Located on the northwest coast of Malaysia, Penang is home to renowned street food, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a vibrant street art scene, year-round festivals, world-class attractions and a UNESCO-designated 130-million-year-old rainforest that is even older than the Amazon.
With its rich diversity in culture, heritage, arts and food, as well as natural surroundings of beautiful beaches and breathtaking hills, the state attracts millions of holidaymakers annually and has become one of the world’s must-visit destinations.
The vibrant state of Penang comprises two halves: Penang Island, where the capital city of George Town is located, and a strip of land on the peninsula known as Seberang Perai. In the northeast of the island lies George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of the greener terrain is found in the island’s hilly interior, home to the Penang Hill UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, as well as on the mainland.
Narrow sandy beaches lined with resorts and residences stretch along Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah and Tanjung Tokong. In the southwest of the island lies Balik Pulau, a scenic countryside. The Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, located on the southeastern tip, is known as the “Silicon Valley of the East” for its thriving industrial hub.
Penang Island is connected to Seberang Perai by two bridges. The main town in Seberang Perai is Butterworth, followed by Bukit Mertajam and Nibong Tebal.