📍Bus: Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), south of KL. Flight: KLIA or KLIA2 (AirAsia), depending on the airline.
🚇TBS: LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan (Ampang/Sri Petaling line) or KTM Komuter. KLIA/KLIA2: KLIA Ekspres from KL Sentral (28 min, ~€15).
⏰Bus: departures from 6am to midnight from TBS, very frequent. Flight: ~1h, arrival at Penang Airport (PEN), then taxi/Grab to George Town (30 min, ~15 RM).
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Transport from 8€ per person
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Fastest: 0h 55min
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Recommended: Direct flight — fastest option — 24€
By bus, book early morning departures to avoid KL traffic. The Butterworth-Penang ferry is a 2-minute walk from the bus terminal and costs 1.20 RM (less than €0.30). By plane, compare AirAsia (KLIA2) vs Malaysia Airlines/Batik Air (KLIA) — prices vary a lot. Install the Grab app before leaving for taxis from PEN airport.
🛣️ The journey experience
The journey from Kuala Lumpur to George Town, Malaysia's UNESCO-listed cultural capital, is done by plane or bus. By plane from KLIA or KLIA2, airlines like AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air offer direct flights to Penang Airport (PEN) in under an hour — perfect for maximising your time in George Town. From PEN airport, a taxi or Grab takes you to the city centre in 25-35 minutes for 15-25 RM. By bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), the journey takes 4h to 5h depending on traffic to Butterworth on the mainland, followed by a 15-minute ferry with views of George Town's skyline — a memorable arrival. The bus remains the most economical option from €8.
Frequently asked questions — Kuala Lumpur → George Town
The flight (1h, from €24) is ideal if you have little time or are travelling with luggage. The bus (4h-5h, from €8) is the most economical and comfortable option with modern companies. By plane, allow 30 min taxi from PEN airport to George Town.
By plane: ~1h flight + 30 min taxi from PEN airport. By bus: 4h12 to 5h15 from TBS to Butterworth, then 15 min ferry to Penang island.
The bus is the cheapest option from €8. The flight costs from €24 with AirAsia or Batik Air — compare prices by date on 12go.asia.
Penang Airport (PEN) is 16 km south of George Town. Take a coupon taxi (~25-30 RM) or Grab (15-20 RM) — allow 25-35 minutes. There is no direct airport-to-centre bus.
✨ Why visit George Town?
✓George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic districts and unique colonial architecture in Asia
✓The city is world-renowned for its street food — char kway teow, nasi kandar, Penang laksa — among the best in all of Malaysia
✓George Town's street art is world-famous: hundreds of murals to discover on foot through colourful alleys
✓Penang Hill offers a panoramic view at 830m altitude, accessible by funicular in 5 minutes from the base
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Recommended stay
3 to 5 days
☀️ When to visit George Town?
TROPICAL EQUATORIAL CLIMATE
December to February (dry season on the west coast). Avoid September-October for heavy rains.
Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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In George Town — Plan your stay
Accommodation, activities and tips selected for you
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Accommodation
Hotels in George Town
Compare the best rates available
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What to do in George Town?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
UNESCO
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George Town Colonial Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, the old town blends British colonial, Chinese shophouse, and Indian heritage architecture. Wander for free through the historic lanes between Jalan Armenian and Jalan Penang. Allow 2-3 hours to cover the historic core on foot.
INCONTOURNABLE
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George Town Street Art Murals
Over 50 murals painted by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic adorn old George Town's walls. The famous 'Boy on Bike' mural is on Armenian Street. Download the free mural map from Penang Island City Hall's website. Allow half a day to see them all.
INCONTOURNABLE
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Penang Street Food
Penang is widely regarded as Malaysia's street food capital. Gurney Drive Hawker Centre and New Lane Hawker stalls open from 5pm. Budget 15-25 MYR for a full meal (char koay teow, laksa, nasi kandar). Avoid weekends if you dislike crowds.
HISTORIQUE
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George Town Temples & Mosques
Kek Lok Si (Malaysia's largest Buddhist temple, free entry, pagoda 2 MYR) and Kapitan Keling Mosque (free entry with appropriate dress) are the two major religious landmarks. Sri Mahamariamman Temple on Queen Street dates from 1833. Best visited early morning to avoid crowds.
AVENTURE
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Penang Hill
Penang Hill peaks at 833m with panoramic views over George Town and the Strait of Malacca. The funicular railway (30 MYR adult, 15 MYR child) departs from Jalan Keretapi Bukit and takes 5 minutes. Temperature at the top is 5-7°C cooler than the city. Open 6:30am-11pm.
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Batu Ferringhi — Penang Beaches
Penang's main beach is 30 minutes by free CAT Bus or 45 MYR by Grab from the city centre. Batu Ferringhi Night Market comes alive from 6pm with handicrafts and souvenirs. Water is calm November to March; avoid the April to October monsoon season.
HISTORIQUE
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Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion)
This 19th-century indigo mansion is a masterpiece of Nanyang Peranakan architecture. Guided tours (50 MYR) run at 11am, 2pm and 3:30pm; online booking is recommended. The on-site shop and café are accessible without a ticket. Featured in the film Crazy Rich Asians.
UNIQUE
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Clan Jetties — George Town Floating Piers
The Clan Jetties are six stilt-house villages built in the 19th century by Hokkien Chinese immigrants. Chew Jetty is the most visited (free access, souvenir shops). Best light for photos is early morning. From the centre, 10 minutes' walk from Weld Quay.
⏱️ How long to visit George Town?
2 to 5 days
For an independent traveler, 3 to 4 days are ideal to explore George Town. This allows you to discover street art, local cuisine, and historical sites without rushing. With less time, focus on the historic center and some culinary tastings.
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