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Described in detail, illustrated with original photos!

Map of Localities in Penang



View Localities in Penang in a larger map


Hello and welcome to Penang Travel Tips!

I am Timothy Tye, aka Tim the Traveler. It's a great pleasure to welcome you into my world. As a travel author, travel business owner and former council member of the Penang Heritage Trust, I created Penang Travel Tips to showcase Penang in mersmerizing detail. You'd find here lots of useful information on Penang. Over the years, Penang Travel Tips has become an online source of information used by everybody, not just visitors but also locals, students, teachers, tour guides and even journalists.

Penang Travel Tips is a website, not a blog (I'm a web author, not a blogger. I am saying this here because many people cannot tell the difference). Penang Travel Tips is a spin-off from AsiaExplorers, which I started in 2003, and forms just a minute portion of my world travel guide. I am passionate about information, and am working to describe the whole world, one place at a time. Everything you read here is thoroughly researched and regularly revised and updated.

If you're a visitor to Penang, it's my great pleasure to bid you a very warm welcome. Though we may not meet in person, my website serves as a proxy in showing you around and giving you the distinctly Penang hospitality. Penang is a destination that many people love to bits (and I'm one of them, of course), and with this website, I want to show you why. At Penang Travel Tips, you can find information on just about anything related to Penang, from the tourist attractions, localities, streets and businesses to bus maps, beaches, history, heritage sites, street art, condominiums, skyscrapers, food, coffee shops, churches, mosques, temples, even the language.

Even if you're a resident in Penang, you will find lots of information that is useful to you. Looking for a bank, mechanic, dentist, handicraft shop, pharmacy, Chinese medical hall? There's over a hundred different businesses in Penang listed, each neighbourhood and street has its own list of business. Looking to fill your stomach with good Penang food? You'd find here a directory of coffee shops. Where to get laksa, nasi kandar, char koay teow, Hokkien mee, mee goreng, wantan mee? Every Penang hawker food is pinpointed on Google Maps showing exact locations where they're sold. If you love shopping, there's information on shopping malls, bazaars, stores, shops, outlets, etc.

If you're simply curious about Penang, there's more than enough information to turn you into an expert. There's indepth detail on the history of Penang, on Francis Light, on the British in Penang, on the history of the Chinese, of Kedah's hisotry with Penang, and so on. As you walk the streets of George Town, you may be keen to look up information on the architecture of Penang, the various styles, from mosques and temples to godowns and five-foot ways.Indeed, for anything and everything about Penang, there's Penang Travel Tips!

If you're driving to Penang, there's a guide for driving and parking as well as tips on where to find petrol stations, traffic-jam prone spots, even clamping zones. If you're coming to live in Penang as an expatriate or permanent resident, get details on where to stay, nearest markets, schools, night markets, hospitals, and so on. Looking for an apartment? There's hundreds of apartments and condominiums listed on this website, along with useful tips to make sure you find the best property.




Why Penang Travel Tips?


Why do I write Penang Travel Tips? As mentioned, it's part of my description of the whole world, but more than that, it's a reflection of the overflowing of curiosity I have for things around me, and the quest to completely understand the world results in this free sharing of information that I have uncovered, about Penang and everywhere else. I'm so curious of stuff - I'm the bear who wants to know what's on the other side of the mountain. For Penang alone, I've assembled so much information that if you just read it, you won't need a Penang guidebook.

Writing Penang Travel Tips require checking out places, taking photographs, understanding local history and culture, talking to people, reading the news, updating existing pages and so on. To many, what I do may look like a lot of hard work, and it probably is, but as I approach it with much passion, I don't really think of it as work at all. I am a prolific writer, I know I am, but even then, 24 hours a day is not enough for one person to describe the whole world, so my websites is forever a work in progress.

I am happy to be able to state here that I receive no grants or sponsorship from anybody to maintain Penang Travel Tips (never applied for, don't intend to) and all my other sites. And no plans to so I do not have to answer to any "body" that will exert its influence on what I write and how I choose to write it. The opinion expressed on this website is my personal views. I am however thankful for all the encouragement that you readers have given me, the emails I received from you, I do appreciate all the emails you write to me and I look forward to receiving them all.









My friend Pearly has just come up with her own cookbook, A Nyonya Inheritance. 35 Nyonya authentic recipes appreciated by many Westerners. You can now learn from our own Penang Nyonya with her first cookbook, put together after six years of teaching local cooking to overseas guests. Also, if you wish to learn cooking from Pearly, you can get more details right here.

