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Penang Holidays

Penang sits off the west coast of Malaysia, where the Malacca Straits meet warm island light. You get beach days in Batu Ferringhi, city glamour in George Town, and jungle air on Penang Hill. The mood feels calm yet full of colour. Short drives link sea, street food, temples, and art lanes. Book all-inclusive stays in sleek resorts or heritage homes with high ceilings. The island suits luxury breaks, slow romance, and family time. Deals appear each season. You get links to Kuala Lumpur for twin trips.

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Beach View
Panoramic aerial view of Georgetown
Kek Lok Si Temple
National Park Bridge
Beach Scene in Penang
Canopy Walk at The Habitat Penang Hill
Penang Bridge sunrise
Tram uphill in Penang

Exclusive Penang Couples Offer

PENANG

Eastern & Oriental Hotel

Escape for two to the Eastern and Oriental Hotel, Penang. Colonial glamour meets sea views, butler service and suites. Sip afternoon tea at Palm Court, then cocktails at Farquhars Bar.

 
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Nights 7

Board basis Bed & Breakfast

Etihad Etihad

£3,208 For 2 adults

Travel 08 May 2027

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Exclusive Penang Family Offer

PENANG

PARKROYAL Penang Resort

PARKROYAL Penang Resort on Batu Ferringhi beach pairs sea views with lush gardens, two pools and slides, Amazonia Splash, movie room and Kids Club, plus easy trips to night markets.

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  • Children stay free

Nights 7

Board basis Bed & Breakfast

Cathay Pacific Cathay Pacific

£3,184 For 2 adults and 1 child

Travel 23 Apr 2027

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Penang Top Picks

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Things to do in Penang

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Discover Penang - Explore the Map

Penang weather

Penang stays hot all year. Typical overnight lows sit around 23 to 24°C. Daytime highs hold near 31-32°C. March to May are the warmest months, with temperatures reaching 32°C most days. December and January feel slightly cooler at night, yet afternoons still reach about 31°C. Humidity stays high, so shade and water help.

Penang - Things to know

Do I need a visa to visit the Penang?

Fly from the UK via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to Penang. You do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Penang. Your passport must be valid for 6 months. Please click here to check for the updates about your visa requirements. 

What is the best time to visit Penang?

Visit Penang from December to March for drier days and calm seas. April and May feel warm lively nights outdoors.

What currency is used in Penang, can I use credit cards?

Malaysia uses the ringgit MYR. You can pay by card in hotels and malls. Carry cash for hawkers markets taxis.

Is Penang safe for tourists?

Penang feels welcoming for tourists. Use regular care, keep valuables close, choose licensed taxis, and watch traffic at crossings at night.

What transportation options are available in Penang?

Get around by Grab, taxis, and Rapid Penang buses. Use trishaws in George Town. Take ferries and funicular rides walks.

Are there any cultural customs I should follow?

Wear modest clothes at temples and mosques. Remove shoes when asked. Use your right hand to give items. Smile please.

 

Penang - Flight information

Average flight time
15-18 hours
Distance from London
10, 300 kilometres

  • Malaysia Airlines (Non-direct)

  • British Airways (Non-direct)

  • Singapore Airlines (Non-direct)

  • Emirates (Non-direct)

  • Etihad (Non-direct)

  • Cathay Pacific (Non-direct)

Penang holidays

Soft sand frames the coast from Batu Ferringhi Beach to Tanjung Bungah, with dips and sunset walks. Teluk Bahang feels wilder, with coves near Penang National Park. Take a boat to Monkey Beach for a picnic and clear water. For a change of scene, stroll the Gurney Drive sea wall at dusk. Pack reef shoes and a light cover for the sun, then end with a drink by the shore in peace after warm swims.

Days in Penang feel easy to fill. Ride the funicular up Penang Hill for cool air and wide views. In George Town, walk Armenian Street for murals and old shophouses, then visit the Clan Jetties. Dive centres in Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang help you plan a first dive or a refresher. End the afternoon at a night market, then take a trishaw ride. Pick up crafts, then stop for a cup of kopi at the cafe.

Green space gives Penang its soft side. Hike in Penang National Park from Teluk Bahang and reach Kerachut Beach, where forest meets sand. The Tropical Spice Garden close by adds scent and shade, with calm paths. In the Penang Botanic Gardens, you spot macaques and palms. For a high view, visit The Habitat on Penang Hill and watch clouds move over the strait. Bring a light jacket since the hill air feels cool.

Green space gives Penang its soft side. Hike in Penang National Park from Teluk Bahang and reach Kerachut Beach, where forest meets sand. The Tropical Spice Garden close by adds scent and shade, with calm paths. In the Penang Botanic Gardens, you spot macaques and palms. For a high view, visit The Habitat on Penang Hill and watch clouds move over the strait. Bring a light jacket since the hill air feels cool.

Luxury in Penang feels relaxed, not loud. Book a private car and glide from Gurney Plaza shopping to a sunset drink at Straits Quay. Choose a heritage stay near Lebuh Armenian with high ceilings and tiled floors, then switch to a beach resort in Batu Ferringhi for sea views. Add a chef-led tasting menu in George Town. Keep the next day free, with late breakfast and slow pool time in soft shade.

Food in Penang turns a good trip into a great one. Start with Nyonya dishes, rich with herbs and tamarind. At hawker stalls on Gurney Drive, order char kway teow, assam laksa, and Penang Hokkien mee. Nasi kandar brings spice and comfort in one plate. Share rojak for a sweet bite, then cool down with cendol. Book a food walk in George Town and eat like a local. Spot flavours with each stop.

Romance in Penang starts with the light. Take a sunset walk on Batu Ferringhi, then share a small plate by the sea. In George Town, pick a quiet table in a restored shophouse and linger over dessert. Ride up Penang Hill in the late afternoon and watch the island glow. For a simple date, stroll Straits Quay and listen to the water. End with a slow night drive along Gurney Drive, with city lights shining.

Families enjoy Penang because the days feel smooth. Spend a morning at ESCAPE in Teluk Bahang for slides and tree play, then head to Entopia for butterflies and bright gardens. On Batu Ferringhi, the night market sells simple toys and crafts. Take the funicular to Penang Hill for cool air and space to run. Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam adds colour and calm. End with beach time and an early supper before sunset.

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