Penang’s newest waterfront destination brings together shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural experiences, alongside a 750-metre promenade.
Penang’s retail and lifestyle scene welcomes a major addition with the soft opening of The Waterfront Shoppes (TWS) at The Light City on 29 October 2026.
Located along Penang’s eastern coastline, the development combines shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation in a waterfront setting. Spanning approximately 1.6 million square feet, with 700,000 square feet of net lettable space, TWS is touted as Penang’s largest shopping mall in more than a decade.
It also features a 750-metre waterfront promenade for residents, tourists and the wider community.
The opening ceremony was attended by Abdul Hadi Bin Che Man, Director of Tourism Malaysia Northern Region Office; Pua Seck Guan, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Perennial Holdings Private Limited; and Dato’ Tony Ling Thou Lung, Chief Executive Officer of IJM Land Berhad.
Bringing Penang’s Waterfront to Life
TWS aims to create a destination that visitors can enjoy for different occasions, reflecting Penang’s appeal as a hub for business, tourism and urban living.
Jasmine Chua, Managing Director of Retail Management and China Commercial Management of Perennial Holdings Private Limited, said the development focuses on creating a meaningful place for the community.
The mall also features a bespoke signature scent and dolphin sculptures inspired by Penang’s coastal environment. These sculptures will support future educational initiatives on marine conservation, sustainability and the island’s natural heritage.
To add a creative touch, TWS collaborated with Malaysian artists Dianne Tahir, Fritilldea, Jefr and Sliz to transform selected sculptures into public artworks featuring colourful illustrations and contemporary interpretations of local culture.
Shopping, Dining and Entertainment Under One Roof
TWS brings together international concepts and local retailers across its shopping and entertainment offerings.
Xventure makes its Malaysian debut with 11 adventure zones and more than 32 challenges, while Wan To Play introduces its active-play concept to Penang with climbing structures, slides, ball pits and interactive zones.
For shoppers, Parkson offers an expanded fashion and lifestyle selection, while Mercato features premium groceries, gourmet produce, specialty foods, a café and food hall.
Moviegoers can visit CMC Theatre, which features nine halls and over 1,000 seats. Highlights include Southeast Asia’s first CINITY LED cinema, a VIP Suite, family-friendly FunLand concept, MEGA hall and private SkyLux viewing rooms.
Meanwhile, Blue Bay Food Garden offers 28 food stalls and approximately 400 seats, serving Penang favourites alongside international dishes.
Festive Celebrations and Opening Activations
To mark its opening, TWS presents a Deepavali installation at Play PEN, its Level 2 experiential community space. The display features illuminated arches leading to a kolam and golden peacock centrepiece.
The mall will also welcome Christmas with an underwater-themed installation featuring a kinetic whale, corals and jellyfish.
The official Christmas By The Water launch takes place on 13 November 2026, featuring a tree lighting ceremony, festive market, Santa meet-and-greets, carolling, performances, snowfall experiences and gift-wrapping activities.
The celebrations will continue with a New Year’s Eve Countdown By The Water, featuring fireworks, live band and DJ performances.
Visitors can also enjoy these opening activations:
- Penang’s Largest Halloween Fest By The Water: Until 1 November, featuring a food festival, live DJ performances, Halloween make-up stations and character appearances.
- CRYBABY Cry Me An Ocean: Running from 29 October to 11 November with POP MART Malaysia, featuring an outdoor installation and daily giveaways of exclusive figures.
Opening Rewards and Shopper Promotions
To celebrate the opening, the first 1,000 eligible shoppers received giveaway sets featuring Tourism Malaysia merchandise and tenant vouchers.
Visitors can also enjoy up to five hours of complimentary parking until 30 November 2026.
Meanwhile, the Opening Rewards Campaign runs until 3 January 2027, giving shoppers who spend RM200 and above the chance to win prizes worth more than RM200,000.
With its mix of shopping, dining, entertainment and waterfront experiences, The Waterfront Shoppes introduces a new lifestyle destination to Penang.
For more information, visit The Waterfront Shoppes’ official website or follow its Instagram and Facebook pages.
