Penang Hill & Batu Ferringhi Beach

Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) is the highest point on the island at 833 meters — and a welcome escape from the heat. It's 5–8 °C cooler up there than in George Town, and the view over the island, the bridge to the mainland, and the Strait of Malacca is spectacular. The funicular railway takes you up in 5 minutes — one of Asia's steepest funiculars, in operation since 1923.

At the top, there's a skywalk (The Habitat), trails through the misty forest, an owl museum, colonial bungalows from the British era, and David Brown's Restaurant — afternoon tea with colonial charm and panoramic views. For the adventurous: The Curtis Tree Top Walk in the Habitat (15 MYR) is a canopy walkway 40 meters above the jungle floor.

Batu Ferringhi Beach

The most famous beach in Penang — a 2 km long bay on the north coast with hotels, water sports, and a bustling night market. The beach is not a paradise beach in the Maldives sense, but for an afternoon of jet skiing, parasailing, or just sunbathing, it's quite pleasant. The night market (from 19:00) is lively — clothing, souvenirs, fake watches, and a good selection of street food.

For nicer beaches, head further to Monkey Beach (by boat from Teluk Bahang, 15 min.) or to the Penang National Park — Malaysia's smallest national park with hiking trails, sea turtles, and deserted beaches (Turtle Beach).