Penang Bridge at sunrise view
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Top 13 Fun Things To Do Near Butterworth, Penang

If you think that Penang only consists of food, food, food – think again.

Butterworth, has its fair share of fun activities and attractions, ranging from fun and easy to thrilling destinations. Be it with your friends or family, you’ll never run out of fun things to do in Butterworth, Penang. Read on to find out the fun indoor and outdoor activities and attractions you can find near Butterworth, Penang.

Outdoor Activities & Attractions Near Butterworth

Let’s begin with outdoor activities and attractions! After all, Butterworth does come with a very promising weather and a spectacular view.

Watch birds roam free at Penang Bird Park

Penang Bird Park - Outdoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Credit: www.penang.ws

Located in Seberang Jaya, Penang Bird Park is Malaysia’s first-ever bird park and also the largest of its kind. Roaming freely inside this bird park are over 3000 birds. This sanctuary houses over 300 different species from all over the world, including sunbirds! Not just birds, Penang Bird Park is also home to deer, fishes, and various reptiles and wildlife. Its beautiful landscape paired with the free-roaming animals is truly a sight to behold. There are also restaurants in the park, making sure you leave the place with happy memories and a full tummy.

How to get there

This bird park is only about 500m away from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya, which means it’s just a 5-minute walk away from the hotel.

Opening Hours: 9am to 7pm daily, including weekends & public holidays

Location: 45, Lintang Kurau 7, Chai Leng Park, 13700 Perai, Penang

Penang Bird Park ticket prices:

 

   Malaysian

   Non-Malaysian

Adult

   MYR25

   MYR38

Children

   MYR15

   MYR20

Note: Entrance is free for the physically and/or mentally disabled & the underprivileged.

There are also cameras for rent:

Camera

   MYR1

Video Camera

   MYR5

 

Take amazing photographs at Frog Hill

Frog Hill, Guar Petai - Outdoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Credit: mrdefinite.net

Also known as Guar Petai, Frog Hill is one of the few hidden gems of Penang, as it is relatively less-known when compared to the many commercialised places in town. Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t a hill full of frogs. It’s actually an abandoned tin mining site. However, many would say that Penang’s Frog Hill resembles China’s Jiuzhaigou, a gorgeous place in China with spectacular natural scenery, beautiful lakes, and amazing waterfalls. If you’re planning to go to Guar Petai, we advise putting on flip flops (or slippers), as red clay is unavoidable in tin mining grounds.

How to get there

You will need to travel there by car from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya. It’s approximately 20km away from the hotel, which requires a 30-minute drive.

Location: Unnamed Road, 14400, Kubang Semang, Penang

 

Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Penang at the Penang Bridge

Penang Bridge - Outdoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Credit: architecturesideas.com

The Penang Bridge needs little to no introduction, but what most people don't know is that anglers have been stealth-fishing under the bridge since it was built in 1985. There are boatmen offering their services at a reasonable fee, and they’ll take them to the concrete decks of the bridge. Some Penangites get there on their motorcycles and park at the safer area of the bridge to take photos and videos of the beautiful scenery. Those who prefer something a little more on the extreme side will get on their mountain bikes and cycle along the bridge. After all, the Penang Bridge’s length is 13.5 km, which does pose a challenge to the more adventurous ones.

How to get there

The bridge is approximately 7 km away from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya, which means it’s about a 15-minutes car ride away.

 

Go on a Ferry Ride from Butterworth to Penang Island

Ferry Ride - Outdoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Credit: thestar.com

Nothing beats the view of Penang from the middle of the Penang sea. Most people think of the ferry as merely a mode of transportation, but the fact that it’s so affordable means that you can purposely get on it just to enjoy the view! The ferry ride from Butterworth to the island will take approximately 20 minutes, which is ample time for photos, videos, and to enjoy the seabreeze! It’s an experience that both locals and tourists alike enjoy.

How to get there

The Butterworth Ferry Terminal is approximately 7 km away from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya. It’s best to drive or Grab there, as it will be a 20-minute journey.

Location: Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal, 12000 Butterworth, Penang

 

Walk along the coastline of Pantai Bersih

Pantai Bersih - Outdoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Credit: pinterest.com

Pantai Bersih literally means ‘clean beach’, and it lives up to its name, as there are workers who frequent the beach to clear the trash in the vicinity. Many travel here to admire the view of the island from the beach’s coastline. There are also clams burrowed in the sand. If you’re feeling hungry, there are quite a number of seafood restaurants in the area.

How to get there

Pantai Bersih is approximately 9 km away from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya. It’s best to drive or Grab there, as it will be a 15-minute journey.

Location: Jalan Pantai Bersih, 13000 Butterworth, Penang

 

Experience Butterworth’s rich culture and history at Butterworth Art Walk

Butterworth Art Walk - Outdoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Credit: mypenang.gov.my

George Town is not the only place in Penang with gorgeous street art. Butterworth Art Walk is the product of many passionate artists in Penang who wants to share their culture and history with the world. The murals and installations are unlike those on the island, as it depicts the agricultural economy and history of Seberang Perai. Bring your family and friends to Butterworth Art Walk and take photographs that will shock your Instagram followers.

How to get there

This attraction is only about 5 km away from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya. A 10-minute drive is all you need!

