Roberta Aguirre
Penang International Airport is located on the southeastern tip of Penang Island, Malaysia. The airport is known for its stress-free environment and impressive amenities, including comfortable seating areas, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi. With a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural displays, it's more than just a transit point—it's a destination in itself. Whether you're looking for souvenirs, a bite to eat, or a place to relax, here's everything you need to know about what to do during your time at Penang Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | South-eastern tip of Penang Island, in the suburb of Bayan Lepas |
| Airlines | AirAsia, Firefly, Malaysian Airlines, flydubai |
| Terminals | 1 |
| Levels | 2 |
| Amenities | Comfortable seating, charging stations, free Wi-Fi, cultural displays, restaurants, shops, airport lounges |
| Dining options | Local cuisine (Nasi Kandar, Char Kway Teow, Penang Laksa), international fast food (McDonald's, Starbucks) |
| Shopping options | Duty-free stores, local handicrafts, souvenirs, gifts, convenience stores, boutiques |
| Transportation | Buses, taxis, ride-sharing services (e.g. Grab), airport shuttle |
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What You'll Learn
Sample local dishes like Nasi Kandar and Char Kway Teow
Penang International Airport is a food lover's paradise, offering a delightful mix of local dishes and international cuisine. Among the many culinary delights, two standout local specialties are Nasi Kandar and Char Kway Teow.
Let's start with Nasi Kandar, a fragrant rice dish that is a true icon of Penang. This flavorful meal has its roots in Indian Muslim culture, with the name "Kandar" derived from the Malay word for the pole used by vendors to carry their goods. At Penang Airport, you can find delicious Nasi Kandar at the local eateries or even at the food stalls. The dish typically consists of steamed rice served with a variety of rich, spicy curries, along with fried chicken and vegetables. Each vendor adds their unique blend of spices and side dishes, making each bite a harmonious explosion of flavors.
Now, let's move on to Char Kway Teow, a beloved stir-fried noodle dish that is a favorite among locals and travelers alike. This mouthwatering creation combines flat rice noodles with prawns, Chinese sausage, and bean sprouts, all tossed in a savory soy sauce and chili for an irresistible smoky flavor. The best Char Kway Teow can be found at the airport's bustling food stalls or at the Wok & Roll restaurant, where the smoky aroma and delightful texture will tantalize your senses.
Both Nasi Kandar and Char Kway Teow are not just meals but cultural experiences that represent Penang's rich culinary heritage. They are the perfect introduction to the island's diverse food culture, and you can conveniently indulge in these local favorites right at Penang International Airport. So, whether you're on a layover or just passing through, make sure to add these dishes to your must-try list for a true taste of Penang.
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Shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts
Penang International Airport offers a delightful shopping experience, featuring a mix of duty-free stores and local handicrafts. The airport's shops showcase a variety of unique treasures that reflect Penang's rich culture and heritage. Here are some tips and suggestions for shopping for souvenirs and local handicrafts during your time at Penang Airport:
Explore the Duty-Free Shops
Penang Airport has a range of duty-free stores offering various items, including chocolates, perfumes, local spirits, and more. Keep an eye out for special promotions and discounts to snag the best deals. Duty-free shops are an excellent option for purchasing souvenirs, gifts, or even last-minute travel essentials.
Discover Local Handicrafts
The airport's shops display a beautiful array of local handicrafts, showcasing the talent of Penang's artisans. Look for traditional batik fabrics, which are a long-established resist-dyeing technique featuring bright colours and patterns on silk fabric. You can also find handmade jewellery, local artwork, and other unique items. By purchasing these handicrafts, you're not only taking home a piece of Penang but also supporting local artisans and their traditions.
Sample and Buy Local Delicacies
Penang is renowned for its culinary delights, and the airport offers a taste of the region's famous food scene. While you can savour local favourites like Nasi Kandar, Char Kway Teow, and Penang Laksa at the airport's eateries, there are also famous food souvenirs you can buy. These include biscuits, such as Roti Jari, pepper biscuits, and crushed peanut candy, which can be found at shops like Hup Hoe Biscuit, Ban Heang, and Ang Seng Heong. You can also purchase coffee beans, such as the iconic Penang White Coffee, as a memorable souvenir of the region's coffee culture.
Visit Specialty Shops
Penang Airport is home to various specialty shops catering to different interests. For photography and camera enthusiasts, the Penang Museum's ground floor features a Snap Shop with a range of souvenirs like keychains, t-shirts, handmade camera cases, and bags. You can also explore shops like Straits Fashion, which offers souvenirs and gifts, including the famous Sea Cucumber soap, known for its minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Enjoy the Convenience
Penang Airport provides a seamless shopping experience with a mix of luxurious boutique stores and convenience stores. Whether you're looking for last-minute travel essentials or a special gift, you're sure to find something that suits your needs. The airport also features familiar international fast-food chains and eateries, allowing you to refuel and recharge during your shopping exploration.
