Penang, Malaysia

1. How far away is city center from the airport, and what's the easiest way to get there?

The airport is around 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the city center, which adds up to about a 30-minute drive. The best way to get there is by using the popular e-hailing service, Grab, which is easily available.

Alternatively, you can use conventional taxis, but they do not run on meters. Instead, you need to purchase a ticket at the counter in the arrival section of the airport, with the price depending on your destination. For instance, going to the city will cost a certain amount, while going to the beach area will be slightly more expensive.

The third option is to rely on public transport (buses), but tourists often avoid buses because they may not reach their exact destination, requiring an additional cab ride from the bus stop to their accommodation.

2. How should tourists go to good places to visit nearby?

Tourists can travel to nearby cities by taking express buses or the upgraded train services. For travel to Kuala Lumpur, a flight is also an option. However, cities closer than that do not have regional flights.

3. What's the most affordable way for tourists to get around the city?

The cheapest and the most convenient way to get around the city is to avail the e-hailing cabs.

4. Are there any travel passes or cards available for tourists to help save on transportation costs?

Unfortunately, there is no specific travel pass or card available for tourists that offers discounts on transportation. However, Georgetown offers a free bus service that goes around the town with various stops. Penang also has a hop-on hop-off bus service, but it is temporarily closed according to this website (https://www.myhoponhopoff.com/pg/) - you can for the latest updates when you plan your trip.

5. Can visitors rent a car easily, and do they need an international driving permit for Penang?

Yes, travelers can rent a car in Penang. Car rentals are available at the airport, and services like Hertz operate there. Renting a car can be chaotic and stressful due to the local driving conditions. Renting a scooter is also an option, but it requires showing your country’s driving license to the authorities. Safety, including wearing a helmet, is mandatory.

Foreigners usually don’t rent cars unless they plan to travel to nearby cities due to the hassle and risk involved. Travelers need to download a parking app and load it with money for parking payments as there are no parking attendants.

An international driving license is required, especially when renting a car.

1. What are some of the best local food to try in Penang?

Some must-try local foods in Penang include roti canai with chai tarik, a popular breakfast option featuring a type of flatbread served with various curries and a “pulled” tea. Mee goreng, a Malay dish of fried noodles, is another favorite. Char kway teow, fried flat noodles, is a staple dish in Penang and a must-try for visitors. Assam laksa, a spicy, savory, and sweet noodle soup, offers a distinctive flavor. Curry noodles and nasi kandar, an Indian Muslim dish consisting of rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes, are also highly recommended. Satay, skewered and grilled meat which can be chicken, beef, or pork, is another local favorite.

For snacks, travelers should try ban chien kuih, a Chinese sweet-filled pancake, and apam balik, a thick, fluffy pancake with various fillings. Peanut barley candy is a popular snack, and for dessert, cendol, a traditional treat made with shaved ice, coconut milk, and palm sugar served with green rice flour jelly, is a must-try.

2. What are some of the best food markets and popular restuarants in the city?

For trying local food, Kheng Pin Cafe is a favorite spot, especially for char kway teow. For coffee, Kedai Kopi Malabar, located about 200 meters from Kheng Pin, is recommended. They also serve nice wonton noodles.

3. Are there any convenience stores in the city to buy snacks and essentials?

Yes, there are many convenience stores in the city, including 7 Eleven, Happy Mart, Family Mart, and many others. Most of these stores run 24 hours, so finding snacks and essentials at any time is not a problem. During COVID-19, convenience stores were crucial for late-shift workers in the many 24-hour factories in the area, providing hot food, instant noodles, bread, buns, and other snacks.

4. Are vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free food easily available?

Vegan and vegetarian food is easily available in Penang, with a growing number of vegetarian coffee shops. However, gluten-free food is less common. For gluten-free customers, it may be challenging to find food prepared in a separate pan.

My food tour includes eating vegetarian curry noodles, making it easy for vegan and vegetarian tourists to find suitable options.

5. Can you drink tap water in Penang?

Tap water is not safe for drinking. It is suitable for washing hands or rinsing mouth. Tourists should stick to bottled water, such as Evian or other mineral water. If you want warm water, coffee shops can sell you hot water that has been filtered and boiled.

6. Are there any pet-friendly or kid-friendly restaurants in the city that you'd recommend?

In Penang, all restaurants are generally kid-friendly, as long as children are kept from being noisy or disturbing other diners. However, pet-friendly dining options are very limited. Pets are usually not allowed in regular restaurants; there are some places where you can dine with your pet but only a few.

