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Penang

Distinctly Asian with a dash of British flavour, East meets West in Penang, with its traditional temples, colonial architecture, and world-renowned street food.

The potpourri of Penang's diverse cultures is best sampled through a steaming hot serving of the many cuisines on the island. Constantly voted as one of Asia's best locations for sumptuous street food, the melting pot of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European culinary traditions is a stimulating adventure for the tastebuds. Make your way to a street stall in Malaysia's food capital and dig into famed favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow or laksa.

A large island off the northwestern coast of West Malaysia, Penang is a charming Asian city fused with a dazzling array of well-preserved classical Victorian architecture, mostly found within the capital of the city, Georgetown. Colonial-era buildings like Penang City Hall, Fort Cornwallis and the Penang State Museum make an interesting sight for history buffs and architecture fans alike.

You will be photographing colonial architecture, dunking your coins into the wishing well at the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple, and listening to the calls of prayer at the Kapitan Keling Mosque, all in one afternoon on this culturally diverse and harmoniously multiracial island. A must-see is the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a restored mansion filled with enthralling antiques from around the world which recreates the lavish lifestyle afforded by wealthy Chinese Straits families in the past.

Take a break from the city for a hike or camp in the Penang National Park, where animal lovers can spot a wide range of wildlife from nesting green turtles to the majestic Brahminy Kite eagles. Explore the nearby Penang Butterfly Farm, a tropical fairyland of winged beauties well-loved by both adults and children. And be sure to check out the Tropical Spice Garden, one of Malaysia’s premier eco-tourism destinations featuring more than 100 herbs and spices growing wild.

For some great views over Penang, head to the top of Penang’s tallest building, Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, shortened to KOMTAR, which has a viewing platform. Most visitors stay in central Georgetown and the city can mostly be covered by foot. The Rapid Penang bus routes provide a convenient way to get to places further away from the city centre. When in Georgetown, look out for the free Central Area Transit (CAT) shuttle bus, which services major attractions in the area.

The island's tropical climate makes it an attractive year-round destination. With its blend of cultures, it is very easy for your visit to coincide with one of the numerous cultural celebrations. Some of the more dazzling ones include the Chinese New Year celebrations in the Kek Lok Si Temple, and Deepavali, the five-day Hindu “Festival of Lights”, held between October and November.

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Fort Cornwallis

Delve into Penang's colonial past in the largest and one of the oldest forts in Malaysia.

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Kapitan Keling Mosque

This impressive Indian-Islamic architectural jewel adds to the potpourri of cultural diversity that is Penang.

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Penang National Park

Brimming with an abundance of wildlife in unique habitats, not found in other national parks of Malaysia.

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Tropical Spice Garden

Follow your nose through a collection of aromatic plants and discover some secrets to delicious Malaysian cooking at this eco-friendly jungle of spices.

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Kek Lok Si Temple

The largest Buddhist temple in Penang houses the awe-inspiring 10,000 Buddha pagoda, the giant bronze statue of Kuan Yin, and a delightful souvenir and food market.

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KOMTAR

Enjoy panoramic views of the city and indulge in an array of food and shopping within the island's tallest building.

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Penang City Hall

This fine example of Victorian architecture forms an opulent backdrop to the Georgetown Esplanade.

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Pinang Peranakan Mansion

This stately mansion beautifully captures what life was for a wealthy Straits Chinese family in the 19th century.

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Penang Butterfly Farm

Witness a colourful party of tropical butterflies dancing and fluttering around in this enchanting attraction.

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Penang State Museum

Housed in a handsome Victorian building, this museum traces Penang’s fascinating history through an extensive collection of artefacts, photographs and artwork.

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Penang Islamic Museum

Discover how Malay leaders helped the spread of Islam in Penang and view artifacts and a diorama depicting a pilgrimage to Mecca.

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Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple

Penang's oldest Buddhist temple is a delightful feast of sights with its colourful murals, stunning statues, and peaceful landscaped gardens.

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Top Penang Hotel Deals

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The Wembley A St Giles Hotel Penang RM282

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The Wembley A St Giles Hotel Penang

183, Jalan Magazine, George Town

4.2

of 5, from 137 reviews

4.0 out of 5.0

Located in Downtown George Town, this hotel is steps away from KOMTAR and Hin Bus Depot Art Centre. Gurney Drive and Penang Hill are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Eastern And Oriental Hotel RM728

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Eastern And Oriental Hotel

10 Lebuh Farquhar, George Town

4.7

of 5, from 2,323 reviews

5.0 out of 5.0

Located in the heart of George Town, this family-friendly hotel is within walking distance of Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang State Museum and Pinaon Time Tunnel. Also nearby are Kidland Penang and House of Yeap Chor Ee.

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang RM536

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Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang

Batu Ferringhi Beach, George Town

4.5

of 5, from 972 reviews

5.0 out of 5.0

Nestled on the beach, this George Town resort is just steps away from East Wind Watersports and Ferringgi Beach. Tropical Spice Garden and Eden Parade Shopping Centre are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Armenian Street Heritage Hotel RM104

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Armenian Street Heritage Hotel

139, Lebuh Carnarvon, George Town

3.9

of 5, from 935 reviews

3.5 out of 5.0

Located in Downtown George Town, this historic hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Penang Islamic Museum and KOMTAR. Penang Times Square and Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Hard Rock Hotel Penang RM329

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Hard Rock Hotel Penang

Batu Ferringhi Beach, George Town

4.3

of 5, from 1,077 reviews

5.0 out of 5.0

Nestled on the beach, this George Town resort is within 1 mi (2 km) of Tropical Spice Garden and Ferringgi Beach. East Wind Watersports and Eden Parade Shopping Centre are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, Penang RM261

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Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, Penang

Batu Feringgi Beach, George Town

4.1

of 5, from 1,080 reviews

4.0 out of 5.0

Located in George Town, this beachfront resort is connected to a shopping centre, just steps away from East Wind Watersports and Ferringgi Beach. Tropical Spice Garden and Eden Parade Shopping Centre are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Hotel Jen Penang RM232

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Hotel Jen Penang

Magazine Road, George Town

4.2

of 5, from 1,447 reviews

4.0 out of 5.0

This family-friendly George Town hotel is located in the shopping district, within a 5-minute walk of KOMTAR, 1st Avenue Mall and Prangin Mall.

Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang RM260

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Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang

25-A Farquhar Street, George Town

3.8

of 5, from 1,869 reviews

4.0 out of 5.0

This family-friendly George Town hotel is located by the sea, within a 15-minute walk of Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal. KOMTAR and Penang Times Square are also within 1 mile (2 km).