Unique things to do in Penang
You’ve eaten plates of char kuey teow, you’ve posed with tons of street art, and you’ve hunted down the best brews from cute cafes housed in heritage George Town. And while these are strictly essential things to do in Penang, just know that you’ve barely scratched the surface of this creative playground of an island.
Tucked between the tourist staples are spaces where you can geek out over everything from vintage cameras to mechanical keyboards.
Here are 10 things to do in Penang, consisting of experiences, activities, and offbeat spots that offer a fresh and uniquely local way of exploring the island.
Table of Contents
- Unique things to do in Penang
- 1. Step into Penang’s contemporary art scene at independent galleries
- 2. Make your own Peranakan tile earrings at Either Or Design
- 3. Discover a fascinating collection of vintage cameras at Asia Camera Museum
- 4. Step back in time at Hong Kong Bar, Penang’s oldest bar
- 5. Get hands-on with pottery at a cosy home studio at Clay-Pu
- 6. Learn the rituals of tea brewing at Ten Yee Tea House
- 7. Browse the shelves of independent local bookstores
- 8. Hunt for artisan creations at Sum Concept Store to bring home as souvenirs
- 9. Build your own keyboard at Click N Brew Cafe
- 10. Join a woodworking workshop at Rekayu Penang
1. Step into Penang’s contemporary art scene at independent galleries
Beyond the famous street murals of George Town lies a thriving contemporary art scene, along with a growing slew of independent galleries that are well worth exploring.
Showcasing everything from prints and paintings to multimedia and experimental works, these galleries frequently host the works of emerging local and regional artists. There’s Cultprint, which has established itself as a dynamic venue for exhibitions, collaborations, and community-led initiatives.
Image credit: Jia-Ju
Another spot to keep on your radar is Blank Canvas, where museum-goers can engage with contemporary art in a more intimate setting.
Best of all, most of the exhibitions hosted in these spaces are free to enter, so add gallery-hopping to your itinerary, and have a glimpse into the creative yet insightful side of Penang.
2. Make your own Peranakan tile earrings at Either Or Design
Image credit: @eitheror.design via Instagram
If you adore the colourful Peranakan tiles usually admired on the floors and walls of heritage buildings, it can now be something you wear. Local clay jewellery artist Teoh Su Ling transforms the intricate patterns of Peranakan tiles into beautiful handmade clay earrings and pendants with her brand, Either Or Design.
The brand hosts jewellery-making workshops, where you can create your own pair of Peranakan-inspired earrings, experimenting with clay, colours, and patterns to be rewarded with a memento that’s wearable and uniquely yours.
Ready-made creations are available through her online shop and at selected heritage venues such as the Eastern & Oriental Hotel and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion.
3. Discover a fascinating collection of vintage cameras at Asia Camera Museum
Image adapted from: Cavid Nadirov via Google Photos
The Asia Camera Museum is a treasure trove of gems in Penang that invites you into a world of film rolls, mechanical shutters, and beautifully crafted vintage equipment.
Housing a fascinating collection of vintage cameras and photographic accessories from across the globe – including Germany, Sweden, America, and Japan – the museum takes visitors on a journey through the history and evolution of photography over the decades.
Image adapted from: Wei Jun Theng via Google Photos
More than just a repository of old cameras, there is also a recreated darkroom, a 1960s-style camera repair workplace, and over 1,000 items that tell the story of photography’s evolution.
At RM25 per entry, this makes for a fun detour for anyone who loves photography or history.
4. Step back in time at Hong Kong Bar, Penang’s oldest bar
Image adapted from: @sixtybolts via Instagram
Some of Penang’s most fascinating heritage sites aren’t museums or historic mansions. Established in 1920, Hong Kong Bar is a century-old bar with no frills and plenty of stories.
For decades, it was a favourite watering hole for Royal Australian Air Force personnel stationed in Butterworth, and even today, the occasional retired serviceman still drops by for a drink. Still run by Auntie Jenny Tan, the bar remains a nostalgic time capsule filled with photographs, medals, and memorabilia from its storied past.
Here, you can expect affordable beers, stouts, and ales, alongside friendly conversation and a nostalgic atmosphere that’s increasingly hard to find in a city like Penang.
