Where to Stay in Penang 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Penang is Malaysia's food capital and Southeast Asia's most culturally layered destination. UNESCO-listed George Town blends Chinese shophouses, Indian temples, Malay mosques, and colonial buildings with world-famous street food. Most visitors stay in George Town's heritage zone for food and culture, though Batu Ferringhi offers beach resort alternatives.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
George Town UNESCO Zone
Penang is all about food and heritage - stay in the UNESCO zone to have legendary hawker stalls, street art, and historic temples at your doorstep. Morning kopi, afternoon temple walks, evening char kway teow - the magic is in the walkable density of experiences.
George Town UNESCO
Little India / Chulia
Gurney Drive
Batu Ferringhi
Penang Hill
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Batu Ferringhi beach can be murky - not Penang's main draw
- • Some budget hotels on Chulia Street very basic - check reviews
- • Industrial areas near bridge and airport lack tourist appeal
- • Traffic can be bad - central heritage location avoids transport hassles
Understanding Penang Geography
Penang Island has George Town at its northeast tip (UNESCO heritage). The northern coast has beaches (Batu Ferringhi). Penang Hill rises in the center. Gurney Drive curves along the northern waterfront. The mainland (Butterworth) connects via bridge and ferry.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Penang
George Town UNESCO Zone
Best for: Street art, heritage shophouses, hawker food, temples, museums
"UNESCO-listed heritage zone where Malay, Chinese, Indian cultures blend"
Pros
- Best street food
- Art everywhere
- Walkable heritage
Cons
- No beach
- Hot for walking
- Limited parking
Little India / Chulia Street
Best for: Indian cuisine, budget stays, temples, backpacker hub
"Colorful Indian quarter with budget accommodation and spicy food"
Pros
- Budget friendly
- Great food
- Central location
Cons
- Basic hotels
- Can be noisy
- Chaotic
Gurney Drive / Pulau Tikus
Best for: Seafront hawkers, upscale condos, shopping malls, local dining
"Upscale seafront with legendary hawker food"
Pros
- Famous hawkers
- Shopping malls
- Seafront walks
Cons
- Far from heritage
- Need transport
- Less atmospheric
Batu Ferringhi
Best for: Beach resorts, night market, water sports, family holidays
"Penang's main beach strip with international resorts"
Pros
- Beach access
- Resort facilities
- Night market
Cons
- Far from heritage
- Touristy beach
- Need transport
Penang Hill Area
Best for: Hill station, funicular, cooler climate, nature escape
"Colonial hill station with panoramic views and temple complex"
Pros
- Cooler temperature
- Great views
- Nature access
Cons
- Very limited accommodation
- Need funicular
- Far from food
Accommodation Budget in Penang
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Ryokan Muntri
George Town
Japanese-Peranakan fusion guesthouse in restored shophouse with tatami rooms and central location.
80's Guesthouse
George Town
Charming heritage guesthouse with retro decor, breakfast included, and street art neighborhood.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion
George Town
UNESCO-listed indigo mansion with 18 unique rooms. Penang's most iconic heritage stay.
Seven Terraces
George Town
Luxurious heritage hotel in seven restored Anglo-Chinese terrace houses with antique furnishings.
Noordin Mews
George Town
Boutique hotel in restored shophouses with pool, excellent breakfast, and heritage character.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
George Town
Grand 1885 colonial hotel on the seafront with multiple restaurants and legendary afternoon tea.
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang
Batu Ferringhi
Beachfront resort with multiple pools, spa, and Penang's best beach facilities.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Ren i Tang
George Town
Intimate three-room guesthouse in 19th-century shophouse with museum-quality antiques and host expertise.
Smart Booking Tips for Penang
- 1 Book ahead for Chinese New Year and major festivals
- 2 Penang is affordable year-round - rarely need to book far in advance
- 3 Many heritage hotels are in restored shophouses - expect character not luxury
- 4 Grab app works well for transport around the island
- 5 Plan food crawls - Penang rewards eating research
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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More Penang Guides
Weather
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Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Penang: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.