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Penang B2B Travel Services

Wholesale George Town UNESCO hotels, street art tours, hawker food experiences, Penang Hill tickets at net rates for travel agents

Airport Code
PEN (Penang)
Currency
MYR (Ringgit)
Languages
Malay, English, Chinese, Tamil
Weather
24-32°C Year-Round

UNESCO Heritage Meets Culinary Capital

Penang, particularly its historic capital George Town, stands as one of Southeast Asia's most culturally rich destinations. In 2008, UNESCO recognized George Town's exceptional multicultural heritage, protecting 259 hectares of shophouses, clan houses, temples, and colonial architecture that chronicle 500 years of trading history. But for many travelers - and let's be honest, for travel agents marketing this destination - the real draw is simpler: Penang's legendary street food.

The island measures just 25km by 15km, making it remarkably easy to explore. George Town's historic core is entirely walkable, with most attractions clustered within a 2km radius. Armenian Street, home to the famous "Children on a Bicycle" mural, to the colorful Khoo Kongsi clan house is a pleasant 10-minute stroll. This compact layout works brilliantly for short 2-3 day itineraries that maximize sightseeing time.

From a B2B perspective, Penang delivers excellent value across all traveler segments. Budget-conscious backpackers appreciate heritage guesthouses starting from MYR 60-80 per night in restored shophouses. Mid-range travelers book boutique hotels at MYR 180-350 offering authentic character. High-end clients opt for waterfront resorts in Batu Ferringhi at MYR 400-1,200. We've negotiated net rates across 300+ properties, giving you competitive pricing regardless of client budget.

Penang International Airport (PEN) receives direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (45 min), Singapore (1 hr), Bangkok (1.5 hrs), and seasonal charters from China, India, and Indonesia. The airport lies 16km from George Town - roughly a 30-minute transfer. Alternatively, the 13.5km Penang Bridge connects the island to mainland Malaysia, allowing overland arrivals from Thailand or southern Malaysia, though most international clients arrive by air.

What sets Penang apart is its living heritage. Unlike many historic destinations that feel like open-air museums, George Town buzzes with authentic daily life. Traditional goldsmiths still craft wedding jewelry in shophouses unchanged since the 1920s. Fourth-generation hawker stall owners serve recipes passed down through decades. Religious festivals draw genuine participants, not staged performances for tourists. This authenticity resonates with travelers seeking real cultural experiences beyond Instagram-worthy murals.

B2B Services in Penang

Heritage experiences and cultural tours at wholesale rates

Hotels & Heritage Stays

300+ properties from budget guesthouses to luxury boutique hotels. George Town UNESCO zone, Batu Ferringhi beach, waterfront locations. Heritage shophouse stays, modern hotels, beachfront resorts at B2B net rates.

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Heritage & Food Tours

Street art walking tours, clan jetty visits, hawker food experiences, Penang Hill trips, cultural heritage walks. Private and group options. Professional guides, tastings included, temple visits.

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Airport & Island Transfers

PEN airport to George Town (16km, 30 mins). Shared shuttles (hourly, MYR 25-35/pax) or private sedan/van (MYR 90-140/vehicle). Inter-city transfers, day trip transport, car with driver available.

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Must-Visit Penang Attractions

Heritage sites and experiences at B2B wholesale prices

George Town Street Art Tour

Since Ernest Zacharevic's 2012 murals sparked the street art movement, George Town has become an open-air gallery with hundreds of pieces. Our guided walking tours navigate the UNESCO zone visiting 15-20 major murals including the iconic "Little Children on a Bicycle" on Armenian Street, "Boy on a Bike," and "Brother and Sister on a Swing." Beyond murals, you'll discover the witty steel caricature series illustrating George Town's history through cartoon-like markers. Tours last 2.5-3 hours covering approximately 3km of walking. We provide background on each artwork's creation, the artist's inspiration, and the location's historical significance. Photo stops at every mural. Available as private tours or small groups (max 12 people). MYR 80-120/pax including heritage walk guide and light refreshments.

