Penang (Pulau Pinang) — the island in Malaysia with excellent cuisine and well retained colonial heritage, especially in island’s capital city George Town.
Penang Attractions
Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower
The Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower, also known as the Jubilee Clock Tower, is the most famous clock tower in George Town. The clock tower is located at the junction of Light Street and Beach Street. This 60 feet tall tower was built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee (60 years of her reign).
Fort Cornwallis
Fort Cornwallis is the largest standing fort in Malaysia. Built in the late 18th century, the fort is one of the oldest buildings on the the island and marks the spot where Captain Francis Light, the founder of Penang Island, first landed. Nowadays Fort Cornwallis is one of the most famous attractions in George Town and houses a nice park between its ten-foot high walls guarded by cannons.
Clan Jetties
Clan Jetties are unique Chinese settlements on Penang Island. This village on stilts above the water was built in the 19th century to house the Chinese laborers employed at the harbor. Currently there are six jetties remaining and each of them is named after a Chinese clan. Clan Jetties is part of George Town's UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Penang Street Art
Penang is famous for its street art. The streets of George Town, the capital city of Penang, are filled with amazing murals, steel sculptures, and wall paintings that can be found almost on every street corner.
Little India
Penang’s Little India covers an area around Queen Street, Chulia Street and Market Street in George Town. The small Indian enclave is the place where you can expect to see many colorful shops, smell aromatic spices and hear latest Bollywood hits while exploring the area. Penang’s oldest Hindu temple Sri Mahamariamman Temple is also located there.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia that is situated on a hilltop at Air Itam, near Penang Hill. The complex houses a number of temples, seven-storey Pagoda, huge bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, turtle liberation pond, gardens and pavilions.
Kapitan Keling Mosque
Kapitan Keling Mosque is a mosque built in the 19th century by Indian Muslim traders. This Indo-Moorish building is the largest mosque in George Town that is located at the junction of Lebuh Buckingham and Lebuh Pitt.
St. George's Church
St. George's Church is a church in George Town that was built in the 19th century. It is the oldest Anglican Church in Southeast Asia.
Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram Temple
Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram is a Thai temple in George Town. Being the largest Thai temple in Penang, Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram features one of the world's longest reclining Buddha statues.
Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple
Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is a Burmese temple in George Town. The temple is located on the opposite side of the street from Thai temple Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram. Dhammikarama Burmese Temple is the oldest Malaysian Burmese temple Penang.
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Batu Ferringhi is a popular beach town in Penang. The beach is 3-kilometre long strip of white sand with a string of international class beachfront hotels and a popular night market. Batu Ferringhi Beach is known for water sports and beach activities.
Penang National Park - Taman Negara Pulau Pinang
Penang National Park is a small national park located in the northwestern corner of Penang Island. Some of Penang’s best beaches are located along the shores of the park. Penang National Park is also a good place for doing some jungle trekking as you can enjoy exploring park’s wildlife while hiking on its easy trails.
Monkey Beach (Teluk Duyung)
Monkey Beach, known as Teluk Duyung, is one of the nicest beaches on the island that is located in Penang National Park. There’s a big chance that you will see Crab-eating Macaques on the beach as a big group of monkeys live in that area. A long stretch of white sandy beach is also good for swimming so Monkey Beach is definitely worth to visit.
Muka Head Lighthouse
Muka Head Lighthouse is a 14-meter high lighthouse, located in Penang National Park. The lighthouse is built on the top of a hill at the northwestern tip of the island and offers spectacular views of Penang Island.
Penang Transportation
Flights to Penang
Penang International Airport (PEN) has direct connections with Bangkok and Phuket. Route Bangkok – Penang is served by AirAsia and Thai Smile (subsidiary of Thai Airways). Direct flights from Phuket to Penang are offered by national carrier Malaysia Airlines and low cost carrier Firefly. Flight deals can be found here:
Flights from Bangkok to Penang
Train to Penang
There are direct sleeper train services (International Express) connecting Bangkok with Padang Besar on the Thailand-Malaysia border. Tickets for this train can be booked here:
Train from Bangkok to Padang Besar
From the border you can take Malaysian train to Butterworth which is located not far from Penang. Penang Island from Butterworth can be easily reached by Rapid Ferry.
Bus to Penang
There is a direct minivan going from Krabi in Thailand to Penang. Tickets for this international route can be found here:
Domestic Travel
The most popular routes for traveling to/from Penang:
From Penang to Genting Highlands
For more transportation options for a trip to/from Penang use this search form.