Skip to main content

Penang is a state located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia with George Town as the capital city of the state which is located on Penang island. It is connected to Malaysia’s mainland with two road bridges called the Penang Bridge and the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge. So, is Penang expensive to visit in Malaysia?

Penang is not expensive and the prices in Penang are average. Penang is cheaper than Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur. Remember in the high season, the prices for accommodation will increase in price while in the low season they are deals to be found. While food and drink prices are similar to other places around Malaysia.

In this post, we will go through is Penang expensive to visit in Malaysia. Let’s get started!

Read More On Malaysia

Is Penang Expensive To Visit In Malaysia?

Penang is cheaper than the island of Langkawi or the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and even Malacca. Remember that prices do vary a little from George Town to the places around the state. Also, expensive can be very subjective as this can depend on a number of factors such as.

  • The type of traveling you are planning. Is it budget backpacking traveling or more high-end traveling?
  • Are you looking to party?
  • The activities you plan on doing? For example, scuba diving or go exploring.

To get a balanced view of how expensive Penang is we have broken it into 3 key categories. These are as follows.

  • How much is a beer in Penang Malaysia?
  • Is it expensive to eat in Penang?
  • The price of accommodation in Penang?
Mahamariamman Temple Penang

How Much Is A Beer In Penang Malaysia?

Firstly, any imported drinks like Heineken and Carlsberg are going to be more expensive when compared to the local beers available in Malaysia. Malaysia is a muslin country therefore there are high taxes on alcoholic drinks.

You should expect to pay around 16 RM for a pint of local beer while for imported beers prices can start from 20 RM in bars. While in hotels and in particular resorts are more expensive than bars.

Is It Expensive To Eat In Penang?

Penang in particular George Town is a popular foodie destination. As a result, you will find a good range of food at markets and street food that can cost around 8 to 12 RM per dish. The price depends a lot on what you order.

Resorts and restaurants are more expensive with prices starting from around 20 RM per dish. Remember touristy places tend to be more expensive and western food is more expensive.

Penang Bridge Malaysia

The Price Of Accommodation In Penang?

The average price for double room accommodation in Penang is 160 RM ($40). The prices vary depending on if it is high season or low season. In the low season expect to get deals where you can save up to 30% less than in the high season.

Is Penang Malaysia safe?

Penang is safe and it does attract tourists all over the world. Unfortunately, nowhere is perfect and there are incidents of pickpocketing and robbery. The numbers are low but like anywhere else in the world you do need to use common sense and not make yourself attractive to criminals.

Does Penang Have Good Nightlife?

The nightlife in Penang is mainly on Penang Island in particular George Town. The nightlife in George Town does get busy, especially on the weekend but it is not crazy.

Is Penang Cheaper Than Kuala Lumpur?

Yes, Penang is about up to about 20% cheaper than Kuala Lumpur. In general, capital cities are more expensive than other places in the country.

Batu Ferringhi Beach Penang

Can You Swim In Penang Beach?

Yes, the beaches in Penang are safe for swimming. Your hotel can tell you if it is safe to swim if you ask them and do need to follow any advice from the local authority.

Wrapping Up

Finally, Penang is not expensive where the prices are average. Penang is cheaper than Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur. Remember in the high season, the prices for accommodation will increase in price while in the low season they are deals to be found. While food and drink prices are similar to other places around Malaysia.

And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on is Penang expensive to visit in Malaysia has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.

Did you enjoy this post? Then don’t forget to pin it!

error: Content is protected !!