Hotels in Penang

About Penang

Most people would associate Penang with a place where all the good foods are. But, Penang is more than just a culinary place. Penang is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is rich in history, culture, and natural landscape. Its capital city, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and diverse culinary scene. Penang is an urban bustle with a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. In Penang, you can see bustling markets, beautiful temples, mosques, and churches.

Penang is also famous for its festivals and celebrations, such as Chinese New Year and Eid-al Fitr, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate and experience the vibrant traditions and savour delicious food. With its harmonious blend of history, culture, and splendid nature, Penang is a must-visit destination for travellers who are seeking a memorable experience in Malaysia.

How to Get to Penang

Depending on where you are from, the fastest and most convenient way to reach Penang is by air. Major airlines operate flights from various cities in Asia, including Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to Penang International Airport that is well-connected both domestically and internationally. However, if you are travelling from within Malaysia and want to have a scenic journey, you can also consider travelling using a car or a bus, combined with a ferry trip of ferry to get to the peninsula. You may take the bus going from cities in Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Ipoh, and Malacca to Penang. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Penang takes around 4-5 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can also take a fast train called Electric Train Service going to Butterworth, which is located just opposite of Penang Island. From there, you should take a ferry or bus to the island.

If you happen to drive in Malaysia, you can also go to Penang via well-maintained highways from major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. You can take the North-South Expressway to go to Penang from these two cities. If you travel from Singapore, you can also take a bus via Boon Lay Shop Ctr, but the  journey will take more than 12 hours.

Getting Around in Penang

Penang offers various transportation options to get around. The public bus system covers most areas on the island and some parts of the mainland with relatively affordable prices. If you do not want to deal with the public transportation network in Penang, you may also opt for taxi or ride-hailing services as alternatives. If you take a regular taxi, you should negotiate the fare before starting your journey or you can also choose taxis that use metres. In George Town, you can find trishaws or three-wheeled bicycles with passenger seats to explore the city’s heritage site. However, this type of transportation is usually meant to be taken for short distances. If you want to do some exercises while in Penang, you can do cycling because the island is relatively bicycle-friendly with dedicated bike lanes. You just need to rent a bike which is available in certain areas in Penang. Lastly, you can use the Penang Hill Railway, which is a funicular railway with panoramic views of the island, to reach the summit of Penang Hill. Make sure to book the ticket in advance as this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Penang.

Top Things to Do in Penang

The capital city of Penang, George Town, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and that is why you should not miss to wander through the charm of this city. Admire its well-preserved colonial architecture, multicultural heritage, and vibrant street art scene. You may also want to visit historic landmarks like Fort Cornwallis and Khoo Kongsi Clan House and hunt for murals by renowned street artists Ernrst Zachaveric.

Penang is also rich in diversity. In Penang, you can discover religious places. Explore the ornate halls of Kek Lok Si Temple which is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and marvel at the calming atmosphere of Dhammikarama Burmese Temple. The intricate architecture of Kapitan Keling Mosque in Penang also offers you tranquillity. It is recommended to take the Penang Hill Funicular Railway to enjoy panoramic views of the island. You can do all of these activities in just a day or half a day by booking a tour on Traveloka. 

There are many museums that you can visit in Penang. One of them is the Penang 3D Trick Art Museum. It gives visitors an interactive experience in the museum’s exhibit that combines ‘Penang Lifestyles’ and ‘Modern Classic’. There will be guidance and assistance provided throughout the museum to assist visitors and you can book your ticket in advance on Traveloka website or app.

What to Eat in Penang

Influenced by Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culinary traditions, Penang is renowned for its delicious tasty cuisine. One of the most famous dishes in Penang is Char Kway Teow. It is a stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, prawns, Chinese sausage, eggs, bean sprouts, and chives cooked in soy sauce-based mixture with chilli paste. There is a smoky flavour to it that you just can’t miss. Next, there is a legendary sour and spicy noodle soup which is called Assam Laksa. The noodles are typically thick rice noodles topped with flaked mackerel fish, cucumber slices, onions, mint leaves and fiery shrimp paste and the soup base is made from tamarind and fish stock infused with aromatic herbs like lemongrass. The mix of sourness, spiciness, and delicious taste from the fish create an explosion of flavours in your mouth. Finally, you should try Penang Hokkien Mee which is an inspired fusion of Chinese and Malay culinary influences. It is a flavorful noodle soup dish made by simmering prawn shells and with pork bones and dried anchovies. The dish has yellow egg noodles and rice vermicelli that are cooked in the broth until tender. This noodle dish  is usually served with prawns, hard-boiled egg, spinach, bean sprouts, and fried shallots. Yum!

