Discover Penang Island

With sandy beaches just minutes away, scenic walkways, and an endless ocean view, Penang’s island lifestyle let one feels like a holiday with breathtaking coastline that invites you to dive into an array of beach activities. Whether it’s a leisurely jog along the seafront park of Gurney Bay, a stroll at the sandy beaches of Tanjung Bunga, indulge in a shopping spree at the sea fronting malls along Gurney Drive, or go onto a sunset cruise from the beautiful beach of Batu Ferringhi to end your day.

Founded in 1786 by Captain Francis Light as a British free port, Georgetown quickly became a major hub for maritime trade, especially in spices. This drew merchants and settlers from regions such as China, India, Arab nations, Siam, Burma, and Europe, each contributing their own architectural styles—temples, mosques, shophouses, clan houses—creating a visually rich and multicultural urban fabric.

In 2008, Georgetown, Penang was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this recognition was granted highlighting the cultural diversity and historical significance of the city.

Penang is widely known as a food paradise, particularly for its diverse and delicious street food. The island’s culinary scene is a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, resulting in a unique and mouthwatering array of dishes. From iconic street food to ine dinning, Penang offers a culinary adventure for every palate, and now there are many eateries proudly recognised by the prestigious Michelin Guide.

In Penang Island, modern conveniences and the nature coexist in perfect balance. The island is characterized by hilly terrain and a largely forested interior, with narrow stretches of coastal lowlands. Despite rapid urbanisation, Penang has managed to preserve a signiicant portion of approximately 7,761 hectares of its natural environment. From the misty trails of The UNESCO Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve to the leafy retreats of Botanic Gardens and Youth Park, green escapes are never far away.

Yet, you’re always close to international schools, renowned hospitals, luxury shopping outlets, and a thriving high-tech and digital economy — a rare harmony of city life and nature found nowhere else in Malaysia.

Penang has attracted hundreds of multinational corporations (MNCs) to its shores and plays a growing role in the global electrical and electronics supply chain, holding a share of more than 5% in the world’s 􀁗semiconductor sales. Despite its small size, Penang boasts one of the most robust economies in Malaysia. The state’s tertiary-based economy is largely driven by the manufacturing and services sectors.

In 2023, Penang’s GDP reached nearly RM128.593 billion (US$28.016 billion) with a growth rate of 3.3%. Penang’s GDP per capita of RM72,586 (US$15,814) was the highest among Malaysian states, surpassing the World Bank’s threshold of US$14,005 to be considered a high-income economy. In addition, the Georgetown Conurbation recorded a GDP worth US$30 billion in 2020, making it the second-largest metropolitan economy in Malaysia after the Klang Valley.