Penang, explored.
Your curated guide to experiencing the island.
THINGS TO DO IN PENANG
Wondering what to do in Penang? From heritage streets and street art to hidden beaches and epic viewpoints, our guide helps you explore the island’s best experiences, whether you’re after adventure or a relaxing escape.
Best restaurants
Penang’s food scene is rightly considered one of the best in the world, so whether you’re looking for a fine-dining experience or a quick snack from a hawker stall, Penang is ready and waiting to add some flavour to your visit.
TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
We’ve been visiting Penang since 2007 and now live here, so we know how to make the most of your trip. From hidden gems and local favourites to practical advice, these are our top 10 tips to help you explore, enjoy, and experience the island like a local.
ITINERARIES
For such a small island, Penang packs in plenty of sights and experiences. Whether you have just one day or a full week, we’ve created a range of itineraries to help you explore, enjoy, and make the most of your visit to this vibrant, fascinating island.
The Best hotels IN PENANG
Looking for luxury and convenience? Check out the best hotels in Penang. Ideal for first-time visitors, these hotels and resorts offer a calm, relaxing escape from the island’s hustle, giving you comfort and peace while you explore everything Penang has to offer.
George Town WALKING TOUR
Exploring George Town is best done on foot, but the heat makes planning essential. This FREE self-guided walking tour showcases UNESCO-listed streets, heritage and landmarks, blending key sights and attractions with perfectly timed food and drink stops along the way to maximise your visit time.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Penang an easy island to get around, helped by the fact that most of the sights are concentrated in the northern and eastern parts of the island. This post details how to get around Penang as well as the easiest way.
A brief history of Penang
Situated on Malaysia’s northwest coast at the crossroads of cultures and trade, Penang has a rich history; from a strategic island contested by European powers to a post-independence Malaysian success, shaped by centuries of change.
EXPLORE PENANG
Browse the map for ideas on what to do in Penang…
BUY THE EBOOK
Updated for 2026, the On Penang ebook is your offline go-to for the best eats, stays, and sights – plus a photo-filled George Town walking tour.
This is a PDF download for use offline and on the go (and ad-free!). Save it to read on the plane to Malaysia, download to your phone to follow the self-guided walking tour, or print it off at home before you leave on your adventures and highlight all the bits you want to remember for your visit.
LATEST ON PENANG GUIDES
- Penang Hill Cable Car: A New Way to Reach the Summit in 2027
Penang Hill Cable Car (artist impression). Photo credit: Penang Hill Cable Car Development Costing an estimated RM367 million, Penang Hill Cable Car is slowly becoming a reality, although there’s still… - Halloween in Penang 2026: What’s On Around the Island
Halloween isn’t a particularly big celebration in Penang, and if you’re expecting streets full of trick-or-treating children, elaborate house decorations and Halloween events everywhere you turn, you might be disappointed…. - Museums & Galleries in Penang: The Essential Guide
Penang’s museums and galleries are a wonderfully mixed bag. There are grand museums telling the story of the island, tiny collections hidden inside George Town shophouses, contemporary art galleries and… - Straits & Oriental Museum Penang: A Collector’s World of Chinese Ceramics
The streets of George Town are home to a variety of small museums, many of which are located in converted shop houses or heritage buildings. One of the recent additions… - Lin Xiang Xiong Gallery Penang: One Artist, Four Floors of Art
Opened in 2025 in a striking location on Penang’s east coast, Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery is a welcome addition to the island’s arts and cultural scene. The futuristic building… - Best Food Courts and Hawker Centres in Penang
Discover how Penang’s hawker centres and food courts work, what to expect when you visit, and our favourite spots for cheap local food. Eating at food courts and hawker centres…
A note from Tanjung Bungah
Hi, we’re Jenny & Jason Lynn – a married couple from the UK, and your Penang locals.
We’ve been visiting Penang since 2007 and made it our home in 2024 with our two kids. Over the years we’ve fallen for its vibrant street food, heritage streets, stunning beaches, and the everyday charm of island life.
Through On Penang, we share the places, experiences, and hidden gems we love – family-friendly adventures, local favourites, and secret spots – to help you explore the island and enjoy every moment as much as we do.