Penang holidays
Located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, this steamy, one-stop destination dishes up some of Asia’s finest heritage architecture and natural beauty. On a holiday to Penang, you may struggle to drag yourself from its street food and the beaches of Penang Island. But cross over to the mainland, and you’ll discover a side of this country that’s off the tourist radar, with a special flavour all its own.
Top destinations in Penang
Penang: fast facts
Language
Malay
Currency
Malaysian ringgit (RM)
Time zone
George Town - UTC+8 (MYT)
High season
December – March; June – August
Low season
April – May; September – October
Penang holiday highlights
Tour the heritage zones
Penang is a dizzying mashup of multicultural traditions preserved in stunning architecture, cuisines and temples. Explore George Town’s UNESCO heritage zones, whose historical residences tell the story of a trading town shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures. And don’t miss the delightfully ramshackle Chew Jetty, one of the few remaining Chinese villages built over Penang’s waters.
Eat the street food
In Malaysia’s food capital, the great cuisines of Asia reach new heights in hawker centres, family-run restaurants and hundreds of street stalls. Food-obsessed travellers from all over the globe make hungry beelines to Penang — in fact, many visitors come here for the food alone. Avoid choice paralysis and start your culinary adventure on a food tour led by local foodies.
See the street art
One of the most exciting things to see in Penang is its hundreds of eye-popping murals. George Town is famous for its legendary street art, where whimsical and thought-provoking works await around every corner. Mainlanders have joined the paint party too. Butterworth’s Artwalk creatively traces the city’s evolution from a fishing village to an industrial centre.
Things to do in Penang
Top attractions
The palatial Kek Lok Si Temple in Ayer Itam wows with its colourful pagodas, intricate carvings and giant bronze statue. In George Town, Khoo Kongsi is Penang’s grandest Chinese clan house — its ornately decorated temple has to be seen to be believed. Escape to The Habitat Penang Hill for dazzling rainforest walks and sweeping views over Penang Island and the Malacca Strait.
Beaches
The beaches in Penang are among the most beautiful in Malaysia. Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah are within a 30-minute drive of George Town. Feeling more adventurous? Hire a water taxi or take the scenic hike through the jungles of Penang National Park to the isolated Monkey Beach. Time your visit for a weekday, as the beach gets busy on weekends.
Nature
Penang Island is home to the Tropical Spice Garden, an aromatic feast of herbs and spices. On George Town’s Penang Hill, The Habitat’s aerial walkway winds through an ancient rainforest. Penang National Park, on the island’s northwestern corner, teems with monkeys and flying lemurs. On the mainland, climb the hill at Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest for a sunrise you’ll never forget.
Cuisine
The restaurants in Penang are fabulous, but the best and cheapest meals are often served from street stalls where recipes have been perfected over generations. You’ll find the region’s signature dish, ‘char kway teow’ (rice noodles, prawns and eggs) everywhere, but the best is cooked over charcoal. And don’t miss the endless variations of ‘nasi lemak’, a traditional rice cooked in coconut milk.
Culture and museums
George Town is the epicentre of the region’s history. Tour the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the city’s multicultural journey. Enjoy high tea in historic residences like the Blue Mansion and Suffolk House, where George Town’s trading past comes to life. You’ll also find quirky museums in Penang dedicated to bicycles, puppetry, ghosts and food.
Nightlife
Most of the nightlife in Penang happens in George Town. Upper Penang Road, Chulia Street and Love Lane are the main hubs, offering a wide range of pubs, bars and clubs. And don’t miss out on the night markets. You’ll find some of the most popular on Kimberly Street, Gurney Drive, New Lane and Chulia Street. For beach bars, head to Batu Ferringhi.
Find the best time to visit Penang
Weather in Penang through the year
April – November: Penang is hot and humid all year, but its rainy season is fairly mild by tropical standards. September, October and November are the rainiest months, with another spike in April and May. If the skies do open up, you’ll find plenty of indoor escapes to keep you occupied while staying dry, from museums and malls to historic houses and temples.
December – March: You can still expect occasional evening thunderstorms during the dry season. December to February is the peak tourist season. It’s also the best time to visit Penang for outdoor activities. The state’s proximity to the equator means temperatures fluctuate very little throughout the year here. Expect consistent lows around 24°C and highs around 31°C.
Events in Penang
Thaipusam (January or February): Penang’s diverse mix of cultures gives Thaipusam celebrations here a unique flavour. Watch the procession of devotees wind from George Town to the Arulmigu Sri Balathandayuthapani Waterfall Hilltop Temple. And make a respectful offering of your own to the Hindu god Murugan.
George Town Festival (August): Celebrating the city’s UNESCO World Heritage City status, this cultural festival takes over George Town’s streets and buildings for several days each summer. Expect a program of events across visual arts, theatre, music and more.
Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (November): Straits Quay Marina echoes with the sound of drums as teams from around the world glide through the water in colourful boats. In addition to the race, check out cultural performances and live entertainment.
Know before you go
Getting around Penang
Public transport
Buses: Buses are by far the easiest way to get around Penang. Rapid Penang has an extensive network, including routes to popular tourist sites and the airport. Plus, it has the Free CAT Bus, a free shuttle service around George Town.
Trains: A branch line connects Butterworth to Malaysia’s West Coast railway line. However, no rail service operates within the state itself, and you can’t reach Penang Island by train alone.
Boats: A 10-minute ferry ride connects Penang Island with Seberang Perai, with terminals in George Town and Butterworth. Services are regular, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes.
Domestic flights
Flying is unnecessary in tiny Penang. The state has only one airport, Penang International Airport, which operates both domestic flights and flights to other Asian countries. It’s located in the island’s southeast, about a 25-minute drive from George Town.
Driving and car hire
Hiring a car in Penang is an option, but with frequent traffic and solid public transport, it’s usually more of a hassle than it’s worth. If you need to get somewhere the buses can’t take you, taxis are plentiful and affordable. And for short journeys around George Town, why not hop on a ‘trishaw’ (a pedal-powered rickshaw)?
