Penang


Table of Contents:
Cities / Culture and History / Orientation / When to go / Travel to Penang, visa requirements Flights to Penang, airtickets By train By car Buses to Penang By minivan By boat / Get around By bus 2 By trishaw By ferry / Rentals / Penang attractions and sightseeing / City tours / Shopping, Penang souvenirs / Costs / Books / Traditional foods / Good restaurants and cheap meals / Budget / Mid-range / Splurge / Penang nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs. / Hotels, youth hostels, lodging / Contact / Stay safe / Cope / Get out

More from West Coast (Malaysia):
Kedah, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca (state), Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Putrajaya, Selangor

More from Peninsular Malaysia:
East Coast (Malaysia), Johor, West Coast (Malaysia)

More from Malaysia:
East Malaysia, Peninsular Malaysia

More from Southeast Asia:
Borneo, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, One month of Southeast Asian diving and culture, Paracel Islands, Philippines, Singapore, Spratly Islands, Thailand, Vietnam

More from Asia:
Caucasus, Central Asia, East Asia, Middle East, Southeast Asia

Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang) [1] is an island off the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also the name of the Malaysian state which is made up of Penang Island and the facing strip of territory on the mainland called Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley).

Penang is one of Malaysia's main tourist draws. Its beaches are a little lacklustre when compared with those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated by the island's rich multicultural history which is full of colonial and Chinese influences.

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Cities

The Island

  • Georgetown - The capital of Penang, a favourite spot for tourists as it has lots of pre-war houses also one of the favourite spot for the locals as most of Penang's pubs are located there.
  • Batu Ferringhi - Located on the north coast, with white sandy beaches, luxurious hotels & restaurants... a favourite spot for both locals & tourist.

Mainland

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Culture and History

Penang was part of the Malay state of Kedah until 1786, when Captain Francis Light built a fort at the site of present-day Georgetown and managed to get the island ceded to the British East India Company. Along with Malacca and Singapore. The island was one of the three British Straits Settlements.

The name Penang comes from the Malay word Pinang, means the betel nut (槟榔） tree (Areca catechu). The name Pulau Pinang translated literally from Malay means "betel nut island". The original name of Penang was Pulau Ka-satu or "First Island", it was renamed to Prince of Wales Island on 12 Aug 1786 to commemorate the birthday of the Prince of Wales, later, George IV. During the early and middle part last century, Penang Island was also known as "The Pearl of the Orient".

The capital Georgetown, was named after King George III of Great Britain. Penang, especially Georgetown, remains as it was, today.

Today, Penang has the highest population density in Malaysia and is the only Chinese-majority state. Penang state is today the third-largest economy amongst the states of Malaysia, after Selangor and Johor.

The cargo trade has largely shifted down to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore since Penang lost its free-port status in 1969, but now Penang makes a good living off tourism and electronics factories. The multi-national corporations that built their manufacturing factories in the Free Trade Zone include Intel, AMD, Dell, Agilent, Osram, Motorola, Seagate, and Jabil. Penang has been granted a Cyber-City status since 21 Jun 2004.

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Orientation

Georgetown, at the north-eastern tip but sprawling down the entire eastern coast, is Penang's sole city of size or historical significance. The island's best beaches, and consequently heaviest tourist development, are on the northern side, particularly Batu Ferringhi.

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When to go

Penang's high season is around Christmas, New Year's Day, and Chinese New Year (check the lunar calendar; it could fall on the end of January or early to mid February), when the east coast of Malaysia is drenched and hordes of sun-seeking Europeans descend on the island. Accommodation tends to be packed, and priced accordingly.

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Travel to Penang, visa requirements

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Flights to Penang, airtickets

Recently refurbished Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport (IATA: PEN) is one of Malaysia's larger and better-equipped airports, operated by Malaysia Airports, [2] with regular connections to Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The Langkawi route has recently been stopped as part of Malaysia Airlines [3] restructuring but there are increasing calls to have it reinstated. The airport is located on the southeastern coast of the island, some 20 minutes from Georgetown. Contact number:+60 4 643-4411 Fax:+60 4 643-5339 Cities that connects to Penang with direct flight:

Domestic

International

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By train

There are no trains on Penang Island, but many people take the train to Butterworth on the peninsula and then connect to the ferry (within walking distance from the train terminal). You can also book the KTMB train tickets at the Penang ferry terminal or the railway station in Butterworth. Contact numbers:

From Thailand:

An overnight train departs Bangkok daily at 14:45 (Thai time). It is scheduled to arrive at Butterworth at 12:55 (Malaysian time) but normally gets there late, usually around 14:00-14:30. Fares vary depending on the type of berth and carriage; an air-con upper berth costs 1,120 baht (as at April 2007). The surcharge for a bicycle is 104 baht to the border; a further small freight charge may be made by KTMB for the border-Butterworth leg.

