Budget Friendly Travel Guide to George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Discover George Town, Penang, with our budget friendly travel guide. Explore affordable local restaurants, delicious street food, temples, transportation options, places to stay, and practical travel tips for an unforgettable experience.
TRAVEL BLOG
Samantha
5/4/202624 min read
Why George Town, Penang Should be on Your List
George Town, Penang is one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and walkable cities, known for its incredible street food, colorful history, and well preserved heritage. In this travel guide, I cover everything you need to know before visiting, including where to eat, the best temples and cultural sites, budget friendly places to stay, and practical travel tips like getting around, scooter rentals, and currency exchange. I also include useful phrases in Malay and a simple guide on how to travel between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. One of our favorite memories here was being warmly greeted by a local we had never met before. We had pulled off the road on our moped and he noticed we looked a little lost. He asked if we need help and welcomed us to his country with a friendly smile and a cold bottle of Coca-Cola, a small but unforgettable gesture of hospitality.
Whether you’re here for the food, the history, or simply to explore on a budget, this guide will help you make the most of your time in George Town.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Things to Know Before Visiting George Town, Penang
George Town, located on Penang Island on the west coast of the Malay Peninsula, is an easy and affordable city to travel through, especially for first time visitors to Malaysia. George Town dominates the eastern coast of the island, but much of the western half is undeveloped, with many small beaches and large durian orchards. English is widely spoken, Google Maps works well, and we found it to be very safe and fairly easy to walk around.
Visa: U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Malaysia for tourism or business stays under 90 days. You just need to fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online free of charge before arriving. (Link to official free arrival card)
Currency: Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit cards are accepted at many restaurants, malls, and hotels, but smaller local restaurants and markets are often cash only.
Pedestrian friendly: While there isn’t always a sidewalk, traffic generally moves slowly and drivers seem attentive to pedestrians. I still recommend exercising caution when crossing busy streets.
Tap water: No, we do not recommend drinking the tap water.
Language: While Malay is the official language of Malaysia, it’s a multilingual country. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and businesses, so we rarely needed Google Translate. Other common languages include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Tamil depending on the neighborhood.
Maps: We used Google Maps to get around and it worked well.
SIM cards: I used an eSIM from Airalo again, use my code SAMANT0923 to receive $3 off your first purchase. I've been really happy with their service and price. 30 days and 5GB was $12 USD. For more information about eSims click HERE. Don bought a SIM at the Kuala Lumpur airport from Hotlink. He bought this one because it also had coverage in Thailand. The service was valid for 30 days, with unlimited data costing 75RM ($18.47 USD), but he was unable to top up his account with a foreign credit card.
Trash cans: There are trash cans throughout much of the city, which was honestly refreshing after traveling in some other parts of Asia.
Bathrooms: Bathrooms are available in most restaurants and cafes.
Safety: George Town is generally considered very safe for tourists, though petty crime can happen. We didn’t experience any problems, and as a woman I felt perfectly safe walking around alone.
Best time to visit: The best weather is usually from December through February. We visited in January and while it was still hot, it wasn’t unbearable. For fewer crowds and lower prices, consider March–April or September–November. Keep in mind that April, May, and October are typically the rainiest months.
Where to Eat in George Town, Malaysia: Affordable Local Gems, Street Food & Michelin Picks
Food in George Town, Penang is the kind of experience that completely takes over your day in the best way. From the moment you step onto the street, you’re surrounded by the smell of sizzling woks, charcoal grills, and spices. What I love most is how accessible it all is, you don’t need a big budget to eat incredibly well here. Some of my favorite meals came from humble street carts and no frills spots serving recipes that have been perfected over generations. One minute you’re digging into a plate of smoky char kway teow, the next you’re cooling off with a refreshing tea, all within a few steps of each other. It’s a place where Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences come together so seamlessly, and every bite feels like a reflection of the city’s culture and history. Two of my favorite areas to eat dinner were at Chulia Street Night Market and the Kimberley Street Night market, between these two streets the possibilities are endless.
