain.
Where and What to Eat in Penang
Traveling with kids, convenience wins. We used Grab for food delivery often, especially during nap times or when we just wanted to relax at the hotel. One of our go-to delivery meals was:
- Passion House – Kid-approved milky noodle soup and crispy fried chicken rice that hit the spot every time.
When we did eat out, we had a few memorable experiences:
- Michelin Guide dim sum – We dined at one of these charming restaurants tucked inside a heritage building with a narrow layout and limited seating. Be sure to book via WhatsApp in advance, and try to get an early time slot—many of the most popular dim sum items were already sold out when we arrived at 2 p.m. The atmosphere was quaint, the food was high quality, and the experience felt special. We’ll definitely aim to try more Michelin-listed places on our next visit.
Street Food or Michelin Guide Spots? We didn’t love the hawker food at New World Park — quality was hit-or-miss. Honestly, Michelin Guide spots offer consistently high-quality meals and are worth seeking out while you're in Penang. Some spots we visited or plan to try next time include:
- Bao Teck Tea House – Elegant dim sum in a heritage building with thoughtful plating and a serene moss garden.
- Green House Prawn Mee & Loh Mee – Local favorite known for richly flavored noodle soups.
- Deens Maju Nasi Kandar – Famous for fast-moving lines and flavorful Indian-Muslim rice dishes.
- Teksen Restaurant – Popular Chinese restaurant known for wok-fried classics and modern touches.
These spots combine great food with comfortable environments, making them a great option for families who want quality
Indian food was our surprise winner—we had it almost every day. The variety and flavor were excellent.
Fruits! As a fruit lover, I had high hopes for the Tropical Fruit Farm, but the tour was underwhelming—many fruits were out of season. For example, mangosteen comes around June. But luckily, it was durian season! We did a tasting and even my husband (a foreigner) loved it—we felt the smell wasn’t as strong as expected, and the taste was delicious—mild, creamy, and nothing like the overwhelming reputation durian often gets. Our 1-year-old, however, was not impressed. He made a dramatic face and refused to try a second bite. Maybe next season! It was such a fun moment for us as a family to share something so culturally unique and unexpectedly enjoyable.
Fruit enzyme drinks — lightly fermented, tangy-sweet drinks made from tropical fruits. We first tasted them at Tropical Fruit Farm and liked them so much, we ordered more at Bao Teck Tea House. Refreshing and surprisingly delicious, they’re a fun, healthy twist on local flavors. If you see them on a menu, don’t hesitate — give them a try!
Final Thoughts
Penang might not be on every traveler’s radar, especially those from the U.S. or other Western countries yet, but it should be—especially for families looking for a mix of culture, nature, food, and fun that doesn’t break the bank. We came with kids, a stroller, and zero expectations—and left with great memories (and a suitcase full of durian breath).
π More From Us
- 𧳠Check out our China travel series here: China Travel Series
- πΈ Follow our travel moments on Instagram: @drift2shift
- π Read more family stories on ε°ηΊ’δΉ¦: @Drift2Shift
Comments
Post a Comment