You can purchase A Nyonya Inheritance by clicking this link. If you are keen to try good Nyonya food, you can also find out how you can dine with Pearly.







If you need your municipal councillor to fix a broken pipe or mend a road, get the municipal councillor's contact here. If you are staying on mainland Penang and working in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, find out how you can save money by taking the free Bridge Express Shuttle Transit (BEST) buses provided by the Penang State Government.

If you're a budget traveller, Penang Travel Tips is a treasure trove of details to help you stretch your dollar. Find out how to visit Penang on just US$18 per day, inclusive meals, lodging and sightseeing. Find out about all the free bus routes.

If you enjoy Penang Travel Tips, visit also my website on Malaysia, Asia, and the Whole Wide World!






Let me show you Penang in person!

I generally maintain a very low profile. (Having said that, I believe most people in the tourism circle in Penang know me.) People in Penang will often see me in the streets, but in general, I seldom meet up with people. In addition to this website, there are two occasions where you can meet me in person for me to share what I know about Penang with you. The first is at a Penang Heritage Trust Site Visit. These site visits, held about once every month or so, offer a glimpse into historical places in Penang, many of which are usually not open to the general public. I have been helping in organizing these site visits since 2006, and even now, as an ordinary member, I continue to provide input on this. If you are interested to visit such places, contact PHT at 04 264 2631, and tell them you want to become a member and join the site visits with me.

The second opportunity to meet up with me is through a "Continuing Tourism Related Education" (CTRE) session, usually conducted by Sentral College (contact Joanna: 04 2299168) or the Penang Tourist Guide Association (PTGA), . Although these are meant to educate tour guide, I believe they are open to accept the paying general public if you are interested in the topics. A CTRE is a 3-hour session. I often conduct one on something related to Penang.

If you want the most indepth, intimate insight into Penang, let me show it to you myself. All you need to do is sign up for a Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) Site Visit (contact Miss Koay, 04 261 4461).

Preparing Money for your trip to Malaysia

The currency used in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). For more details, take a look at the Malaysian Ringgit currency notes.



New FREE Shuttle Buses between mainland and the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone

Sightseeing Penang by Bus

Penang Hill Funicular Train



Where to stay in Penang? You have at your disposal the whole gamut, from the most luxurious palaces of pampering to the most basic bed-and-nothing. Let me describe the hotels, the hostels, the guesthouses, all the places where accommodation is provided.






Why pay travel agent prices

Top value Travel insurance

www.travelinsurancedirect.co.nz


What's there to see in Penang? Borrowing a line from Shrek, let me tell you this: "Penang is like an onion." It won't reveal its secrets till you peel it, layer by layer. Then and only then, you'd discover the charming, magical destination that so many people are raving about. At Penang Travel Tips, so that you shed no tears, I peel the onion for you.

Places of worship? There's plenty here, in Penang and streets, with more being added from time to time.




Click to explore George Town, Unesco World Heritage Site









If you are visiting Penang with a special interest, you've reach the right site. If you're into photography, learn where are the scenic spots in Penang, get my tips on where to go. Find out when's the best time to visit Penang. Find out about all the colourful festivals in Penang and when they take place.

If you're into history, you can dive right in and learn Penang's history, from the earliest chronicles, to present day. Find the Cherok Tokun relics, the Sam Poh footprint, the oldest mosque in Penang, the oldest Hindu temple, learn how George Town grew, see Penang from your mind's eye how it looks like two hundred years ago.


Languages Spoken in Penang

Would you have trouble communicating with the people in Penang? I don't think so, as most people speak English, albeit often localized into Manglish. But you can also learn to speak Penang Hokkien, the predominant dialect used here. It's easy to learn, and a simple grammar and syntext.

If you need someone to show you, write to me, and I can help arrange for a licensed tour guide to take you. As a member of the Penang Tourist Guide Association, I can get you guides according to what you want, heritage specialist guides, nature and ecology specialist guides, food specialists guides, etc.


What to eat in Penang

Ah, when you're in Penang, you're in Malaysia's gastronomic paradise. If you are Malaysian, you would know that Penang is a famous local destination for food, and plenty has been written by hordes of Penangites about their local fare.

Penang people are very proud of their food. If you have no time to spare, never argue with a Penangite on food - he will always say Penang food is best (even when sometimes it isn't). If you are visiting Penang friends, be sure to compliment the food - Penang people can never get enough of hearing how nice their food taste! Everyone has his own favourite stalls, and I'm no exception to this.

