More about hotels in Butterworth
Why Stay in Butterworth
Butterworth is the principal town of Seberang Perai in Penang state, sitting directly across the channel from Penang Island. As the mainland counterpart to George Town, Butterworth has long served as a major transportation hub — home to the Penang Sentral terminal, the northern KTM rail line, and the Penang ferry service. For savvy Malaysian travellers, Butterworth offers significantly lower hotel rates than Penang Island while keeping all of George Town's attractions just a short ferry ride away.
Budget hotels in Butterworth start from as low as RM 45 per night, with mid-range options offering modern rooms and amenities from RM 80–RM 150 per night. Business-class hotels near Penang Sentral range from RM 150–RM 250 per night. For a comfortable stay, consider New Wave Hotel Butterworth, which offers convenient access to the town centre and transport links.
Best Areas to Stay in Butterworth
The area around Penang Sentral is the most convenient for travellers, placing you within walking distance of the ferry terminal, bus station, and KTM railway station. Hotels here cater to transit travellers and business visitors, with rates averaging RM 60–RM 130 per night.
The Perai and Prai industrial area has several newer hotels that cater to business travellers, offering competitive corporate rates. These properties are usually modern and well-equipped, priced from RM 70–RM 140 per night.
For those with cars, staying slightly outside the town centre towards Bukit Mertajam offers quieter surroundings and easy access to both the Penang Bridge and local attractions. Room rates in this area start from RM 50–RM 100 per night.
Top Things to Do In and Around Butterworth
The main draw of staying in Butterworth is the easy access to Penang Island. The Penang ferry from Penang Sentral to George Town takes just 15 minutes and costs under RM 2 per person. Once on the island, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, with its famous street art, clan jetties, and colonial architecture — all within walking distance of the ferry terminal.
On the mainland side, Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest offers jungle trekking trails and a hilltop with panoramic views. The hike to the summit takes about two to three hours and is free. Penang Bird Park, one of the largest in Malaysia, is located in Seberang Jaya and offers a fun family outing with entry at around RM 25 for adults and RM 15 for children.
The Penang War Museum and Penang National Park on the island are easily accessible day trips. History buffs will also enjoy the Old Butterworth Railway Station, a heritage site that dates back to the colonial era.
Street Food and Dining in Butterworth
Butterworth and Seberang Perai are home to some of Penang's best-kept food secrets. The mainland is famous for its char kuey teow, Hokkien mee, nasi kandar, and rojak — often at prices lower than those on the island. A plate of char kuey teow costs around RM 5–RM 8, while a full nasi kandar meal runs about RM 8–RM 15.
The Butterworth night market (pasar malam) rotates through different locations during the week and is a treasure trove of street food, from satay and laksa to kuih and fresh fruit juices, with most items priced between RM 2–RM 8.
For sit-down dining, food courts and coffee shops along Jalan Bagan Luar and Jalan Chain Ferry offer an authentic local experience. A meal for two at a popular kopitiam averages RM 15–RM 30.
Getting to Butterworth
Butterworth is one of the best-connected towns in northern Peninsular Malaysia. Penang Sentral serves as the integrated transport hub, offering KTM train services, interstate buses, and the Penang ferry all under one roof. KTM trains from KL Sentral to Butterworth take about four to five hours, with tickets from RM 30–RM 70 depending on the class.
By car, Butterworth is approximately four hours from Kuala Lumpur via the North–South Expressway. From Penang International Airport on the island, you can reach Butterworth in about 45 minutes via the Penang Bridge, or take the ferry from George Town.
Express buses from major cities across Malaysia run daily to Penang Sentral, with fares starting from RM 25 from Ipoh and RM 35–RM 55 from Kuala Lumpur.
Butterworth as a Gateway to Northern Malaysia and Thailand
Butterworth is a strategic base for exploring northern Peninsular Malaysia. Langkawi ferry services depart from the Kuala Kedah jetty, which is about an hour's drive north. The charming town of Taiping and the scenic Maxwell Hill are just over an hour south.
For cross-border travellers, the KTM train from Butterworth continues north to Padang Besar on the Thai border, and onward to Hat Yai, making it possible to plan a combined Malaysia-Thailand trip with ease.
Explore More Destinations on Traveloka
Discover more hotel deals across Malaysia on Traveloka. Explore the royal town of Alor Setar, venture into the jungles of Gerik, or unwind in the heritage city of Seremban — all with competitive rates and free cancellation options.