Penang Famous Samosa
Address- 45, Queen St. On the corner of Queen St. and Lebuh Pasar, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Hours- Open daily from 7am-7pm
Price point- $1-$2 usd per person
If you’re exploring George Town, Penang Famous Samosa is a stop you won’t want to miss. This humble street food stall has earned a Michelin Select mention for the past three years, so of course we had to check it out. We each ordered a chicken samosa, and they came out hot, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. The filling was a mix of chicken and onions (heavy on the onions), all coated in a rich, flavorful curry sauce that wasn’t spicy but packed with flavor. The wrapper was perfectly crispy, giving it that ideal crunch with every bite. And the best part? Both samosas cost just 3 RM ($0.74 USD), making it one of the most affordable and delicious street food finds we had in Penang.
Ali Nasi Lemak Daun Pisang
Address- Sri Weld Food Court, V Beach St, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Hours- Monday-Friday 7am-2pm; Saturday 7am-1pm; closed Sundays
Price Point- $1 to $2 usd per person
A well known street food spot that’s earned a Michelin Select mention for three years in a row. It was also featured by Mark Wiens (a well known Youtube foodie) during his George Town food tour, which made us even more excited to try it. We each ordered our own nasi lemak, Malaysia’s national dish, and it definitely lived up to the hype. I went with the chicken, while Don tried the squid. Both were packed with flavor, but what really stood out was the sambal. It had a nice kick of spice without being overly sweet with a touch of dried fish flavor, exactly how we like it. Everything is served on a banana leaf, which adds to the experience and gives it that authentic street food feel. Even better, it was incredibly affordable. Both plates together cost just 6 RM ($1.52 USD). If you plan to sit at one of the tables just keep in mind you’ll need to order a drink or pay a 1 RM ($0.24 USD) table fee per person. We opted for drinks, which came to 5.40 RM ($1.30 USD) for the two of us. For a cheap, authentic, and Michelin recognized meal in Penang, this spot is absolutely worth a visit.
Azeem cafe
Address- 19 Kompleks Mppp, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Hours- Monday-Saturday from 7am-7PM; closed Sunday
Price Point- $2 to $3 usd per person
We stopped into Azeem Cafe for a late lunch and it ended up being one of our most satisfying meals in Penang. This small, local spot is run by a husband and wife, which made the experience feel even more personal and welcoming.
We ordered nasi kandar ayam goreng, a classic Malaysian dish that originated right here in Penang. We actually arrived just as they were about to close, but luckily there was still enough left for us to each get a plate.
The fried chicken was incredibly moist and packed with flavor, and the curry cabbage was easily one of my favorite sides. Our plates also came with curry potatoes and a hard-boiled egg, making it a hearty and filling meal.
The real highlight, though, was the banjir, where they pour a mix of different curries and gravies over the rice. It created this rich, flavorful, slightly spicy combination from various meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes, and every bite tasted a little different in the best way.
We paired everything with two teas, and the total came to just 21 RM ($5.17 USD), which felt like an amazing deal for how much food we got.
If you’re looking to try authentic nasi kandar in Penang, this is definitely a spot worth checking out especially if you love bold, layered flavors and locally run eateries.
Chulia Street Curry Mee
Address- Chulia Night Market (Lbh Chulia, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia)
Hours- Tuesday-Saturday from 4:15pm to 10pm; closed Sunday and Monday
Price point- $2 to $3 usd per person
Located at the famous Chuli street night market, we came here specifically for curry mee, one of Malaysia’s most iconic noodle soups and it did not disappoint. The bowl came loaded with two types of noodles in a rich, coconut based curry broth, topped with fish balls, prawns, tofu, cockles, and a generous spoonful of chili crisps. It was incredibly flavorful without being overwhelmingly spicy, though you can ask for extra chilies like Don did. I ordered the small, Don went for the large, and somehow the total came out to just 15RM (about $3.69 USD). Still, I can’t get over the fact that people casually eat steaming hot soup when it’s 90°F outside after dark!
