Penang is a place that I never had high on my list of places to visit in South East Asia. Now, along with other amazing cities such as Chiang Mai, it is near the top of places I now want to return to. As a destination, it really snuck up on me, and from the moment that I stepped off the plane, I was in love. I then immediately set about gathering as much information as I could to create this Complete Guide to Penang.
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And gathering information wasn’t hard! The people of Penang Island are incredibly friendly, and those that I had the pleasure of meeting in the capital city of George Town, were some of the most accommodating that I have met in all of my travels. In fact, I believe that out of all the South East Asian Countries, Malaysia has to be my favorite. You simply can’t go wrong when it comes to a trip to Penang, Kuala Lumpur, or anywhere in the country of Malaysia.
In this Guide to Penang, I will cover a few basic details about the island, and then delve into what there is to do, where to stay and how to get around. Basically, everything you will need to know to make YOUR trip to Penang an incredible one!
Table of Contents
- Where is Penang?
- About Penang
- Do you need a visa for Penang?
- How to get around in Penang
- Things to do in Penang
- Where to stay in Penang
- Things you might need in Penang
- Summary
Where is Penang?
Penang is a state of Malaysia, and Penang Island is approximately 292 square kilometers in size. It is located just off the North Western coast of the Malaysian Peninsular. What many visitors don’t realize, is that Penang also consists of a rather large portion of the coastal strip of mainland across the channel as well.
This Guide to Penang however, will concentrate on the popular Penang Island.
About Penang
Penang is a popular tourist hotspot of South East Asia, and in particular Malaysia. For many years it was an important trading hub of the Malacca Straits, and is known for its British Colonial Buildings that still dominate the architecture that exists today. The Capital City of George Town also has the unique distinction of being UNESCO World Heritage Listed, and a quick walk around town can immediately show you why.
This is a place where different cultures exist in harmony side by side. A 10 minute stroll through the city will have you passing Heritage Listed Colonial Buildings, moving through Little India, and emerging onto the Clan Jetties that are owned by many of the influential Chinese Families. The history of Penang is amazing, and I cannot think of another city that has such a unique vibe and combination of cultures like George Town has. Certainly not within such close proximity to each other.
For many years, Penang Island was complete cut off and separated from the Malaysian mainland by the water of the Straits of Malacca. At its narrowest point, the channel is 3 Kilometers wide, pushing out to 13 kilometers at its widest point. During that time, boats and ferries were the only means of access to Penang Island from the mainland, other than to fly. Now, it is connected by two bridges. The first, built in 1984 is 8.4 kilometers long. The second, completed in 2014, is an incredible 24 kilometers long, making it the longest bridge in both Malaysia and South East Asia.
Modern day Penang Island has so much for visitors to see and do. I personally spent several days on my first visit just wandering the streets of George Town, taking photos of the incredible buildings. Visiting the Clan Jetties became a nightly excursion, and seeking out the next delicious Street Food was almost a daily obsession. Away from George Town proper, there are some wonderful places to visit on Penang Island that are both popular and remote, making this a place that will tick any boxes you wish to tick for your perfect holiday.
So now, let’s get stuck into my Guide to Penang, and find out more details about what to do and what to expect in Penang.
Interested in Penang? Then check out my other articles about Penang at THIS LINK.
Do you need a visa for Penang?
One of the first things that you need to think of before traveling anywhere is, do you need a visa?
The same is true for Malaysia, and Penang is part of Malaysia. Many countries can enter Malaysia Visa Free, or are eligible for Visa On Arrival. To find out what eligibility you have, based on your passport and what country you are from, do an easy check using the Guide to Penang handy tool below.
How to get around in Penang
Getting around in Penang is actually rather easy. I never have any problem getting anywhere that I need to go, and mostly I just use Public Transport. There are times that this might not be available though, and in those instances you may need to come up with something else. Here are the Complete Guide to Penang best ways to get around the island with minimum hassle.
- Bus – The public bus runs nearly everywhere. They run a pretty fluid timetable, but seem to run often enough that I, personally, have never had any problems. A couple of bus numbers that may come in handy are the 101, to Penang National Park and Batu Ferringhi, 204 for Penang Hill, and the 401 for the airport.
