A detailed guide for traveling to Penang for South African citizens. Penang island, the pearl of the orient, is a tropical island just off the north-west coast of the Peninsula of Malaysia. A shoppers paradise with great bargain prices, Penang also boasts some of the best Chinese and Malay cuisine in the region.
Penang continues to attract travellers as its done for centuries with its beaches, resorts, pretty fishing villages, lively Chinatown, elegant colonial architecture and fascinating history.
Flights to Penang operate on a daily basis from Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong & Singapore.
Penang hasa hot and humid climate almost all the time and the average year-round temperature is a fairly steady 28 degrees.
February and early March gets a little hotter by a few extra few degrees, accompanied by the humidity and normally blessed with cloudless blue skies. There is very little rain at this time.
The monsoon is between May and early November, bringing more rain and less humidity.
December and January are considered a good time to visit, as it’s not too hot with plenty of sun.
Between April and June, Malaysia can suffer from haze caused by deforestation in Sumatra and Borneo.
South African Passport Holders do not need visas to visit Malaysia for a stay of up to 30 days. Please make sure that your passport is valid for 6 months after travel before you leave on your holiday.
Take a leisurely ride on an enchanting 'beca' on Heritage Trishaw Trail and take in popular sites like Khoo Kongsi Temple, Fort Cornwallis, Little India, Market Street and Cheong Fatt Tze MAnsion on one of the two routes.
Enjoy a day of unlimited fun at the Lost World of Tambun, located about 160 kilometres away from Penang. The theme park consists of a Water Park, Amusement Park, Tiger Valley, Lost world Petting Zoo, Lost World Hot Spring & Spa and Tin Valley.
On our Orangutan and Mangrove Forest tour, take a short ferry ride to Bukit MErah Laketown Resort about 80 kilometres from Penang to view orangutans in their natural habitat. On your way back, visit 40,000-hectare Matang Mangrove Forest recognised as the best managed sustainable mangrove ecosystem in the world.
Visit the famous Penang night market which only opens late in the evening and haggle for clothes, souvenirs and other locally made knick-knacks.
Don't miss the Kek Lok Si Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temple complexes in Southeast Asia, featuring a striking seven-tiered pagoda called the Pagoda of 1,000 Buddhas.
Fort Cornwallis is one of Penang's most well-known landmarks. Within its ten-foot walls (which are laid out in the shape of a star), you can see a 17th century chapel, some prison cells, ammunition storage area and more.
Hotels & Resorts in Penang
3* Flamingo Hotel
Conveniently located not too far from George Town and Batu Ferringhi on the northern coast with shuttle service to Batu Ferringhi.
3* Bayview Beach Resort
Located on the north-west coast on a quiet end of Batu Ferringhi Beach, steps away from the Penang night market.
4* Hard Rock Hotel
Located on the famous Batu Ferringhi beachfront, providing guests with the Hard Rock tradition of luxury, quality service and amneties.
5*Shangri-La Rasa Sayang
Situated on the famous Ferringhi Beach & nestled in 30 acres of lush gardens with a Garden Wing and Rasa Wing.
Places of Interest
George Town
Fort Cornwallis
Kek Lof Si Temple
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Archeen Street Malay Mosque
For the Family
The Butterfly Farm
Botanical Gardens
Best Buys
Gurney Plaza Complex
The Island Plaza
Prangin Mall
The Night Market at Batu Ferringhi
Out and about
Batu Ferringhi
Sporting Attractions
A wide range of watersport activities