I’ve travelled to Malaysia several times now, but if I had to choose one place that truly stayed with me, it would be Penang.
Penang is home to about 1.8 million people, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, and it’s a vibrant mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian communities.
Quiet moments by the Queensbay waterfront, Penang, Malaysia
Penang Island lies just off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. If you are traveling by air, the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Penang takes about one hour, with plenty of budget-friendly options costing around 23 to 50 USD one way.
Airlines such as Batik Air, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and others operate frequent daily flights, making Penang an easy and convenient destination to reach. To compare prices and book your ticket, use Trip.com here.
Moments before take-off with Batik Air.
You can also travel to Penang by bus from Kuala Lumpur via TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan). Bus tickets usually cost around 12 to 15 USD, and the journey takes about 5 hours. Check bus schedules and prices on Omio.
Penang has a rare balance that’s hard to find elsewhere. You get rich history in George Town, world-class Asian street food including Malaysian, Chinese, Korean, Thailandi and others, warm tropical weather, friendly locals, and a mix of lively city life with calm natural surroundings.
One moment you’re exploring colonial buildings, temples, and vibrant street art, and within a short drive you’re surrounded by greenery or relaxing along the Andaman Sea.
A colourful trishaw ride at night. This is classic Penang.
What I personally love most is how effortless Penang feels for travelers. It’s easy to get around, easy on the budget, and welcoming even if it’s your first time in Southeast Asia.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a foodie, a digital nomad, or just looking for a relaxed holiday, Penang fits beautifully.
Malaysia Visa Requirements
Citizens of certain countries are exempt from the Visa. These include, among others, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Maldives, Mauritius, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and several Caribbean and Pacific island nations.
According to the official Immigration Department listing, citizens of certain countries are required to apply for a e-visa before entering Malaysia. These include countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, Colombia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Niger, Rwanda, and several others. The processing period for an eVISA is 2 to 7 working days and can be applied through Immigration Department of Malaysia website.
Chinese nationals are allowed to enter Malaysia without a visa for tourism and social visits of up to 30 days per entry.
Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa exemption until 31 December 2026, allowing them to enter Malaysia for short social visits without applying for a visa.
Please check the official visa requirements for your country here before planning your trip.
At the top of Penang Hill, one of the most iconic attractions in Penang.
Best Time to Visit Penang
Penang experiences a tropical climate throughout the year, which means warm temperatures and humidity are constant companions.
Even so, some months are more comfortable for travel than others. From December to February, the weather is generally drier, making it the most popular time to visit. During this period, days feel brighter, walking around George Town is more pleasant, and beach time becomes far more enjoyable.
A rainy night in Penang.
Despite being considered peak season, Penang remains surprisingly budget-friendly. Accommodation prices stay reasonable, street food costs remain low, and local transport is affordable, so travelling during these months does not put unnecessary pressure on your budget.
If you travel outside this window, you may experience occasional heavy rain, especially between June and October, but these showers are usually short and do not last all day. Many travellers prefer this quieter period, as the city feels less crowded and more relaxed.
Getting around in Penang
Grab is the most used ride‑hailing app in Penang and is generally not too expensive, although fares can vary during peak hours.
On my recent trip, grab rides usually cost between 5 RM (1.23 USD) and 30 RM (10 USD), depending on the route and time of day.
Local buses cover almost all major attractions in Penang. They are frequent, very affordable, and typically cost between 1.40 RM (0.35 USD) and 2.40 RM (0.59 USD), depending on your journey. Note that drivers do not give change, so make sure you carry coins if you plan to use the bus.
Rapid Penang evenings: cheap, easy rides around the island.
Komtar is the main bus terminal, and from there you can catch buses to almost anywhere on the island.
If you are staying in the centre of George Town, around Love Lane, Armenian Street, Muntri Street, or nearby areas, many attractions can easily be reached on foot. Popular places such as the Clan Jetties, Little India, Armenian Street, Love Lane, and various local street food stalls are all within walking distance.
Love Lane, Penang – heritage streets and chill vibes.
Top Things to do in Penang
Penang has everything a traveler could want: a historic old town packed with street food stalls and murals, beaches along the Andaman Sea, modern malls like Queensbay Mall and Gurney Plaza, and the famous Penang Hill.
Queensbay Mall, Penang – evening lights and mall vibes.
Penang Hill, known as Bukit Bendera in Malay, is one of the top attractions on the island. It is covered in lush rainforest, with rich plant and animal life, and offers cooler air and beautiful views over George Town. Plan to set aside 5–6 hours for your Penang Hill visit, including transport and time at the top.
Rapid Penang bus 204 goes directly to the Penang Hill lower station; other routes drop you farther away and require additional walking. For convenience, taking Grab or bus 204 is usually the easiest option.
Once you arrive at the lower station, you will need to join the queue to buy funicular tickets: around 18 RM for a standard return ticket and 40 RM for the express lane (prices may change, so check on site).