- Free Shuttle Bus – This is the CAT bus, and can be caught at spots all around the CBD of George Town. It basically does a city loop, is Free, and will get you to most of the major tourist spots. Catch it easily at the Pangkalan Weld Jetty Bus terminal.
- GRAB or Taxi – As with any city, you can catch a Taxi anywhere. Just make certain it has a meter and you are good to go. The better option is a GRAB though. It is cheaper and you know the price up front. Simply download the app and you are all set.
- Rickshaw – Around the inner city, particularly Little India and the Armenian Street area, you will see a lot of Rickshaws. Negotiate a price and save your feet from all that walking!
- Walking – This HAS to be on the list. Walking is easy in Penang, and in particular George Town. It isn’t a big place, and most of it is flat. So put on some comfy shoes and hit the pavement. Just be aware that the footpaths don’t really exist in many areas, so exercise a bit of caution as well.
Complete Guide to Penang tip – Take the bus! I take it everywhere, and find it so cheap and handy. If you are staying anywhere near the Weld Jetty Bus Terminal, take advantage of it! The only thing to remember is to have the right change, or close to it. They WON’T change a 20 MYR note for a 2 MYR fare!
Getting from Penang Airport to George Town
There are a couple of options to get from Penang Airport to George Town. Just remember there is no train, so don’t go looking for one.
The first and best option is to use the bus. Head out of the doors of the airport, cross the road and veer to the left about a hundred yards. You will find the bus stop here.
You are looking for the 401 bus. This is the best and quickest bus to get to George Town. The fare will only cost you about 3.40MYR, and the trip takes about an hour. The bus terminates at the Weld Jetty Bus Terminal, so it’s perfect if you are staying around the Chulia Street or Little India area. If not, it is easy to call a grab or a taxi from there, and save yourself a lot of money rather than taking one all the way from the airport.
There are a couple of other buses you can take as well that will get you there. The 401E covers much the same route, but even though it is supposed to be the express version of the 401, it actually has more stops.
The 102 bus also services the airport, and DOES skim through the western side of George Town. It’s ultimate destination though, is Batu Ferringhi and Penang National Park. So if you are staying on the Western side of the island, then this is the choice for you.
Other viable options are Taxi and GRAB. Taxi will cost you a good 35 to 45 MYR on most days, and can be caught right outside the airport terminal. In fact, the drivers will probably just find you if you walk outside, you don’t even need to hail one.
GRAB is the better option of the two. Just download the app and order one from there. You may have to sit and wait, but depending upon the time of day, will only cost between 25 and 35 MYR. Plus, you know the price up front. Last time I was in Penang I was told that my 4.30am GRAB would attract a surcharge for the time of night that it was. It ended up only costing me 25 MYR, so I was happy to have taken that option!
You can also hire a private car from the airport if you like. There are car hire places available, and if you are the sort of person that likes to have your own wheels, this might be the option for you.
Finally, you can hire a car and driver to pick you up and take you to your hotel or resort in air conditioned luxury and comfort. If this sounds like you, check THIS LINK for booking options.
Complete Guide to Penang tip – As mentioned in the section above, my tip is to catch the bus. It is so cheap, and only takes an hour. The only reason I wouldn’t do this is if I arrived late at night, or was short on time, in either case I would choose to call a GRAB.
Things to do in Penang
Penang has some incredible things to do, most of which are extremely unique to the island. Many of them are also Free! All you need is a map, and good walking shoes. The city of George Town is Historical, charming and an urban photographers dream. The hills and tropical surrounds provide panoramas and views that are simply stunning. The beaches and jungles of the North West are picture perfect. You just have to go and find them!
So let’s take a look at the Guide to Penang, list of things to do in Penang.
- Hunt for some Street Art – The Street Art in Penang has become famous in recent years. Spend a morning or entire day hunting down the best pieces, and discover George Town along the way. You can check out my entire guide HERE.
