Penang, Malaysia

🏝️ Penang

Malaysia's food capital — a UNESCO heritage island of clan jetties, street art and hawker legends.Ibu kota makanan Malaysia — pulau warisan UNESCO dengan jeti klan, seni jalanan dan legenda gerai.

Best timeMasa terbaik

Dec–Feb (drier, cooler)Dis–Feb (lebih kering, sejuk)

How longBerapa lama

2–3 days2–3 hari

Getting aroundBergerak

Walk George Town's heritage core; Grab or the free CAT bus for longer hops.Berjalan kaki di pusat warisan George Town; Grab atau bas CAT percuma untuk jarak jauh.

Why go to Penang?

Penang is the island that Malaysians drive hours for — and it's almost always about the food. George Town, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Chinese clan houses, Indian temples, British colonial shophouses and Malay kampung streets sit side by side, their walls now covered in the murals that made the city Instagram-famous. It is compact, walkable and endlessly photogenic.

But the real reason to point your car north is the hawker food. Char kway teow fried over roaring charcoal, assam laksa tart with tamarind, cendol under a shady tree, nasi kandar drenched in curry — Penang treats street food as a serious art form. Add hill views, temples and a beach strip at Batu Ferringhi, and a weekend disappears fast. Here's a ranked guide to what to see, what to eat, and what it costs to drive there.

Kenapa pergi ke Pulau Pinang?

Pulau Pinang ialah pulau yang sanggup dipandu berjam-jam oleh rakyat Malaysia — dan hampir selalunya kerana makanan. George Town, ibu kotanya, ialah Tapak Warisan Dunia UNESCO di mana rumah klan Cina, kuil India, rumah kedai kolonial British dan lorong kampung Melayu berdiri bersebelahan, dindingnya kini dipenuhi mural yang menjadikan bandar ini terkenal di Instagram. Ia padat, mesra pejalan kaki dan sangat menarik untuk difoto.

Tetapi sebab sebenar untuk memandu ke utara ialah makanan gerai. Char kway teow digoreng atas arang menyala, asam laksa masam dengan asam jawa, cendol di bawah pokok teduh, nasi kandar berkuah kari — Penang menganggap makanan jalanan sebagai satu seni. Tambah pemandangan bukit, kuil dan pantai di Batu Ferringhi, dan hujung minggu berlalu pantas. Inilah panduan berperingkat untuk dilihat, dimakan, dan kos memandu ke sana.

🧭 See & doLihat & buat

Top 10 things to do in Penang10 aktiviti terbaik di Penang

Ranked — from unmissable to worth-the-detour.Berperingkat — dari wajib lihat hingga berbaloi singgah.

George Town Heritage Core, Penang 1 UNESCO · Free

George Town Heritage Core

EntryMasuk Free TimeMasa 2–3 hrs AreaKawasan George Town core

The heart of the World Heritage zone — wander Armenian Street and Lebuh Chulia past Chinese clan temples, five-foot-ways and pastel shophouses. Best explored slowly on foot with a camera; it's the single most photogenic stretch on the island.Jantung zon Warisan Dunia — menyusuri Lebuh Armenian dan Lebuh Chulia melalui kuil klan Cina, kaki lima dan rumah kedai pastel. Paling baik diterokai perlahan-lahan sambil berjalan kaki; inilah kawasan paling menarik untuk difoto di pulau ini.

Street Art & Murals, Penang 2 Free · Photo spots

Street Art & Murals

EntryMasuk Free TimeMasa 1–2 hrs AreaKawasan Armenian St

Ernest Zacharevic's 'Little Children on a Bicycle' kicked off a city-wide treasure hunt of murals and wrought-iron caricatures. Grab a trail map and tick them off around Armenian and Ah Quee streets — the queues for the famous ones are half the fun.Mural 'Little Children on a Bicycle' oleh Ernest Zacharevic mencetuskan pemburuan harta karun mural di seluruh bandar. Dapatkan peta denai dan cari kesemuanya sekitar Lebuh Armenian dan Ah Quee — beratur untuk yang terkenal pun seronok.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang 3 Temple · Air Itam

Kek Lok Si Temple

EntryMasuk Free (RM2 lift) TimeMasa 1–2 hrs AreaKawasan Air Itam

Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple climbs a hillside in Air Itam, crowned by a seven-storey pagoda and a towering bronze Guanyin. Spectacular at dusk, and magical during Chinese New Year when the whole complex is lit with thousands of lanterns.Kuil Buddha terbesar di Asia Tenggara mendaki bukit di Air Itam, dimahkotai pagoda tujuh tingkat dan patung gangsa Guanyin. Menakjubkan waktu senja, dan indah ketika Tahun Baru Cina apabila seluruh kompleks dihiasi ribuan tanglung.

Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), Penang 4 Viewpoint · Funicular

Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera)

EntryMasuk ~RM30 funicular TimeMasa 2–3 hrs AreaKawasan Air Itam

Ride the funicular railway up to 833m for cool air and a sweeping view over George Town and the mainland. Time it for sunset, then stay for the city lights before heading back down — and visit The Habitat's canopy walk while you're up there.Naik kereta api funikular ke ketinggian 833m untuk udara sejuk dan pemandangan luas George Town serta tanah besar. Sesuaikan masa untuk matahari terbenam, kemudian nikmati lampu bandar — dan lawati laluan kanopi The Habitat semasa di atas.

Clan Jetties (Chew Jetty), Penang 5 Heritage · Free

Clan Jetties (Chew Jetty)

EntryMasuk Free TimeMasa 45 min AreaKawasan Weld Quay

Wooden stilt villages built by Chinese clans over the water, still lived in today. Chew Jetty is the liveliest — a boardwalk of homes, shrines and souvenir stalls stretching out into the channel, glowing gold at sunset.Perkampungan atas air bertiang kayu yang dibina oleh klan Cina, masih didiami sehingga kini. Chew Jetty paling meriah — laluan papan rumah, tokong dan gerai cenderahati menjulur ke selat, bersinar keemasan waktu senja.

Cheong Fatt Tze — The Blue Mansion, Penang 6 Heritage · Guided tours

Cheong Fatt Tze — The Blue Mansion

EntryMasuk ~RM25 tour TimeMasa 1 hr AreaKawasan Leith St

An indigo-blue 19th-century Chinese courtyard mansion, meticulously restored and still run as a boutique hotel. Join a guided tour to hear the story of its 'Rockefeller of the East' owner and admire the feng-shui, ironwork and antique tiles.Rumah agam Cina berkurun ke-19 berwarna biru indigo, dipulihara dengan teliti dan masih beroperasi sebagai hotel butik. Sertai lawatan berpandu untuk mendengar kisah pemiliknya 'Rockefeller Timur' dan mengagumi feng-shui serta jubinnya.

Reclining Buddha (Wat Chaiyamangalaram), Penang 7 Temple · Free

Reclining Buddha (Wat Chaiyamangalaram)

EntryMasuk Free TimeMasa 45 min AreaKawasan Burma Lane

A 33-metre golden reclining Buddha fills this ornate Thai temple on Burma Lane — one of the largest in the world. The Burmese temple across the road makes it an easy two-in-one stop away from the crowds.Patung Buddha berbaring keemasan sepanjang 33 meter memenuhi kuil Thai berhias di Lorang Burma — antara terbesar di dunia. Kuil Burma di seberang jalan menjadikannya hentian dua-dalam-satu jauh dari orang ramai.

Fort Cornwallis, Penang 8 History · Ticketed

Fort Cornwallis

EntryMasuk ~RM20 TimeMasa 1 hr AreaKawasan Esplanade

The star-shaped fort where Captain Francis Light first landed in 1786 — the birthplace of British Penang. Walk the ramparts, cannons and lighthouse at the tip of the historic waterfront, a short stroll from the jetties.Kubu berbentuk bintang tempat Kapten Francis Light mula mendarat pada 1786 — tempat lahir Penang British. Susuri kubu, meriam dan rumah api di hujung tepi laut bersejarah, hanya berjalan kaki dari jeti.

Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang 9 Beach · North coast

Batu Ferringhi Beach

EntryMasuk Free TimeMasa Half day AreaKawasan Batu Ferringhi

Penang's beach strip on the north coast — soft sand, sunset paragliders and a buzzing night market. It's a 30-minute drive from George Town and the easiest way to add some sea and resort time to a city trip.Jalur pantai Penang di pantai utara — pasir lembut, peluncur udara waktu senja dan pasar malam yang meriah. 30 minit pemandu dari George Town dan cara termudah menambah laut dan masa resort pada percutian bandar.

