Penang travel guide and tourist hotels
Whether you come for the beaches and sunshine, the history and sino-colonial culture or the food and hospitality, Penang is a travel favourite in Malaysia. From the soft sand of Batu Ferringhi to the charm of Georgetown, Penang is certainly tourist friendly.
Plan your trip with this comprehensive 100 page tourist guide to Penang.
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Hospitality
Penang welcomes its guests in an unfussed, professional manner without the usual chaos and crowds of other islands along this beautiful stretch of coast. A good tourist infrastructure ensures you get a hassle free and good value experience from the airport taxis to the beachside vendors of Batu Ferringhi. In addition to excellent hotels at affordable rates, the food is a highlight, along with spas and friendly locals. Find your perfect hotel here and book through Agoda for the best rates.
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| Batu Ferringhi | Weather | Airport |
| Tours | Nightlife | Buses |
| Day trips | Festivals | Visas |
Highlights
History comes to mind when you take a wander through central Georgetown’s Colonial District, with plenty of remnants from British rule, such as the City Hall, State Assembly building and Supreme Court. Fort Cornwallis demonstrates the maritime importance of this island in centuries past, and there’s more in the Penang Museum on the story of Penang. Chinatown is perhaps more representative of the local population, with a particular Sino dominance on Penang. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Kek Lok Si Temple are two of their more impressive cultural sites.
To escape into the more lush natural environs of the island, take the funicular to Penang Hill for great views and cooler climes. The Botanical Gardens is another good excursion to experience tropical jungle tamed. South of Georgetown is the less commercial side of the islands with several authentic Malay fishing villages, and you can circumnavigating the island on the good 70km road which is rewarding. The best beaches and resorts are found on the North coast at Batu Ferringhi.
Weekly feature
Batu Ferringhi on a budget
Penang's main resort strip of Batu Ferringhi is teeming with international hotels offering five star facilities, but there are also plenty of cheap digs and eats for backpackers on a shoestring budget …more








