Getting There:
By Air: Penang is served by the Penang International Airport (PEN) (+60 4643 4411), located 16km from the city. The following airlines offer service to Penang:
Air Asia: (http://www.airasia.com )
Cathay Pacific: (http://www.cathaypacific.com/ )
China Airlines (http://www.china-airlines.com/en/index.htm )
KLM (http://www.klm.com/)
Korean Airlines: (http://www.koreanair.com/ )
Malaysia Airlines: (http://www.malaysiaairlines.com )
Thai Airways (http://www.thaiairways.com)
Bus and taxis offer service to and from the airport. Bus No. 83 provided by the Penang Yellow Bus Co. offers service between 6a and 10p. Taxis are available outside the airport.Drivers may be reluctant to use the meter and it is advisable to agree to a fare before leaving the curb.
By Train:
Butterworth station is a major point along the railway from Singapore to Bangkok. Rail services are available by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (http://www.ktmb.com.my). Train and transport tickets on the mainland may also be purchased at the Malayan Railway Building. There is no direct train to Penang Island but bus and ferry links between Butterworth and Georgetown are plentiful.
By Bus:
Multiple carriers offer service to Penang. Services are offered via Transnasional Coach Services, Plusliner Bus Services, Nice Bus Services, Gunung Raya, Mutiara Ekspres, and Kesatuan Ekspres.
By Car: Penang is accessible by the North-South Expressway. Cars may also be taken across the water on the ferry leaving from Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth.
By Ferry Ferries run daily from 5:30a-11:30p between Butterworth's Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal (+60 4 2102 363) and Penang's Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal (+60 4 3102 377) at Weld Quay. The Langkawi Ferry (http://www.langkawi-ferry.com/) also runs ferry services between Weld Quay and Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Medan, Mersing and Langkawi. Check website for fares and schedules.
Getting Around:
There are numerous inexpensive ways of getting around Penang. Taxis, buses, bicycles, and trishaws are some of the most common modes of transportation. Bicycles and trishaws are both enjoyable ways to see the city. The Rapid Bus Station is across the street from the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Ter minal at Weld Quay provides bus transport to every part of Penang Island.
Getting There:
By Air: Penang is served by the Penang International Airport (PEN) (+60 4643 4411), located 16km from the city. The following airlines offer service to Penang:
Air Asia: (http://www.airasia.com )
Cathay Pacific: (http://www.cathaypacific.com/ )
China Airlines (http://www.china-airlines.com/en/index.htm )
KLM (http://www.klm.com/)
Korean Airlines: (http://www.koreanair.com/ )
Malaysia Airlines: (http://www.malaysiaairlines.com )
Thai Airways (http://www.thaiairways.com)
Bus and taxis offer service to and from the airport. Bus No. 83 provided by the Penang Yellow Bus Co. offers service between 6a and 10p. Taxis are available outside the airport.Drivers may be reluctant to use the meter and it is advisable to agree to a fare before leaving the curb.
By Train:
Butterworth station is a major point along the railway from Singapore to Bangkok. Rail services are available by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (http://www.ktmb.com.my). Train and transport tickets on the mainland may also be purchased at the Malayan Railway Building. There is no direct train to Penang Island but bus and ferry links between Butterworth and Georgetown are plentiful.
By Bus:
Multiple carriers offer service to Penang. Services are offered via Transnasional Coach Services, Plusliner Bus Services, Nice Bus Services, Gunung Raya, Mutiara Ekspres, and Kesatuan Ekspres.
By Car: Penang is accessible by the North-South Expressway. Cars may also be taken across the water on the ferry leaving from Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal in Butterworth.
By Ferry Ferries run daily from 5:30a-11:30p between Butterworth's Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal (+60 4 2102 363) and Penang's Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal (+60 4 3102 377) at Weld Quay. The Langkawi Ferry (http://www.langkawi-ferry.com/) also runs ferry services between Weld Quay and Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Medan, Mersing and Langkawi. Check website for fares and schedules.
Getting Around:
There are numerous inexpensive ways of getting around Penang. Taxis, buses, bicycles, and trishaws are some of the most common modes of transportation. Bicycles and trishaws are both enjoyable ways to see the city. The Rapid Bus Station is across the street from the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Ter minal at Weld Quay provides bus transport to every part of Penang Island.
Planning a Trip
Visitor Information
The main Tourism Malaysia office is located at Level 56, KOMTAR Building (Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak) on Jalan Penang (tel. 04/264-3494). There's another information center at Penang International Airport (tel. 04/643-0501).
Getting There
By Plane -- Penang International Airport (tel. 04/643-4411) has flights that connect from all over the world. Malaysia Airlines (tel. 1300/883-000; www.malaysiaairlines.com) has about 20 flights each day from KL, plus connecting flights from all over the country and region. Other airlines that service Penang are Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, AirAsia (tel. 1300/889-933; www.airasia.com), and Firefly (tel. 03/7845-4543; www.fireflyz.com.my).
