Penang Malayisa is one of the most popular weekend destinations in Southeast Asia, in part due to its proximity to Singapore (it’s only about 1.5 hours by plane and there are numerous daily flights), the source of much of the tourism to this tiny Malaysian island.
The attractions of Penang are almost too numerous to mention, however near the top of the list must be the historic attractions of old Georgetown and the lovely beaches that can be found across the island. The exceptional seafood restaurants and excellent markets, five star international hotels as well as some stunning cultural attractions round out some of the best that Penang has to offer.
One of the easiest ways of getting under the skin of this great travel destination is to hire a a car in Penang. It’s also one of the most cost effective if you are traveling with family or a group of friends. 24 hour car hire from a reputable and well known car hire compay will cost in the region of RM 150 to RM 500 (about USD $35 – USD $120) per day. However, savvy travellers will know that there are numerous smaller car rental Penang agencies in places like Georgetown where you can get a significantly better deal than that if you’re willing to lower your expectations as far as getting the latest models are concerned. Some of the options are a bit lower down the scale – but perfect if you just want to have a day out on the island.
Before you take the plunge and hire a car in Penang be aware that it takes nerves of steal to negotiate some of the smaller roadways on the island. Georgetown (the Old Town) is especially challenging. That said if you’re used to traffic in some of the larger cities in the world and know how to assert yourself without being rude you’ll be fine.
Due to the fact that road signage on Penang can offer some challenges to the foreigner we visitor it is great idea to rent a GPS system from the car rental agency that you are using. You could use the data on your phone, but if you’re on an international phone which doesn’t specifically cater to Malaysian use beware – your charges can go through the roof – a GPS is by far a better choice.
For some people who want to use Penang as a jump off point for exploration of the rest of Malaysia it’s preferable to use one of the larger car rental agencies , the smaller independent ones sometimes don’t allow you to leave the sialnd with their car. However, if you choose a larger car rental agency they sometimes offer drop off points throughout Malaysia whcih makes Penang a great choice for starting off your Malaysian adventure.
Penang is fabulous for those who want to dip their toes into the Southeast Asian experience. It’s the perfect mix between the old and the new, so book your trip right now.
Ready to rent your car? Visit J.C. RENT-A-CAR PENANG located at No. 26 Solok Rajawali 1,, Ideal Haus @ One Residence, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Call them at +604-618 0242 if you have any questions.
Walk the old town first
A car is useful for beaches, the hill, and anything outside George Town. It is a poor tool for the heritage grid. One-way lanes, limited parking, and short distances mean the first day is better on foot. Our George Town weekend is the walking plan. Collect a car on the morning you leave that grid, not on the night you arrive, or you will pay for a vehicle that sits outside a shophouse hotel.
If you are driving down from the north or up from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is the sensible overnight. Do not add a highland detour on the same day you are learning Penang roads. Confirm whether the rental can leave the island before you promise yourself a mainland side trip. Smaller agencies often restrict that, and discovering it at the counter wastes the morning.
See also: For another Malaysian island trip, see why choose Langkawi airport car rental .