Penang National Park & Monkey Beach, Penang 10 Nature · Free entry

Penang National Park & Monkey Beach

EntryMasuk Free TimeMasa Half day AreaKawasan Teluk Bahang

Malaysia's smallest national park packs jungle trails, cheeky macaques and quiet beaches into one green corner at Teluk Bahang. Hike to Monkey Beach or the meromictic lake, or hop a boat if the trek sounds too sweaty.Taman negara terkecil Malaysia menawarkan denai hutan, monyet nakal dan pantai sunyi di satu sudut hijau di Teluk Bahang. Mendaki ke Monkey Beach atau tasik meromiktik, atau naik bot jika pendakian terlalu memenatkan.

🚌 Getting aroundCara bergerak

Bus tickets across Malaysia — up to 30% off Tiket bas seluruh Malaysia — jimat sehingga 30%

Book buses, trains & ferries to Penang, Melaka, JB, Ipoh, Kuantan & more with EasyBook — compare operators and grab early-bird deals. Tempah bas, tren & feri ke Penang, Melaka, JB, Ipoh, Kuantan & lagi dengan EasyBook — bandingkan operator dan rebut tawaran awal.

Book NowTempah Sekarang

Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

🍜 Eat like a localMakan seperti orang tempatan

What to eat in PenangApa nak makan di Penang

Penang is Malaysia's undisputed food capital — many locals will tell you it's the whole reason to visit. Here are the dishes to hunt down, roughly in order of how essential they are.Pulau Pinang ialah ibu kota makanan Malaysia tanpa tandingan — ramai penduduk tempatan akan beritahu itulah sebab utama untuk melawat. Inilah hidangan untuk dicari, mengikut susunan betapa pentingnya.

Char Kway Teow — Penang food The signature

Char Kway Teow

Flat rice noodles seared over roaring charcoal with prawns, cockles, chives and Chinese sausage. The best versions carry that smoky 'wok hei' char — this is the dish Penang is judged by.Kuey teow leper digoreng atas arang menyala dengan udang, kerang, kucai dan lap cheong. Versi terbaik membawa 'wok hei' berasap — inilah hidangan yang menjadi kayu ukur Penang.

Where to try itTempat mencubanya

  • Siam Road Char Koay Teow · Pulau Tikus
  • Kafe Heng Huat · Lorong Selamat
  • Ah Leng Char Koay Teow · Dato Keramat
Assam Laksa — Penang food Penang icon

Assam Laksa

A tamarind-sour fish noodle soup thick with mackerel, mint, pineapple and ginger flower, finished with a dab of prawn paste. Tangy, funky and utterly Penang — once ranked among the world's best foods.Sup mi ikan masam asam jawa yang pekat dengan ikan kembung, pudina, nanas dan bunga kantan, disudahi petis udang. Masam, kuat dan sangat Penang — pernah disenaraikan antara makanan terbaik dunia.

Where to try itTempat mencubanya

  • Air Itam Laksa · Air Itam market
  • Penang Road Famous · Keng Kwee St
  • Joo Hooi Café · Penang Rd
Nasi Kandar — Penang food Mamak classic

Nasi Kandar

Steamed rice drenched in a 'flooded' mix of rich curries — fried chicken, squid, okra, egg — in the Indian-Muslim style Penang made famous. Order it 'kuah campur' and let the gravies mingle.Nasi putih dibanjiri campuran kari pekat — ayam goreng, sotong, bendi, telur — dalam gaya mamak yang dipopularkan Penang. Pesan 'kuah campur' dan biarkan kuah bercampur.

Where to try itTempat mencubanya

  • Line Clear · Penang Rd
  • Deen Maju · Gurdwara Rd
  • Hameediyah · Campbell St
Cendol — Penang food Dessert

Cendol

Shaved ice, green rice-flour worms, red beans, coconut milk and dark gula melaka syrup — the perfect antidote to the island heat. The Penang Road stalls draw famous, patient queues.Ais kisar, cendol tepung beras hijau, kacang merah, santan dan gula melaka — penawar sempurna untuk kepanasan pulau. Gerai Jalan Penang menarik barisan panjang yang terkenal.

Where to try itTempat mencubanya

  • Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul · Keng Kwee St
  • Joo Hooi Café · Penang Rd
Hokkien Mee (Prawn Mee) — Penang food Breakfast

Hokkien Mee (Prawn Mee)

A deep, spicy prawn-and-pork broth over noodles, topped with prawns, egg and fried shallots. Dark, rich and a beloved Penang breakfast — not to be confused with the black KL version.Sup udang dan babi yang pekat dan pedas atas mi, ditabur udang, telur dan bawang goreng. Pekat, kaya dan sarapan Penang yang digemari — jangan dikelirukan dengan versi hitam KL.

