Why Visit Penang?
There are numerous reasons you should visit Penang, which is a small island in Malaysia, colorful, multicultural capital of the Malaysian island of Penang.
Beyond the old town, George Town is a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping malls. Verdant Penang Hill, with hiking and a funicular railway, overlooks it all.
Georgetown in itself is worth a full day for most people for UNESCO, hawker stalls which are mainly generations owned, plus much much more.
So will you want to visit Penang?
So what are the numerous reasons you will want to visit Penang? Well here’s a few more reasons why you should visit Penang and travel to this fabulous Island, Penang beaches, Penang sun, Penang food and beverages, Unesco street art.
Penang heritage zones, Penang attractions, Penang adventure, Penang parks and gardens, Penang shopping, and spas
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Most of all, the Penangites people are just so charming, friendly and hospitable and in general, Penang is a very reasonable place for any budget throughout Asia and as we have traveled to most S.E.A countries, we would say, it ticks the most boxes of what we are looking for, hence this being our second home.
Another reason why you should visit Penang
Table of contents
- Penang airport transportation
- Visas
- Everyday transportation
- Weather
- Culture
- Food
- Entertainment and activities
- Beaches
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Romantic getaways
- Places close by
- Book your trip: logical tips and tricks
Penang Airport Transportation
Penang has a fairly comprehensive public transportation system. To make your way into town from the Penang International Airport, you can take a taxi, bus, an airport transfer or hire a car.
Taxi
Taxis at the airport operate on a coupon system – buy a coupon beforehand from inside the terminal.
A trip to Georgetown (an 18km journey) will take approximately 25 minutes and should cost between RM40 – RM 60, depending on the taxi size. Conversely, the distance to Batu Ferringhi is about 30.5km away – a 55-minute journey from the airport.
Or book a grab if you have the app and data when you land even cheaper!
Bus
There are a number of bus lines available from Penang International Airport – there is even a Rapid Penang bus that goes into the city, but due to its many stops, it takes quite a while to make its way into Georgetown:
If you are in a hurry, grab a cab. These buses run every 30 minutes, between 06:35 and 23:00.
Yacht
Experience the yachting lifestyle by cruising to destinations of your choice. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in the serenity at sea with the relaxing sound of waves in the background for an unforgettable adventure.
Well, there are also various other numerous reasons you will want to visit Penang! So below we will go into more detail with our insights, tips, and tricks for making the most of your visit to Penang. Also what we have encountered, while living in such a beautiful place.
You Won’t Be Disappointed, We Guarantee That!
Visa’s:
With an entrance on arrival for most countries, you will receive a 3-month social tourist visa, this isn’t multiple entries.
So once you leave, the visa finishes, however, many ex-pats/tourists leave and return again in another 3 months and as of this moment, the Malaysian government doesn’t class this like many other countries as a visa/border run.
Plus if you do want to stay longer or class this has your second home. Read this link: Six reasons to retire or semi-retire in Penang.
#1 Transportation:
Many buses which are spotless, like new and run all around the island, most are running every ten minutes and very cheap.
Example George Town Main depot next to the Ferry terminal for Butterworth to Batu Ferringhi, NorthWest 2.50 Ringgit, that’s less than 50 pence English money and regular services every ten minutes 101 Bus.
Grab taxis are available throughout the island via their App and cost from anything for a short 4km journey of 5 Ringgit upwards.
By Air: Penang is easily accessible by air with daily flights from major airports in the country and the region. The Penang International Airport is about 20km from the city center.
Taxis are plying the route following the coupon system where fares between the airport and various destinations in Penang are fixed.
#2 Weather
Personally, I’ve been here for eight months now mainly due to the virus, but what a place to be on lockdown!
I very rarely see it rain during the day and if I do it’s not a tropical storm like you would see in Vietnam Or Philippines or Thailand.
A slow trickle, I would best describe it, and sometimes needed, however, after the sundowners, the weather can open up a wee bit. But mainly rains during the night and is needed obviously for the greener.
#3 Culture:
Georgetown is abundant with it. What’s more, it’s a UNESCO heritage site with Wall Murals | Urban Exchange | Wire Sculptures
Life in Penang is a rich blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan, and European influences. Heritage isn’t confined to museums and can be found thriving along with the city’s five-foot ways
Thus providing a vibrant living celebration of George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage status. You’ll experience a spirit of authenticity and joy in its traditional festivals, stunning architecture, spontaneous street art, and old-world charm.