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By car

Penang is connected to the mainland and the North-South Expressway [24] by Penang Bridge [25], one of the longest bridges in Asia. One-way toll for a car from mainland is RM7 (RM5.60 for those who holding Touch 'n Go card that purchased from Penang Bridge toll plaza); no charge for vehicles to mainland.

Toll rate:

  • Motorcycles - RM1.40
  • Motorcycles with sidecars; commercial vehicles on three wheels; car including station wagon - RM7.00 (RM5.60 for those who holding Touch 'n Go card that purchased from Penang Bridge toll plaza)
  • Lorries; vans and buses with two axles and four wheels - RM12.00
  • Lorries, vans and buses with two axles and five or six wheels - RM25.00
  • Vehicles with three axles - RM45.00
  • Vehicles with four axles - RM60.00
  • Vehicle with five or more axles - RM75.00

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Buses to Penang

Long-distance buses connect Georgetown to a variety of Malaysian towns. The trip from Pudu Raya, Kuala Lumpur costs around RM 27 (standard 26-seat coach; prices vary by operator) and take around 4 hours. From Johor Bahru in 10h for RM 50. The buses arrive at the new bus terminal Sungai Nibong, half an hour ride from the center of Georgetown, not far from the airport. To get to the KOMTAR building, a taxi costs around RM15-20.

Major coach operators:

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By minivan

Minivans service is available between Georgetown and some towns in Thailand such as Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Trang, Surattani, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Bangkok and Hat Yai on daily basis. Georgetown office is located at KOMTAR bus terminal.

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By boat

From the mainland The classic way to arrive in Penang, especially if traveling by train, is to take the ferry from Butterworth. The ferry service operator is Penang Port [29] and its operation hour is 5:30AM till 1:00AM (Last departure) daily.

Ferry rates applicable (from Butterworth to Penang Island) are listed below:

  • Pedestrian: Adult - RM1.20 & Children (between 5 to 12 years old) - RM0.60
  • Vehicles: Bicycle - RM1.40, Motorcycle (inclusive of pillion rider) - RM2.00, Trishaw/tricycle - RM3.00, Motorcar (including station wagon, four-wheel drive, three-wheel commercial vehicle, motorcycle with side car) - RM7.70, Lorry (2 axles with 4 wheels) - RM13.20, Lorry (2 axles with 6 wheels) - RM27.50.

From Langkawi

  • Ferry service available from Langkawi to Penang at 2.30PM and 5.15PM on daily basis. Operated by Langkawi Ferry Services [30], Tel: +60 4 264-2088 in Penang; +60 4 966-3779 in Langkawi. Oneway trip costs RM50 for adult, RM35 for child (3-11 years old) and RM20 for infant (below 2 years old). Return trip costs RM95, RM65 and RM40 respectively. Single trip takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Penang Port also operates Swenttenham Pier on Penang island to handle some of the largest cruise vessels in the world. The following are fleets that routinely stopover at Swenttenham Pier:

  • SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Gemini operated by Star Cruises [31]
  • Pacific Sky operated by P&O Cruises [32]

From Medan, Indonesia

  • Ferries depart from Medan's port of Belawan to Swenttenham Port or vice versa at 9am daily. Operated by Langkawi Ferry Services [33], Tel: +60 4 264-2088 in Penang; +62 61 4521666 / 4527555 in Medan. Oneway trip costs RM110 for adult, RM60 for child (3-12 years old) and RM40 for infant (below 3-year old); return trip costs RM180, RM100 and RM50 respectively. Travel duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes.

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Get around

Getting around Penang can be a minor hassle, as buses tend to be poorly signposted and infrequent; and taxis uniformly refuse to use the meter.

