Where to stay in Penang

Penang is an island off Malaysia's north-west coast, joined to the mainland by two long bridges. Its capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with streets of shophouses, clan temples, mosques and churches that reflect centuries of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European influence.

Most visitors come for the food as much as the history: Penang is one of Asia's great street-food destinations. Beyond the city there are beaches in the north, jungle trails in the national park and views from the top of Penang Hill.

Airport
Penang International (PEN) at Bayan Lepas, in the south of the island
From the mainland
Penang Bridge, the Second Penang Bridge or the ferry from Butterworth
Getting around
Rapid Penang buses, ride-hailing apps and walking in George Town
Best for
Street food, heritage, street art and city breaks

Places to stay in Penang

25 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Penang, area by area

Most hotels are in or close to George Town; the beach strip is about half an hour's drive north-west.

Heritage George Town

Best for first visits, food and history

The UNESCO-listed core is compact and walkable: lanes of restored shophouses, street art, clan houses such as Khoo Kongsi, temples of every faith and countless cafés and hawker stalls. Staying here puts the best of Penang on your doorstep, though some streets are busy and parking is tight.

Komtar and the city centre

Best for shopping and transport links

Just south-west of the heritage zone, the area around the Komtar tower is Penang's main transport hub, with malls such as 1st Avenue and Penang Times Square. Hotels here are often good value and a short walk or ride from the old town. Waterfront towers along Karpal Singh Drive, to the south-east, also fall within easy reach.

Gurney Drive, Northam and Tanjung Tokong

Best for seafront walks and hawker food

North-west of the old town, the seafront runs from Northam Road past Gurney Drive, famous for its hawker centre and promenade, to Tanjung Tokong and the Straits Quay marina. It's more modern, with malls, condominiums and sea views.

Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang

Best for beach holidays

On the north coast, Batu Ferringhi is Penang's main beach strip, with resorts, water sports and a lively night market. Further west, Teluk Bahang is a quieter fishing village at the edge of Penang National Park.

Bayan Lepas, Gelugor and Batu Maung

Best for the airport and business trips

The south-east of the island is home to the airport, the Universiti Sains Malaysia campus at Gelugor, Queensbay Mall and the fishing village of Batu Maung. It suits early flights and business trips, with George Town about half an hour away by road.

Getting to and around Penang

Penang International Airport has flights from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok and other regional cities. From the airport, George Town is around 30 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Trains from Kuala Lumpur run to Butterworth on the mainland, from where a short ferry crosses to George Town.

In George Town, walking is the best way to explore, and trishaws are a fun extra for short distances. Rapid Penang buses link the city with Batu Ferringhi and the airport, and ride-hailing apps are widely used.

Things to do

Spend a day on foot in the heritage zone, hunting for the street art and visiting the clan houses, temples and mansions such as the Blue Mansion. Take the funicular railway up Penang Hill for views across to the mainland, and visit the Kek Lok Si temple complex at Air Itam.

Food is the main event: try char kway teow, assam laksa and nasi kandar at hawker centres or street stalls. For nature, Penang National Park at the island's north-west tip has trails to quiet beaches.

Questions about staying in Penang

Where is the best place to stay in Penang?

Heritage George Town is the best base for food and sightseeing. Choose Gurney Drive for the seafront, Batu Ferringhi for a beach holiday, or Bayan Lepas for the airport.

How far is George Town from the airport?

Usually around 30 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Does Penang have good beaches?

The best known is Batu Ferringhi on the north coast. The beaches in the national park are quieter and reached on foot or by boat.

When is the best time to visit Penang?

Penang is warm all year. The months from around December to February are usually the driest; heavier rain is more common later in the year.

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