Penang

Penang, Malasiya

Penang, Malaysia’s cultural melting pot. Explore the vibrant streets of George Town, visit the historical Clan Jetties, and savor the diverse flavors of Penang’s street food.

Marvel at the street art in every corner, wander through the bustling markets, and take in the panoramic views from Penang Hill. Let the rich heritage and warm hospitality of Penang captivate you.

History of Penang

Penang, situated on Malaysia’s northwest coast, was founded by Captain Francis Light in 1786 as a British trading post. It played a role in WWII under Japanese occupation and later became part of independent Malaya in 1957. Today, Penang thrives as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its colonial architecture, multicultural society, and dynamic street food culture.

Clan Jetties of Penang

Ideal Time to Visit

  1. December to February: Visit Penang during the dry season, which typically occurs from December to February, for pleasant weather and lower humidity.

  2. Avoid Monsoon: Steer clear of the heavier monsoon season from September to November, which brings more rainfall and the possibility of disruptions to outdoor activities.

  3. Cultural Events: Consider timing your visit with festivals like Chinese New Year (January or February) for vibrant celebrations and cultural experiences.

Penang Weather

PENANG WEATHER

How to Reach Penang

  • By Air: Fly into Penang International Airport.
  • By Road: Accessible by well-maintained roads; buses, taxis, and rental cars are available.
  • By Sea: Some cruise lines include Penang as a port of call.
  • Self-Drive: Explore the diverse attractions of Penang with local transportation or a rented vehicle.

Location of Penang

Interesting Fact

Penang, Malaysia, is brimming with cultural richness and boasts an intriguing travel fun fact. The city is renowned for its street art, particularly in George Town, where vibrant murals adorn walls and streets. Created by local and international artists, these artworks tell stories of Penang’s history and heritage. Walking through the streets becomes a delightful scavenger hunt, adding a creative and interactive element to exploring the cultural tapestry of Penang.

Accommodations

Luxury Hotels:

  • Eastern & Oriental Hotel
  • Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
  • The Edison George Town

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • G Hotel Gurney
  • Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang
  • Hotel Jen Penang by Shangri-La

Budget Options:

  • Numerous affordable hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in various parts of Penang.

Guesthouses and Homestays:

  • Provides a more localized experience, allowing interaction with locals.

Hostels:

  • Ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those seeking a social environment.

Resorts:

  • Some resorts offer a more secluded and relaxed atmosphere.

Service Apartments:

  • Limited, but some options may provide apartment-style accommodations.
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Restaurents

  • Kebaya Dining Room:

    • Elegant restaurant offering a fusion of Malaysian and international flavors.

  • Tek Sen Restaurant:

    • Known for its authentic and flavorful Chinese and Nyonya cuisine.

  • Line Clear Nasi Kandar:

    • Famous for its Nasi Kandar, a Malaysian dish with rice and various curries.

  • Kopi Cine:

    • Modern café with a mix of local and Western dishes in a vibrant setting.

Local Cuisine

  • Char Kway Teow:

    • Stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, eggs, and Chinese sausage.

  • Laksa:

    • Spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base, often topped with seafood or chicken.

  • Nasi Lemak:

    • Fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with anchovies, peanuts, and sambal.

Street Food

  • Penang Assam Laksa:

    • Sour and spicy noodle soup, a must-try street food delight.

  • Penang Rojak:

    • Fruit and vegetable salad with a sweet and spicy sauce.

  • Penang Curry Mee:

    • Noodle soup with a coconut milk-based curry broth.

Best Places to Visit

  • George Town: Capital city with colonial architecture.
  • Penang Hill: Hill station with panoramic views.
  • Kek Lok Si Temple: Massive Buddhist temple complex.
  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion): Historic mansion.
  • Penang Street Art: Murals and installations around George Town.
  • Penang National Park: Malaysia’s smallest national park.
  • Batu Ferringhi: Popular beach destination.
  • Clan Jetties: Waterfront stilt houses with unique communities.
  • Penang Butterfly Farm: Tropical butterfly sanctuary.
  • Dharmikarama Burmese Temple: Oldest Burmese temple in Malaysia.
  • Penang Peranakan Mansion: Museum showcasing Peranakan culture.
  • Penang War Museum: Historic WWII fortification.
  • Khoo Kongsi: Ornate Chinese clanhouse and temple.
  • Penang State Museum and Art Gallery: Cultural and art exhibits.
  • Penang Tropical Fruit Farm: Fruit orchard with guided tours.
  • Penang Avatar Secret Garden: Illuminated garden at night.
  • Street of Harmony: Cluster of religious sites.
  • Wat Chaiyamangalaram: Thai Buddhist temple with a reclining Buddha.
  • Gurney Drive: Promenade with street food and sea views.
  • Penang Floating Mosque (Masjid Terapung): Mosque on the water.
  • Penang 3D Trick Art Museum: Interactive art museum.
  • Penang Snake Temple: Chinese temple with snakes.
  • Penang Time Tunnel 3D Museum: Historical museum with 3D exhibits.
  • Penang Wonderfood Museum: Food-themed museum.
  • Penang State Art Gallery: Contemporary art exhibitions.
  • Penang Glass Museum: Glass art and exhibits.
  • Armenian Street Park: Public park with green spaces.
  • Chew Jetty: Waterfront clan jetty with houses.
  • Penang Peranakan Heritage Mansion: Peranakan heritage site.
  • Penang Municipal Park (Youth Park): Recreational park with a suspension bridge.
Penang Bridge

Penang Bridge

Penang Safety Tips

  1. Use authorized transportation.
  2. Exercise caution in traffic.
  3. Be aware of common scams, especially in tourist areas.
  4. Respect local temples and cultural sites.
  5. Be mindful of health and weather conditions.
  6. Learn and adhere to local customs.
  7. Use reputable vendors for street food.
  8. Keep belongings secure in crowded areas.
  9. Stay informed about local events.
  10. Ask for permission before taking photographs, respecting people’s privacy.

