Penang Toy Museum, Tanjung Bungah, June 2011

Dear Diary,

Whenever we go back to my hometown for more than four days, one must visit place is Penang. It doesn’t matter whether it is Penang on the island side or the main land side as long as it’s Penang. Last June when we went back for my sister’s wedding, we made a trip to Penang. The purpose of the trip was to send my uncle and his family to Penang International Airport.

After saying goodbyes, we left for our next destination which was Toy Museum. Touted to be the largest in the world, this privately owned establishment situated in Jalan Tanjung Bungah (in front of Copthorne Orchid Hotel) is fast becoming a popular hit among tourists. Entrance charge for adult is RM10 and for children is RM6. For foreigners, the charges are RM20 and RM10 for adults and children respectively. Opening hour is from 9am till 9pm daily (including weekends and public holidays). Contact number – (012) 460 096.

Inside the museum, there are thousands of toys on display. They are categorized into sections such as horror, superhero, cartoon, movie characters, doll, etc. There are famous figurines from Star Wars, Lara Croft, Disney, Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13^th, Kamen Rider, Ultraman, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Superman, Spiderman, Mr. Bean, Barbie and many more. Toy Museum offers something that both adults and children can relate.

In spite of this, sad to say that many exhibits are in dire need of service. Some are broken while others have fall down. Even the floor needs to be fixed at some spots.

On a brighter note, if you’re traveling with kids and looking for a place to visit in Penang, you could consider Toy Museum as one of your choices. Moreover, your tour of the museum won’t take much of your time. You’ll be done exploring the place under 1 hour (Longer if you’re a figurine fanatic!). The place is something different from conventional museum. More importantly, your kids would enjoy themselves and you yourself can too.