Everything You Need to Know about The TOP Komtar Penang in George Town
George Town poses a lot of reasons why it’s a must-visit among families, from its wide array of restaurants to its museums, malls, etc. If you want to combine all of these, however, then The Top Komtar Penang should be at the top of your list!
This attraction combines stunning city views, thrilling activities, learning experiences and fancy dining restaurants to create the ultimate family bonding experience in Penang.
If you’ve been meaning to visit but can’t pull the trigger because of uncertainties, look no further! Here’s a complete beginner guide to The TOP Komtar Penang talking that covers everything from where to stay, what to do, how to get there and more.
Where is The TOP KOMTAR Penang?
The TOP can be found on the highest floor of the KOMTAR Tower at George Town, Penang. It’s surrounded by roads Jalan Magazine, Jalan Penang, Jalan Ria and Lebuh Tek Soon.
How to Get to The TOP KOMTAR Penang
By bus: George Town has a convenient bus system, and you can take either the Rapid Penang Bus 101 or 104 to depart directly at the Komtar Bus Terminal. From there, you only have to walk a couple of minutes to reach the KOMTAR Tower.
By taxi/Grab: Taxis are also readily available in George Town. Alternatively, you can book a ride through Grab for a more convenient and transparent experience since the final fare will be posted before you find a driver.
By car: There are also car rentals in Penang that can provide you with a convenient way to get around. Just be sure to pin The TOP Komtar Penang on your map app and you’re good to go!
What to See and Do in The TOP KOMTAR Penang
Catch stunning views at the Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck
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One of the main reasons why people visit The TOP KOMTAR Penang in the first place is to check out its Rainbow Skywalks and Observatory Deck. It’s the top (no pun intended) 1 spot to catch the most beautiful views of George Town.
Since it’s located 68 levels above ground, you’ll be treated to unobstructed views, and you can even spot areas beyond George Town. Moreover, thanks to the all-glass walkway and barricades, you’ll feel like you’re levitating above the city!
It also offers different types of views depending on the time of day. Around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM is perfect for watching sunsets while 6:00 PM onwards is great for admiring city lights.
Go back in time to the Jurassic Research Centre
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The Jurassic Research Centre is one of the main reasons why KOMTAR Tower is such a great destination for kids. Here, you can indulge in their fantasy and go back to prehistoric times to learn more about the spine-chilling dinosaurs that once roamed the earth.
There are over 200 dinosaur models here, each of which was painstakingly designed to look ultra-realistic (or at least like how they look in movies). What’s more impressive is that some of them move as if they were alive thanks to their advanced animatronics.
Adults can get in on the fun as well, as the attraction is a fully educational experience. Thanks to the visual cues and informative tour guides, you’ll get to learn about the behaviours and traits of these bygone titans.
Cross the finish line at GP Meta Kart
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Drop by the GP Meta Kart at the 4th level of KOMTAR Tower if you want to try something competitively fun with your friends and family! This is truly an activity for the entire family as kids can participate as well even if they’re not behind the wheel.
If your kid is aged five and above, however, then you can treat them to a real-life Mario Kart experience! One that’s filled with twists and turns that you must maneuver through using a state-of-the-art electric cart.
The track itself is smooth so you won’t have to worry about being ejected from your seat while cruising through—just be sure not to hit the barricade! Don’t worry though, as the responsiveness of the throttle and the steering wheel of the karts are accurate.
Tech Dome Penang
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Tech Dome Penang will stimulate your brain and satisfy your cravings for fun with its interactive science-based exhibits. For starters, it’s home to the advanced NAO Robot, which you can communicate and even dance with!
One of their main attractions is The G Force, and from the name itself, it lets visitors feel the unique gravitational pull experienced by astronauts, pilots and F1 drivers. A more fun way to experience the g force is by going down their free-standing vertical drop slide.
Aside from that, there are over a hundred of these interactive exhibits ranging from pure technological innovations to simple games like a laser maze game. Our favourite thing here, however, is the Digital CSI, which lets you see the inner workings of the human body!
Soar above the clouds at the Skybridge
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Aside from the observatory deck at the top level of KOMTAR Tower, the Skybridge at level 65 provides picturesque views of George Town—granted that you can face your fears! Unlike on that deck, this attraction will almost have you hugging the walls while winds blow in your face.