Char Koay Teow
Location- in Chulia Night Market
Hours- Open daily from 6pm to 12am
A little heads up, Google Maps will lead you slightly astray here. The actual stall is across the street and down half a block, but it’s absolutely worth tracking down. They were named runner-up for best char koay teow, so of course we had to try it. The rice noodles had that perfectly soft, velvety texture I love, and this was easily the best version we’ve had so far. Each plate was loaded with bean sprouts, shrimp, cockles, Chinese sausage (one of my personal favorites), and egg. We opted for duck eggs, which made it even richer. We ordered two small plates, and the total came to just 22RM ($5.40 USD).
Mother and Son Wonton Mee Stall
Location- Chulia Night Market
Hours- Sunday through Wednesday 4pm-12am, Thursday 3:30pm-10:30pm and Friday and Saturday 3:30pm-10:30pm
Price point- $2-$3 usd per person
This was such a simple dish, but done really well. Thin, wiggly yellow egg noodles cooked perfectly al dente, tossed in a lightly sweet soy based sauce and topped with char siu, wontons, bok choy, and pickled jalapeños for a little kick. It was one of those bowls that doesn’t look like much at first, but ends up being super satisfying. We shared a small, and it only cost 7RM ($1.72 USD).
Jelutong Food Court
Address- 29, 1, Lebuhraya Jeluton, Taman Jelutong, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Hours- Open daily from 12pm-11-pm though some stall hours may vary
Price point- $2 to $3 usd per person
Not a tourist in sight, which is exactly how you know you’re in the right place. Don found this outdoor food court on Google Maps. Renting the moped made it so much easier to reach local spots like this that were a little off the beaten path.
Assam Laksa Jelutong : We each ordered a bowl of laksa, another one of Malaysia’s well known soups, and this one was completely different from curry mee. The broth had a tangy, tamarind flavor (I think), with thick rice noodles and toppings like pineapple, sardines, onion, herbs, and lettuce, plus a side of hoisin sauce. At first, the soup hits you with that sour tamarind taste, but once you mix in the hoisin, it balances out into something really unique and addictive. We both ended up loving it. I got a small with a spring roll, Don went for a large with two fish balls, and the total was just 16.50RM ($4.05 USD).
Unnamed Dessert Shop: After our laksa soup we stopped at a little dessert stall right next door. I had the lemon jelly, Don ordered an ice kacang, and both were exactly what we needed in the heat. Cold, refreshing, and not too heavy. That said, I think we both agreed the lemon jelly stole the show. The total for both desserts came to 11RM ($2.70 USD).
Nyonya-lah
Address- 49 Love Ln., George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Hours- Wednesday-Monday from 11:30am-10pm and closed Tuesday
Price point- $8- $13 usd per person
Delicious authentic Penang Nyonya food. The Peranakan Chinese, or Nyonya people, are descendants of Chinese settlers who blended their traditions with local Malay culture in places like George Town. Their unique heritage is best experienced through Nyonya cuisine. Rich, aromatic dishes that fuse Chinese techniques with bold and spicy Malaysian flavors. We had the Tiffin set for two which includes Jiu Hu Char, Chicken Curry Kapitan and Acat Awak. The Jiu Hi Char is stir fried jicama, mushrooms, fried cuttlefish and pork belly. This had a strong umami seafood flavor which we both enjoyed. The chicken curry was a rich, dry style curry made with coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and spices, blending Chinese cooking techniques with bold Malay flavors. Acat Awak is chicken slow cooked in a dark, earthy gravy made from fermented buah keluak nuts, blended with spices and herbs creating a deep, slightly bitter, and intensely savory flavor that’s iconic in Nyonya cuisine. All the dishes were prepared and presented perfectly. This restaurant should be at the top of your list when you're in Georgetown. 62.70RM ($15.86 USD)
Tiffin Set
Sambal Ladyfingers "Okra"
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Penang’s Clan Jetties: A Walk Through History on the Waterfront
Address- Along the coastal road of Pengkalan Weld, Penang, Malaysia
Hours- Open between 9am-9pm. These are peoples homes so please be respectful.
