Travel Guide

CITY OVERVIEW

One of the most happening states of Malaysia, Penang is divided into two parts- the Penang city with George Town as its capital and the Penang island. The state observes a diverse, cosmopolitan, and exciting culture, loved by tourists coming from all across the globe. From the city charm of George Town to the natural escape in the dense lush greenery, Penang is a wholesome experience for the travelers.

Abbreviated as RM, Penang being a part of the Malaysian country has the same currency known as Ringgit. It is further divided into 100 sen (cents). 1 Ringgits equals 0.24 US dollars. The flourishing economy of the state of Penang is termed as the "Silicon Valley of the East" and is the third-largest economy in the Malaysian country. The state also has the highest per capita income in all of Malaysia.

A battle ground and sufferer from both the world wars, Penang faced various setbacks in the history. The state was further ruled by the British for a long period before finally becoming a part of the independent Federation of Malaya in the year 1948. Since then Penang state rose to heights through its hardworking people who helped developing its economy. However, George Town was given the status of the city only in 2015.

Penang has the highest population density in Malaysia with ethnic Chinese population as a majority.
The city of George Town is declared by UNESCO as a heritage site, so if you’re an art and history lover, there’s a lot to see here.
The state of Penang is known as the ‘Food paradise of Malaysia’. Yes, you will find numerous cuisines, and amazing Chinese flavors to pamper your taste buds.
The name Penang is derived from the world Pinang meaning betel nut tree. It was earlier renamed as Prince of Wales Island in 1786, but was later changed to Penang.

Similar to the other places in Malaysia, Penang too has a tropical rainforest climate. The sea and wind system pretty much dominates the climatic conditions in the state. It is warm and humid all-round the year but the summers are pleasantly bearable.

Penang has an international airport that observes flights from many countries of the world. Tourists can come from Kuala Lumpur as well. There’s a ferry connection from Butterworth to Penang city too. Reaching Penang by road has also become easier as the Penang bridge is now operational.

To enter Malaysia, tourists do not require any visa and therefore, if you’re travelling to Penang after embarking in Malaysia, all you need are your travel documents like the passport and immigration papers. If you are coming directly from your home country, then the requirement of the documents will vary depending upon the citizenship.

Penang is a part of Malaysia, a country with abundance of beauty and lush greenery. Nature is specially blessed with happiness here, and therefore, there are a lot of places to see around Penang.

Langkawi (108kms)- The Langkawi islands is blessed with unbelievable natural beauty of limestone cliffs, emerald green waters, and hidden shores. It is a must visit place, especially when it is so close to Penang.

Kuala Lumpur (353kms)- The capital city of Malaysia is visited by millions of tourists every year. The city is full of cultural and modern attractions and a mix of many interesting places.

Pangkor islands (193kms)- The island of Pangkor is flooded with tourists throughout the year. Blessed with immense natural beauty, nightlife, parties and excitement; the island is loved by party hungry tourists.

Penang is known as the Food paradise of Malaysia. Do we need to say more? A world of hawkers selling sumptuous street food, the entire George Town island is lit up with food stalls every night. Specially on weekends, it’s like a food fest on the streets of Penang.

Art, theatre, nightlife and parties are in abundance in Penang. During the tourist’s season, something or the other is always running in the island and tourists love to enjoy it. While you’re there, Rayna travels will help you stay informed on every happening event in the city, and if you want, we’ll help you be a part of it too.

Penang has a host of nightlife spots for the tourists to enjoy drink, dance and have all kinds of fun. Slippery Senoritas, Bora Bora, and Brettos Wine Club are some of the popular joints of the George Town city.

Penang offers great souvenir shopping experiences through its small street markets. For some high end shopping experience, tourists can enjoy the Straits Quay Marina Mall, Penang Times Square and Gurney Plaza are some of the great hangout and shopping places.

George Town
Butterworth
Batu Ferringhi
Balik Pulau
Penang National Park
Penang bridge
Kek lok Si temple
Bukit Metrajam

Rayna tours brings to you the best of Penang city and its islandic beauty through its exclusively designed packages that not only ensure you enjoy Penang like a local but also take care of your comfort and luxury.

Penang also has a typical Malaysian Tropical rainforest climate. With an average rainfall of 2670mm, Penang does not face any heavy monsoon problems but the climate becomes dry during the months of December to February.

Penang experiences tourists from all across the world throughout but during the best months of November to February, the entire state is filled with vacationers everywhere.

Penang Travel Guide