Penang Island (Malaysia) is located near the coast of the Malacca Peninsula, which, in turn, is the southern tip of the Indochina peninsula. The humid equatorial climate characteristic of these latitudes contributed to the formation of a wide variety of flora and fauna that did not know the human presence until the end of the 18th century.
Mixing of nations, languages, and cultures
Currently, despite the fact that the island is part of the Penang state of Malaysia, the locals of the island are mainly Chinese. A smaller part of the population is made up of Malays and Indians. Accordingly, different languages are spoken here, including English (a reminder of the colonial past), but Malay is the official language.
There are quite a lot of religious denominations: along with officially approved Islam, as in all of Malaysia, residents profess Hinduism, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism and Taoism. That is why in a relatively small area you can see a unique mix of architectural styles, religious cults and holidays. All this, as well as nature, ancient and modern attractions seem extremely attractive for a tourist holiday.
Climate of the island of Malaysia
Tourism here began to develop a few years after the appearance of the first city (Georgetown) in the late 18th century. Undoubtedly, at first it was the nature and climate that were the most important components of the charm of this island, which was called the Pearl of the East. There are no sharp temperature changes, and throughout the year the air warms up in the temperature range from +28 ° C to +32 ° C in the daytime, which in combination with warm water (+28 ° C … +31 ° C) creates favorable conditions for recreation.
Penang has two high and two rainy seasons. The best time to relax starts in December and ends in the first half of April. It is at this time that the weather is most calm and the tourist infrastructure on the island is maximally developed: all sights are open for sightseeing, discos are held, bars and restaurants, shopping centers, kiosks, benches are open. From the end of April to the end of May, rainy weather is set. Precipitation is frequent, but short-term, and the humidity is high.
During the summer months, Penang has a high season (sometimes lasting until September) with relatively little rain. In October and November, the island regularly receives heavy rains, even hurricanes. This period is the least favorable for a beach holiday.
Where to live, there is always a choice
Housing can be chosen for every taste and budget. Given that the island of Penang has always been popular with tourists since it was an English colony, it is easy to find a place to relax and stay here. You can make a reservation in advance, the day before or upon arrival on the island.
There are 120 5* hotels in Penang, and the number of simple and affordable housing options is many times greater. There are also guest houses, hostels and guesthouses.
More expensive housing in the center of Georgetown and in the area of Batu Ferringi beach. A comfortable and economical holiday can be arranged by staying in 3-star hotels, where the average price per night in these popular areas is $50-60. 4-star hotels offer accommodation in the area of $80-100 per night.
- In Georgetown, you can find a double room for $15 per night, but with a shared toilet and shower,
- For a room with a bathroom, you will have to pay more-at least $20.
- Hotels near Batu Ferringi beach, where you can get to the sea in a couple of minutes, are in great demand in high season. The minimum price for a 2-bed room with amenities is $35 per night.
If desired, you can find cheaper rooms (including in 3* hotels) for $11 per night. This is in not very prestigious areas and, accordingly, with less high-quality service and fewer amenities.
From the usual McDonald’s to oriental exotics
Unofficially, Penang Island is considered to be the culinary capital of Malaysia. Here, the menu of establishments reflects the diversity of nationalities and traditions. Here you can always have a delicious meal in restaurants or take the risk of trying exotic street food.
Conventionally, all places that offer food can be divided into groups:
- luxury restaurants;
- cheap cafes and family restaurants;
- makashnitsy — street food stalls.
Food prices
- The average check per person at a low-cost restaurant is $3.
- Dinner for two (3-course meal) at a mid-level restaurant – $15.
- Combo set at McDonalds — $4.
- A bottle of local beer 0.5 l – $3.5-4.
- Mineral water (0.33) – $0.3.
At food courts, prices are even lower, and the dishes are more interesting.
- Spicy chicken will cost about $2.
- Rice with vegetables, seasoned with spices-at $1-2.
- A glass of juice costs about $1.
- Fried rice with seafood can be purchased for $2-3.
How much does the trip cost?
Public transport fares are affordable: a one-way bus costs an average of $0.5. There is also a free bus service to places of interest.
If you do not live on a grand scale, but also do not save much, on average, a holiday in Penang will cost $50-60 per person per day.
Lovers of shopping and nightlife should be prepared for more significant spending. In Georgetown, you can always spend time in night bars and discos. In Batu Ferringi, the most attractive place at night is the bright night market on Jalan Street, where you can bargain and buy something interesting.
Please note! The most interesting sights of Penang Island in Malaysia are described in a separate article with photos.
Penang Beaches
The best beaches of Penang are located in the northern part of it, where they are landscaped and adapted for swimming. In other places, the coastline, although it seems attractive from a distance, is covered with beautiful sand, but it is not suitable for beach recreation and swimming. There is quite dirty water and the dominance of jellyfish.
Batu Ferringi
The most popular beach with developed infrastructure. It is quite long and spacious, located 10 km from Georgetown in the town of Batu Ferringi.