If you do not like the food in Penang, keep your mouth shut, or say something like "Ah, the taste is very, very interesting, and so different from back home!" It's better to be insincere than to be tossed off the Penang Bridge!


Penang Local Fare

Oh, and speaking of food, if you love food, you're in for a treat! Penang is famous for you. Learn how Penang Food looks like (fyi, Hokkien Mee in Penang is different from Hokkien Mee in Kuala Lumpur!) Get my recommendation of where to go for my favourite hawker food. Find coffee shops. And if you feel like bringing home the recipe, no problem, the recipes are already waiting for you right here! Learn about the ingredients, the spices, the herbs, learn the history of the food!


Coming to work in Penang

Coming to live and work in Penang? Welcome to the Land of Expensive Real Estate! Penang has one of the highest property prices in the country. To make your journey a little less bumpy, let me help you get to know every neighbourhood in Penang. Find out where you should buy or rent. Which is closest to your office?

Some neighbourhoods may appear inexpensive until you factor it the travel time and traffic jams. Learn before you leap! Looking for an apartment? You'd find here a long list, from the filthily opulent to the no-frills bare minimum. Find out where it's located, where's the nearest market, school, petrol station, how close it is to the city centre (find out where's Magazine Circus, a place that's now neither a circus nor a roundabout).




Retiring in Penang

Coming to retire in Penang? Let me tell you about Malaysia My Second Home program. Let me introduce to you places where expatriates hang out, organisations that you can join.

And the daily necessities? Don't worry, I list out the location of the banks, the markets, even the 7-Elevens and the McDonald's.

Learn Penang Hokkien

If you're really hardcore to fit right in, here's something else at Penang Travel Tips that's fun and is sure to impress everybody: learn to speak Penang Hokkien! Learn the useful phrases, learn to count, learn to ask for directions, learn to bargain! Speak to seller on the streets, in the market, at the bus stop. They will be so impressed, and so will your friends!

If you're simply reading this website for fun, then you'd find lots of fun facts. Learn the history of all the roads in George Town! Find out how they got their names. Learn about places that are disappearing, like the Canals of George Town, obscure clan houses. Learn who are the famous people in Penang.






Having learned about everything and everybody related to Penang, you can also learn about me. I am many things including, a Council Member of Penang Heritage Trust and a member of the Penang Tourist Guide Association. But above all that, I am a travel enthusiast, I am passionate about Penang as well as all the destinations in the world.

Thank you once again for visiting Penang Travel Tips, and be sure to visit my other websites, as listed in www.timothytye.com. Have a great day ahead.


  1. Penang Bus Routes
  2. Call a Penang Taxi
  3. ESCAPE Theme Park
  4. Hospitals in Penang
  5. Shopping Malls
  6. Food Directory
  7. Street Art

Preparing for Penang

Download this PDF of the main must-do sights in Penang. Print it out and bring it on your trip!



Things to know before you start your journey.
  1. Planning Your Vacation to Penang as an Independent Traveller
  2. Entry Requirements to Malaysia
  3. Customs Prohibited Items (Do not bring to Penang!)
  4. Do You Need a Vaccination for Visiting Penang

Introducing Penang

Some background details before you arrive.
  1. About Penang
  2. Greater Penang / Penang Megalopolis Area
  3. Geography of Penang
  4. Weather of Penang
  5. Consulates in Penang
  6. Constitution of Malaysia

Getting In

Whether you are arriving by plane, train or automobile, you can find useful details here:
  1. Penang Visitor FAQ
  2. Arriving in Penang by Plane
  3. Penang International Airport
  4. Arrange your Airport Transfer
  5. Arrange a van to pick you at the Penang Airport
  6. Arriving in Penang by Car
  7. Driving from mainland to George Town
  8. Taking the Bus from Penang Airport
  9. Arriving in Penang by Bus
  10. Sungai Nibong Express Bus Terminal
  11. Arriving in Penang by Ferry
  12. Arriving in Penang by Cruise Ship
  13. Arriving in Penang by Train

Taking the Bus in Penang

  1. Rapid Penang Bus Routes
    Full details on which bus to take, where it goes, etc.
  2. CAT (Free City Area Transit Bus)
  3. Rapid Penang Terminals
  4. Weld Quay Bus Terminal (Jetty)
  5. Komtar Bus Terminal
  6. Balik Pulau Bus Terminal
  7. Teluk Bahang Bus Terminal

