Radiating out from its quaint and colorful Old Town, Penang might be small, but it's undoubtedly mighty regarding history and culture. Hailed as the culinary capital of Malaysia, sampling street food inspired by the city’s eclectic mix of cultures is among the top things to do in Penang (creamy laksa and char koay teow noodles are a must)—but the fun doesn’t stop at feasting. The UNESCO-listed Georgetown harbors Hindu temples, Buddhist pagodas, faded Chinese shop fronts, and crumbling relics of Malaysia’s colonial past, while further afield, you’ll find dense jungle and white-sand beaches in Penang National Park, the smallest national park in the world.
There’s often a religious festival happening in Penang, no matter the time of year. For the George Town Festival in July, the UNESCO-listed historic center erupts with parades and performances, while the Hungry Ghost festival in August honors the time when the barriers to the afterlife are said to lift—altars and giant joss sticks welcome them back. Avoid Penang’s May to October rainy season and visit from November through January for the best weather.
Though most of George Town is easy to navigate on foot, Penang’s fast and cost-effective public bus service makes going further afield a breeze. There’s a free shuttle that transports you from Weld Quay Bus Terminal to the center, while the Rapid Penang services all of George Town’s major stops, plus Batu Ferringhi and Kek Lok Si Temple. To order car or motorbike taxis on your phone, download the Grab app.
Penang might be most famous for its street food and mix of cultures, but it also boasts an eclectic mix of museums. At sea level in George Town there’s the Upside Down Museum and the Ghost Museum, which offer immersive and often hilarious experiences and photo opportunities. The Wonder Food Museum showcases giant replications of popular Asian dishes.
Local Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) | Time Zone MYT (UTC +7) | Country Code +60 | Language(s) Malay | Attractions 27 | Tours 253 | Reviews 2,861 |
George Town, Penang island’s vibrant capital, holds UNESCO World Heritage status for its historic, multicultural architecture, a feast of temples, clan houses, colonial-era mansions, and candy-colored shophouses. It’s also a center for Peranakan culture, a fusion of Chinese and Malaysian traditions, and multicultural food, while its street art is Instagram famous.
...MoreThree days in Penang gives you time to get a good taste of historic George Town—a trishaw ride is a must. You can also see more of the island: beaches, fruit farms, spice gardens, butterfly farms, botanical gardens, rain forest reserves, and the Penang War Museum all await outside the city limits.
...MoreGeorge Town is Penang’s cultural highlight, not to mention Malaysia’s food capital. Alongside historic treats such as Blue Mansion, the Khoo Kongsi clan house, and the Chew Jetty, enjoy museums, cafés, and markets. Sampling Peranakan (Nyonya) food is a must, as is a tasting tour of Little India.
...MoreThere is plenty to do in Penang for free. Swim off Pantai Pasir Panjang or Monkey Beach, or hike in Penang National Park. In George Town, photograph street art or shophouses, admire the stilt houses on Chew Jetty, or explore religious buildings like the Goddess of Mercy Temple (Kuan Yin Teng).
...MoreWalking, eating, sightseeing, and photography are favorite activities in Penang. A ride in a trishaw 3-wheeler is a must, while food tours and cooking classes are popular. Alternatively, fill up your Insta at the Upside Down Museum, the 3D Trick Art Museum, or The TOP Penang, atop the towering Komtar building.
...MoreLocals in Penang love to eat, often at hawker courts, and shop, often at traditional night markets. George Town has a thriving nightlife scene, including hidden bars, karaoke joints (KTV), and the Soundmaker Studio rock venue. Some locals enjoy hiking in the island’s parks and rain forest reserves and visiting the beach.
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