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Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang) [1] is an island off the northwestern 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's beaches are nice, though a little lackluster when compared to those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated for by the island's rich multicultural history which is full of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Penang is also well known for being the "food paradise" of Malaysia.

Map of Penang island

[edit] Understand

Penang was part of the Malay sultanate 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 of the 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. Today, Penang has the highest population density in Malaysia and is the only state where the ethnic Chinese are the majority. 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 Port Klang 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 operate factories in the Free Trade Zone include Intel, AMD, BBraun, Dell, Flextronics, Agilent, Osram, Motorola, Seagate, and Jabil Circuit. Penang was granted Cyber-City status on 21 June, 2004. At the World Heritage Committee Session in July 2008, Georgetown, along with Malacca were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

[edit] Orientation

Roof of the Khoo Kongsi clan house, Georgetown

The state of Penang is made up of two parts, Penang Island, a turtle-shaped island 8km east of the mainland in the Straits of Malacca, and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley), a rectangular-shaped district connected to the the mainland.

Georgetown is Penang's largest city. Development of the eastern coast of the island is slowly linking Georgetown, in the northeast, with the city of Bayan Lepas in the southeast. The northern coast, including Batu Ferringhi, is also being heavily developed and features the island's best beaches and resorts. The island's western side is still relatively quiet and undeveloped, with a peaceful "kampung" (village) feel about it.

[edit] Cities

The Island

• Georgetown - The capital of Penang; a favorite spot for tourists as it has many quaint pre-Second World War houses, as well as 19th century churches, temples, mosques, and colonial buildings. The city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008. [2]
• Batu Ferringhi - Located on the north coast, with white sandy beaches, luxurious hotels & restaurants. A favorite spot for both locals & tourists.
• Bayan Lepas - Penang's main electronic manufacturing area and location of its international airport.
• Balik Pulau - Literally "Back of The Island" in Malay; a small agricultural centre surrounded by Malay villages, fruit plantations, and padi fields.
• Teluk Bahang - quiet little fishing village at the northwestern end

Mainland (Seberang Perai)

• Butterworth - The mainland gateway to Penang, drectly across the straights of Malacca from Georgetown.
• Bukit Mertajam - The capital of Seberang Perai Tengah district.
• Bandar Perda - 20 minutes from Butterworth & 15 minutes from Penang Bridge.
• Nibong Tebal - The capital of Seberang Perai Selatan district.
• Simpang Ampat - A small town famous for its nearby seafood at Bukit Tambun and Batu Kawan.
• Seberang Jaya - Satellite township
• Tasek Gelugor - A small town 20 minutes from Butterworth.

[edit] Climate

Penang, like the rest of Malaysia, has an equatorial climate. This means temperatures of between about 22°C/72°F (night) and 30°C/86°F (day), between 70% and 90% humidity, and an annual total rainfall of about 2400mm. The driest months are usually January and February. The wettest period is usually from September to November with August also being quite wet; frequent thunderstorms can be expected in these months.

[edit] When to go

Dragon boat competition, normally held in May/June

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 tourists descend on the island. Accommodation tends to be packed, and priced accordingly.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Recently refurbished Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport (IATA: PEN) is one of Malaysia's larger and better-equipped airports, operated by Malaysia Airports [3]. The airport is on the southeastern coast of the island, some 20 minutes from Georgetown. Contact number:+6046434411

The airport is serviced by Air Asia [4], Firefly [5], Singapore Airlines [6], Tiger Airways [7], and Malaysia Airlines [8].

Direct domestic flights are available to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, and Langkawi. Direct international flights are available to Taipei, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Medan, Singapore, Phuket, and Banda Aceh.

[edit] By car

Penang is connected to the mainland and the North-South Expressway by the Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Asia. There is no toll for vehicles heading to the mainland, but vehicles headed to the island must pay a toll as follows: motorcycles: RM1.40, cars: RM7.00, vans and buses with two axles and four wheels: RM12.00 [9].

