How to Plan a Trip to Penang
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Malaysia needs.
Your 4-step Penang plan
Step 1 — Book flights to PEN
Penang International Airport (PEN) is the main gateway to Penang. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to PENStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in George Town UNESCO street art tour for the best first-time visit — Ernest Zacharevic's "Boy on Motorbike" + 100+ wrought-iron caricatures.
Where to stay in PenangStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with George Town UNESCO street art tour, then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Penang.
Things to do in PenangStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Rapid Penang bus 401E to Komtar is MYR 2.70 and takes 50 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
PEN arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Visa-free for US, UK, EU, Canada, AU, NZ, Japan, Korea + 80 nationalities (30-90 days). E-visa for India, China + 30 countries via imi.gov.my (USD 25).