The route from Penang in Northwest Malaysia to the coastal region of Malacca in Southwest Malaysia is one of the most travelled routes. The cities are about 510 km away from each other and make the "Must Visit in Malaysia" list.
Although options such as a flight, a drive, or a ferry (if you feel adventurous) are available, most travellers prefer booking a bus from Penang to Malacca. This is because the bus ride only takes 7-9 hours and is also the cheapest mode of transport. On top of this is the added ease of booking a bus ticket online .
About Penang
Located in the northwestern part of Malaysia, Penang is one of the most loved tourist destinations in the country. The island will surprise you with sandy beaches and British architecture. Be it for Instagram-worthy photos or just the joy of an exotic holiday, Penang is the ideal vacation spot.
Top tourist attractions in Penang include the Hill Top Viewpoint, street markets, and Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (popularly known as Blue Mansion). The city has good connectivity, and tourists can choose between a flight, train, or bus to reach Penang. If you wish to explore beyond Penang and choose a bus ride, you can easily get a bus ticket online and venture!
Anytime between November to January is the best time to explore Penang. The Christmas and New Year celebrations are the cherry on the cake, making your holiday memorable.
About Malacca
In the southwestern part of Malaysia lies the coastal state of Malacca. The state is home to some breathtaking sites and historic structures. The capital city, Melaka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since it is a small city, tourists can also explore the place on foot. Apart from this, you can easily use cycles, taxis, and buses or drive around the city. Buses are the most popular mode of transport to reach Malacca, and you can easily find online bus tickets to reach Melaka Sentral- the bus station in Malacca.
Malacca is a low-lying area, roughly 50 meters above sea level. It is close to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, so tourists travelling in Malaysia make it a point to visit the charming city and its stellar historic sites.
Things to Do in Malacca
Malacca has a plethora of things for you to add to your itinerary. If you are taking a bus from Penang to Malacca, you can also start exploring Malacca on the same day. Some of the popular attraction and activities of Malacca (Melaka) are:
- Visit Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum
The Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum is one of the most popular sites in Malaysia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, displaying the culture of Chinese Malays. The three-storeyed building has been home to four generations of the Chan family and was converted into a museum in 1965.
- Eat at Jonker Street Night Market
Located just a 3-minute walk away from Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, the Jonker Street Night Market is the most popular for authentic Malay food and drinks. The market is set up every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 6 pm to 12 am. One would need about 4-5 hours to check out over 500 food stalls and try the delicacies. If you take a bus from Penang to Melaka Sentral, Jonker Street will be just a 10-minute drive away!
- Go for a River Walk
Malacca is home to several bridges, and a walk over each bridge offers a unique site. You can start with the Tam Kim Seng Bridge that connects the main city of Melaka with the Jalan Hang Jebat area. The Malacca River Cruise will take you on a 9-km-long trip for about 45 minutes. If you choose the Melaka River Walk, you can treat your eyes to the sights of beautiful murals and interesting shops!
- Try the Food of Malacca
The city of Malacca offers a range of street food. If you are looking for some tasty Malaysian delicacies, you should try
Cendol: A popular dessert prepared using ice and coconut milk as the base, Cendol is a refreshing, creamy dessert.
Nasi Lemak: This savory combination is also called the national dish of Malaysia and is among the most loved preparations by locals and tourists. It comprises rice prepared with coconut milk and pandan leaf.
Best Time to Visit Malacca
Since the weather in Malacca is hot and humid all year round, the best time to visit the city is during April, May, and October. Your trip can be hassle-free because these dry months have little to no rain. The average temperature during these months remains around 30°C.
Bus Service between Penang and Malacca
A bus ride from Penang to Malacca is the cheapest transport between the two cities. Many bus operators run their buses on the route from Penang to Malacca (Melaka). The operators are All these bus services are popular for their safety and punctuality. The buses mostly come in SVIP, Executive, and Business Economy Club types with comfortable seating, spacious legroom, and well-maintained interiors.
The bus ticket from Penang to Malacca costs about 50 MYR for executive (2+1 seater) buses. Also, check the cashback and discount offers available on online ticket booking.
Boarding and Drop off Points
For a bus ride from Penang to Malacca, the boarding points at Penang are
- Penang Sentral Bus Terminal
- Sungai Nibong
- Pulau Pinang
- Penang Komtar
- Kaunter 22 Terminal Bus Ekspres
Here are the drop-off points for buses to Malacca:
- Terminal Melaka Sentral
- Melaka Sentral
- A Famosa Resort
You must note that with each operator, the boarding and drop-off point changes. To book your bus ticket online or for the latest updates on your Penang to Malacca bus journey, check out redBus app or website.
Popular Bus Companies from Penang to Malacca
The most popular bus companies operating buses from Penang to Malacca are
The City Express buses leave Penang in the morning (one at 11:00 pm and the other at 11:45 pm) and reach Malacca by 8:00 pm.
The Transnasional bus is an overnight Penang-to-Malacca bus. It leaves from Penang at 10:00 pm and reaches Malacca at 5:30 am the next morning.
Disclaimer: Bus timings, routes, and fares are subject to change. Please check locally for any last-minute changes.
