Street art, clan houses and some of Asia's best street food in George Town. Here's what Penang is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.
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December to February is the driest and most comfortable time. It's hot and humid all year, with short tropical downpours most afternoons. September to November is the wettest stretch. Chinese New Year, in January or February, is lively but busy.
Hunt for the famous murals and iron cartoons around the old town. Children love the scavenger hunt.
A funicular railway climbs to cooler air, forest walks and views over the island.
A huge hillside temple with a tall pagoda, a giant statue of Kuan Yin and a pond of turtles.
A butterfly garden and indoor insect centre with lots of hands-on displays.
An outdoor adventure park with ziplines, rope courses and one of the world's longest water slides.
Jungle trails and quiet beaches in the north-west, with boats to Monkey Beach.
Yes. It's easy, safe and English is widely spoken. The food is cheap and varied, and there are beaches at Batu Ferringhi when the city gets too hot. Pavements in George Town are uneven, so a sling beats a pushchair.
Five to seven nights gives time for George Town, Penang Hill and a few beach days. Add Langkawi or Kuala Lumpur for a longer trip.
There are no direct flights. Fly via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Doha or Dubai. British passport holders don't need a visa for short stays.
Hawker centres and street stalls are cheap and safe at busy spots. Try char kway teow, satay and cendol, a shaved ice pudding. Gurney Drive and New Lane are good for an evening graze.
Put Penang on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.