RegionUsable guide

Penang

State in Malaysia

Photo: HundenvonPenang, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang; Mandarin: 槟城), renowned as the Pearl of the Orient, is a state on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Geographically, the state consists of Pulau Pinang, or Penang Island, and Seberang Perai, the mainland strip facing the island, which are separated by a small stretch of the Strait of Malacca.

Getting there and around

Getting there

By car
Penang is connected to the mainland and the North-South Expressway by the Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Asia, and by the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, commonly called the…
By train
The nearest train station to Penang island is Butterworth train station and is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malayan Railway or KTMB).
By bus
Buses in George Town arrive/depart at the new bus terminal at Sungai Nibong, a fifteen-minute ride from the center, and about ten minutes from the airport. A taxi to the centre costs RM20.
By minivan
Minivan service is more expensive than bus service and is available between George Town and cities in Thailand such as Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Trang, Surat Thani, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Bangkok…
Cruises
Swettenham Pier in George Town is the cruise terminal of Penang, with many cruises calling here from other cities in the region.

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Getting around

By bus
RapidPenang, the local bus service, features new buses. All bus stations and bus stops which are serviced by the RapidPenang buses are labelled with proper signboards.
By trishaw
These three-wheeled human-powered vehicles might be the best idea for a pleasant city tour. One can stop at any point to take a photo or buy souvenirs.
By boat
If you wish to travel between the mainland and Penang Island then the Penang Ferry Service is a cheap and unique option to take.
By car
Car rentals may be a viable option, especially if you are planning to get off the beaten track and explore the western or southern coast of the island.
By taxi
Taxis in Penang are equipped with meters and by law they are mandated to use them, but practically all drivers will refuse to turn them on.
By bicycle
There are plenty of places to rent a bicycle in Georgetown. There is also a bicycle sharing system called LinkBike. It has 25 stations with typically 10 or 12 bike racks.

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Airports and nearby hotels

Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.

Penang International Airport

Penang · International · PEN

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Read before you go to Penang

Articles and travel topics about Penang and Malaysia.

Itineraries

Best Places to Visit in Malaysia for Families With Kids

Discover the premier family destinations in Malaysia, from Kuala Lumpur theme parks and Penang street art to cool highland tea walks and Langkawi beaches.

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Inspiration

Langkawi vs Penang: Which Malaysian Island Is Better?

Compare Langkawi and Penang across beaches, street food, heritage, nightlife, and costs to choose the perfect Malaysian island getaway.

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Travel tips

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Full travel guide

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Cities and towns

UnderstandPenang was part of the Malay sultanate of Kedah until 1786, when Captain Francis Light built a fort at the site of present-day George Town and managed to get the island ceded to the British East India Company.

TalkAlmost all locals in Penang are able to speak Malay, the national language of Malaysia.

Get inPurchase your pre-paid coupon from the Airport White Taxi kiosk and then hand it to the taxi driver. Prices are subject to change.

Get aroundOne of the best ways to sight see is to walk around George Town; but wear light clothes, start early in the morning, and put on plenty of sun-block during the daytime.

SeePenang island, in particular, is full of things to see, including the great views of George Town and environs and across to Seberang Perai from Penang Hill, the tremendous Kek Lok Si pagoda in Ayer Itam, the many…

DoThe secluded beaches of Pantai Kerachut, Muka Head, and Teluk Kampi are located on the northern coast. There is an old lighthouse at Muka Head beach.

BuyOutdoor markets in Penang include the Flea Market at Lorong Kulit in Georgetown, and Pasar Malam (Night Market) along Batu Ferringhi.

EatPenang is widely considered the food capital of Malaysia and is a melting pot of cuisines.

SleepBudget: Under RM100 · Mid-range: RM100–250 · Splurge: Over RM250 Much of Penang's accommodation options can be found along the northern area of Penang Island, with bargains to be found in George Town and Batu Ferringhi.

ConnectIf you are staying for more than a couple of days and prefer to stay connected without being limited to hotspots, a prepaid SIM card with mobile data is a good option.

Stay safePenang is relatively a very safe place for travellers. However, as in most other places, Penang has its share of crime, so common precautions must be taken against snatch-thieves and scammers. Some other precautions:

CopeThere are about twenty consulates, all located in George Town.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Penang" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Penang", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: HundenvonPenang, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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