Penang
★ 4.6🇲🇾 PenangSuggested visit 2-3 daysBest season The dry season from November to February, with a comfortable climate
World HeritageColonial architectureStreet artPeranakan culture
A cultural crossroads of murals and heritage buildings, one of the best-preserved British colonial legacies in Asia.
Overview
Penang is known as the food paradise of the East, and the old town of George Town is a World Heritage Site.
History
Penang was formally established in 1786 by Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company, becoming Britain's first colony in Southeast Asia. George Town grew rapidly as a free port and trading hub, drawing large numbers of migrants from China, India, Arabia and Europe. Its dense Peranakan heritage, Hindu temples and mosques together form a distinctive multicultural landscape. George Town became a World Heritage Site in 2008.
Highlights
- •The famous Penang street murals
- •Colourful Peranakan shophouses and clan temples
- •Authentic local favourites such as prawn noodles and laksa
- •The spectacular night display of thousands of lanterns at Kek Lok Si
- •Traditional coffee shops where cultures meet
Practical tips
- •Try the prawn noodles, laksa and nasi lemak
- •George Town is best explored on foot
Practical information
- Best time
- November to April
- Tickets
- Most streets free to explore; museums about MYR 20
- Opening hours
- Open all day; the food scene is liveliest at night
- Local food
- Char kway teow, assam laksa and Hokkien mee
- Getting around
- George Town suits walking and cycling, and the mainland is reached by ferry or bridge
- Visa
- Visa-free arrangements apply to Chinese citizens; check the latest announcements. The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) must be completed online before entry.
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