The floors wrap around a part of the tower and are made out of grills, so you’ll feel all the vibrations, especially when the winds are strong. Plus, you can look directly below you as the grills have huge holes.
Everything is perfectly safe, though, thanks to the guidance of the staff, as well as the necessary harnesses. Plus, the adrenaline is worth it when you catch that beautiful glimpse of the city.
Admire scaly creatures at the Penang Boutique Aquarium
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If you want an underwater experience a la Aquaria KLCC (Aquaria KLCC) minus the crowds, then The Penang Boutique Museum should be right up your alley! It features multiple zones consisting of massive aquariums that are filled with beautiful and interesting sea creatures.
The best thing about this place is the knowledge that you’ll leave with, thanks to the various visual aids plastered on each zone. You’ll learn everything from how sea creatures eat, breed and what struck our interest the most, how they adapt to different types of environments.
If you’re lucky, you can watch their feeding sessions live! You’ll be impressed at the speed of these small creatures once that crumb or pellet lands on the water.
Let your kids run wild at Jungle Gym Penang
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Here’s a cheat code for parents: when your feet start to hurt like crazy while exploring The TOP KOMTAR, take your kids to Jungle Gym Penang. But hey, don’t take our word for it because adults are welcome to join in on the fun as well!
It’s one of the best indoor playgrounds in Malaysia, featuring a massive dinosaur-themed play area and tons of things to do. From climbable walls to slides, obstacle courses and massive ball bits, this place SCREAMS playland.
You can also be confident that your kids will be taking home essential skills. While they’re doing different types of activities, they’re unknowingly unlocking balancing, motor skills, strength and of course, imagination.
Ride majestic horses at the Musical Carousel
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The Musical Carousel is the perfect place to create new and magical memories with your kids in The TOP KOMTAR. It’s a nostalgic experience that everyone MUST go through during their childhood, and fortunately, this attraction doesn’t fall short of its magic.
For starters, the ride itself is strikingly beautiful, featuring countless bright lights, colourfully painted horses (and other creatures) and of course fun music!
People of all ages can enjoy the ride as well thanks to the different types of mounts it offers. For instance, if you have young ones in your family who can’t ride on their own yet, you can enjoy the carousel together via the chariot!
Find your way through the Magic Mirror Maze
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Going through the Magic Mirror Maze is one of the most disorienting yet fun experiences you can try here, which makes it all the more rewarding to finish. It consists of countless mirrors that will trick your mind and lead you to dead ends or even leave you going in circles!
What’s more disorienting is that you’ll see countless reflections of yourself in the mirror, making it that much more difficult to find which path you can go through.
If you want our advice, just enjoy it and have a laugh because you’ll eventually find your way. Also, don’t forget to lead with your hands so you don’t accidentally bump your head in one of the mirrors!
Embark on an outer space adventure at UFO-X
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The TOP Penang doesn’t feature a lot of theme park rides, but the ones they have are certified bangers—case in point, the UFO-X. In this one-of-a-kind adventure, you and your loved ones will be spun and twirled while strapped onto a futuristic spaceship.
Don’t worry though, as the seats are comfortable and the bright flashing lights will provide you with some form of warmth. Just be ready to walk in curved lines for a couple of minutes after you depart the ride!
Survive the Zombie Outbreak
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It wouldn’t be a complete theme park experience without featuring a haunted house and it just so happens that The TOP Penang features an especially scary one. Here, not only will you have to go through a creepy maze, but you’ll also have to survive a zombie outbreak!
Filled with creepy visuals and jumpscares awaiting around every corner, this haunted house will keep you on your feet throughout the experience. There are many highlight-worthy visuals here but what terrified us the most was the TV that played a man being mauled by a zombie.
We also loved the spinning room, as it completely messed with our heads. Crossing the bridge in the middle of this room is much tougher than going through the jumpscares.
Discover why durian is the king of fruits
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One of the most bizarre yet interesting things you’ll find in the tower is an exhibit dedicated to durian, which is one of the most beloved fruits in the country. Aptly named Durian, King of the Fruits, will teach you why it reigns over other fruits in Southeast Asia.
