Is Penang Worth Visiting? Things to Know Before Your Trip

They are also perfect for the likeminded traveller wanting to make new friends while enjoying memorable destinations and shared experiences.

Penang Organised Tour Example

This all-inclusive tour of Penang is possibly one of Asia’s greatest adventures. The tour is an 18-day Asian extravaganza that gives you two days in Penang and includes a fabulous range of Asian destinations.

Places visited include:

• Singapore
• Malacca
• Kuala Lumpur
• Cameron Highlands
• Penang
• Phuket
• Hua Hin
• Bangkok

Click here for reviews and to book an 18-day Asian extravaganza

If you prefer to take Penang day tours or explore independently, we have more Penang tourist information and tips below.

3 Day Penang Itinerary Ideas

The beauty of taking a Penang day tour is that you save time by ticking off a large quantity of attractions in one go. This allows you to return to your favourite places or enjoy down time in Penang. 

For those wanting to take Penang day tours we share a Penang 3-day itinerary which gives a good overview of historic George Town and the surrounding island.

Penang Itinerary Day 1

This full day Penang tour is good value as it takes you to a wide variety of George Town tourist attractions and scenic Penang Hill.

Full Day Penang Tour Highlights:

• Kek Lok Si Temple                                                          
• Penang Hill
• Street Art Penang
• Pinang Peranakan Mansion
• Chaiya Mangalaram Thai Buddhist Temple
• Chew Jetty
• Khoo Kongsi

Click here to book the Full Day Penang Tour

Penang Itinerary Day 2

What better way to experience Penang’s culinary delights than to take a food tour. This Penang Plates Food Tour gives you an introduction into Penang’s culinary scene as you explore the streets of Little India and Chinatown.

Penang Plates Food Tour Highlights:

• 15 Food Tastings within Little India and China Town

*Note that this tour may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Click here to book the Penang Plates Food Tour

Penang Itinerary Day 3

When you visit Penang, you will find that the island is more than the city and beaches that tourists flock too. Seemingly a world away from the hustle and bustle of George Town are lush green rural landscapes that are home to quiet country towns and fishing villages.  

Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour Highlights:

• Balik Pulau Town
• Kuala Sungai Pinang Fishing Village
• Saanen Dairy Goat Farm
• Sungai Rusa Countryside

Click here to book the Half-Day Penang Countryside Cycling Tour

Is Penang Worth Visiting Independently?

Penang is an easy place to visit for the independent traveller. The attractions of George Town are within easy walking distance of each other, and you can cover a lot in one day. Of course, how much you cover will depend on your heat tolerance as it is hot and humid throughout the day.

Using Grab taxi makes it easy to get around but do keep in mind that traffic can get busy and come to almost a stand still at certain parts of the day.  

We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Penang, and our only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. Here is an introduction into the treasures of Penang Malaysia.

George Town Attractions

Is Penang worth visiting for historical attractions? George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the historic heart of Penang. The city was the first English settlement in Southeast Asia, and this can be seen in the grand Victorian administrative buildings of this bygone era.

Surrounding these majestic buildings are character filled Chinese shophouses, the stilted houses of the Clan Jetties and the lively Little India area. Within these streets you will find a colourful collection of street art, temples and mosques.

George Town is jampacked with places of historical importance and tourist attractions, here are some of the top places to visit in George Town.

George Town Street Art Scene

Is Penang worth visiting for street art? If you love street art strolling through the laneways of George Town is a real treat. The city uses art to tell the story of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site through a vibrant collection of wall murals and steel rod caricatures.  

Marking George Town – Steel Rod Sculptures

Scattered throughout George Town are over fifty steel rod caricatures which tell the history of Penang under the theme “Voices of the People”. These often-hilarious caricatures are the creation of artists Tang Mun Kian, Lefty, Reggie Lee and Baba Chuah and they are filled with wit and humour.

George Town Street Art

In and around Armenian Street are a colourful collection of wall murals depicting daily life in George Town. Some combine artworks with physical objects, these include “Brother and Sister On Swing”, “Children Playing Basketball” and possibly the most famous, “Kids On Bicycle” by artist Ernest Zacharevic.

