Flights to Penang from Singapore

Penang is a Malaysian state made up of an island off the north-west coast of the peninsula and a strip of mainland opposite it. Its capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage city of shophouses, clan temples and colonial streets, and the island is widely considered one of the best places to eat in Asia. That is why flights to Penang from Singapore are so popular for long weekends, food trips and family visits, with beaches and hill walks adding variety to a short stay.

About Penang International Airport (PEN)

Location

Penang International Airport is in Bayan Lepas, on the south-eastern side of the island, beside the industrial zone that makes Penang a major electronics manufacturing centre. George Town lies to the north, reached by the coastal expressway, while the two bridges to the mainland leave from the island's east coast, the newer and longer one starting close to the airport.

Terminals

Passenger flights use one main terminal building that handles both international and domestic services. Arrivals from Singapore go through immigration and customs before reaching the baggage hall and arrivals area, where you will find currency exchange counters, SIM card shops and ride-hailing pick-up points.

Getting to and from the airport

Rapid Penang public buses stop at the airport and run to George Town, including the jetty area at Weld Quay, and some routes continue towards other parts of the island. Ride-hailing is the most popular option for visitors and is easy to book from the arrivals level, and taxis operate from a counter inside the terminal. If you want to explore the hills and the quieter west coast, hiring a car is also straightforward.

Direct and connecting flights to Penang

Singapore and Penang are linked by nonstop flights from Changi, with a mix of full-service and budget airlines on the route. Switch on the Direct filter to list only nonstop options, and compare baggage allowances as well as the base fare, since some low-cost tickets exclude checked luggage.

Connecting via Kuala Lumpur is an alternative when nonstop seats are full or you want to combine Penang with the capital. Penang International is the only commercial airport serving the state, so there is no second airport to choose from. Searching for a flight to Pahang instead? That is a separate state on Malaysia's east coast, served by its own airport at Kuantan, so check the destination before you book.

When to fly to Penang

Penang is hot and humid all year. The driest and sunniest weeks usually fall between December and February, which is the most comfortable time for beaches and walking tours. Rain becomes more frequent from around April, and the heaviest downpours often arrive from September to November, typically as afternoon or evening storms that clear quickly.

From Singapore, demand peaks during the June and December school holidays, over long weekends and around Chinese New Year, when George Town's temples and streets are decorated and families return to visit relatives. Hari Raya, Deepavali and Thaipusam are also lively times on the island. Checking the monthly fare chart on this page and booking a few weeks ahead makes it easier to find good-value fares.

Popular places in Penang

George Town heritage zone

Explore Armenian Street's murals and wrought-iron street art, the ornate Khoo Kongsi clan house, the stilt villages of the Clan Jetties and the colonial buildings around Fort Cornwallis. The compact centre is best seen on foot or by trishaw.

Penang Hill

A funicular railway climbs to the cooler summit, where viewpoints look over George Town and the strait to the mainland. The Habitat nature trail and canopy walkway are a highlight for families.

Kek Lok Si Temple

In Air Itam, this vast Buddhist temple complex features a seven-tier pagoda and a giant bronze statue of Kuan Yin. During Chinese New Year it is lit by thousands of lanterns.

Batu Ferringhi

Penang's best-known beach strip on the north coast offers water sports, sunset views and a busy night market along the main road.

Penang National Park

At the north-western tip of the island, jungle trails lead to secluded beaches such as Monkey Beach and Turtle Beach, and boats can take you back if your legs give up.

Where to stay in Penang

George Town's heritage core is the most atmospheric base, with restored shophouses, cafés and hawker stalls on every street. Gurney Drive and Pulau Tikus, to the north-west, are close to shopping malls and a seafront food centre.

For the beach, Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi on the north coast are the obvious choices. Bayan Lepas and Queensbay, near the airport, suit business travellers and early flights, while Butterworth on the mainland is practical if you are travelling on by train.

Food to try in Penang

Penang assam laksa

Thick rice noodles in a sour, spicy fish broth flavoured with tamarind, lemongrass and torch ginger, topped with pineapple, mint and a spoonful of prawn paste.

Char kway teow

Flat rice noodles fried over a fierce flame with prawns, cockles, bean sprouts, egg and chives, prized for its smoky wok hei.

Nasi kandar

Rice served with a choice of curries, fried chicken, fish and vegetables, with the gravies mixed together over the rice. Some famous stalls stay open late into the night.

Cendol

Shaved ice with green rice-flour jelly, red beans, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup is the ideal cool-down after a hot walk through George Town.

Hokkien mee

In Penang, Hokkien mee is the spicy prawn noodle soup Singaporeans know as prawn mee: yellow noodles and bee hoon in a deep red prawn and pork broth, topped with prawns, egg and kangkung.

Hungry already? Find flights to Penang on Traveloka, compare nonstop options from Changi, and set a Price Alert so you know when fares for your dates move.