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Penang Location Map: Where is Penang?
When travelers say they're heading to Penang, they usually mean Penang Island—Malaysia's ultimate mix of tropical charm, culture, and mouthwatering street food.
Sure, Penang also includes a mainland part (Seberang Perai), but trust us, your real adventure happens on the island. The first things is, where it is?
Penang on World Map
Penang sits off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, right on the edge of the Malacca Strait, between Thailand and Indonesia.
On a world map, you'll find it in Southeast Asia, just below Thailand and across the water from Sumatra, Indonesia.
It's perfectly placed for travelers exploring the region — only a 1-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, 2 hours from Singapore, and around 3 hours from Bangkok.
Penang Island in Malaysia Map
Penang Island is where most of the fun happens — it's home to George Town, the island's beating heart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as beach resorts in Batu Ferringhi, and the lush green slopes of Penang Hill.
Penang Island Map: Layout of Penang Island's Key Zones
Penang Island may look small on the map, but it packs an incredible variety of experiences into every corner — from street art and skyscrapers to beaches, jungles, and fishing villages. The Penang Island Map is your key to unlocking all of it!
A. George Town – First Must-See on Penang Island
This is where the island's soul beats the loudest. UNESCO-listed George Town is the island's cultural core, bursting with heritage shophouses, vibrant temples, and the irresistible smell of Char Kway Teow sizzling on every corner.
It's where past and present blend seamlessly — century-old clan houses share the streets with trendy cafes and boutique hotels.
Vibe: Walkable, artsy, cultural — this is where you'll want to stay, eat, and get lost (in the best way).
B. The Northern Coast – From Beaches to Local Life
Eastern Stretch: Tanjung Tokong & Tanjung Bungah
This area blends seaside living with local flavor. You'll find floating mosques, fresh seafood stalls, and spots where locals live and play. It's quieter than George Town but still close enough for an easy commute.
Western Stretch: Batu Ferringhi
Penang's main beach resort area, with soft sands, water sports, and the famous Batu Ferringhi Night Market. It's about a 30–45 minute drive from George Town, making it the perfect beach escape after a few days of sightseeing.
Vibe: Relaxed, breezy, and perfect for families or anyone looking to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
C. The Central Hills – The Green Lungs
When the heat gets too much, head up to the island's cool heart.
The Penang Hill area offers lush greenery, panoramic views, and a refreshing breeze — a welcome contrast to the coastal humidity.
Nearby, the magnificent Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam stands as a symbol of faith and artistry, with its towering pagoda and colorful architecture.
Highlights:
- Penang Hill Funicular Railway – Ride up to the summit for breathtaking views.
- Kek Lok Si Temple – One of Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temples.
- Botanic Gardens – Peaceful trails with monkeys, ferns, and tropical flora.
Vibe: Tranquil, scenic, and refreshingly cool — ideal for nature lovers and photographers.
D. The Southwest Coast – The Rustic Getaway
Here's where Penang slows down and breathes. Expect winding countryside roads, fruit orchards, and traditional kampung (village) life. This is the Penang that locals escape to on weekends — raw, rural, and charmingly authentic.
Highlights:
- Countryside Drives – Lush rice fields and winding coastal roads.
- Fruit Farms – Try durians, nutmeg, and tropical fruit straight from the trees.
- Balik Pulau Town – A sleepy yet artistic enclave with street murals and cafes.
- Hidden Beaches – Pantai Kerachut and Teluk Kampi in Penang National Park.
Vibe: Peaceful, rural, and deliciously off the beaten path.
E. The Southern Gateway – The Modern Side
Down south lies Bayan Lepas, Penang's modern face — home to the Penang International Airport, shopping malls like Queensbay Mall, and the Penang Bridge connection to the mainland.
Vibe: Convenient, modern, and ever-growing — the island's gateway to the rest of Malaysia and beyond.
Penang George Town Map - Deep Dive into George Town
George Town is an eclectic blend of heritage, culture, and art. To make your exploration easier, here's a breakdown of must-see tourist spots and street art in George Town. Simply follow the Penang George Town Map to guide your way!
