Pulau Tikus Penang
A vibrant Penang neighborhood famed for its bustling market, legendary food stalls, and rich cultural heritage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Market buzz & fresh finds
Pulau Tikus Penang
Best Time
Market buzz & fresh finds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant Penang neighborhood famed for its bustling market, legendary food stalls, and rich cultural heritage.
"Pulau Tikus is a food lover's paradise, a must-visit for authentic Penang flavors and local experiences."
🎯 Explore the Market
Visit the Pulau Tikus Market early for the best selection of local produce and street food.
🍜 Savor Local Flavors
Don't miss iconic dishes like Nasi Kandar and crispy pork belly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pulau Tikus Wet Market
Jalan Pasar
A bustling morning market known for high-quality produce and local snacks. Don't miss the unique sea coconut cutting!
Nasi Kandar Raffee
Pulau Tikus
A legendary Nasi Kandar spot serving Penang's iconic rice and curry dishes since 1957.
Seang Kee Roast Pork Dealer
Lorong Pulau Tikus
Famous for its crispy, flavorful pork belly, a must-try for meat lovers.
Dhammikarama Burmese Temple
Pulau Tikus
The oldest and sole Burmese temple in Penang, offering a serene cultural experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Morning Buzz
Navigating Pulau Tikus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore the Market
Visit the Pulau Tikus Market early for the best selection of local produce and street food.
🍜 Savor Local Flavors
Don't miss iconic dishes like Nasi Kandar and crispy pork belly.
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats
Look for affordable and delicious meals at local kopitiams and food courts.
🛶 Island Adventure
Kayak or paddleboard to the nearby Pulau Tikus island for a unique perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore the Market
Visit the Pulau Tikus Market early for the best selection of local produce and street food.
🍜 Savor Local Flavors
Don't miss iconic dishes like Nasi Kandar and crispy pork belly.
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats
Look for affordable and delicious meals at local kopitiams and food courts.
🛶 Island Adventure
Kayak or paddleboard to the nearby Pulau Tikus island for a unique perspective.
👻 Haunted History
Explore the intriguing history of SMK Convent Pulau Tikus, rumored to be haunted.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pulau Tikus is celebrated for its vibrant food scene, particularly its bustling market and iconic local dishes like Nasi Kandar and crispy pork belly. Visitors also appreciate the neighborhood's cultural sites, such as the Burmese Temple, and the unique adventure of kayaking to the nearby island. Some find the market can be overwhelmingly crowded in the mornings.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pulau Tikus is a neighborhood within George Town. You can easily reach it via Grab (ride-sharing app), local buses (routes like 101, 102, 103, 304), or even a pleasant walk if you're staying nearby.
Yes, Pulau Tikus is well-served by Penang's public bus system, making it easy to access from other parts of George Town.
If you're staying in the central George Town area, walking to Pulau Tikus is feasible, though it might take around 30-45 minutes depending on your starting point.
Walking is a great way to explore the neighborhood's streets and markets. For longer distances, Grab or local buses are convenient options.
For a truly unique experience, consider kayaking or paddleboarding to the small Pulau Tikus island, which is a short paddle from Tanjung Bungah.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pulau Tikus is a neighborhood, not a ticketed attraction. You can wander freely. However, specific attractions within Pulau Tikus, like museums or temples, may have entry fees.
The Pulau Tikus Wet Market is primarily a morning market, typically operating from around 6 AM to 2:30 PM. It's best to visit in the early morning for the freshest goods.
Entry to the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is generally free, though donations are appreciated to help maintain the temple.
The Colonial Penang Museum, located in Pulau Tikus, likely has an admission fee. It's advisable to check their official website or social media for current pricing.
Yes, the Pulau Tikus Market is open on weekends, but expect it to be even busier than on weekdays.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Pulau Tikus is a food paradise! Don't miss the legendary Nasi Kandar Raffee,
the crispy pork belly at Seang Kee Roast Pork Dealer, and the Char Ho Fun at Bee Hooi Kopitiam. The market also has great breakfast stalls.The Pulau Tikus Market has a small food court with stalls selling breakfast items, including delicious Char Koay Kak.
Some cafes like Lea Beans and Living also offer early morning bites.Yes, there are halal-friendly options. Nasi Kandar Raffee is a popular choice,
and Most Wanted Creaminal offers an unlimited Western and ice cream buffet that is Muslim-owned.The market is known for its high-quality produce and a variety of local snacks and dishes. You can find unique items like freshly cut sea coconuts.
Yes, Most Wanted Creaminal offers an unlimited Western and ice cream buffet.
Nikuno Yoichi is a Japanese Yakiniku restaurant with halal Wagyu options.📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant Pulau Tikus Market is a fantastic spot for street photography.
The Dhammikarama Burmese Temple offers beautiful architectural shots, and the charming streets and colonial buildings provide ample photo opportunities.Generally, it's acceptable to take photos at temples like Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, but always be respectful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography.
Pulau Tikus is great for street photography, food photography, and capturing cultural details. The morning market and local eateries offer dynamic scenes.
While generally allowed, it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their products in the market.
Look for the intricate details in the architecture, the lively interactions at the market, and the colorful displays of food for unique photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more active outing, consider the kayaking or paddleboarding to Pulau Tikus Island, which can be a thrilling experience for older children. While the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple might be more for cultural appreciation, its serene environment can be a calm respite. Be mindful that some areas, like the market, can get crowded, so keeping a close eye on children is advised.
💰 Budget Travelers
Getting around is also budget-friendly. Utilize the local bus services for cheap transportation around George Town and into Pulau Tikus. Many of the neighborhood's attractions, like the market and temples, are free to explore, allowing you to experience the local culture without breaking the bank.
🍜 Food Enthusiasts
Explore the various kopitiams for local favorites like Char Ho Fun and Char Koay Kak. For a unique dining experience, consider the halal Wagyu at Nikuno Yoichi or the Western buffet at Most Wanted Creaminal. This neighborhood promises a gastronomic adventure at every turn.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Culinary Journey Through Pulau Tikus
For iconic Penang flavors, Nasi Kandar Raffee has been serving its famous rice and curry dishes since 1957. Another must-try is the incredibly crispy pork belly at Seang Kee Roast Pork Dealer, a local favorite for decades.
Beyond these staples, explore the neighborhood's kopitiams and eateries. Bee Hooi Kopitiam is known for its Char Ho Fun, and Harvest Wok offers comforting home-cooked meals. For those seeking Western fare, Most Wanted Creaminal provides an unlimited buffet.
Cultural and Historical Gems
The neighborhood also holds intriguing local lore. SMK Convent Pulau Tikus is a school with a reputation for being haunted, adding a layer of mystery for those interested in local legends.
For a touch of history and art, the Colonial Penang Museum offers a unique experience, showcasing artifacts and ambiance from a bygone era. The Pulau Tikus Market building itself, constructed in 1955, is a piece of local history, with an adjacent arcade, Marble Arch, featuring artisan products.
Exploring the Waters: Pulau Tikus Island
The most exciting way to reach this gem is by kayak or paddleboard. Renting SUP boards from local providers is a popular option, making for an active and memorable journey.
Once there, you can explore its rock pools and enjoy the tranquility away from the city bustle. It's a perfect activity for those looking for a bit of adventure and a different perspective of Penang's coastline.
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