George Town's heritage zone is compact and best explored on foot. The main sights between Fort Cornwallis and Khoo Kongsi are within a 20-minute walk of each other, and the street layout encourages wandering.
Grab (the Southeast Asian ride-hailing app) is the easiest way to reach places outside the walking area — Kek Lok Si, Penang Hill, and Batu Ferringhi beach. Grab is reliable and inexpensive in Penang. Trishaws (cycle rickshaws) are available near the tourist zone but mainly for short hops; agree on a price before getting in.
The Rapid Penang bus network covers the whole island but requires patience with schedules and routes. For a day trip to Batu Ferringhi or the northern beaches, the 101 and 102 bus routes run along the north coast from Komtar. Renting a scooter or motorbike is the most flexible option for exploring the island independently, particularly the less-visited western coast.