From its spiky exterior to its notorious pungent smell and sweet meat you’ll learn everything about this fruit inside this exhibit. It even features an in-depth attraction that explains the history and growing process of durian!
The best part about this place, however, is that you can taste the fruit in various forms! Better yet, bring home some durian-related products!
Where to Eat and Drink in TOP KOMTAR Penang
Top View Restaurant & Lounge
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Address: Komtar Level 68, No 1, Komtar
Phone: +60 17-289 0877
Pricing: $$-$$$
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Monday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
If you can’t get enough of the view from KOMTAR Tower, you can choose to eat at the highest level at the Top View Restaurant & Lounge. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, this place will provide you with panoramic views while you’re feasting on their delicious food.
It’s more than just a viewing deck too because views aside, this is a solid restaurant that offers local and international delights.
For instance, if you want something Western, you can opt for their steaks, pasta and pizza. Meanwhile, you can go for their classic nasi goreng, curry laksa and char kway teow if you want to be immersed in Malaysia’s cuisine.
Marrybrown Komtar
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Address: Pejabat Pos KOMTAR
Phone: +60 4-296 5205
Pricing: $
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Website
Menu
Marrybrown is a must-try when you’re in Malaysia because it’s one of the best local fast-food chains, and fortunately, one can be found inside KOMTAR itself! It’s a great spot to rest your feet and get some grub to regain your energy before doing hours’ worth of activities again.
The main star of the show here is their golden fried chicken, which is certified halal! You can either have them with sides like fries and rice or sandwiched between two plush buns.
It’s also a solid budget-friendly option, which is crazier to think about considering how generous they are with the serving. Granted that it’s not the healthiest option, it serves its purpose as a cheap refuelling station.
Kyrin Sushi (Georgetown)
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Address: 2g, Jalan Gurdwara
Phone: +60 4-226 3315
Pricing: $$
Operating hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Website
Menu
Kyrin Sushi is located just across the street from KOMTAR Tower and it’s the perfect spot to visit if you want to be immersed in Japan’s cuisine. As the name suggests, this restaurant offers an assortment of sushi, ranging from nigiri to maki and anything in between.
They’re authentically made using fresh ingredients and the best part is that they’re not as expensive! It’s hard to choose which one is the best among their offerings but one of their bestsellers is the salmon maki.
If sushi rolls aren’t enough to satisfy your hunger, you can order one of their donburi. These are rice bowls that feature different types of dishes from eels to pork katsu, grilled salmon and more.
Where to Stay in The TOP KOMTAR Penang
JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La
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Address: KOMTAR – Tun Abdul Razak Complex
Phone: +60 4-262 2622
Pricing: $$
Website
Location-wise, it’s hard to beat JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La, as it’s located right next to KOMTAR Tower. It’s also among the fanciest places you can stay in Georgetown and it has 4 stars to its name to prove it!
JEN Penang offers spacious and luxurious rooms that feature huge windows, so you can expect to see beautiful panoramic views throughout your stay. Furthermore, it’s equipped with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.
St. Giles Wembley Penang
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Address: 183, Jalan Magazine
Phone: +60 4-259 8000
Pricing: $$
Website
St. Giles Wembley is also a great option if you want to stay close to The KOMTAR Tower, as it’s located right across the street. This also means that it’s located in the heart of Georgetown so you’ll have the convenience of being near Penang’s top cafes and restaurants.
The rooms are fit for a 4-star hotel as well, featuring huge plush beds and all the amenities you’d need for a comfy stay. Not to mention that you’ll also have first-class seats to the most panoramic views of the city from these rooms.
However, the main highlight here is the roof deck pool. It’s the perfect place to unwind, cool down and sightsee.
Cititel Express Penang
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Address: 123, Lebuh Noordin
Phone: +60 4-259 1188
Pricing: $
Website
If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, then Cititel Express Penang should be on your radar. It offers affordable modern and spacious rooms and best of all, you’ll get to stay in the heart of the city!
Their suites come in three different tiers: standard, superior and family. Their big difference is the size, but when it comes to amenities, each room comes with standard modern amenities like TVs, en-suite bathrooms, water heaters, etc.