About Penang

Penang, island of Malaysia, lying in the Strait of Malacca off the northwest coast of peninsular Malaya, from which it is separated by a narrow strait whose smallest width is 2.5 miles (4 km). Penang Island is roughly oval in shape. It has a granitic, mountainous interior—reaching a high point of 2,428 feet (740 metres)—and is ringed by narrow coastal plains that are most extensive in the northeast, where Malaysia’s chief port, George Town, uses the sheltered harborage of the inside strait. Long one of Asia’s busiest shipping centres, Penang is now one of Malaysia’s prime tourist destinations, with luxury and resort hotels mainly on the north coast at Batu Feringgi.


Penang Travel Tips

What is the best month to visit Penang?

The months between November to January are considered best time to visit Penang.

Food

In Penang, your only culinary worry would be not having enough time to feast on all the city has to offer. Not only are Asia’s major races all represented in Penang’s cuisine, they are fused together in the forms that are truly unique to Penang like Nyonya and Jawi Peranakan cooking. Nyonya cuisine is a blend of Malay, Chinese and Thai influences that is well known especially around the region. The criminally overlooked gem is Jawi Peranakan food, a product of the Indian-Muslim, Straits-born community which combines Tamil, Pakistani, Persian and Malay cooking styles. 

Enjoy meals along the streets at hawker stalls, duck into quaint cafes or dress up for a fine dining outing. Each meal is a delightful experience waiting to be savoured as Malaysia’s food capital takes great pride in its title, regardless of where you decide to dine.

Shopping

Shopping in Penang is a larger-than-life experience! Whether you are a fan of modern shopping malls, or traditional bazaars and street markets, Penang has something for everyone.
George Town is a great place for antique hunters and vintage lovers. One can spend a whole day hunting for Nyonya porcelain, lacquerware and pottery along stores on Penang Road and Chulia Street. For those who prefer to shop in comfort and from a more curated collection, there are antique outlets in malls like Gurney Plaza as well.
The city is also home to some of the oldest bazaars and markets in the country. Traditional craftsmen and modern artisans, inspired by the city’s ebb and flow as a trading centre create a wide range of unique products including carved signboards, contemporary & traditional Indian jewellery and fused glass.
Experience real Penang indulgence at luxury spas or seek out traditional Asian medicine practitioners to melt those worries away. Finish off a relaxing day with retail therapy at a night market.
When the sun goes down, the action heats up! Shopping malls and shops don’t close until 10pm so there’s plenty of time to wander around and work up a thirst at the many watering holes in George Town and the beach area of Batu Ferringhi.

Read more about Penang by clicking the link below.