Flights from Hangzhou (HGH) to Penang (PEN)

About Penang

Discover Penang

Why visit Penang?
Penang blends historic neighbourhoods, tropical scenery, and a celebrated food scene into a compact, easy-to-explore island. You will find characterful streets, seaside promenades, and hillside vistas, all wrapped in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.

What to expect
George Town, the island’s main hub, is known for its colourful shophouses, heritage architecture, and lively street art. Along the northern coast, resort areas offer sandy beaches and seafront hotels, while inland hills provide cooler air, walking trails, and panoramic views across the island and mainland.

Plan your trip
Penang works well as both a standalone getaway and a stepping stone to wider Malaysia. With frequent connections through Singapore, you can easily combine Penang with other regional destinations, making it a convenient base for exploring beaches, highlands, and nearby urban centres.

Top sights in Penang

George Town UNESCO core

Wander the historic streets lined with pastel shophouses, street art, and hidden courtyards in Penang’s UNESCO-listed old town.

Penang Hill

Take the funicular railway up Penang Hill for cooler air, forest trails, and wide views over George Town and the strait.

Clan Jetties

Stroll along wooden walkways at the Clan Jetties, where houses stand on stilts over the water and daily life unfolds at the shoreline.

Kek Lok Si and hillside views

Visit Kek Lok Si for its tiered halls, intricate details, and sweeping hillside outlooks across the surrounding town and hills.

Batu Ferringhi beachfront

Head to Batu Ferringhi for a long stretch of sand, seaside promenades, and water activities along Penang’s north coast.

Penang Peranakan Mansion

Step inside the Penang Peranakan Mansion to see ornate interiors, decorative tiles, and period furnishings that evoke a bygone era.

Chew Jetty sunset

Time your walk along Chew Jetty for sunset, when the sky colours reflect off the water and the wooden homes take on a golden glow.

Penang Street Art trail

Follow the self-guided street art trail to discover murals and metal sculptures tucked along alleyways and side streets.

Experience Penang’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
In George Town, you can easily explore on foot between major streets, murals, and waterfront areas. For longer distances, use ride-hailing services or local buses that link the city with beach districts and the airport. Trishaws and bicycles give a slower, open-air view of compact neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Penang spills out onto five-foot ways, corner coffee shops, and lively junctions where old and new meet. You will see families and office workers sharing tables, neighbours chatting at doorways, and artisans working in small workshops that sit beside contemporary galleries and small hotels.

Where to unwind
When you need a break, the seafront promenades, hilltop viewpoints, and leafy parks offer quiet corners to sit and watch the city from a distance. Early mornings and late afternoons are pleasantly cool for walking, while evenings on the beach or by the waterfront bring a gentle breeze and relaxed atmosphere.

A taste of Penang

Street food & local specialties
Penang is famous for street food, with stalls and kopitiams serving noodle dishes, rice plates, and snacks from dawn until late night. Busy streets and open-air food courts around George Town and Gurney Drive are ideal for trying a variety of flavours in one visit.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Beyond the stalls, you will find casual cafés, family restaurants, and modern eateries spread across George Town’s heritage streets and newer districts. Many menus mix local and international influences, and sharing plates or modest portions make it easy to sample several dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose restaurants housed in restored buildings, hillside venues with night views, or seafront spots overlooking the water. These settings combine thoughtful cooking with memorable surroundings, whether you prefer an intimate shophouse dining room or a terrace catching the sea breeze.

Retail therapy in Penang

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Penang’s modern malls offer international brands, cinemas, and dining under one roof, making them convenient stops between sightseeing. Larger centres around George Town and along the coastal road combine shopping with places to relax, meet friends, and take a break from the heat.

Markets & local crafts
For something more local, explore compact markets and side streets where independent makers sell crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Areas in and around the heritage core, as well as neighbourhoods like Pulau Tikus and Air Itam, offer a mix of small boutiques and stalls with a distinctly Penang character.

Evening retail scene
As night falls, certain streets and seafront areas become livelier, with stalls, lit shopfronts, and open-air vendors drawing both visitors and residents. The atmosphere is relaxed yet busy, and local transport and ride-hailing services make it straightforward to reach these spots and return to your hotel later in the evening.

Best time to visit Penang

Dry and sunny months (peak season)
From December to March, Penang is generally drier and slightly cooler, with temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F). Clearer skies make this a popular time for walking tours and beach days, and the island feels lively with visitors enjoying outdoor spaces.

Inter-monsoon transition (shoulder season)
April to June and September to early November bring warm temperatures of 28–31°C (82–88°F), with brief showers often in the afternoon. The mix of sunshine and rain keeps the landscape green, and you can enjoy sightseeing with fewer crowds and flexible indoor or outdoor plans.

Southwest monsoon (low season)
From late June to August, the southwest monsoon can bring more frequent rain showers, especially later in the day, and temperatures hover around 28–30°C (82–86°F). Downpours are usually short, leaving plenty of time for exploring museums, cafés, and covered walkways between showers.

Frequently Asked Questions