Lying along the Penang Strait in the north of peninsular Malaysia, Butterworth is the cultural and economic center of Seberang Perai, the country’s second-largest city. Quieter, less developed, and more traditional than Georgetown, just across the water on Penang Island, Butterworth nevertheless thrums with energy and color. The residents of this multicultural community express their heritage through differing architectural styles, culinary traditions, and religious celebrations, which intermingle in an organic way. All along Lorong Bagan Luar you’ll spot vivid murals. The spires of impressive temples rise above the roofline. In Juru Auto-City, the city’s nightlife mecca, flashing sports cars pump out music adjacent to upscale restaurants and street food stalls under the glow of lights strung through the air.

The equatorial climate of the Penang region is tropical, with hot, humid weather dominating throughout the year and temperatures that vary minimally from season to season. Travelers can always expect hot weather and rain — so you’ll want to pack a light poncho or other rainproof layer. The summers do tend to be drier. The wet monsoon season, with its heavy downpours, often arrives in October and sticks around through March. Thanks to Butterworth's multicultural population and proximity to the regional capital of Penang, travelers can enjoy a wide selection of events and celebrations throughout the year. One of the best-known is the George Town World Heritage Site Celebration in July, which celebrates the site's varied culinary traditions, arts, and crafts with a series of educational programs and performances.

Frog Hill

Surrounded by dense coastal jungles, this former quarry outside Seberang Perai offers dramatic vistas over the surrounding landscape, speckled with lakes and dramatic orange-hued rock formations. Locals like to grab a picnic from a food stall on the way up.

Butterworth Art Walk

The central district of Butterworth has an abundance of street art. Local artists depict the region's history and agricultural traditions in vibrant murals that sprawl across downtown streets and alleyways. A great way to check out the art is on a self-guided tour before searching out Penang’s famous nasi kandar, steamed rice topped with your choice of curries or fried chicken.

Nine Emperor Gods Temple

This Taoist temple in central Butterworth is alive with color and movement. Red lanterns hang from ornately carved rooflines. Stone reliefs depicting dragons and deities wrap their way up pillars and along banistered walkways. A stream of people flow through the central plaza, many en route to give offerings. The temple is particularly stunning at night, when the building lights up with the glow of hundreds of paper lanterns.