Penang Cruise Port Guide: What to Do in One Day
Penang is one of those cruise ports we genuinely enjoy returning to — and we’ve now visited four times. It’s colourful, busy, a bit chaotic, and packed with incredible food, all within a relatively compact area.
That said, Penang isn’t a completely effortless port day. The heat, traffic, pavements, and crowds can catch people out — especially if it’s your first visit or you arrive without a plan.
This guide is based entirely on what we’ve actually done in Penang over multiple visits — what works well, what needs patience, and how to structure your day so it feels enjoyable rather than rushed.
TL;DR:
If you only have one day in Penang on a cruise, stay close to the port and explore George Town. Focus on food, street art, temples, and Chew Jetty. If time is tight, choose either George Town or Penang Hill — trying to do both usually means rushing.
Watch our most recent experience in Penang here:
Where Is the Penang Cruise Port?
Cruise ships dock at Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, right next to George Town.
Location-wise, it’s excellent.
The gangway isn’t always wheelchair-friendly — sometimes ramps, sometimes steps.
The port has lots of shops, and sometimes a pop up Starbucks.
As soon as you exit the port, there are LOTS of people offering taxis and tours
It can feel intimidating at first — a firm “no thank you” and walking on is completely fine
Once you get past that initial wall of noise, Penang quickly becomes more relaxed.
Getting Around Penang
Walking
You can walk straight into George Town from the port — and we now do this on most visits.
However:
Pavements often stop suddenly
Cars, scooters, and construction block walkways
There are uneven surfaces and holes
It’s hot and humid, even early in the day
Walking works, but you need to stay alert and pace yourself.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and as mentioned MANY drivers will battle for your business at the port entrance. You can also hire a driver by the hour or for the day.
Agree the price before you go anywhere
Be clear and firm about where you want to go
Don’t be afraid to walk away if it doesn’t feel right
You will need cash to pay for the driver, they are always happy to stop at a ATM for you.
Many will offer informal “tours,” but remember:
Traffic in Penang is bad
Short journeys can take a surprisingly long time
Grab
Grab operates in Penang and works much like Uber.
If you want clear pricing and less hassle, this is usually the easiest option. However, always give yourself plenty of time to return to the ship. On one recent visit in Malaysia, we were unable to get a Grab back to the port because no drivers were available. We’ve also noticed some drivers will accept a ride but wait a long time before setting off, likely in the hope of picking up a better fare.
Organised Tours
Booking a tour in advance through Viator can remove a lot of stress, especially if you want to go further afield, such as Penang Hill.
We recently booked the Full Day Flexi Private Tour in Penang Island with Pickup, which worked really well. It was flexible, relaxed, and having a local driver gave us great insight into the area without any pressure or rushing. It made the day feel easy and completely stress-free.
Alternatively, there are plenty of other tour options available on Viator if you’re looking for something different.
What to Do in Penang on a Cruise
Penang Port Day Video
Penang is very “tickable,” and you can see a lot in one day if you plan it sensibly.
Close to the Ship
You can easily tick all of these off in one day just by walking around, without needing transport or a strict plan.
Chew Jetty
Chew Jetty is one of Penang’s most well-known sights and is very close to the port.
It’s a traditional wooden stilt village built over the water, with narrow walkways, homes, and small shops. It’s quick to visit, very photogenic, and a great introduction to Penang’s heritage.
Street Art in George Town
George Town is famous for its street art, scattered throughout the historic centre.
You don’t need a map — wandering and discovering pieces as you go is half the fun. It’s an easy, enjoyable way to explore the city.
The most famous piece is Little Children on a Bicycle, which is also a great photo spot.
Food Markets & Coffee Shops
Food is one of Penang’s biggest highlights.
You’ll find hawker stalls, casual local eateries, and excellent coffee shops throughout George Town. Eat where it’s busy and don’t overthink it.
Things we always look for:
Nasi Padang
Anything satay
Popiah
Laksa
Putu Mayam
Many of the best local food spots still prefer cash, so it’s worth carrying some small notes.
Our Penang Visit in 2023
Little India & Chinatown
Both Little India and Chinatown are well worth exploring.
They’re colourful, busy, and full of shops, temples, and food — ideal for wandering and soaking up the atmosphere.
Temples
Penang has no shortage of temples — Chinese, Hindu, and Buddhist.
You don’t need to visit lots. Even stepping into one or two adds a lot of cultural depth to your day.
Upside Down Museum
The Upside Down Museum is touristy but genuinely fun.
If you’re travelling with kids — or just want something light-hearted — it’s an easy stop near the main sights.
Further Afield (Longer Day or Tour)
Penang Hill
Penang Hill is one of Penang’s most popular attractions.
