Design Village

Design Village Penang: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Design Village Penang, located in the thriving township of Batu Kawan on Penang’s mainland, is Malaysia’s largest premium outlet mall and a leading cultural, lifestyle, and shopping destination. With its open-air, garden-inspired layout and over 150 international and local brands, the mall delivers a unique blend of retail therapy, architectural charm, and community experiences. Visitors can expect year-round discounts, eco-friendly features, and a family-friendly environment, making it a top choice for both locals and tourists.

This guide covers everything you need to know—opening hours, ticket information, transportation, shopping tips, amenities, sustainability initiatives, and nearby attractions—to help you plan a seamless and memorable trip to Design Village Penang (Design Village Outlet Mall Official Website, Malaysia Travel, Penang Insider).

Introduction
History and Architectural Significance
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Getting There and Accessibility
Shopping Experience and Store Directory
Dining and Lifestyle Amenities
Family-Friendly Features and Community Engagement
Sustainability and Green Initiatives
Special Events and Cultural Activities
Nearby Attractions
Practical Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Recommendations
References & Useful Links

History and Architectural Significance

Design Village Penang occupies a 24-acre site, masterfully blending modern retail architecture with Penang’s rich heritage. The single-storey outlet adopts an open-air concept, inspired by George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed shophouses, with “five-foot ways,” green courtyards, and covered walkways for comfort and accessibility (Wikipedia, DPA). The “sleeping figure of 8” layout encourages exploration, while lush gardens and water features create a vibrant, relaxing atmosphere (BYG Group).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Malaysia Travel)
Admission: Free for all visitors; no tickets required
Note: Holiday and festive season hours may differ—check the official website or social media for updates.

Getting There and Accessibility

Location: 733, Jalan Cassia Barat 2, Bandar Cassia, 14110 Simpang Ampat, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (SGMYTrips)

By Car

Access via Second Penang Bridge (Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge).
Approximately 30–40 minutes from George Town or Penang International Airport.
Ample free parking, including EV charging bays and disabled parking spots.

Public Transport & Ride-Hailing

Buses connect Batu Kawan with Penang Island and Butterworth.
Grab and other ride-hailing apps are widely used (OnPenang).
Shuttle services may operate during major events; check with your accommodation or the mall.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-friendly walkways, ramps, and accessible toilets.
Family-friendly features such as stroller rentals and nursing rooms.

Shopping Experience and Store Directory

With over 150 stores, Design Village houses a comprehensive mix of international and local brands, including Coach, Adidas, Levi’s, Michael Kors, Puma, Timberland, Padini, Skechers, Under Armour, and more (SGMYTrips, Malaysia Travel). Discounts of up to 70% are available year-round, with even greater deals during festive and promotional periods (Syioknya Promotions).

The mall also features creative pop-up events, art installations, and showcases of local indie brands, providing a dynamic, evolving retail landscape (Agoda Travel Guide).

Dining and Lifestyle Amenities

A diverse selection of dining venues caters to every palate, from quick bites and artisanal cafes to hawker-style food courts and family restaurants (Penang Foodie). Both indoor and outdoor seating is available, with many eateries overlooking lush gardens and water features.

Other amenities include:

Free Wi-Fi in common areas
Ample shaded seating and rest zones
Clean prayer rooms, baby changing, and nursing facilities

Family-Friendly Features and Community Engagement

Design Village is designed for families, with playgrounds (including the popular CoComelon Playground), water features, stroller rentals, and a train shuttle for children (SGMYTrips). The mall is also a community hub, regularly hosting workshops, art exhibitions, and cultural festivals during key holidays such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya (Agoda Travel Guide).

Sustainability and Green Initiatives

As Malaysia’s first GreenRE Platinum-certified outlet mall, Design Village demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through:

Extensive use of solar power and energy-efficient systems
Natural ventilation and daylighting strategies
Landscaped gardens and green walls
Recycling facilities and environmentally conscious brand partnerships (Penang Hyperlocal)

Special Events and Cultural Activities

Throughout the year, Design Village hosts:

Art exhibitions and installations
Weekend markets and pop-up events
Cultural celebrations and family festivals
Food fairs and seasonal sales

Check the event calendar for the latest schedule.

Nearby Attractions

Batu Kawan Industrial Park: Insight into Penang’s economic development
IKEA Batu Kawan: A top choice for home shoppers
Aspen Vision City & Eco Horizon: Showcasing smart eco-city initiatives
George Town: UNESCO World Heritage Site with vibrant culture, a short drive away
Bukit Tambun: Renowned for its seafood restaurants (Penang Insider)

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Weekdays or early weekends to avoid crowds; November–February for cooler weather (TravelsWithSun).
Weather: Penang’s climate is tropical; bring an umbrella during rainy seasons.
Discounts: Check the promotions page for the latest deals.
Payments: Most stores accept cards, but keep some cash for small vendors. ATMs are available.
GST Refunds: Foreign tourists can claim GST refunds on eligible purchases.
Stay Hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle—water fountains are provided.
Safety: CCTV, security patrols, and lost & found services ensure a safe environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the mall’s operating hours?
A1: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Q2: Is there an entry fee?
A2: No, admission is free.

Q3: Is parking available?
A3: Yes, ample free parking is provided, including EV charging bays.

Q4: Is the mall wheelchair and stroller accessible?
A4: Yes, with ramps, accessible toilets, and wide walkways.

Q5: Are pets allowed?
A5: Pets are generally not allowed, except for service animals.

Q6: How do I get there using public transport?
A6: Take a bus to Batu Kawan or use Grab/rideshare; shuttle services may operate during special events.

Q7: Are there family amenities?
A7: Yes—stroller rentals, nursing rooms, playgrounds, and child-friendly facilities are available.

Q8: Can tourists claim GST refunds?
A8: Yes, on qualifying purchases—visit the customer service counter for details.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Design Village Penang is more than a shopping mall—it’s a destination that fuses modern retail, cultural vibrancy, sustainability, and family fun within a lush, accessible setting. Its strategic location, free admission, and year-round discounts make it ideal for locals and international visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking retail bargains, a taste of Penang’s culinary diversity, or a family day out surrounded by gardens and art, Design Village promises a rewarding experience.

Plan your trip:

Visit the official website for the latest events and promotions.
Explore current deals.
Download mobile apps and follow social media for real-time updates and exclusive offers.