Welcome to Penang

Located at the intersection of Asia’s great kingdoms and and Europe's powerful colonial empires, the island of Penang has long served as the link between Asia’s two halves and an important outlet to the markets of Europe and the Middle East. ... Read More

Top experiences in Penang

Recent articles

Choose your own Malaysian island adventure

With almost 900 islands – 878 to be exact – Malaysia has plenty of offshore attractions to compete with the best destinations in its peninsular mainland. West coast isles like Penang and Langkawi offer a compelling blend of cuisine, culture and luxury, while east coast ones are more rugged and remote, with diving, hiking and edge-of-the-map relaxation all vital reasons to visit.

Tropical beach idyll on Pulau Redang © reezuan / Shutterstock
Brett Atkinson
Lonely Planet Writer

George Town: the unexpected street art hub of Southeast Asia

Forget its fabulous shophouse architecture and world-renowned hawker stalls (for a minute, at least) – the George Town of today has become synonymous with street art.

The trend goes back to 2010, when the government of Penang commissioned the studio Sculpture At Work (sculptureatwork.com) to create a series of cartoon steel art pieces to decorate its capital, George Town. Affixed to walls, these 3D artworks detail local customs and heritage with humour while also providing a quirky counterpoint to the natural urban beauty of the city’s historic core. Examples range from a mural on Lebuh Muntri marking the shop where world-famous shoemaker (and Penang native) Jimmy Choo first apprenticed, to a tuak (toddy or palm wine) shop on Lorong Pasar fronted by a nearly life-sized mural of a man scaling a palm tree.
Austin Bush
Lonely Planet Writer

Penang: Malaysia in miniature

There’s a place in Penang, south of Little India in Georgetown, where you can find good food, sport on the TV, a pretty temple and somewhere around the corner, the soul of the island.

Hyperbolic? OK, a little. But this place truly is the sort of spot where the island’s many identities – Malay, Chinese, Indian, British colonial, modern tourist – thread together into a beautiful knot. You stand here, at the intersection of Lebuh King and Lebuh Ah Quee, and you’re a the intersection of Southeast Asia and its patterns of migration, trade and history, itself at the intersection of the world’s patterns of all of the above – the quest for spice, for colonial empire, for tourism paradise – so maybe, in a way, you are in that very moment at the centre of the universe…
Adam Karlin
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

Starting at $24.99

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Penang adventures

$542.65 Small group tours

4-Day Penang Heritage Tour with Malaysian Cooking Class

Spend three nights in Penang to explore historical Georgetown, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit colonial-era landmarks on a trishaw ride and coach tour, including a stroll through Little India and Fort Cornwallis. Learn about Penang’s ethnic heritage at the Chinese clan house of Khoo Kongsi and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. You’ll soak up the aromatic flavors of eclectic Malaysian cuisine in a cooking class, with plenty of street food stops and restaurants to discover an array of delicious dishes.
$17.32 Transportation & travel Services

Private Transfer: Penang Departure Hotel to Airport Transfer

Make your departure from Penang as smooth as possible by pre-booking your private transfer from your selected Penang hotel to Penang Airport. When making a booking, you will need to advise your flight details and your accommodation details. Your transfer will be confirmed within 24 hours and you will be provided with a travel voucher to present to the driver. 24 - 48 hours prior to your Hotel to Airport transfer, you will be required to reconfirm exact pick up times and places (the contact number will be provided on your travel voucher).Vehicles used:Air-conditioned minivanPrice is per person, based on 3 to 6 adults per car/vehicle.
$703.75 Small group tours

7-Day Best of Malaysia: Cameron Highlands, Penang, Kota Bharu and Terengganu Tour Round-Trip from Kuala Lumpur

See the best of Malaysia on a 7-day coach tour, traveling round-trip from Kuala Lumpur. Enjoy accommodations at popular resorts in five fantastic locations — Cameron Highlands, Penang, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu and Kuantan — where you’ll discover natural and cultural highlights with your informative guide. Visit the Islamic Civilization Park, tour a tea plantation, climb the steps to Sam Poh Tong cave temple, stroll through the Kuala Sepetang mangrove forest and ride a trishaw around Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
$117.59 Sightseeing tours

Pulau Payar Marine Park Snorkeling Tour from Penang

Explore the colorful underwater world of the Pulau Payar Marine Park on this great day trip from Penang. Travel by ferry to Pulau Payar, the only Marine Park off the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The park is made up of four un-inhabited islands and the crystal clear water is home to a multitude of colorful fish and large species of corals. Relax on one of the small sandy beaches, or take to the water and snorkel amongst the reefs. Lunch is buffet style and served at the platform.For those who do not dive or snorkel, you can still see the spectacular sights below the surface from the large floating platform. Scuba diving can be arranged at additional cost. Please provide the below information:1) Name as per passport2) Date of birth3) Passport number4) Passport expiry date5) Passport issuing country6) Gender

$542.65 Small group tours

4-Day Penang Heritage Tour with Malaysian Cooking Class

Spend three nights in Penang to explore historical Georgetown, the capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit colonial-era landmarks on a trishaw ride and coach tour, including a stroll through Little India and Fort Cornwallis. Learn about Penang’s ethnic heritage at the Chinese clan house of Khoo Kongsi and the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. You’ll soak up the aromatic flavors of eclectic Malaysian cuisine in a cooking class, with plenty of street food stops and restaurants to discover an array of delicious dishes.
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