The airport is 20km (12 miles) from the city. To get into town, you must purchase fixed-rate coupons for taxis RM38 ($11/£6.85) to Georgetown, RM60 ($17/£11) to Batu Feringgi. There are also car rentals at the airport; choose Avis (tel. 04/643-9633).
By Train -- By rail, the overnight trip from KL to Butterworth takes 10 hours and costs RM85 ($25/£15) first-class passage, or as low as RM17 ($4.95/£3.05) for economy class. The prices vary greatly depending on whether you choose upper or lower berth and what class of passage you take. Call KL Sentral (tel. 03/2267-1200) for schedule information.
The train will let you off at the Butterworth Railway Station (tel. 04/323-7962), on Jalan Bagan Dalam (near the ferry terminal) in Butterworth, on the Malaysian mainland. From there, you can take a taxi to the island or head for the ferry close by.
By Bus -- Many buses will bring you to Butterworth or Georgetown, but I really only recommend it if you're not in a hurry. Aeroline (tel. 03/6258-8800; www.aeroline.com.my) offers excellent executive coach services from KL to Penang.
By Ferry -- The ferry to Penang is nestled between the Butterworth Railway Station and the Butterworth bus terminal. It operates from 6am to 12:30am daily and takes 20 minutes from pier to pier. Ferries leave every 10 minutes. Purchase your passage by dropping RM1.20 (35¢/20p) exact change in the turnstile (there's a change booth if you don't have it). Fare is paid only on the trip to Penang. The return is free. The ferry lets you off at Weld Quay (tel. 04/310-2360).
By Taxi -- The outstation taxi stand is in Butterworth next to the bus terminal (tel. 04/323-2045). Fares to Butterworth from KL will be about RM350 ($102/£63).
Getting Around
By Taxi -- Taxis are abundant, but be warned they do not use meters, so you must agree on the price before you ride. They frequently rip off tourists. Most trips within the city are between RM5 and RM10 ($1.45-$2.90/90p-£1.80). If you're staying out at the Batu Feringgi beach resort area, expect taxis to town to run RM25 to RM40 ($7.25-$12/£4.50-£7.20). The ride is about 15 or 20 minutes but can take 30 minutes during rush hour.
By Bus -- Buses also run all over the island and are well used by tourists who don't want to drop cash every time they want to go to the beach. The dark-blue no. 93 and the white-with-blue no. 202 both operate between KOMTAR in Georgetown and the beach resorts at Batu Feringgi. Fare is anywhere under RM3 (85¢/55p). Get exact change from your hotel's cashier before you set off, and ask the bus driver about the exact fare to your destination.
Car Rental -- If you want to drive, call Avis at the Penang International Airport at tel. 04/643-9633. They can also provide a car with driver for RM80 ($25/£14) per hour, for a minimum booking of 4 hours. If you plan to visit areas off Penang Island, the rate will increase.
By Bicycle & Motorcycle -- Along Batu Feringgi, there are bicycles and motorcycles (little 100cc scooters, really) available for rent. I don't recommend renting the scooters. You can never be certain of their maintenance record, and Penang's drivers are careless about watching your back. A sad number of visitors are injured or worse because of scooter accidents.
By Trishaw -- In Georgetown, it's possible to find some trishaw action for about RM30 ($8.70/£5.40) an hour. It's kitschy and touristy, and I completely recommend it for traveling between in-town sights, at least for an hour or two. Bargain hard; these guys are skilled negotiators, but they do work hard for the money.
On Foot -- I think everyone should walk at least part of the time to see the sights of Georgetown because in between each landmark and exhibit there's so much to see. A taxi, even a trishaw, will whisk you past back alleys where elderly haircutters set up alfresco shops, bicycle repairmen sit fixing tubes in front of their stores, and Chinese grannies fan themselves in the shade. Georgetown is stimulating, with the sights of old trades still being plied on these living streets, the noise of everyday life, and the exotic smells of an old Southeast Asian port. Give yourself at least a day here. Start wandering early in the morning, by the waterfront, down the back alleys, before the heat of the sun takes hold -- the lighting is perfect for photography and you will find fantastic subjects here.
Fast Facts
Penang's area code is 04. The banking center of Georgetown is in the downtown area (close to Ft. Cornwallis) on Leboh Pantai, Leboh Union, and Leboh Downing, but you'll find ATMs in KOMTAR and other smaller shopping plazas as well. Internet cafes come and go, so it's best to ask your hotel's concierge for the closest place to your hotel, or use the hotel's. If you're in town, Chulia Street, the main drag for backpacker tourists, has Internet access in a few places.
Planning a Trip
Visitor Information
The main Tourism Malaysia office is located at Level 56, KOMTAR Building (Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak) on Jalan Penang (tel. 04/264-3494). There's another information center at Penang International Airport (tel. 04/643-0501).
