Penang tourism is booming this holiday season, with both local and international tourists filling hotels in Penang and exploring its top Penang attractions.
During school holidays and the Christmas period, hotel occupancy in Penang is hitting between 70% and 90%, making the island a popular choice for family getaways in Penang.
The Penang Malaysian Hotel Association (MAH) reports strong bookings in hotspots like George Town and Batu Ferringhi.
Penang Holiday Snapshot
- Hotel Occupancy: 70–90% during school holidays & Christmas
- Top Attractions: George Town, Batu Ferringhi, Bukit Bendera
- Food Highlights: Nasi kandar, laksa, char kuey teow
- Tourist Impact: Heavy traffic near major sites
- Events: Penang Festival (Dec 6 – Jan 10)
The surge in bookings highlights Penang’s continuing appeal, particularly for families looking for a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and food adventures.
What This Means for Visitors:
- Book Ahead: Expect high demand, especially during peak seasons, so book hotels and popular attractions in advance.
- Explore Beyond Peak: Weekday occupancies remain healthy (around 70%), offering slightly less crowded times compared to weekends.
- Consider New Options: With many new hotels (like Harris Hotel, Capri by Fraser, Westin), there’s a growing variety of accommodation.
Contents
Hotel Performance During Peak Season
Datuk Tony Goh, chairman of the Penang MAH, said hotel occupancy jumps during school holidays and the Christmas weekend.
Peak rates reach 70–90%, well above the usual weekday average of around 70%.
While new hotels have slightly slowed weekday bookings, holiday periods see strong demand, especially in popular tourist areas in Penang.
The uptick in hotel traffic reflects growing demand for tourism infrastructure in Penang.
Penang’s reputation as a family-friendly destination, combined with its cultural and recreational offerings, keeps attracting visitors from across Malaysia and abroad.
New Hotels Coming in 2026
Several new hotels in Penang are set to open in 2026, giving visitors more options and boosting Penang’s tourism capacity.
The expansion will help meet growing demand, whether travelers seek budget stays or luxury experiences.
More hotels also support the broader economy, benefiting retail, transport, and local services.
Attractions See Higher Visitor Numbers
Penang’s top sites are seeing a surge in tourists.
Bukit Bendera, for example, welcomed over 30,000 visitors between December 19 and 22, 2025.
The island’s beaches, hills, and historic sites attract visit
Traffic and Visitor Impact
Heavy tourist traffic is causing congestion, particularly around George Town and Batu Ferringhi.
Vehicles from other states highlight the influx of visitors.
Traffic is expected to remain heavy as the holiday period continues, making infrastructure and public transport improvements in Penang essential for managing crowds.
Penang Festival Adds to the Draw
Running from December 6, 2025, to January 10, 2026, the Penang Festival is another reason the island is busy.
Cultural performances, art exhibitions, and food events are attracting locals and tourists alike, boosting business for shops, restaurants, and service providers.
Looking Ahead
Penang Tourism is growing, but with it comes the need for sustainable practices.
Expanding public services, transportation, and environmental initiatives will be key to maintaining the island’s appeal.
New hotels, attractions, and events in Penang are in the works, keeping the island on track as a top Southeast Asian destination.
Penang Tourism Conclusion
Penang’s high hotel occupancy and vibrant tourist activity in Penang during the 2025 school holidays and Christmas period show its strength as a travel destination.
With continued development, rich cultural offerings, and a focus on sustainable growth, the island is well-positioned to remain a top choice for tourists from Malaysia and beyond.
Source: Penang Continues To Be Top Destination For Tourists, Hotels Record 70 To 80 Per Cent Occupancy Rate