Entry Fee- Free to enter, though donations are welcomed at temples and official donation boxes.
The UNESCO World Heritage clan jetties of George Town are a series of traditional waterfront settlements built by Chinese immigrant communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They developed during Penang’s growth as a busy British colonial port when many newcomers arrived seeking work in trade, shipping, and dockside industries. With limited land available along the shoreline these communities built wooden homes on stilts extending over the sea. Each jetty was typically organized by clan or surname, such as Chew, Tan, Lee, Yeoh, and others, creating tightly connected neighborhoods where families shared work, culture, and daily life. Over time, these jetties became unique living heritage villages, combining residential life with small temples, shrines, and communal walkways. Today, some remain quiet and traditional, while others have become popular cultural attractions, but together they preserve an important chapter of Penang’s immigrant history and maritime past.
Lim Jetty
It was once the largest settlement with 42 buildings before World War II, but it was destroyed during the Japanese bombing in December 1941. After the war, rebuilding was slow, with new temples eventually added to serve the community’s spiritual needs. Today, the jetty is made up of simple wooden homes with zinc roofs, split into two sections. One side faces the sea, while the other lines a narrow walkway where the houses sit facing each other, creating a quiet, village atmosphere over the water.
Chew Jetty
One of the most famous of Penang’s clan jetties and a living example of the island’s Chinese waterfront heritage. Built by early immigrants from the Chew clan, this stilt village extends over the water with wooden walkways, tightly packed homes, and small family run shops. Today Chew Jetty blends daily life with tourism, offering visitors a chance to walk through a historic community that is still inhabited. Temples, shrines, and traditional wooden houses sit alongside souvenir stalls, creating a unique mix of culture and tourism driven commerce. It remains one of George Town’s most iconic heritage sites, reflecting the history, resilience, and traditions of Penang’s early Chinese settlers.
Portrait of Landlady Character from Kung Fu Hustle
Tan Jetty
Built in 1917 with twelve residents still living there. Unlike the busier Chew Jetty, Tan Jetty remains largely residential, with narrow wooden walkways leading past simple homes, small shrines, and boats resting along the pier. Life here moves at an unhurried pace, reflecting a strong sense of community and tradition that has been preserved for generations. Visiting Tan Jetty offers a peaceful, authentic look at how these historic clan settlements continue to exist within modern George Town.
Lee Jetty
Built in 1965 with twenty four residents the ancestors of Lee Jetty came from impoverished villages in China and initially lived in 'Sampan Lane' near Stewart Lane, working as coolies, or day laborers (I understand in modern English this term can have a negative association but it's the exact phrasing the jetty billboards used). Lee jetty was relocated here in the 1960's when the new ferry terminal was constructed in it's original location. Life here was tough, with boatmen competing for business and frequent disputes with other clan jetties. Today, Lee Jetty is a harmonious place, thanks to elders' efforts in establishing rules and fostering peace.
New Jetty/Mixed Jetty
Built in 1960 with twenty current residents, New Jetty is home to people of various backgrounds and family names. Many residents moved from nearby clan jetties after being allowed to construct a new one. Built following Land Office plans, it retains the 1960s style with old-fashioned window grills, but has a neater, more intentional layout. Originally with 22 houses, two were later removed for a new water pipe project.
Yeoh Jetty
Built in the late 19th century this jetty still has 15 residences. Here, you won’t find rows of souvenir stalls. Instead, you’ll walk along simple wooden planks past stilted homes where families still go about their daily routines. Fishing boats bob just offshore, and small shrines tucked between houses reflect the spiritual traditions of the residents. Yeoh Jetty offers a more authentic look at Penang’s Clan Jetties. The ancestors of Yeoh Jetty residents made a living by transporting goods ashore. Over the years, land reclamation has left half of Yeoh Jetty standing on dry ground.
