Due to the state’s diverse landscapes and attractions — hills, beaches, charming villages and plenty more — there are many spots in Penang to rekindle an old flame, charm a new beau or keep the passion burning. From high-altitude city breaks to alluring beachside getaways, we summarise the many romantic spots in Penang you can treat your sweetheart — each one is romantic in its own way.
Take a leap of faith in George Town
Credit: Momento Wedding
Make your time in George Town an affair to remember at KOMTAR. The state's tallest skyscraper is home to The TOP Penang where couples can take a walk on the wild side at The World's First Tower Curved Skywalk — The Rainbow Skywalk and then take a leap of faith at The World's Highest Ropes Course Challenge — The Gravityz. Can a ropes course challenge ever be romantic? Shri Yoganthiran Manikam and his wife, Dr Mohana Baskaran, think so.
The couple opted for something unique to seal their marriage and achieved it at an altitude of 239 metres above sea level at The Gravityz. The feat made it into the Malaysian Book of Records as Highest Altitude Ropes Course Register Of Marriage Ceremony in 2019. According to Vernon Kong of Momento Wedding who captured the high-altitude romance, The Gravityz is an unexpectedly romantic spot as couples are increasingly looking for a unique location to mark a special occasion. "It’s true when they say love conquers all. Love overcomes all barriers, including any form of fear," says Vernon.
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Thirsty after an adrenaline-filled date? Cap off your evening at Coco Cabana Bar & Bistro — the highest place to grab a drink in George Town. Grab a table by the window so you can cosy up to your date with a side of the cityscapes at night. The views are breathtaking, and there isn't a single piece of George Town and beyond you can't see.
Name: The TOP Penang
Address: 1, Jalan Penang, 10000, George Town
Contact: +604 262 3800
Website: https://thetop.com.my/
Treat your sweetheart to a rustic romance at the Balik Pulau-Teluk Bahang Ecotourism Belt
Looking to disconnect from the world and focus on the person you love most? Glam it up at Boulder Valley Glamping site, a luxurious paradise nestled within the Teluk Bahang rainforest. Lovebirds can wake up to the sounds of chirping birds, take a dip in the swimming pool and snuggle up under the stars by the campfire at night. You can go off the grid without sacrificing modern comforts as the spot offers luxurious accomodations with ensuite bathrooms.
To spice up a nature-filled date, head to the nearby Tropical Spice Garden. Take your other half for a stroll along towering nutmeg trees and ponds with floating water lilies and swimming koi fishes. Don’t forget to take a well-deserved break upon the garden’s Instagrammable swing and soak up the sweeping views of the rainforest.
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Then, indulge in an ocean-view lunch at the Tree Monkey Restaurant within the garden’s compound. It's the only tree house restaurant overlooking the Straits of Malacca in Penang. Some standout dishes from the Thai-inspired menu include Thai tapas and crispy sea bass with herbs. Chances are, you will be greeted by curious dusky leaf monkeys while enjoying the restaurant’s Sunset Paradise mocktails.
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If falling in love with a quaint town is in your travel checklist, then head to Balik Pulau for the rest of the day. Rent bicycles and traverse through farms, orchards, and paddy fields before heading to Pantai Malindo to catch a postcard-perfect sunset.
Credit: Bukit Genting Hill Leisure Park and Restaurant (Facebook)
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After treating your partner to rural views and landscapes, a bowl of hearty tom yam goong made from locally sourced ingredients at Bukit Genting Hill Leisure Park and Restaurant is the order of the day. Diners go to the hilltop restaurant for mouthwatering Thai cuisines and are sure to stay for the chilly night breeze and gorgeous views of Balik Pulau streetscapes below.
