Major city · Malaysia
Simpang Ampat
Skip as a base: Simpang Ampat is a transit town for seafood lunch or a short stop between Penang Island and the mainland. Half a day is enough.
Simpang Ampat sits on the mainland side of Penang, a 30-minute drive from George Town via the bridge. It has no major sights of its own, but the nearby fishing villages of Bukit Tambun and Batu Kawan serve fresh seafood at lower prices than on the island. Most travellers use it as a lunch stop or a quick detour on the way to Butterworth or the North–South Expressway.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MYR
- Best months
- Dec–Feb (dry), Jun–Aug (dry)
- avoid Apr–May (hottest), Oct–Nov (monsoon)
- Airport
- PEN
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Malaysia ↗Most foreign visitors must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online shortly before arrival; use only the official immigration site.
- Malaysia ↗Remove shoes before entering mosques, temples and homes; cover shoulders and knees, and use the robes on loan at major mosques.
- Malaysia ↗Cards and e-wallets are common in cities; keep some ringgit in small notes for hawker stalls, taxis and tolls.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Simpang Ampat999 ▾
- Police999
- Fire and ambulance994
- Tourist police (Penang)+60 4 222 1522
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Simpang Ampat, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Malaysian ringgit (MYR, RM); cards and e-wallets are widely used in Kuala Lumpur.Malaysia-wide
- SIM or eSIMCelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and Unifi sell tourist SIMs at KLIA with passport registration.Malaysia-wide
- Tap waterTreated in cities, but most people filter or boil; bottled water is cheap.Malaysia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Nothing if 10% service charge is added; otherwise round up.Malaysia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 240 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Malaysia-wide
- SafetySimpang Ampat is safe for daytime visits.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern and squat toilets side by side; water hose instead of paper; some public toilets cost RM0.20–1.Malaysia-wide
- Emergency numbers999 police · 994 fire and ambulance · +60 4 222 1522 tourist police (penang)
- Sundays & holidayscheckKelantan, Terengganu and Kedah have Friday–Saturday weekends; Johor Saturday–Sunday since 2025 — check…Malaysia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPEN Penang International Airport (About 25 km (16 mi) away, 30–45 min by car via the bridge.).PEN Penang International Airport (About 16 mi (25 km) away, 30–45 min by car via the bridge.).
- Getting aroundCar or Grab is essential; no train station.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a kopitiamRM 2–4
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Grab from Simpang Ampat to George TownRM 25–40
- Metro or bus rideBus to ButterworthRM 3–5
- Budget bedBudget hotel double room, a night, per roomRM60
- Mid-range bedBudget hotel double room, a night, per roomRM80
- High-end bedBudget hotel double room, a night, per roomRM120
A day, not counting the bed: Budget RM50 · Mid RM100 · High RM200
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PEN Penang International Airport (About 25 km (16 mi) away, 30–45 min by car via the bridge.)PEN Penang International Airport (About 16 mi (25 km) away, 30–45 min by car via the bridge.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Feb
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Mar
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Apr
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jun
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Jun–Aug, Dec–Feb. Avoid: Apr–May, Oct–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Feb (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C) low), wettest Oct (14 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Simpang Ampat: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Feb
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
7 rd
Mar
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12 rd
May
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car or Grab is essential; no train station. The town is spread out along the main road. Buses to Butterworth and George Town run from the bus stop opposite the post office.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Pulau Aman
goDoor to door: About 1 h from George Town
Car to Batu Musang Jetty (Batu Kawan), then 5-min ferry
Ferry RM 6 return; weekdays depart at 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 19:00 from Batu Musang. Bring own transport to the jetty.Ferry RM 6 return; weekdays depart at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM from Batu Musang. Bring own transport to the jetty.
George Town
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Car via Penang Bridge, about 30 min
Full day for street art and heritage.
Butterworth
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Car via North–South Expressway, about 15 min
Ferry terminal and train station to Kuala Lumpur.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Taman Mas area
Budget hotels like JV Hotel; near local eateries but no nightlife.
Bukit Tambun
Seafood restaurants and a few guesthouses; closer to the jetty for Pulau Aman.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- RM 50–80 excl. bed
- Mid
- RM 80–150 excl. bed
- High
- RM 150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget hotel double room1 × 1 night × RM80 | RM80 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × RM100 | RM200 |
| Seafood meal for two (Bukit Tambun)1 × RM70 | RM70 |
| Ferry to Pulau Aman (return)2 × RM6 | RM12 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | RM36 |
| Trip total≈ RM199 per person per day, bed included | RM398≈ US$95 |
2026 estimate in ringgit; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Seafood meal (mantis prawn, rice, drink) per person | RM 20–50 |
| Tambun Pia (box of 10) | RM 8–15 |
| Coffee at a kopitiam | RM 2–4 |
| Grab from Simpang Ampat to George Town | RM 25–40 |
| Bus to Butterworth | RM 3–5 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Seafood restaurants may not post prices: ask the total before ordering.
- Pulau Aman ferry times are limited on weekdays; check with the Seberang Perai Fishermen Association.
- The North–South Expressway exit at Bukit Tambun can be busy on weekends.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 999
- Fire and ambulance
- 994
- Tourist police (Penang)
- +60 4 222 1522
Pocket card
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Simpang AmpatSimpang Ampat
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Ke alamat ini, tolongTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police999
- Fire and ambulance994
- Tourist police (Penang)+60 4 222 1522
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Grab to George Town: RM 25–40, about 30 min
- Bus to Butterworth: RM 3–5, about 30 min
- Ferry to Pulau Aman (return): RM 6, 5 min each way
Say or show
- Apa khabar — Hello (ah-pah kah-bar)
- Terima kasih — Thank you (tuh-ree-mah kah-seh)
- Berapa? — How much? (buh-rah-pah)
- Ini, tolong — This one, please (ee-nee, toh-long)
- Di mana tandas? — Where is the toilet? (dee mah-nah tahn-dahs)
Malay is the national language; English is widely understood in restaurants and shops.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Simpang Ampat. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Feb (dry), Jun–Aug (dry) · avoid Apr–May (hottest), Oct–Nov (monsoon) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Simpang Ampat
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