Penangites have a new place to shop, eat, play, and spend the weekend!
The Waterfront Shoppes in Gelugor officially began its soft opening on 29 October, bringing hundreds of retail spaces, restaurants, and entertainment attractions to The Light City.
Spanning approximately 1.6 million sq ft across four retail levels, the mall features around 300 retail spaces, with everything from familiar shopping brands to new dining spots and indoor attractions.
So, if you're thinking of checking it out, here's what awaits inside.
1. From Decathlon to Parkson, there's plenty to browse
Whether you're looking for a new pair of sneakers, skincare essentials, or somewhere to pick up everyday items, The Waterfront Shoppes has a growing mix of retail outlets.
Some of the familiar names include Decathlon, Parkson, Skechers, Crocs, KKV, Watsons, Guardian, and Caring Pharmacy.
Tech enthusiasts also have a few stops to add to their list, with Samsung, Xiaomi, HONOR, OPPO, and TMT by Thundermatch among the retailers listed in the mall directory.
2. Foodies have plenty of reasons to make a stop here
Shopping is only half the fun, especially with a growing selection of restaurants, cafés, and dessert spots to explore.
For a proper meal, there's Oriental Kopi, Dragon-I Peking Duck, Dragon Noodle, ParaThai, Laem Charoen Thai Seafood, Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine, and Zai San Bei.
Those looking for something lighter can drop by Bakestone, Yin's Sourdough, Inside Scoop, ZUS Signature Coffee, Mixue, 65°C ONDO, Hey Yogurt, or NingJi.
Whether it's a coffee break between shopping stops or a full meal with family and friends, there are plenty of names to look out for.
Do note that the mall is still in its soft-opening phase, so not every listed outlet may be operating just yet.
3. There's an indoor adventure park with 32 interactive attractions
Not in the mood to spend the entire afternoon shopping? The mall is also home to Xventure, an indoor adventure park making its Malaysian debut.
Spanning approximately 1,800 sq m, the attraction features 11 adventure zones and 32 interactive activities designed for different age groups.
Among its highlights is an 8m-tall Challenger Arena equipped with digital tagging and a real-time leaderboard. There's also a 4.5m-high aerial rope course and a gigantic seesaw for those looking to add a little excitement to their day.
A two-hour session during non-peak periods starts at RM40 for X-Junior and RM60 for X-Plorer, depending on height.
There's also an opening promotion running from 29 October to 1 November, where the first 100 customers can purchase a second ticket for RM1, subject to availability and the promotion's terms.
Xventure is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
4. Step into five different worlds at this interactive light exhibition
If immersive art experiences are more your thing, make some time for ELEMEN: Awaken Your Elemental Frequency.
Rather than simply looking at artwork, this exhibition invites guests to interact with more than 15 sensor-activated spaces inspired by five elements: water, earth, space, air, and fire.
The installations respond to movements and gestures, creating an immersive experience that combines light, digital art, and technology.
The self-guided experience takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
Tickets are priced at RM48 per person, or RM38 per person when purchased for two or more. Children aged seven and below can enter free with every paying adult.
The exhibition runs from 29 October 2026 to 14 February 2027.
5. There's a Halloween festival happening this weekend
Still deciding when to visit? The mall's opening celebrations come with a little Halloween twist.
From 30 October to 1 November, a three-day Halloween festival will bring a haunted house experience, costume competition, Squid Game walkabouts and challenges, complimentary Halloween makeup, a pop-up market, and live entertainment.
For something a little more laid-back, Movie Under The Stars will also be screening films at Rodeo Drive.
The lineup includes Finding Nemo, Dolphin Tale, and The Meg, with free entry for the outdoor screenings.
Meanwhile, POP MART fans might want to swing by Light Promenade, where a larger-than-life CRYBABY inflatable installation will be on display from 29 October to 1 November.
There's also an Instagram photo campaign offering participants the chance to win exclusive CRYBABY blind-box collectibles.
6. You can enjoy up to five hours of complimentary parking
Here's another reason to take your time exploring the new mall: there's a complimentary parking promotion running until 30 November.
The offer provides up to five hours of free parking per entry, but there's one extra step involved.
Here's how to redeem it:
- Enter the car park using a bank card or Touch 'n Go card.
- Head to the Concierge Counter on the Ground Floor at Campbell Court.
- Scan the displayed QR code and register your vehicle details.
- Exit using the same payment method used when entering.
The mall has approximately 2,500 parking bays across four parking levels, along with EV charging facilities.
7. Spend RM200 and stand a chance to win exciting prizes
And if you're planning to do some serious shopping, there's also an opening lucky draw worth checking out.
Running until 3 January 2027, the Opening Rewards campaign is open to customers who spend at least RM200 at the mall.
The prize lineup includes a Proton e.MAS 7 Premium, a Maldives travel cash voucher for two, return flight tickets for two from Penang to Shanghai, COSAS luggage sets, smartwatches, earphones, and Caring Pharmacy cash vouchers.
Purchases can be combined using a maximum of two same-day receipts. Eligible customers will need to present their receipts at the Concierge Counter and complete the registration process on the same day.
The campaign is open to Malaysian citizens aged 17 and above, subject to its terms and conditions.
Planning a visit? Here's what you need to know
The Waterfront Shoppes is located at No. 1A, Persiaran Chin Fung Kee, 11700 Gelugor, Penang, within The Light City development.
Its location along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway also makes it accessible from several parts of the island.
Operating hours: Daily, 10am to 10pm.
Parking: Approximately 2,500 bays, with EV charging facilities.
Contact: 04-240 6868.
The mall is also equipped with nursing rooms, prayer rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, wheelchair assistance, stroller rentals, and first-aid services.
As The Waterfront Shoppes is still opening in phases, some outlets may not be ready just yet. It's best to check with individual stores before making a trip specifically for them.
For the latest updates, store directory, and upcoming events, visit The Waterfront Shoppes' official website.