Visit One Of These Idyllic Picnic Spots In Penang To Unwind For The Weekend
It's almost the weekend, and plan to catch up with your friends and family. Why not consider hosting a picnic at one of the many picnic spots in Penang? We all know Penang to be a foodie's paradise (think: char kuey teow, asam laksa, hokkien mee, various delectable seafood dishes, etc.), but it also boasts many outdoor spots for hiking and picnicking.
In fact, Penang is an exciting Malaysian state for a quick getaway, whether you're a Penangite, a resident of the neighbouring Ipoh city, or the urban traveller coming over from Kuala Lumpur.
A picnic is a fuss-free outing because you don't need much for a pleasant experience. All you need is an ideal location at a scenic spot, a picnic mat, your Montigo thermoregulated bottle to quench your thirst, and delicious Penang food packed away in the Montigo Lunch Stacker that is convenient to carry while ensuring your food remains fresh.
Whether it's a tranquil beach in Penang island, a national park, or perhaps a park in the city centre, you're in for a treat as you enjoy quality time with your family and friends over a lovely picnic.
15 Enchanting Picnic Spots In Penang Worth Visiting For A Relaxing Weekend
1. Penang Botanic Gardens, Penang Island
Penang Botanic Gardens is one of Penang's most famous attractions and is well-loved by Penangites and tourists alike. Thanks to the cascading waterfall nearby, some even refer to the place as the Waterfall Gardens.
The lush greenery and calm environment make Penang Botanic Gardens a beautiful place for a picnic. But be wary of the long-tailed macaque monkeys often roaming the gardens, who may long to join (and steal) your picnic food.
The gardens are also a hot spot among fitness enthusiasts due to the many jogging paths. Some even host tai chi or yoga classes under the shaded spots on the manicured lawns. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike to the peak of Penang Hill from the moon gate.
Don't forget to check out unique plant species such as the 200-year-old rain tree, the Pinang palm trees (yes, the reason for Pulau Pinang's name!), and the cannonball tree that bears fruits looking like rusty cannonballs. The botanic gardens are also home to many attractions that are worth checking out such as the orchid garden, lily pond, fern house, Japanese garden, cacti house, and more.
I recommend having your picnic at the Penang Botanic Gardens early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the sweltering heat and crowd, especially since it gets exceptionally crowded on weekends.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6:30am to 7:00pm, daily
Location: Kompleks Pentadbiran,Bangunan Pavilion, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
2. Penang Municipal Park
Penang Municipal Park, also known as Youth Park, is a famous public park for outdoor activities. It's a great place to unwind from city life without leaving the city and is perfect for sporty people as it has sports facilities such as a skating rink and a basketball court. The reflexology track here is pretty popular among senior citizens, but really, it's great for everyone.
This public park is perfect for a relaxed family day, as children can enjoy the well-equipped children's playground and on-site water park. You can pack your food on your own for a picnic on the manicured lawns or head to a nearby café to replenish your energy. As the park becomes quite packed over the weekend, you might want to drop by earlier to snag a good shaded picnic spot.
There's an outdoor auditorium on-site to host concerts and open-air festivals over the weekend. If lucky, you might even experience these events during your visit. Don't forget to check out the graffiti park, which showcases murals painted by our talented local artists! If you're a chess lover, you can even face each other off with your loved ones on the giant chess board.
And if the children's playground isn't enough, there's also the Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park for little ones to spend hours of fun while mom and dad enjoy a peaceful hour or two. ;)
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: Persiaran Kuari, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
3. Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang
Taman Rimba Teluk Bahang is a vast forest park that is the perfect getaway for nature lovers. It's great for picnicking with your loved ones thanks to its surrounding lush greenery. There's a waterfall with several pools by the picnic areas, which are perfect for children to enjoy a dip as they aren't very deep. The park also has a toilet (with paid entry) where you can shower after having some splashing fun.
If you intend to visit Teluk Bahang for a few days, be sure to stop by the Tropical Fruit Farm just ten minutes away for a fun guided tour through Asia's largest collection of fruits.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00am to 6:00pm, daily
Location: Lorong Rimba, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
4. Flamingo Seaside, Tanjung Bungah
Flamingo Seaside is a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for swimming, hosting a barbecue, and having a picnic here. Some even take their wedding photos here! It does get crowded during the public holidays and the weekends, so it's best to drop by on a weekday to enjoy a quiet and relaxing picnic. This beach is also a stunning destination known for its breathtaking sunset views.