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Buses to Penang

Buses are somewhat frequent on the main artery to Batu Ferringhi. Look out for Transitlink bus 202 bound for Teluk Bahang; it goes through midtown Pulau Tikus, (northwest end of) Gurney Drive, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, and Batu Ferringhi. Avoid so-called 'minibuses' because they usually go as far as Tanjung Bungah and can be poorly maintained. Route 93, also bound for either Tanjung Bungah or Teluk Bahang, generally runs on buses that do not have air conditioning, but the ride is more decent than one on a minibus.

The main hub for buses in Georgetown is KOMTAR, the tallest building in town. The secondary hub is located at the ferry terminal. All buses depart from the ferry terminal will stopover at KOMTAR, but downtown-bound buses destined for KOMTAR may not go all the way to the ferry terminal; ask the bus operator. There is a new long-distance bus terminal at Sungai Nibong, refer to by bus entry.

Municipal Council of Penang Island [34] provides a free shuttle bus service in Georgetown which runs approximately every 12 minutes Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM plus Saturdays 7AM-2PM (no service on Sundays or public holidays).

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By trishaw

These three-wheeled vehicles might be the best idea for a pleasant city tour. One can stop at any point to take photo or buy souvenirs. Negotiate the fare first before get on the trishaw; it is advisable to hire them by the hour for extended sightseeing.

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By ferry

The Penang Ferry has been running since the 1920s and still connects the island to Butterworth on the mainland in 15 minutes. Ferry rates are as follows:

  • Pedestrian

Adult RM1.20 Children (between 5 to 12 years old) RM0.60

  • Seasons Ticket (Pedestrians) – valid for two months from date of issue

Adult RM30.00

  • Special passengers

School children RM6.00 Kad Orang Kurang Upaya (a card for disabled people) Free

  • Vehicles

Bicycle: RM1.40 Motorcycle (inclusive of pillion rider): RM2.00 Trishaw/tricycle: RM3.00 Motorcar: (including station wagon, four-wheel drive, three-wheel commercial vehicle, motorcycle with side car): RM6.50 Lorry (2 axles with 4 wheels): RM13.20 Lorry (2 axles with 6 wheels): Not Allowed

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Rentals

Motorcycle and bicycle rental services are plentiful along Chulia Street in Georgetown area or Batu Ferringhi.

Car rentals may be a viable option, especially if planning to get off the beaten track and explore the western or southern coast. Take note that Penang Island has quite a number of one-way streets and narrow roads. Many Penangites ride motorbike and minority of them have disregard for pedestrians, cars and even their own lives, be careful when driving on the roads.

  • Avis Rent-A-Car,[35]. Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Tollfree within Malaysia: 1-800-88-2054, Tel. +60 4 643-9633.
  • Budget Rent-A-Car,[36]. 77-G-1 Jalan SP Chelliah. Tel. +60 4 210-8211 / 210-8212 / 210-8213, Fax +60 4 226-6690.
  • Hertz,[37]. Tollfree within Malaysia: 1-800-88-3086
  • Insas Pacific Rent-A-Car,[38]. Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Tel. +60 4 643-8891, Fax +60 4 644-4602. reservation@iprac.com.
  • Kasina Rent-A-Car,[39]. Sungai Tiram. +60 4 644-1842. rental@kasina.com.my.
  • Mayflower Car Rental,[40]. Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Tollfree within Malaysia: 1-800-88-1688, Tel. +60 4 641-1191.
  • New Bob Rent-A-Car,[41].
    • 11 Gottlieb Road. Tel. +60 4 229-1111, Fax +60 4 229-7777. bobcar@bobcar.com.my
    • 3S, BA, Jalan Sungai Emas. Tel. +60 4 881-3886.

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Penang attractions and sightseeing

In addition to the sights below, Georgetown has a number of culturally and historically interesting sites, covered on their own page.

