One of the convenient aspects of staying on the small but compact island of Penang is its location to other places offering diverse and interesting day trips and a gateway to further Asian destinations.

Butterworth is a small town on the mainland side of Penang state in Malaysia and is accessible by ferry from Penang. It is a more industrial destination than nearby Georgetown with little of the formers charm; however, it is a main hub for train and bus services which do not go directly to Penang Island.

For a mere 25 ringgits buses leave Butterworth to Kuala Lumpur almost hourly and the stop is located right next to the train station, just ask a representative for directions.
This is the best way to get to KL and the five hour journey is half the time of the less frequent trains. Much of the journey is very beautiful and most of the coaches have AC and show movies for the same reasonable price. Prices can be secured at local vendors at the bus stop but it is worth remembering that most coaches do not offer rest rooms although they do make regular stops on the journey. But do bring your own toilet paper if you need it.

Bangkok is another Butterworth travel destination and it takes about 13 hours by train.

Thai beach destinations also leave from Butterworth on The International Express.

Penang state destinations are also easily found from Butterworth.

Day trips around Penang Island itself can be easily found on the island at hotel and tour operator offices.

There are plenty of transport options in Penang tends to be safe and reliable and with plenty of public transport to choose from as well as private transport.

Plane:
Penang has its own airport and there are regular direct flights from places such as Kuala Lumpur as well as international destinations such as Bangkok. The main airline is Malaysia Airlines and booking in advance online can save quite a bit of cash. Cheap flights are also provided by AirAsia.

Bus
Buses are the cheapest way to get around Penang and the best place to catch the bus and guarantee a seat is at the town’s bus terminal. There are luxury buses available for long-distance travel and these can be booked a couple of days in advance. The air-conditioned buses can be rather chilly, so take a blanket with you. Although they tend to be rather slow, local buses are regular and reliable.

Car and motorcycle:
Driving in Penang is safe and convenient as the roads are good and there are plenty of new cars available to hire. Road rules are basically the same as in Britain and Australia, with right-hand drive cars that stick to the left side of the road. Petrol is generally cheap and motorbikes can also be hired from guesthouses in tourist towns and cities. Although Malaysian drivers are generally good, drivers still need to be careful, especially in large towns and cities as animals often roam freely across the roads.

Taxis:
Taxis can be found driving around the city streets looking for customers. You will usually need to negotiate the fare in advance and it is a good idea to ask the staff at you guesthouse for an estimate of the going rate.

Trishaws:
These bicycle rickshaws seat too people and can be a romantic way to see the sights.

Andaman daze

Soak up the culture on this island that blends ancient Malay, Asian colonial and Chinese immigrant influences in one fascinating destination. Penang is a favourite destination in Malaysia, combining tropical beaches with sophisticated hospitality and historic interest.

Soon you’ll be able to experience all this virtually before you come, this travel blog on Penang is the beta version of a full online travel guide that will include colour pics and hundreds of pages of tourist info on the island. Trust us we’re Asian travel specialists.

Penang has dozens of good excuses to attract you; be it great beaches, water sports, intriguing culture, multi-cultural cuisine, lush tropical hiking trails, botanical gardens, crumbling old architecture, colourful festivals and exotic temples. Experience it all here.

Shopping
Whether you need to pick up a few essentials or a seeking out that perfect engagement gift, we’ve got the inside story… more

Hospitality
Everything from cheap rooms in hostels to the best luxury hotels in town plus spas, restaurants and nightlife tips… more

What to see
All the top attractions listed in complete detail including city tours and highlights for those short on time… more

Malaysian Culture
This diverse and wondrous land is begging to be discovered by cultured visitors with time on their hands… more

Living here
Complete guide to everthing an expat is every going to need for long-term stays in Penang… more

What to do
Whether you want to browse for gifts, indulge in some pampering, play sport or see the sights… more

Peninsular Malaysia
Guide to areas of the countries which are an easy leap away from Penang for when the city gets too much… more

Getting here
All your transport needs taken care of in one simple section including plane, train or taxi… more

Before booking your flights and accommodation you should try to find discount vouchers online. There are several sites now offering this popular promotions tool for savings and bargains and one UK site we can recommend is discountvouchers.co.uk