Penang Travel Guide 2025: What to See and Do

Penang is famous for its colorful delicious cuisines and the cultural heritage of George Town. It is a must-visit destination for most tourists who visit Malaysia.

Here, we conclude with the most information you may need to know when planning your trip to Penang, including the weather, top places, transportation, accommodations, and more. Start to make your plan with this ultimate guide!

Why Is Penang Worth Visiting?

Penang is definitely a gem of Malaysia! It has various gastronomy, blends of diverse cultures, colonial architecture, and natural beauty. When traveling to this city, you can enjoy the tranquility of a slower-paced life just like Penang local. You can see the exquisite colonial architecture, taste some of the most delicious delicacies in the world, or lie on beautiful beaches to soak some sunshine.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Penang?

With a tropical monsoon climate, the weather in Penang is divided into two parts: dry season and monsoon season. The best time to visit Penang is in the dry season - from November to February. During this time, Penang is sunny and warm, but it is also the peak season. If you choose this time to visit Penang, please plan your schedule in advance for a better experience.

Another recommended period to visit Penang is from March to May. As a shoulder tourist season, it allows you to enjoy the charm of this city with fewer people. Though rainy may accidentally fall in the afternoon, it won't affect a lot to your experience. The monsoon season in Penang is from June to August, which means in these months, it rains a lot in Penang. But at the same time, you can spend much less during this period.

Where to Visit in Penang?

George Town

George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history and diverse culture. As the capital city of Penang, George Town is a must-visit place for its exquisite colonial buildings, urban street art, delicious food, and temples. Walking through the street, you can easily find vibrant murals that depict various themes, including traditional Malay motifs and icons of modern pop culture. Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European descendants living together in this city harmoniously. Tourists can easily find the diversity of the blends of multiple cultures when visiting the museum and gallery.

George Town

Penang Hill

Take a funicular train to the top of Penang Hill to appreciate the 360-degree views of George Town and surrounding cities. Here, you can visit the Penang Hill Observatory to learn the history of Penang Hill and the natural environment, which is family-friendly. You can also choose to embrace nature, walking on the Curtis Crest Treetop Walk to have a splendid view of the rainforest.

The best time to get to Penang Hill is a sunny afternoon. You can appreciate the beautiful sunset and see the night view of this city from the top.

Penang Hill

Tropical Spice Garden

Tropical Spice Garden is a popular destination for people who visit Penang, for you can find the diversity of species in Southeast Asia, indulge in the natural beauty of Penang, and learn how important spices are for Southeast Asia's daily life.

Take a guided tour in the garden, learn about the species and plants, taste some of the species in the restaurant or café, or you can even join a cooking class. The Tropical Spice Garden provides plenty of activities for tourists of all ages. As a fun and educational experience, visiting this garden may be a chance for you to learn the history behind the spice trade and some other fun stories.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. You shouldn't miss it even if you have visited many other temples in Malaysia. This temple is famous for its beautiful architecture and the large statue of the Guanyin - the Buddhist goddess of mercy. You can observe many interesting details while walking in this temple, and there are many unique decorations in this temple because of the diverse local cultures.

It is about 12 kilometers from George Town. Visitors can get there by car for about 20 minutes.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls

Penang is a foodie's paradise. You shouldn't miss the incredible street foods here. On Chulia Street, you can see a variety of local cuisines selling in the hawker stalls along the street sides. Char kway teow, nasi kandar, laksa, and more unique flavors of Malaysia can be tasted here. Try some new gastronomy that may surprise you a lot and become the highlight of your trip.

Not only delicacy, here, you can experience the local culture. Watch the lively street busy with people of all ages to enjoy the delicious food.

What to Eat in Penang?

Penang has some of the best street food in the world and you can taste an extensive range of flavors here. Penang cuisine incorporates dishes from China, India, Thailand, Myanmar and the Peranakan cuisine. Peranakan people, also known as Baba Nyonya, are Chinese migrants integrated with the Malay population in the 15th to 17th century.

Asam Laksa

You may know Nyonya Laksa when searching Malaysia cuisine. It is the signature dish of this country and you can taste the unique version in Penang. Asam Laksa is a sour and spicy noodle soup cooked with fish and tamarind.

Char Kway Teow

Char kway teow means "stir-fried flat rice noodles". Just as the name, it is usually made with flat rice noodles, stirred with eggs, shrimps, bean sprouts, chili peppers, and other ingredients. It is a delicious dish that is popular in not only Malaysia but all over Southeast Asia. Char kway teow is a dish that you should try when traveling in Penang.

Cendol

Sweet icy dessert is the best choice in hot weather, do remember to try cendol in your Penang foodie tour! It is made with palm sugar syrup, coconut milk, shaved ice, and green jelly made of rice flour. Cendol is a refreshing dessert that is low in fat and high in nutrients.

How Many Days in Penang?

Usually, three days is enough for the essential attractions of Penang. It is a relatively small island, but with many things to see and do.

One day, walk around George Town, visit some mansions, temples, and mosques, and encounter street art at the next corner. One day, visit the Penang Botanic Gardens and ride the cable car to meet the sunset of Penang Hill in the afternoon. One day, relax on the beach in Batu Ferrunghi or walk around the city to explore the delicious cuisine in Penang.

How to Get to Penang?

Flight

Penang International Airport is served by a variety number of airlines from around the world. However, there is no direct airline from New York, Washington, or Sydney. These international flights require a stopover. Tourists can only directly get there from major cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Jakarta. It takes about an hour from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to Penang.

Ferry

If you are already in Malaysia, you can get to Penang by ferry from the mainland. Both sides' terminals are easy to arrive at. The ferry from Butterworth to George Town goes twice an hour, and takes about 20 minutes.

By Vehicle

Depending on the traffic situation, normally driving from Kuala Lumpur to Penang takes about 4 hours. If you want to take a bus, it is also convenient from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. But it will take about 5 hours to arrive, one hour more than driving. Odynovo provides private transfer with your whole journey, contact us to customize your Penang tour.

How to Get Around Penang?

By Trishaw

A fun and unique way to get around Penang is by the trishaw. It is a three-wheeled cycle taxi that was popular in Penang since last century. Trishaws can be easily found in this city, and can be hired by the hour or for a day.

On Foot

For tourists who stay in George Town, it is easy to get around the city on foot. Most attractions are relatively compact in the city center at a close distance from each other.

By Bicycle

You can easily find a bicycle rental shop in George Town and other major areas. Riding a bicycle to get around the city to enjoy the wind blowing from the historical streets must be relaxing and joyful. The road in Penang is very flat, which means you don't need to cycle too hard.

We recommend you stay in George Town for your Penang tour because most of the attractions are concentrated in this area. Or, if you are interested in the beach of Penang, you can stay overnight in the resort in Batu Feringghi or Tanjung Bungah to have a relaxing time on the white sand beach.

Penang Travel Tips

1. Penang Hill cable car usually closes five days every six months for maintenance. Please check the latest information before your trip.

2. No matter when you visit Penang, always remember to pack a rain poncho in case the rain falls accidentally.

3. Remember to bring sunscreen or other items for sun protection and insect repellent to keep you safe from touching by unknown insects.

4. Comfortable shoes must be packed for you might walk a lot in the streets of George Town.

Taste Different Flavors and Encounter Exotic Culture in Penang

You may think about the meaning of traveling sometimes when you feel lost in your daily life. From a familiar place to a totally strange destination, why do people love to do this? Contact us to plan your next Odynovo trip to Penang. To explore the world with us, meet different cultures, taste interesting delicacies, do things you may never have done in past time, or just walk in the street of another country.