11 Shopping Spots in Penang For Certified Shopaholics
When it comes to shopping in Malaysia, we feel like Penang is slept on by most tourists. Yes, Kuala Lumpur has tons of markets, and its famous Golden Triangle is great for shopaholics but Penang also has tons of shopping malls, outlets and flea markets worth checking out.
We’re tired of seeing tourists (and some locals) miss out on some amazing products and deals just because they’re not aware of the treasure trove waiting for them in Penang. That’s why we’ve decided to make this list!
From bustling markets to premium malls, bazaars and outlets, we’ve listed down some of the best shopping spots in Penang. We’ve also included some pro tips that you can find handy during your shopping spree!
Gurney Plaza
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Address: 170, Gurney Dr, Pulau Tikus
Contact details: +60 4-222 8222
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $-$$$
Website
With over 380 stores spanning across multiple floors, it’s a no-brainer to include Gurney Plaza in a list of Penang’s best shopping spots. Officially the second-largest mall in the city, one could easily get lost in its massive area but hey, that’s part of the fun, right?
Also, when a mall is beautifully decorated with stunning lights (especially during the holidays), we don’t mind walking for hours on end trying to scratch our shopaholic itch. Speaking of shopping, you’ll find just about everything here from sporting goods to clothes, gadgets, etc.
Aside from shopping, you can also enjoy feasting on hundreds of high-quality restaurants, offering both Western and local delicacies. However, we’ll still say that your experience here wouldn’t be complete without watching a movie at its Golden Screen Cinemas.
Pro tip:
If you’re a tourist who loves deals as much as we do, be sure to bring your passport when visiting this mall! This will immediately sign you up for exclusive gifts and deals if you spend an accumulative amount of RM1,200.
Queensbay Mall
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Address: Queensbay Mall, 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah
Contact details: +60 4-619 8989
Operating hours: Daily from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $-$$$
Website
Whoever coined Queensbay Mall’s tagline of “it’s all happening here” deserves a raise because it truly lives up to the shopping experience here. Whether you’re shopping for gadgets or looking to go on a food-hopping journey, this mall is more than enough!
Featuring 5 storeys and over 400 stores, your shopaholic heart will truly be satisfied here. Plus, it carries all the big brands you could think of from Nike to Adidas, Apple, Sony and even designer brands like Coach, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and more.
As far as entertainment options go, this mall doesn’t disappoint as well thanks to its selection of karaoke spots, salons, arcades, etc. However, the biggest entertainment spot remains to be their Golden Screen Cinemas, which is one of the best kid theatres in the country!
Pro tip:
Visit their Events page every once in a while to check any of their running promotions and upcoming deals. They’ll sometimes post promos where you can get a chance to win a prize by reaching a specific spending limit.
1st Avenue Mall
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Address: 182, Jalan Magazine, 10300 George Town
Contact details: +60 4-261 1121
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $-$$$
Website
1st Avenue is one of the more upscale malls in Penang, and it’s one that’s frequented by locals and tourists alike thanks to its prime location in George Town. It also helps that the mall features various hangout spots like the pavilion restaurants on its topmost floor that’s enclosed by glass.
However, the main highlight of this mall remains to be the amazing selection of stores found across its seven floors. More specifically, locals visit this place to update their wardrobes because of the mall’s selection of big-name brands like H&M, Hush Puppies, Levi’s, etc.
Another standout from this mall is its furniture stores like Ruma, where you can shop for modern contemporary pieces to deck out your homes. Speaking of, the mall also features hardware stores where you can find various tools and knick-knacks that you may need for your home.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking to experience a lavish staycation near 1st Avenue Mall and in the heart of George Town, you can check out JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La. It offers elegant and spacious rooms as well as luxurious amenities to keep you comfy during your stay.
Komtar Tower
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Address: Lebuh Tek Soon, George Town
Contact details: +60 4-263 8301
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday to Monday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Cost: $-$$$
Website
Komtar Tower isn’t just a shopping destination but it’s also one of Malaysia’s most famous buildings. The tower spans 65 floors, four of which are lined with stores, restaurants and cafes making up the Komtar Mall—pretty cool, right?
What we love about shopping here is the price range, as it offers anything from cheap items to high-end stores like Dior, Chanel, Swarovski, and Fossil.
If all the window shopping you’ve done left you tired and hungry, there are also tons of restaurants inside the tower, from fast-food chains to fine dining spots and more. Meanwhile, if you really want to alleviate your fatigue, you can check out its Thai Odyssey spa.
Pro tip:
During your visit, make sure to stop by the nearby Rainbow Skywalk, which is one of Penang’s most famous attractions. Here, you’ll get to enjoy and take breathtaking photos of the city from a bird’s point of view—not for the faint of heart!
Straits Quay Marina Mall
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Address: Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang 10470 Tanjong Tokong
Contact details: +60 4-891 8000
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $-$$$
Website
If you want to be near the sea during your shopping spree, then Straits Quay Marina Mall should be on your radar. This seaside mall is the ultimate shopper’s dream, featuring hundreds of stores, offering everything from makeup products, clothes, sporting goods, gadgets and more.
Aside from shopping, you can also feast on delicious local and international dishes through the mall’s wide selection of restaurants and cafes. You can’t go wrong with any of them but if you want our advice, we recommend checking out Oyster Seafood and Bar by the Quay.
