Penang travel guide and tourist hotels
Whether you come for the beaches and sunshine, the history and sino-colonial culture or the food and hospitality, Penang is a travel favourite in Malaysia. From the soft sand of Batu Ferringhi to the charm of Georgetown, Penang is certainly tourist friendly.
Plan your trip with this comprehensive 100 page tourist guide to Penang.
Colourful Chinese temples, crumbling colonial buildings, abandoned canons, lush botanical gardens, funicular rides, deserted beaches…Penang definitely packs a punch…click and read more.
Head north the to uncrowded beach resorts, or hike to your own private stretch of sand, Penang beaches measure up to the best on this Andaman coastline…click and read more.
Capital of this former outpost of the British Empire, Georgetown is curious mix of grand buildings, shuttered shophouses, historic ramparts and leafy avenues…click and read more.
Kick back in some of Malaysia’s most comfortable island hotels, from neo-colonial mansions to modern beachside resorts here’s 50 great deals from Agoda…search and book here.
- Sightseeing
- Beaches
- Georgetown
- Resorts
Top 20 Recommended
- Attractions in Penang
- Restaurants in Penang
- Guesthouses in Penang
- Bars in Penang
- Spas in Penang
What's Happening
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Hospitality
Penang welcomes its guests in an unfussed, professional manner without the usual chaos and crowds of other islands along this beautiful stretch of coast. A good tourist infrastructure ensures you get a hassle free and good value experience from the airport taxis to the beachside vendors of Batu Ferringhi. In addition to excellent hotels at affordable rates, the food is a highlight, along with spas and friendly locals. Find your perfect hotel here and book through Agoda for the best rates.
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| Batu Ferringhi | Weather | Airport |
| Tours | Nightlife | Buses |
| Day trips | Festivals | Visas |
Highlights
History comes to mind when you take a wander through central Georgetown’s Colonial District, with plenty of remnants from British rule, such as the City Hall, State Assembly building and Supreme Court. Fort Cornwallis demonstrates the maritime importance of this island in centuries past, and there’s more in the Penang Museum on the story of Penang. Chinatown is perhaps more representative of the local population, with a particular Sino dominance on Penang. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Kek Lok Si Temple are two of their more impressive cultural sites.
To escape into the more lush natural environs of the island, take the funicular to Penang Hill for great views and cooler climes. The Botanical Gardens is another good excursion to experience tropical jungle tamed. South of Georgetown is the less commercial side of the islands with several authentic Malay fishing villages, and you can circumnavigating the island on the good 70km road which is rewarding. The best beaches and resorts are found on the North coast at Batu Ferringhi.
Weekly feature
Penang Music Festival returns!
Following a three-year break, the fabulous Pengang Music Festival is back with all guns blazing. If you're in town at the beginning of April, you're in for a treat. If not, check out what you're missing! …more
News
Read the latest Penang News.