Public Toilets in Penang

Public Toilets in Penang have come a long way and has improved considerably in recent years. Most of the hypermarkets and malls do not charge for the use of their public toilets. They include all Tesco outlets, all Giant outlets, all Sunshine outlets, Carrefour, Island Plaza, Gurney Plaza, Queensbay Mall, Straits Quay, 1st Avenue, Gama, Penang Plaza, and Penang Times Square.

Expect to pay entrance fee for use of the toilets at Bukit Jambul Complex, Prangin Mall and Komtar (Isn't it ironic that the more upscale shopping malls do not charge while the lower-end malls do? And more often than not, the free toilets are cleaner and more hygienic than those that charge)

Apart from the public toilets you can find in shopping malls, there are also those built by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) located in various parts of Penang Island, particularly George Town. On this page I am listed out the public toilets that I have come across, and will add to this list as I discover them. Most of these public toilets do charge 20 sen for their use, so keep spare change ready.

Foreigners' Guide to Toilets in Penang

Most public toilets in Penang do not offer toilet paper. You will find a water hose which serves as a bidet. This is how many Malaysians cleanse themselves after bowel movement. One rather unpleasant observation I made is that a lot of people do not know how to properly use the water hose, causing the floor of the cubicle to be very wet for the next user.

Many of the toilets at Penang shopping malls do offer toilet paper nowadays, but not within the toilet cubicle. You take an ample supply toilet paper from the roll dispenser located at the common area of the toilet before proceeding to the cubicle.

I personally prefer to have the toilet paper in this common area than within the cubicle itself, as I do not relish having to touch toilet paper dispensers that have been handled by people who have just "completed their business". This method, in my opinion, is more hygienic.

Most of the upscale shopping malls in Penang do not charge for the use of their toilets, while the "cheaper" malls do charge 20 sen, the same as public toilets (which is really ironic, considering these are "public" toilets).

Map of Public Toilets on Penang Island

Esplanade Public Toilet (GPS: 5.42048, 100.34313)
The public toilet is located between Padang Kota Lama and Fort Cornwallis. Look for the giant "man" and "woman" icon outside the toilet.


Padang Brown Public Toilet (GPS: 5.42048, 100.34313)
At time of writing (Dec 2012), Padang Brown is undergoing extensive renovation. The public toilet is located next to the Padang Brown Hawker Centre.

Padang Brown Public Toilet (16 December 2012)


Komtar Walk Public Toilet (GPS: 5.42048, 100.34313)
The public toilet is located behind the Penang Teochew Cendol outlet, near the foot of the Penang Road Pedestrian Crossing.

Gurney Drive Public Toilet (GPS: 5.42048, 100.34313)
This public toilet is located within the Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, near the Gurney Drive Roundabout.

Hill Side Public Toilet (GPS: 5.42048, 100.34313)
This is the toilet for people going to Medan Selera Mutiara Food Court.

Hill Side Public Toilet (16 December 2012)


City Stadium Public Toilet (GPS: 5.42048, 100.34313)
This toilet is used by people going to the City Stadium as well as the nearby Malay hawker centre.

City Stadium Public Toilet (10 November 2013)