
AsiaIsland
Penang
Malaysia
Destination data refreshed Apr 2, 2026, 09:24 UTCFX rates refreshed Apr 2, 2026, 00:02 UTCAdvisories refreshed Apr 2, 2026, 11:52 UTC
Destination snapshot
Penang is a strong pick if you want a island trip with a solid mix of cost, safety, culture, and logistics.
72
Travel Score
Travel profile
Cost
74
Safety
66
Culture
82
Health
68
Internet
68
Outdoors
76
Access
64
Practical details
Capital
Kuala Lumpur
Languages
English, Malay
Population
34.2M
Time zone
UTC+08:00
Similar destinations
Colombo
Sri Lanka · Asia
68
Same region, plus similar best-month timing around Jan / Feb.
Chiang Mai
Thailand · Asia
72
Same region, plus similar best-month timing around Dec / Jan.
Da Nang
Vietnam · Asia
69
Same region, plus similar best-month timing around Feb.
Medellín
Colombia · Americas
69
Comparable travel profile across cost, safety, culture, and overall ease.
Trip basics
Best months
Jan · Feb · Dec
Climate
Equatorial
Warmest month
Feb · 31°C
Quietest month
Dec · crowd 56/100
Budget snapshot
Mid-range daily budget
$185
Local daily spend
MYR 745
Budget estimates are modeled from public mid-range daily costs. Flights into the destination, taxes, event spikes, and hotel swings can move the real total.
Travel advisory
Level 1: Exercise normal precautions
KIDNAPPING OR HOSTAGE TAKING (K)
Source country update: 02/22/2026
Read official advisoryVisa check
Estimate only - verify at the official embassy or consulate. Use Sherpa and the official embassy or consulate before you book anything non-refundable.
At a glance
Currency
MYR
Best months list
Jan · Feb · Dec
Destination type
Island
Photo source
Local curated image