Complete Guide to Golf in Penang for First-Time Visitors

Ready to tee off in one of Malaysia’s most vibrant destinations? Look no further! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your trip to golf in Penang unforgettable. From lush greens and stunning views to local hotspots and must-try food, we’ve got it all covered. Get ready for your ultimate golfing adventure in Penang!

General weather and best time to play golf in Penang

Like other provinces in Malaysia, Penang has a hot and humid tropical climate all year round. With such a climate, you can travel to Penang at any time of the year. Especially in March, there will be the Penang World Music Festival and the Jazz Festival takes place every December, in addition to a number of other festivals.

General weather of Penang

The best time to travel to Penang is from April to August. This is also the time that attracts the most tourists of the year. At this time, the weather is quite pleasant with an average temperature of 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F) and not too much rain. You can play golf and participate in outdoor activities at any time of the day. At the end of the dry season, the weather may get a little hotter, but in general, it does not affect your schedule much because there are sudden rains that help reduce the temperature.

The rainy season in Penang starts from July and lasts until the end of November. Although there are more showers and high humidity, the temperature is still quite high, which can make visitors and golfers feel uncomfortable. Therefore, if you still decide to play golf at this time, choose the right time of day, always check the weather forecast in advance and choose a golf course with a good drainage system.

Best golf courses in Penang

Penang Golf Club

Penang Golf Club

If you want to play a round without leaving the island, Penang Golf Club is your only 18-hole option. It is located right in Buket Jambul, just a 10-minute drive from the Penang International airport, originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course is cut directly into a steep hilllside. When you stand on the elevated tees, you get a view of the city skyline and both of the major bridges connecting the island to the Malaysian mainland. 

Playing here feels tightly packed. The fairways are narrow and lined with dense tropical trees, including palm and local durian trees, meaning a wayward drive will quickly put you in the jungle. The greens are well-protected and heavily contoured, which can be incredibly frustrating if your short game is off.

It is a physically demanding walk due to the extreme elevation changes, and the heat gets trapped in the valleys. Renting a buggy is practically mandatory if you want to survive the back nine without exhausting yourself.

Average price: Weekday green fees hover around RM315, rising to about RM415 on weekends, usually inclusive of a shared buggy and caddie.

Bukit Jawi Golf Resort

Bukit Jawi Golf Resort

Bukit Jawi Golf Resort

is located on the mainland side of the state in Seberang Perai Selatan, roughly a 45-minute drive south after crossing the bridge from the island. This is a massive, 315-acre property featuring 36 holes split into two distinct tracks: the Hill Course and the Lake Course.

The Hill Course runs longer (nearly 7,000 yards) and relies on undulating, rolling mounds to test your patience. The Lake Course is shorter but far more technical. Its signature challenge is the par-3 15th, where you are forced to hit an incredibly precise shot over open water to a green heavily guarded by deep sand traps.

The atmosphere here is wide open and rural compared to the island course. However, the water hazards on the Lake Course are legitimate ball magnets. If the wind picks up, your ball striking has to be completely dialed in, or you will cycle through a sleeve of balls quickly.

Average price: Visitors can expect to pay around RM185 on weekdays and RM225 on weekends for green fees, with buggy fees adding another RM170 per vehicle. Total packages with a cart usually run around RM315.

> > > While Penang offers some fantastic golfing experiences, Malaysia as a whole boasts an impressive array of world-class courses that every golfer should explore. Let’s take a closer look at the best golf courses in Malaysia.

What to do beyond golf in Penang

Stroll around George Town, a World Heritage Site

Some iconic street art works in George Town

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, George Town is the heart of Penang. Few places are as unique as this, with the cultures and beliefs of many ethnic communities blending together harmoniously. The best way to explore this peaceful old town is on foot. Start your exploration with the world-famous street art that dots the streets, a must-see when in George Town.

Don’t miss the area’s famous landmarks such as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion), a striking indigo building that combines Eastern and Western architectural elements, or Clan Jetties, where ancient Chinese stilt houses line the riverbank, preserving the traditions of the Hokkien, Cantonese and Teochew communities.

Explore the town’s diverse culture

The colorful lantern street in Chinatown

The uniqueness of Penang culture comes from the blend of many different cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, etc. You will easily find countless Chinese assembly halls, but just through a turn you will get lost in Little India with Hindu churches or mosques with unique architecture. All living in one city, creating a unique culture – the culture of many cultures. Coming here, not only can you visit Penang, but you can also learn more about many cultures in the world.

In addition, after many years of being a British colony, this island has also been greatly influenced by Western civilization. Therefore, it is not surprising that on the same street, there are 3-4 different architectural styles interspersed.