During World War II, the jetty was bombed, and many residents never returned. After Penang lost its freeport status, residents of Yeoh Jetty used small boats to shuttle cargo from foreign for ships anchored in Penang waters to the shore. Yeoh Jetty also serves as the send off point for the sacred boat during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival from the Tow Boh Keong Temple on Hong Kong Street.
Affordable Trips for Every Type of Traveler
Over the years, we’ve used Viator in countries all over the world whenever we didn’t have the time or energy to plan everything ourselves. Sometimes after long travel days, figuring out transportation, tickets, and activities can feel overwhelming so it’s nice knowing we can book through a company we already trust. Since Viator is owed by Tripadvisor we've always felt confident booking with them knowing they're backed by one of the most trusted names in travel. One of the reasons we keep coming back to them is because they offer experiences for every budget while still working with local companies and guides. (Click on any of the trips below to see the full range of offerings.)
The Best Temples to Visit in George Town, Penang
Hean Boo Thean Kuan Yin Temple
Address- 52, Pengkalan Weld, George Town, Malaysia
Hours- Open daily from 9am-6pm
Entry fee- The temple is fee to enter, but donations are always welcome.
Dress code- Where modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.
A long standing place of worship dedicated to Guanyin, the revered Goddess of Mercy. The temple is known for its ornate facade, intricate carvings, and the constant presence of burning incense, creating a calm, spiritual atmosphere. Frequented by locals seeking blessings, protection, and guidance, it offers visitors a more intimate glimpse into everyday religious life in Penang. Surrounded by the energy of the city, the temple stands as a peaceful retreat and a reflection of George Town’s deep rooted Chinese heritage. The temple is located near the jetties on the water, offering a beautiful view of both the bay and the jetties. They have free bottled water for visitors and free toilets, but bring your own toilet paper.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Address- 86s, Jin Balik Pulau, Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysa
Hours- Open daily between 8:30am-5:30pm
Entry fee- The temple grounds as well as most place are free. It cost 2RM (.51USD) to enter the Pagoda and 8RM to use the life ($2USD)
Dress code- Where modest clothing covering shoulders and knees.
Also known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss, it is one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most impressive Buddhist temples. Blending Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles, the complex is filled with ornate pagodas, prayer halls, and a towering statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Visiting feels like stepping into a quieter, more peaceful side of Penang, with sweeping views of the city below and a strong sense of cultural and spiritual history. We spent a few hours wandering through the temple’s many terraced levels, slowly making our way up toward the statue at the top. Along the way, you pass beautiful gardens, countless Buddha statues, altars, a large gong you can ring for a donation and the iconic Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas. There’s quite a bit of walking, including some steep stairs, but near the top you can pay 8 MYR (about $2 USD) to take an enclosed lift the rest of the way. We took the lift up and walked back down.
Street Art in George Town, Penang. A Living Outdoor Gallery
One of the things that makes George Town so unique is its street art. What started as a creative movement has turned the city into an open air gallery that blends organically into the streets.
The street art scene really took off after George Town was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 when local projects began using murals to tell the stories of the streets. It gained even more attention in 2012, when Ernest Zacharevic was invited to create a series of murals for the George Town Festival.
As you walk through the city, you’ll find these pieces painted onto old, sometimes crumbling buildings, using a mix of media and physical props, blending in so naturally it feels like they’ve always been there. Some of the most famous murals include Children on a Bicycle, Boy on a Motorcycle, and Little Children on a Swing.
Exploring the street art quickly turned into a bit of a treasure hunt for us, peeking down every alley and side street to see what masterpiece we might find next. It’s one of the best ways to experience George Town, and it adds another layer to a city already full of culture, history, and incredible food.
