The Open Road Travel

Penang is located on the north-western coast of Malaysia and is the most densely populated state in the country. With a rich history and spirited culture, Penang is full of activities to keep visitors occupied.

If you’re a first-time visitor to Penang it can be difficult to decide on where the best area to stay is, considering the state covers more than 400 square miles.

Read on to discover some of the best areas to stay in Penang and what they offer, to help you narrow down the area that best fits your own personal needs.

Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia by land mass, despite being the most densely populated.

The island-state is comprised of two halves. These are Penang Island, where the capital city of George Town is located, and the Malay Peninsula opposite Penang Island.

They are connected by Malaysia's two longest road bridges. One of these bridges, The Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, is, as of May 2019, the longest oversea bridge in Southeast Asia.

The state is known for its rich heritage and architecture. It has a vibrant multicultural society and a broad range of modern entertainment and retail choices.

Another charm of Penang is its natural beauty spots, such as beaches and hills. It is also regarded as the food capital of Malaysia. These attractions have made Penang one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia.

The temperature of Penang remains consistent all year round. It is a destination that is always hot, just like any other part of Malaysia. However, its temperature is often higher than that on the mainland.

Visitors can expect sunshine most days, with the months of June through to August being the hottest. The wettest months are from April to May and from October to November.

As Penang is warm and humid throughout the year, there is no optimal period for visiting. Nevertheless, I would recommend January and February as the best time to visit Penang, as they have the least rainfall of any time during the year.

Whatever it is you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it in Penang. However, with the state covering such a large area, knowing where to look to find it can be tricky.

I’m going to list a few locations below to help you select the best area to stay in Penang to suit your personal needs. I will explain what each place has to offer and who the location may be suitable for.

Penang’s capital city, George Town, is one of the most exciting and colourful cities in Malaysia. This charming city has architectural influences of both Asia and Europe.

From coffeeshops and chic lounge bars, to boutique stores, shopping malls, and museums, George Town has so much to offer. For this reason, I would consider it the best area to stay in Penang for first time visitors wanting to get to know the region.

Located in the northeast of Penang island, it is the 3rd most populous city in Malaysia. Its main attraction is its historic centre, but each of its suburbs offer a range of sights and activities.

Named in honour of King George III and designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 2008, the centre of George Town is bursting with historic attractions.

The city was the first British settlement in Southeast Asia. Fort Cornwallis, an 18th century British fort, is evidence of this. The fort was built by the infamous East India Trading Company.

If you’re interested in history or art, George Town is an ideal spot to choose when deciding on where to stay in Penang.

The Penang State Museum and Art Gallery, built in the early 19th century, displays the history, art, and culture of the region.

Meanwhile, there is the collection of famous buildings, including the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, which is just a 5-minute walk from the museum.

The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, or The Blue Mansion, is boutique heritage hotel that’s one of Penang’s best-known attractions.

Outside of the history, George Town offers a wide range of cuisine. It is a food lovers paradise, and its many bars, restaurants, and street stalls give visitors the chance to enjoy some of the traditional food of the region.

There is a mix of so many different foods here to try, from Malay, Chinese, Peranakan and Thai to Indian and European.

Another thing you may notice on your travels in George Town is street art. The city today has become synonymous with it. While strolling around the city, be sure to keep an eye out for the many wonderful murals covering the walls and pillars.

Due to what’s on offer, George Town has been heralded as one of the best places to visit, not just in Asia but in the entire world.

Stay In St. George Town if:

• It's your first time in Penang
• You want to taste the areas famous cuisine
• You are interested in the culture and history of the city
• You’re a fan of street art
  

This stunning, 5-star hotel is located near the sea front, at the heart of the city. Its location means you don’t have to worry about travelling a lot to see the best sights and attractions, as they are all close by.

Penang International is the nearest airport to the hotel and is just over 9 miles from the hotel.

The luxury Prestige Hotel Penang will guarantee you are comfortable and relaxed throughout your entire stay in George Town.

All of the beautiful guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, Nespresso machines, and kettles, in addition to free minibars and Wi-Fi.

Your private bathroom is fitted with a bidet, bathrobes, and slippers. Room service and a concierge service are also on offer.

On site, there is an elegant restaurant which offers both local delicacies and international cuisine with a daily buffet breakfast.

The Prestige Hotel also boasts a gym and a magnificent rooftop infinity pool, plus free private parking and a 24-hour front desk.

Northwest of George Town sits the popular suburb of Batu Ferringhi. This is the ideal location for anyone looking for a beach holiday and is one of the best areas to stay in Penang for families.

With its range of white sandy beaches, water sports, hotel resorts, and proximity to the city, Batu Ferringhi ticks all the boxes.

This area is equally popular with both locals and tourists alike. It is home to numerous beautiful beaches, including its most popular one, Miami Beach. Whether you want an action-packed trip or a relaxing getaway, Batu Ferringhi will suit you.

For those into water sports, there is jet-skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing on offer. You can even take a thrilling banana boat road.

In the evening, don’t miss out on visiting the legendary night market. A one-kilometre stretch of makeshift stalls sell an assortment of goods, from local arts and crafts to souvenirs and knock-off designer handbags.

Aside from the market, there is also wide selections of bars, restaurants, and street food in Batu Ferringhi.

If you’re travelling with children, why not pay a visit to the TeddyVille museum? This adorable attraction features tons of teddy bears dressed up and displayed in scenarios that showcase and celebrate the rich cultural history and attractions of Penang.

While other attractions in the area may be a little limited, downtown George Town is located just a short distance away. So, if you want easy access to the city centre, without actually being in it, Batu Ferringhi is the ideal spot to set up base.

Stay In Batu Ferringhi if:

• You are travelling as a family or with children
• You want a beach holiday
• You want to be near the city centre
  

Offering luxurious options to people with a range of budgets, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is a 5-star, music-themed hotel that offers contemporary-style accommodation with views of the surrounding greenery or the ocean.

Plush rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, plus minifridges, and tea and coffee making facilities. Visitors also have access to free high-definition blockbuster movies on demand 24 hours a day.

Family rooms include game consoles, soft toys, kids’ books, and even a kids-focused mini-bar. The hotel also has a teen club, a kids club, and an indoor play area for infants, guaranteeing you and your entire family have a wonderful stay while visiting Penang.

Breakfast is included with your stay, and you have the choice of 6 eateries, including a Hard Rock Cafe, which is an impressive two-story restaurant featuring iconic rock memorabilia.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang houses a spectacular 26,000 square foot outdoor pool, including water slides and luxurious pool-side cabanas.

Located at the southwest of Penang Island, about a 45-minute drive from George Town, Balik Pulau is a rural town, dedicated to agriculture. If you want to experience Penang in the most traditional way, this is the ideal location.

The area gives visitors the chance to explore the region in a way that allows them to see authentic Malaysian culture and witness how the locals live and work.

It contains large areas of untouched countryside, mangroves, and orchards, and also holds several fishing villages. Despite this, the town is developing a reputation as a tourist destination.

Visitors who come to Penang are drawn here by the honest, rural lifestyle that is on display.

The town is ideal for anyone wanting to experience a more realistic version of the region and is also the best area to stay in Penang for backpackers.

If you enjoy hiking or cycling, there is a wonderful trail that takes you up to Ngor Hean Hill Temple and its breath-taking flower garden. You will discover stunning, scenic views of Balik Pulau from here.

Just like George Town, Balik Pulau also features some wonderful murals and street art. If that’s your kind of thing, it's worth taking a stroll around the town to try and spot these beautiful pieces.

There are a number of markets in the area selling local produce and traditional products, such as nutmeg juice. Orchards and farms have also begun offering tours to visitors as well as samples of their traditional crops, like cloves, durians, and nutmeg.

Stay In Balik Pulau if:

• You want to visit a more traditional destination
• You are backpacking
• You want to visit farms and orchards
• You want to sample the local produce
  

Accommodation in Balik Pulau is quite limited, but Woon Homestay offers guests a comfortable, stylish guesthouse, where you can rest up after a day of adventuring.

The large house features 7 air-conditioned bedrooms with ceiling fans, plus 3 living areas. These living areas come complete with cable TV and sofas, while the whole property has free Wi-Fi.

All of the 5 bathrooms in the home come with free toiletries, a water heater, and hairdryer.

Offering 24-hour surveillance via a CCTV, the house also has a private parking area if you are travelling with a car.

The nearest airport is Penang International Airport, which is about 5 miles from the property.

The only city in Penang that isn’t located on Penang Island, Seberang Perai is the second most populous city in Malaysia and located on the Malay Peninsula opposite the island.

Seberang Perai is home to the Port Of Penang, which is the state’s largest seaport. Because of this, numerous businesses have been drawn to the region, which has helped drive the city’s economy.

The city offers a diverse range of activities for tourists and is one of the premier shopping districts in Penang. Featuring several malls and stores, all selling a large range of products, visitors who enjoy a spot of shopping will no doubt find what they are looking for.

The town of Butterworth is one of the top attractions in Seberang Perai and is where most of the action takes place. Within Butterworth is the Penang Bird House, the first and largest of its kind in Malaysia.

It is home to over 300 species of bird and features as a wide range of other plant and animal life, including monkeys and deer. Within the beautifully- landscaped, five-acre park are two walk-in aviaries, gardens, and ponds.

Also located in Butterworth is the Rumah Berhala Tow Boo Kong Temple. One of the most distinctive Taoist temples in Malaysia, it covers an area of 40,000 square feet and is an impressive structure.

Further inland is Bukit Mertajam Recreational Forest. This is a tropical rainforest reserve and is the perfect environment for hiking, cycling, and jogging.

The hilly terrain features lush forests and is home to indigenous trees, some of which are more than 100 years old. If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, this is a place you don’t want to miss.

Dotted around the outskirts of Seberang Perai are a number of small fishing towns. These offer visitors the chance to see the area's more traditional side.

Seberang Perai is a fairly unique city and is the best area to stay in Penang for diversity, as it offers both urban and rural attractions.

Stay In Seberang Perai If:

• You are interested in shopping
• You want to visit Penang Port
• You want to visit the largest bird park in Malaysia
• You want to explore a rainforest reserve
  

Opposite Penang Bird Park, The Light Hotel offers modern and stylish accommodation.

Elegantly furnished rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, minibar, in-room safe, desk, tea and coffee making facilities and a seating area. Some rooms have balconies, plus suites add separate living rooms and kitchenettes.

All rooms are air-conditioned and have en-suite bathrooms with shower facilities and a bidet. Free toiletries and a hairdryer are also available.

The two chic in-house restaurants serve a selection of local and international dishes and there is a cocktail lounge, and a relaxed garden bar beside the outdoor pool.

The daily breakfast buffet is wonderful and is included in your stay.

Other amenities include a gym, a kids' playroom, and a spa that offers a sauna, pampering massages, and beauty treatments.

The hotel operates a 24-hour front desk and helpful staff can assist with tour arrangements.

Penang is a beautiful destination and there is so much to do in the island-state. Whether you are looking for a fast-paced adventure, a chilled trip, or you want to experience the wonderful cuisine, you’re sure to fall in love with Penang.

With a diverse range of locations for you to stay, I hope this article will have helped you narrow down which town or city is best for you.

All you have to do now is get booking and start counting down the days to your dream trip to Penang.