Where to try itTempat mencubanya

  • 888 Hokkien Mee · Lorong Selamat
  • Green House Hokkien Mee · Jln Gottlieb
Penang Rojak — Penang food Snack

Penang Rojak

Crunchy fruit and cucumber tossed in a sticky, funky prawn-paste sauce with ground peanuts and a chilli kick. Sweet, savoury and sour all at once — the ultimate Penang afternoon snack.Buah dan timun rangup digaul dalam sos petis udang yang melekit dengan kacang tanah dan cili. Manis, masin dan masam serentak — snek petang Penang yang terbaik.

Where to try itTempat mencubanya

  • Gurney Drive hawkers · Gurney Drive
  • Padang Brown food court · Anson Rd

What it costs to drive to PenangKos memandu ke Penang

Petrol + toll for a one-way drive, priced at today's RON95 (RM1.99/L) for a typical sedan (8 L/100 km). Petrol + tol untuk pemanduan sehala, pada harga RON95 hari ini (RM1.99/L) untuk sedan biasa (8 L/100 km).

FromDari DistanceJarak PetrolPetrol TollTol One-waySehala
Alor Setar 95 km RM 15 RM 9 RM 24
Ipoh 160 km RM 25 RM 14 RM 39
Cameron Highlands 215 km RM 34 RM 15 RM 49
Kuala Lumpur 355 km RM 57 RM 36 RM 92
Calculate your exact trip costKira kos perjalanan tepat anda

💡 Practical tipsTip praktikal

  • Base yourself in George Town — most sights are walkable and parking is scarce, so leave the car and use Grab or the free CAT shuttle.
  • Go hungry and eat little-and-often; the best hawker stalls open at different times (some only mornings, some only nights).
  • Weekends and public holidays get very busy — book accommodation early and expect queues at famous stalls.
  • Bring cash — many hawker stalls and jetties don't take cards or e-wallets.
  • Menginap di George Town — kebanyakan tarikan boleh dicapai berjalan kaki dan tempat letak kereta terhad, jadi gunakan Grab atau bas CAT percuma.
  • Datang dengan perut lapar dan makan sedikit-sedikit; gerai terbaik buka pada waktu berbeza (ada pagi sahaja, ada malam sahaja).
  • Hujung minggu dan cuti umum sangat sesak — tempah penginapan awal dan jangkakan beratur di gerai terkenal.
  • Bawa wang tunai — banyak gerai dan jeti tidak menerima kad atau e-dompet.

Penang FAQSoalan Lazim Penang

How long does it take to drive to Penang from KL?

It's about 355 km up the North–South Expressway (PLUS), which takes roughly 4 to 4.5 hours of driving, plus stops. Leave early to beat the traffic onto the island.

How much does it cost to drive to Penang?

From Kuala Lumpur, budget around RM55–60 in petrol for a typical sedan plus about RM36 in tolls one way, and RM7 for the Penang Bridge toll onto the island. See the live breakdown below.

Do I need a car to get around Penang?

Not in George Town — it's compact and walkable, with a free CAT shuttle bus and cheap Grab rides. A car helps for Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si, Batu Ferringhi and the National Park, but parking in the city is tight.

What is Penang famous for?

Food, first and foremost — char kway teow, assam laksa and cendol are national icons. It's also known for George Town's UNESCO heritage streets, clan jetties and street art.

Planning the drive?Merancang pemanduan?

Get the exact petrol cost for your route and car with live fuel prices.Dapatkan kos petrol tepat untuk laluan dan kereta anda dengan harga minyak terkini.

PhotosFoto: HundenvonPenang (CC BY-SA 4.0), CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0), Azreey (CC BY-SA 3.0), DvTor8303 (CC0), Yuliarhm (CC0), yeowatzup (CC BY 2.0), CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0), shankar s. from Dubai, united arab emirates (CC BY 2.0), Pangalau (CC BY-SA 4.0), Marek Ślusarczyk (Tupungato) Photo portfolio (CC BY 3.0), Shahrul Laili (CC BY-SA 4.0), brown_colour (CC BY 2.0), Ardzun (CC BY-SA 4.0), Wee Hong (CC BY-SA 4.0), Xlr8ion (CC BY-SA 4.0), Dreamtrooper (CC BY-SA 3.0), Alpha from Melbourne, Australia (CC BY-SA 2.0)via Wikimedia Commons.melalui Wikimedia Commons.