Penang’s quirky murals and street art have made international headlines. Around every street corner is a work of art waiting to be discovered!
#4 Food:
Best food in Penang
- Char Kway Teow – Siam Road Char Kway Teow. …
- Assam Laksa – Air Itam Bisu Laksa. …
- Hokkien Prawn Noodles – CY Choy Road Hokkien Mee. …
- Cendol – Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul. …
- Nasi Kandar – Natrah Nasi Kandar. …
- Pasembur – Famous Gani Pasembur. …
- Nasi Lemak – Ali Nasi Lemak. …
- Wanton Noodles – Lebuh Chulia.
- Beach Blanket Babylon. This is a beautiful white mansion structured building that hides hidden gems, such as a ballroom, many dining areas, and a walkthrough to dine looking at the sea. We had the Lamb Shank and 3 beers cost 128 Ringgit.
- Beach Blanket is part of the portfolio of fine dining restaurants by the YKH Group which includes Suffolk House – Chulia Court, the Tavern – Three Sixty Rooftop Bar, and others. Verdict: On my list of trying other dishes while watching the world go by!
- Kim Haus: Located in Georgetown UNESCO Historic Site Address: 9 & 11, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang. A Slice Of Goldsmith In Georgetown. Building a dream on one man’s vision morphed into what is now Kim Haus.
- What was once the headquarters of prestigious jewelry, the Penang Kim How is now Kim Haus Loft. The team managed to retain the history & heritage of Georgetown yet developed a hip place for the new age travelers which contains 40 rooms.
- The building facade had been retained as original meanwhile the interior has been placed with a conceptualized walkabout goldsmith’s museum. Not only that, the name also has been somewhat retained as Kim Haus, originating from the word Kim How.
- Rough Luxx Industrial design rooms that are perfectly formed & loaded with creature comforts and perfect for short breaks.
- Savory, Sweet, Healthy or Sheer Indulgence, our bakery has it all. Fresh bread straight from the oven like the Low-GI and Rye Loaf.
- Whelmed by our Chef G, the cafe offers a menu like no other. Try out our chef’s amazing creations such as Salmon De Gardo, Prawn Arrabiata, Grilled lamb shoulder, and the list goes on.
- Staging some of Malaysia’s upcoming talents, we have followers of singers & songwriters. Acoustic performance is among the nightly acts hosted on our live floor. Some go on to be endorsed musicians and also recording artists!
More breathtaking Penang food
- Smoke Papa: The family-owned Smoke Papa in the Jetty food court. After a tip from Penang insider, I decided tonight’s meal was going to be Smoked Ribs and Smoked Chicken.
- I Haven’t had ribs for years. Well, the 27 Ringgit meal blew me away and left me feeling like a big Texan rancher. Two ribs are a great size and have lots of meat. coleslaw, mashed potato with cream, delicious! spice rice, chicken leg, and breast with sauces, homemade little bread buns. 3 side sauces.
One of the best eateries in Penang and the court has a wide choice!
- The owners came over and said hello and the child, he’s going to break some hearts with his charm and enthusiasm of being around you! The lady is from Vietnam and the husband Penangnite and gained his smoked experience in Singapore.18 months under their belt in the court, it has success written all over it to grow!!
- The food court is possibly the cleanest I’ve ever seen one as you could eat your food off the floor, so well done Jetty Food Court. Pleasant ambiance mixture of people all drinking big bottles of Carlsberg sponsored by LFC by the look of it as they are now the English champions. shame I support Leeds, but we can celebrate this year for them.
- The Smoke Pappa is at the back of the court to the right. A must if you like Texan food:) I will be back for a definite if only to see the lad and say goodbye!
#5 Entertainment/Activities
- Love Lane, backpackers street within George Town‘s UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a narrow lane that runs from north to south, linking Farquhar Street and Chulia Street. Today, the rustic shophouses along Love Lane have been converted into budget hostels, trendy cafes, and bars.
- It is unknown how exactly Love Lane got its name. Several theories abound, ranging from a British officer who was supposedly named Love to the Shi’ite Muslim practice of self-flagellation.
