Penang Family Travel Guide: Affordable Life, Kids, Adventures & Community
Explore Penang, Malaysia with kids! Discover family-friendly beaches, hawker food, budget apartments, and fun activities for all ages.
🌴 Family Travel in Penang, Malaysia: Why We’re Tempted to Stay Longer
When we first arrived in Penang, Malaysia, we thought two weeks would be plenty. Now, as we wrap up our second week in Penang, we can see exactly why so many travelling families choose to stay here longer.
The cost of living is almost unbelievable compared to the UK. Back in Yorkshire, our mortgage, council tax, utilities, and groceries devoured our income. Here? You can rent a three-bedroom apartment with a pool, gym, and sea view for about £250/month (utilities are extra but cheap and paid easily through an app). Watching the sunrise over the ocean instead of grey drizzle still feels surreal. Also, there is so much to do here with kids!
🏖 Why Penang Works So Well for Families
Kid-friendly beaches like Batu Ferringhi are perfect for swimming and sandcastles (just watch out for the jellyfish—Tilly now insists on “sea monster checks” before diving in 🪼).
Eating out is affordable—hawker stalls serve full meals for £2 - £3, making it almost cheaper than cooking.
Supermarkets are budget-friendly for families who prefer self-catering and you can get it delivered to your apartment through the GRAB app, amazing!
Parks, playgrounds, and community groups make it easy for kids to socialise.
There are also worldschooling hubs and WhatsApp groups connecting families. We haven’t joined yet, but knowing those networks exist makes Penang even more appealing for families.
🚗 Getting Around Penang With Kids
If you’re travelling with younger kids, renting a car might be worth it for flexibility. Expect RM80–120/day (£14–22) for a small car.
For budget travellers, the Rapid Penang buses are excellent—clean, air-conditioned, and cheap at RM2–4 (30–70p) per ride.
🍜 Eating Well on Any Budget
Penang is a food paradise. From hawker stalls to international restaurants, you can feed a family for less than the price of a single takeaway coffee back home. After a week of cooking, we happily embraced hawker stalls again—it’s budget-friendly, delicious, and hassle-free.
What makes it even better for families travelling with kids is the chance to try new foods without breaking the budget. The hawker centres and markets are filled with variety—noodles, rice dishes, grilled meats, tropical fruit, pastries, and snacks—so even picky eaters can experiment. For just a couple of pounds, kids can taste-test something new, and if they don’t like it, it’s no big deal!
For picky eaters or kids missing home comforts, Western food options are everywhere—burgers, pasta, bakeries, and even proper coffee shops that wouldn’t feel out of place in London. This mix of authentic Malaysian cuisine and familiar flavours makes Penang an easy win for families.
🏡 Why Families and Expats Love Penang
We’ve met several expats who have made Penang home, and it’s easy to see why:
Low cost of living compared to Europe.
International schools for structured education.
English is widely spoken, making it easy for kids to make friends.
Quality healthcare that’s affordable.
An international airport close by for weekend trips.
For long-term rentals, Penang condos and apartments are cheaper than Chiang Mai. But for houses with gardens, Chiang Mai still wins. We are still travelling around comparing what suits us as a family better for a lifestyle so it’s great to learn as we go and show you guys what we find 😃.
More information on our Youtube Travel Vlog click here to check it out!
Sunsets in Penang 🌅
🎉 Tilly’s 13th Birthday on the Road
Tilly celebrated her 13th birthday here in Penang, and it was unforgettable—sunset on the beach, pastries galore, and a simple dinner that felt so special. Curious about how to celebrate birthdays while full-time travelling?
Check out our vlog below ⬇️
🌦 Weather in Penang
Even in August, Penang’s weather is bright and sunny with only the occasional rain shower. The heat can feel intense, but waking up to blue skies beats those grey Yorkshire mornings we left behind. Yes guys, the weather really does matter!
🧭 Comparing Penang and Chiang Mai
As we continue our journey through Southeast Asia, we’re comparing costs and lifestyle:
Apartments and condos are more affordable in Penang.
Traditional houses with gardens are cheaper in Chiang Mai.
Food prices and activities are similar in both destinations.
Penang edges ahead for families because English is widely spoken and kids can easily join local groups and clubs nearby.
🌟 Final Thoughts on Penang
Penang is budget-friendly, family-oriented, and bursting with opportunities to build memories. Whether you’re here short-term or considering a longer stay, Penang offers a better quality of life for families, especially compared to UK costs.
Blue skies, beaches, cheap eats, and a strong family community—it’s easy to see why so many travellers stay here.
Want to know more about where to visit in Penang, click here to check out our Top Things to do in Penang with Kids!
Top Tip 👉 If you are looking for something educational, fun and slightly different we highly recommend Entopia World in Penang, check it out below 👇🏻