7. Do you also have a favorite restaurant in general apart from the ones you recommended for local food?

Some favorite restaurants in Penang include Home Cafe, Canton-i, IPPUDO Ramen, Kanada-Ya Penang, and Dragon-i. Baba Nyonya dishes can be enjoyed at Baba Phang and Ivy’s Nyonya Cuisine. These restaurants are recommended for their taste, service, and convenient locations. Penang is known for being a melting pot of local cuisines, and these places reflect that diversity. Additionally, Penang has many food courts offering a wide variety of local foods.

8. Should tourists make reservations in advance for popular restaurants in Penang? If so, how can you typically book a table?

Yes, especially on weekends when many people dine out. During weekdays, you can usually walk in without a reservation. For restaurants located inside five-star hotels, it is best to book in advance. For example, if a hotel restaurant has a seafood buffet, you should call ahead to reserve a table. For normal restaurants not located in hotels, reservations are generally not necessary, but you might need to queue when you arrive. Most restaurants have seating outside where you can wait.

1. What healthcare facilities are available for tourists/foreigners in Penang?

Penang has international-standard medical facilities, promoted through the government’s medical tourism initiative. Gleneagles Hospital Penang is a notable example, with 80% of its patients coming from other countries, particularly Indonesia. They choose Penang for its superior facilities and lower costs. Penang has about six international hospitals that attract many foreigners, including those from Indonesia, Thailand, and China. Many expatriates also choose to live in Penang because of the high-quality medical facilities available.

2. Are simple painkillers and flu medicines available without a prescription?

In Penang, there are many pharmacies with pharmacists in attendance. You can describe your problem to the pharmacist, who will then prescribe and sell the appropriate medication. If you need to replenish a prescription from your home country, you will need to show the pharmacist your original prescription. Over-the-counter medicines are also easily available.

1. Should travelers consider getting a local SIM card? If so, would it be cheaper to grab one at the airport upon arrival or wait and buy one at a local shop in the city?

Yes, it is suggested for travelers to get a local SIM card. The airport has a section where you can buy SIM cards from various brands all in one place, making it convenient. Prices are more or less the same whether you buy at the airport or from a local shop. For short stays, a one-week SIM card is recommended. Additionally, SIM cards can also be purchased at shopping malls, which have dedicated floors for mobile telecommunication services.

2. Do most public areas, restaurants, and accommodations offer Wi-Fi access in Penang?

Wi-Fi is not widely available in public areas, but it is commonly available in restaurants and accommodations. However, many locals prefer to use their own SIM cards with abundant data rather than relying on public or restaurant Wi-Fi due to security concerns, as public Wi-Fi can be a risk for hacking.

1. Where can you usually find the best exchange rate in the city?

The best place to exchange currency for good rates is in Georgetown City, where roadside shops offer better rates due to lower rental costs. Although currency exchange centers are available at the airport and in shopping malls; the rates there are typically not as favorable because of higher rental expenses. One recommended spot is Kassim in Georgetown.

2. What works better for local transactions - cash or credit cards?

It is better to use credit cards in shopping malls. However, roadside vendors may not accept credit cards, so cash is necessary for those transactions. If you choose to pay with international currency like US dollars, the exchange rate may not be favorable.

1. Are there any medications or items travelers should avoid bringing into the country?

Drugs are strictly prohibited. Travelers can bring their own medication, especially if they have health challenges. However, it is advisable to bring only a supply sufficient for the duration of their stay in Penang or Malaysia. Refer to this link for an updated list of restricted items from Malaysia Airports: https://airports.malaysiaairports.com.my/passenger-guide/lags-restricted-items

2. What are some common scams tourists should be aware of in Penang?

Tourists should be aware of snatch thieves. However, Penang is considered much safer nowadays compared to about 10 years ago. In Georgetown city, there are more than 1,000 CCTV cameras, and a monitoring center alerts the police to any suspicious activities. There are no notable scams to be concerned about.

3. Is the city safe for solo and female travelers?

No, there is generally no need to buy transportation or activity passes in advance within Penang. For example, tickets for attractions such as Penang Hill can be purchased on-site, though there may be a short queue.

1. Are there any dress codes to follow when visiting religious sites or monuments in Penang?

For Muslim attractions, especially for ladies, proper attire is required, including a full-length dress and a scarf to cover the head. Some mosques, such as one in Georgetown, provide robes for visitors. Shirts with sleeves and skirts below the knee, pants, or jeans are acceptable. Sleeveless tops and short pants are not allowed.