Other Public Transport in Penang

  1. Taking the taxi
  2. Renting a car
  3. Penang Hill Funicular Train

Driving in Penang

  1. Streets of George Town
  2. Roads in Penang
  3. Expressways of Penang
  4. Petrol Stations on Penang Island
  5. Car Parks in George Town
  6. Penang Road Transport Department
  7. Getting a Driving Licence in Penang
  8. Driving Instructors & Driving Schools in Penang
  9. Traffic Jam Prone Spots on Penang Island
  10. Parking in George Town
  11. Clamping Zones in George Town

Exploring Penang

Tips for discovering Penang on your own.
  1. Exploring Penang without a tour guide
  2. Exploring Penang with a personal tour guide
  3. Free George Town Walking Tours
  4. Tour Around Penang Island
  5. Best of Penang in Two Days
  6. Exploring George Town at night

Finding Accommodation in Penang

  1. About Penang Hotel
  2. Hotels in Penang
  3. Hotels in Penang with Online Booking
  4. Budget Accommodation in Penang
  5. Hostels in Penang
  6. Penang Budget Hotel Review
  7. Homestays in Penang

Hotels in Penang

  1. 23 Love Lane
  2. An-Nur AnCasa
  3. B Hotel Penang
  4. Banana Boutique Hotel
  5. Batu Ferringhi Homestay
  6. Bayview Beach Resort Penang
  7. Bayview Hotel Georgetown
  8. Bellevue Penang Hill Hotel
  9. Campbell House
  10. Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
  11. Chulia D'Motel
  12. Chulia Heritage Hotel
  13. Chymes Penang
  14. Cititel
  15. Copthorne Orchid Hotel
  16. Crown Jewel Hotel
  17. D Ferringhi Hotel and Restaurant
  18. Detamy Homestay
  19. Eastern & Oriental Hotel
  20. Eastin Hotel
  21. EQ Ferringhi Hotel
  22. Evergreen Laurel Hotel
  23. Ferringhi Heritage Budget Hotel
  24. Ferringhi Inn & Cafe
  25. Ferringhi Inn by the Beach
  26. Flamingo By the Beach Hotel
  27. G Hotel
  28. Garden Inn
  29. Georgetown Hotel
  30. Georgetown City Hotel
  31. GoodHope Hotel Kelawei Penang
  32. Grand Paradise Hotel
  33. Gurney Park
  34. Gurney Paragon
  35. Gurney Resort Hotel
  36. Hard Rock Hotel
  37. Holiday Homestay Penang
  38. Holiday Inn Penang
  39. Hotel Central
  40. Hotel Equatorial Penang
  41. Hotel Grand Continental
  42. Hotel Mingood
  43. Hotel Penaga
  44. Hotel Royal Penang
  45. Hotel Sentral Georgetown
  46. Hotel Seri Malaysia
  47. Hotel Waterfall
  48. Hutton Lodge
  49. Hydro Hotel Penang
  50. Jerejak Rainforest Resort
  51. Love Lane Inn
  52. Menzan Guest House at Sri Sayang
  53. Merchant Hotel
  54. Muntri Guest Inn
  55. Muntri Mews
  56. Naza Talyya Penang
  57. New Asia Heritage Hotel
  58. Noordin Mews
  59. Northam All Suite Hotel
  60. Old Budget Hotel
  61. Old Penang Hotel
  62. Parkroyal Penang
  63. Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
  64. Red Inn Penang
  65. Reggae Penang Love Lane
  66. Sattcle Heritage House Apartments
  67. Seaview Agency at Sri Sayang
  68. Sri Sayang Resort
  69. Sunway Hotel
  70. Tanjung Bungah Beach Hotel
  71. Tanjung Tokong Homestay
  72. TM Resort Tanjung Bungah
  73. Traders Hotel
  74. Tune Hotel
  75. USM Guest House
  76. Victoria Inn Penang
  77. Villa @ Batu Ferringhi
  78. Vistana Hotel
  79. YC's Bungalow Batu Ferringhi
  80. Yeng Keng Hotel
  81. Yes Hotel
  82. YMCA

What to See in Penang

You can spend a month year and not cover all the sights. On the other hand, if you're only going to be in Penang for a day, there are a few sights you wouldn't want to miss.
  1. Penang Top 10 Attractions
  2. Penang Tourist Attractions by Category
  3. List of 2006 Penang Sights
  4. Recommended Scenic Sights in Penang

