Malaysia's food and cultural capital
Up the coast from Kuala Lumpur, Penang’s mix of historical heritage, alluring cuisine, easy going beaches, modern city life and the interesting UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, makes for a very worthwhile destination.
A city with an assured contemporary buzz has also held onto its past and multicultural heritage for an intriguing mix of architecture with churches, mosques, temples and reflects Penang’s assorted social fabric of Chinese to Malay and Indian. Infamous throughout all of South East Asia for its gastronomy, many find its food stalls, hawker centres and restaurants reason enough to visit Penang. Thanks to the culinary contribution of its varied inhabitants you can feast on Indian curries, Thai delicacies, Malay specialities and Chinese staples.
Besides history and culture, Penang also boasts an array of luxurious sun-soaked beaches on the northern shore. Here, swaying palm trees dot the serene, sandy coastline with Batu Ferringhi being a top choice.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
For me, Penang is a must-see for any visitors to peninsular Malaysia. The ties with its colonial past are still very much apparent as you travel by rickshaw through the UNESCO-protected George Town. As well as the British connection, Chinese and Indian influences make this attractive city a real melting pot of cultures. It also means the food here is some of the best in the country!
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Penang
There are many incredible places to stay in Penang. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Penang example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Malaysian Highlands, Heritage and Island Escape
Malaysian Highlands, Heritage and Island Escape
10-Day Trip
A Luxury Train Journey Through Malaysia & Indonesian Island Escape
10-Day Trip
A Luxury Train Journey Through Malaysia & Indonesian Island Escape
Where to go
Cameron Highlands
These cool, emerald highlands filled with a temples, hiking trails, hill stations and tea tasting is ideal for those looking to escape the heat, or discover Malaysia’s more sedate rural side.
Ipoh
Located in northwest Malaysia, Ipoh is the state capital of Perak, an area known for its colonial-era architecture, exhilarating hiking trails and beautiful cave temples built right into the natural limestone cliffs.
Kuala Lumpur
Booming and burgeoning, Kuala Lumpar is a considerable sight to behold in the form of a towering cityscape, sprawling neighbourhoods, assorted cultural collage, and a rich dining, shopping and nightlife scene.
Langkawi
While visiting this archipelago of 99 islands, it is easy to see why Langkawi is branded a tropical paradise colloquially and the Jewel of Kedah officially.
Pangkor Laut
Pangkor Laut, once a Dutch fort, is where to come for a tranquil and authentic fishing village atmosphere, quiet, beautiful beaches and its wild, jungle interior.
Tioman Island
With its abundance of sublime sandy beaches, white coral reefs and jungle backdrop, Tioman makes for a spellbinding island escape for those that want relaxation mixed in with a little adventure.
Meet your Asia team
When to visit
December to February are the best months to go for the dry season and during which many of the national festivities take place.
Festivals and celebrations
January–February
Trekking in the highlands
December–April
Plan your trip to Penang
Whatever you want from your adventure in Penang, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