You reach the top by funicular railway or by driving, and once there you’ll find:
Cooler temperatures
Viewing platforms with wide city views
Walking trails
Cafés and small attractions
It’s worth doing — but it takes time. Between traffic, queues, and the ride itself, this works best on a long port day or as part of an organised tour.
The Habitat (at the top of Penang Hill)
The Habitat is located at the top of Penang Hill and can be visited as part of the same trip. It’s a nature-focused attraction with elevated walkways and viewpoints through the rainforest.
We mainly enjoyed it for the views, but be prepared for quite a lot of walking, including some inclines.
You can book tickets for The Habitat in advance via Klook here.
Penang Fruit Farm
Penang Fruit Farm is located inland and focuses on tropical fruit grown locally in Malaysia.
Visits are usually guided and give you a chance to see, smell, and taste fruits you won’t normally find at home, including durian (yes, that one), rambutan, mangosteen, and more.
It’s educational rather than exciting, but if you’re interested in local produce and agriculture, it’s an interesting way to see a different side of Penang.
Penang Fruit Farm
Penang Fruit Farm is located inland and focuses on tropical fruit grown locally in Malaysia.
Visits are usually guided and give you a chance to see, smell, and taste fruits you won’t normally find at home, including durian (yes, that one), rambutan, mangosteen, and more.
It’s educational rather than exciting, but if you’re interested in local produce and agriculture, it’s an interesting way to see a different side of Penang.
Penang Spice Garden
Penang Spice Garden is a well-maintained botanical garden set into the hills, focusing on spices, herbs, and tropical plants.
Paths are clearly marked, and you’ll learn how everyday spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves grow in real life. It’s calm, shaded, and far removed from the busy streets of George Town.
There’s a fair bit of walking and stairs. It’s not accessible.
Entopia Butterfly Farm
Entopia is a large butterfly and insect park focused on education and conservation.
There are often lots of children visiting on school trips, which tells you exactly what kind of place this is. It’s well organised, clearly laid out, and very educational, with indoor and outdoor areas to explore.
If you’re travelling with kids, this is a strong option. If not, it may feel a bit school-trip-heavy — but it’s still an easy, well-run stop on a longer port day.
Monkey Beach (Boat Access)
Monkey Beach is a more natural beach on Penang’s northwest coast. As the name suggests, it’s home to monkeys — and they’re not shy.
This isn’t the best spot for sunbathing or a full beach day, but it’s an interesting stop for an hour or so. You can watch the monkeys, grab a drink from one of the small beach bars, and enjoy a quieter side of Penang.
We reached it by boat, which avoids a long hike through Penang National Park and makes it far easier on a cruise day. The beach itself is simple rather than polished — think sand, sea, and a handful of basic stalls.
Keep a close eye on your belongings, as the monkeys are quick and curious. It’s a good option if you want something more outdoorsy and relaxed than the city, without committing to a full beach day.
Biggest Mistakes First-Time Cruise Visitors Make in Penang
Not getting off the ship early. Penang gets hot quickly and traffic builds early. An early start makes a big difference.
Trying to do too much. If you have a short port day, pick either Penang Hill or George Town, not both. Trying to do everything usually means rushing and enjoying none of it.
Useful Tips for Penang Cruise Visitors
Do sightseeing earlier in the day, then slow things down in the late afternoon or early evening with food markets and wandering.
Watch the traffic — scooters and cars don’t always give way.
Cards are widely accepted, but taxis and food stalls often want cash.
Penang feels safe but chaotic. Use common sense and don’t be stupid.
Having a simple plan makes the day far more enjoyable.
FAQs: Penang on a Cruise
Is Penang easy to explore on a cruise day?
Yes, especially if you stay close to George Town. It’s compact but busy, so planning helps.
Can you walk from the cruise port into town?
Yes, but pavements can be uneven and it’s very hot. Walking is doable, just be careful.
Is Penang Hill worth it on a short port stop?
Only if you have plenty of time. On shorter days, we’d choose George Town instead.
Do I need to book an excursion in Penang?
Not necessarily. Penang is easy to explore independently, but tours help if you want to go further afield.
Is Penang safe for cruise visitors?
We’ve always felt safe, but it’s busy and chaotic. Be aware of traffic, keep an eye on your surroundings, and you’ll be fine.
Final Thoughts
Penang is a fantastic cruise port if you approach it with the right expectations.
It’s not polished or seamless, but it’s vibrant, flavourful, and full of character. Stay close to the port, plan your day, and focus on food, culture, and atmosphere rather than trying to see everything.
If we had just one day in Penang on a cruise, we’d:
Explore George Town on foot
Visit Chew Jetty
Eat as much local food as possible
See street art and a couple of temples
Simple, flexible, and genuinely enjoyable — which is exactly how Penang works best.
