Experience the dynamic nightlife of Penang through its hidden bars, vibrant street markets and more in this guide!
There are so many things to do in Penang during the day like thrilling theme parks and exploring areas out of George Town, but how about nightfall?
From bustling night markets filled with street food to lively bars with interesting drinks and performances, here are some of the unique nightlife to check out on your next visit to Penang!
Bars
When it comes to bars, the best ones are those that are hidden.
Good Friends Club
Good Friends Club really lived up to their name as I felt like a friend in the bar.
The entrance resembles an old auto garage door, and when you push through, you are greeted by a warm atmosphere filled with the sound of laughter and clinking glasses. The dim red lighting and eclectic decor also create a cosy vibe that’ll make you want to stay all night.
We went there during Penang’s Cocktail Week in September, and there were even guest bartenders from Bangkok, G.O.D. The space was crowded, but we were well attended to. Being there during Cocktail Week meant we could order from a special menu created by the guest bartenders, while still being able to choose from the regular menu — it was like visiting two bars in one!
During regular days, they serve cocktails inspired by local flavours like laksa negroni (RM45) and milo peng (RM30) but with an alcoholic twist.
Cost: From RM25 (~S$8) for a drink
Opening hours: 8PM – 1AM, closes 2AM on Fri and Sat
How to get there: 8min walk from TOP Penang (Google Maps)
Magazine 63
Opened in 2017, Magazine 63 is Penang’s first speakeasy hidden bar! This spot is tucked away behind a shuttered furniture shop and its unassuming entrance can easily be overlooked if you’re not paying close attention.
When we visited, it felt like we were on a movie set, as we were transported to a beautifully curated space with a Chinese oriental vibe.
The cocktail menu features a variety of Chinese-inspired drinks served in tea cups and traditional liquor bottles. Most cocktails here have fruity notes like yuzu, tangerines, or lemon.
There’s also live music on an elevated stage, so you can enjoy the performances from any seat. We had a great time requesting our favourite Chinese song hits and singing along to our hearts’ content with the performers.
Cost: From RM38 (~S$12) for a drink
Opening hours: 8PM – 3AM, closed on Mon
How to get there: 9min walk from TOP Penang (Google Maps)
Manchu Bar
Once a brothel, then a hotel, and now a Chinese opera bar, Manchu Bar is a hidden gem in Penang which offers a unique blend of atmosphere, culture, and craft cocktails.
Some of the cocktails are inspired by traditional Chinese flavours, using ingredients like jasmine and Chinese tea. We ordered two drinks from the Imperial Collection: the Elixir of Youth (RM48) and Spring Ripple (RM62).
They were beautifully served in teapots and had a distinctly oriental flavour — strong and fruity. The Spring Ripple drink tasted fresh with nodes of yuzu and cucumber, while the Elixir of Youth tasted a little bitter.
In addition to its interesting drink selection, Manchu Bar often has night performances, such as Chinese opera and live bands — adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
Cost: From RM45 (~S$14) for a drink
Opening hours: 8PM – 1AM, closed on Tue and Wed
How to get there: 8min walk from TOP Penang (Google Maps)
Night Markets
New Lane Street Foodstalls
If you can’t decide on where to eat, head to New Lane Street Foodstalls. This street has a variety of food options like carrot cake, satay and chicken wings — try them all by sharing with your friends! Our group of four shared our food and was able to try five different dishes.
The fare is similar to what you might get at Newton Food Centre in Singapore, however, there are slight variations in the way the food is made. For example, the chicken satay (RM13) was much softer and less charred than the Singaporean version I’m used to.
We particularly enjoyed the oyster omelette (RM15), which had a generous serving topped with fresh oysters and almost a 50/50 ratio of egg and starch.
You can order from any stall and dine at the tables available on the sides. Do take note that you’ll have to order a drink in exchange.
Cost: From RM7 (~S$3) for a dish
Opening hours: 4PM – 10PM, closed on Wed
How to get there: 8min walk from TOP Penang (Google Maps)
Chulia Street Night Market
Filled with decades-old stalls, Chulia Street Night Market is truly a gem when it comes to authenticity. There are many vendors, some who have been running their stalls for most of their lives. One must-try is the Mother and Son Wanton Mee stall which has been around for almost 50 years!
