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Penang (George Town) Travel Guide

Penang (George Town) Travel Guide

A UNESCO heritage city of street art, clan houses and Malaysia's best food.

Photo: HundenvonPenang, CC BY-SA 4.0
  • CountryMalaysia
  • Best forFood, heritage, street art
  • Best timeMarch to October on the west coast
  • CurrencyMalaysian ringgit
George Town is the capital of the Malaysian state of Penang. It is the core city of the George Town Conurbation, Malaysia's second largest metropolitan area with a population of 2.84 million and the second largest metropolitan economy in the country. The city proper spans an area of 306 km2 encompassing Penang Island and surrounding islets, and had a population of 794,313 as of 2020.Source: Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Where to stay in Penang (George Town): hotel tips

Choosing the right neighbourhood matters more than the hotel itself. These are the best areas to base yourself in Penang (George Town):

1

George Town heritage zone

Restored shophouse hotels

2

Gurney Drive

Sea views and hawker centres

3

Batu Ferringhi

Beach resorts in the north

Hotel booking tips

  • Book central stays near public transport to save time and taxi fares.
  • Choose free-cancellation rates during March to October on the west coast, the busiest season.
  • Check recent reviews for noise, air conditioning and Wi-Fi.

Map of Penang (George Town) and around

LandmarkCityClick a pin for details

Getting around

Combine walking, public transport and ride-hailing apps for city sightseeing. For day trips and onward travel, compare trains, buses and ferries, or hire a car where roads are quiet.

Nearby landmarks