- What was known was that, true to its name, the lane was once teeming with brothels, while some Peranakan and Chinese businessmen also kept their mistresses here.
- Penang night activity does exist but it varies from street to street in the center of Georgetown, however, if you have come for a rave it’s not that kind of place more of a chill-out music type of scene.
- You can find live music from time to time at places like Rockafella on Chulia Street. Hard Rock in Batu Ferringhi. Here is a list of Penang live music venues from our friends at Penang Foodie.
- Tropical Spice Garden: We have an article @ link
- The Escape Theme Park: Escape is a fun destination with exciting rides and games hosted in a natural environment.
- Escape re-introduces the play and values of yesteryear so as to inject reality into a world overdependent on an isolation-inducing electronic lifestyle. Through fun activities, with an emphasis on self-directed and self-powered play, the visitor experiences Low Tech, High Fun.
- The Habitat: The Penang Hill virgin jungle reserve area, on the fringe of which The Habitat sits, is believed to be part of Malaysia’s treasure trove of prehistoric rainforests dating back 130-million years old.
- Besides its rich biodiversity, it plays an important role as a primary water catchment area for Penang island. Video Li
More activities
- Lebuh Armenian to Discover Street Art: You have probably heard of Georgetown’s vibrant street art scene, which has become one of the island’s main tourist attractions in the last few years.
- UNESCO, Local and international artists decorate the streets with splendid murals. What makes these murals truly unique is the incorporation of objects in the paintings. For example, one of the most famous murals is a drawing of two young kids sitting on a real bicycle (in Lebuh Armenian street).
- Straits Quay Bars: Which is a shopping mall-cum-marina in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. Plenty to choose from including eateries while adoring the Marina and its activities.
- Penang Football Club: Into your football? Well, Penang has a successful side which as of 22/9/2020.
- It’s top of the Premiership league and has just been promoted into the Superleague.
- Penang’s ground is in Georgetown and can be easily accessed by bus or Grab.
Some of the Best of the Night Scene ( Don’t just take our advice though, as we’ve seen 3 generations come and go, being old .)
Chillout Club – The Gurney Hotel: Chillout Club is a multi-outlet club that consists of four main sections with international guest deejays spinning tracks that are sure to get people dancing every weekend in the Funk House and beautiful female deejays working for the crowd on Ladies’ Night every Wednesday.
Martini Café:Established in 2007, Martini Cafe is the only place along Gurney Drive. With a cool and casual ambiance, Martini Café is the perfect place to have a quiet drink.
It’s true to its name, the bar serves a wide range of martinis that can be arranged according to individual preference as well as the standard cocktails. Ladies get a free glass of the featured cocktail on Ladies’ Night.
And More to shake those hips
G Spot: G Spot is a lifestyle bar and lounge located on the first floor of Gurney Drive’s G Hotel that serves an array of a wide variety of signature martinis, cocktails, liquors, wine, and beers. Its chic style and elegant decor illuminated by soft red and blue lights provide the perfect ambiance for a posh evening of informal drinks and get-togethers.
Soju Room Penang: Soju Room is a great choice for those keen on the electronic dance music scene. Located in the basement level of Penang Times Square, music is loud and drinks are strong making it all the easier to move to the electronic beats at the nightly parties that go on here, which results in a weekly rave feel. Address, B2, Entertainment City, Times Square, Jalan Dato Keramat.
Keep Booging
Jammin Penang: I love the nightclub topping the popular Via Pre Italian restaurant in Pengkalan Weld, Jammin’ is best known for throwing down some pretty good salsa, bachata, and samba beats, and even has a weekly (Thursday) tango night.
One of the spiciest and newest social dance clubs in Georgetown, you can expect a crowd on the dance floor, which will make the irresistible idea of unleashing your inner sensual moves an easy decision.
Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Sky Bar: The first rooftop bar in Georgetown, Three Sixty Revolving Restaurant & Sky Bar is a two-level penthouse lounge topping the four-star Bayview Hotel along with Lebuh Farquhar.
A weekday happy hour must, it is divided into an indoor dining hall which does a slow 360-degree turn, while outside is an open-air lounge.
