Penang is a vibrant island known for its heritage landmarks, diverse street food, and stunning beaches. As a top destination for both locals and tourists, parking in Penang can be a real challenge, especially in high-traffic areas. Limited car park lot availability, congested roads, and high demand near tourist hotspots often lead to frustration.
This guide will help you navigate Penang Parking challenges and find the best spots, ensuring a smooth and stress-free trip with parking convenience in mind.
Penang’s Top Tourist Attractions and Peak Parking Times
Exploring Penang means visiting its most iconic spots, but these areas tend to have heavy traffic and scarce parking, especially during weekends and holidays. Here’s what you need to know before heading out:
George Town – Heritage & Street Art
Famous for Armenian Street, Street Art Murals, and UNESCO heritage buildings.
Peak hours: 10 AM – 5 PM, especially on weekends.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late evening for easier Georgetown parking.
Alternative parking: TIMES Parking at Lebuh Muntri Open Site and Wisma Great Eastern is less than a ten-minute walk from the street art — ideal for parking in Georgetown Penang.
Gurney Drive – Shopping & Food Haven
Home to Gurney Plaza, Gurney Paragon, and the famous hawker centre.
Peak hours: 6 PM – 10 PM when people come for dinner.
Alternative parking: TIMES Parking at Ascott Gurney offers secure and cashless parking services with a user-friendly parking payment system.
Batu Ferringhi – Beach & Night Markets
Popular for luxury hotels, water sports, and the night bazaar.
Peak hours: 5 PM – midnight, especially during holiday seasons.
Tip: Many hotels have limited car park lots, so arriving early is recommended to secure city parking in the area.
Common Parking Problems in Penang
Parking Penang can be frustrating due to:
- Limited street parking – Popular areas fill up quickly, and parking bays are scarce.
- One-way and narrow streets – Finding a nearest parking space can be tough, especially in George Town.
- Penang Smart Parking (PSP) app required – Street parking requires payment via the PSP app, which may be inconvenient for first-time visitors unfamiliar with Penang parking time and rules.
- Hotel parking shortages – Many hotels have limited spaces, leading visitors to seek alternative urban parking options.
Best Penang Parking Locations – TIMES Parking
TIMES Parking offers secure, convenient, and technology-driven parking services across Penang, supporting parking management with smart solutions.
Gurney Plaza – Shopping & Dining Convenience
Prime location: Direct access to one of Penang’s busiest malls.
Ideal for: Shoppers, food lovers, and visitors to Gurney Drive.
Benefits: Ample spaces, and seamless payment via a parking payment system integrated with Touch ‘n Go.
Alternative parking: Ascott Gurney’s TIMES facility supports daily users and those needing a monthly pass for longer stays.
Queensbay Mall – Easy Access Near Penang Bridge
Strategic location: Close to Penang’s largest mall and major highways.
Ideal for: Shoppers and those commuting between Penang and the mainland.
Benefits: Spacious car park lot, well-lit area, and secure parking management tools.
Chowrasta Market – Heritage & Local Delights
Perfect for: Visitors exploring George Town and its traditional markets.
Nearby attractions: Street art, local food stalls, and heritage buildings.
Benefits: Affordable Penang parking rates and proximity to key landmarks.
Alternative parking: TIMES Parking at Komtar Multi Storey is less than a ten-minute walk — ideal for parking in Georgetown Penang.
TIMES facilities support both hourly and long-term users with smart parking services, helping ease parking compound concerns.
Payment Methods and Parking Fees
TIMES Parking operates a fully cashless system to ensure a fast, secure, and convenient parking experience.
Payment Methods Include:
- Touch ‘n Go
- Debit/credit cards
- E-wallets (Samsung Pay/Apple Pay)
Estimated Parking Fees
- Hourly rate: RM1 – RM3 (varies by location and Penang parking time)
- Daily rate: Available at selected sites
- Monthly pass: Ideal for long-term users looking for consistent Penang parking near work or residential zones
Conclusion
Finding Penang parking doesn’t have to be stressful. With TIMES Parking, you gain access to secure, urban parking options near top attractions—whether you’re shopping at Gurney Plaza, exploring George Town, or visiting Queensbay Mall.
By using a modern parking payment system and well-planned carpark parking management, TIMES provides the best in class parking convenience. So the next time you’re in Penang, park smarter, save time, and enjoy more with TIMES Parking.