Jade Emperor's Pavilion

A hill station established by the British, arguably the best views of George Town and the Malacca Strait can be found here, especially at night. Most people take the funicular rail to the top of the hill. The trains, upgraded in 2011, lift you out of the heat and humidity of the coastal plain and up to a fabulous view and cool breezes, taking around 10min to the top. Those who are adventurous and fit have the choice of hiking to the top of the hill, taking around 2-3h. Trails start around the Botanical Gardens at the Moon Gate near the Botanical Gardens, inside the Gardens just before the reservoir, or along the boring paved road next to the entrance of the Gardens. When you reach the summit, you can walk around the hilltop, stop for tea, enjoy a leisurely lunch, buy a souvenir, try to photograph George Town and the Strait, or simply breathe deep lungfuls of cool, clean hill air. Can be very crowded during weekends.

A small park that is dedicated to the fallen of World War II.

An impressive and expansive hillside temple complex, reputed to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-east Asia. Much of the temple is free and you could easily spend a few hours exploring the halls and shrines. Within the temple complex is the Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, or Ban Po Thar, which is part of a separate paid area. The pagoda, completed in 1930, is styled with Khmer, Thai and Chinese influence and is one of the main attractions of the temple. A mini funicular train can take visitors to the summit of the complex where there is a giant, one hundred foot high, bronze statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, unveiled in 2002. The world's largest pavilion (two hundred foot high) was completed in 2009 to shelter it from the sun. There is a Koi carp pond and well manicured gardens, along with a few more temples. Views from the summit are impressive and are worth the trip up. One unfortunate side of the temple is that it reeks of commercialism with stalls scattered throughout, including in prayer halls, selling trinkets and junk. The temple is popular with pilgrims during the weekend. During the fifteen days of Chinese New Year the temple is colourfully lit with thousands of lanterns and remains open until late. If you are in Penang at this time the temple is worthy of a night visit after 19:20. Chinese history buffs should look out for the 大雄寶殿 plaque in the temple's main prayer hall, which was presented to it by Emperor Guangxu of China, and the 海天佛地 plaque in the archway in front of the pagoda, which was presented by Empress Dowager Cixi. There is also a 勿忘故國 carving on a rock in the handwriting of Kang Youwei, who had personally visited the temple.

A simple but ornate mosque located at the top of Penang Hill.

A small Hindu temple that is also one of the oldest in Penang.

This was the first dam to be built on the island and is popular with locals as a picnic spot and jogging. The views of George Town at the crest of the dam are spectacular and rival Penang Hill. To reach the Dam you will require your own form of transport. Many locals walk or cycle up to the dam, taking around 40 minutes on foot from the Air Itam town centre.