A Secret Garden in Medan Maktab, Pulau Tikus & Its Quiet Open-Air Gallery of Homes

There are small parks scattered around Pulau Tikus. This is a neighbourhood where old Penang quietly meets modern living — leafy residential streets sit comfortably beside busy main roads, while long-established schools, hospitals and markets shape daily life. It feels lived-in, familiar, and slightly understated, a place where routines matter more than attractions.

Beyond the cafés and nearby shopping malls that Pulau Tikus is often associated with, there are pockets of calm that only reveal themselves if you slow down.

Many of these parks are hidden and known mostly to the surrounding neighbourhood. If you stroll around the more serene residential areas of Pulau Tikus — especially the area behind the once-popular One-Stop Mall, opposite Adventist Hospital — you will discover several small but surprisingly pleasant parks tucked quietly between houses.

They are not grand, nor designed to impress, but they offer something soothing: space to breathe, to pause, and to notice.

The park featured in this post sits behind the now-defunct SMK Convent Pulau Tikus (used to be one of the oldest schools in Penang). In its earlier days, students used this modest green space for their PE classes, filling it with laughter, movement and the sound of whistles.

The park is relatively small, almost easy to miss, yet it carries a calm presence, as if holding onto memories of its past while serving the present neighbourhood.

Look around and you will realise that the surrounding houses are part of the park’s quiet charm. One of the best houses is beautifully framed by plants and trees, its walls partially hidden behind layers of greenery, giving it a secluded, almost secret-garden feel.

Nearby stands a large, milky-white house — solid, elegant and confident — its wide façade reflecting a more classic residential style that feels timeless rather than trendy.

Just opposite, a purple house adds an unexpected splash of character to the street, cheerful and bold, yet still fitting comfortably within the neighbourhood’s relaxed rhythm. Together, these houses turn the park into a small open-air gallery of part of Pulau Tikus’ residential personality.

This little park is located near Medan Maktab, and is just a stone’s throw away from Gurney Plaza and the Adventist Hospital. Yet despite its proximity to one of Penang’s busiest commercial areas, it feels worlds apart.

Like to see more park or hotel photos in Penang? Happy exploring:

• Sunset in Penang, where Evening Settles Softly Over the Hills
• Hompton Hotel, Penang. By the Beach – Seaview Hotel at Tanjung Tokong
• Penang’s Hidden Green Escape: A Park Full of Lush Scenery
• A Halo in the Sky: Esplanade Park Wonders

And when night falls, the nearby G Hotel lights up in red, glowing quietly in the distance — a reminder that even in one of Penang’s most vibrant districts, there are still corners where time slows down, and simple neighbourhood parks continue to be there quietly, for those who notice them.

Further Reading: Exploring Pulau Tikus, Penang

Pulau Tikus is one of George Town’s most established neighbourhoods, known for its residential streets, well-known schools, medical facilities and easy access to the coast. Located just north of the city centre, the area blends everyday Penang life with modern conveniences, making it popular among both locals and long-term visitors.

Beyond its eateries, Pulau Tikus hides small parks, quiet streets and charming residential pockets. Areas around Medan Maktab offers a slower pace, where heritage houses sit alongside contemporary homes, and green spaces appear unexpectedly between blocks. Its close proximity to Gurney Drive, Gurney Plaza and Adventist Hospital makes Pulau Tikus a convenient yet liveable part of Penang Island.

Nearby Attractions in Pulau Tikus

• Gurney Drive – A famous seaside promenade known for evening strolls and local street food.
• Gurney Plaza & Gurney Paragon – Two major shopping malls offering retail, dining and sea views.
• Wat Chaiyamangalaram – Home to one of the world’s longest reclining Buddha statues.
• Dhammikarama Burmese Temple – A peaceful temple with beautiful Burmese architecture.
• Pulau Tikus Wet Market – A local market offering fresh produce and everyday Penang flavours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Where is Pulau Tikus located in Penang?
Pulau Tikus is located just north of George Town on Penang Island. It sits between the city centre and Tanjung Tokong, making it a well-connected residential and commercial area.

2. Is Pulau Tikus a good area to explore on foot?
Yes, many parts of Pulau Tikus are walkable, especially residential streets around Medan Maktab and Jalan Burma. Walking allows you to discover small parks, local houses and neighbourhood details often missed when driving.

3. Are there parks in Pulau Tikus?
Pulau Tikus has several small neighbourhood parks rather than large recreational parks. Many are tucked away within residential areas and are mainly used by locals.

4. What is Pulau Tikus best known for?
Pulau Tikus is known for its medical facilities, schools, wet market (with the availability of mouthwatering local food), temples, shopping malls and proximity to Gurney Drive. It is also appreciated for its long-established residential character.

5. Is Pulau Tikus close to Gurney Drive and Gurney Plaza?
Yes, Pulau Tikus is within walking or short driving distance to Gurney Drive, Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon, depending on the exact location within the neighbourhood.

6. When is the best time to explore Pulau Tikus?
Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal, as the weather is cooler and the neighbourhood feels more relaxed. Evening walks are also pleasant.