Name: Boulder Valley Glamping
Address: 8 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Teluk Bahang,
Contact: +6012 490 6882
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bouldervalleyglamping/
Name: Bukit Genting Hill Leisure Park and Restaurant
Address: Bukit Genting Hill, Jalan Teluk Kumbar
Contact: +6016 492 8778
Website: https://www.facebook.com/bukitgenting/
Name: Tropical Spice Garden
Address: Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang
Contact: +604 8811 797 (796) (795) or +6012 430 7795
Website: https://tropicalspicegarden.com/
Seek out mainland’s hidden gems
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Mainland Penang has hidden gems perfect for a great escape from the bustling city. Snap a #relationshipgoal photo at Frog Hill, one of the few attractions in Penang that still feels hidden. The 40-minute journey to Frog Hill from Penang island unfolds some of the most picturesque rural views. Getting to the top of the hill requires going through rough and patchy terrains (like all relationships), but the sweeping vistas atop the abandoned tin mining site are worth the hike.
Travel reminder: Frog Hill is a remote area so visitors are advised to exercise extra precautions.
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You don't have to leave Penang to experience the romantic island of Bali. Just head over to Kampung Agong and feed your Instagram with #couplegoals shots of Bali-inspired swings and giant egg nests amidst towering coconut trees. Looking for the best place to wine and dine in the mainland? Head over to G9 Dining House at Icon City. The restaurant's high ceilings, impressive iron chandelier and leather booths set the mood for a romance-filled night.
Name: Frog Hill
Address: No road signs point to this abandoned stone and clay quarry. To get there, enter these into your GPS navigator: 5.436643, 100.485111.
Name: Kampung Agong
Address: Lot 20, Mukim 05, Bakar Kapur, Penaga, Seberang Perai Utara
Contact: +6016 429 7795
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Kampung-Agong-1873406712955702/
Name: G9 Dining House
Address: 19-GF, Jalan Icon City, 14000 Bukit Mertajam
Contact: +6017 892 7113
Website: https://www.facebook.com/g9dininghouseiconcity/
Turn up the heat at Penang Hill
If you need a reason to keep the passion alive, then whisk yourself and your partner away for a chilly retreat at Penang Hill, the first and oldest hill resort in South East Asia. The newly-opened Hillside Retreat at the iconic Penang Hill offers lovebirds the rare opportunity of waking up to toasty toes and warm cuddles! Choose to camp under the blanket of stars or pamper yourself in a private English colonial-style bungalow—make your choice when booking.
Penang Hill also has a host of attractions and facilities for a dreamy date. At Love Lock, couples can ‘lock’ their love by fixing padlocks to its 80-meter wide fence that overlooks the city of George Town. Then share a lip-smacking afternoon tea at David Brown’s Restaurant and Tea Terrace because English scones are the way to a person’s heart.
Don’t head back just yet. Instead, take your date to the next level at Penang’s highest bar! The adjacent David Brown’s Sky Terrace features live music which goes well with the company of your special someone and a few cocktails at the bar, along with stellar views of the island and mainland and surrounding natural beauty.
Name: Penang Hill
Address: Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera, Air Itam
Contact: +604 828 8880
Website: http://penanghill.gov.my/
Train schedule: Daily from 6.30am - 11.00pm. Last train from the Upper Station departs at 11.00pm
Indulge in a beachside retreat at Batu Ferringhi
Credit: Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Credit: Ferringhi Garden Restaurant
It may sound like a cliché, but you won’t go wrong with a sultry beachside retreat at Batu Ferringhi. The idyllic coastline is where most of the hotels, vacation rentals and spa centres are clustered. Though most spas offer similar treatments, each spa has its variation of relaxing experiences and unique ambience. Some of these beach hotels boast sprawling lawns too, so you can take your pampering outside with your loved one as you rejuvenate your soul.
Batu Ferringhi is where the sun sets on the island, ideal for a sunset-soaked stroll along the sandy beach. Right after, you can continue with a romantic seaside dinner overlooking the moon-dappled sea. However, if you prefer to sit amongst blooming orchids, hydrangeas, tuberoses and an elaborate water feature, do it at the Ferringhi Garden, a restaurant with lush interiors and garden vibes that serves Western grilled favourites as well as cocktails.
Name: Ferringhi Garden Restaurant
Address: 34-A/B/C, Jalan Batu Ferringhi
Contact: +604 881 1193
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ferringhigarden/