  • Botanical Gardens,[42], Jalan Kebun Bunga, Phone:+60 4 227-0428 (for group tour arrangement) Fax:+60 4 228-6075 jkbunga@penang.gov.my. Every day, 5AM-8AM. The gardens were established by Charles Curtis from British way back in 1884; it's generally known as Waterfall Gardens by the local community. Every morning, local people come to the gardens to perform their daily exercises like walking, jogging, running, treckking, aerobic dance, practice Tai Chi (太极) or Qi Gong (气功). Here also home of monkeys. Do not feed the monkey and beware of the snatch thieving from them. The gardens also hosts its annual international floral fest in May. Free admission.
  • Penang Hill (升旗山, Malay:Bukit Bendera) - Penang Hill probably has the best view of Georgetown and Penang Bridge, especially at night. Go up via the Penang Hill Railway, a fascinating little cable train service that lifts you out of the heat and humidity of the coastal plain and up to a fabulous view and cool breezes. When you reach the summit you can walk around the hilltop, stop for tea, enjoy a leisurely lunch, buy a souvenir, try to photograph Georgetown and the Strait, or simply breathe deep lungs full of cool mountain air. Leave a good 2-3 hours minimum to get to the top and return once buying your ticket. The trains can be crowded and you may have to wait some time in queue at the bottom and top.
  • Bukit Jambul Orchid, Hisbiscus & Reptile Garden, Persiaran Bukit Jambul. Phone:+60 4 644-8863, Fax:+60 4 644-2236 / 228-5733. Daily 9.30AM-6.30PM (last admission at 5.30PM). This garden is close to Hotel Equatorial and is about 10 minutes from Penang International Airport. One can have a picture with Malaysia's largest tame snake, a rare Albino Phython or watch the Snake Show on weekends and public holidays, 11.30AM-3.30PM. Adult RM5 and children RM2.
  • Fisheries Department Research Institute Aquarium, Batu Maung. Phone:+60 4 626-3925, Fax:+60 4 626-2210. Daily 10AM-5PM. Adult RM1, children (7-12 years old) RM2, free admission for children under 7.
  • Kek Lok Si (极乐寺, "Temple of Supreme Bliss"). A rambling hillside structure that claims to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia, now featuring a just-completed (2003) giant statue of Kuan Yin as well. Colorful and gaudy, but still atmospheric in spots. Located near the village of Ayer Hitam; a taxi from Georgetown will set you back RM 20-25, or catching a bus from the station next to the Komtar will cost you around RM 1.20
  • Penang Bridge (槟威大桥) was the largest bridge in Asia and the third largest in the world. The bridge connects the island to the mainland (Seberang Perai) and offers unparalleled ocean views. Engineers designed the bridge to withstand earthquakes measuring up to 7.5 on the Richter scale. An amazing feat of craftsmanship.
  • Pulau Jerejak Resort, (Jerejak Island), Phone: +60 4 658-7111, Fax:+60 4 659-7700, stanley@jerejakresort.com, [43]. Also known as the Alcatraz of Malaysia, because of the Jerejak Prison. This beautiful tropical island is about 362ha, opposites the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, south eastern tip of the Penang island. In ancient time, immigrants must be sent to the health inspection centre in the island as a precaution step, before they were deported to Penang. In late 1930's, a hospital that could house 150 Tuberculosis patients were built. The island is now opened to public as a recreational resort. Numerous of outdoor activities including nature & historical treckking, mountain bike trails, archery are available; personal care such as aromatherapy massage, tired foot treatment, body scrub are also available. Ferry will depart from Penang starting at 6.30AM until 12.30AM. Return trip fare for guests with room / event reservations: Adult RM6, Children RM3. Day trippers: Adult RM16 (include meals), Children RM3. Various accommodation option available: tent for 2 person costs RM80 per night, 2-bed room RM115, chalet RM220 or promotional 3D/2N package for 2 person costs RM499.
  • Snake Temple (蛇庙) was built in 1850 in the memory of the renowned Chinese monk Chor Soo Kong, the Snake Temple is situated in the small town of Bayan Lepas and is famous for the fact that it has pit vipers living on the temple ground. Legend has it, that Chor Soo Kong, who was also a healer, gave shelter to the snakes of jungle. After the completion of the temple, snakes appeared on their own accord. Today the snake population of the Temple of the Azure Cloud is very small, due to the urbanization of the area, but you can still see them coiled up on the altar tables, and touch them if you are brave enough. Originally the snakes were said to be rendered inoffensive by the smell of the incenses, but just for good measure, today the resident vipers are devenomed. RM5 for adult foreigner and RM1 for children.
  • War Museum Lot 1350, Mukim 12, Batu Maung, Phone: +60 4 626-5142, 391-0067 Fax: +60 4 626-4142, 644-8015. Every day, 9AM-7PM (last admission). Located at southeastern of Penang, this museum could be the largest living war museum in Asia. It is the mighty military fortress built in 1930's by British to protect the island from enemies. The British Royal Engineers and a work force comprises of local labourers blasted and dug into the hill to create a fort with underground military tunnels, intelligence and logistic center, halls, offices, ventilation shafts, canon firing bays, sleeping querters, cook houses as well as medical infirmary.
  • Tropical Spice Garden - The Tropical Spice Garden, which is located in a 8 acre valley fronting the shores of Teluk Bahang showchase a lanscaped garden that consist of tropical collection from all over the world. The garden have over 100 varieties of tropical spice and herbs plant and a huge collection of exotic flora.
  • OE Jewellery Factory Tour, Bayan Lepas FIZ 3, Tel : 6-04-6471288, [44] . Located in the Penang Free Industrial Zone, the OE Factory tour offers a rare chance to see how world class fine jewellery is made. Exporting to more than 39 countries worldwide, this is a chance to buy direct from them. Open 10 AM-5 PM daily.

[[Image : OE_tour.jpg|thumb|100px|OE Factory Tour

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City tours

  • Food tasting - Penang is popular among Malaysians for a huge variety of local food such as Char Kwey Teow, Penang Laksa and Nasi Kandar, which are found almost practically everywhere in the Island. However, the best place to go "food hopping" would be Macalister Road. For the most well-known Char Kwey Toew, try "Sister's Chow Koay Teow" at Lorong Selamat.
  • Jungle trekking & camping - Enjoy walking through the reserved forest in Teluk Bahang, go to northwestern cape of the island and stay nights over there, you will experience an unforgettable life with beaches, sea and the sky. For quickier and more relax way to reach there, apporach the locals at Kampung Nelayan for boat to beaches like Muka Head, Pantai Kerachut and etc. Kampung Nelayan is located less than 1km north from the small roundabout located at Teluk Bahang.
  • Golfing
    • Bukit Jambul Golf & Country Club 2 Jalan Bukit Jambul, Tel: +60 4 644-2255, Fax: +60 4 644-2400, bcc@po.jaring.my. Course designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
    • Pearl Island Country Club 8 Persiaran Kelicap, Tel: +60 4 642-7888, Fax: +60 4 646-6999. Course design: Pacific Coast Design (Aust)
    • Bukit Jawi Golf Resort [45] Lot 414, Mlk6 Jln Paya Kemian Sempayi Sungai Jawi, Seberang Prai Selatan, Tel: +60 4 582-0759, Fax: +60 4 582-2613 sales@bukitjawi.com.my
  • Sight seeing is the most important agenda when visiting Penang. Plan your trip and don't forget to bring your camera to capture all your sweet memories there!
  • Rest & Relax
  • Shopping - the three most popular shopping malls in Penang would be Gurney Plaza, Prangin Mall and Queensbay, which houses a full range of fashionable goods and necessity items. If you crave the unusual, head on down to the flea market at Lorong Kulit, which is open from morning until around 2:00pm daily. If mingling with the masses is your idea of fun, check out the pasar malam (night market) along Batu Ferringhi for some inexpensive shopping and dining, gets more interesting during weekends.
  • Penang Bridge International Marathon [46] - participants run over the the Penang Bridge (third longest bridge in the world) and along a scenic coastal highway. This is the only time of the year when the bridge is closed for several hours. The event will be held on June 24 this year (2007); the entry form can be obtained trough its official web site, the closing date is May 27, 2007.
  • Penang International Dragon Boat Festival[47] has been staged annually since 1979 and has successfully attracted teams from all over the world including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand and the USA. This year (2007), the event will be held from June 8 to June 10. Penang will host the 6th Club Crew World Championships (CCWC)[48] in 2008, the event is planned to be held at Teluk Bahang Dam in June/July.
  • Watersports are on the agenda for many visitors, although the waters are a bit too murky for scuba diving and a bit too calm for surfing or more extreme pursuits.

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Shopping, Penang souvenirs

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Costs

Life in Penang is relatively cheap. A night at a 4-star hotel costs less than RM200 (roughly USD54) for 2 persons. A typical meal at the hawker center costs only about USD3 for one person. One of the potential problems is getting around. The bus service is cheap but can be sporadic (depends on time of the day and popularity of a particular route). Taxis can ask for unreasonable prices, so haggle before boarding if the taxi doesn't seem to be running on the meter.

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Books

  • Popular Book Co., 33-4-09 & 10, Prangin Mall Komtar, tel:04-2636122/126 fax:04-2636130
  • Tan Mark Book Centre, 283 Jalan Burma

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Traditional foods

  • Nutmeg (豆蔻) products - In traditional medicine nutmeg oil or balm were used for illnesses related to the nervous and digestive systems. Preserved nutmeg strips either in dry or wet form are used as the snack by locals.
  • Traditional biscuits such as Tambun Pneah (淡文饼), Beh Teh Sor (马蹄酥), Heong Pneah (香饼), Pong Pneah (清糖饼), Tau Sar Pneah (豆沙饼) and etc.
    • Him Heang (馨香), 162-A Burma Road, Tel. +60 4 228-6129 / 228-6130. Order through phone first due to limited daily production.
    • Ghee Hiang(义香)[49], 95 Beach Street, Tel. +60 4 262-0635, Fax +60 4 263-5158. 216 Macalister Road, Tel. +60 4 227-2222, Fax +60 4 227-2522 info@ghee-hiang.com The company has been established since 1856; other well-known product includes sesame seed oil. Their new product that launched recently is almond biscuit (杏仁饼).
    • Ng Kee Cake Shop (伍记), 61 Cintra Street, Tel. +60 4 261-2229. The shop produces and sells Cantonese traditional biscuits including wedding biscuits. One of the famous biscuits is pepper biscuit (咸切酥, Ham Chit Soo).

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Good restaurants and cheap meals

Penang offers plenty of good, cheap Malaysian food, but is famed throughout the rest of the country for some specialities. Don't be fooled by the names: Penang laksa or hokkien mee are quite different from what you'd get in, say, Kuala Lumpur. Topping the list are:

  • Hokkien Mee - Two types of noodles in prawn and pork soup with slices of pork, prawns, hard boiled egg, vegetable, beans sprout and sprinkling of deep fried shallots. LHH recommends the stall at Gurney Drive Hawker Centre near the roundabout.
  • Assam Laksa - a far cry from the sweet, coconutty Singaporean version, this noodle soup comes with sour broth flavored with tamarind (assam) with pureed fish, fruits, veggies and a generous helping of chili mixed in. Watch out, the combination is powerful and will have the uninitiated breathing fire! Famous assam laksa include Air Itam market, Gottlieb Road, Gurney Drive, etc.
  • Penang Char Keow Teow (炒馃条) - a local interpretation of the ubiquitous stir-fried flat rice noodles, tossed with bean sprouts, cockles, and anything else the chef has handy. Eggs are additional and cockles can be opt out if preferred by the customer; request when placing order. Some said the best Char Keow Teow can be found at Lorong Selamat but it cost at least RM5 per plate and that only if you have the patience of a saint to wait for it. Another choice is Macalister Road Sister's Char Koay Teow.
  • Koay Teow Thing - flat rice noodles in clear chicken soup with slices of chicken, pork and fish cake. Garnish with chopped spring onions. Some places have duck meat and other organ meats as extras.
  • Kaya (a type of jam) - which is a mixture of eggs and cocount milk to be spread over anything you want and according to some the best kaya is at a little coffee shop at the end of Madras Lane.
  • Coconut tart - If you have eaten egg tart before then instead of the egg put in some coconut and voila! You get coconut tart and definitely the best is at Cintra Lane.
  • Cendol - a mixture of blended ice with big mushy red beans with gula melaka thrown in. This will satisfy anyone even if it is raining. Cendol can be found anywhere but the best is at Penang Road.
  • Penang lobak - a mix of deep fried stuffs. One of it is actually called lobak (coarse minced pork and various vegs rolled in tofu skin). Other stuffs are usually stingray, tofu, tofu and shrimp in batter, etc ... (varies in different places) served with two types of dipping sauces (chillie and another type). Famous lorbak is at the coffee shop (junction of Sri Bahari Rd and Penang Rd)
  • Penang Sar Hor Fun (炒河粉) - a local dish with koay teow (flat rice cakes) in a delicious broth of beaten eggs and seafood bits. Goes best with prickled green chillies.