Nightlife in Penang

As one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Malaysia, Penang offers a wide range of experiences including nightlife. Penang’s capital George Town is home to numerous bars and pubs with a lively night scene. From cocktail bars to laid-back pubs, you can find many in Penang with live music performances or DJ sets, ready to take you on a dancing scene. In Penang, night clubs feature a mix of local and international DJs playing different genres, from electronic dance music to pop music. If you don’t feel like dancing, you can also go to karaoke bars scattered throughout the city. Usually,  these places offer private karaoke rooms where you can sing your heart out to your favourite tunes with friends or loved ones while enjoying drinks and snacks. Penang is also known for its vibrant night market. The most famous night market in Penang is the Batu Ferringhi Night Market, located along the beachfront, where you can browse through stalls selling handmade crafts, clothes, snacks, and fresh seafood dishes.

Where to Stay in Penang

Penang has many accommodations that you can choose depending on your preference. Below are some hotels that are worth considering for you to stay in Penang.

1. Hotel Sentral Seaview Penang @ Beachfront

Hotel Sentral Seaview Penang @ Beachfront is located in Tanjung Tokong, Penang. This hotel offers convenient access to local attractions, including the Clan Jetties of Penang, Merdeka Beach, and Murni Beach  for you to explore. Hotel Sentral Seaview Penang @ Beachfront is ideal for budget-conscious travellers who are seeking comfortable accommodation with decent facilities and excellent services. Guests can enjoy entertaining facilities including a swimming pool and a restaurant for you to Indulge in its special menus. Hotel Sentral Seaview Penang @ Beachfront can assure you of a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Penang.

Address: 555, Jalan Cm Hashim, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Tokong, Penang, Malaysia, 11200

Price: S$ 92

2. Bayview Beach Resort

Bayview Beach Resort offers proximity to popular tourist attractions like Batu Ferringhi Beach and Tropical Spice Garden. With its spacious and well-equipped function room, the resort caters to various events and special occasions for business or leisure. Bayview Beach Resort provides comprehensive services and facilities, including entertainment options for families and long-term guests. You can enjoy its exclusive spa treatments and its fully equipped fitness centre and a relaxing poolside experience to rejuvenate yourself during your stay. Indulge in delectable dishes from the resort's special cuisines, offering a taste of luxury and comfort to complement the overall experience. Bayview Beach Resort promises a blend of comfort, convenience, and exceptional service for your stay in Penang.

Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia, 11100

Price: S$ 128

3. Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Located strategically close to public facilities, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is an ideal choice for visitors to Batu Ferringhi. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a luxurious holiday retreat, or a fun-filled family vacation, this resort offers excellent services and a wide range of entertaining facilities. This hotel is perfect for long-term stays with its extensive amenities and quality service. Don't miss out on its fitness centre, pool, and spa for relaxation, while the 24-hour front desk ensures all your needs are met. Indulge in special cuisines and stay connected with WiFi available in public areas. With its reputation for comfort and outstanding service, Hard Rock Hotel Penang guarantees unforgettable moments for you.

Address: Batu Ferringhi Beach, Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Penang, Malaysia, 11100

Price: S$ 191

Hotel prices may differ from time to time, especially on weekends and during peak season. Check their rates regularly on Traveloka.

Travel Tips for Penang

When you go to Penang, you certainly must visit its capital city, George Town. You can either explore the city on foot or by bicycle. The city is filled with narrow streets, colourful heritage buildings, street art, and bustling markets. You can rent bicycles from various shops throughout the city or join guided-walking tours to learn more about the city’s history and culture. You also need to try the street food at Hawker Center and Night Markets in Penang. Head to popular hawker centres such as Gurney Drive Centre and New Lane Hawker Centre to taste Malaysian delicacies, including Char Kway Teow, Penang Laksa, and Nasi Kandar or go to the Batu Ferringhi Night Market to indulge in mouthwatering snacks and do some night shopping.

Penang is truly an amazing place to visit in Malaysia. It is worth the value that you will get during your stay in Penang and not to mention you will enjoy its tasty delicacies. This one should be your next travel plan and you can book your hotels now on Traveloka website or app.