[edit] By train

KTMB [10] operates train servce to the Butterworth train station, within walking distance to the ferry to Penang Island. Tickets can be booked at the train station, the ferry terminal, or online [11]. The journey to/from Kuala Lumpur takes 6 hours.

An overnight train departs Bangkok daily at 2:45PM Thai time, scheduled to arrive in Butterworth at 1:45PM Malaysian time. Trains are air conditioned, are all sleeper cars, and cost THB1,210, with a THB104 surcharge for bicycles.

[edit] By bus

Buses in Georgetown arrive/depart at the new bus terminal at Sungai Nibong, a fifteen-minute ride from the center, and about ten minutes from the airport. A taxi to the center costs RM20. Major coach operators include Konsortium [12], Plusliner / Nice [13], Transnasional [14], and Mutiara.

The trip from Kuala Lumpur's Pudu Raya bus station or Kota Bharu, Perhentian Islands each cost around RM27 and take around 5-6 hours. Buses to/from Johor Bahru take 10 hours and cost RM 50.

[edit] By minivan

Minivan service is more expensive than bus service and is available between Georgetown and cities in Thailand such as Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Trang, Surat Thani, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Bangkok and Hat Yai on daily basis. Service is available to the Perhentian Islands for 160 RM, boat included.

[edit] By boat

Ferry service in Penang

Penang Port [15] operates ferries to/from Butterworth daily from 5:30AM till 1:00AM. Ferry rates are RM1.20 for adults, RM0.60 for children, RM1.40 for bicycles, RM2.00 for motorbikes, RM7.70 for cars, and additional fees for larger vehicles [16]

Langkawi Ferry Services [17] operates ferry service from Langkawi to Penang at 2:30PM and 5:15PM daily. Tel: +6042642088 in Penang; +6049663779 in Langkawi. One-way trip costs RM60 for adult, RM45 for child (3-11 years old) and RM25 for infant (below 2 years old). Return trip costs RM115, RM85 and RM50 respectively. Trip takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Advance booking can be made via the web site. Credit cards are not accepted at the terminal, although there are numerous ATMs in the attached shopping mall. The ferry in service is very old and offers no facilities other than simple air-conditioned seating. There is no access to the top, meaning thereby that no sight-seeing on the way is available. There is proper locked storage for luggage at the rear of the ship upon boarding. There is no restaurant. Check-in is at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure time.

Langkawi Ferry Services [18] operates ferries from the Belwan port in Medan to Penang on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, returning to Penang on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The boat leaves at 9:00am at the journey takes 6 hours. Tel: +604264-2088 in Penang; +62614521666 / +62614527555 in Medan. Adult: RM110 one-way, RM180 return; Child: RM60 one-way, RM100 return.

[edit] Get around

[edit] Walking

One of the best ways to sight see is to walk around Georgetown; but wear light clothes, start early in the morning, and put on plenty of sun-block during the daytime. When crossing the roads, remember to look both ways, even on a one-way street!

Click to enlarge

[edit] By bus

RapidPenang [19], the local bus service, features new buses. All bus stations and bus stops which are serviced by the RapidPenang buses are labeled with proper signboards to ensure user-friendliness. Buses are somewhat frequent on the main artery to Batu Ferringhi. Transitlink bus 202 bound for Teluk Bahang 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.

Bus 101 and 130/230 to Air Itam (RM1.50 Adult) departing westward on Lebuh Chulia (the main backpacker hotel road) or southbound from the KOMTAR building are handy for visiting both Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) Funiciular Base Station, approximately 30mins south west of the city center. The driver will inform you of when to alight. Bus 203 departs from the funicular base station to return to Komtar and onward.

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 [20] provides a free shuttle bus service in Georgetown which runs approximately every 12 minutes Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM, plus Saturdays 7:00am-2:00pm(no service on Sundays or public holidays).

[edit] By trishaw

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

Trishaw

[edit] By car

Car rentals may be a viable option, especially if you are planning to get off the beaten track and explore the western or southern coast of the island. Take note that Penang Island has quite a number of one-way streets and narrow roads. Many Penangites ride motorbikes and a minority of them have disregard for pedestrians, cars, and even their own lives, so you must be very careful when driving on the roads. Avoid driving during the rush hours between 7:30-9:30AM and 5:30-7:30PM. Motorcycle riders can be undisciplined and tourists should be extra vigilant of them.

• Penang Budget Car Rental. Location:Gelugor and Sungai Dua TEL:+60 16 4029300 or +60 16 414-3001.
• Five A Travel Service (Pg) Sdn. Bhd. Travel Information and Cheapest Air Ticket ,[21]. 86 Penang Street. Tel. +60 4 261-0642, Fax +60 4 261-8399. fivea@tm.net.my
• Avis Rent-A-Car,[22]. Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Toll free within Malaysia: 1-800-88-2054, Tel. +60 4 643-9633.
• Budget Rent-A-Car,[23]. 77-G-1 Jalan SP Chelliah. Tel. +60 4 210-8211, 210-8212, 210-8213, Fax +60 4 226-6690.
• Hertz,[24]. Tollfree within Malaysia: 1-800-88-3086
  • 38 Farquhar Street. Tel. +60 4 263-8602, 263-5914, Fax +60 4 263-1273. pen@hertz.simenet.com.
• Insas Pacific Rent-A-Car,[25]. Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Tel. +60 4 643-8891, Fax +60 4 644-4602. reservation@iprac.com.
  • Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Tel. +60 4 643-0208, Fax +60 4 642-6635. penapt@hertz.simenet.com.
• Kasina Rent-A-Car,[26]. Sungai Tiram. +60 4 644-1842. rental@kasina.com.my.
• Mayflower Car Rental,[27]. Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Tollfree within Malaysia: 1-800-88-1688, Tel. +60 4 641-1191.
• New Bob Rent-A-Car,[28]. 11 Gottlieb Road. Tel. +60 4 229-1111, Fax +60 4 229-7777. bobcar@bobcar.com.my
• Five A Rent-A-Car,[29]. 86 Penang Street. Tel. +60 4 261-0642, Fax +60 4 261-8399. fivea@tm.net.my
• Car with Personal Guide,[30]. Batu Ferringhi. Tel. +60 16 206 8128, sspenangtours@gmail.com

[edit] Taxis

Always haggle with the taxi driver and agree on a price beforehand.

[edit] Talk

Almost all locals in Penang are able to speak Malay, the national language of Malaysia. The ethnic Chinese in Penang (who form the majority) usually speak a localized variant of Hokkien known as Penang Hokkien, which Minnan speakers from Taiwan and Fujian may have some difficulty understanding due to the large number of loan words from Malay. Most ethnic Chinese are also able to speak Cantonese and/or Mandarin with reasonable fluency. Ethnic Indians usually converse with each other in Tamil and ethnic Malays usually converse with each other in Malay, but quite a good number of Tamil and Malay Penangites can converse in Hokkien.

English is spoken fluently by most professionals and businessmen, as well as by service staff working in hotels and tourist attractions. Most other locals under the age of 50 will be able to communicate in broken English, supplemented by non-verbal forms of communication such as pointing and gesturing.