Armenian Street

As well as being the site of many street art murals, Armenian Street is home to a charming collection of boutiques and shops, restaurants and temples.

Shooting off the street are alleyways shaded with multicoloured umbrellas, here you can go hunting for more street art gems. As you walk around the area you will see the brightly decorated trishaws that offer tours around George Town.

Armenian Street also marks the entrance to Cheah Kongsi, the oldest Hokkien clan association in Penang.

Little India

It’s easy to find your way too Little India, the melodic throb of Indian music instantly lures you to the centre of this bustling neighbourhood.

Lusciously embroidered saris, traditional Indian jewellery and homewares shops tempt you to come in and browse. The heady smell of spices from the food stalls and restaurants announce that you have arrived in Little India.

The Clan Jetties

The Clan Jetties were Chinese fishing and stevedore communities that were housed in floating villages built over the sea. Today the remaining Clan Jetties belong to the Ong, Lim, Chew, Tan, Lee, mixed and Yeoh clans.

These simple dwellings are a reminder of George Town’s past and the multi-cultural diversity of the city. Here are two of the must-see clan jetties on a visit to George Town, the Chew Jetty and the Lee Jetty.

Chew Jetty

Chew Jetty is one of the most visited clan jetties. Along with a collection of houses you will find shops selling clothing, art and souvenirs.

The highlight of Chew Jetty is the character filled murals that decorate the dark wooden walls of the buildings that overlook the sea.

Lee Jetty

If you are after one of the most beautiful photos of George Town head straight over to Lee Jetty. As you walk along the narrow wooden walkway take time to admire the collection of small family homes that line the jetty.  

Continue walking down the walkway to the end of the jetty. Here the sea opens out to the horizon and red and gold lanterns sway gently in the breeze.

Temples & Mosques

Is Penang worth visiting for culture and religious sites? When you explore the streets of George Town you will stumble upon a large collection of mosques, temples and churches. Some of these include the Han Jiang Ancestral Temple, the Acheen Street Malay Mosque and Khoo Kongsi.

It is surprising to see these vastly different religions living side by side. Within a short walk you will find the Kapitan Keling Mosque, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Goddess of Mercy Temple and St George’s Church.

Kapitan Keling Mosque

The Kapitan Keling Mosque is the most prominent mosque in Penang. The mosque was originally built in 1803 with materials from India for the Indian Muslim settlers. The mosque was expanded and renovated over the years with the current mosque being built in 1916.

Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Sri Mahamariamman Temple was built on the site of a shrine in 1833 and is the oldest Hindu temple in the state. The temple can be found in the centre of Little India not far from the Kapitan Keling Mosque.

The entrance to this historic Hindu temple is adorned with golden archways and brightly hued statues of gods and goddesses.  

Sri Mahamariamman Temple is the starting point for the annual Penang Thaipusam Festival procession. Thaipusam is a Hindu festival which falls in either late January or early February coinciding with the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai.

Goddess of Mercy Temple

The Goddess of Mercy Temple or Kuan Yin Temple as it is also known was built in 1800 by the Hokkien and Cantonese communities and is the oldest Chinese temple in Penang.

The temple is dedicated to the Buddhist Bodhisattva of Mercy, Guan Yin. The sweet smell of incense drifts off the large decorative incense sticks which stand at the entrance of the grounds. Inside are alters surrounded by rich golden drapery and deep red lanterns.

St George’s Church

When you get your first glimpse of St. Georges Church you can easily imagine the church being right at home in the English countryside.  

St. Georges Church is the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia and was completed in 1818. The building was considerably damaged during the Japanese occupation of Malaya during WWII. Today the church is one of the National Treasures of Malaysia.

The Esplanade

The Esplanade is a heritage zone which marks the spot where Sir Francis Light claimed Penang Island for the British Empire in 1786. Surrounding this picturesque seaside walk and park are a collection of heritage buildings, the Town Hall, City Hall, Fort Cornwallis and the Queen Victoria Clock Tower.