A. Penang George Town Map with Tourist Spots
The George Town Map with Tourist Spots will show you all the must-see tourist spots. You'll definitely want to have it handy as you explore these iconic landmarks and cultural treasures:
| Tourist Spot | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze) | A stunning blue-painted mansion showcasing Chinese & Western architectural styles. | Leith Street |
| St. George's Anglican Church | One of the oldest neoclassical churches in Southeast Asia. | Lebuh Farquhar |
| Penang Town Hall & City Hall | Elegant colonial-era buildings, often hosting events. | Lebuh Light |
| Fort Cornwallis | A historic military fort offering a glimpse into Penang's colonial past. | Lebuh Pantai |
| Pinang Peranakan Mansion | Museum showcasing Peranakan culture, with intricate furnishings and artifacts. | Church Street |
| Goddess of Mercy Temple | Sacred Taoist temple dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. | Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling |
| Sri Mahamariamman Temple | One of the oldest Hindu temples, known for its vibrant colors and statues. | Queen Street |
| Kapitan Keling Mosque | A Moorish-style mosque surrounded by gardens, a tranquil space in the city. | Jalan Kapitan Keling |
| Khoo Kongsi | An ornate clan house showcasing rich Chinese heritage. | Kuala Kangsar Road |
| Armenian Street | A lively street full of art galleries, craft shops, and local food. | Armenian Street |
| Clan Jetties | Waterfront villages built on stilts by Chinese clans, offering a peek into traditional life. | Chew Jetty |
These iconic spots will introduce you to George Town's rich cultural mix — the perfect combination of history, architecture, and local charm.
B. Penang Street Art Map with Popular Murals
One of George Town's biggest draws? Street art! Over the years, this creative hub has been transformed into an open-air gallery, where artists from around the world have left their mark. The city's street art map is a must-have if you're on the hunt for famous murals.
| Street Art | Artist | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Children on a Bicycle” | Ernest Zacharevic | Famous interactive mural where you can sit on the bike and pose with the children. | Lebuh Ah Quee |
| “The Little Boy with the Pet Dinosaur” | Ernest Zacharevic | Whimsical mural of a boy riding a dinosaur. | Ah Quee Street |
| “Reaching Up” | Ernest Zacharevic | Depicts a boy reaching for fruit in a tree. | Ah Quee Street |
| “Boy on a Swing” | Ernest Zacharevic | Interactive mural where you can sit on the swing alongside the boy. | Ah Quee Street |
| “I'm Hungry” | Artist Unknown | A cute mural of a girl looking at a bowl of noodles. | Lorong Stewart |
| “The Giant Robot” | Artist Unknown | Colorful 3D mural of a robot bursting from the wall. | Lebuh Penang |
| “Tiger Mural” | Julian Beever | 3D interactive tiger mural that makes it look like the tiger is jumping out of the wall. | Lebuh Penang |
| “Bicycle on Wall” | Artist Unknown | A charming mural showing a bicycle against the blue walls of a Penang house. | Ah Quee Street |
These murals are scattered throughout George Town, and many are interactive, so don't forget your camera! The best way to explore the street art is on foot, and with your Penang street art map, you can easily track down these incredible pieces.
Penang Hill Map - Escape Hot to Penang Hill
Perched 833 meters above George Town, Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) is where locals and travelers go to escape the tropical heat, breathe in fresh mountain air, and enjoy sweeping island views.
With your Penang Hill Map, you can easily navigate its scenic trails, colonial landmarks, and hidden lookout points — because there's so much more up here than just the famous funicular ride!
Getting There: How to Reach Penang Hill
The most popular (and most scenic) way to reach the top is by Penang Hill Railway, a funicular train that's been climbing the hill since 1923! The lower station is located in Air Itam, about 20 minutes from George Town by car or Grab.
- Funicular Route: Air Itam → Middle Station → Upper Station (Top of Penang Hill)
- Duration: Around 10 minutes each way
- Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon for cooler air and fewer crowds.
For the adventurous, you can also hike up via the Heritage Trail or the Moniot Trail, which wind through lush rainforest and are clearly marked on most Penang Hill maps.
