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If you’re looking for a big day out in Penang that combines adventure, learning, and some pretty epic views, then you should definitely consider a visit to The TOP at KOMTAR. Don’t be misled by the name – although some of the main attractions are right at the top of the tower, many of the highlights are spread across several lower floors too (e.g. the Jurassic Research Centre, the Aquarium and the Tech Dome Science Museum).
The Top at Komtar may be epic – but it does take a little planning and research to really get to grips and make the most of your visit. Our top tip is to work out what you want to do before you go. There is so much to see and do here – so planning your visit is essential to work out how long to visit AND how to prioritise your time. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your visit – from tickets and transport to attractions and top tips for families.
If you’re visiting Georgetown with Kids – The Top really should be near the top of your list, and we do recommend some careful planning to make the most of your experience. So grab a cuppa and read on. Get your ducks in a row – Book your Top Tickets on Klook
What is The TOP?
The TOP is an indoor attraction park set within KOMTAR, the tallest skyscraper in Penang and one of the most recognisable buildings in George Town. You’ll find panoramic viewing decks, quirky exhibits, science centres, a Jurassic zone full of animatronic dinosaurs, glass bridges, indoor playgrounds, and even a full-blown mirror maze.
We’ve visited Penang several times with young kids, and The TOP has always been one of those places that genuinely keeps everyone happy for a good half-day (or more, depending on how much energy you have!). It’s well air-conditioned, stroller-friendly, and packed with photo-worthy moments.
Plan your visit – Activities at The Top – Quick Overview:
- Jurassic Research Center – around 45 minutes – 1 hour minutes – immersive dinosaur exhibition
- Penang Boutique Aquarium – around 30-45 minutes – medium size aquarium
- Observatory Deck, Sky Bridge & Rainbow Skywalk – around 1 hour – medium size aquarium (you may need to queue for the lift)
- Tech Dome Penang – 1-2 hours – Interactive science experiments and activities
- Games and other areas – 1 – 2 hours (depending what you want to do)
Looking for more family inspo in Georgetown – don’t miss out full guide to the BEST things to do in Georgetown with kids
Ticket Prices and Combo Options
There are quite a few different tickets available, so it’s worth having a quick think about which attractions you actually want to visit before turning up. You can buy individual tickets or opt for one of the combo passes, which work out much better value if you’re planning to do more than just the Skywalk.
Here’s a quick overview of ticket options:
Rainbow Skywalk only
68th floor visit AND glass bridge
Adults: RM68 at the door / RM61 online
Children (90cm–12yrs), seniors (60+): RM48 at the door / RM43 online and Children under 90cm: Free
The 3 Attractions Pass:
Adult: RM98 Child, Senior Citizen, and OKU: RM58
Online Purchase (10% Discount): Adult: RM88 Child, Senior Citizen, and OKU: RM52
Note: Admission is waived for children below 90cm in height.
- Jurassic Research Center
- Penang Boutique Aquarium
- Observatory Deck & Rainbow Skywalk
5-attraction pass
Adult: RM118 Child, Senior Citizen, and OKU: RM78
Online Purchase (10% Discount): Adult: RM106 Child, Senior Citizen, and OKU: RM70
- Jurassic Research Center
- Penang Boutique Aquarium
- Observatory Deck & Rainbow Skywalk
- Tech Dome Penang
- Penang State Gallery
12-attraction pass
For a comprehensive experience, this pass offers access to 12 attractions, including all those in the 5 Attractions Pass, plus additional activities like the Magic Mirror Maze, Jelly Bump, and more. Online from RM90 (12% discount) On-site price around RM102–RM115 depending on age and height. Again kids under 90cm are free.
We definitely recommend booking online in advance – not only do you save up to 15%, but you also avoid the queues and sometimes grab extra offers (especially during public holidays or school breaks).
How to get to The TOP at KOMTAR
KOMTAR is right in the centre of George Town – so if you’re already staying nearby, you can probably just walk there. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Chulia Street or 10 minutes from Penang Road. The roads are flat and walkable, although they can be a bit chaotic with traffic in places, so be prepared to dodge a few motorbikes.
If you’re travelling by bus, this is one of the most convenient spots in Penang. KOMTAR is the main interchange hub for Rapid Penang buses, which connect most parts of the island. Here are a few helpful routes:
- Bus 101 – from Batu Ferringhi or Tanjung Bungah to KOMTAR
- Bus 102 – from Penang International Airport
- Bus 104 – from Tanjung Tokong area
- Bus 401E – links KOMTAR with the airport via Bayan Lepas
There’s also a free CAT shuttle bus (Central Area Transit), which loops around George Town with a stop near KOMTAR. It’s handy if you’re staying in the heritage zone.
If you’re taking a Grab (Malaysia’s equivalent of Uber), it’s an easy and affordable option. From the airport, you can expect to pay around RM25–RM35 depending on the time of day. There’s also parking on-site if you’re self-driving, but like most places in Penang, spaces can fill up quickly – especially during weekends or public holidays.
