Penang holidays

With sizzling street food, vibrant murals and historic buildings steeped in faded grandeur, Penang’s capital is one of Southeast Asia’s must-see cities.

Penang is a dizzying mashup of multicultural traditions preserved in stunning architecture, cuisines and temples. Explore George Town’s UNESCO heritage zones, whose historical residences tell the story of a trading town shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures. And don’t miss the delightfully ramshackle Chew Jetty, one of the few remaining Chinese villages built over Penang’s waters.

In Malaysia’s food capital, the great cuisines of Asia reach new heights in hawker centres, family-run restaurants and hundreds of street stalls. Food-obsessed travellers from all over the globe make hungry beelines to Penang — in fact, many visitors come here for the food alone. Avoid choice paralysis and start your culinary adventure on a food tour led by local foodies.

One of the most exciting things to see in Penang is its hundreds of eye-popping murals. George Town is famous for its legendary street art, where whimsical and thought-provoking works await around every corner. Mainlanders have joined the paint party too. Butterworth’s Artwalk creatively traces the city’s evolution from a fishing village to an industrial centre.

The beaches in Penang are among the most beautiful in Malaysia. Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah are within a 30-minute drive of George Town. Feeling more adventurous? Hire a water taxi or take the scenic hike through the jungles of Penang National Park to the isolated Monkey Beach. Time your visit for a weekday, as the beach gets busy on weekends.

Penang Island is home to the Tropical Spice Garden, an aromatic feast of herbs and spices. On George Town’s Penang Hill, The Habitat’s aerial walkway winds through an ancient rainforest. Penang National Park, on the island’s northwestern corner, teems with monkeys and flying lemurs. On the mainland, climb the hill at Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest for a sunrise you’ll never forget.

The restaurants in Penang are fabulous, but the best and cheapest meals are often served from street stalls where recipes have been perfected over generations. You’ll find the region’s signature dish, ‘char kway teow’ (rice noodles, prawns and eggs) everywhere, but the best is cooked over charcoal. And don’t miss the endless variations of ‘nasi lemak’, a traditional rice cooked in coconut milk.

George Town is the epicentre of the region’s history. Tour the Penang State Museum and Art Gallery to learn about the city’s multicultural journey. Enjoy high tea in historic residences like the Blue Mansion and Suffolk House, where George Town’s trading past comes to life. You’ll also find quirky museums in Penang dedicated to bicycles, puppetry, ghosts and food.

The best time to visit Penang is during the peak season, from late November to early February. This is when the tropical humidity eases up, and the skies are clearer. Expect afternoon showers from April to May and September to October. But don’t let that put you off — the cooling rains are all part of the tropical vibe.

Thinking about taking a cheap holiday to Penang? Meals in hawker centres and inexpensive restaurants are around 13 Malaysian ringgits (RM), while short taxi rides cost around RM5. This is a Muslim country, so alcohol can strain your budget — a local beer costs around RM18.