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The afterglow of colonialism lingers in Penang alongside ancient temples, as bicycle rickshaws ply the twisting streets of George Town, the capital.
This island is often only thought of as a beach resort but with its long British history and arguably the best food in Asia, it has a lot more to offer.
A pleasant circuit around the island takes in butterfly farms and the fascinating villages with thriving local markets as well as the funicular railway up Penang Hill with its fabulous views and gardens.
Penang National Park
Penang National Park in the northwest corner of the island makes a great day trip from George Town or the beach resorts of the north coast. With both wetlands and dipterocarp forest it is best explored on foot or by boat. Though one of the world鈥檚 smallest national parks, it plays host to an impressive range of wildlife. Soaring in the skies above you may see brahminy kites, sea eagles and crested serpent eagles whilst the diverse flora includes pitcher plants, ferns and orchids.
Turtle conservation
The main focus is on turtle conservation: four species are known to nest here including the world鈥檚 largest, the leatherback.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Penang
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Penang, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Penang
- Belum Rainforest 69 miles away
- Langkawi 75 miles away
- Pangkor Islands 87 miles away
- Cameron Highlands 98 miles away
- Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser) 153 miles away
- Taman Negara National Park 155 miles away
- Perhentian Islands 169 miles away
- Kuala Lumpur 184 miles away
- Redang Island 187 miles away
- Kuala Terengganu 193 miles away
- The East Coast 236 miles away
- Malacca 260 miles away
Photos of Penang
Our expert guides to exploring Penang
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Penang, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Penang at its best.
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A fusion of cultures: our highlights of Malaysia guide A fusion of cultures: our highlights of Malaysia guide
A fusion of cultures: our highlights of Malaysia guide
A street-food tour in George Town, or a cooking lesson in Malacca? Specialist Shannon highlights her key experiences in Malaysia, from major sights like the capital Kuala Lumpur to remote private-island beaches.
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Accommodation choices for Penang
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Penang. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Muntri Mews
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Seven Terraces
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Eastern & Oriental Hotel
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23 Love Lane
Penang
Ideas for experiencing Penang
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Penang, and which use the best local guides.
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Penang City Tour Penang City Tour
Penang City Tour
Among the highlights of the tour is Fort Cornwallis, built on the site of Francis Light's historic landing in 1786, it today houses the Dutch Canon presented to the Sultan of Johore by the Dutch East India Company.
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Penang National Park Penang National Park
Penang National Park
This day-long excursion will take you through the mangrove forest of Penang's north-western tip before trekking through the dipterocarp forest of the national park.
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