Penang Island

Immerse yourself in the magic of Penang Island, where charming streets lined with heritage mansions, free-spirited carnivals, piquant street food and awe-inspiring natural wonders are just a taste of the marvels that await.

This gem in the ocean is located off the northwest coast of Malaysia, just a 10-minute ferry ride across the Penang Strait. With direct flights connecting the island to the rest of the world, along with two major highways connecting to the mainland, a trip here is not to be missed: a 293-square-kilometre natural spectacle, the island is rich in pristine alabaster shores, beach-fringed forests and abundant wildlife.

Having long served as the connection between Asia’s great kingdoms and the European trade markets, Penang is a melting pot of global culture. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, George Town, is the island’s epicentre of modernity and culture, with over 1,700 historical sites in the city alone. Stroll the painted streets and transport yourself to a bygone era of European influence, at sites including The Blue Mansion and Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Whizz past everything from neo-classical to old-world Asian architecture as you ride a trishaw past watermarked Chinese shophouses and the highly ornamented, traditional Chinese clanhouse, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi.

Revel in paradisiacal splendour at Teluk Bahang Beach, on the fringe of the mystical Penang National Park, home to powder-soft sands stretching for as far as the eye can see, possible turtle and black-tip reef shark sightings, gently crashing waves and rare flying lemurs. Bathe in the glittering sun piercing the forest canopy at The Habitat forest reserve, or watch the fishermen snap the catch of the day in the lapping waters. Refuel with locally grown durians, stroll the buzzing street markets and quench your thirst with the local bootleg liquor, ‘toddy’, or tuak, a palm wine sweetened with sugar.

The extraordinary kaleidoscope of Chinese, European and Malay cultures is evident in Penang Island’s mouthwatering street food, Chinese shopfronts, gilded colonial architecture, and the local’s infectious enthusiasm for welcoming visitors from far and wide.

Please note that due to current restrictions some operators may be temporarily closed. Check their websites for the most up-to-date information.