Places in Penang

There's so much to discover. To help you make sense of everything, I've listed them by various categories.
  1. Localities on Penang Island
  2. Villages on Penang Island
  3. Penang Beaches
  4. Penang Churches
  5. Penang Buddhist Temples
  6. Penang Chinese Temples
  7. Penang Clan Temples
  8. Penang Clan Associations
  9. Penang Tua Pek Kong Temples
  10. Clan Jetties
  11. Penang Heritage Sites
  12. Penang Hindu Temples
  13. Streets of Penang
  14. Roundabouts in Penang
  15. Islands Around Penang
  16. Penang Monuments
  17. Penang Mosques
  18. Penang Cemeteries
  19. Penang Nature Sites
  20. City Parks
  21. Modern Buildings in Penang
  22. Skyscrapers in Penang
  23. Bridges in Penang
  24. Rivers in Penang

Get to know George Town

It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less, but what's there to see here? Get intimate with George Town, the capital of Penang.
  1. The City of George Town
  2. George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site

Shopping in Penang

You can shop till you drop - from the goods and from the heat.
  1. Shopping Malls in Penang
  2. Wet Markets in Penang
  3. Night Markets in Penang
  4. Shopping for Local Titbits
  5. Shopping for Handicrafts
  6. Shopping for Antiques
  7. Bazaars in Penang
  8. Flea Markets in Penang
  9. Unique Businesses

Businesses in Penang

What to buy where? Here's a wide selection of what's where in Penang.
  1. 7-Elevens
  2. Accounting Firms
  3. Air Conditioners & Refrigerators
  4. Alternative Medicine Centres
  5. Anakku Stores of Baby Products
  6. Antiques
  7. Art Centres
  8. Art Galleries
  9. Associations
  10. Auto Repairs and Mechanics
  11. Baby & Infant Products
  12. Bakeries
  13. Baking Equipment and Supplies
  14. Banks
  15. Barbers
  16. Baskin Robbins
  17. Bathroom Fixtures
  18. Batik
  19. Bee Cheng Hiang
  20. Bookstores
  21. Brassware
  22. Bridal Houses
  23. Cameras
  24. Car Air-Conditioners
  25. Car Accessories
  26. Car Parks
  27. Car Showrooms
  28. Car Wash
  29. Carpets
  30. Children's Education & Learning
  31. Chinese Medical Halls
  32. Chinese Prayer Items
  33. Chiropractors
  34. Clinics
  35. Computer Hardware Stores
  36. Confinement Centres & Postnatal Care
  37. Curtains
  38. Dance Studios
  39. Dental Clinics
  40. Design & Creative Agencies
  41. Developers
  42. DiGi Stores
  43. El Mundo Italian Restaurants
  44. Electrical Appliances Shops
  45. Employment & Recruitment Agencies
  46. Engineering Solutions
  47. Eu Yan Sang outlets
  48. Event Management
  49. Express Bus Companies
  50. Exterminators
  51. Fashion Accessories
  52. Financial Institutions
  53. Flooring
  54. Florists
  55. Flyer Distributors
  56. Frame Makers
  57. Freight Forwarders
  58. Furniture Shops
  59. Georgetown Pharmacy outlets
  60. Guardian Pharmacy outlets
  61. Gyms and Fitness Centres
  62. Hair Dressing Salons & Academies
  63. Handicrafts and Novelty Shops
  64. Happy Mart Convenience Stores
  65. Hardware Stores
  66. Heavy Machineries
  67. Home Furnishing
  68. Industrial Equipment
  69. Insurance Companies
  70. Internet Cafes
  71. Interior Decorators
  72. Iron Works & Foundries
  73. IT Solutions
  74. Jewellers and Goldsmiths
  75. KFC Restaurants
  76. Kitchens
  77. Kitchen Appliances & Utensils
  78. Laundry Services and Laundrettes
  79. Lawyer Firms
  80. Lighting Stores
  81. Liquor Dealers
  82. Locksmiths
  83. Luggage Bag Repair
  84. Maids & Foreign Workers Agencies
  85. Massage & Reflexology Centres
  86. Massage by the Blind
  87. Maxis Customer Centres
  88. McDonald's Restaurants
  89. Medical Labs
  90. Medical Specialists
  91. Medicated Tea Stalls
  92. Mini Markets
  93. Mobile Phones
  94. Money Changers
  95. Motorcycle Dealers
  96. Motorcycle Repair
  97. Multimedia Companies
  98. Music Schools
  99. Musical Instruments
  100. Newsagents
  101. Nurseries, Child-Care Centres and Kindergartens
  102. Nursing & Senior Citizen Homes
  103. Nutritional & Wellness Products
  104. Old Town White Coffee Outlets
  105. Opticians and Optometrists
  106. Organic Food
  107. Pawn Shops
  108. Pelita Nasi Kandar Restaurants
  109. Pet Shops and Aquariums
  110. Pharmacies and Dispensaries
  111. Photo Studios
  112. Pizza Hut Restaurants
  113. Plumbers
  114. Plastic Surgery
  115. Post Offices
  116. Printing & Photostating
  117. Public Toilets
  118. Rattan and Wicker Shops
  119. Real Estate Agencies
  120. Restaurant Chains
  121. Roof Repairs
  122. Scrap Metal Traders
  123. Secret Recipe Restaurants
  124. Shoes
  125. Shops selling Travellers Knickknacks
  126. Singer Household Appliance Stores
  127. Skin Specialist Clinics
  128. Skincare Centres and Beauty Parlours
  129. Slimming Specialists
  130. Spas
  131. Specialty Shops
  132. Sports Goods
  133. Starbucks Coffee
  134. Stock Brokers
  135. Subway Restaurants
  136. Sushi King Restaurants
  137. Tailors
  138. Tea
  139. Textile
  140. Tiles
  141. Titbits
  142. TM Point outlets
  143. Toys
  144. Travel Agencies
  145. Tuition Centres
  146. Tutti Frutti Outlets
  147. Tyres
  148. Undertakers and Funeral Parlours
  149. Unique Businesses
  150. US Pizza
  151. Used Car Dealers
  152. Veterinary Clinics
  153. Watsons Outlets
  154. Web Design Companies
  155. Wholesalers and Importers