5. Get hands-on with pottery at a cosy home studio at Clay-Pu
Image adapted from: @clay.pu via Instagram
For a slower-paced experience in Penang, head to Clay-Pu, a charming home pottery studio, complete with a peaceful garden and resident cats. Whether you’re curious about hand-building or eager to try the pottery wheel, this spot offers a range of workshops and courses suitable for beginners.
You can start with a pinching workshop (RM150/session), try your hand at wheel throwing (RM170/session), or dive deeper with multi-session courses (RM400-450/pax for 4 sessions) that guide you through the fundamentals of pottery over several weeks.
Classes are beginner-friendly and small-sized, led by a warm and approachable instructor – you’ll gain more than just a lovely handmade piece.
6. Learn the rituals of tea brewing at Ten Yee Tea House
Image adapted from: @tenyeetea via Instagram
Tucked away in George Town, Ten Yee Tea is a serene space dedicated to sharing the rich traditions of Chinese tea culture through tastings, workshops, and thoughtfully curated tea experiences.
Visitors can sample a curated selection of fine artisanal Chinese teas, while learning about their origins, flavours, and brewing techniques.
For a more immersive experience, join the Tea Appreciation & Teaware Exhibition session (RM190/pax), or dive deeper with the Hands-on Masterclass to Tea & Brewing Experience (RM290/pax), where you’ll learn the art and etiquette behind preparing tea yourself.
7. Browse the shelves of independent local bookstores
Image adapted from: @thyesengkampar & @cityeyepg via Instagram
One thing’s for certain, Penang’s indie bookstores are places that won’t disappoint.
Browse the eclectic collection at Areca Books, where local history, maps, memoirs, and obscure finds are aplenty. There’s also the Book Island at Hin Bus Depot where you’ll get a curated selection of Mandarin-language titles, or spend your afternoon at Gerakbudaya, a George Town institution known for its extensive collection on Malaysian history, Southeast Asian literature, politics, and social criticism.
8. Hunt for artisan creations at Sum Concept Store to bring home as souvenirs
Image adapted from: @sparkopticspenang via Instagram
If you love discovering one-of-a-kind finds during your travels, Sum Concept Store is where you’ll have the time of your life. This thoughtfully curated lifestyle store brings together an eclectic mix of handmade jewellery, locally designed clothing, vintage knick-knacks, arts and crafts, and charming homeware, making it easy to take home something that’s both beautiful and meaningful.
9. Build your own keyboard at Click N Brew Cafe
Image adapted from: @sugoidays via Instagram
Coffee and keyboards are quite the pairing, and Click N Brew Cafe makes them an experience.
This one-of-a-kind George Town cafe doubles as a playground for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, where you can test different keyboards, switches, and keycaps before building your dream setup. Keyboard kits start from around RM300, with plenty of options to customise your build.
For RM39, the cafe offers beginner-friendly workshops to guide you through the basics of keyboard assembly. Order yourself a cuppa while you’re at it, but if you’re only here for the caffeine, that’s perfectly fine too. The beverages are just as much a draw as the satisfying click of the keys.
10. Join a woodworking workshop at Rekayu Penang
Image adapted from: @rekayupenang via Instagram
There’s something cathartic about making your own keepsake, instead of getting them from a souvenir shop, especially when you’re building something from scratch at Rekayu Penang.
The studio offers beginner-friendly woodworking workshops, where you’ll learn the basics of carpentry while crafting a functional piece to take home. Choose from projects like a spice rack (RM110), a chopping board (RM110), or a hand-carved roaster (RM90), all completed during a half-day session.
No prior woodworking experience is needed, making it a fun and rewarding activity for anyone looking to try something different.
Experience Penang beyond food & street art with these unique things to do
More often than not, the best way to get to know a place is through the people, passions, and creative communities that bring the city to life. In Penang, that means stepping beyond the well-trodden tourist trail and into spaces where the island’s creative spirit thrive.
Whether you’re seeking a new hobby, a meaningful souvenir, or simply a memorable afternoon, these unique activities reveal a side of Penang that many visitors never get to see.
Also read: New & Upcoming Hotels In 2026 In Penang For Your Next Stylish Island Stay
Cover image adapted from: @thitto28 via Instagram, Jia-Ju, @arecabooks via Instagram, @tenyeetea via Instagram