Ticket counter at Penang Hill – checking fares before the funicular ride up.
It took a little over an hour from buying my standard ticket to actually boarding the funicular. The funicular ride itself was quick, around five minutes to the top, with beautiful greenery on both sides the whole way.
Penang Hill funicular ride through the rainforest.
At the top, the air felt slightly cooler and there were amazing views of George Town. A short walk up the stairs bring you to Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan temple and the Penang Hill Mosque. You will also find a few cafés and souvenir shops, plus a small playground for kids.
Pathway to Penang Hill Mosque (Masjid Bukit Bendera).
Spending a few hours here in the late afternoon and staying through sunset is a great way to enjoy Penang Hill, as many families come up to relax and take in the views.
100 years of Penang Hill Railway – a century of climbs and views.
You can also visit The Habitat at Penang Hill, which offers extra rainforest experiences for an additional fee, taking you deeper into the jungle that covers much of the hill. Another popular spot at the top is David Brown’s Restaurant, which is well known for its views and is highly recommended for a visit.
Climbing up to David Brown’s, Penang Hill’s hilltop garden restaurant.
The next must‑do is exploring George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage area with plenty to see and do. Staying in George Town makes it easy to visit the main sights and experience Penang’s nightlife, and you can book your accommodation through Booking.com.
Penang is famous for its street art. As you walk through the streets of George Town, particularly Armenian Street, you will see murals everywhere. One of the most iconic pieces is the laughing child on a bicycle, which appears on walls and on souvenir bags in the shops along this street.
Cycling street‑art tote – a cute Penang souvenir inspired by George Town’s famous murals.
You can also take a ride on a trishaw (a three‑wheeled bicycle taxi) along Armenian Street, where a man often sings live music on the corner, and many of the main souvenir shops are located.
Classic red trishaw waiting for its next ride in George Town, Penang.
There are numerous old mosques and temples throughout George Town, such as Kapitan Keling Mosque, built in the 19th century by Indian Muslim traders, and Kuan Yin Teng Temple, which dates back to the early 1800s and is one of the city’s most important Chinese temples.
One of George Town’s liveliest nightlife spots is Love Lane, which was once a street where wealthy merchants kept their mistresses. The lane is lined with bars and cafés, and it becomes busy at night with music and people.
Love Lane, Penang – colourful shophouses and cozy bars
Little India is another must‑visit area in George Town, just a few minutes’ walk from Armenian Street. As soon as you step in, you hear Bollywood songs, smell spicy curries, and pass jewellery, flower and colourful clothing shops on every corner. There is even a busy Indian chai café nearby, packed with people sipping hot tea and chatting.
Colourful welcome gate to Little India, Penang
If you’d like to walk a bit further, the Clan Jetties are just a few minutes’ walk from Little India. In the 19th century, Chinese immigrant clans settled along Penang’s waterfront, building six wooden stilt villages now known as the Clan Jetties.
Lantern‑lit night stroll at the Clan Jetties, Penang.
As soon as you step inside, you’ll see houses built on wooden platforms. Many Chinese families still live on the jetties today, which makes the area one of the city’s most fascinating places to explore.
Wooden lantern-lit doorway on Penang’s historic Clan Jetties.
After the walk through George Town, it is finally time to talk about food. Penang is often called the food capital of Malaysia, and it truly lives up to the name.
As you wander around George Town, you find food everywhere – from busy street carts to small local restaurants, people are always enjoying their favourite Asian dishes. The food scene is incredibly diverse, and there is something for every taste. Some must-try dishes are Nasi Lemak, Ayam Goreng, Penang Laksa, Char Kway Teow, Nasi Kandar, Tom Yam and many more local specialties.
Colourful street food cart in George Town, loaded with skewers and snacks.
I stopped at a local spot called Makan Pagi, and it was excellent in both taste and service. The food felt very authentic, so I definitely recommend it if you want to try local dishes. There is usually a long wait during lunch or dinner time, but it is absolutely worth visiting and trying.
Cozy Makan Pagi in George Town
There are a few Arabic restaurants in George Town, and all of them are much more expensive than the local food. Halab is a fine-dining restaurant that I tried and really liked for its service, but the taste is not the same as traditional Arabic dishes. You can find Shawarma, Mandi, Kabsa, Maklouba, grilled items and Arabic tea there. Halab is better than the other Arabic restaurants nearby.
Halab: tasty Arabic food with great service in George Town.
You can also order food online using Grab if you prefer delivery instead of dining in.
Batu Ferringhi is one of my favourite spots. There are many hotels and resorts in the area if you want to stay nearby. I took bus 102 from the Love Lane bus stop, which goes directly to Batu Ferringhi beach, and the fare was 2.4 RM (0.59 USD).
I visited during the day, but if you go in the evening and stay late into the night, there is a street food market close by.
Quiet morning on Batu Ferringhi beach