Why Penang Is an Ideal Destination for Family Vacations

You don’t really see Penang in the category of other family vacation hotspots around the world, which is a shame, really. The city has so much to offer in the way of family fun, and you’d be mad to miss it. An island in Malaysia, just off the western coast, Penang is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country. The capital, George Town, has a lot to offer, and the rest of the island is pretty amazing as a family-friendly vacation destination too.

Best Time to Visit

First things first, what’s the best time to visit Penang with your family? Well, it depends on what you want to do during your vacation. Penang has a tropical climate, meaning there are two primary seasons you ought to be aware of:

Dry Season: December to April is the dry season, often considered the best time to tour the island. These months are characterised by low rainfall and less humidity, setting the stage for outdoor activities.

Wet Season: The monsoon season in Penang typically lasts from September to November. You can expect heavy rainfall, and exploring the outdoors isn’t an option during these months.

Festival Season: This is the bonus season. If you’re a family that likes to explore new cultures, visit during Chinese New Year. The festival takes form during January and February, with the island coming to life with a burst of colour, music, the aroma of food, and dancing and singing.

Places to Stay

You’re planning to visit with your family, so it’s important to snag a family-friendly dwelling as early in the process as you can. Budget options are ten a penny, and there are mid-range options too. If you visit during the dry season and want to stay at a luxury boutique hotel in Penang, make an early reservation. During the peak months, the availability of places like The George Penang by The Crest Collection is often limited. So, call the hotel and make a reservation to secure accommodation.

Explore George Town

This is one of the easiest and most affordable things to do in Penang. George Town, spreading over just three kilometres, packs in so many things to do and see. Home to different cultures, religions, and languages, George Town is a UNESCO-protected area. Although the boundaries are now somewhat obscure, if you look closely, you can still see the different parts of the town that were home to Chinese, Indian, and Malay communities. The best thing about exploring Penang Town is that you can do it at your own pace. Stop by a shop to grab a quick snack. Take pictures of old buildings. Explore street art. Fort Cornwallis should be part of your itinerary too.

Head to Monkey Beach by Speedboat

The charm of Penang extends beyond George Town. When you’re in the town centre, it’s easy to forget that the island is more lush tropical forest than land. To experience the pristine nature of the island, take a speedboat to Monkey Beach and spend a day there. It’s a stunning beach tract that’s part of Penang National Park.

You can spend an entire day on the beach relaxing and enjoying the stunning views of the Straits of Malacca. For some energetic activity, you can climb up to the lighthouse and discover even more stunning views.

Discover the Beauty of Nature at Entopia

It’s been years since Entopia was opened. It’s a butterfly farm on the island that lures in both locals and foreign tourists. Here, butterflies are the primary focus, but you’ll also see other insects like spiders and silkworms.

The park has an indoor educational centre where you and your kids can learn all about the metamorphosis of butterflies. The outdoor area is home to a lush garden where you’ll see butterflies flitting across in their hundreds. 

The park is open from 9 AM to 6 PM, so feel free to drop by any time you want, but keep in mind that you might need at least half a day to enjoy everything the park has to offer.

Adventure at ESCAPE Penang

Sitting close to Entopia is ESCAPE Penang. As the name suggests, the park truly offers an escape from your daily grind into adventure land! The park holds two world records for featuring the longest inner tube and the longest zip coaster.

ESCAPE is sectioned into two areas: WaterPlay and AdventurePlay. Some activities have a height requirement, but don’t worry; the park offers plenty of fun and adventure for the whole family. If you have kids under the age of three or adults over the age of sixty, you’re in luck – they can get in for free!