As you might expect on an island seafood is abundant. Head for the fishing village of Teluk Bahang in the north, or go to Batu Maung / Teluk Kumbar in the south for fresh fare at local prices.

If you are a durian fan, that's the place to go. Penang's durian is unique in the world. Best way to eat is at the stall. They open the durain for you. You pay what you eat. You don't have to worry about buying rotten durians. Stalls are usually by the roadsides by durian plantations, like the along road from Teluk Bahang to Balik Pulau and along the road from Air Itam to Relau. Within Georgetown, there is one at Jalan Anson, opposite Jalan Dunlop, and another along Jalan Macalister.

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Budget

Hawker stalls & hawker centers:

Breakfast

  • Buckingham Street near KOMTAR
  • Campbell Street near KOMTAR

Lunch

  • Prangin Mall hawker center
  • Wawasan Mutiara Nasi Kandar near KOMTAR bus station

Tea time

  • Swatow Lane near Chew Thean Yang Aquarium and Sheraton Hotel

Dinner

  • Buckingham Street near KOMTAR
  • Chulia Street near Kapitan Keling Mosque
  • Gurney Drive nearby the roundabouts, McDonald's restaurant and Gurney Plaza
  • New Lane near KOMTAR and Sunway Georgetown Hotel
  • Pearl Hill near Toy Museum and Copthrone Hotel

Supper

  • Mamak stalls along Penang Road offer Indian food such as Roti Canai, Roti Helicopter, Roti Tissue, Mutabak etc.

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Mid-range

  • Bukit Genting Thai Food is located at the hilltop, along the road to Balik Pulau. You can enjoy the beautiful scene while tasting the delicious spicy Thai food there. Although it's a long way from Georgetown, the food and the scenery make the trip worthwhile. Call to get directions and try to get there before sunset. Beware of the narrow road going up. Best to go when it's not dark as it can get tricky driving up. Phone: 60 4 827-9805.
  • Cherry Sweet Spicy Thai Food, 8 Clove Hall Road. Phone: +60 4 227-6758, 229-2561. Daily (Closed on Wednesday) 12PM-3PM, 6PM-10PM. Pork-free.
  • eGate, next to Tesco hypermarket. Restaurants and cafe available are: Starbucks, Old Town Kopitiam, Subway, Oasis, Tao Japanese Restaurant and etc. However the food's here overrated and not worth the money you fork out.
  • Illyana's is at Teluk Kumbar. A Malay style eatery attracting lots of Chinese and Malays because the chef who is Thai cooks very well. Notable dishes include lala fried with olive oil and the claypot fish head curry. Seafood is always fresh (you pick what you want from the fresh seafood laid out and the chef cooks it for you, whatever style you fancy) here as it's just off the beach/jetty. Try the satay too when you are at Illyana's.
  • Yellow Light Thai Food, 1-C Fettes Road. Phone: +60 4 899-1471. Closed on Monday.

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Splurge

  • Eden Seafood Village - 69A Batu Ferringhi, Phone:+60 4 881-1852. Daily 6PM-11PM.
  • Ocean Green Seafood, Hotel Paramount, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Penang. Used to be a popular seafood place for Penangites but of late, other seafood places have mushroomed. Commendable dishes include mantis prawns fried with salted egg yolk batter, fried sharksfin with eggs, and prawns.
  • Oriental Seafood Restaurant - Macalister Road, Phone:+60 4 226-0969. A sister outlet of the Oriental Seafood at Gurney Drive. This outlet at Macalister Road is less pricey and it's for the locals who crave crabs and prawns (but no view, unlike the one at Gurney Drive). Service is quick and you can order other side eats such as fried noodles, etc. Crabs go by the kilogramme so prices fluctuate. Ask first before ordering. They accept credit cards and cash.
  • Seoul Garden Korean Restaurant - Sunrise Tower, 1st Floor, 190-192 Gurney Drive, Phone:+60 4 2298705. The food here is not bad except that the kimchi can be quite different each time you eat here. Attracts Korean expats during lunch and dinner. So food must be similar to Korean food back home. Nice views though of the area esp during lunch. This place has been here for years!

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Penang nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs.