Town Hall

Town Hall is a buttery yellow and white confection of Victorian architectural splendour. Opened in 1880 the Town Hall has been used as a municipal office, a private college and is currently run as a venue for civic events.

Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis was built by the British East India Company between 1804 and 1805. This impressive brick fort replaced the original palm trunk stockade built in 1786. The high walls of the fort feature cannon installations and a steel lighthouse was erected in the grounds in 1882.  

Queen Victoria Clock Tower

The Queen Victoria Clock Tower was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The clock tower was paid for by Penang millionaire Cheah Chen Eok and presented to George Town in 1902.

City Hall

City Hall was built in 1903 and is another prime example of Victorian architecture. Gleaming bright white, the hall was used by the Municipal Council and was the first building in Penang with electric lights and fans.

Where to Eat in George Town

Is Penang worth visiting for culinary tourism? One of the best ways to discover the essence of a destination is through its cuisine.

George town has an extensive choice of dining styles. You can eat cheap and cheerful at a hawker centre or try one of the myriad of Chinese, Indian, Malay and western style restaurants within George Town.

The Jetty Food Court is across the road from Chew Jetty and serves a wide selection of local Penang dishes. If you are feeling a little spicy, the Little India neighbourhood will have you covered.

For an authentic foodie experience head over to the Chulia Street Night Market hawker stalls. Here you can pull up a chair and soak up the atmosphere as you watch vendors cooking up a mouth-watering selection of dishes.

Top dishes to try on a visit to Penang Malaysia:

• Char Koay Teow – Stir fried rice noodles with prawns, egg and bean sprouts
• Nasi Kandar – Curried meat and vegetable dish served with rice
• Penang Assam Laksa – Sour & spicy noodle dish
• Cendol – Sweet treat of green jelly noodles, shaved ice, kidney beans and coconut milk

Where to Stay in George Town

The best places to stay in the heart of the action of George Town are around Armenian Street, Chulia Street and Little India.

Within these areas you will find that many of the hotels are housed in old shop houses. For old world luxury you can’t go past the historic Eastern & Oriental hotel.

Penang Hill & The Habitat

Is Penang worth visiting for nature? Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera as it is known in Malay is made up of several hills with Flagstaff Hill being the main attraction. During the British colonial era the cooler climate made it a welcome refuge from the humid heat of the coast.

Today the area is part of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and listed in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Penang Hill

Escape the frenetic energy of the city with a funicular ride up to Penang Hill. Once there you can admire the views overlooking Penang and explore the lush greenery of this biosphere reserve.

Be on the lookout for dusky leaf monkeys and black giant squirrels. If you are hungry grab a quick bite to eat at the Cliff Café.

Penang Hill is a place that shouldn’t be missed on a trip to Penang. There is so much more to see and do once you get to Penang Hill.

Click here to book the Penang Hill Funicular Ticket

The Habitat

When you enter “The Habitat” get ready to be enthralled by the flora and fauna of this 130-million-year-old rainforest. You could easily spend the day walking along the 1.6km trail, visiting the butterfly garden, bromeliad pavilion and outdoor theatre.

Step into the rainforest canopy on the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk or test your fear of heights on the Langur Way Canopy Walk, the longest double span stressed ribbon bridge in the world.

Click here to book The Habitat Penang Hill Ticket

Penang Beaches

Is Penang worth visiting for a beach holiday? Being an island Penang has its fair share of picturesque beaches. If you are looking for a beach holiday in Penang look no further than the beaches of Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi.

*Note jellyfish may be present in the waters surrounding Penang.

Tanjung Bungah Beach

Tanjung Bungah is a pretty beach surrounded by hotel and condominium complexes. The beach is quiet and perfect for those wanting a peaceful seaside holiday away from the crowds.

If you are feeling hungry the Viva Local Food Haven hawker centre is within walking distance of the beach. From Tanjung Bungah the attractions of George Town are a 25-minute drive, and the shopping of Gurney Plaza is a 15-minute drive.

