About Penang, Malaysia
In this Penang travel guide, we’ll cover what you need to know about this famous state in Malaysia!
Penang is at the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia and faces the Malacca Strait.
The vibrant capital city, George Town on Penang Island (Pulau Pinang) is a UNESCO World Heritage Zone with a rich history as a trading hub.
Penang Island is small with narrow streets. Unlike in Kuala Lumpur, the city does not have a monorail system to diffuse the rush hour traffic.
2 bridges connect Seberang Perai (referred to as the mainland) to George Town. The newer Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge is the longest sea bridge in Southeast Asia.
For a Malaysian city, Penang has an unusually high ratio of Chinese, in particular those of Hokkien descent!
Useful Info
Penang Itinerary: How To Get The Most Out Of Your Short Trip
A trip itinerary for Penang can be a tiresome thing to plan because there’s so much to see and do! And this is even if you just limit your plan…
Best Time To Visit Penang: When Not To Go & Special Events To Look Out For
The best time to visit Penang largely depends on what you’re after. Are you looking for a quieter vacation with fewer crowds, or when the island is at its liveliest?…
Getting Around Penang (All Transport Options)
Public transport like buses can get you around Penang Island reliably. And there’s even a free shuttle that goes around George Town! However, both the heritage zone, George Town and…
Things To Do In Penang
Visit museums, night markets, cafes, Little India, Penang botanical gardens and more!
Many activities are family-friendly and close to each other in George Town!
25 Best Things To Do In Penang At Night – Nightlife & More
For things to do in Penang at night, you don’t have to go far! As most of the places are close to each other! By this, we mean George Town….
Things To Do With Kids In Penang – Our Suggestions
What are some fun things to do in Penang if you have kids you? As a top tourist destination in Malaysia, Penang has outdoor and indoor activities to engage all members of…
What We Think You Should See In George Town, Penang
An abundance of things to do in George Town, Penang means you can easily spend a full day here! Most attractions are accessible on foot. Or by trishaw! And many…
11 Best Places To Get A Full Body Or Foot Massage In Penang
Penang has an array of massage centers specializing in foot massages, Thai massages, Javanese massages and more! With prices ranging from under RM100 to a few hundred! Of course, you’re…
Things To Do In Penang – Our Suggestions For Interesting Places To Go
Think you’ve run out of things to do in Penang? Even if you have been here multiple times, there’s always something new to see and do! Whether your interests lie…
Popular Attractions
There are many remaining landmarks from former British rule, Peranakan traders and immigrants from China and India.
Other highlights include Penang Hill, Penang Street Art and Kek Lok Si Temple. And Penang has its own national park too!
Penang State Art Gallery – Free Entry But Is It Worth Visiting?
The Penang State Art Gallery has never been our top priority for sightseeing in Penang, but we happened to pass it and ventured in for…
Straits & Oriental Museum In Penang – Our Experience Here
We know Chinese ceramics are not everyone’s cup of tea (it’s not ours either) but a visit to the Straits & Oriental Museum in Penang…
What The Batik Painting Museum In Penang Is Like
Everybody who’s visiting Penang for the first time will pass this museum on Armenian Street. This is the first time we’ve stopped to go inside…
Youth Park – Hidden City Park In Penang With Free Perks
We wish our city had such a cool park as this. Penang Municipal Park is not only free to enter, but huge. It goes by…
Fort Cornwallis – UNESCO Heritage Site In George Town, Penang
Next to the Esplanade Park, Fort Cornwallis happens to be both the largest and oldest fort in Malaysia. It is one of the primary reasons…
What It’s Like To Visit Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion)
Built towards the end of the 19th century, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion or The Blue Mansion is a boutique hotel and a historical attraction with its…
Entopia By Penang Butterfly Farm – See More Than Butterflies!
This 8-hectare butterfly park in Penang is the largest of its kind. Entopia By Penang Butterfly Farm has a dome-shaped exterior, similar to Singapore’s Flower Dome. In it, are a…
Museums In Penang That We Have Visited
Do yourself a favor and make sure to include an interactive museum into your Penang trip! Most of these museums have a way of educating…
Wonder Food Museum – A Visual Feast Of Malaysian Food
To our surprise, the Wonder Food Museum is not only an endless display of 3D cuisine. Interesting facts, interactive displays, and life-size food props make…
Famous Food
With a melting pot of contrasting cultures, Penang food stands out! And hence the state is often called the Food Capital of Malaysia!