One downside of Flamingo Seaside is the limited parking due to the beach not having a designated parking lot. No public changing rooms or toilets on the beach are available unless you're a guest staying at the Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort or Flamingo Hotel.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: 28, Medan Tanjong Bungah, Tanjung Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
5. Point 84, Penang Hill
If you're hiking up Penang Hill, look out for Point 84! It is located at the halfway point of Penang Hill, a popular spot for hikers to take a break during the hike.
It's a great place to have a picnic as the place provides chairs and tables placed strategically to oversee the stunning view of Georgetown and the surrounding rainforest. Washroom facilities are provided as well, making it convenient for you to wash up after a good feast.
With towering trees surrounding Point 84, you'll be looking at a comfortable picnic experience that washes away stress as you breathe in the hill's fresh air and enjoy the muted sound of nature.
Once at the peak of Penang Hill, which sits at an altitude of 833m above sea level, there are an array of activities for you to check out. The Habitat Penang Hill is a must-visit attraction as you learn more about the local wildlife and rainforest.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: Unnamed Road, Bukit Bendera, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
6. Straits Green Park By The Sea, Tanjung Tokong
Straits Green Park By The Sea, is as its name suggests, a park by the sea. People love walking their dogs here as it is a dog-friendly area. The park has a kids' playground and is connected by a long paved stretch that runs along the sea, giving park goers a beautiful view of the beach.
Imagine having your picnic on the lovely green grass as you look out to the sea as the cooling sea breeze rustles through your hair. It's an excellent IG-worthy spot for your picnic as well.
This place can become quite crowded with picnickers on the weekends. With not many trees around, the best time to picnic would be early morning or evening. You will need to bring a picnic mat to sit on as no tables or chairs are provided here.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 7:00am to 7:00pm daily
Location: 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Penang, Malaysia
7. Miami Beach, Batu Ferringhi
Yes, you read that right! I'm talking about the Miami Beach at Batu Ferringhi, not Florida. Miami Beach lies between Moonlight Bay and Shamrock Beach.
Miami Beach shares the same name with its namesake, the Miami Beach Cafe. It is easier to get to the beach by looking for the Miami Beach Cafe. Look for the blue sign that directs you to the cafe and take the flight of stairs down to the beach. You can even buy food from the cafe for your picnic and set up your picnic mat on the beach.
The sand at this beach is known to be coarse, so remember to bring slippers just in case it gets uncomfortable walking barefoot. Keep in mind that Miami Beach has no changing rooms.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: 25, Solok Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
8. Sungai Batu Beach
You may find driving to Sungai Batu Beach slightly challenging due to the narrow roads covered with potholes and limited parking. But it will all be worth it once you arrive at this picturesque beach. Vibrant fishing boats line up in the waters as you sit under the elegant casuarina trees.
Whether you're here for a swim or have a relaxing picnic, you're in for an unforgettable experience. Overall, the place is quite breathtaking while not being too crowded.
If you have ample time, you should walk along Jalan Sungai Batu to explore other places, such as Pantai Teluk Bayu and Tasik Sungai Batu.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: 11000 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
9. Esen Beach
Some locals consider Esen Beach a hidden gem as the beach is not well-known to tourists. The smooth sandy beaches paired with the lovely blue waters will wash away all your stress from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you've been looking for a nice, quiet place to admire nature, this is the place for you.
You will need to hike from the parking lot to reach this beach, where the entire process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you're not up for hiking, look around for a buggy service in the area that will take you to the beach for RM10 (2 ways) per person.
Esen Beach is a serene picnic spot, which is perfect for admiring the sunset on a relaxing day. If you're feeling adventurous, you can enjoy activities here such as cycling, hiking Paradox hill, camping, or an ATV ride across the beach's rugged terrain! Toilets are available here, so you don't have to travel far to ease yourself.
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: 779C+57, Batu Maung, Penang, Malaysia
10. Pantai Pasir Panjang, Pulau Betong
Pantai Pasir Panjang is another one of Penang's gorgeous secluded beaches that stretches on for quite a distance, just as its name suggests. Numerous trees are scattered across the beach that provide cool shade for your fun picnics with your loved ones. No facilities are available on the beach as well, so you will need to pack your own food and drinks for your picnic here.
