While eating and exploring the beautiful island of Penang is exciting and often the main highlight of your trip, joining a few classes or workshops will definitely spice things up. In fact, doing something fun while learning will make your time in this great state even more memorable. As the saying goes, we are never too old to learn something new. So, here’s a list of exciting workshops and classes that can help you navigate your way around searching for things to learn on the island.
1. Keng Hwa Carving Studio
Visit the Keng Hwa Carving to learn the ancient craft of wood carving. Since this skill is rapidly vanishing (in Malaysia at least), the owner intends to pass it on and promote it to the next generation through classes and workshops. If you’re not one for group classes, there are private sessions available.
Address: 13 Lorong Ceylon, George Town, 10050 George Town, Penang
Contact: +6016 412 0485
Operating hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 9am to 6pm; Closed on Wednesdays
2. Click And Brew
At this workshop, you will be taught the essential components of what makes a mechanical keyboard click, clack, or ‘thocc’, before diving into more complex things like what’s needed for it to function. Additionally, tips and tricks to help you build a functional keyboard will also be given.
When all is said and done, you can get your hands dirty by building your own mechanical keyboard and be guided through the entire process by the knowledgeable team at Click And Brew. To make the entire experience more memorable, there will also be a mini-typing competition using the mechanical keyboard you’ve built before bringing it home.
Address: 45 Lebuh Melayu, 10300 George Town, Penang
Contact: +6011 2415 7005
Operating hours: Wednesday to Friday, 12:30pm to 8pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12:30pm to 6pm
3. M’atural
Looking for a cafe that will give you a relaxing break, both visually and gastronomically, from the hustle and bustle of the city? Look no further, because M’atural is a plant-concept cafe offering delicious drinks and light snacks. Here, you can also learn about plants and maybe even cultivate an appreciation for these green babies!
The team at M’atural thinks the ideal approach to begin the planting process is learning how to care for a plant and appreciate their beauty. You can find various workshops to get busy with here — a kokedama workshop, a bonsai workshop, and even a wood series bonsai one. There are both in-person and virtual options available.
Address: 32 Jalan Imigresen, 10450 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 12pm to 6pm; Closed on Wednesdays
4. Project Rock
Been thinking about rock climbing but too intimidated? Then this workshop is perfect for you because you’ll get to learn the fundamental knowledge and abilities needed to begin rock climbing safely and confidently. Part of the workshop includes going through climbing gear and understanding what each one does, learning about knots and belaying, and of course, basically wall-climbing movements.
You can even practise these skills on the indoor climbing wall while being watched by one of their qualified instructors. This workshop aims to offer a positive and encouraging environment for growth and learning.
Address: 170-07-12A, Plaza Gurney, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Penang
Contact: +604 588 0099
Operating hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
5. Tropical Spice Garden Cooking School
The first of its kind in Penang, in addition to learning about herbs and spices, you can pick up some cooking skills at Tropical Spice Garden too, where a brilliant panel of chefs and seasoned home cooks will conduct the fun cooking classes. You can learn to prepare a variety of Penang-specific cuisines, including Nyonya, Malay, Indian-Malay, Thai, Penang street food, and Asian vegetarian dishes.
Address: Lot 595 Mukim, 2 Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Penang
Contact: +6012 423 6797
Operating hours: Monday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm; Friday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm
6. Nazlina Spice Station
Discover the secrets of traditional Malay cuisine at Nazlina Spice Station, where the owner, Nazlina herself, ensures students enjoy their time here and gets plenty of hands-on practice. She is also a licensed tour guide with the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, so be prepared for an informative trip to the wet market!
Address: 2 Lebuh Campbell, 10100 George Town, Penang
Contact: +6012 411 7300
Operating hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday, 7:30am to 5:30pm; Closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays
7. Bake In The Garden by Artisan
Discover how to make various bread and cakes at Bake In The Garden by Artisan. During festive seasons such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, and the Mooncake Festival, you can pick up the skills needed to bake specific seasons’ baked goods, and all ingredients and equipment are provided in the class.
The best news would be that the team at Bake In The Garden will do all the clean-up and preparation work for you, so you don’t worry about the tedious part of cooking. Also not forgetting the fact that you’re able to bring home everything that you’ve baked during the class.
Address: 163D Gurney Paragon Mall, Gurney Drive, 10250 George Town, Penang
Contact: +6012 432 4123
Operating hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm
8. My Little Art Space
Looking for a place to unleash your creativity? My Little Art Space is the best place for you to do so with proper guidance to help you execute your vision for the world (or, rather, your loved ones) to see. Besides that, all equipment and materials will also be provided for you. So, all you need to do is bring your creative self and all the inspiration you’d need to create a masterpiece.
Address: 50A Jalan Kelawai, Road, 10250 George Town, Penang
Operating hours: Daily, 11am to 5:30pm
9. Artsy Sip Art Center
Painting but with a different medium, Artsy Sip Art Center focuses specifically on acrylic paint on canvas and teaches you how to manage the paint properly. Additionally, much like the rest of the classes and workshops listed, this is not just to learn a new skill, but to have fun while doing so. So, while having your Bob Ross moment and creating a unique piece, remember to have fun and not stress about those ‘happy little accidents’.
Address: 98-1-35 Prima Tanjung, Jalan Fettes, Tanjung Tokong 11200 Penang
Contact: +6012 441 7100
Operating hours: Saturday & Sunday, 2:30pm to 5pm
10. Penang Science Cluster
Penang Science Cluster intends to pique students’ interest in science and technology by fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship. Through the science and technology workshops available, students can gain practical experience. Also, because all events are free to schools, it is the ideal field trip for schoolgoers.
Address: Wisma Yeap Chor Ee, 37, Gat Lebuh China, George Town, Penang
Contact: +6012 602 3039
Operating hours: Daily, 9am to 6pm
11. Moonshop Gallery
This class is ideal for you if you’re keener on projects that involve nature, but on a smaller scale. Here, you can discover guidelines on how to create your very own terrarium. There are various terrariums to develop — including Moon Forest, Forest In A Bottle, and Forest Frame — here at Moonshop Gallery.
Address: 38 Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang
Contact: +6016 467 4011
Operating hours: Daily, 11am to 7pm