[edit][add listing] See

See Georgetown for attractions located in town; this covers only sights elsewhere around the island. Best way to see Penang, try a local guide "http://sspenangtours.webs.com" SS Penang Tours</A>

Ban Po Thar, Kek Lok Si Temple

• Kek Lok Si - 极乐寺 - Temple of Supreme Bliss. A sprawling hillside structure that is reputed to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia, with the khmer/thai/chinese style Ban Po Thar (Ten Thousand Buddhas Tower) (RM4 to top via stairs) and various Buddha images in the main temple complex. Furthermore, a mini-funicular train (RM4) connects to the summit of the hill featuring a giant 36.5m high statue of Kuan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. The current bronze version was completed after donations from mainland Chinese in 2003. Currently, there is scaffolding around the statue since there is building work in progress for a giant open pavilion to protect the statue, due to be completed in 2009. Photographs taken while construction is in progress will not be optimal, but still worth the inclined elevator ride up. During the Chinese New Year period, the temple is decorated with hundreds of lanterns which turns it into a night-time wonderland. Located near the village of Air Itam; a taxi from Georgetown will set you back RM 20-25; catching a bus from the station next to the Komtar will cost you RM 1.50. (203 to Air Itam). A must-see place for visitors, although try to avoid the busy weekends.  edit

• Bukit Bendera - 升旗山 - Penang Hill. Penang Hill probably has the best view of Georgetown and Penang Bridge, especially at night. Go up via the Penang Hill Funicular (Return Adult RM8, ca. 30mins), 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. The 19th century English travel writer, Isabella Bird, called the temperature on the hill 'delicious' because it can be very much cooler than on the plains. The more adventurous (and fit) may want to hike up the hill (remember to take along water). There are several starting points for a trek up the hill including from the Moongate (about 300m from the entrance to the Botanical Gardens) and from inside the Botanical Gardens itself (just before the Reservoir). You can also walk up the paved jeep trail which begins beside the entrance to the Gardens. 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 lungfuls of cool, clean hill 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, so try to avoid weekends.  edit

• Penang Botanic Gardens,[31], Jalan Kebun Bunga, Phone:+60 4 227-0428 (for group tour arrangement) Fax:+60 4 228-6075 jkbunga@penang.gov.my. Open daily, 5AM-8PM. Free admission. The gardens were established by Charles Curtis of Britain way back in 1884; it's generally known as the Waterfall Gardens by the local community because of a little waterfall located within it. Many locals will come to the gardens to perform their daily exercises like walking, jogging, jungle trekking, aerobic dance, and to practice Tai Chi (太极) or Qi Gong (气功). The wild monkeys are supposed to be there but not to be seen. The garden hosts an annual international floral fest as well as a world music festival [32].

View of Penang Bridge and Georgetown from Penang Hill

• 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. You can pose for a picture with Malaysia's largest tame snake, a rare Albino Python or watch the Snake Show on weekends and public holidays, 11:30AM-3:30PM. Adult RM5 and children RM2.

• Penang Butterfly Farm, 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Pahang. Tel : +60 4 885-1741. Open Mon–Fri 9AM-5:30PM, Sat, Sun and public holidays 9AM–6PM. Houses a large collection of butterflies, as well as some scorpions, snakes, fish, and reptiles. Admission RM9 Malaysians, RM12.50 for foreigners.

• Fisheries Department Research Institute Aquarium, Batu Maung. Phone:+60 4 626-3925, Fax:+60 4 626-2210. Daily 10AM-5PM. Adult RM5, children (7-12 years old) RM2, free admission for children under 7. A medium-sized aquarium that showcases mostly fish found in regional waters. Nothing fancy but quite informative and enjoyable.

• Penang Bridge (槟威大桥). With a span of 8.4km over water, it is one of the longest bridges in the world. The bridge connects the island to the mainland (Seberang Perai) and offers great views of the port and city. You are not supposed to stop on the bridge but many people use the emergency stop areas for a quick photo shoot. The bridge opened to public in 1985 and still is a major national landmark for Malaysia. A second, even longer bridge, is due to be ready by 2012.

