Welcome to Penang, The Pearl of the Orient
Penang, Malaysia’s enchanting island state, offers a seamless blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and luxurious hospitality. Whether you’re captivated by colonial architecture in George Town or drawn to the sandy beaches of Batu Ferringhi, Penang caters to both culture lovers and luxury seekers. This ultimate guide to the best hotels and resorts in Penang takes you through elegant accommodations, top sights, travel tips, and local delicacies.
About the Place
Situated on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang comprises Penang Island and a slice of mainland Seberang Perai. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed George Town, vibrant street art, delectable street food, and multicultural history, Penang is one of Southeast Asia’s most visited travel destinations. Today, the island is also renowned for its unique blend of heritage mansions, designer boutique hotels, and seaside luxury resorts.
Highlights of Penang
- George Town Heritage Area – Murals, clan houses, colonial buildings
- Batu Ferringhi Beaches – Golden sands and water sports
- Penang Hill & The Habitat – Funicular train rides and rainforest treks
- Kek Lok Si Temple – Grand Buddhist architecture and panoramic views
- Local Food Paradise – One of the world’s top destinations for street food
- Luxury Heritage Hotels – Experience Penang’s colonial past in style
How to Get to Penang
- By Air: Penang International Airport (PEN) connects to major cities in Malaysia, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
- By Road: A 4–5 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway.
- By Train: KTM ETS to Butterworth, followed by a short ferry or drive across Penang Bridge.
- By Ferry: Regular ferry service from Butterworth to George Town.
- Getting Around: Grab, Rapid Penang buses, taxis, and bicycles available.
Top Attractions in Penang
- George Town’s Street Art Trail
- Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion
- Penang Peranakan Mansion
- Batu Ferringhi Night Market
- Penang National Park & Monkey Beach
- ESCAPE Adventure & Waterplay Theme Park
- Gurney Drive Seafront Esplanade
- Tropical Spice Garden
- Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
Elegant Hotels & Resorts in Penang
1. Eastern & Oriental Hotel
A legendary seafront property that has hosted statesmen and celebrities for over a century.
George Town | Colonial suites | Oceanfront pool | Classic fine dining
2. Angsana Teluk Bahang
A luxury beachfront resort offering sweeping views of the Andaman Sea, ideal for couples and families.
Teluk Bahang | Private beach | Family-friendly | Spa & wellness
3. The Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze)
Stay inside a UNESCO award-winning heritage building. Rich in culture and design.
George Town | Historical stay | Cultural tours | Indigo Restaurant
4. Macalister Mansion
A 100-year-old colonial mansion reimagined into a stylish boutique hotel.
Jalan Macalister | Art deco interiors | Design rooms | Wine lounge
5. The Prestige Hotel Penang
A modern Victorian-themed hotel with an iconic glass rooftop pool and smart tech rooms.
George Town | Smart features | City views | Modern café
6. Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
An expansive beachfront 5-star resort set in a 30-acre tropical garden.
Batu Ferringhi | Beach access | CHI Spa | Recreation facilities
7. JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La
Centrally located near KOMTAR, perfect for business and leisure travellers.
George Town | Urban vibe | Business amenities | Rooftop pool
8. Courtyard by Marriott Penang
A contemporary high-rise hotel with panoramic views of the city and coastline.
Jalan Macalister | Central location | Business & leisure | Stylish café
9. Bertam Resort
A newer resort on the mainland offering waterpark fun for families and events.
Kepala Batas | Wave pool | Family resort | Event spaces
Top Food Point in Penang
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
No trip to Penang is complete without indulging in street food. At Gurney Drive, try these classics:
- Char Kuey Teow – Wok-fried noodles with prawns
- Penang Laksa – Tamarind-based spicy noodle soup
- Oyster Omelette (Oh Chien) – Crispy, eggy, and briny
- Nasi Kandar – Aromatic rice with curry choices
- Cendol – Icy dessert with green rice jelly and palm sugar
Other must-visit food spots:
- New Lane Street Food Stalls
- Penang Road Famous Chendul
- Kimberley Street Food Night Market
- Indigo @ The Blue Mansion (for fine dining)
- ChinaHouse (famous cake gallery & art cafe)
Final Thoughts
Penang is more than a holiday—it’s a full experience of Malaysia’s soul, where heritage, hospitality, and culinary culture shine through. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront escape, a designer boutique stay, or a timeless heritage retreat, Penang’s best hotels and resorts offer something elegant for every kind of traveller.
