Penang: Our Fourth Destination in Malaysia, on the Family Travel Adventure

Written By Emma Smithson

After exploring Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Langkawi, we have now landed in Penang, Malaysia! As a full-time travelling family, we are on a worldwide search for our forever home — still homeless, but loving the journey and the adventure along the way. Penang has always intrigued us because so many expats and families choose to live here, so naturally we had to see what it had to offer for ourselves.

Getting to Penang: A Slight Detour

We’d planned to take the ferry from Langkawi to Penang, but alas, no luck — the ferry stopped running. Instead, we got creative:

  • Ferry Langkawi → Kuala Perlis: ~1 hour 30 mins, RM50 per adult, RM25 per child

  • Bus Kuala Perlis → Penang: ~4 hours, RM40 per adult, RM20 per child

Stormy Seas!

The ferry ride was rather slow but we made it to Perlis in one piece 😃!

Hauling our suitcases onto the ferry? Let’s just say it was a full-body workout. If you need motivation to get fit, try lifting a suitcase while dodging waves! 😂 We’ve got packing tips for travelling families that make life a bit easier, trust us.

Oh, and we were also carting Tilly’s birthday presents around — she’s turning 13 soon! With no home to leave them in, these gifts are coming everywhere with us until the big day.

All our stuff (this is all we own)…. including Tilly’s presents!

First Impressions of Penang

Wow. Just wow. The tall buildings rising up next to the blue-green sea were stunning. We honestly don’t think we’ve ever seen a city like this — a city on the water! It felt a bit like a smaller, more manageable Kuala Lumpur, which is a relief for our family (KL was just too big for us).

We hired a car, which was a lifesaver for hauling luggage around. If you’re a family visiting Penang, we’d recommend doing the same — fuel is cheap, and hiring long-term can save you money too.

Beaches & Food

Penang is a foodie heaven — there’s so much to try! Some of our favourites so far:

  • Char Kway Teow – RM6–10

  • Penang Laksa – RM5–8

  • Nasi Kandar – RM7–15

  • Rojak – RM5

The sunsets are spectacular, though swimming isn’t ideal because of murky water and jellyfish. Still, if you love sunsets and street food, Penang is hard to beat.

Accommodation for Travelling Families

We booked a cheap and cheerful apartment for 31 nights — £560 (~RM3,250) for a 3-bedroom unit with space to spread out, a pool, gym, and even a washing machine (essential for full-time travelling families!).

Arrival came with some hiccups — the pool was closed initially, and the apartment needed a few repairs. Welcome to full-time travel life! Adaptation and resilience are part of the fun. Each day is unpredictable, and we’re learning to go with the flow — it keeps life exciting.

Full-Time Travel Realities

A little insight from Smiths on Tour:

  • Accommodation isn’t always perfect — and that’s okay!

  • Each day brings surprises (good or bad).

  • Being adaptable is key — and it makes the little wins feel even bigger.

Looking Ahead: Best Things to Do in Penang with Kids and Teens

We’ve only just arrived, but there’s already so much on our list! Penang has wildlife adventures, cultural experiences, shopping, and amazing food — perfect for families and teens alike.

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our full guide to the best things to do in Penang with kids and teens. Whether you want fun adventures, educational experiences, or just a chilled day out, there’s something for everyone.

Thinking About Moving to Penang? Here’s What Families Want to Know

We know many families travelling from the UK or Western countries consider Penang as a potential base — and we can see why! Here’s what you might want to know if you’re thinking about relocating:

1. Cost of Living in Penang

Penang is surprisingly affordable compared to the UK or Western countries. Long-term rentals for a 3-bedroom apartments typically range from around RM2,500–5,000 per month (£500 - £1000) and sometimes much less £350- £500 per month) depending on location, facilities, and whether it’s furnished. Apartments with pools, gyms, and family-friendly amenities are widely available and they are surprisingly affordable compared to the UK or Western countries. Food in Penang for families is cheap and delicious — think between RM5–8 (£1- £2) a meal! Fuel is very affordable too, making family travel in Penang easy on the wallet.

2. Schools & Education

There are international schools in Penang offering British, American, and IB curriculums, as well as local schools. For worldschooling families like us, Penang has plenty of educational experiences for kids and teens, from wildlife parks to cultural activities.

3. Family-Friendly Lifestyle

Penang has expat families and social groups, so you’re never far from like-minded people. The pace of life is slower than Kuala Lumpur, yet still lively. There are family-friendly activities in Penang, beaches (even if swimming is limited), parks, shopping malls, and amazing food markets for the whole family to enjoy.

4. Safety & Healthcare in Penang

The city is relatively safe, and healthcare in Penang is high quality and affordable. Private clinics and hospitals are easy to access, making it perfect for families relocating from the UK or Western countries.

5. Transport & Getting Around

Public transport works well, and for families travelling with kids, hiring a car is recommended — especially with luggage. Fuel is cheap, roads are manageable, and Penang airport makes exploring Southeast Asia simple.

6. Climate & Lifestyle

It’s warm year-round, meaning you can enjoy outdoor family adventures in Penang almost every day. The sunsets over the sea are incredible, and the mix of modern buildings, historical streets, and natural beauty make it an inspiring place to live.

7. Why Families Choose Penang

  • Affordable long-term rentals in Penang

  • Family-friendly amenities and expat networks

  • Delicious, affordable Penang food for families

  • Warm weather and plenty of activities for kids and teens

  • Centrally located in Southeast Asia for family travel adventures

We’ve only just arrived, but it’s easy to see why families are drawn to Penang. Some even use it as a base for exploring Southeast Asia, leaving belongings behind because it’s that affordable and convenient.

Smiths on Tour Tip:

If you’re considering moving here, spend a few weeks exploring Penang first. Get a feel for the lifestyle, try different neighbourhoods, and see how your family adjusts. That’s exactly what we’re doing with our 4-week stay — and who knows? We may stay longer if it feels right!

✅ Smiths on Tour Takeaway

If you’re a family travelling with kids or teens:

  • Rent a car for convenience

  • Pack smart (check our guide!)

  • Expect the unexpected — and embrace it!

  • Take your time exploring, Penang has something for everyone

Stay Tuned!

We’ve only just scratched the surface of Penang, and there’s so much more to explore! Keep checking back on our blog for upcoming posts about the best things to do in Penang for families, including adventures, food, and hidden gems. We can’t wait to share our discoveries with you!

Emma Smithson