Discover the beauty of Penang by public transportation

Public transportation isn’t the only way to get around Penang, but it’s definitely one of the best!

What you may not know is that all public transportation on the island is above ground. So all you have to do is poke your head out and admire the breathtakingly beautiful views of cities, towns and countryside from that little window.

Taking advantage of your next trip to Penang, don’t forget to take public transportation, take some time to appreciate this beautiful island and listen to the wonderful sounds of nature!

1. CAT Free Bus

Photo via Living+Nomads

It's a great chance to join the locals on a trip as you hop aboard the free CAT bus through the streets, and this is where some conversations with the locals start.

So what is CAT? Central Area Transit (CAT) is a free bus that departs from the bus terminal on Weld Quay Road and shuttles through the streets of George Town, and this bus will eventually stop at Downing Street next to Fort Cornwallis.

Every bus departs within 15 to 20 minutes, so don’t worry if you accidentally miss the free CAT bus. Hurry up and take a look at the 19 stops where you can take the CAT bus to start your adventure route map!

Photo via Penang Foodie

Operating hours: 6am-12am (daily)
Price: Free
Official website: www.rapidpg.com.my/journey-planner/route-maps/

2. Penang double-decker sightseeing bus

Photo taken from OnlyPenang.com

An interesting way to explore Penang is to take a double-decker sightseeing bus that we call Penang Hop On Hop Off. This also includes two very different and exciting routes: the City Line and the Coastal Line.

Each route is carefully curated to provide visitors with the best sights and top landmarks through the most popular areas in and around George Town. If the two routes are combined, there are more than 50 attractions in total, and tourists can hop on and off at any of the 33 designated stops.

The unique upper-level open-top design allows visitors to better feel and appreciate this beautiful island, and the first-come, first-served mode allows you to choose your favorite seat freely!

Photo taken from myhoponhopoff.com

Operating hours: 9am-8pm (daily)
Price:-
Foreigner – RM115-RM170 (adult) ; RM50-RM110 (child)
Malaysian – RM50-RM88 (adult); RM25-RM33 (child)
Official website: myhoponhopoff.com/pg/

Ferry

Photo taken from Klook

If you plan to travel across the island, then you can choose to take the Penang ferry that shuttles between Butterworth and Penang Island!

This ferry service started in 1920 and was originally known as the Steamboat Ferry. Today, this age-old ferry still travels back and forth along the busy waters of Penang, carrying passengers to the other side day and night.

When taking a ferry service, you can choose to be accompanied by your vehicle or board as a foot passenger. There's no luxury on board the ferry, but the nostalgic feel is worth the trip. You can lean on the open windows and feel the caress of the sea breeze.

Operating hours: 5.40am-12.40am (daily)
Price:-
Adult – RM 1.20; Child (between 5 and 12 years old) – RM 0.60
Bicycle – RM 1.40; Motorcycle – RM 2; Car – RM 7.70

4. Tricycle

Photo courtesy of The Crazy Tourist

Centuries before the advent of comfortable taxis and public buses, thousands of tricycles have shaped Penang's transportation system since the 1950s. Today, you can explore the beauty of Penang from a different perspective from the back seat of a tricycle.

Undoubtedly, you can slow down to appreciate and explore the beauty of George Town, and you can also get a glimpse of the panorama of this small place, walk through the narrow streets to find famous heritage landmarks and so on.

Take a trishaw ride today and immerse yourself in the quaint atmosphere of Penang!

Operating Hours: Depends on trishaw availability (daily)
Price: about RM40/hour

5. Grab Car or Taxi

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

The island is certainly not like Kuala Lumpur – the distances are far and the attractions are spread out – but if you live outside of George Town or want to explore the best of Penang, you definitely can’t walk there.

Luckily, traffic in Penang has improved a lot in recent years, so you can take advantage of mobile apps like Grab Car or simply hail a taxi at the side of the road, hassle-free!