We’ll go ahead and say it. Penang is the most picturesque city in Malaysia. From quaint heritage sites to colourful street art, there are neverending opportunities to fill your Instagram feed with stunning photos whenever you’re in Penang. Scroll down our list to see our recommendation of instagram-worthy spots in Penang.
1. Flat Padang Tembak
We’re starting off with a local hidden gem few people has heard of. Located in Air Itam, these flats offer the perfect backdrop for the ‘gram. With a little creativity, you can set up shots just like the one pictured above.
Just a reminder that people still live in these flats so please be respectful
Location: Lorong Padang Tembak, Air Itam, 11400 George Town, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
2. Avatar Secret Garden
Inspired by the Hollywood blockbuster of the same name, check yourself in to Pandora at Avatar Secret Garden. Enter a colourful fantasy land, decorated with bright neon lights, giving it a surreal atmosphere.
It’s recommended to end your day here as the attraction only opens in the evening.
Location: 336, Jalan Tokong Thai Pak Koong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
3. BookXCess Gurney Paragon
Taking instaworthy pictures in beautiful bookstores is all the rage right now. And in Penang, nowhere is it more trendy to do so than in BookXcess Gurney Paragon. Featuring a two-storey bookshelf, one of Malaysia’s longest, snap the perfect shot to fill your feed with.
Location: Gurney Paragon Mall, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
4. Kampung Bakar Kapor
Surrounded by tall coconut trees, scenic paddy fields and traditional wooden houses, Homestay Kampung Agong in Kampung Bakar Kapor is one of Penang’s most picturesque locations.
Barely an hour’s drive from Penang Bridge, this homestay is peppered with instagrammable hanging nests, swings and more
Location: 841, Kampung Bakar Kapor, 13100 Penaga, Penang (Google Maps)
5. Arte S Penang
One of Penang’s newest instagrammable spots, Arte S is still relatively unknown to many. It sports futuristic architecture that looks as if it was part of a fictional megapolis from a sci-fi movie!
Here’s a tip: Try taking shots at night when bright lights illuminate the building for a more space-age feel
Location: 3, Jalan Bukit Gambir, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
6. Tan Jetty
One of the six clan jetties in Penang, Tan Jetty oozes picturesque charm with its rustic wooden pathways that extends out to sea, ending with a tiny boat house. Very reminiscent of the Blue Boathouse in Perth, Australia
Location: Tan Jetty, Georgetown, Penang (Google Maps)
7. Chowrasta Market
One of Malaysia’s oldest markets, Chowrasta Market is a popular spot to get local tidbits like tau sar pneah (Penang’s famous bean paste pastry) and more. With its colonial heritage and old world charm, it’s also a treasure trove for instagrammable spots.
You might want to head over to the second hand bookshops on the first floor, they’re just so photo-worthy if you love all things vintage
Location: Lot 124, Jln Penang, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
8. Jerejak Island
One of Penang’s trendiest instagrammable locations, Jerejak island is a historic island located just a short 10 minute ferry ride from Penang island. Dotted with beautiful photo spots like the stairway to heaven, the rainbow pier and lots more, it’s no wonder this island is so hot on the instagram radar right now.
Though small enough to be covered in a single day, there’s a plethora of activities you can do on the island. You can rent bicycles, go jungle trekking or even laze in the sun on the beach.
Location: Pulau Jerejak, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
To get here, you need to take a ferry from the jetty in Bayan Lepas (see location here). There’s a ferry every hour starting from 6:30am. Tickets can be purchased for only RM20
9. SETIA Spice Arena
With its stunning architecture and futuristic design, SETIA Spice Arena located in Bayan Lepas is a worthy addition to your checklist of instagrammable places to capture.
Location: 108, Jalan Tun Dr Awang, Bayan Baru, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
10. Container Art
Remnants of the Penang International Container Art Festival back in mid-2020, they’re supposed to be taken down after the event but has since been repurposed as a local tourist attraction.
Finding these container art is rather exciting, as you have to travel all over Penang just to get a glimpse of them all. There are 5 locations in all, 2 container arts in each.
Locations: Balik Pulau (Google Maps), Karpal Singh Drive (Google Maps), Prangin Mall (Google Maps), Butterworth (Google Maps), Batu Kawan (Google Maps)
11. Hin Bus Depot
Once a derelict bus station, the Hin Bus Depot is now among Penang’s trendiest places. Stepping inside transports you to a world of transformative murals, curious exhibits and chic cafes.
Visit on a Sunday if you wish to experience the Sunday pop-up market (11:00am-5:00pm), where local artisans, performers and many more showcase their talent and craft.
Location: 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
12. Campbell Street
A vibrant mix of old and new, Campbell Street is home to some of Penang’s best street food. Stroll the picturesque streets lined with well-preserved heritage buildings, dating back to the colonial era.
While you’re here, don’t forget to take a peek at Campbell Street market, one of the two oldest markets in Penang (the other being Chowrasta market)
Location: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
13. Armenian Street
Home to Penang’s most famous mural, ‘Kids on Bicycle’ (by Ernest Zacharevic), Armenian Street is not only known for some of the best street art but is also full of charming shophouses, trendy cafes and art galleries to fill your social feed with.
Here’s a tip: Head over to the neighbouring Lebuh Chulia for more street art!
Location: Lebuh Armenian, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
14. Kek Lok Si Temple
When in Air Itam, don’t forget to pay Kek Lok Si temple a visit. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and ponds, walk around in peace and tranquility and let the stresses wear off before finding your ideal shot
Location: Air Itam, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
15. Frog Hill
Located in Kubang Semang, about half an hour’s drive from Penang Bridge, this abandoned quarry is a hidden gem with views to die for. It’s a rather steep hike up the hill, so be sure to put on your best pair of sneakers. Trust us, it’s a hike that you will not regret as you will be rewarded with stunning pictures from the top.
Location: Kubang Semang, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
16. The Blue Mansion
Take a step back in time as you enter Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion. Conceived and constructed long ago in the 19th century, the mansion still retains its transcendental quality and timelessness. Here, time seems to stand still as you meander around the mansion taking photos
Location: Lot 22, 14, Lebuh Leith, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
17. The Habitat
A trip to Penang Hill will not be complete without a visit to The Habitat. There’s plenty you can do here: Head up the Curtis Crest and take stunning shots of the surrounding vistas.
Or go on a thrilling yet exciting walk on the Langur Way canopy walk to see spectacular views of Penang, along with rare views of the rainforest valleys and the Andaman Sea
Location: Jalan Stesen, Bukit Bendera Air Itam, 11500 Penang, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
18. Pantai Kerachut
Nestled deep within Penang National Park, this picturesque white sandy beach is among the most remote beaches on the island. And that’s good news for lots of instagrammers. Lesser crowds means less photobombing, and more opportunities to have the beach to yourself.
Location: Taman Negara Pulau Pinang, Penang (Google Maps)
19. The TOP Komtar
Climb to the top of the tallest building in Penang and experience the thrills of looking down on the city from a height of 249 meters above ground. The Window of The Top is an open deck on the 68th floor that offers you truly unique 360° views of Penang’s urban scapes and presents you with one-of-a-kind photo taking opportunities.
Location: 1, Komtar, Jln Penang, 10000 George Town, Pulau Pinang (Google Maps)