For Chinese and Indian attractions, there are generally no strict dress codes. However, you may be required to remove your shoes and hat or cap when entering a temple.

2. What are some places that both tourists and locals love to visit?

Popular places in Penang that both tourists and locals love to visit include Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple (also known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss), Georgetown Heritage Area, the street arts area, the clan jetties, and Fort Cornwallis. Near the fort, there is also a very nice town hall.

3. What hidden gems in Penang do you recommend outside of the usual tourist spots?

The one and only Snake Temple in all of Malaysia is a unique attraction worth visiting. Additionally, the beaches in Batu Ferringhi, located in the north or northwest part of Penang Island, are lesser-known gems.

1. Where are the best places to find souvenirs in Penang?

Chowrasta Market, located in Georgetown along Penang Road, is a popular place to buy souvenirs and local goods. It is the oldest wet and dry market in Penang, built about 200 years ago. The market opens at 6:30am and closes around 12:30pm to 1:00pm. It is known for offering a variety of items, and it is supposed to be cheaper, though this may vary.

2. What are some unique or must-have souvenirs to buy in Penang?

Popular souvenirs for travelers include postcards, local t-shirts, and tote bags featuring local art. Local sweets and snacks are also recommended, such as dried mango, dried nutmeg, groundnuts, and Indian delicacies like murukku (savory snack made from rice flour and spices). Sachets of coffee, tea, and ginger are also quite popular.

3. Is bargaining common in the local markets? Any tips for tourists who want to try it?

In supermarkets, all prices are fixed, and bargaining is not common. However, at stalls in wet markets, dry markets, or night markets, you can bargain a little bit. For items like a bar of chocolate, discounts are usually not given but there may be offers such as “buy three, get one free.”

4. What are the best shopping malls or outlet malls in Penang for brand lovers?

In Penang, there are several shopping malls and markets to explore. For local products, Prangin Mall and First Avenue Mall are good options. For a more upmarket experience, Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon Mall offer a range of international brands. In the southern part of Penang Island, Queen’s Bay Mall is a large shopping center selling both local and international products. Another local mall worth visiting is Sunshine Parade.

1. What's the best time to travel to Penang weather-wise? Are there any seasons to avoid?

Penang has two types of weather: hot or rainy. The rainy season typically occurs towards the third quarter of the year, though climatic changes have made weather patterns less predictable. Generally, the temperature ranges from 33 to 37 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Penang is from October to February, when many activities are available, especially for those arriving on cruises.

It is generally better to avoid the rainy season as it can be messy and risky. The dry season is preferred for tourism. On hot days, it’s advisable to avoid direct sunlight by walking in sheltered areas or along the shade and to bring a water bottle.

1. Which neighborhoods in Penang have the best nightlife scene and events?

For nightlife or entertainment, I suggest the following neighborhoods: 1. Queens Waterfront 2. Straits Quay 3. Chulia Street, George Town

2. Which neighborhoods offer the best shopping spots in the city?

Best shopping opportunities: 1. Gurney Drive (shop at Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon) 2. Bayan Lepas (shop at Queensbay Mall) 3. City center (shop at 1st Avenue Mall, Prangin Mall, and Chowrasta Market)

3. Which neighborhoods have the best views or scenery? Can you recommend a beautiful place to stay with a view?

Best views & scenery: 1. Straits Quay, which is a seafront retail marina 2. Queens Waterfront, which has views of the Malacca Strait 3. Gurney Drive, which has views of the Malacca Strait

Accomodation with scenic view: 1. Ascott Gurney Penang on Gurney Drive 2. Penang Marriott Hotel overlooking Gurney Bay 3. Eastern & Oriental Hotel by the shores of the Malacca Strait 4. Maritime Suites on Karpal Singh Drive, which overlooks the Malacca Strait 5. G Hotel Gurney on Gurney Drive

4. Which neighborhoods offer the best food spots in Penang?

Neighborhoods which are foodie hotspots: 1. George Town city centre 2. Straits Quay 3. Queens Waterfront

5. What area would be the best place to stay for families, solo travelers, or couples?

All neighborhoods mentioned above are suitable.

6. Which neighbourhoods offer some of the cheapest place to stay?

George Town city centre is best for finding budget accommodations.

7. What's your favorite place to stay in Penang, and why do you recommend it?

My favorite accommodation in the city is Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) because it is strategically located in the heart of George Town city center, next to a fabulous seafront, lush greenery, a nice garden, and old colonial charm. It offers fantastic food and beverage options and is within walking distance of many tourist locations. It also provides easy access to local food stops, shopping, and colonial architecture, making George Town recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.