Location: 1, Lorong Bagan Luar 1, Bagan Luar, 12000 Butterworth, Penang

 

Spend quality time at Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest

Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest - Outdoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Credit: penang-traveltips.com

Do you or your friends and family love jogging, hiking, and jungle trekking? If you do, Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest is the place to be! In the evening, you’ll spot a tonne of locals breeze walking in the area. There are quite a lot of people who choose to come to this recreational forest at dawn, because they want to hike to the top of Tokun Hill to witness its glorious view as the sun rises.

How to get there

The Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest is approximately 18 km from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya. We recommend driving or taking a Grab there.

Location: Kampung Teluk Bukit, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Penang

 

Indoor Activities & Attractions Near Butterworth

Now, it’s time to take things indoors! Here are the indoor activities and attractions you can find near Butterworth, Penang!

Pay a visit to the Nine Emperor Gods Taoist Temple

Nine Emperror Gods Temple - Indoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Courtesy: thelongestwayhome.com

This temple is dedicated to the Nine Emperor Gods of Taoist mores, and is one of the largest temples in Butterworth. This temple complex will become the talk of the town during the annual Nine Emperor Gods Festival. It is a nine-day celebration, where the devotees abstain from consuming meat as a means to purify themselves. The highlight of the festival is the devotees’ act of faith and dedication by partaking in extreme rituals, including fire walking, walking on a blade of stairs, and impaling their flesh with skewers.

How to get there

As the temple is about 10 km away from the hotel, driving there would be best. Driving there will take you less than 20 minutes.

Opening Hours: 7am to 9pm daily, including public holidays

Location: 894 & 896, MK14, Jalan Raja Uda, 12300 Butterworth, Penang

 

Go on a shopping spree at Sunway Carnival Mall

Sunway Carnival Mall - Indoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Inside Sunway Carnival Mall is the region’s largest cinema. Sunway Carnival Mall is also one of Butterworth’s largest shopping complex. Shopping here means indulging in a selection of over 220 shops and also grand events at its convention centre. When searching for a cinema in Penang, the locals will always prefer the GSC at Sunway Carnival Mall, as this eight-screen cineplex means that the tickets won’t get sold out that quickly.

How to get there

This shopping complex is just 500 metres away from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya! It will take you less than 10 minutes to walk there. If you’d like to catch a movie while you’re in Penang, head to the GSC at Sunway Carnival Mall now!

Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily

Location: 3068, Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang

 

Visit Northern Malaysia’s first IKEA: IKEA Batu Kawan

Ikea, Batu Kawan - Indoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Courtesy: ikea.com

IKEA's branch in Batu Kawan, Penang, is the go-to place for ready-to-assemble furniture among Malaysians living in the northern region! Not just furniture, IKEA Batu Kawan is also very popular for its food. Many would travel there to window shop, before heading to the canteen to munch on its signature foods like chicken wings, meatballs and more!

How to get there

IKEA Batu Kawan is about 27 km away from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya. We highly recommend driving or taking a Grab there as well. If you were already planning to visit Design Village Penang, IKEA Batu Kawan is less than 10 minutes away (approximately 3 km) from the premium outlet mall.

Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm daily

Location: 752, Persiaran Cassia Selatan 8, Bandar Cassia, 14110, Penang

 

Shop till you drop at Design Village Premium Outlet Mall, Batu Kawan

Design Village, Batu Kawan - Indoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Courtesy: thestar.com.my

Design Village Penang is proudly Penang’s biggest outlet mall. Not just a regular shopping mall, this premium outlet mall at Batu Kawan houses a myriad of restaurants and great cafes, which is why this place is suitable for people of all ages. Occasionally, there are also events held here, such as food fairs and mid-to-large scale charity runs.

How to get there

This attraction is considerably far from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya, which is why we strongly recommend driving or taking a Grab there. The journey will take you about 30 minutes.

Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm daily

Location: 733, Jalan Cassia Barat 2, Bandar Cassia, 14110, Penang

 

Go all out at Auto City & Icon City

Auto City - Outdoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Courtesy: mypenang.gov.my

Icon City - Outdoor activity near Butterworth, Penang
Picture Courtesy: penangfoodforthought.com

Wondering why these two places go hand in hand? It’s mainly because Auto City and Icon City are just minutes apart. The locals will tell you that this place going bar, pub, or cafe hopping here is a thing. From stylish cafes to well-equipped bars and pubs, Auto City and Icon City have it all. Not to mention, gorgeous automobiles that will make a great addition to your Instagram repertoire. As of late, the boba craze has also invaded these two areas, with huge brands like The Alley, Reguistea, Royaltea now available in the area. Boba hunting by day, partying at pubs and bars by night!

How to get there

Both Auto City and Icon City are approximately 11km from Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya. As this area can be pretty jam-packed, we strongly recommend carpooling or getting a Grab. It’s also advised to travel there earlier to avoid the evening traffic jam.

Location:

Icon City – Jalan Icon City, 14000 Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Penang

Juru Auto City – 1688-F8, Jalan Perusahaan, Highway Auto-city, 13600 Perai, Penang

 

The reason that Penang is the wonderful place it is today is all because of the wonderful attractions you can find at both the mainland and the island. Now that you’ve finished going through this list, it’s time to plan for your trip to Butterworth! If you want to go to all of these places (we know you do!) plan for a longer trip and book a stay at Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya! This 4-star hotel will definitely provide you with a comfortable stay! It’s location is also perfect for most of the attractions mentioned above too! Time waits for nobody, book a room now!