Lastly, the mall also offers beauty services, one of which is The Nail Studio where you can enjoy a pamper day and keep your nails on fleek. Speaking of pamper days, there’s also a Thai Odyssey spa in the mall where you can massage your woes away.
Pro tip:
While you’re here, make sure to stop by the Straits Quay where you can get unmatched views of the beautiful glistening sea. Furthermore, you can also spot some majestic yachts and speedboats docked here.
Batu Ferringhi Night Market
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Address: Jalan Pantai Batu, Taman Pantai Batu
Contact details: +60 18-283 4117
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $
Aside from featuring one of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia, Batu Ferringhi is also home to one of the most bustling markets in the country. Come 7:00 PM every day, tons of roadside shops and stalls will start to open, welcoming shoppers from all over the world.
This flea market is one of the best places to find sweet deals on local goods, more specifically, batik designs, handcrafted kitchenware and various other souvenirs. Be sure to flex your best bargaining skills here to get the best prices available!
Aside from local goods, you can also find cheap but high-quality replicas of items from big-name brands like bags from Gucci, Chanel, Dior, etc. The best part about shopping here, however, is that you can eat some of Malaysia’s most iconic street foods while browsing the stalls.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on commuting, one of the best things you can do is to ride the bus and drop off at the Night Market bus station. This station is located across from Batu Ferringhi Night Market.
Lorong Kulit Flea Market
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Address: 625 Jalan Dato Keramat Georgetown
Contact details: +60 16-439 4913
Operating hours: Daily from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Cost: $
Website
If you want Malaysia’s best street foods and local goods in one place, then Lorong Kulit Flea Market should be right up your alley! Opposite to Batu Ferringhi’s operating hours, this market opens in the morning so you better get there early to score the best products!
Speaking of, the products sold here include anywhere from imitation watches to clothes, second-hand gadgets and more. It’s the epitome of the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, which is the whole idea of a flea market.
Keep in mind that you can always bargain with the sellers here so don’t settle for the first price presented to you. Furthermore, you’ll get a better chance of getting a discount if you purchase multiple items from a single seller.
Pro tip:
Consider coming here if you’re looking to score some local fruits at affordable prices! Just be sure to get here early, as they can fly off the shelves within minutes.
Pasar Lebuh Cecil
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Address: 24, Lebuh Cecil, George Town
Contact details: +60 16-439 4913
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Monday: 3:30 PM to 8:20 PM
Cost: $
Website
Pasar Kebuh Cecil offers a different kind of shopping experience where instead of clothes, gadgets and bags, they’ll offer fresh produce. It’s the go-to place for people looking to score fruits and vegetables in bulk and at affordable prices.
However, we think that shopping takes the backseat in this market, as the main intention for most visitors here is to be immersed in Malaysia’s amazing street food scene. From stir-fried noodles to mochi, chee chong fun and more, you’ll find tons of cheap eats here!
Pro tip:
While you’re here, be sure to check out the nearby Boon Hean Cai Roasted Pork butcher shop! It’s one of the best spots in the city where you can purchase different cuts of pork at affordable prices.
Gurney Paragon Mall
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Address: 163d, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town
Contact details: +60 4-228 8266
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $-$$$
Website
Every fashionista will instantly fall in love with Gurney Paragon Mall’s wide selection of clothing stores, and we’re guilty of this! With brands like Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, H&M, Cotton On and more, this mall makes a strong case for being the best place to upgrade one’s wardrobe.
These stores are just barely scratching the surface of what you can expect from the mall too, as it offers anything from automotives to beauty and wellness products and more. It also has a huge supermarket where you can stock up on supplies.
Moreover, they offer a myriad of restaurants and cafes where you can take a break and replenish your energy after several hours of shopping.
Pro tip:
Check their promotions page regularly to see the latest discounts and promos offered by the mall’s different stores.
Hin Bus Depot
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Address: 31A, Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town
Contact details: +60 16-439 4913
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $-$$
Website
Hin Bus Depot is one of the hip shopping destinations in Penang. It offers a unique experience that allows visitors to be immersed and bring home various artworks and handicrafts like keychains, paintings and more made by local artists.
You can consider this place as a platform for small business owners and entrepreneurs alike to showcase their products and hopefully make it big someday. This is also why you’ll feel a sense of community while shopping here, as everyone shares the same passion.
Aside from shopping, you can also treat yourselves to delicious food and beverages thanks to the stalls, cafes and restaurants in the depot.
Pro tip:
Follow their official Instagram page to stay updated with their regular events! Sometimes, they’ll hold special events where you can enjoy lively music while you’re shopping for local goods.
Penang Batik Factory
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Address: 651 Mk 2 S.W.D, Teluk Bahang
Contact details: +60 4-885 1284
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: $-$$
Website
Penang Batik Factory is another spot that offers a unique shopping experience. As you may have gleaned from its name, it’s the best place to visit when you’re looking to bring home batik clothes and souvenirs.
You’ll be amazed at the different forms this textile can take the shape of when you visit this factory. They offer both menswear and ladies ‘wear, from shirts to blouses, skirts, dresses and even shoes!
Lastly, our favourite thing about this place is that they also offer factory tours so you can get an idea of how this beautiful local handicraft is made.
Pro tip:
Take the bus if you’re planning on commuting so you can drop off at the nearby bus stations (Dewan Teluk Bahang and Klinik Kesihatan Teluk Bahang. From there, you only have to take a short walk to reach the factory.