What to See on Top of the Penang Hill
| Attraction | Highlights |
|---|---|
| The Viewing Deck (Skywalk) | Panoramic views of George Town, Penang Bridge, and the mainland. Best at sunset! |
| David Brown's Restaurant & Tea Terrace | A charming colonial-style spot for tea and scones overlooking the hills. |
| The Habitat Penang Hill | A must-visit eco-park with canopy walks, forest trails, and the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk. |
| Monkey Cup Garden | A botanical garden dedicated to carnivorous plants, set in peaceful forest surroundings. |
| Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple | A colorful Hindu temple at the top with incredible views. |
| Penang Hill Mosque | A serene mosque built in 1966, offering quiet reflection amid nature. |
| Bel Retiro Bungalow | Built in 1789 for British governors; not open to the public but visible from walking trails. |
| Cliff Cafe & Owl Museum | The perfect rest stop for coffee, snacks, and quirky owl-themed art. |
Penang Airport Map: Location & Flights
Penang's main international airport, Penang International Airport (PEN), is located just 16 km south of George Town. The Penang Airport map will help you navigate the terminal and get to the city quickly.
How to Get to Downtown Penang:
Taxi: A comfortable and direct option. The fare to George Town is around RM 40–50 ($10–12 USD), and it takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Grab: For a more affordable option, Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) is widely available at the airport. Expect fares between RM 25–35 ($5–8 USD), with the same travel time.
Airport Shuttle: If you're looking for a budget option, the Penang Airport Shuttle operates between PEN and George Town for about RM 12 ($3 USD), but the travel time can be longer, around 45 minutes.
Domestic Flights from Penang International Airport:
Penang serves as a central hub for many domestic flights within Malaysia, connecting the island to major cities and tourist destinations.
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Approx. 1 hour flight time. Frequent daily flights.
- Langkawi (LGK): Approx. 30 minutes flight time. Daily flights available.
- Kota Kinabalu (BKI): Approx. 2 hours flight time. Several weekly flights.
- Kuching (KCH): Approx. 1.5 hours flight time. Several weekly flights.
- Malacca (MKZ): Approx. 1.5 hours flight time. Limited flights available.
- Johor Bahru (JHB): Approx. 1 hour flight time. Limited flights available.
International Flights from Penang International Airport:
Penang also connects to several international destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond, making it easy for visitors from around the region to fly in.
- Singapore (SIN): Approx. 1 hour flight time. Daily flights.
- Bangkok (BKK): Approx. 2 hours flight time. Several weekly flights.
- Medan (KNO): Approx. 1 hour flight time. Daily flights.
- Jakarta (CGK): Approx. 2 hours flight time. Several weekly flights.
- Ho Chi Minh City (SGN): Approx. 1.5 hours flight time. Several weekly flights.
- Hong Kong (HKG): Approx. 4 hours flight time. Several weekly flights.
Penang Lrt Map - The Coming Penang LRT Line
Penang do not have a LRT for now. Good news is that the Mutiara LRT Line (also called Penang LRT) is under construction. It will change how people move around Penang Island (and across to the mainland too).
Here is the future Penang LRT map.
Penang Travel Map - Perfect Penang Itinerary Routes
1 Night (Quick Getaway)
If you've only got one night in Penang, base yourself in George Town.
Spend your day exploring the colorful street art lanes, Clan Jetties, and heritage mansions before enjoying the city's famous hawker food at night.
The late afternoon or next morning, take a short trip up Penang Hill or stroll through the Botanic Gardens before heading out.
2 Nights (Ideal Stay)
With two nights, you get the perfect balance between heritage and beach time.
- Day 1: Dive into George Town's UNESCO old streets, Little India, and Peranakan history.
- Day 2: Head north to Batu Ferringhi for sun, sea, and seafood. Drop by the Tropical Spice Garden or Entopia Butterfly Farm on the way.
- Optional Day 3 morning: Visit Kek Lok Si Temple or the Air Itam Market before you leave.
Tip: The Penang Travel Map connects all these areas—from the historic core to the beach zone and hillside attractions—so you can easily visualize your route and travel time between each spot.
The Asia Odyssey Travel Advantage: Your Personal Penang Curator
While a Penang map can tell you where to go, it won't tell you the secrets of Penang's vibrant food scene or the hidden history of its heritage buildings. That's where Asia Odyssey Travel comes in.
Curated Food Tours
We take you beyond the tourist spots to discover the local gems. Our expert guides will show you the best Char Kway Teow stall, the most authentic Laksa, and other off-the-beaten-path food experiences.
Storytelling, Not Just Sightseeing
We don't just show you the sights — we bring them to life. A walk through George Town becomes an adventure in history and culture as we weave stories of the city's heritage and the meanings behind the street art.
Effortless Logistics
Want to stay at a beach resort but enjoy dinners in George Town? We've got you covered with private, air-conditioned transport, ensuring you experience the best of both worlds without any worries.
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