Design Village Outlet Mall — Attraction in Batu Kawan Island

Just an Average Outlet Mall

(Visited on September 8, 2025)

Outlet mall isn't exclusively exist in Johor or Selangor. Northern area of Malaysia also has one (and the only so far, until 2028 when Mitsui Premium Outlet is set to open near PIA) outlet mall situated at Batu Kawan, Design Village Outlet Mall.

Personally, not a fan of the ambience of the outlet mall. It looked boring and quiet. Writer felt like the outlet mall lack of spirit of lively.

Writer understood Design Village looked empty due to visit on weekday. However, later it was discovered the outlet mall had noticeably amount of unoccupied retail spaces. This problem was more pronounced at Pink Area. Only two space known to be occupied. Shame.

Shopping goers would like the varieties of fashion and lifestyle tenants. Although dominated by middle class brands, at least the brands were well known brands. While Design Village had large varieties of fashion and lifestyle tenants, the same story wasn't occurred on F&B tenants. The option was more limited. Most of the tenants tend to be offered light meal (Shilin), beverage (Boost, Starbucks, ZUS Coffee), or dessert (Mixue, Baskin Robbins). Very limited choice of restaurant (Padi House, Korfry, Memang Meow).

Design Village also had supermarket, Urban Pantry. It was the only one of few tenant that never seen empty at that time.

Despite this, Design Village was well maintained. This include the facilities available at there.

For unknown reason, Design Village had paid toilet near 7-Eleven. Fortunately, there were another free toilets. The free toilet looked clean and...

Design Village Penang on 6 September approx 2.20pm we at adidas FO DESIGN VILLAGE G-93&G-94. inside staff who unlikely told my family push trolley out of the store imediate due not allow in. This is unusual cause we just when in next store Anta who welcome us bring in trolley(rent at customer service) . This is really unpleasant experience why merchant can simply ignore guest in and not stated (no trolley allow sticker outside the shop)! As a consumer who shopping in design village we feel really disappointed nowadays still have such double standard happen? We family 5 adult + 5 children . If your shop centre are not welcome infant or children should mention in ur advert or every machant shop. No point to let our children at outdoor and u just wan our money spending . This is really unpleasant . I mr Wong , had already report at ur customer service on 3.15pm . No superior had attend me . Just call me left number . Pls explain to me what’s sop and rules and regulations that why some shop can and some shop cannot . Pls give us an guideline too if children/infant stay at trolley are not allow inside why management renting ur kids...

Not sure what's all the hype with this mall. Where do I start? I live on the island and i'm used to malls like gurney plaza, paragon, queensbay, 1st avenue etc. So to go to a mall that charges RM1 to access the toilet which isn't even that clean is a bit too much when other shopping malls don't charge customers anything for it.

The open air concept is not suitable for the weather in this country especially in Penang even if it's on the mainland. Distance between each shops are too vast to walk on a hot sunny afternoon. Some of the food /drink vendors are located under the scorching sun which makes it really uncomfortable to dine in. I was drenched in sweat just walking to see what this place is all about. The concept is more suitable for places in higher altitude like genting and Cameron Highlands where the weather is cooler.

The food court area is at the end of nowhere and by the time you get there you'll have to walk up the stairs, which again is a bit too much. The place is a let down for me. Most of the shops did not even catch my attention.

Some might like this place and the concept it brings but it's...