Hi, welcome to my blog! I’m Kenny — a true local Malaysian Chinese who was born and raised right here in Malaysia. Everything I share is based on my own experiences — no fake travel tips, just real stories, honest recommendations, and places I’ve personally explored.
If you’re wondering where to explore in Penang like a local, you’re in the right place. This guide is packed with hidden gems and underrated spots that only someone who knows the island well would take you to. Forget the usual tourist traps — Penang has a lot more to offer when you dive deeper.
Penang Island isn’t just a holiday spot — it’s a rich blend of heritage, flavours, and character that captures the soul of Malaysia. From colourful shophouses to hidden laneways and unbeatable street art, Penang is where the past and present live side by side.
Every street tells a story — whether it’s the buzz of a trishaw, the charm of colonial buildings, or quirky murals hiding down quiet back alleys. There’s always something to discover around the corner, especially if you want to explore Penang like a local.
Here are some of my favourite spots to explore:
NUM 1: Hin Bus Depot – A Creative Art Space Hidden in a Former Bus Station (FREE)
If you’re searching for where to explore in Penang like a local and love art, Hin Bus Depot is a must. This old bus depot has been transformed into an artsy space with murals, galleries, sculptures, and pop-up events. Sometimes there’s live music or Sunday markets too.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 31A Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town, Penang |
| Prices | RM 22.50 (Malaysian adult) / RM 28 (Non-Malaysian adult) Discounts available for children, students, and seniors |
| Hours | Daily, 11:00am–7:00pm |
NUM 2: Penang Digital Library – Hidden Quiet Spot with Aircon & Free WiFi (FREE)
The Penang Digital Library is a calm hideaway, perfect for reading, journaling, or just escaping the heat. Surrounded by greenery, it’s one of the top picks if you want to explore Penang like a local in peace and comfort.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Jalan Masjid Negeri, 11600 George Town, Penang |
| Prices | FREE |
| Hours | Daily, 9:00am–10:00pm |
NUM 3: Penang House of Music – An Underrated Cultural Gem (RM 20)
For music lovers wondering where to explore in Penang like a local, the Penang House of Music is a hidden treasure. From traditional tunes to rock bands and vintage radio, it’s an immersive way to learn about the island’s cultural heartbeat.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Level 4, KOMTAR, George Town, Penang |
| Prices | RM 20 (Adult) |
| Hours | Daily, 11:00am–8:00pm (Closed Tuesdays) |
NUM 4: Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion – The Iconic Blue Mansion with Guided Tours (RM 25)
The Blue Mansion is famous, but many skip the guided tours — and that’s a mistake. This experience lets you explore Penang like a local by uncovering the mansion’s deeper history, architecture, and stories.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 14 Leith Street, George Town, Penang |
| Prices | RM 25 (Guided Tour) |
| Hours | Tours at 11:00am / 2:00pm / 3:30pm |
NUM 5: Penang Hill’s Quiet Back Trails – A Local’s Nature Escape (FREE)
Most visitors ride the train up Penang Hill and leave, but locals know the real magic lies in the back trails. Surrounded by lush greenery and bird calls, it’s the perfect place for anyone wanting where to explore in Penang like a local when they need a nature break.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Entrance near the Penang Hill Lower Station, Jalan Bukit Bendera |
| Prices | FREE |
| Hours | 6:30am–7:30pm (best in the morning) |
Penang Island is full of hidden gems, and these five spots are just the beginning. Knowing where to explore in Penang like a local ensures you experience the city beyond the tourist highlights, making your visit authentic, memorable, and totally unique.
If you’re hungry for more insider tips, check out my guide on Where to Eat in Penang Island Like a Local.