Flights to Penang

What are the best places to stay in Penang?

George Town

George Town is the capital and largest city in the Malaysian state of Penang. It’s located on the northeastern corner of Penang Island and is the third most populated city in Malaysia. Look at George Town hotels after you book airfare to Penang if you want to stay in the main hub of the island. The city has so much for you to see and do while holidaying on flights to Penang, including a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene, Fort Cornwallis, Penang Hill, and Kek Lok Si Temple. George Town is also well-known for the colourful street art that you can admire along laneways across the city.

Batu Ferringhi

Consider staying in Batu Ferringhi when you book tickets to Penang if spending time at the beach is at the top of your to-do list. The relatively untouched beach stretches along the length of this town. Try water sports and take in the picture-perfect beauty of the white sand beach bordered by turquoise water and rolling hills. There are plenty of attractions to enjoy away from the beach too, such as Tropical Spice Garden, Chin Farm Waterfall, and the nightly Batu Ferringhi Night Market. Batu Ferringhi isn’t as busy as George Town, but it boasts some of the best street food and nightlife on the island.

Tanjung Bungah

The resort town of Tanjung Bungah is ideal for visitors who want to enjoy the island’s quiet side while holidaying on return flights to Penang. It’s tucked between George Town and Batu Ferringhi, but it’s much quieter than its neighbours. There are small and secluded beaches and some great international restaurants. There are also several tourist attractions located around Tanjung Bungah, including the Floating Mosque, the Toy Museum, and Pearl Hill. Tanjung Bungah is fairly quiet and peaceful, but it’s only a 15-minute taxi ride from the fast pace of George Town.

What is the best way to get around Penang?

The Rapid Penang bus network is a great option for visitors holidaying on flights to Penang. There are 56 routes that connect the major towns and tourist hubs of the region. You can start travelling around by Rapid Penang bus as soon as you arrive on cheap flights to Penang. Bus route 401E connects Penang International Airport (PEN) with George Town. The majority of Rapid Penang routes pass through George Town, so you can then connect to another bus to get exactly where you need to go.

Taxis are another option to take advantage of after arriving on flights to Penang. Taxi fare from Penang International Airport (PEN) costs about 50 ringgit ($18.50 NZD) to George Town and about 80 ringgit ($29.60 NZD) to Batu Ferringhi.

The free Central Area Transit (CAT) bus is a great option to get around George Town while holidaying on return flights to Penang. The bus operates in a loop around the city, stopping at major landmarks, including Weld Quay Bus Terminal, Little India, and Fort Cornwallis.

Penang Island is the main hub of the region, but there’s also a portion of Penang on the mainland called Seberang Perai. A couple of bus routes travel across from the island to the mainland, but there’s also a ferry you can catch. Visitors hoping to reach the mainland while holidaying on cheap flights to Penang can take a ferry that connects George Town on Penang Island to Butterworth in Seberang Perai.

What should I pack for Penang?

Malaysia is hot year-round, so pack lightweight clothing no matter when you book airfare to Penang. Shorts and sleeveless tops are okay, but keep in mind that Islam is the major religion in Malaysia and the culture is fairly conservative. Avoid showing too much skin, and avoid clothes that are too form-fitting. Bring along some comfortable sandals as well as a pair of sturdy shoes as there are some great hiking opportunities to enjoy while holidaying on flights to Penang.

The beach is another must-do for many visitors who book tickets to Penang. Pack a few swimsuits as well as sunglasses and a hat for your trips to the beach. Bikinis weren’t always allowed on all Penang beaches, but that rule has been overturned. Just avoid wearing swimsuits away from the beach or pool.

Sunscreen is another essential to pack when you book return flights to Penang. Opt for a reef safe and waterproof option that you can wear in the ocean. A plug adapter is another essential. The power points in Malaysia use plug type G. Finally, you’ll want to bring along an umbrella if you book cheap flights to Penang between April and November. This is the wet season in Penang and rain is common.