We wanted to try something different though and chanced upon a Duck Meat Kway Teow T’hng stall (it’s the literal name). The dish (RM7) features a rich and savoury broth, with generous portions of duck slices that are tender and flavourful. They’re also known for their handmade fishballs, so be sure to try them!
The market is also conveniently located near some bars like Sphere Rooftop Bar and Hong Kong Bar. So once you’re done with dinner, you can dive right into the nightlife in Penang by hopping on to the many bars nearby.
Cost: From RM3 (~S$1) for a dish
Opening hours: 4:30PM – 10:30PM, closed on Mon
How to get there: 7min walk from Penang Little India (Google Maps)
Kimberley Street Food Night Market
During the day, Kimberely Street looks like any other street in Penang, but at around 5PM, it begins to buzz with activity as pushcarts set up their stalls, getting ready for the vibrant Penang nightlife.
A must-try here is the kway chap from outside Restoran Kimberly Kuan Kee. This stall has been around for over 30 years, serving just one dish — Duck Kway Chap. They make their noodles in-house, and the soup is savoury, packed with rich flavours of duck and pork meat.
Cost: From RM7 (~S$2) for a dish
Opening hours: 5PM – 11PM
How to get there: 2min walk from Upside Down Museum (Google Maps)
Bonus: Explore Crag Hotel
Located on Penang Hill, Crag Hotel was a former school building that had been abandoned since 1977.
While you can visit the hotel during the day, the night-time experience feels like stepping into forbidden territory — exciting and a bit creepy.
I went in completely clueless (relying on my friends) and before we even reached the hotel, we lost signal. As the biggest scaredy-cat, I could only trust my friends and kept my eyes on them or glued to the floor. With every creak of the wood and rustle of noises, my heart raced even faster.
The fear was all in my head, though. In reality, there’s a nice bird’s eye view of Penang from a little window in one of the rooms. The best part? We had the whole place to ourselves and could explore at our own pace.
It’s an interesting alternative to spend the night in Penang if you are into eerie, horror vibes. Just remember that the last funicular down from Penang Hill departs at 11PM, so keep track of the time or you’ll be stuck there, missing out on the rest of Penang’s nightlife!
*Note: There are stray dogs near the entrance of the hotel, so be careful and avoid making eye contact with them!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 18min walk from Penang Hill (Google Maps)
Getting around Penang
On Foot
The best way to explore George Town is on foot. There are many things to see, from vibrant street art to fascinating museums and popular tourist attractions. Take your time to plan your route so you can fully appreciate the sights along the way, as many are within a 10-minute walking distance.
For instance, you can start your day at Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang for breakfast before heading to the Wonderfood Museum. After that, make a stop at Norm Micro Roastery for some coffee. It’s all just a 7-minute stroll!
Walking also allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture, discover hidden gems, and take things at a leisurely pace. However, do bear in mind that Penang’s weather is typically scorching hot, so bring along some sunblock.
Grab
Some attractions might be a bit further away from each other so walking isn’t the best option. It’s also safer to take a Grab, especially when exploring the nightlife in Penang late at night. On average, it costs around ~S$2 for a short 10-minute ride and ~S$10 for longer rides around 30 minutes.
Private Charter
It would be better to hire a private car when visiting locations outside the city like the Penang Tropical Fruit Farm as it might be challenging to get a Grab. We had to wait 30 minutes before someone accepted our ride there 😱
There are car charter options available for half a day (4 hours) or a full day (8 hours), accommodating up to seven people. Do take note though, that there are surcharges for pick-up from Penang Airport at ~S$16.
If you’re looking for things to do in Penang during the day, check out our guides and itineraries:
– Penang Day Trip Guide: Exploring Georgetown During a Cruise Stopover
– 11 Exciting Things to Do in Penang for an Adventurous Getaway
– 4D3N Penang Itinerary for First-timers — Exploring the Iconic George Town and Lesser-known Hidden Gems
– 7 Unique Things to do in Penang Outside of George Town
Do you have any other recommendations for exploring the Penang nightlife? Let us know in the comments below!
