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Penang holidays

Sitting just off the northwest coast of Malaysia, Penang is rapidly becoming a tourist hotspot for adventure travellers who want something a little different. It’s an island packed full of culture, both Malay and other colonial influences. It has plenty of great beaches, but its real draw is the fabulous food you’ll find here. Penang is referred to throughout the region as the ‘food paradise’ of Malaysia, so if you want a culinary experience like no other, then this is the destination to choose.

Penang’s capital is George Town – a mish-mash of old British colonial buildings and ultra-modern city developments. Its older sections make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so make sure you have your camera with you when you go for a wander around its back streets and alleyways. The air is scented with incense, and trishaws ply their trade along the streets and boulevards of the old quarter.

Penang holidays are ideal for couple and groups of friends, although the hotels also cater for families, welcoming younger visitors with typical Malay warmth. Package holidays to Penang with Qatar Airways Holidays will introduce you to a location that’s filled with colour, passion, and fabulous flavours.

  • Head to Simpang Ampat, a small town that’s famous for its fabulous seafood.
  • Tour the UNESCO world heritage zone and Armenian Street, the historical heart of old Georgetown and grab a bargain in the flea markets and trinket stalls.
  • Find some peace and quiet in the Kek Lok Si-Temple of Supreme Bliss, said to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-east Asia.
  • Discover the scents and secrets of the spice trade in the Tropical Spice Garden, an eight-acre plantation that packs in over 100 different varieties of spices and herbs.
  • Relax on unspoilt beaches – head for Teluk Duyung (Monkey Beach) and the white sandy shores of the Penang National Park in the northwest of the island.
  • Celebrate all year round, with the Chinese New Year, the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival, the Songkran Thai Water Festival in April, or the Nine Emperor Gods vegetarian festival. For an authentic taste of Asia, look out for mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which usually falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese Lunar calendar.
Holiday Packages

Penang holiday Packages

A tropical paradise with plenty of activities, entertainment and great food, but without the crowds of Thailand, Penang is a travel hotspot for 2018 and beyond. Holiday packages to Penang with Qatar Airways Holidays offer you the chance to experience everything this vibrant location has to offer, with excellent accommodation and regular flights from departure points around the world.

Fancy a culinary tour of Penang? This part of Malaysia is famous for its selection of Chinese bakeries. Some, like Him Heang, are so famous you may need to order your Tau Sar Pneah in advance. These oven-baked ‘Dragon’s Balls’ are stuffed with sweet or savoury fillings made from ground green beans, and are the iconic taste of Penang.

Good to know

  • Time Zone
    GMT+8 hours
  • Languages
    Malay, English, Chinese
  • Dialing Code
    +60
  • Electricity
    230/240V 50Hz
  • Currency
    Malaysian Ringgit
  • When to visit

    December to March – the driest part of the year with the least rainfall and daily average temperatures of around 27°C, this is the best time to visit, making holidays to Penang a New Year treat.

  • Experiences

    Penang holiday experiences

    • Discover the wonders of the jungle on a jungle trek and camping expedition that takes you into the heart of the Penang National Park.
    • Improve your putting prowess at one of Penang’s golf courses.
    • Hunt for bargains in the outdoor markets of Lorong Kulit, Little Penang Street Market, and Pasar Malam, where you’ll find trinkets, antiques and hand-made local crafts galore.
    • Browse amazing artwork in the tranquillity of a mountain garden at the Art & Garden by Fuan Wong. An incredible conceptual art installation that combines the beauty of nature and incredibly delicate glass sculptures.
    • Take a guided tour of the most famous mansion in Penang, the sprawling Blue Mansion in the heart of George Town – a 19th century home where the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui dictates the exact layout of every room.
    FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions