Are you ready for an unforgettable family adventure in Penang and Batu Ferringhi? Prepare to be enchanted by the rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisine that this Malaysian paradise has to offer. As a family who recently explored these vibrant destinations, we are excited to share our top tips to make your journey with kids a seamless and joyous experience. From exploring historic George Town to basking in the sun-kissed beaches of Batu Ferringhi, every moment in Penang will be filled with delightful surprises for the whole family.
1. Family-Friendly Accommodation, where to stay?:
When in Penang, consider staying in George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a wealth of family-friendly accommodations. Look for hotels or guesthouses with spacious rooms and amenities like swimming pools to keep the little ones entertained. Alternatively, resorts in Batu Ferringhi offer a relaxing ambiance with beach access for endless seaside fun. We chose to stay at the Hilton Double Tree which is slightly out of Batu Ferringhi, and also 20-45 mins out of George Town depending on traffic. We got a connecting room for the kids and us, we had a balcony and they didn’t, and whilst it took us a bit to get into the feeling of them being in another room, we got to love it!
We were across the road from Miami Cafe which had amazing food – get the Lamb Curry and Roti, and then go back and get more and more and more. The atmosphere on the beach with the amazing food… you just can’t beat it. It’s a must. We were extremely happy with where we stayed. The beds and pillows were the best of our trip around Malaysia and the people were great, and it was super easy to get to. The pools were good for kids and adults, and the beach feel of the sand near the pool was amazing with our 2 year old. We could lounge with a beer around the pool while he played in the sand at our feet. Perfection! The kids went into the kids club and had fun, but it’s really a short service one hour at a time sort of thing, not a baby sitting service where you can leave and go do something, just more to have an hour break to sit around the pool. So just be aware of that.
Would we stay there again? I don’t know. I had planned on staying on George Town for 3 nights and then Batu Ferringhi for 2 nights. I sometimes wish we had done that as I left wanting a little. I. Loved. George Town. Our Travel Agent had suggested it was just a city, but I think they missed the charm of it. I adored it. I wanted more! But also, being close to Batu Ferringhi for dinner time on the beach was something else. When I think back, maybe we got the best of both worlds, with the best beds and a gorgeous view (below is the sunset view from our room).
2. Exploring George Town’s Historic Treasures:
George Town is a treasure trove of history and culture waiting to be explored. Take a leisurely stroll through the colorful streets adorned with captivating street art, or embark on a rickshaw tour to introduce the little ones to the city’s unique heritage.
Some people say to not miss visiting the Penang Peranakan Mansion, a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Peranakan community, and the interactive Wonderfood Museum, where giant food replicas spark the kids’ imagination. To be honest we didn’t do either. It was so hard with kids to get around to see the art in the heat that we really just walked around and did the things we saw. We walked past Cheah Kongsi Temple and so we went in there and it was great. You will probably walk past it, and it was great for the kids – just leave your pram at the bottom with security.
If you are catching a grab we suggest catching it to the kids on the bike art, or you can put in ‘China House’ and it takes you just around the corner so you get dropped in a great location.
3. Feasting on Penang’s Culinary Delights:
Penang is renowned for its delectable cuisine, and it’s a paradise for food-loving families. Take your taste buds on a delightful journey through hawker centres like Gurney Drive, where you’ll find a plethora of local delicacies to satisfy every craving. The kids will love trying the diverse flavours, and the food is often prepared right before your eyes, adding an element of excitement to mealtime.
When you get there – head here Plan C Patisserie ( Your Local Club ). This is actually almost on the location of the kids on the bike art. But go in here for the best churros with the best iced latte you will ever have. It is made differently and it is brilliant. For coffee lovers from Melbourne, Australia we adored this place. Get food and drinks here – thank me later! Your kids will like it too. It’s air conditioned and there is a toilet (just ask for the code) so it’s a great break to get everyone started on the right foot. Your books and itineraries will tell you to go to China House. We didn’t go there for cakes but made the mistake of going to breakfast. The coffee was ok… breakfast was bearable. But our suggestion is go to Plan C, then if you feel like cake later try China House maybe then!