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Relax in the airport lounges
If you're looking to relax in the airport lounges at Penang International Airport, you're in luck! The airport offers a premium service with various amenities to facilitate the travel experience of every passenger. The airport lounges are the perfect spot to unwind and recharge before your flight.
The PEN Lounges at Penang Airport provide a peaceful and comfortable space with seating for up to 90 guests. You can expect private yet accessible lounges with complimentary refreshments, including a selection of chilled and hot beverages. For entertainment, there are international and local magazines, newspapers, and TV channels. If you need to get some work done, there are also workstations with Wi-Fi connectivity.
To access the airport lounges, you may be able to purchase access on the spot or through your airline if you have a premium ticket. Some credit cards also offer lounge access as a perk. If you are an economy class traveller, you can usually purchase a day pass, annual membership, or pay at the door.
The Penang International Airport offers two lounges under the name Plaza Premium Lounge, one for international departure and the other for domestic departure. To purchase access to these lounges, you will need to complete a registration form with your personal and contact details. After payment, you will receive a confirmation email with a code that serves as your entry pass to the lounge, along with information about its location and working hours. Remember to have your passport and flight ticket ready during the registration process and upon arrival at the airport.
Overall, the lounges at Penang International Airport provide a relaxing and exclusive experience, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of the terminal before your flight.
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Explore local art displays
Penang International Airport is adorned with cultural displays and a touch of local artistry that reflects Penang's rich heritage. The airport is not just a transit point but a destination in itself, offering a delightful array of duty-free stores and local handicrafts.
If you're looking to explore more local art displays beyond the airport, you can visit the Penang State Art Gallery, which is located at Dewan Sri Pinang in George Town. The gallery has two sections: the permanent gallery on the ground floor, which houses paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, prints, and other media; and the contemporary art gallery on the third floor, which showcases the work of visual artists according to specific themes that change periodically. The Penang State Art Gallery serves as a platform for local and international artists to exhibit their work and fosters a joint communication and exchange of ideas between them.
Other notable art galleries in Penang include TAG Penang, which showcases works by local artists like Lim Jee Yuan, Alex Leong, and Kek Hoon Pin, and also provides a platform for budding artists to display their pieces. Galeri Seni Mutiara, located within the Penang Heritage Trail, is another excellent option to explore local artists' exhibitions.
For a more unconventional art space, check out Hin, a former bustling bus depot transformed into an art gallery by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic. Zacharevic's works can also be found at a gallery inside the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, featuring his framed paintings and raw-form sketches. ChinaHouse is another versatile institution in Penang, housing dining halls, performance spaces, and two art galleries: Art Space I, dedicated to local artists, and Art Space II, reserved for photographic works.
With its mix of bona fide art galleries and unconventional art spaces, Penang offers a rich exploration of local artistic expressions.
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Take a quick taxi ride to nearby attractions
Penang International Airport is located just a short distance from the heart of George Town, which is about 12km away. It is also conveniently close to other attractions, which can be easily accessed by a quick taxi ride.
Penang Airport taxis work on a coupon system, and the wait for them can be lengthy. It is advisable to book your taxi in advance or consider car rental, which is also available at the airport.
Just minutes away from the airport, you can find famous Penang street art, George Town, Clan Jetties, and Penang Hill. The city centre is also easily accessible, being just under 20km from the airport.
For those looking to explore further, Langkawi Island is a beautiful option, with a ferry ride of about 2 hours and 45 minutes, or a short 35-minute flight. Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, is also within easy reach, with a flight time of just 50 minutes or a 4-hour train journey.
If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, the airport offers a mix of local and international cuisine, including local favourites such as Nasi Kandar and Char Kway Teow. For those craving something more familiar, there are international fast-food chains like McDonald's and Starbucks.
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Frequently asked questions
Penang International Airport is located in the suburb of Bayan Lepas, about 12km south of George Town. You can get there by taxi, ride-sharing services like Grab, airport shuttle, or bus.
The airport offers a mix of local and international cuisine. Local favourites include Nasi Kandar, Char Kway Teow, and Penang Laksa. There are also international fast-food chains like McDonald's, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and a noodle bar.
The airport has a wide variety of shops, from luxurious boutiques to convenience stores and duty-free shops. You can find unique souvenirs, gifts, and local handicrafts that reflect Penang's culture, such as traditional batik fabrics and handmade jewellery.
Yes, the airport offers lounges with comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, and refreshing beverages. Some lounges even provide shower facilities. Access to these lounges can often be purchased directly or through your airline if you have a premium ticket.
You can take a quick city tour if your layover allows it. Visit nearby attractions like the famous street art or a scenic beach. You can also explore the local art displays within the airport, showcasing Penang's rich heritage and culture.