#6 Beaches:
There are many beaches in Penang and some fantastic ones, in fact, every one, That I’ve seen has a character like the Haunted beach, Or what I call a sundowner of a lifetime, every night, See this from Tourandtakein youtube channel
#7 Accommodation:
With an entrance on arrival to Penang, Malaysia for most countries, you receive a 3-month social tourist visa, this isn’t multiple, so once you leave, the visa finishes, but many ex-pats/tourists leave and return again on another 3 months.
Therefore, we choose to stay in Georgetown at first and see all the local sites and history within walking distance throughout.
We booked a shared house with seven rooms (SPOTLESS) named after the seven Continents which was spacious, shared kitchen, dining area, and had all the mod cons.
Our room was called the Antarctica room.
The staff was just a joy to be around, hence stopping and trying different rooms over a one-month period.
The location was central and very reasonably priced $16 P.N for what was on offer! Link here and receive $38 off your first accommodation through Airbnb with us. Rumahku Express.39, Lebuh Noordin, George Town .
We then decided just before the virus struck to find an apartment for 6 months in Batu Ferringhi.
Tip: go straight to the management offices of the developments, rather than the estate agents, as in Malaysia, some of the agents not only charge the landlord 10% of the rental fee but try and also charge the tenant that same fee.
No other Asian country I know of does this and I don’t know if it actually legal, but we refused, and after many years in real estate and knowing certain things, we negotiated a great deal and a lot for your money against European standards and costs.
Everyone should be a rock star once, treat yourself, you are worth it!! More details and pictures on the Malaysia destination page
#8 Shopping:
The diversity from Georgetown to the Gurney Drive shopping malls.
Gurney Plaza is a waterfront shopping mall in Penang. Opened in 2001, it has three anchor tenants: Parkson Grand, the 12-screen Golden Screen Cinemas, and Cold Storage supermarket.
Additionally, the nine-story mall houses over 380 stores with brands such as Coach, Fossil, Versace, and more. Gurney Paragon Mall is Penang’s best center for an eclectic mix of fashion trends.
The heritage-focused nine-story mall along Gurney Drive …
Which targets young shoppers looking for the unique and offbeat, these shops are focused on youth …
Penang also has bargain shopping malls such as The KOMTAR Penang complex, which incorporates Penang’s tallest building at 232 meters, the 65 storeys Komtar Tower and the Komtar Mall, located on the 4 storey podium for the tower.
It is also the hub for all of the local island buses which nearly all stop at the bus station located on the road that runs under the complex.
Wherever you are in the old part of the city, you can usually see the iconic Komtar tower, with its 12 sided cylindrical shape looming large over the city skyline.
We also found that this is possibly better for any 2nd hand computer parts or having your computer fixed in the Computermall part of Komtar.
Straits Quay Marina Mall is a shopping mall-cum-marina in George Town, Penang, Malaysia.
It is located at Seri Tanjung Pinang, a newly developed township that sits on reclaimed land within the George Town suburb of Tanjung Tokong. Sometimes you feel like you’re in Monaco!
#9 Romantic getaways:
Penang is perfect for romantic getaways, be it for honeymoons, proposals, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or anniversaries.
From high-altitude city breaks to alluring beachside holidays, we are going to summarise why a visit to Penang has as many romantic spots as you can treat your sweetheart/loved one or family — and each one is romantic in its own way.
- Coco Cabana Bar & Bistro — the highest place to grab a drink in George Town – is the eatery on the 68th floor of Komtar Tower. Operated as part of THE TOP, it offers food and beverage throughout the day, when the Observatory Deck is open to the public.
- In the evening, from 6:00 pm onwards, diners can enjoy the Chef’s Choice Amuse Bouche, which offers 5, 6, and 7-course dinners.
- The tables are set by the side so that diners get lovely views of George Town when it lights up at night.
- Sundowners: This is a must for a recreational drink and perfect view, you can walk the Batu Ferringhi beach and see the sun come down or sit in a beach bar like the BoraBora restaurant and sip a cocktail or have a fantastic reasonable priced meal.
- One of our favorites is the char kway teow which is a popular noodle dish from Maritime Southeast Asia 9 ringgit with chicken, prawns, this is the best I’ve tasted and seen for that price in Asia. Also, their Pizzas are delicious, especially the salmon pizza, around 23 Ringgit. Beers 16 Ringgit.
- The Luxury Golden Sands Beach Resort by Shangri – la: is located along Batu Feringgi beach, Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La is the ultimate family-friendly escape in Penang where magical memories are made for guests of all ages.