• Pulau Jerejak Resort, (Jerejak Island), Phone: +60 4 658-7111, Fax:+60 4 659-7700, stanley@jerejakresort.com, [33]. Also known as the Alcatraz of Malaysia, because the island was once the location of the Jerejak Prison. This beautiful 362 hectare tropical island, is located directly across the channel from the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, on the south eastern coast of Penang island. The island is now open to the public as a recreational resort. Numerous outdoor activities including nature & historical trekking, mountain biking, and archery are available; personal care such as aromatherapy massage, tired foot treatment, body scrub are also available. Unfortunately, you are not advised to swim in the sea around the Jerejak island because it is not quite clean. Ferries from Penang start operations at 6:30AM and continue until 12:30PM. 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 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 within the temple grounds. 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 you can touch them, if you are brave enough. Originally, the snakes were said to be rendered harmless by the smell of the burning incense, but today, to be safe, the resident vipers are devenomed. RM5 for adult and RM1 for children.

War Museum

• 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 tip of Penang, it is a large abandoned military fortress built in 1930s by the British to protect the southern approaches to the island. The British Royal Engineers and a work force of local laborers blasted and dug into the hill to create a fort with underground military tunnels, an intelligence and logistic center, halls, offices, ventilation shafts, artillery firing bays, sleeping quarters, cook houses as well as an infirmary.

• Tropical Spice Garden - The Tropical Spice Garden, which is in a 8 acre valley fronting the shores of Teluk Bahang showcases a landscaped garden that consists of tropical plant collections from all over the world. The garden has over 100 varieties of tropical spice and herb plants and a huge collection of other exotic flora.

• Fort Cornwallis - This brick-and-mortar fort was first built using bakau wood in 1786 by the British under Captain Francis Light at the site where they first landed. The fort was upgraded in 1793 to its current state. Located by the sea at the Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama in Malay), the fort has a small lighthouse, a chapel, and a gunpowder bunker within its walls. Several old cannons (including one that is believed by some locals to have magical 'fertility' powers) can still be found at the fort. There are also small displays of artifacts recovered from archaeological digs inside the fort. This well-preserved historical site is open to the public from 9AM to 6:30PM on Mondays to Saturdays. Admission costs RM3.00 (adult) and RM1.00 (children).

• Tropical Fruit Farm [34] - This 25-acre farm lies in the scenic hills near Balik Pulau. You can view the many kinds of fruit trees there and sample fresh fruit at reasonable price. A small stall near the entrance sells fresh fruit juice and fruit dishes. You can also enjoy a great view of the north-western coastline of the island.

• Penang Bird Park [35] - A small bird park located on the mainland (Seberang Perai) about 10 minutes from the Penang Bridge. Take a walk under nice shady trees and view dozens of kinds of birds including ostriches, sea eagles, peafowls, hornbills, flamingos, macaws, and grey parrots. There are also two walk-through aviaries and a fish pond. Some of the enclosures do need a touch of paint, but kids should love this place. Open daily from 9AM to 7PM Address: Jalan Todak (near the Sunway Carnival Mall), Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang. Tel.: +60 4 399-1899.

[edit] Events and Festivals

• Hari Raya Puasa.

• Chinese New Year.

• Thaipusam. A Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb). Read about this fascinating festival here: .

• Vesak. A Buddhist festival celebrated mainly by the Chinese community on the full moon of the 5th or 6th lunar month. It is characterized by a street parade. Temples will typically be filled with devotees and there will be a variety of activities by the various Buddhist associations and societies on this day. Find out more about vesak here: .

• Penang International Dragon Boat Festival[36] 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, Canada, and the USA. The event is now usually held at the Teluk Bahang Dam.

• Penang Bon Odori Carnival . A Japanese traditional carnival usually with drum and dance performances.

• The Feast of St. Anne . 29 July. Venue: St. Anne's Church, Bukit Mertajam. A Christian religious festival that includes a candle-light procession at the church.

• Nine Emperor Gods vegetarian festival is held at Taoist temples for 9 days of the 9th lunar month in the Chinese calendar, normally at the end of Sept or Oct.

• Deepavali. The Hindu 'Festival of Lights' which, according to legend, celebrates the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon Raavana.

• Penang Floral Festival. 31 May to 7 June 2009. Time: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. Held at the Penang Botanic Gardens.

• Penang Bridge Marathon. 22 November 2009. Participants run on the Penang Bridge (13.5 km long) and along a scenic coastal highway. This is the only time of the year when the bridge is closed for several hours. The entry form can be obtained through the official web site (google to find it as the website usually changes each year).

[edit][add listing] Do

Teluk Bahang beach

Beaches - The secluded beaches of Pantai Kerachut, Muka Head, and Teluk Kampi are located on the northern coast. There is an old lighthouse at Muka Head beach. You can reach these beaches by either hiking (1 - 3 hours) or by hiring a fisherman's "sampan" (boat) from the small village of Teluk Bahang. The village itself has a kilometer-long beach and a small Scout campsite.

• Jungle Trekking & Camping - Enjoy walking through the reserve forest in Teluk Bahang, go to the northwestern cape of the island where there are unspoiled beaches and an old lighthouse. For a quicker and more relaxed way to reach the secluded beaches there, approach the locals at Kampung Nelayan for boat rides to beaches like Muka Head, Pantai Kerachut, and Teluk Kampi. Kampung Nelayan is located less than 1km down the road northwest of 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 [37] 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

• 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. Swimming is OK along most of the northern coast especially near the international-class hotels as they do their best to keep the beaches and water clean. You can also try out jet skis and parasailing near most of the hotels along Batu Feringhi beach.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit] Shopping Malls

• Queensbay Mall, [38]. The largest mall in Penang  edit

• Gurney Plaza, Gurney Drive, [39]. An upmarket shopping mall in Georgetown. The second largest mall on Penang. Includes a 12-screen cinema.  edit

• Prangin Mall, (Located next to KOMTAR building), [40]. Features 167 shops  edit

[edit] Outdoor Markets

• Flea Market at Lorong Kulit.  edit

• Pasar Malam (Night Market), (Along Batu Ferringhi). 8pm to 12 am.  edit

[edit] Bakeries

• Ghee Hiang(义香)[41], 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). While this used to the most famous bakery in Penang, it's popularity has fallen sharply since the head chef left to set up Him Heang.

• Him Heang (馨香), 162-A Burma Road, Tel. +60 4 228-6129 / 228-6130. Arguably the most famous Chinese bakery in Penang, popular among locals and Singaporean tourists. It's most famous products are Tambun Pneah and Beh Teh Sor. Order through phone first due to limited daily production.
• 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).
• Sin Hock Seng (新福成), 316, Penang Road Tel +60 4 263-2667. The shop sells more than one hundred different types of biscuit. Basically, you can find any kind of traditional biscuit there.

[edit] Books

• Popular Book Co., 33-4-09 & 10, Prangin Mall Komtar, tel:+60 4 263-6122 fax:+60 4 263-6130. Also has stores at Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall.

• Borders, Queensbay Mall, Persiaran Bayan Indah, Bayan Lepas, 11900 Penang.

• Tan Mark Book Centre, 283 Jalan Burma.

• MPH Book Store, Gurney Plaza, Gurney Drive.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Penang offers plenty of delicious and cheap Malaysian food, but is famed throughout the rest of the country for some specialities such as Char Koay Teow, Penang Laksa, and Nasi Kandar, which are found practically everywhere on the island. . Penang is an island of countless food stalls, a veritable "food paradise". It is known to many around Asia for its culinary originality and diversity. However, Penangites find good food in many places usually unknown (and even odd) to tourists.

The best way to find good food is to ask the locals. Don't be surprised that some stalls that are set up beside a busy road or coffeeshops located in some inconspicuous back alley are considered to serve very good food by the locals. The rule of thumb is to be adventurous with your tongue and to look at the condition of the stall and its surroundings. Generally, if a stall is being patronised by many locals, the food will be good to eat.

For restaurant listings, see Georgetown, Batu Ferringhi, etc.