Discover some beaches in Penang

Batu Ferringhi, the most beautiful beach in Penang

Not only has a unique culture and architecture, Penang also has a series of beautiful beaches with clear blue water and white sand. Batu Ferringhi is the most beautiful and famous beach in Penang. Coming here, you can not only lie on the beach sunbathing or go swimming but also experience adventurous water games such as jet skiing, paragliding,… If you want a more peaceful experience, beaches like Tanjung Bungah or Teluk Kampi are the perfect choice with a more peaceful and pristine atmosphere.

Enjoy the famous cuisine

Penang cuisine is a fusion of various famous world cuisines such as Chinese, Indian,…

Because Penang has a diverse culture, with many foreigners living there, it has a rich cuisine – a culinary paradise with many dishes from all over the world, from street food to luxury restaurants. There are many markets in Penang, attracting customers with the fragrant smell of beautiful, fast, delicious dishes and especially very affordable prices. Some famous delicious street foods are: spicy stir-fried noodles Char Koay Teow, flatbread, rice cooked in coconut water Nasi Lemak and fried spring rolls Loh Bak,…

If you want a more comfortable seat, attentive service, away from the dust of the neighborhood, you can choose restaurants with many different prices, gathering many delicious dishes from all over the world such as specialties of Malaysia, India, China, Italy,…

Experience the vibrant evening atmosphere

Some bustling nightclubs in Penang

As the sun sets over Penang, the island transforms into a dazzling playground filled with vibrant energy and captivating experiences. Penang’s nightlife is a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine and entertainment that beckons visitors to explore its magic after dark. One of the highlights is the bustling night markets, each with their own charm and unique offerings, with stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, crafts and food. You can also visit a rooftop bar or cafe for a cocktail, a view of the city or catch a live music performance.

> > > Why not make your Penang adventure even more unforgettable by mixing in a few rounds of golf? Imagine starting your day on a stunning course and wrapping it up with delicious local food or a stroll through George Town. Let’s explore the best Penang golf packages that let you do just that!

Estimated cost for a Penang golf trip

On-course fees

Although there are not as many golf courses as Kuala Lumpur, golf courses in Penang are worth experiencing. You will not worry about too many people on the course and the biggest plus is that the price of playing golf in Penang is much cheaper than other places. The price of the course on weekdays is only from $35-$50 per round, the weekend and public holidays will increase a little from $55-$70. You also need to pay additional fees not included in the course rental fee such as caddie service from $7-$10 per round and golf cart rental from $15-$18 per round.

Accommodation

Although golf fees may be cheap, because Penang is a famous tourist city, room rates are quite high. Mid-range hotels usually cost around $45-$90 a night, 4-5 star hotels will cost more from $120-$250 a night with modern facilities and convenient locations. Some hotels you can refer to include Eastern & Oriental Hotel, the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang and the Bayview Beach Resort,…

Estimated cost for a Penang golf trip

Transportation

There are many options for getting around Penang, depending on your needs. To get to the golf course, rent a car or call a taxi because you will have to carry quite bulky golf equipment. Car rental costs about $25-$40 a day, and taxis are usually about $3-$6 a trip, but there are few taxis in Penang. To get around the attractions, you can take the bus, many free routes such as Rapid Penang CAT pick up and drop off at 19 famous tourist destinations. Another popular means of transport is motorbike or bicycle, you can explore every corner of the city and enjoy the fresh air directly.

Dining and other activities

With a diverse culinary scene, you can enjoy local street food everywhere, from street stalls that cost only $5-$7 per meal, to mid-range restaurants that cost $15-$25 per person. Entrance fees to famous destinations such as Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple or George Town are also quite cheap, only $2-$11 per person.

Some useful tips

Here are some practical tips to make your golf trip to Penang enjoyable and hassle-free:

• Schedule your golfing schedule appropriately: Penang has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot and sunny days and some months of rain in the afternoon, so to ensure the best playing conditions, book your tee time early in the morning or in the afternoon.
• Most staff speak English, but you can also learn a few Malay phrases (like “Terima Kasih” for “Thank you”) to communicate more closely with the locals. Tipping caddies is also a custom at golf courses here.
• If you are traveling between several locations or in a group, rent a car for more savings and convenience. Avoid peak hours in the morning from 7.30am to 9am and in the afternoon from 5pm to 7pm.
• Choose the right accommodation: You can stay at hotels near the golf courses to save time and travel costs. But the golf courses are not that far from the city center, so to easily get to the courses and tourist attractions, choose accommodation around George Town.

Conclusion

With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your golf trip to Penang. From choosing the best courses and planning your rounds to exploring the island’s vibrant culture and indulging in delicious local cuisine, you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Ready to plan your dream golf vacation? Contact us and we’ll take care of all the details!

Read more:

• Golf in Malaysia: Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Experience
• Top 7 Best Night Golf Courses in Malaysia
• Top 8 Best Malaysia Golf Resorts in 2026/2027

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