The long way there
The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Penang takes you from Malaysia's modern capital to its food capital. Journey north through the lush Malaysian countryside, past limestone cave temples, and into the UNESCO-listed George Town—where Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures create a food lover's paradise.
Where to pull over
Batu Caves
15 km inHindu temple complex in limestone caves
Ipoh
200 km inOld mining town with excellent Chinese food
Taiping
270 km inMalaysia's first hill station with lake gardens
Penang Bridge
350 km inOne of Southeast Asia's longest bridges
George Town
355 km inStreet art, hawker food, and colonial heritage
Driving tips
- 1
The North-South Expressway is excellent with modern rest stops
- 2
Stop in Ipoh for famous white coffee and bean sprout chicken
- 3
George Town is best explored on foot or by trishaw
- 4
Try nasi kandar, char kway teow, and laksa in Penang
- 5
Visit Kek Lok Si, Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple
Other ways through
North-South Expressway direct
Old trunk road scenic route