Batu Ferringhi Iron Waterfalls: A Must See Day Hike in Penang
Address- 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia
Hours- Open at all times, though I highly recommend visiting during the day
Entrance Fee- Free entry, though we paid 2 MYR ($0.51 USD) to park our scooter
Difficulty- Easy
Parking Lot Location- (Google Maps)
If you're looking to escape the busy streets of George Town for a few hours, Batu Ferringhi Iron Waterfalls is a great free nature spot in Penang. Located about a 30 minute drive from downtown George Town, this short and easy hike is perfect for travelers wanting to experience more of Penang’s natural side. You can easily reach the trailhead by scooter, taxi, or even the local bus.
We parked our scooter in a small lot near the beginning of the trail, and from there it took less than 10 minutes to reach the falls. If you're arriving by bus or taxi from the main road, expect about a 15 minute walk to the waterfall. The trail itself is relatively easy, though there were a few muddy sections to navigate during our visit.
One of the best parts of this hike was how peaceful it felt compared to the crowds in George Town. We were lucky enough to have the trail almost entirely to ourselves. Along the way we heard beautiful bird calls and even spotted a few groups of monkeys in the trees.
When you arrive at the waterfall, it’s easy to see where the name “Iron Waterfalls” comes from. The rocks around the falls are stained reddish orange from mineral deposits, giving the area a unique look. There are several spots to sit and relax beside the water, and if you're feeling adventurous, you can carefully climb higher up the rocks for an even better view of the surrounding jungle.
This is a great half day trip from George Town if you want to enjoy some nature, avoid the crowds, and experience another side of Penang without spending much money.
Where To Stay in George Town, Penang on a Budget
Pine Muntri
Address- 49 Lebuh Muntri, George Town, Penang
Price- Between $15–30 USD per night depending on the season
Booking.com Link- Make your reservation here
Accommodation Type- Guesthouse and Hostel
This was a great budget stay while we explored George Town. The rooms are simple and a little rustic, which helps keep the prices affordable. We rented the Double Room with a Private Bathroom for four nights and paid 466 MYR ($118 USD total).
The room had two levels, with the bathroom and small work area downstairs and the loft bedroom upstairs. The stairs were pretty steep, but it wasn’t an issue for us.
One thing we really appreciated was the shared kitchen area. It had a fridge, microwave, and a free filtered water dispenser, which helped us save money during our stay in George Town. The WiFi worked great the entire time, and there was also a comfortable lounge area to relax in.
They offer several room options, including dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms for travelers on an even tighter budget. Overall, I honestly loved this stay and would definitely stay here again when visiting George Town.
Best Motorcycle and Scooter Rental in George Town, Penang
STARDUST 1 Scooter & Motorbike Rental
Address: 370-D, Lebuh Chulia, George Town, Penang
Hours: Open daily from 8:30 AM–9:00 PM
Price- $10 usd per day
This was by far the best scooter and motorcycle rental we found in George Town. After visiting several other rental shops the bikes here were some of the newest and nicest ones we saw around town, and the owners were incredibly friendly and helpful. They made the whole rental process quick and easy.
At around $10 USD per day, these were also some of the cheapest rental prices we’ve seen while traveling. Before handing over the bike, they carefully inspect it with you so there’s no confusion about existing damage later. They also provide full helmets, which isn’t always guaranteed in Southeast Asia.
One important thing to know before renting a scooter or motorcycle in Malaysia: you legally need a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license along with an International Driving Permit that also shows your motorcycle endorsement. 50cc bikes are not allowed on the roads in Malaysia.
Some rental shops in Penang may still rent to you without the correct paperwork, but you take on all the risk if you get pulled over or are involved in an accident. Fines can be expensive (around $100 USD), and your travel insurance will become invalid.
You’ll need cash to pay for the rental, including a refundable $20 USD deposit that you get back when returning the bike.
Best Currency Exchange in George Town, Penang
Hasani Munaesrah Exchange
Address- Lot G-11, Prangin Mall, 33 Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, 10100 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Hour- Open Monday–Friday from 9am–9pm and Saturday–Sunday from 10am–9pm
We exchanged some USD to Thai baht here before heading to Thailand. The exchange rate was surprisingly good, especially considering we first had to convert the USD to Malaysian ringgit and then the ringgit to Thai baht. The process was quick and easy, and we were happy with the rates we received.