Lunarbarcoffee – Hidden Café With Incredible Service
Lunarbarcoffee is far from tourist spots in Penang. It is close to a residential area and is popular with the working crowd nearby. So, is…
Hameediyah Restaurant At Campbell St – Nasi Kandar At Its Finest
Is Hameediyah Restaurant with its constant queue outside worth waiting for? The well-known nasi kandar restaurant is on Campbell Street in George Town which is…
Hot Bowl White Curry Mee – Michelin Star Eatery In George Town
As a recipient of the coveted Michelin Star, what can you expect from Hot Bowl White Curry Mee? Can it live up to the high…
Where To Go For Dim Sum In Penang
Looking for delicious dim sum restaurants while in Penang? We know how tiring it can be to decide which to choose when there are so…
Cafes In Penang With Great Coffee And Ambiance
Out of these cafes, we hope you find one that whets your appetite! Many of them operate until late at night, with some until midnight!…
Penang Durian Farms – List Of 10 Places To Eat Durian
Penang durian farms have been around for generations at this point. And many of them are pesticide-free. Fans of the King of Fruits will agree…
Food That You Should Try In Penang While You’re Here!
Famous dishes like laksa, kuay teow and cendol, have long put Penang on the world map. If you’re looking to try certain dishes like Penang Hokkien mee, curry mee or oyster…
Where To Go For Breakfast In Penang – Local & Western Options
Breakfast doesn’t have to be local cuisine either. If you want to switch up flavors, there is an abundance of cafes that serve western style…
11 Best Fine Dining Restaurants In Penang – Top Eats!
Although known for having the best Malaysian street foods, there is also an abundance of innovative and spectacular fine dining restaurants in Penang! Some of…
Shopping In Penang
Go-To Shopping Malls In Penang (Even If You Just Like To Window Shop)
There are many shopping malls in Penang. Most of them are close to George Town and some of them are even right next to each other! Most shopping malls sell mid-range goods….
13 Best Penang Souvenirs – What To Buy In Penang? (Suggestions For 2024)
Bring back a souvenir or two from Penang to your friends and family back home. Penang has artsy crafts made with skill that has transcended generations. As well as a…
Night Markets In Penang: Monday To Sunday
There’s more than one night market in Penang. In fact, there is a different one every day of the week! You can try bargain hunting and negotiating with locals while…
How-Tos
How To Get From Penang Airport To Georgetown (4 Easy Ways)
Travel from Penang airport to George Town will be top priority for first timers flying into Penang! Don’t waste precious time scrambling around looking for transport upon arrival. A little research…
How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Penang (Quick Guide)
Whether you’re looking for the best way to get from Penang to Cameron Highlands or from Butterworth to Cameron Highlands: There’re pros and cons to each mode of transport –…
How To Get From George Town To Butterworth
If you’re not sure how to get from Penang’s George Town to Butterworth, refer to this travel guide. You’ll be glad to know that it is pretty straightforward! Let’s look…
How To Go To Ipoh From Penang – All Methods Covered! (Easy Guide)
Thinking about making a trip from Penang to Ipoh? Ipoh is also famous for food and British colonial architecture. But that’s where the similarities end! Ipoh’s gorgeous limestone hills set…
Where To Stay In Penang
Budget Hotels In Penang – Cheap and Comfy Stays!
Looking for budget hotels in Penang to relax and unwind? Going on an island getaway (especially one that is on many tourists’ radar) need not cost you an arm and…
Hotels In Penang That Are Worth Booking – Budget To Luxury
The best hotels in Penang include high-rise buildings with city views or chic Peranakan boutique hotels in the city center. And some of these places have been around since the…
Top 11 New Hotels In Penang (2023): Brand New & Modern Luxury
You might find a favorite among the new hotels in Penang 2023! True, it’s been a bad year for hotels but many have reopened for business as tourists return to…
7 Hotels With Private Pool In Penang – Top Choices!
No holiday in Penang is complete without hitting the beach, but staying at hotels with a private pool in Penang is unlike anything else. Couples can bask along the poolside…
5 Star Hotel In Penang: Top 13 Luxury Resorts You Won’t Regret Staying At!
5-star hotels in Penang are abundant! It is not surprising either since Penang is a tourist magnet for its delicious food and vibrant culture. For international visitors, luxury hotels in…
Latest Posts
Penang State Art Gallery – Free Entry But Is It Worth Visiting?
The Penang State Art Gallery has never been our top priority for sightseeing in Penang, but we happened to pass it and ventured in for…
Straits & Oriental Museum In Penang – Our Experience Here
We know Chinese ceramics are not everyone’s cup of tea (it’s not ours either) but a visit to the Straits & Oriental Museum in Penang…
What The Batik Painting Museum In Penang Is Like
Everybody who’s visiting Penang for the first time will pass this museum on Armenian Street. This is the first time we’ve stopped to go inside…
Lunarbarcoffee – Hidden Café With Incredible Service
Lunarbarcoffee is far from tourist spots in Penang. It is close to a residential area and is popular with the working crowd nearby. So, is…
Youth Park – Hidden City Park In Penang With Free Perks
We wish our city had such a cool park as this. Penang Municipal Park is not only free to enter, but huge. It goes by…
Hameediyah Restaurant At Campbell St – Nasi Kandar At Its Finest
Is Hameediyah Restaurant with its constant queue outside worth waiting for? The well-known nasi kandar restaurant is on Campbell Street in George Town which is…