If you want great curries at a super duper low price, but an experience you will take home forever, head in a trickshaw to Merican Nasi Kandar (91, Bishop St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia). Expect to pay about 30RM for your trickshaw but it’s worth it. Be aware that this is not air conditioned. It also doesn’t serve alcohol. We used google translate to work out the food on offer, but also the staff are ridiculously nice. I actually didn’t need to try and translate it they were so kind. We got the red rice I think it’s tomato rice, and get all the curries! We got fish curry and then they did this thing where they added all the sauces together. Then we got the kids the chicken (which is what they are known for). Look, we were scared of eating chicken but it’s what they do and it was amazing and we didn’t get sick, so head in and eat it. I wish we’d known we weren’t going to get sick I would have eaten so much more! Get some papadums, and then just get a bowl of tomato rice for any kids who dont like curry and they’ll be happy. Sip your 100 plus (electrolyte drinks which are good for the kids on days out in Penang when they are exhausted) and eat ridiculous food. You’ll come home raving to your friends about it trust me. Also, for all of us it was 51RM. That is about $17AUD for all of us to eat and drink. Brillant!
4. Batu Ferringhi Beach Adventures:
A trip to Penang wouldn’t be complete without some beach fun at Batu Ferringhi. The kids will be overjoyed building sandcastles, playing in the waves, and collecting seashells along the golden shores. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, hats, and beach toys to ensure a day of endless play and relaxation under the sun.
If you head to Batu Ferringhi for dinner, head to Bora Bora at 6:30pm or so and you will get a table on the beach no worries. The noodles there are brilliant and the kids can play on the sand, or in the ocean within eyesight. Bring some buckets for the little ones and they can sit at your feet or in the water. Our kids played with all the Malaysian tourists and had an absolute ball.
Great food, cold beer or cocktails, kids entertained, with the sun setting red over the ocean – what could be better? The epitome of a holiday dinner. It was so good we actually went there twice… and I do not regret it one bit. Its an absolute highlight.
5. Batu Ferringhi Night Market:
In the evenings, the Batu Ferringhi Night Market comes to life with a bustling atmosphere and an array of souvenirs, crafts, and street food. Let the kids indulge in some shopping fun as they choose unique keepsakes to remember their Penang adventure. Negotiating prices with the vendors can be a fun and engaging experience for older children. Keep your eye out for artists who have paintings on offer, we felt these were great keepsakes for the kids and really enjoyed talking to them and seeing the places we had been in art!
6. Engaging Activities in Batu Ferringhi:
For more family excitement, Batu Ferringhi offers a variety of activities to enjoy together. Water sports like jet skiing and parasailing provide thrilling moments for older kids and adults, while the Adventure Zone indoor play park offers a safe and enjoyable haven for younger ones. We didn’t do any of these and spent our days in George Town and then nights here. It’s worth a look if you are interested though!
7. Adventure at Escape Penang:
An absolute must for families and kids seeking thrilling adventures is a visit to Escape Penang. This eco-friendly theme park is a haven of excitement, boasting an array of outdoor activities and challenges for all ages. Kids and adults alike will be delighted by the tree-top rope courses, thrilling ziplines, and exciting rock climbing walls. The water slides and splash pools are perfect for cooling off on hot days, and the adventure play areas will keep the little ones engaged for hours. Escape Penang encourages active play and offers a unique opportunity to bond as a family while conquering exciting obstacles together. The banana slide was great fun to watch, my husband hurt his tailbone pretty bad landing on the water, so best to sit and watch others hurt themselves. The slide is NUTS! Put it on your to itinerary for the day for sure. I have never seen lifeguards have to save anyone in any pool really, but we saw at least 3 saves over the half hour or so we were watching. It is hilarious, but people get winded and confused when they land! My little boy of 9 had a brilliant time doing that, and going off the 3, 5, 8 and 10m boards!
My 11yr old girl and I waited 2hrs (!!!!!!) to go on the longest Zipcoaster in the world. Would I do that again? probably not. But my 11yr old insists it was worth the wait. Sometimes as a parent you just need to put up with the wait. IF you do this, keep your legs and arms in! The amount of times we were close to trees or poles was insane. We weren’t hurt but it was pretty nuts! You need shoes to do this – so bring your runners! If you forget, head to the shop across from the lockers and hire some (if you go too late in the day they wont have any left so try to remember to bring your own).
The longest waterslide in the world was heaps of fun! Head there early to take advantage of lower lines. You dont need shoes for this one even though it’s on the adventure side. A day was more than enough for us here. Maybe with teens you could do two days or even stay overnight in tents, but with our ages we were more than happy to be heading home!
Conclusion:
Penang and Batu Ferringhi offer a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that will captivate every member of the family. From exploring charming George Town to basking in the sun-kissed beaches, each day will bring new discoveries and cherished memories. Embrace the magic of Penang with your loved ones and create unforgettable experiences that will remain etched in your hearts forever.
Comment what you liked best or what you want to learn!
Happy exploring!
