The TOP and Rainbow Skywalk, KOMTAR
Last updated: October 2026
The Rainbow Skywalk is a glass-floored walkway that curves out from Level 68 of KOMTAR, the tallest building in Penang, about 249 metres above the streets of George Town. It is the headline attraction of The TOP, the entertainment complex that fills the upper floors of the tower, which also has an indoor observatory deck, an outdoor Sky Bridge, a science centre, an aquarium and a rooftop restaurant. From the top you can see the whole of George Town, the Penang Bridges, the mainland and Penang Hill.
KOMTAR itself is one of the most important buildings in modern Penang, and its story is part of the visit. This guide covers the tower's history, what to see at The TOP, tickets and opening hours, how to get there and tips, checked in October 2026.
| Address | Level 68, KOMTAR, Jalan Penang, George Town |
|---|---|
| Details | Skywalk & Observatory Deck Wed–Mon 10 am – 10 pm, Tue 10 am – 7 pm; other attractions daily 10 am – 7 pm Window of The TOP pass (Skywalk, Observatory Deck, Sky Bridge) from RM78 adults |
| Opening hours | Skywalk Wed–Mon 10 am – 10 pm, Tue 10 am – 7 pm |
| Area | KOMTAR |
| Typical visit | About 2 h |
| Listed in | Penang Attractions |
| Take me here | |
| Verified | Verified October 2026 |
History of KOMTAR
KOMTAR stands for Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, after Malaysia's second prime minister. It was born out of a crisis. In 1969 the federal government formally revoked Penang's free-port status, and George Town was hit by unemployment and a brain drain as trade shifted elsewhere. The new chief minister, Lim Chong Eu, set up the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) in November 1969 and proposed a bold urban renewal scheme for the heart of the city.
The complex was designed by the Penang-born architect Lim Chong Keat with the Singapore firm Architects Team 3, and developed by the PDC. Ground was broken on 1 January 1974, the first phase was completed in October 1976, and the tower was topped out on 1 January 1985, with the second phase finished in November 1985. At 65 floors it was then the tallest building in Malaysia and, for a short time, in Southeast Asia. Next to the tower stands KOMTAR's geodesic dome, 48 metres across, which holds a multipurpose hall of 1,875 seats.
The project came at a heavy cost to old George Town. Building it meant demolishing 769 houses, 304 shops, 14 factories, four cinemas and three schools, and moving 3,175 residents to the suburbs. Historic landmarks such as the Capitol Theatre were lost, and Gladstone Road disappeared entirely under the new complex.
By the mid-2000s KOMTAR was in decline. Newer malls such as Gurney Plaza drew shoppers away, its two anchor department stores closed in 2005, and by 2008 about 40 per cent of its retailers had shut. A revitalisation plan called The TOP was launched in December 2012 at a cost of about RM180 million. The work added three new floors to the tower in 2015, raising it to 68 storeys and roughly 249 metres, and turned the upper levels into an attraction complex.
The Rainbow Skywalk was built by Only World Group as part of a RM50 million project awarded in 2012 and opened to the public on 18 December 2016. It is described as the highest outdoor glass skywalk in Malaysia, and its laminated, heat-treated glass was tested for wind, vibration and load with Universiti Sains Malaysia. KOMTAR remains the seat of the Penang state government, with the Chief Minister's office on the 28th floor, and its base is still George Town's main bus interchange.
What to See at The TOP and the Rainbow Skywalk
Rainbow Skywalk (Level 68)
The skywalk is a U-shaped glass walkway about 16 metres long, cantilevered out from the open-air roof terrace on Level 68. You walk over clear glass with nothing but air between you and the ground far below, and you are given shoe covers to protect the glass. A photographer is usually on hand, and the terrace around it has tables for drinks and dining. Views take in George Town's heritage core, the harbour, the Penang Bridge and the mainland, and Penang Hill to the west.
Observatory Deck (Level 65)
The indoor Observatory Deck on Level 65 has floor-to-ceiling windows, viewing machines and information boards about the landmarks you can see. A section of glass floor lets you look straight down. The lift cores block part of the panorama, so it is not a full 360-degree view. Small photo installations on the window-level package include the Pot of Gold, Lucky Horseshoe Chair and Upside Down Musical Orchestra.
Sky Bridge (Level 65)
The Sky Bridge is an outdoor walkway that loops almost all the way around the outside of the tower on Level 65. You wear a harness clipped to a safety line, with tall netting at the sides and lattice sections underfoot that let you see the ground around 240 metres below. Minimum height is 110 cm and maximum weight 100 kg, and skirts are not allowed.