Getting There
By Plane -- Penang International Airport (tel. 04/643-4411) has flights that connect from all over the world. Malaysia Airlines (tel. 1300/883-000; www.malaysiaairlines.com) has about 20 flights each day from KL, plus connecting flights from all over the country and region. Other airlines that service Penang are Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, AirAsia (tel. 1300/889-933; www.airasia.com), and Firefly (tel. 03/7845-4543; www.fireflyz.com.my).
The airport is 20km (12 miles) from the city. To get into town, you must purchase fixed-rate coupons for taxis RM38 ($11/£6.85) to Georgetown, RM60 ($17/£11) to Batu Feringgi. There are also car rentals at the airport; choose Avis (tel. 04/643-9633).
By Train -- By rail, the overnight trip from KL to Butterworth takes 10 hours and costs RM85 ($25/£15) first-class passage, or as low as RM17 ($4.95/£3.05) for economy class. The prices vary greatly depending on whether you choose upper or lower berth and what class of passage you take. Call KL Sentral (tel. 03/2267-1200) for schedule information.
The train will let you off at the Butterworth Railway Station (tel. 04/323-7962), on Jalan Bagan Dalam (near the ferry terminal) in Butterworth, on the Malaysian mainland. From there, you can take a taxi to the island or head for the ferry close by.
By Bus -- Many buses will bring you to Butterworth or Georgetown, but I really only recommend it if you're not in a hurry. Aeroline (tel. 03/6258-8800; www.aeroline.com.my) offers excellent executive coach services from KL to Penang.
By Ferry -- The ferry to Penang is nestled between the Butterworth Railway Station and the Butterworth bus terminal. It operates from 6am to 12:30am daily and takes 20 minutes from pier to pier. Ferries leave every 10 minutes. Purchase your passage by dropping RM1.20 (35¢/20p) exact change in the turnstile (there's a change booth if you don't have it). Fare is paid only on the trip to Penang. The return is free. The ferry lets you off at Weld Quay (tel. 04/310-2360).
By Taxi -- The outstation taxi stand is in Butterworth next to the bus terminal (tel. 04/323-2045). Fares to Butterworth from KL will be about RM350 ($102/£63).
Getting Around
By Taxi -- Taxis are abundant, but be warned they do not use meters, so you must agree on the price before you ride. They frequently rip off tourists. Most trips within the city are between RM5 and RM10 ($1.45-$2.90/90p-£1.80). If you're staying out at the Batu Feringgi beach resort area, expect taxis to town to run RM25 to RM40 ($7.25-$12/£4.50-£7.20). The ride is about 15 or 20 minutes but can take 30 minutes during rush hour.
By Bus -- Buses also run all over the island and are well used by tourists who don't want to drop cash every time they want to go to the beach. The dark-blue no. 93 and the white-with-blue no. 202 both operate between KOMTAR in Georgetown and the beach resorts at Batu Feringgi. Fare is anywhere under RM3 (85¢/55p). Get exact change from your hotel's cashier before you set off, and ask the bus driver about the exact fare to your destination.
Car Rental -- If you want to drive, call Avis at the Penang International Airport at tel. 04/643-9633. They can also provide a car with driver for RM80 ($25/£14) per hour, for a minimum booking of 4 hours. If you plan to visit areas off Penang Island, the rate will increase.
By Bicycle & Motorcycle -- Along Batu Feringgi, there are bicycles and motorcycles (little 100cc scooters, really) available for rent. I don't recommend renting the scooters. You can never be certain of their maintenance record, and Penang's drivers are careless about watching your back. A sad number of visitors are injured or worse because of scooter accidents.
By Trishaw -- In Georgetown, it's possible to find some trishaw action for about RM30 ($8.70/£5.40) an hour. It's kitschy and touristy, and I completely recommend it for traveling between in-town sights, at least for an hour or two. Bargain hard; these guys are skilled negotiators, but they do work hard for the money.
On Foot -- I think everyone should walk at least part of the time to see the sights of Georgetown because in between each landmark and exhibit there's so much to see. A taxi, even a trishaw, will whisk you past back alleys where elderly haircutters set up alfresco shops, bicycle repairmen sit fixing tubes in front of their stores, and Chinese grannies fan themselves in the shade. Georgetown is stimulating, with the sights of old trades still being plied on these living streets, the noise of everyday life, and the exotic smells of an old Southeast Asian port. Give yourself at least a day here. Start wandering early in the morning, by the waterfront, down the back alleys, before the heat of the sun takes hold -- the lighting is perfect for photography and you will find fantastic subjects here.
Fast Facts
Penang's area code is 04. The banking center of Georgetown is in the downtown area (close to Ft. Cornwallis) on Leboh Pantai, Leboh Union, and Leboh Downing, but you'll find ATMs in KOMTAR and other smaller shopping plazas as well. Internet cafes come and go, so it's best to ask your hotel's concierge for the closest place to your hotel, or use the hotel's. If you're in town, Chulia Street, the main drag for backpacker tourists, has Internet access in a few places.