How to Get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang (Train + Ferry Guide)
Getting from Kuala Lumpur to Penang was easier than we expected and actually a pretty enjoyable travel day. We booked our tickets for the express train from KL sentral to butterwoth a few days in advance, as we heard they can sell out. we used the officel website to book these tickets. We started off on the commuter train to KL Sentral. These trains are notoriously late, so we decided to play it safe and catch an earlier one… which, of course, ended up being right on time.
Kl Sentral to Butterworth
Schedule- The train runs daily at 8:05am, 11:40am, 1:40pm, 2:10pm, and 3:55pm. There are also evening trains that changes availability throughout the week at 6:22, 7:55 pm, and 8:55pm.
Where to book tickets- We booked on the official KTMB website (link to website)
Price- Approx $23usd to $32usd per person. Ticket price depends on time of day and train secltion as well as time of year.
Train Duration- 3 hours and 33 minutes to four hours and 20 minutes depending on train.
We arrived at KL Sentral about two hours before our train to Butterworth, but honestly, it wasn’t a bad place to wait. There are tons of food and drink options, so we grabbed a bite and just relaxed before the next leg of the trip. There are also free bathrooms, but definitely bring your own toilet paper. The train was super comfortable with outlets at the seats, Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms, and even snacks and drinks available for purchase if you get hungry. The ETS express train from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth cost 198 RM ($48.79 USD) for two people, and the journey took about 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Butterworth to Penang Island
Schedule- Every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes non-peak starting at 6:30am and last departure at 11pm.
Tickets- You can buy tickets right before boarding the ferry with a credit card.
Price- .51 usd per Adult, .25 usd per child, and additional .64usd for a motorcycle and .51 for a bicycle
Ferry Duration- Approx 20 minutes
Once we arrived in Butterworth, getting over to Penang Island was quick and easy. We just followed the signs to the ferry terminal, and after a bit of walking with a few escalators and elevators, we were at the ferry. From stepping off the train to boarding the ferry, the whole transfer took about 15 minutes, moving quicky and without stopping much a long the way. Overall, this was one of the simplest and most affordable ways we found to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, and we’d definitely do it again.
Helpful Malay Phrases for Travelers
Hello / Hi: Selamat (seh-lah-maht)
Good morning: Selamat pagi (seh-lah-maht pah-gee)
Good afternoon: Selamat tengah hari (seh-lah-maht tun-gah hah-ree)
Good evening: Selamat malam (seh-lah-maht mah-lahm)
Thank you: Terima kasih (teh-ree-mah kah-seeh)
You’re welcome: Sama-sama (sah-mah sah-mah)
Please: Tolong (toh-long)
Excuse me / Sorry: Maaf (mah-ahf)
Yes / No: Ya (yah) / Tidak (tee-dahk)
How much?: Berapa? (buh-rah-pah)
Where is the bathroom?: Di mana tandas? (dee mah-nah tahn-das)
I don’t understand: Saya tidak faham (sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm)
How to Count from One to Ten in Malay
One: Satu (sah-too)
Two: Dua (doo-wah)
Three: Tiga (tee-gah)
Four: Empat (um-paht)
Five: Lima (lee-mah)
Six: Enam (uh-nahm)
Seven: Tujuh (too-joo)
Eight: Lapan (lah-pahn)
Nine: Sembilan (sem-bee-lahn)
Ten: Sepuluh (seh-poo-loo)
✨️ Check out Don's YouTube video on Penang Island, Malaysia HERE ✨️
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Meet the Author
Hi! I'm Samantha Matthews-McCarty and at 39 I changed careers, moving from construction into travel blogging to follow my passion for exploring the world. Now I document our journeys through history, culture, food and outdoor adventures and I hope to inspire others to do the same.
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