For the most well-known Char Koay Teow, try "Sister's Char Koay Teow" at Macalister Road. Sister's Char Koay Teow however, is widely regarded as overpriced and overrated by most locals. More popular albeit still relatively expensive Char Koay Teow can be found at Lorong Selamat together with a wide variety of other stalls which are popular with both locals and tourists alike.

[edit] Penang cuisine

If you've been traveling in Singapore or elsewhere in Malaysia, you'll see some familiar names, but don't be fooled: Penang laksa or hokkien mee are quite different from what you'd get in, say, Kuala Lumpur. Topping the list are:

• Assam Laksa - A far cry from the sweet, coconutty Singapore 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 Koay Teow (炒馃条) - The definitive version 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 say the best Char Koay Teow can be found at Lorong Selamat but it costs at least RM5 per plate and that only if you have the patience of a saint to wait for it. Another choice is Ah Leng Char Koay Teow and the Char Koay Teow in Bukit Emas Restaurant, Seberang Perai.

• Penang Nasi Kandar - White rice (nasi) with anything else that you want with it! Usually served with fried chicken, fried fish, prawns, squid, hardboiled eggs, various vegetables, and a curry (which is poured onto the rice). Be careful though! Taking too many of the 'side dishes' can be quite expensive. Can be found at various places around Georgetown.

• 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.

• Koay Teow Th'ng - Flat rice noodles (Koay Teow) in clear chicken soup (Th'ng) with slices of chicken, pork and fish cake. Garnish with chopped spring onions. Some places have duck meat and other organ meats as extras. Some say the shops in Hutton Lane and a couple of shops opposite Tandoori House are a good choices for this dish. You can also get good KTT at Gurney Drive, though at higher prices.

• Lobak, or Lorbak - Minced pork wrapped in tofu skin) - Very famous in Penang, Lorbak is similar to sausage (Lor means a kind of sauce whereas bak means meat in Hokkien). You can choose the accompanying servings of prawn fritters, tofu, fish cakes, Taiwan sausages, century egg (rotten duck egg, but very tasty if eaten with ginger) and others. Locals dip Lorbak in sweet sauce and chilli sauce. Can be found in rather consistent quality all over Penang. Also available at Gurney Drive's hawker center and New World Park.

• 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 pickled green chillies.

• Seafood - 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. You can also get good seafood at Batu Ferringhi beach.

• Or Chen (Oyster Omelette) - This is a popular dish available in multiple locations all around Georgetown. The food center at Gurney Drive is a tourist-friendly place to get an oyster omelette. It is next to the Gurney Plaza shopping center and a stone's throw away from G Hotel. Expect to queue for ten to fifteen minutes; the price ranges from RM 8 to RM 16 depending on the portion you are ordering.

• Pasembor (Indian mixed fruits) - Despite its name, this dish does not contain any fruit. Basically it is cucumber plus your chosen ingredients covered in spicy peanut sauce. You can choose to add squid, sausage, tofu, local crackers, crabs, potato, eggs, and fish cake, among other possibilities. Prices range from RM 5 to RM 20, depending on the ingredients you want on your pasembor. Available at the food center at Gurney Drive.

• Lor Mee (Noodles) - A bowl of yellow noodles in sticky brown colored gravy. Unique to this part of Malaysia and a must try, lor mee can be found on the road called "Lebuh Presgrave" in town. There is a little link house converted to a restaurant that serves them. Also available in other hawker centers. Depending on the cook, it may or may not contain innards such as intestines, stomach, and liver. You can ask them first and if they do serve innards, you may request a serving without them. Lor mee are commonly served with shreds of chicken breast and some pork slices. Prices range from RM 3 to RM 6.

• Satay (Malay: sate) - the famous meat-on-a-stick, is a traditional Malay food typically made from marinated meat - chicken, mutton or beef, skewered onto bamboo sticks and grilled over hot charcoals. A fresh salad of cucumbers & onions are served together with a spicy-sweet peanut dipping sauce for dipping.