Must-Do From MYR 80/pax (3 hours)
Hawker Food Tour

Penang's reputation as Malaysia's food capital is well-earned, and our guided hawker tours prove it. Over 3-4 hours, visit 6-8 hawker stalls sampling authentic dishes: char kway teow (wok-fried flat noodles), assam laksa (spicy-sour fish noodle soup), nasi kandar (rice with curries), Hokkien mee, rojak (fruit salad with prawn paste), and cendol (shaved ice dessert). Expert local guides - often third-generation Penangites - explain each dish's origins, point out the best stalls (not tourist traps), and share insider tips like ordering "extra hae ko" (shrimp paste) for your char kway teow. Tours accommodate dietary restrictions including vegetarian, halal, and no-pork options. Morning tours (9 AM-12 PM) or evening tours (5 PM-8 PM) available. Price includes all food tastings, drinks, and English-speaking guide. MYR 150-180/pax. Absolutely essential for food enthusiasts.

Food From MYR 150/pax (includes tastings)
Penang Hill Funicular & The Habitat

Escape the heat with a trip up Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), rising 821 meters above Georgetown. The Swiss-made funicular railway, operating since 1923 (fully modernized in 2011), whisks visitors to the summit in 5-10 minutes through lush rainforest. At the top, The Habitat nature reserve offers canopy walkways suspended 15-20 meters above the forest floor, a 1.6km Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk culminating in a stunning viewing platform, and encounters with dusky langurs and giant squirrels. Other summit attractions include colonial-era bungalows, Hindu and Chinese temples, gardens, and restaurants. Temperatures run 5-7°C cooler than sea level - a refreshing respite. Our B2B tickets include funicular ride (MYR 30 adult/15 child standard, MYR 80/40 fast track) plus optional The Habitat add-on (MYR 28 adult/18 child). Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid queues exceeding 2 hours during weekends.

Nature From MYR 30/pax (funicular) + MYR 28 (Habitat)
Clan Jetties Heritage Tour

The six clan jetties - Chew, Tan, Lee, Lim, Yeoh, and Mixed Surname - represent unique water villages built on stilts over the Strait of Malacca. Established in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants who settled according to clan surnames, over 1,000 residents still call these wooden houses home today. Chew Jetty, the largest with 75 homes, has become a tourist attraction while maintaining its residential character. Narrow walkways connect homes painted in vibrant colors, with laundry hanging overhead and fishing nets drying in the sun. Small temples anchor each jetty community. Our respectful heritage tours include guided walks explaining clan structure, traditional architecture, and the jetties' fight against modern development pressures. Visitors can browse small craft shops selling local snacks and souvenirs. Entry is free, though we recommend guided tours (MYR 60-80/pax, 1.5 hours) for cultural context and responsible tourism practices.

Cultural From MYR 60/pax (guided tour)
Khoo Kongsi Clan House

Arguably Southeast Asia's most ornate clan house, Khoo Kongsi dazzles with elaborate Chinese architecture featuring intricate carvings, detailed paintings, and gold leaf embellishments. Built in 1906 (after a fire destroyed the original), the complex represents the wealth and influence of the Khoo clan who migrated from China. The main hall showcases exceptional craftsmanship with dragon pillars, phoenix carvings, and porcelain figurines imported from southern China. Behind the clan temple, the surrounding square of traditional shophouses has been preserved, creating an atmospheric historical precinct. Entry fee MYR 10 (retail), but our tour packages include admission. Audio guides available in multiple languages. Photography permitted in courtyard but restricted inside the main hall. Adjacent museum traces the Khoo family's 650-year lineage. Allow 45-60 minutes for thorough exploration. Often combined with nearby attractions like Goddess of Mercy Temple and Armenian Street murals in half-day heritage tours (MYR 100-140/pax).

