Penang cruise port guide: everything you need to know

The magnificent Malaysian island of Penang isn’t just known as one of the most stunning and rewarding destinations in Southeast Asia, it’s also one of the most popular stops on any Asian cruise itinerary. Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines are just some of the cruise companies to include stops in Penang, with thousands of passengers disembarking each year to explore the island on a shore excursion.

If your cruise itinerary includes a stop in Penang, keep reading to find out how best to spend your one day on the island, what to see and where to go.

Before you arrive: things to look out for as your ship approaches Penang

The Malacca Strait is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and also one of the most strategically important, due to the link it offers between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. As a result, a large proportion of the world’s shipping and goods pass through this stretch of water each year, so you’ll be in good company.

As you approach the narrow gap between mainland Malaysia and Penang Island, try to catch a glimpse from the starboard side of Muka Head Lighthouse atop one of the hills which form Penang National Park. Further along the coastline, the suburbs of Batu Ferringhi, Tanjong Bungah and Tanjong Tokong (incidentally, Tanjong means ‘Cape’ in Malay) with their high-rise buildings and beaches will come into view.

As you round the northern tip of the island, off the starboard side you’ll spot Andaman Island, a large-scale land reclamation project, Gurney Drive (where many high-end malls and apartments are located), before George Town itself floats into view. Keep an eye out for the grand Eastern and Oriental Hotel, a luxury hotel which, in years gone by, was often the first stop for wealthy visitors arriving by sea. The remnants of Fort Cornwallis, the landing site of the first Europeans is also visible just before you dock at the Penang cruise terminal.

Where do cruise ships dock in Penang?

Cruise ships arriving into the port of Penang dock at the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal. Originally opened in 1904, the terminal is now the busiest in Malaysia and is an attractive building in its own right. It’s undergone a few renovation projects over the years and the cruise terminal is now capable of welcoming some of the largest cruise ships in the world.

Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal is located in a central and convenient part of George Town, easily within walking distance of most of the sights within the UNESCO-listed city limits.

Do you need cash and where is the nearest ATM to the cruise terminal?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Penang, especially at larger restaurants, food courts, souvenir shops and bars. You could get by without having cash but, for smaller food vendors, taxi rides, snacks and other small purchases, it helps to have some cash with you.

The currency in Malaysia is the ringgit (RM) with notes coming in denominations of RM100, RM50, RM20, RM10, RM5 and RM1. Check online for the latest rates but, as a guide, RM1 converts to £6 or US$4.80.

Once you leave the cruise terminal, the nearest ATM is HSBC on Lebuh Pantai (which translates as Beach Street). Several other banks along the same road also have ATMs.

If you’re just planning to eat at a local food stall or restaurant, with a couple of coffees or soft drinks throughout the day, RM50 to RM70 per person should be sufficient. Wine and beer in Penang is expensive by local standards, so add on RM25 per drink in that case.

Is Penang safe to visit?

Yes, Penang is an extremely safe destination to visit and you should have no concerns about heading out into the city on your own rather than on an organised tour. The exit from the cruise terminal is perhaps the trickiest part, with taxi drivers shouting and touting for business, but once you branch out into George Town, you’ll feel safe and secure.

Pickpockets and bag-snatching is a rare but occasional issue, as it is everywhere in the world. Take the usual precautions but there’s no need to be concerned. In the highly unlikely event you need it, the emergency number in Malaysia is 999 and the closest police station to the cruise terminal is at the top of Beach Street.

Getting around Penang during your visit

The Penang buses are a good option if you’re planning to hop around George Town, in particular the free CAT bus which performs a loop around the best sights in George Town. The buses pickup near the cruise terminal, otherwise the main hub at the Jetty is a ten-minute walk away. Keep in mind that, aside from travel passes which you probably won’t need on such a short visit, the buses take cash-only with no change given. Expect to pay RM1.40 for rides around George Town (less than 7km).

The best option if you’re reasonably mobile is to walk; the centre of George Town is compact and easy to navigate, with most of the highlights only a few hundred metres apart.

Further afield, especially if you have time to venture beyond George Town, a Grab taxi is fast, safe and convenient. Check out our guide on installing and using the app, if you have internet access on your mobile phone, it’s by the far the easiest way to get around and registration only takes a few minutes.

Normal taxis are a reasonable option but, with the increasing popularity of Grab, you’ll see fewer of them driving around nowadays. You’ll see (and hear) lots of them as you leave the cruise terminal and some passengers forfeit value for convenience by hiring one here.

What to do in Penang if you only have a few hours onshore

If you only have a few hours in Penang, we’d suggest you focus your time on George Town and save the rest of the island for another visit.

Our self-guided walking tour starts a few minutes walk away from the cruise terminal, or you can pick it up at Fort Cornwallis (directly outside the cruise terminal at step 2) and go from there. It should take around three or four hours to complete, or you can finish early if you’re pushed for time. The walking tour takes in the best George Town has to offer, with a couple of options for food and drink breaks when you need them.

What to do in Penang if you have longer onshore

If you have a full day in Penang, you could take a whirlwind tour of George Town, perhaps picking out some key highlights such as Fort Cornwallis or the Blue Mansion. Afterwards, jump in a taxi or Grab and head to either Penang Hill (for some cooler air and fantastic views over the island) or to Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in Malaysia.

Back in George Town, perhaps grab a sundowner at the E&O Hotel or a tasty Indian meal at Gem restaurant on Bishop Street, only a ten-minute walk back to the cruise terminal and one of our favourite restaurants in Penang.

We suggest you check out our Penang one-day itinerary.

One day Penang itinerary

For such a small patch of land, Penang Island squeezes in enough sights and activities to keep you occupied for a lifetime. So what’s the best approach to visiting Penang if you only have one day to spare?

READ MORE

Final thoughts on visiting Penang on a cruise

A visit to Penang is likely to be one of the highlights of your cruise adventure. Unlike some other cruise destinations, you’ll disembark right in the centre of this world-renowned city, with no need to endure another long shuttle bus.

As soon as you step out of the cruise terminal and into George Town, you’re in the heart of the action, with numerous sights, activities and eating options within a few minutes walk. If possible, skip the organised tour and experience this magical place on your own terms, in your own time.