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Hotels, youth hostels, lodging

Most of Penang's fancier accommodation is in the form of beach resorts on the main tourist beach of Batu Feringghi. More backpacker-friendly options, as well as a few classical luxury hotels, can be found in Georgetown.

  • Equatorial Penang, 1 Jalan Bukit Jambul, Phone:+60-4-643 8111, Fax:+60-4-881 1180 info@pen.equatorial.com [50]. Located on the east coast of Penang, convenient to the airport and its industrial area, but less so for the beach-loving tourist.

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Contact

  • Tourism Malaysia [52]
    • Penang Tourist Centre: Bangunan Penang Port Bhd, Pesara King Edward. Phone:+60 4 261-6663
    • Penang Development Corporation Tourism Division: 1 Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Baru. Phone:+60 4 643-2111, Fax:+60 4 643-2405
    • Tourism Information Centre: Level 3, Concourse KOMTAR. Phone:+60 4 261-4461
    • Tourism Malaysia Penang Branch: 56th Floor, KOMTAR. Phone:+60 4 261-0058 / 264-3494. Fax:+60 4 262-3688 mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
  • Ambulance / Police: 999
  • Fire: 994
  • Rescue (Civil Defense): 991
  • All the abovementioned numbers: 112 from mobile phones
  • Tourist police:+60 4 222-1522
  • Telegram service: 100
  • International and domestic operator assisted service: 101
  • Directory enquiry service: 103
  • Multilingual international service: 198

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Stay safe

  • Don't walk alone in deserted places.
  • Don't accept rides from Kereta Sapu (passenger car / unlicensed taxi).
  • Don't carry valuables in motorbike-baskets.
  • Don't leave valuables in hotel rooms.
  • Don't place valuables on restaurant tables.
  • Do be wary of snatch-thieves - especially when wearing jewelery and/or carrying bags.
  • Do be wary of the (sometimes aggressive) long-tail macaques (avoid red clothing) at the botanical gardens.
  • Do read the local newspapers to know what's going on.

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Cope

  • Immigration Dept Georgetown Office [54] Beach Street, Phone:+60 4 250-3410, Fax:+60 4 262-8090

Consulates in Penang

  • Bangladesh 15 Bishop Street, Phone:+60 4 262-1085
  • Canada 3007 Tkt. Perusahaan 5, Kaw Perusahaan Perai, Phone:+60 4 389-3300
  • Denmark 1st Floor Wisma Rajab, 82 Bishop Street, Phone:+60 4 262-4886 Fax:+60 4 261-4963
  • Finland 8th Floor Wisma Penang Garden, 42 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Phone:+60 4 229-4300 Fax:+60 4 227-4533
  • France 2nd Floor Wisma Rajab, 82 Bishop Street, Phone:+60 4 262-9707
  • Germany Plot 205-206 Jalan Kampung Jawa Free Industrial Zone 3, Phone:+60 4 641-5707
  • Hungary Plot 226-228 Jalan Kampung Jawa Free Industrial Zone 3, Phone:+60 4 644-9937
  • Indonesia [56] 467 Burma Road, Phone:+60 4 227-4686
  • Japan [57] Level 28, Menara BHL, 51 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Phone:+60 4 226-3030, Fax:+60 4 226-1030. Office hour: Weekdays, closed on Weekends & Public Holidays. Office: 8:30AM-12:30PM, 2PM-5PM. Visa Counter: 8:30AM-12PM, 2PM-4PM.
  • Netherlands, The 202 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Phone:+60 4 647-3333
  • Norway 4 Jalan Sepoy Lines, Phone:+60 4 226-3459
  • Russia 37 Green Hall, Phone:+60 4 262-2944
  • Sri Lanka 1 Bishop Street, Phone:+60 4 261-3093
  • Sweden 3rd Floor, Standard Chartered Bank Chambers, 2 Beach Street, Phone:+60 4 262-5333
  • United Kingdom 3rd Floor, Standard Chartered Bank Chambers, 2 Beach Street, Phone:+60 4 262-5333
  • Thailand 1 Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Phone:+60 4 226-8029 / 226-9484, Fax:+60 4 226-3121 thaipg@tm.net.my
  • Turkey 3rd Floor, Standard Chartered Bank Chambers, 2 Beach Street, Phone:+60 4 262-5333

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Get out

Retrieved from "http://wikitravel.org/en/Penang"

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