Heritage MYR 10 admission (included in tours)
Kek Lok Si Temple

Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple complex sits majestically on Ayer Itam hillside, combining Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural elements across multiple levels. Construction began in 1891 and continues today, spanning over 130 years. The iconic seven-tier pagoda (Ban Po Thar) rises 30 meters, each tier representing different Buddhist architectural traditions. The giant bronze statue of Kuan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) stands 36.5 meters tall, visible from across Penang. During Chinese New Year, the entire complex illuminates with thousands of lanterns creating a spectacular night view. The temple complex covers 12 hectares including turtle ponds, ornate pavilions, prayer halls, and souvenir stalls. Modest dress required (covered shoulders and knees). Entry to main temple grounds is free; elevator to Kuan Yin statue MYR 3. Located 9km from Georgetown (20-30 min drive). Best visited late afternoon to catch sunset views over Penang. We offer half-day tours combining Kek Lok Si with Penang Hill (MYR 180-220/pax including transport and tickets).

Temple Free entry (MYR 3 elevator)

Getting Around Penang

Arriving in Penang
  • Penang International Airport (PEN): Located 16km south of George Town (30-35 minutes). Direct flights from KUL (45 min, MYR 120-280), Singapore (1 hr, SGD 60-150), Bangkok, Jakarta, and seasonal charters from China/India. Our shared shuttles depart hourly (MYR 25-35/pax to George Town, MYR 30-40 to Batu Ferringhi). Private sedan MYR 90-120, MPV MYR 120-140. Airport taxis use fixed-rate coupons available at arrival hall counter.
  • By Bridge from Mainland: The 13.5km Penang Bridge connects Seberang Perai (mainland) to the island. Toll MYR 7.00 one way (charged island-bound only). Useful for travelers coming from Thailand, northern Malaysia, or those who've visited Kuala Lumpur/Ipoh en route. Drive time from KL approximately 3.5-4 hours (350km).
Transportation in George Town
  • Walking: The UNESCO heritage core is highly walkable. Armenian Street to Kuan Yin Temple is 800m. Little India to Clan Jetties is 1.2km. Most street art murals cluster within a 2km radius. Covered "five-foot ways" (shophouse walkways) provide shade and rain protection. Recommend comfortable walking shoes for uneven sidewalks.
  • Grab (Ride-Hailing): Widely available, affordable (MYR 6-15 for most George Town trips). Drivers speak basic English. Cash or cashless payment accepted. Useful for visiting attractions outside walking distance like Penang Hill or Kek Lok Si.
  • Rapid Penang Bus: Extensive public bus network covering the island. Fare MYR 1.40-4.00 per trip. Route 101 circles George Town hitting major attractions. Route 102 connects George Town to Batu Ferringhi beach. Requires exact change or use of prepaid card. Service frequency 15-30 minutes. Budget-friendly but can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Accommodation Areas
  • George Town UNESCO Core: Best for heritage, culture, and food. Walking distance to street art, hawker centers, museums, and temples. Accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels (MYR 35-60/bed) to heritage boutique hotels (MYR 180-400/night). Areas like Armenian Street, Chulia Street, and Love Lane offer character-filled guesthouses. Can be noisy from traffic and nightlife.
  • Gurney Drive & Tanjung Tokong: Modern hotel district along waterfront promenade. Mix of mid-range to upscale hotels (MYR 150-500/night). Great hawker center, shopping malls, and seafront restaurants. 10-15 min drive or taxi from George Town heritage area. Popular with business travelers and families wanting modern amenities near attractions.
  • Batu Ferringhi Beach: Beach resort area 13km northwest of George Town (25-30 min drive). International chain hotels and resorts (MYR 200-800/night) with swimming pools, beach access, and water sports. Popular night market. Requires transportation for George Town sightseeing. Ideal for families combining beach relaxation with cultural tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

George Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 due to its exceptional multicultural heritage and well-preserved colonial architecture. The city showcases a unique blend of British colonial, Chinese, Indian, and Malay influences visible in its shophouses, temples, mosques, and churches. The historic core features over 1,700 heritage buildings spanning 259 hectares, representing 500 years of trading history. Its living heritage includes traditional trades, clan houses, street food culture, and religious festivals that continue to thrive today.