Other attractions
The TOP also includes the Tech Dome Penang science centre with more than 120 interactive exhibits, a boutique aquarium and Ocean Explorer, the Jurassic Research Center dinosaur exhibit, a 7D motion theatre, a go-kart track, the Topoggan slide, a Magic Mirror Maze, a haunted house, and heritage galleries including the Penang State Gallery and exhibitions on durians and tongkat ali. Most are sold separately or in bundles.
Food and drink
Top View Restaurant on Level 68 serves meals with the same views as the skywalk. Lower down in the complex there are more casual places, and the shopping centres around KOMTAR, including Prangin Mall and 1st Avenue, have food courts.
Rainbow Skywalk Tickets, Opening Hours and How Long to Spend
- Rainbow Skywalk, Observatory Deck and Top View Restaurant: Wednesday to Monday 10 am to 10 pm; Tuesday 10 am to 7 pm.
- Other attractions at The TOP: daily 10 am to 7 pm.
- Tickets: the Window of The TOP pass covering the Rainbow Skywalk, Observatory Deck and Sky Bridge starts from RM78 for adults when booked online. Bundles with more attractions cost more, and Malaysians with MyKad get lower rates. Tickets are sold at the counter and online through the operator and agents; online prices are often cheaper.
- Weather: the skywalk and Sky Bridge may close in rain or lightning.
- Time needed: at least two hours for the skywalk, observatory and Sky Bridge, and half a day if you add the Tech Dome or other attractions.
How to Get to The TOP, KOMTAR
- Address: KOMTAR, Jalan Penang, George Town. Go up to Level 5 of the KOMTAR podium by escalator, where the ticket counters and lifts to The TOP are.
- Rapid Penang bus: KOMTAR is the main bus interchange in George Town, served by the free CAT shuttle around the heritage area and routes including 101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 203, 204, 301, 302, 303, 304, 401 and 502, so you can reach it from Batu Ferringhi, the airport and most of the island.
- On foot: from the heritage core around Lebuh Chulia it is about a 15-minute walk along Jalan Penang.
- Grab or taxi: ask for KOMTAR or Hotel Jen Penang next door. There is paid parking in the KOMTAR and Prangin Mall car parks.
Tips for Visiting the Rainbow Skywalk
- Go late afternoon. Arrive an hour before sunset to see George Town by day, at sunset and lit up at night. The skywalk is open until 10 pm except on Tuesdays.
- Check the sky. Haze or low cloud can spoil the view, and storms close the outdoor attractions.
- Dress practically. Wear trousers or shorts rather than a skirt if you plan to do the Sky Bridge, and bring a light layer for the air-conditioned indoor floors.
- Fear of heights? Start on the indoor Observatory Deck, where the glass floor section is small and optional, before deciding on the open-air skywalk.
- Book online. Online and agent prices are usually lower than walk-up rates.
- Combine with the city. KOMTAR is on the edge of the George Town UNESCO heritage area, so it pairs well with an afternoon in the old town and dinner at a hawker centre.
The TOP and Rainbow Skywalk, KOMTAR Location
Nearby
- Rainbow Skywalk at The Top KOMTAR — Night view, 0.0 km away
- JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La — Hotel, 0.1 km away
- Good Friends Club — Club, 0.1 km away
- Backdoor Bodega — Bar, 0.2 km away
- HME Money Changer, Prangin Mall — Money changer, 0.2 km away
- Prangin Mall repair counters — Phone repair, 0.2 km away
Plan a route with opening times using the Where2Go trip planner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Rainbow Skywalk ticket?
The Window of The TOP pass, covering the Rainbow Skywalk, Observatory Deck and Sky Bridge, starts from RM78 for adults when booked online. Bundles with more attractions cost more, and MyKad holders pay less.
What are the Rainbow Skywalk opening hours?
The Rainbow Skywalk and Observatory Deck open from 10 am to 10 pm, except on Tuesdays when they close at 7 pm. Other attractions at The TOP open daily from 10 am to 7 pm.
How high is the Rainbow Skywalk?
It is on Level 68 of KOMTAR, about 249 metres (816 feet) above the ground, and is described as the highest outdoor glass skywalk in Malaysia.
When did the Rainbow Skywalk open?
It opened to the public on 18 December 2016, as part of The TOP revitalisation of KOMTAR launched in 2012.
Is the Rainbow Skywalk open when it rains?
The outdoor skywalk and Sky Bridge may close during rain or lightning. The indoor Observatory Deck and other attractions stay open.
How do I get to KOMTAR by bus?
KOMTAR is George Town's main Rapid Penang interchange. The free CAT shuttle and routes such as 101, 102, 401 and 502 all stop there.