- Discover the Clan Jetties – The Clan Jetties of George Town are owned by the different Chinese Clans. They exist like “floating villages” and came into existence as the places the clans once lived on their boats by the docks in the early days of Penang. The Chew Jetty is the most popular with tourists, and Lee Jetty is spectacular at night time.
- Check out the British Colonial Buildings – The Colonial Buildings of George Town are as beautiful as they are historical. If you are at all even remotely interested in history and architecture, then spend a day strolling the streets of the city with your camera.
- Visit Fort Cornwallis – This Historical Fort can be found easily on the waterfront in George Town. It was built by the British East India Company in the 1700’s, and is open now for public tours. Fort Cornwallis is the largest such fort still in existence in Malaysia.
- Take in the views from Penang Hill – Penang Hill can be reached via an incredible Funicular Railway that takes you to the top in a swift 7 minutes. The views are amazing, and places such as The Habitat and David Brown’s Restaurant ensure that you will want to spend the entire day up there! Check out more details HERE.
- Get lost in Penang National Park – The smallest National Park in the World packs plenty of punch for things to do. Take an incredible Jungle Hike to Remote Beaches, or simply catch a boat. Spend the day relaxing on your own private strip of sand, and watch time pass you by. See my Complete Guide HERE.
- Brave Komtar Tower – One of the Central places in George Town, you can enjoy the best views in the city by talking a stroll on the glass Rainbow Walkway, or around the top of the tower on a nerve wracking Ropes Course.
- Take a Tour at the Blue Mansion – Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion hotel is not only a boutique hotel, but a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site. It has been featured in such movies as “Crazy Rich Asians” and is open for visitors to do tours.
- Explore Little India – Little India is amazing. From about lunch time onward, be amazed at the colors, spices, and how vibrant this part of town is. At night time, it becomes fireworks central, and the Indian Food is simply to die for!
- Discover the Street Food – If there is one thing you have no troubles finding in Penang, it’s street food. Whilst wandering and exploring, keep an eye out for food courts and hawker markets, to get the cheapest food that is also the most tasty!
- Visit Kek Lok Si Temple – This incredible Buddhist Temple is one of the largest in South East Asia, and dominates the skyline when you are heading to Penang Hill. It is absolutely amazing, and a must visit when you are in Penang.
Penang is full of wonderful things to see and do. This is my Guide to Penang list of my favorite things to do, but don’t worry, because you will be sure to find a LOT more!
Complete Guide to Penang Tip – On your first day in Penang, head down to the Weld Jetty Bus Terminal and jump on the Free CAT Bus. It will give you a good look at George Town, and drop you close to many of the best tourist destinations.
Where to stay in Penang
When it comes to finding somewhere to stay in Penang, it really depends on two things. What sort of holiday are you on, and what is your budget?
If you are wanting a tropical beach holiday, and prefer to stay in a resort, then you will probably be best to stay at a place like Batu Ferringhi Beach.
For anything else, then basically you will stay in George Town. The choice really is THAT easy. George Town is where you will find most things to do, other than go to a beach or have a typical “resort” experience. It is also not too far away that you can’t just go on a short trip TO the beach.
So let’s take a look at the Guide to Penang list of places to stay in both George Town and Batu Ferringhi.
Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi is a the most popular and well known beach on Penang Island. It is where the big resorts are located, and has quite a few tourist attractions dotted around the area. If you want a beachside experience, and aren’t really interested in what the city has to offer, then this is the place for you.
Luxury Stay in Batu Ferringhi
PARKROYAL Penang Resort
From the amazing Italian Restaurant that gets rave reviews, to the incredible freeform pool, guests are constantly surprised by the PARKROYAL Penang Resort. It is located right on the beach, and comes with all the perks that you would expect from a hotel resort of this quality.
Mid Range Stay in Batu Ferringhi
Double Tree Resort by Hilton Penang
This gem is located right on the beach, and comes with clean, comfortable and spacious rooms. What you get would normally have this Resort coming under the “luxury” tag, but the price certainly doesn’t fit it. The buffet breakfasts each day are a huge hit, as are the freshly cooked “welcome cookies” that guests are greeted with at check in. How can you go wrong?