The Golden Sands
- Experience Golden Sands’ warm service, soothing sea views, and sunsets with delightful cuisines. The resort also has a kids club with daily activities. This is a stunning walk on the beach resort and if you want luxury, possibly the luxurious in Penang.
- In association with us Tourandtakein.com, we can get you a staycation day pass, which entitles you to a full day spent at the resort in the pool and garden, inc FREE breakfast, 20% off most of the facilities in the spa and reflexology area and 20% off all food and beverage throughout your days stay.
- Book early to avoid disappointment, as if they have full occupancy, they may refuse. info@tourandtakein.com
Places close by to Penang in Malaysia:
Langkawi:
Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah, is a district and an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia.
The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. Wikipedia Flight to Langkawi from Penang 35 Mins – One-stop, roughly 110 Ringgit, E.W Daily.
The ferry is our option 3hrs, 135 Ringgit return. More details on our destination page.
Kuala Lumpur:
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia.
Its modern skyline is dominated by the 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers, a pair of glass-and-steel-clad skyscrapers with Islamic motifs. The towers also offer a public sky bridge and observation deck.
The city is also home to British colonial-era landmarks such as the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Flight to KL from Penang 1Hrs.05 Mins – One-stop, roughly $80 Daily. 5 ways to KL.
Tioman Island:
Tioman Island lies off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the South China Sea. It’s a nature reserve, ringed by beaches.
The area is known for its dive sites, which have corals, sea fans, and sea sponges, as well as shipwrecks.
The island is covered in tropical rainforests, home to butterflies, lizards, and monkeys.
On the east coast, the Juara Turtle Project is a hatchery that protects and studies sea turtles. Flight to Tioman Island from Penang, 1Hrs.15 Mins – One-stop, roughly $50 One way Daily
Sabah:
Sabah is a Malaysian state occupying the northern part of the island of Borneo. It’s famed for its 4,095m-tall Mount Kinabalu, the country’s highest peak, crowned with distinctive granite spires.
Sabah is also known for its beaches, rainforest, coral reefs, and abundant wildlife, much of it within parks and reserves.
The offshore, the Sipadan, and Mabul islands are noted diving destinations. Flight to Sabah from Penang 2Hrs.35 Mins – One-stop, roughly $130 Daily.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THgD0BTHWSE Coastline of Batu Ferringhi via JetSki.
Book Your Trip to Penang: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Last Minute.com. They are my two favorite search engines because they search for websites and airlines around the globe, and again they haven’t let me down, that’s why we associate with them.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your apartment/homestay/guesthouse with AirBnB, we use these all the time and have never been let down,
In fact, as mentioned above, while in hospital in Italy, the company refunded us as we didn’t have a chance to cancel our future booking until a fortnight later. We also have a $38 off offer for first-timers
Tripadvisor Don’t just take our word for it, see what the reviewers say. Have your own footsoldiers already on the ground, giving you their thoughts.
Some businesses have been known to inflate their own reviews.
This is easily noticeable as per seeing written reviews in different languages, Translate them with Google, and different reviewers using different grammar/mistakes. The cheats usually write in English only and have the same grammar/mistakes, as they don’t know any different!
Booking.com as they have the largest inventory as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
If you love animals, why not try pet sitting or housesitting with Trustedhousesitters.
It’s a small cost to sign up to but again we’ve used these and saved hundreds over the years, plus living locally rather than as a tourist.
Computer We use a VPN express for these reasons when traveling and when we’re at home. 1) Avoid price discrimination based on location. 2) Protect your online privacy. 3) Keep your info safe from third parties, don’t be vulnerable to cybercrime and snooping, especially on public Wi-Fi.
4) Your internet traffic is fully encrypted, and ExpressVPN keeps no activity or connection logs.
Your shared IP address cannot be used to link you to any online activity.
5) Defeat censorship in certain countries on certain website channels. 6) High-speed connectivity and finally, a great price for peace of mind, which can be used on all devices from $6.69 P.M
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.
I’ve been using World Nomads for several years now and is one of my favorite companies that offer the best service, value and piece of mind:)
Please note: We do use a few affiliates through this article, these help us to help you, and fund the construction of the site. Thank you for using them:)
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