Things to buy in Penang

What souvenir is appropriate when you visit Penang? Penang is famous for its snacks, most of which are available from the stalls at Chowrasta Market.
  1. Nutmeg
  2. Tau Sah Pneah
  3. Batik
  4. Pewter
Malaysian handicrafts such as Labu Sayong or Songket, these are not immediately available in Penang, and would be more costly and limited in choice, than to go straight to the source. For more details, read exploring Malaysia.

Eating, Penang Style

  1. An Introduction to Penang Hawker Food
  2. Where to find good hawker food in Penang
  3. List of Coffee Shops in Penang
  4. List of Restaurants in Penang
  5. List of Vegetarian Restaurants in Penang
  6. List of Seafood Restaurants in Penang
  7. List of Best Hawker Food in Penang
  8. List of Restaurant Chains in Penang
  9. Tim's Favourite Penang Food

Good Penang Food

  1. List of Penang Hawker Food
  2. List of Penang Nyonya Dishes
  3. List of Penang Nyonya Kuih
  4. List of Penang Nyonya Sweet Broths
  5. List of Penang Nyonya Chinese New Year Cookies
  6. List of Ingredients for Penang Nyonya Cooking

Penang Durians

  1. Penang Durians
  2. Penang Durian Farms
  3. 2009 Durian Feast
  4. Bao Sheng Durian Farm

Upcoming Infrastructure in Penang

  1. Second Penang Bridge
  2. Proposed Penang Channel Tunnel

Festivals in Penang

Penang is one of the most colourful places in Penang, in terms of its wealth of culture. Due to its racial mix, there is always a festival happening around the corner. Listed below are the Festivals of Malaysia celebrated in Penang.
  1. When to come to Penang
  2. Awal Muharram
  3. Chap Goh Meh
  4. Cheng Beng
  5. Chinese New Year
  6. Chong Yang Festival
  7. Christmas
  8. Deepavali
  9. Dragon Boat Festival
  10. Easter
  11. Good Friday
  12. Hari Raya Puasa
  13. Hari Raya Haji
  14. Hungry Ghost Festival
  15. Jade Emperor's Birthday
  16. Loy Krathong
  17. Maulidur Rasul
  18. Moon Cake Festival
  19. Nine Emperor Gods Festival
  20. Ponggal
  21. Songkran
  22. Thaipusam
  23. Vasakhi
  24. Wesak Day
  25. Winter Solstice Festival

Coming to Live in Penang

If you are planning to live in Penang, the first thing to know is this: rentals are low, prices are high. In other words, you can get very good places to stay at quite reasonable rentals. That's because there are more properties for rent than there are takers. However, if you are looking to buy, be prepared to pay some of the highest property prices in the country.
  1. Buying/Renting in Penang
  2. Where to stay in Penang
  3. Condominiums in Penang
  4. Neighbourhoods of Penang
  5. Housing Estates of Penang
  6. Places in Seberang Perai
  7. Malaysia My Second Home Program