Penang is widely regarded as Malaysia's food capital, famous for dishes like char kway teow (stir-fried flat noodles), assam laksa (spicy-sour noodle soup), nasi kandar (rice with curries), hokkien mee, rojak (fruit and vegetable salad), and cendol (shaved ice dessert). The island's hawker centers - particularly Gurney Drive, New Lane, and Kimberly Street - serve authentic street food at incredibly affordable prices. We offer guided food tours visiting 6-8 hawker stalls to sample Penang's culinary highlights with expert local guides who explain each dish's history and preparation.

The street art phenomenon began in 2012 when Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic created a series of interactive murals for the George Town Festival. The most iconic pieces include 'Little Children on a Bicycle' on Armenian Street, 'Boy on a Bike' on Ah Quee Street, and 'Brother and Sister on a Swing' on Muntri Street. These combine painted elements with real objects like actual bicycles. Since then, hundreds of murals and steel caricature installations have been added throughout the UNESCO zone. Our walking tours cover 15-20 major murals with photo stops and historical context about each location.

Penang International Airport (PEN) is located 16km south of George Town, approximately 30-35 minutes by car. Our SIC (shared) transfers depart hourly from 7 AM to 11 PM, costing MYR 25-35 per person to Georgetown hotels or MYR 30-40 to Batu Ferringhi beach resorts. Private sedan (1-3 pax) costs MYR 90-120 to Georgetown or MYR 110-140 to beaches. Airport taxis use a coupon system with fixed rates. Grab (ride-hailing) is widely available at slightly lower rates. The Rapid Penang bus 401E also serves the airport but requires 50-60 minutes with multiple stops.

It depends on your clients' priorities. George Town: Best for culture, heritage, street food, and shopping. Walking distance to attractions, museums, and hawker centers. Wide range of budget guesthouses to boutique hotels (MYR 80-400/night). Urban setting without beaches. Ideal for cultural travelers and foodies. Batu Ferringhi: Beach resort area 13km from George Town with international hotels, water sports, and night markets. More family-oriented with swimming pools and beach access. Higher price point (MYR 200-800/night). Requires transport to visit George Town. Best for beach lovers who want resort amenities. Many agents combine both - 2 nights George Town for sightseeing, then 2 nights Batu Ferringhi for beach relaxation.

Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) rises 821 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views over George Town and the mainland. The funicular railway built in 1923 transports visitors to the summit in about 5-10 minutes. At the top, attractions include The Habitat nature reserve with canopy walks, colonial-era bungalows, gardens, temples, and restaurants. Temperatures are 5-7°C cooler than sea level, providing welcome relief. Our tickets include funicular ride plus optional add-ons for The Habitat (MYR 28 adult). Best visited early morning (8-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-5 PM) to avoid midday crowds. Queue times can reach 1-2 hours during weekends and school holidays; fast-track tickets available.

The clan jetties are traditional Chinese water villages built on stilts over the sea, established in the 19th century by Chinese immigrants who settled according to their clan surnames. The six remaining jetties - Chew, Tan, Lee, Lim, Yeoh, and Mixed Surname - house over 1,000 residents in wooden homes connected by narrow wooden walkways over the water. Chew Jetty is the largest and most visited, featuring a temple, provision shops, and small museums. These UNESCO-protected communities offer authentic glimpses into traditional waterfront living. Our heritage tours include guided walks through the jetties with cultural explanations, though visitors can also explore independently for free. Respectful behavior is essential as these are working communities.

Penang has a tropical climate with warm weather year-round (24-32°C), making it suitable for visits any time. Best weather: December to March during the drier northeast monsoon season, with less rainfall and comfortable humidity. This is peak tourist season with higher hotel rates. Shoulder season: April-May and September-November offer good value with occasional afternoon showers that rarely disrupt sightseeing. Monsoon season: June-August can bring heavy rainfall and rough seas, affecting Batu Ferringhi beach activities, but George Town's covered walkways and indoor attractions remain accessible. Hotel rates drop 25-35% during this period. Cultural festivals like Chinese New Year (January/February) and Thaipusam create unique experiences but attract large crowds and higher prices.

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