You may feel like hopping into the waters for a swim as you take in the unobstructed view of the sea. Unfortunately, the currents here are quite strong, and riptides are rather common as well, which makes it unsafe to swim in the waters here. But you may even find it satisfying enough to just sit in the peaceful surroundings as you admire the lovely scenery.
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: Pulau Betong, 11000, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
11. Moonlight Bay, Batu Ferringhi
Moonlight Bay is another one of Batu Ferringhi's hidden gems that is lesser known to tourists. It is situated between Batu Ferringhi Beach and Miami Beach. You'll feel like you've found a secret tropical paradise as you look out to the clear waters, surrounded by lovely soft sand.
The beach has no food stalls or functioning toilet facilities here, so you should pack your own picnic food and mat before coming over to Moonlight Bay.
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: 11050 Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia
12. Teluk Kampi, Penang National Park
Teluk Kampi promises to be a serene escape from the daily grind in the city. You can only access it via a 5km hike or by boat, but I assure you that the view waiting for you will be worth it.
Due to the difficulty of accessing the beach, Teluk Kampi is a rather secluded beach that offers tranquillity you'd rarely experience at the more popular beaches. Its pristine sand and clear waters make the beach a relaxing spot for you to host your picnic.
The secluded beach even offers shower facilities, so you can change out of those sweaty clothes and feel more comfortable as you admire the breathtaking view of the beach. This beach is also renowned for turtles laying their eggs on the shore.
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: Penang National Park, Malaysia
13. Kerachut Beach
Kerachut Beach, known as Turtle Beach, is one of the most remote beaches in Penang and is famous for its soft sand and beautiful waters. You will find tables and chairs on the beach where you can settle down for a picnic as you look out to the sea. That said, the beach is deemed unsafe for water sports because it is home to countless jellyfish.
The Turtle Sanctuary, situated at the end of the beach, is worth a visit. It protects the dwindling population of Green Sea Turtles and Olive Ridley Turtles by providing an enclosed area for the turtles to lay their eggs. For a better chance of survival, the young turtles will remain with the sanctuary until they're ready to be released to the sea.
To get to Kerachut Beach, you can take a 90-minute hike or go by boat. Remember to pack snacks and water for your picnic ahead of time since no vendors are found on this lovely beach.
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia
14. Frog Hills Tasek Gelugor
Frog Hill is a breathtaking picnic spot located about 40 minutes away from Georgetown at Seberang Perai. It was actually once a tin mining site before it was abandoned and turned into various blue pools separated by greenery. Some even say the view resembles Jurassic Park! But we do not recommend dipping or swimming in the ponds as they may be quite deep.
The road to Frog Hills may be muddy and full of potholes, especially after rain. Many prefer to walk on the red terrain path before hiking the hill.
The best time to reach the peak is before 7:00am or in the evening, so you can enjoy the stunning blue pools below without feeling the heat. Frog Hills Tasek Gelugor is a peaceful and secluded spot to set up a picnic as the place is relatively lesser known to the public. With the rugged hills and blue pools as your background, the natural setting is perfect for taking Instagrammable photos of your picnic.
There are no vendors and washroom facilities here, so be sure you prepare all your picnic food ahead of time and go to the washroom first before heading out to Frog Hills Tasek Gelugor for your picnic.
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: 14400 Tasek Gelugor, Penang, Malaysia
15. Pantai Tanjung Manis
Pantai Tanjung Manis is another secluded beach that is relatively unknown to tourists. As the beach does not have a designated parking lot, you will have to park your car by the roadside.
Walk along a short paved trail until you reach an arch of plants with a sign "Tanjung Manis". It feels as if you've stepped into another world when the soft sand and crystal clear waters come into view. On a clear day, it would be hard to tell where the sky ends and the sea begins.
Several huts are located on the beach for you to take shelter against the sun while hosting your picnic or barbecue. As the beach has no vendors, you will have to pack your picnic food ahead of time.
Pantai Tanjung Manis also provides a place for visitors to change after having fun in the waters. Some people come here to fish as well.
Entrance Fee: None
Opening Hours: 24 hours, daily
Location: 76H4+JF, 11000 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
