Ride-hailing or taxi to George Town
Penang International Airport (PEN) is in the south of the island. A ride-hailing car or an airport taxi on the fixed-fare coupon system to George Town is easiest.
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Visits to the listed regions should be cancelled or postponed (see Details for other areas).
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Penang Travel Guide
An island in northwest Malaysia famous for George Town's UNESCO World Heritage streets and murals, temples reflecting Chinese, Malay and Indian cultures, and its street food. Add beach resorts and hilltop views to a very tasty trip.
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At a glance
- Currency
- MYR (RM)
- Power & plugs
- 230V · Type G
- Driving side
- Left
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Local language
- Bahasa Melayu
- How long to stay
- 3 to 4 days
Emergency numbers
- Police999
- Ambulance999
- Fire999
- Tourist hotline1300 88 5050
When to go
December-March is relatively dry and good for travel. It's hot and humid all year, with frequent afternoon showers in April-May and September-November. Rain usually passes quickly, so Penang works year-round.
Airport to the city
City bus
The cheapest option to George Town. Check routes and times officially and carry small change.
Flights from further afield
Many long-haul routes connect via Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or other hubs; compare connections with airlines.
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps
The easiest way around the island, with fares set in advance; widely used locally.
Walking
George Town's old quarter is made for walking between murals and temples. Midday is very hot, so carry water.
City buses
Routes serve George Town, the beaches and Penang Hill; slow but cheap.
Bikes and trishaws
Explore the old town by bike or trishaw; agree on the trishaw fare first.
Where to stay
George Town old quarter
Good for: First visit, murals, food
Inside the heritage zone, with sights and restaurants within walking distance and many restored shophouse hotels.
Gurney Drive
Good for: Shopping, hawker food, sea views
A modern seafront strip of malls and high-rise hotels, famous for its evening hawker center.
Batu Ferringhi
Good for: Beach resorts, night market
The resort beach on the north coast, about 30 minutes by car from George Town.
Air Itam
Good for: Temples, Penang Hill
An inland area near Kek Lok Si and Penang Hill, with few hotels.
Map of stays in Penang
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Penang in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Top sights
George Town street art
Hunt for murals and wrought-iron caricatures in the lanes. Early morning is cooler and quieter.
Clan Jetties
Stilt villages of Chinese clans built over the water. People live here, so visit quietly.
Khoo Kongsi
An ornately carved Chinese clan temple. Paid entry.
Khoo Kongsi · Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / CC BY-SA 3.0 Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion)
An indigo-blue historic mansion visited on guided tours; check official times and prices.
Kek Lok Si Temple
A huge hillside Buddhist temple with a pagoda and giant Guanyin statue. Some areas charge entry.
Kek Lok Si Temple · Photo: Deepak-nsk / CC0 Penang Hill
Ride the funicular up for island and sea views; it's cooler at the top and lovely at sunset.
Batu Ferringhi Beach
A beach for strolls and an evening night market. Jellyfish can appear, so check local advice before swimming.
Penang National Park
Jungle trails lead to quiet beaches. Follow on-site registration and boat instructions.
What to eat
Char kway teow
Flat rice noodles wok-fried with prawns and bean sprouts, Penang's signature dish. About RM8-15.
Assam laksa
Penang's tangy fish-broth noodle soup. About RM7-12.
Nasi kandar
Rice with your choice of curries and sides, an Indian-Muslim favorite. About RM10-20 depending on what you pick.
Cendol
Shaved ice with coconut milk, palm sugar syrup and green jelly noodles. About RM4-8.
Hawker center snacks
Try satay, fried rice and more from stalls in one food court; bring cash.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout RM150-220 per day: guesthouse, hawker food, buses
Mid-rangeabout RM400-600 per day: heritage hotel, restaurants, ride-hailing
Comfortabout RM1,200+ per day: beach resort, private car
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Airport to George Town, check in, a street-art walk, then char kway teow at a hawker center.
- Day 2
Khoo Kongsi and the Blue Mansion in the morning, assam laksa for lunch, the Clan Jetties, then Gurney Drive in the evening.
- Day 3
Kek Lok Si Temple in the morning, Penang Hill views in the afternoon, then Batu Ferringhi beach and night market.
- Day 4
Nasi kandar for breakfast, cendol, souvenirs, then the airport.
Local tips
- Hawker centers and small eateries are often cash only; carry some ringgit.
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples and mosques, and remove shoes where asked.
- Some restaurants add a service charge and tax to the bill; tipping isn't required.
- It's hot and humid: plan indoor sights for midday, and carry water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
- Mural spots get busy; don't block residents' doorways or step into traffic for photos.
- Malaysia may require an online arrival card or other steps before entry. Check official Malaysian government information before you travel.
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