Coarse white sand, both on the shore and when entering the sea. The water on the beach is cloudy, as well as on the entire northern coast. There are cabanas for changing clothes and sun beds. Toilets are available in the cafe, but there is no shower. From banana boat rides to volleyball and horse riding, you can enjoy all kinds of activities here. There are various animals on the Ferringi Batu: monitor lizards, birds, monkeys. From unpleasant moments-jellyfish are often found. Often travelers come to this Penang beach not for swimming, but to feel the atmosphere and watch the sunsets.
Nearby there are many cafes and restaurants with European cuisine, Chinese, Malaysian-in a word, for every taste. In the photo, Penang is especially beautiful in the rays of the setting sun.
Tanjung Bungah
This yellow sandy beach is located on the northern tip of the island. Its length is 1.3 km. Banana rides and skydiving behind the boat complement the usual swimming experience. There is a place to eat, buy interesting things in shopping stalls.
The proximity to the city center (five kilometers from Georgetown) makes itself felt by the presence of pollution and jellyfish, attracted, apparently, by the smell of sewage. As an alternative to vacationers, hotel pools are offered. But it is here that the water sports center is located, where you can spend time playing active sports.
Pantai Keracut
This beach is part of the Penang National Park, located in the north – west of the island. You can only get here on foot through the jungle in an hour or, alternatively, hire a boat. In high season, the water here is clear, and the waves are not very large. But again, there are jellyfish. There are no amenities on the beach. One of the sections of the beach was chosen by green turtles, which come here from September to February to lay eggs.
An interesting natural feature is the Meromictic lake, which consists of two immiscible layers of water, each of which is heated differently. The lower layer is fed by seawater seeping in, while the upper layer is fresh and, surprisingly, colder.
What to see on your own in Langkawi
Teluk Bahang
The name of the fishing village of the same name on the northern coast of the island means “heat wave bay”, probably due to the warm wind constantly blowing from the sea. People come here not for swimming, but to visit a butterfly farm, see a batik factory and see how orchids are grown on special farms.
Some tourists specially come to this beach in Penang from other cities in Malaysia for interesting photos.
On a note! You can find an overview of the beaches of Langkawi Island in Malaysia on this page.
Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach in Penang National Park is the quietest and most remote. It can only be reached by boat or on foot through the jungle. In the second case, flying squirrels, macaques, lemurs, and crab-eating macaques that live on the island can be seen on the way among tropical trees. The journey will take about 2 hours. As the name implies, there are a lot of monkeys on the beach itself, and they are often very impudent. Be sure to keep an eye on things. On the beach, hammocks are stretched between the trees and you can lie down in them for free. There are several cafes on the beach.
The entrance to the water here is gentle, the surface is sandy, with shells. Travelers note that the place is great for having a picnic, it is better to allocate a whole day to visit the beach.
In the mountains, just away from the beach, you can visit the lighthouse, built in the colonial era.
When to visit Penang?
For a comfortable beach holiday, it is better to come to the island in December-January. It’s not so hot at this time, and it’s always sunny. February and March are the hottest months. It is especially exhausting to wander around the city at this time. But if those arriving in Malaysia are interested in a beach holiday, then Penang is quite suitable for them at this time.
For those who are more interested in sightseeing or shopping and want to save on housing, you can take advantage of low prices in the best hotels during the rainy months of May and October. It is not necessary that it will rain every day, but if it does, you will have to experience a real tropical downpour.
How to get to Penang from the Malaysian capital?
Penang is 360 km from Kuala Lumpur. There are several ways to get to the island by public transport.
By plane
This is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang. AirAsia, Malaysian Airlines (from KLIA airport) and FireFly, MalindoAir (departing from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah) fly in this direction. There are approximately 20 flights a day, and the flight time is about 1 hour.
If you look for tickets in advance, you can fly cheap, prices start from $12. In high season, a few days before departure, a ticket can be purchased for $25-this is without luggage, only hand luggage up to 7 kg is free of charge. With luggage, the cost will increase.
By bus
Bus services on the Kuala Lumpur-Penang route operate from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan Stations from 7 am to 1 am. The terminal is large, clean and convenient. The traffic schedule is quite tight: every 30-90 minutes, the travel time is 5 hours. Since the island is connected by a bridge to the mainland, there is no need to change trains.
Prices depend on the carrier, comfort, arrival point on the island and range from $9 to $21. See and book your schedule and tickets on the website 12go.asia.
On a note! Kuala Lumpur attractions with photos are described here.
By train
This is not a very fast way to get to the beaches of Penang. Moreover, there is no railway station on the island itself.
- To start, take the route to Butterworth, located on the mainland, at the central station of the capital. Trains depart from Kuala Lumpur 1-5 times a day depending on the season, the schedule changes. The ticket price is 77-153 RM depending on the class of car. You can book a ticket and find out the current schedule on the carrier’s website www.ktmb.com.my.
- Then you need to take the ferry, the port is located next to the train station, just 100 meters away. Ferries run frequently-every 15-20 minutes from 6 am to half past midnight. The fare is 1.2 RM and can only be paid in cash. In 20 minutes, you will be at the marina near the center of Georgetown, the capital of Penang, Malaysia.
Please note: not only do trains have to run for 4 hours according to the schedule, but they are also often delayed on the way.