What to expect at The TOP
So, what is The TOP actually like? Well, it’s a surprisingly diverse mix of activities. You could be taking selfies on a glass walkway 250 metres above the city one moment, and feeding ‘dinosaurs’ or tinkering with science exhibits the next. Here are some of the main attractions:
1 Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck
This is probably the most iconic feature – a curved glass bridge perched on the roof of KOMTAR’s 68th floor. On a clear day, you’ll get jaw-dropping views over George Town, the coastline, and even the mainland. It’s a great place to watch the sun go down (they’re open till 10pm), and there’s a small café if you fancy a drink with a view.
And if you’re visiting with young kids, rest assured – they’ll probably love the thrill!
There is also a GravityZ SkyBridge (it’s not technically a bridge – more of a walk around the outside of the building on a platform)- which is essentially a harnessed walk around the outside of Komtar; another way to enjoy the height and views.
Professional Photography at the Rainbow Skywalk
If you want to capture the moment, professional photographers are stationed here. They’ll snap your photos for you, but make sure to ask before you go! Once you have enjoyed the views on the bridge – you can go to the small photo office (just by the bridge) and they will show the photos- you can pay here. Prices for prints are:
- RM110 – Two small photos
- RM120 – Two big photos
- RM95 – Snow glow photo frame
Do you need to pay to visit the restaurant? Yes and no. To dine at Top View Restaurant, you need to purchase a meal voucher: RM25 – Breakfast, RM65 – Dinner, RM25 – Cake at the restaurant
2 Jurassic Research Centre
This one’s a real hit with kids. It’s filled with life-sized dinosaurs, animatronic displays, interactive panels, and atmospheric lighting. While it’s not a museum in the strictest sense, it’s very entertaining and gives kids the chance to wander through a jungle-like setting with roaring dinosaurs at every turn. Shows start every 50 minutes—check the clock at the entrance for the next one.
It takes around 15-30 minutes to walk through, depending on how long you spend at each display. Imaginative and creative storytelling makes it perfect for younger visitors. It’s more about the fun and spectacle rather than deep scientific details, but kids will love the lifelike dinosaurs and immersive experiences!
3 Tech Dome Penang
For those looking for something more educational, Tech Dome is housed within the KOMTAR dome and has over 100 hands-on science exhibits. We found this area really engaging – especially for slightly older kids (aged 6+) who enjoy exploring cause-and-effect, illusions, robotics and problem solving. You really could spend a few hours in this area exploring and interacting with the experiments. This one is great for worldschooling families.
4 Aquarium
Don’t expect a full-size oceanarium, but this boutique-style aquarium is actually better than we expected. It’s compact and easy to navigate with kids, and it has a nice mix of colourful reef fish, corals, and a few small sharks. You can walk through it in about 30 minutes, but little ones might want to linger.
What You’ll See: Small tanks: Iridescent sharks, Indonesian tiger fish, barb fish
Larger species: Asian arowana, Pirarucu, giant lungfish, red-tail catfish, moray eel
Unusual finds: Palembang puffer, Glofish (fluorescent fish under UV light), terrapins, clown knife fish, blue lobsters, glass catfish (transparent body!)
5 Mirror Maze, Musical Carousel, and Indoor Playground
Here is the Topboggan tube slide that runs down the stairs at the main entrance of Komtar (ground floor) – and it only costs RM10 unlimited rides – no need to get a pass or pay for any of the other attractions. So if you happen to be walking past Komtar with kids and have 20 minutes to spare – why not pop in for a giggle?!
If you’re visiting with toddlers or younger children, the musical carousel, and magic mirror maze are really fun additions. These are less ‘educational’ and more just about letting the kids have a runaround in a safe space. The mirror maze in particular was a big hit with our kids – and genuinely confusing in places! Also don’t miss the soft play jungle gym near the entrance (separate ticket – 25RM for toddlers below 2 years old, 48RM kids 2 – 16 years old and 10RM guardians on weekdays AND 35RM for toddlers below 2 years old, 66RM kids 2 – 16 years old and 10RM guardians on weekends)
Is it suitable for families?
We think The TOP is genuinely one of the most family-friendly indoor attractions in Penang. There are activities here for every age range, from toddlers right through to teens – and even grown-ups will enjoy the observatory deck and Skywalk.
The air conditioning is strong (which is a blessing on hot days), there are several baby-changing areas and clean toilets, and everything is stroller-accessible. However, if you’re planning to use a baby carrier on the Skywalk, be aware that you’ll be asked to take it off when stepping onto the glass.
If you’ve got older kids or teens who might be a bit too cool for aquariums or mirror mazes, the glass bridge and the Tech Dome usually manage to win them over.
How long should you spend?
We would recommend allowing at least half a day here – possibly more if you’re doing the 12-attraction combo or travelling with young kids who need regular breaks. It’s a good idea to arrive mid-morning, explore for a few hours, and then either head to one of the nearby cafés for lunch or pop back up to the Skywalk later for sunset.
It’s possible to get a stamp on your hand and re-enter certain areas if you’ve bought a full-access combo, so do ask about this at the counter if you’re planning to take a break and return later in the day.
The TOP may not be a hidden gem – it’s a well-established attraction right in the heart of George Town – but it’s still worth including in your Penang itinerary, especially if you’re travelling with kids or looking for a fun, flexible day out that mixes entertainment and learning. If you can, book online in advance to make the most of your money – and don’t forget to check out the combo passes, especially if you’re planning to spend a few hours here.
