Penang isn’t just about delicious street foods, colourful heritage buildings, and white sandy beaches. There’s much more to explore in this bustling state! So, if you’re looking to change the scenery and make the most of your trip, gear up and challenge yourself at these best rock climbing spots in Penang. Whether you’re a newbie aiming to conquer your first ascent or an experienced climber seeking new thrills, it offers several climbing locations to get your adrenaline pumping with excitement.
Glitz has compiled a list of rock climbing spots to help you test your mettle and work up a sweat after a day of exploring and enjoying tourist activities in Penang.
What Are the Things to Do Before Rock Climbing?
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We know you’re excited to conquer the climbing walls or rocks, but there are several things you need to do before starting to embrace the challenge.
- Warm up properly and stay hydrated to prepare your body for the sport
- Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking, and flexible clothing suitable for climbing
- Bring along necessary climbing gear, such as a harness, climbing shoes, chalk bag, belay device, and helmet. (If you’re climbing indoors, most rock climbing gyms offer all this equipment for rent.)
- Double-check all ropes, carabiners, and quickdraws
- Check the weather forecast, especially if climbing outdoors
- Familiarise yourself with the route, including its difficulty level
- Carry a first-aid kit if you are climbing outdoors
What Are the Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor Rock Climbing?
The environment is the most obvious difference between indoor and outdoor rock climbing. Climbing gyms provide artificial, colourful climbing walls at various difficulty levels, padded flooring, and trained staff. They also offer rental gear such as harnesses, climbing shoes, and chalk, making it a perfect spot for beginners.
Meanwhile, outdoor climbing requires climbers to ascend natural rock formations with different features and textures under the open sky. Therefore, it is more suitable for climbers who are experienced. They assess their own risks, maintain, and use their own equipment like ropes, quickdraws, and carabiners to navigate natural hazards such as weather changes and loose rocks.
The Best Rock Climbing Spots in Penang
1. Project Rock
We highly recommend Project Rock because it provides a welcoming space for climbers of all abilities. Whether you are a novice or an experienced climber, regardless of your age, you will thoroughly enjoy challenging yourself here. The supportive staff offered us valuable climbing advice while allowing us the space and time to overcome our fears. We also appreciate the excellent upkeep of this climbing gym, as evidenced by its clean environment and well-maintained equipment. No wonder it is one of the best rock climbing spots in Penang.
Don’t forget to stretch, particularly your wrists and ankles, to reduce the risk of injury. Project Rock can be found in two branches: Gurney Plaza and IKEA Batu Kawan — great locations, we have to say, because they are conveniently situated in the city.
For more information & to book an appointment, click here.
| Address | Click here to view the list of branches |
| Operating Hours | Open daily: 10 am – 10 pm |
| Contact Details | Click here to view |
2. HangOut Climbing Gym
We visited HangOut Climbing Gym and were greeted by a delightful group of friendly felines. Rock climbing gym cats? Absolutely purr-fect! While this gym features shorter routes compared to others in Penang, it offers a diverse selection of intriguing routes for both bouldering and top-roping. If you are seeking an indoor activity with your family, HangOut Climbing Gym provides several kid-friendly routes where they can get active.
We attended their Ladies’ Night on Wednesdays and enjoyed a half-price deal on single-day passes and gear rentals. This promotion runs from 5 pm to 10 pm, so be sure to plan your fun girls’ night out accordingly! Oh, gentlemen, you can also bring a lady friend along to climb for free with the purchase of a single-day pass. You can also find another HangOut Climbing Gym branch at Metro Avenue.
For more information & to book an appointment, click here.
| Address | The Palazzia, 97-01-23 & 97-01-23A, Jalan Bukit Gambier, 11700 Gelugor, Pulau Pinang |
| Operating Hours | Mondays – Fridays: 2 pm – 10 pm Wednesdays: 2 pm – 11 pm Saturdays – Sundays: 10 am – 8 pm |
| Contact Details | +6014 644 3949 |
3. Jesselton Rock Wall
Here comes the favourite of thrill-seekers! Jesselton Rock Wall is a popular free rock climbing spot in Penang, frequently visited by advanced and skilled climbers eager to tackle its challenging walls. It features 17 demanding routes spread across three sections. We recommend exercising extra caution and taking your time on this natural granite wall, as it can be slippery and steep.
As the only bolted outdoor climbing area in Penang, it is accessible to all. However, it is important to keep noise to a minimum since Jesselton Rock Wall is located behind a residential area. We also advise tackling this granite wall with a group of climbers for safety and support, as solo climbing can be risky.
| Address | 60, Taman Jesselton, Taman Jesselton Height, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang |
| Operating Hours | – |
| Contact Details | – |
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