The city of George Town on Malaysia's Penang Island is a popular vacation spot due to its natural beauty, colonial architecture, and abundant outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, and diving.
Visit this well-known Buddhist temple, the largest in Malaysia, with sea-facing views.
This Chinese clanhouse features elaborate carvings and unique architecture, and is a stark reminder of China's historical influence in the region.
Also known as "waterfall gardens," this green expanse can be found near Penang Hill at Jalan Air Terjun.
This mansion-turned-museum was built by a prominent Hakka Chinese merchant at the end of the 19th century in accordance with feng shui principles.
This museum recounts the history of the local batik painting style in Malaysia.
Visit between November and February during the dry season in Penang, offering visitors many swimming, hiking, and sightseeing opportunities.
Penang International Airport (PEN) is located 9.9 miles south of George Town. Visitors can then transfer by private car or Rapid Penang bus 401, 401A, or 401E to the city center.
The closest train stop to Penang Island is at Butterworth Station; from here you must transfer by ferry to George Town. A one-way ticket from Kuala Lumpur costs RM70 and takes around 5.5 hours.
Follow Lebuhraya Utara and Selatan/E1 toll roads from Kuala Lumpur to reach George Town in four hours.
Shah Alam and KBES offer connections from Kuala Lumpur, with a one-way, seven-hour journey costing RM70.
Hotel Penaga offers rooms with additional spa, garden, conference rooms, and swimming pool. Cintra Heritage House is a boutique hotel in the historic quarter with eclectic decor.
Old Town - this UNESCO Heritage Site is comprised of 19th-century colonial architecture and features lots of tourist shops for visitors.
Penang Hill - take a scenic tram to the top of this hill overlooking the city below with several museums, gardens, and restaurants.
Little India - this neighborhood caters to the Indian population of the city, with lots of religious items, clothing, food, and handicrafts for sale.
There are many air-conditioned buses in George Town, with the main stops being at Jetty and Komtar. A single fare costs RM2 and can be paid to the driver on entering the bus.
Taxis in George Town are metered and very affordable. Tariffs start at RM1.5 and will cost no more than RM15 for a trip between destinations in the city center.
Avis, New Bob, and Easybook offer daily rental vehicles for as little as RM45 a day.
Queensbay Mall is the largest shopping mall, with five floors of retail stores, restaurants, and a cinema. On the last Sunday of every month, you can visit the Little Penang Street Market to bargain for items such as hand-painted clothes, clogs, local batik, and henna art.
Sam's Groceria Gurney Paragon and Giant Supermarket Penang Plaza are the two biggest grocery stores. A dozen eggs costs RM5.
Ilyana's serves Malay food prepared by a Thai chef with fresh seafood and dishes such as lala and satay. Average meal prices cost RM40 for two people.