Where to Stay in Tanjung Bungah Beach

Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi is one of Penang’s most famous beaches. This lively area is home to seaside resorts, beach bars and restaurants, vibrant night markets and a selection of water sports including jet-skiing and parasailing.

From Batu Ferringhi the attractions of George Town are a 35-minute drive, and the shopping of Gurney Plaza is a 25-minute drive.

Where to Stay in Batu Ferringhi

Where to Eat in Batu Ferringhi

You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out in Batu Ferringhi. Along with the fine dining restaurants of the resorts you will find street food stalls and small family run restaurants serving a good selection of dishes.

During our stay we enjoyed a delicious lunch with expat friends at Knife and Fork Restaurant in the Eden Parade building across from the Shangri-La Golden Sands Resort.

Gurney Drive Shopping

Is Penang Worth visiting for shopping? If you want to shop in airconditioned comfort the shopping malls of Gurney offer you everything you need.

Both Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon are chock full of an interesting variety of shops and boutiques, electronics stores, cinemas and supermarkets.

Where to Eat in Gurney

Gurney Drive Hawker Centre has a fabulous laid-back atmosphere and is famous for its authentic and delicious range of local Penang dishes.  

Both Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon have food courts and small restaurants selling a wide range of Malaysian and international cuisines.

For a special treat you can choose one of the many restaurants in and around the G Hotel Gurney. If you want to relax with tea or a cocktail head straight up to the G Spot on level 3 of the G Hotel Gurney for views overlooking seafront parade.

Where to Stay in Gurney

Gurney is a good place to reside if you are planning a long stay in Malaysia. The area is surrounded by condominium complexes which ensure a home away from home on your visit to Penang.

Both Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon house supermarkets that stock many western style staples. The closeness to restaurants and the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre allows you to get a taste of living in Penang.

How to get to Penang

For most people travelling to Penang the first port of call will be Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Other transport options from Kuala Lumpur to Penang include flights, bus and train.

Penang By Air

There are multiple flights from Kuala Lumpur to Penang daily. Popular carriers along this route are Malaysia Airlines, Batik air and Firefly. The direct flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is one hour.

You will also find direct international flights into Penang International Airport from Singapore and Bangkok.

Penang International Airport is 18km from George Town and the trip takes around forty minutes by car depending on traffic. Make sure to take traffic into consideration if you are catching a flight as traffic can get heavy throughout the day.

Kuala Lumpur to Penang Sentral by Train & Bus

The Kuala Lumpur to Penang train and many of the Kuala Lumpur to Penang buses arrive at Penang Sentral in Butterworth which is on the mainland. To get from Butterworth to George Town on Penang Island you can either take the ferry or a taxi.

Butterworth to George Town is a 23km drive and takes around twenty minutes depending on traffic. When planning your return trip give yourself plenty of time as the traffic can get heavy especially during peak hour.

Penang by Ferry

The Penang Ferry takes passengers and vehicles across the Penang Strait from Butterworth on the mainland to George Town on Penang Island.

The ferry leaves from Penang Sentral and is a short fifteen-minute journey from Butterworth (Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim) to George Town (Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda).

More Penang Travel Tips

Penang Weather

Penang has a tropical monsoon climate with the wettest months being between April and September. The best time to visit Penang is during the dry season from December to February.

Currency

The currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit. Though credit card is accepted in most upmarket establishments, cash is the preferred method of payment at hawker centres and small local restaurants.

Penang Transport

The easiest way to get around Penang is with Grab taxi. Just download the Grab App to your phone and either add your credit card for direct payment or pay in cash.

Language

When visiting multicultural Malaysia, you will find that English is widely spoken along with the Malay, Chinese and Indian languages.

Last Words on Is Penang Worth Visiting? Things to Know Before Your Trip

Is Penang Worth Visiting? There is so much to see and do in Penang Malaysia and we have only scratched the surface. If you are planning a trip to Malaysia, make sure to put Penang on your list of places to visit.

Have you been to Penang Malaysia? What was your favourite attraction on this captivating island? Feel free to comment we would love to hear from you.

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