Penang
Malaysia's food capital with UNESCO heritage streets
State / Region
Penang
Best Time
December – February
Daily Budget
RM 70–130 (budget)
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
About Penang
Penang is Malaysia's undisputed food capital — a UNESCO World Heritage island where Nyonya cuisine, char kway teow, and assam laksa are elevated to an art form. George Town's heritage streets are lined with street art, clan jetties, and colonial architecture.
Top Things To Do
George Town Street Art Walk
FreeFollow the street art trail through George Town's heritage lanes — murals, iron sculptures, and hidden gems.
Penang Hill Funicular
Budget-friendlyRide the funicular to the top of Penang Hill for panoramic island views and cool air.
Clan Jetties of George Town
FreeWalk the wooden walkways of these 200-year-old Chinese clan settlements built over the sea.
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Budget-friendlyPenang's most famous open-air hawker centre — the best char kway teow and cendol in Malaysia.
Kek Lok Si Temple
FreeSoutheast Asia's largest Buddhist temple complex, with a 30m bronze Goddess of Mercy statue.
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Budget-friendlyPenang's main beach resort strip — parasailing, jet skiing, and a lively night market.
Where To Stay
Affiliate disclosure: Some hotel links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps keep MyTravelTip2U free.
Muntri Mews
RM 100–180 / nightBeautifully restored heritage shophouse in the heart of George Town.
Check Availability on Booking.comRyokan Muntri
RM 80–150 / nightJapanese-inspired boutique guesthouse steps from the street art trail.
Check Availability on Booking.comEastern & Oriental Hotel
RM 600–1,400 / nightPenang's most iconic colonial hotel since 1885 — seafront suites and legendary high tea.
Check Availability on Booking.comShangri-La Rasa Sayang
RM 500–1,200 / nightBeachfront resort at Batu Ferringhi with lush gardens and a world-class spa.
Check Availability on Booking.comTravel by Style
Romantic Getaway
- 1The Eastern & Oriental Hotel is one of the most romantic hotels in Malaysia — a colonial seafront property since 1885 with high ceilings, ceiling fans, and a legendary Sunday champagne brunch. Even if you are not staying, the E&O Bar is worth a visit for sundowners.
- 2Take the Penang Hill funicular at dusk and watch the city lights come on from the summit — the view over George Town and the Penang Strait is spectacular at twilight, and the cool hilltop air is a welcome relief from the heat below.
- 3Explore the Armenian Street heritage lanes in the early evening when the light is golden and the street art is beautifully lit — end the walk with dinner at one of the Nyonya restaurants in the heritage zone for an intimate and atmospheric meal.
- 4Book a private heritage walking tour of George Town — a knowledgeable local guide brings the clan jetties, Peranakan mansions, and colonial buildings to life in a way that independent exploration cannot match. Several operators offer evening tours.
- 5The Clan Jetties at sunset are quietly romantic — the wooden walkways over the water, the fishing boats, and the old clan houses glow in the late afternoon light. Arrive around 6pm and walk the length of the Chew Jetty before dinner.
Family Travel
- 1The Penang Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang is one of the best in Southeast Asia — over 4,000 butterflies of 120 species fly freely through a large enclosed garden. Children can watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises in the emergence chamber.
- 2Escape Room Penang and various interactive museums in George Town (Trick Art Museum, Upside Down Museum) are excellent wet-weather options for families with children aged 6 and above.
- 3The Penang Hill funicular is a reliable family favourite — the 5-minute ride to the summit, the cool hilltop air, and the panoramic views are enjoyable for all ages. The Owl Museum and the Habitat eco-park at the summit add extra interest for children.
- 4Batu Ferringhi beach is the most family-friendly beach in Penang — calm water, a long sandy stretch, and a lively night market in the evening with toys, clothes, and street food. Watersports operators offer banana boat rides and jet skiing.
- 5The Penang Museum and Art Gallery in George Town is free and well-presented — a good introduction to Penang's multicultural history for older children and teenagers. The Peranakan Mansion nearby is one of the most beautifully preserved heritage houses in Malaysia.
Shopping Guide
- 1Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon are the best shopping malls in Penang — Gurney Paragon is the more upscale of the two, with luxury brands and a well-curated food hall; Gurney Plaza is larger and more accessible, with a good mix of mid-range fashion and electronics.
- 2Little India on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling is the best place for Indian textiles, saris, and traditional jewellery — the shops are dense and the prices are negotiable. The area is most lively on weekends and during Deepavali.
- 3The Chowrasta Market on Jalan Penang is Penang's oldest wet market and the best place for local produce, dried goods, and Penang specialities — dried shrimp, nutmeg products, Penang laksa paste, and local spices are all available at excellent prices.
- 4Komtar and Prangin Mall in the city centre are the best places for budget shopping — local fashion brands, electronics, and everyday goods at prices well below the tourist areas. The Prangin Mall basement food court is one of the best in Penang.
- 5Batu Ferringhi Night Market is the best souvenir market in Penang — a long strip of stalls selling clothing, bags, toys, and handicrafts at negotiable prices. The market runs every evening from around 7pm and is at its most lively on weekends.
Insider Travel Tips
- 1Rent a bicycle to explore George Town — it's flat and very bike-friendly.
- 2Eat breakfast at a kopitiam (coffee shop) for the most authentic Penang experience.
- 3Visit hawker stalls early — the best ones sell out by 11am.
- 4George Town gets very hot midday; plan outdoor walks for morning or evening.
- 5The Penang Bridge and Second Penang Bridge connect the island to the mainland.
How to Get There
By Air
Kuala Lumpur (KUL/SZB), Singapore (SIN), regional
Penang International Airport (PEN) is well-connected with daily flights from KL (KLIA and Subang), Singapore, and regional cities. Grab or taxi to George Town takes 25–35 min.
By Train
Kuala Lumpur (KL Sentral)
KTM Intercity trains run from KL Sentral to Butterworth station on the mainland. From Butterworth, take the iconic Penang Ferry (RM 1.20) across to Georgetown — a scenic 20-min crossing.
By Bus
Kuala Lumpur (TBS), Singapore
Express buses from TBS (KL) drop you at Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal in Penang. Operators include Transnasional, Plusliner, and Aeroline. From Singapore, buses take 7–8 hours.
By Car
Kuala Lumpur
Drive north on the E1 North-South Expressway and cross into Penang via the Penang Bridge (RM 7.70 toll) or the Second Penang Bridge from Batu Kawan.
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