Purchasing Properties in Penang

Among the states of Malaysia, property prices in Penang are in a class of its own. Prices per square foot on Penang Island is about the same as in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, and substantially above other states in the country. Read the following guides before you make any buying decisions.
  1. Residential Property Guide
  2. Commercial Property Guide

Suburbs and Townships of Penang Island

  1. Neighbourhoods of Penang
  2. George Town - capital
  3. Air Itam
  4. Balik Pulau
  5. Batu Ferringhi
  6. Batu Maung
  7. Bayan Baru
  8. Bayan Lepas
  9. Bukit Jambul
  10. Gelugor
  11. Gertak Sanggul
  12. Jelutong
  13. Paya Terubong
  14. Pulau Tikus
  15. Tanjong Tokong
  16. Tanjung Bungah
  17. Teluk Bahang
  18. Teluk Kumbar

Suburbs and Townships of Seberang Perai

  1. Places in Seberang Perai
  2. Bagan Ajam
  3. Bukit Mertajam
  4. Butterworth
  5. Kepala Batas
  6. Nibong Tebal
  7. Perai
  8. Permatang Pauh
  9. Seberang Jaya
  10. Simpang Ampat

Practical Conveniences for living in Penang

  1. Using the phone
  2. Markets in Penang
  3. Public Toilets in Penang
  4. Books on Penang
  5. Sports and Country Clubs in Penang
  6. Organisations in Penang
  7. Language Societies in Penang

Health Care in Penang

  1. Hospitals in Penang
  2. Public Health Clinics in Penang
  3. Clinics in Penang
  4. Dentists and Dental Clinics
  5. Opticians, Optometrists & Optical Centres

Education in Penang

  1. Schools in Penang
  2. International Schools in Penang
  3. Universities in Penang
  4. Private Colleges in Penang

Vital Contacts in Penang

  1. Useful phone numbers in Penang
  2. Transportation Contacts
  3. Public Services departments
  4. Social Services
  5. Aid Organisations
  6. Police Contact Information
  7. Pasukan Keselamatan Sukarela Pulau Pinang (PKSPP)
  8. Fire Stations in Penang
  9. Penang Municipal Councillors
  10. DAP Service Centres on Penang Island

Activities in Penang

Do not know what to do during your spare time? In Penang, there's lots of opportunity for recreation. The following is just a sample of activities that you can join while you're here!
  1. Ballroom Dancing
  2. Cycling
  3. Dragon Boat Rowing
  4. Golfing
  5. Hiking
  6. Horseback Riding
  7. Karate & Judo
  8. Line Dancing
  9. Photography Clubs
  10. Swimming Pools
  11. Spas in Penang

Penang in Art

Depiction of life in Penang in art.
  1. George Town Steel Rod Sculptures
  2. Dioramas of the Scenes of Life in Penang

Performing Arts of Penang

Penang is proud to be the cradle of two homegrown performing arts, Boria and Chingay. Chingay in particular is still kept very much alive with an annual tournament participated by Chingay troupes throughout Penang and neighbouring states.
  1. Chingay
  2. Boria
  3. Sbaek Thom

Culture of Penang

  1. Are you a Penang Baba Nyonya?
  2. Uncovering the history of the Peranakan
  3. Cultural Celebrations of Penang
  4. Arrivals of the Chinese in the Malay peninsula

History of Penang

Here's a list of articles I have written to describe various aspects of the history of Penang.
  1. History of Penang
  2. Chronological History of Penang
  3. Biography of Captain Francis Light
  4. Historical Plan to Relocate George Town
  5. Governors of the Straits Settlements
  6. British Colonial History and its Impact on Penang
  7. Dutch Colonial History and its Impact on Penang
  8. French Colonial History and its Impact on Penang
  9. Portuguese Age of Discovery and Penang
  10. History of Kedah Involving Penang
  11. 1850: When Indians Outnumbered Chinese in George Town
  12. Admiral Zheng He and Penang
  13. History of the Catholics in Penang
  14. History of Hokkien Language in Penang
  15. History of the Hakka in Penang
  16. Penang and the History of the Kalinga Kingdom and Chola Dynasty
  17. When Trams ran in Penang

Architecture of Penang

The city of George Town provides a rich ensemble of period shophouses, unmatched anywhere in the region.
  1. Architectural Styles in George Town
  2. Art Deco Architecture
  3. Anglo-Indian Architecture
  4. Arts & Crafts Architecture
  5. Brutalist Architecture
  6. Early-Mid 19th Century Architecture
  7. Five-Foot Ways
  8. Godowns
  9. Indo-Malay Architecture
  10. Modern Architecture
  11. Straits Eclectic Architecture

