Penang
Street-art lanes, clan houses, legendary hawker food and beaches
Browse Penang
Penang centres on George Town, a UNESCO-listed old port where Chinese shophouses, colonial mansions, clan jetties and vivid street art crowd together, and where the hawker food is the stuff of pilgrimage. Beyond lie hill temples and the beaches of Batu Ferringhi. Our local picks run from char kway teow to kopi and cendol. More hand-picked recommendations are on the way – filter by category and budget below.
Penang at a glance
- Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
- Best time to visit: December to February
- Highlights: George Town street art, the clan jetties and hawker food
- Where to stay: George Town for heritage, or Batu Ferringhi for the beach
- Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
- Getting around: a walkable old town plus buses and taxis
Where to stay in Penang
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Before you go
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How many days do you need in Penang?
Two to three days covers the heritage streets and food of George Town, with time for Penang Hill, the temples and a beach afternoon.
Where is the best area to stay in Penang?
George Town puts you in the heart of the heritage and food scene; Batu Ferringhi suits those who want a beach resort.
What are the best things to do in Penang?
Browse the local picks above, from the street art and clan jetties of George Town to Penang Hill, the Kek Lok Si temple and a hawker feast.
What is the best time to visit Penang?
The drier months from December to February are most comfortable; it is warm and humid year round with occasional downpours.