[edit] 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.

Desserts include:

• Kaya (a type of jam) - A mixture of eggs and cocount milk to be spread over anything you want. According to some, the best kaya is at a little coffee shop at the end of Madras Lane. To impress the locals, order some kaya toast and dip it in some half-boiled egg.

• 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 (brown sugar) thrown in. This will satisfy anyone even if it is raining. Cendol can be found anywhere but the best is at Penang Road.

• Durian Fruit - Penang's durian is unique in the world. Best way to eat is at the stall. They open the durian for you. You pay what you eat. The medium durian will cost RM8-15. You don't have to worry about buying rotten durians. Stalls are usually located by the roadside next to durian plantations, along the road from Teluk Bahang (almoust end station of bus 101) to Balik Pulau (end station of bus 401E or 401), 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.

And wash it all down with some...

• Teh Tarik (literally, Pulled Tea) - This tea-with-milk drink is "pulled" by the vendor, that is, the drink is poured into the serving cup from a can/pot that is moved from near the cup to a considerable height above it. Some people might say that this is a bit unhygienic. Enjoy at any Mamak (Indian Muslim) stall or restaurant along Penang Road in the evening, chit chat with friends, while watching the culture of Penangites.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

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. You can find many budget hotels at Chulia Street, Muntri Street, and Love Lane area. See those articles for details; the following listings cover only accommodations elsewhere on the island.

• YMCA Malaysia, 211, Jalan Macalister, 10450 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, ☎ 604-228 8211, [42]. Staying at Malaysia’s YMCA Penang helps you forget about the excesses of high-end lodging and reminds you that practical and functional comforts matter the most. Although surrounded by a quaint and peaceful neighbourhood, YMCA Penang is within proximate distance to major landmarks, including the city centre.  edit

• Equatorial Penang, 1 Jalan Bukit Jambul, Phone:+60 4 643-8111, Fax:+60 4 881-1180 [43] [44]. Located on the east coast of Penang, convenient to the airport and its industrial area, but less so for the beach-loving tourist.
• Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang, Tanjung Bunga, ☎ +60 4 892-3333, [45]. Host to the blue seas and green rolling hills. A truly enviable location, directly on the ocean front and situated at Tanjung Bunga.  edit

[edit] Contact

• Penang Tourism Action Council [46] 56th Floor, KOMTAR, Phone:+60 4 262-0202, Fax:+60 4 263-1020 enquiry@tourismpenang.gov.my

• Tourism Malaysia [47]
  • 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

• Penang Heritage Trust [48] 26 Church Street, Phone+60 4 264-2631. Fax+60 4 262-8421 phtrust@streamyx.com

• 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

[edit] 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 jewelry and/or carrying bags. Some of these felons practice the art of 'ride-by' snatching of ladies' handbags which can result in serious injury to the victim. So ladies: walk against traffic and keep the handbag on the side away from the road or better still - don't carry one.
• Do be wary of the (sometimes aggressive) long-tail macaques at the botanical gardens.

[edit] Cope

• Immigration Dept Georgetown Office [49] Beach Street, Phone:+60 4 250-3410, Fax:+60 4 262-8090

Consulates in Penang

• Australia [50] 1-C Hutton Lane, Phone:+60 4 263-1114 Fax:+60 4 263-3320 public-affairs-klpr@dfat.gov.au

• 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 [51] 467 Burma Road, Phone:+60 4 227-4686

• Japan [52] 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

[edit] Get out

• Alor Star - capital of Kedah state
• Hat Yai - South Thailand
• Ipoh - capital of Perak state
• Kota Bharu - capital of Kelantan state
• Pulau Langkawi (Langkawi Island)
• Phuket- at South Thailand
• Medan - at Sumatra, Indonesia. You either can take a ferry or by air with Air Asia to Medan.