Penang Travel Guide

Lying just off the northwestern coast of the Malaysian peninsula, Penang is an island connected to the mainland by a causeway and one of the country’s premier tourist destinations. Like Kuala Lumpur, the island is multicultural and features a number of beaches that are good but not at the level of nearby Langkawi. Still, Penang is much more than just beaches.

The largest settlement on the island of Penang is Georgetown, a city founded by the British at the end of the 18th century which has since flourished. Georgetown is a mish-mash of architectural styles, most dating back to the British-era like the impressive gleaming white City Hall and the Queen Victoria Clock Tower. The Dharmikara Burmese Buddhist Temple is an example of the city’s diverse spiritual leanings which complements the various Islamic and Christian places of worship here, as well as the Chinese temples.

Little India and Little Penang Street Market are large open-air markets selling all manner of Indian wares and handicrafts respectively. Unsurprisingly, the food on offer in Penang is hugely varied. You can find an Indian curry, Malay chicken, dim sum and American fast food all on the same street. For views over the island, take the train up Penang Hill for some refreshing mountain air.

Penang Attractions

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion: a colorful mix of colonial and Chinese styles with nearly 40 rooms, some of which are available for overnight stays.

Queen Victoria Clock Tower: a present to the British monarch in celebration of her diamond jubilee in 1897 which has become an icon of Penang.

Little Penang Street Market: the place for arts and crafts to take back home.

Islamic Museum: a look at all things Muslim in this old exhibition building.

Botanical Gardens: monkeys and people doing Tai Chi, this park has just about everything, not to mention its pleasant expanse of green and floral shows.

Batu Ferringhi: an overdeveloped but pleasant beach resort on the north of the island with white sand and palm trees.

Kek Lok Si: claiming to be the largest temple in Southeast Asia, this is worthy of a visit for its sheer size and gaudiness.