Penang is one of those rare destinations that sticks with you; the food, the colors, the history; it all just clicks. Whether you’re someone who plans every detail or the type who likes to wander and see what happens, Penang somehow fits every kind of traveler.
Penang is lively, layered, and honestly, one of the most interesting places to visit in Malaysia. If it’s your first trip (or even if you’ve been before and want a refresher), here’s a guide to everything you need to know about making the most of your time in Penang.
Why Penang?
Most travelers fall in love with Penang because it offers so much without feeling overwhelming. It has George Town with its old shophouses and quirky cafes, beaches like Batu Ferringhi for lazy afternoons, and hill stations like Penang Hill when you want to cool down a bit.
But it’s the vibe that really gets you: a laid-back mix of different cultures, street food stalls on almost every corner, temples sitting next to modern art galleries, and locals who seem genuinely proud of where they live (and who can blame them?).
Getting There
By air: Penang International Airport connects well to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and other destinations. From the airport, you’ll be in George Town within 30–40 minutes by car.
By bus: From Kuala Lumpur, you’re looking at a four-to-five-hour ride. The bus ride is comfortable and also affordable.
By train and ferry: You can take the train to Butterworth, then hop on a quick ferry to Penang Island. The ferry ride is cheap and also gives you breathtaking ocean views.
Things to Do in Penang
Wander George Town’s Streets
The UNESCO-listed George Town’s old quarter feels like a giant open-air museum. One second, you’re admiring crumbling shophouses; the next, you’re stumbling across a street art mural you recognize from Instagram. Grab a map of the famous murals, but also let yourself get a little lost. Half the magic here is in the unexpected finds: tiny cafes, hidden temples, and local markets.
The walking tour of George Town starts at the famous Penang Town Hall and takes you through the unforgettable six kilometers of history before ending at the beautiful and famous The Blue Mansion.
Stuff Yourself With Street Food
If you leave Penang hungry, you did it wrong. Some foods you have to try in Penang include:
- Char Kway Teow: Smoky stir-fried flat rice noodles served with prawns or cockles.
- Penang Assam Laksa: This is the specialty of Penang, which is a tangy and spicy fish broth with rice noodles.
- Nasi Kandar: A popular northern Malaysian dish made from steamed rice and assorted curries, a local favorite.
- Cendol: Green jelly dessert with coconut milk and palm sugar. It may taste weird at first, but you will get addicted to it.
For an authentic experience, hit the Chulia Street Hawker Center where you will get to enjoy Penang’s vibrant food scene.
Visit Kek Lok Si Temple
Located just a 20-minute drive from George Town, this massive Buddhist temple complex in Air Itam is one of Penang’s most famous sights. Spend a few hours here wandering through the layers of shrines, gardens, and beautiful pagodas.
Take the inclined lift to the giant bronze Kuan Yin statue for incredible views, especially around sunset. If you’re in Penang during the Chinese New Year, the whole place lights up with thousands of lanterns, which is surreal to witness.
Head Up Penang Hill
Ride the funicular train up to Penang Hill for cooler air and a killer view of the island. The funicular railway system is one of its kind in the country, attracting over a million visitors to the peak every year. There’s a little colonial-era nostalgia up there: old mansions, tea houses, and leafy walks.
Some of the worth visiting attractions include the Penang Hill Mosque and the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan (Hindu Temple). There are also some hiking trails taking you through some of the most beautiful views of Penang up the hill.
Explore the Clan Jetties
The Clan Jetties are old Chinese settlements built on stilts over the water in Penang. Chew Jetty is the most popular of the seven jetties and is easiest to visit. Families still live here, and walking the narrow wooden walkways gives you a glimpse of another side of Penang’s history.
However, there are specific visiting hours to respect the privacy of residents living there. It’s recommended to follow the rules when visiting the Jetties, such as keeping the noise levels down, respecting the signs, and avoiding taking many photos.
Best Time to Go
Penang is pretty warm all year round. You’re looking at temperatures between 27°C and 32°C most of the time. That said, not every month feels the same.
- November to March: Dry season. Cooler, less sticky, and generally the best time to visit.
- April to October: You’ll get more rain, mainly in the afternoons. It’s not a deal-breaker, though; showers usually pass quickly.
If you don’t mind the odd rainstorm, the off-peak months mean fewer crowds and better hotel rates. Honestly, Penang’s never a bad idea, rain or shine.
Getting Around
- Walking: George Town is small enough to explore on foot.
- Cycling: Rent a bike if you want a breezier way to get around.
- Grab (the app): Super easy for quick rides, and way cheaper than taxis.
- Public Bus: Rapid Penang buses are cheap and efficient, though schedules can be a little loose.
Where to Stay
There are many options for staying in Penang, depending on your needs. From Airbnb to hotels, there is no shortage of accommodations. Here are the best towns to stay in:
George Town: If you’re into food, culture, and staying close to everything, this is where you want to be. Think boutique hotels inside old colonial buildings, art hotels, and cozy hostels. The Edison George Town is one of the most beautiful properties located in the heart of historical George Town. This hotel is ideal for those who want to experience luxury and history.
Batu Ferringhi: If you are into beaches and adventure, look for something in Batu Ferringhi. There are many hotels and resorts to choose from. One of the best hotels is the Lone Pine Hotel, which is located right on the beach.
Tanjung Bungah: This suburb is less touristy than Batu Ferringhi but still beachfront and offers plenty of accommodation options. Rainbow Paradise is a beautiful, cozy property that offers breathtaking sea views.
Penang isn’t a flashy city; it feels real, and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. It’s one of those places where the longer you stay, the more it reveals: hidden cafes behind temples, quiet streets filled with old bicycles, the way locals linger over meals without a rush in the world.
Whether you’re here for the food, the history, or to soak up somewhere completely different from your everyday, Penang makes you slow down, and honestly, we could all use a bit more of that.