Budget Stay in Batu Ferringhi
Roomies Suites
Roomies Suites is about as budget as you can get in Batu Ferringhi, but certainly doesn’t feel like it. Guests are constantly surprised with what they actually get when they check into their “budget” stay. Breakfast is wonderful, and there is a nice little balcony to enjoy it on. The rooms are comfortable and clean, with the beach only a short stroll away.
George Town
George Town is the Capital City of Penang, and is teeming with history, amazing architecture, incredible food and night life. This is where most people will choose to stay, especially first time visitors who want to learn about and experience all that is Penang.
Luxury Stays in George Town
The Prestige Hotel Penang
The Prestige is a real gem located in the heart of George Town, close to Fort Cornwallis, Little India, and the Heritage area of town. The views from the rooftop pool are amazing, and the breakfast one of the most raved about in all of Penang.
Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang
The Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang is a beautiful Historical Building right on the Penang Waterfront. The pool is incredible, with views right across the channel to the mainland. Guests rave about the breakfast, and the dinner buffet is just as popular. This incredible hotel is located in easy walking distance to many of the best spots in George Town, with the famous Blue Mansion literally just around the corner.
Mid Range Stays in George Town
Muntri Grove
Muntri Grove is a very popular place to stay in Penang, and is located just a short stroll from the vibrant bars and cafes of Love Lane. It is close to many tourist attractions, including some of the great Penang street art. Many guests actually claim that Muntri Grove is the best place they have stayed in in all of Malaysia, so I think that says it all!
SAVV Hotel
The Savv Hotel is a clean and comfortable hotel with a very refreshing pool. If you are looking for a place with a good price and value for money, then this is it. Located right opposite the Clan Jetties, it is perfectly located for exploring the city with the FREE CAT Bus stopping almost at the front door!
Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK.
Budget Stays in George Town
Cocoa Mews Cafe and Homestay
Cocoa Mews Café and Homestay is the first place I stayed in when I visited Penang. Located right in Little India, it can get noisy in the evenings, but if you stay out late eating and drinking, then this could be perfect for you. As budget as it comes in Penang, the hospitality is great, along with cleanliness and comfort.
B Street Hotel Penang
B Street Hotel is clean and comfortable, plus, it is right in the best area of George Town to see and do anything you want. The Clan Jetties are just down the road, Street art and Little India on your doorstep, and there is plenty of street food to keep you happy!
Complete Guide to Penang Tip – Whether you are a Luxury Hotel person, or a budget traveler, I recommend staying in George Town. Penang is a small place, and it is easy to get around. So unless you really want to be on the beach, stay where it is all happening!
Things you might need in Penang
As with anywhere that you visit, there are things that you need that will make your life, and trip, a lot easier. Then, there are some things that will make it safer. None of these things should be skimped on, and you definitely want to make sure you have them before you leave home.
Here are a few things that I make sure I have before I head to Penang.
- A Malaysian Power Adapter – This is something that almost caught me out the first time I came to Malaysia. They use two different types of sockets, and coming from Indonesia I was fine in the first place I stayed. Then, in the next place, I had to quickly find a power adapter. Now, I always have it!
- Travel Insurance – Yes, the dreaded Insurance. Make sure you have it, not just for Malaysia, but everywhere you go. I always get SafetyWing, which you can check out at THIS link.
- The GRAB App – You will need this if you want to book a car online, IE for getting to the airport, or just home from the bar late at night. They use GRAB in Malaysia, and all of South East Asia.
- Good Shoes – Make sure you have good and comfortable shoes. It may seem strange to have on a list like this, but you will do a lot of walking around the Street Art and Clan Jetties etc.
- Your Camera – Don’t forget it! I gave my handy Panasonic Lumix TZ90 a REALLY good workout!
In love with Malaysia? Then why not try Langkawi? You can take the ferry from Penang, and experience one of the best tropical islands in South East Asia.
Summary
I hope you have enjoyed my Complete Guide to Penang. I trust that now you have a better idea of what there is to see and do on the island, where to stay, and how to get around. If you have any comments or questions, then please feel free to drop them in the comment section below.
Also, take a look at my other articles about Penang at THIS LINK.
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