Penang Budget Travel Tips

  • Stay: Choose budget-friendly accommodations in areas like Georgetown or Batu Ferringhi.

  • Local Transport: Use affordable public buses or explore on foot to save on transportation.

  • Street Food Paradise: Indulge in delicious and affordable street food, especially in places like Gurney Drive.

  • Explore Street Art in Georgetown: Wander through Georgetown to discover vibrant street art for free.

  • Visit Penang Hill (Optional): Consider a budget-friendly trip to Penang Hill with its panoramic views.

  • Relax on Batu Ferringhi Beach: Enjoy the free and beautiful beaches of Batu Ferringhi.

  • Penang National Park (Optional): Explore Penang National Park for nature trails and pristine beaches.

  • Local Markets: Shop for souvenirs and local goods at affordable prices in markets like Batu Ferringhi Night Market.

  • Kek Lok Si Temple (Optional): Visit Kek Lok Si, a significant Buddhist temple; there’s an entry fee to certain areas.

  • Free Attractions in Little India: Explore Little India in Georgetown for a taste of the vibrant culture.

Penang Photography Tips

  • Street Art in George Town: Capture vibrant murals around the city.
  • Penang Hill: Photograph panoramic views of George Town.
  • Kek Lok Si Temple: Document intricate Buddhist architecture.
  • Peranakan Mansion: Capture Baba Nyonya heritage at this historic site.
  • Chew Jetty: Photograph stilted houses and daily life on the jetty.
  • Penang National Park: Capture landscapes, beaches, and wildlife.
  • Penang Street Food: Document the diverse and delicious street food.
  • Clan Jetties: Explore Chinese waterfront settlements.
  • Blue Mansion: Photograph the distinctive blue heritage building.
  • Butterfly Farm: Document vibrant butterfly species.
  • Little India: Capture the lively cultural scenes.
  • Floating Mosque: Photograph the scenic mosque, especially at sunset.

Travel Essencial

  1. Street Art in George Town: Capture vibrant murals around the city.
  2. Penang Hill: Photograph panoramic views of George Town.
  3. Kek Lok Si Temple: Document intricate Buddhist architecture.
  4. Peranakan Mansion: Capture Baba Nyonya heritage at this historic site.
  5. Chew Jetty: Photograph stilted houses and daily life on the jetty.
  6. Penang National Park: Capture landscapes, beaches, and wildlife.
  7. Penang Street Food: Document the diverse and delicious street food.
  8. Clan Jetties: Explore Chinese waterfront settlements.
  9. Blue Mansion: Photograph the distinctive blue heritage building.
  10. Butterfly Farm: Document vibrant butterfly species.
  11. Little India: Capture the lively cultural scenes.
  12. Floating Mosque: Photograph the scenic mosque, especially at sunset.
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Adventure Activities

  • Street Art Exploration in George Town: Roam the streets to find vibrant murals and street art installations.

  • Penang Hill Funicular Ride: Ascend the hill for panoramic views of the island via a scenic funicular ride.

  • Penang National Park Adventure: Explore nature trails, pristine beaches, and the canopy walkway.

  • Kek Lok Si Temple Visit: Marvel at the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia with intricate architecture.

  • Penang Peranakan Mansion Tour: Step back in time with a visit to this well-preserved Peranakan heritage mansion.

  • Penang Street Food Feast: Indulge in the diverse culinary delights at hawker stalls and local eateries.

  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Exploration: Admire the iconic blue mansion and its historical significance.

  • Clan Jetties Cultural Walk: Experience the unique lifestyle of the water villages along the wooden jetties.

Seasonal Events

  • Thaipusam: January/February
  • Chinese New Year: January/February
  • George Town Festival: July/August
  • Hungry Ghost Festival: August
  • Penang International Food Festival (PIFF): April
  • Nine Emperor Gods Festival: October
  • Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta: February

Local Attraction​

  • George Town: The capital city, known for its UNESCO-listed historic center with colonial architecture and vibrant street art.

  • Penang Hill: A hill station offering panoramic views of the island, accessible by a funicular railway.

  • Kek Lok Si Temple: The largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, featuring a stunning pagoda and intricate architecture.

  • Penang Street Art: Explore the streets of George Town to discover colorful murals and wrought-iron caricatures.

  • Penang National Park: Home to diverse flora and fauna, with trekking trails and the popular Canopy Walk.

  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion): A historic Chinese mansion showcasing traditional architecture and offering guided tours.

  • Penang Peranakan Mansion: A museum displaying the Peranakan heritage and culture with antiques and artifacts.

  • Penang Butterfly Farm: A tropical garden with a wide variety of butterflies, insects, and reptiles.

  • Penang Clan Jetties: Waterfront settlements showcasing traditional wooden houses built on stilts.

  • Gurney Drive: A popular seafront promenade known for its hawker stalls and delicious street food.

Related Other Information about Penang

Nearest Place to Visit

  • George Town: City center and cultural hub.
  • Penang Hill: About 6 km from George Town.
  • Kek Lok Si Temple: Around 12 km from George Town.
  • Penang National Park: Approximately 25 km from George Town.
  • Penang Butterfly Farm: About 17 km from George Town.
  • Penang Peranakan Mansion: Located in George Town.
  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion): In George Town.