People of Penang, past and present

Although it is one of the smallest states in Malaysia, Penang has one of the most colourful history, due in part to the open-door policy of Captain Francis Light, who invited peoples from all over to come over, settle and prosper:
  1. People of Penang
  2. Identity of the Penang Chinese People
  3. Famous People of Penang
  4. Penang Hokkien People
  5. Penang Cantonese People
  6. Penang Hakka People
  7. Penang Teochew People
  8. Malays of Penang
  9. Acheenese of Penang
  10. Tamils of Penang
  11. Punjabis of Penang
  12. Eurasians of Penang

Languages Spoken in Penang

  1. Bahasa Malaysia
  2. Malaysian English
  3. Penang Hokkien
  4. Mandarin

Fitting in

  1. Local Terminology used in Penang
  2. Learn Penang Hokkien

Living & Working in Penang

Coming to live in Penang? Whether you're from a different state or a different country, there's information here to help you, whether you want to register a company, get workers, find work, or hire a maid for your house.
  1. Registering a Company in Penang
  2. Recruitment Agencies in Penang
  3. Employing a Maid in Penang
  4. Maid Employment Agencies in Penang

Penang Travel Tips in Other Languages

Since I set up this website, I am pleased that enthusiasts have helped me translate some of their favourite pages into their own language. Please find below:
  1. Penang Travel Tips Articles in Tamil
  2. Door Gods of Chinese Temples (Mandarin)

Issues related to Penang

  1. How do we grow as Penang heritage enthusiasts
  2. How to interpret historical events

Updates

  1. Updates in Penang Travel Tips
  2. Penang Travel Tips Sitemap

Recommendations

  1. Malaysia Travel Insurance
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Buy, extend & claim online PLUS get free travel blogs. Recommended by Lonely Planet!

Note about Photographs

If you need to use any of the copyrighted photographs in this website, always always write and ask for my permission and be prepared to pay a very small fee. If you don't do that, and I happen to find out, it will be costly for you.


Thanks for visiting Penang Travel Tips!

Penang Travel Tips
Penang Travel Tips (28 January 2006)
© Timothy Tye using this photo

I keepget ting calls
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Hello and thanks for visiting! I'm Timothy Tye, aka Tim the Traveler! Penang Travel Tips is one of some seventy websites I've written to describe the whole world. I created it to tell you about Penang. In this website you can find everything you'd want to know, from essential arrival information to bus routes, tourist attractions, places of worship, businesses, residential properties, street history, street art, famous food, Nyonya culture, history and even learn Penang Hokkien!



  1. Please follow me in Penang Street Art and Penang Travel Tips. If you enjoy local cooking, follow Masa Masak!
  2. Rapid Penang Bus Routes: This very useful page provides you all the information to take the public bus to visit any place in Penang.
  3. Arriving by plane: Essential information for independent travelers (those not following a tour package) on taking the bus or taxi upon arrival at Penang International Airport.
  4. Taking the Taxi: Taxi stands can be found at all major shopping malls. You can also call a taxi by phone. Get the details here.
  5. Personal Guided Tours of Penang: If you like a licensed tour guide to show you around, get in touch with me and I'll arrange it for you. The fee is RM90 per hour. Payment for the first two hours collected upon booking.
  6. Hospitals in Penang: Penang is a major regional medical tourism destination. If you are planning to come here for therapy or treatment, find out about the various hospitals available.
  7. Penang Island Residential Property Guide: If you ever consider buying a residential property on Penang Island, read this guide before taking any action.
  8. Penang Visitor FAQ: Frequently asked questions of visitors planning their trip to Penang.
  9. Shopping malls of Penang: Penang has plenty of malls. Visitors often find that prices in Penang are often lower than back home. Get to know the malls in Penang.
  10. Ernest Zacharevic George Town Murals: The murals by a young Lithuanian artist, created for the 2012 George Town Festivals, has become the biggest tourist attraction in Penang. Get information and a full list of the murals that everybody loves to photograph!
  11. My World Travel Guides: List of all the countries I have described.
  1. Auditor General's Report on the performance of the Penang State Government
  2. Plight of the working class in Penang
  3. Do not forget the working class in Penang
  4. Concerned over opposition to Undersea Tunnel and Expressways











Penang Personal Guided Tour