Passport / Visa

Travellers need a passport or an internationally recognised travel document in order to enter Malaysia. The documents must be valid for more than six months from the date of departure. Furthermore, certain nationals require a visa, while others are granted one upon arrival (VOA, Visa on arrival).

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Best Time to Visit

Penang is a great place to visit nearly all year long. However, the season between November and January might be the best, as the weather is very pleasant and the atmosphere is lively due to celebrations like Christmas and New Year, when restaurants and bars are full of people. The period from February to April is less crowded, while the season from May to October is the wettest and, thus, also the most deserted when it comes to tourism.

Penang International Airport (PEN)

Penang International Airport, sometimes abbreviated as PIA, is located 16 kilometres (10 miles) from George Town city centre. The most cost effective way of travelling from the airport to George Town and surrounding areas is to take one of the bus services that leave every 30 minutes. The bus operator is called The Rapid Penang, and they have their own ticket counter on the ground floor of the arrival hall. Taxis operate on a fixed price coupon system: purchase coupon at taxi desk inside arrival hall, and the price depends which zone you are going to. However, be aware that taxi drivers often try to cheat foreigners and refuse to use the meter, so make sure that the meters is always turned on if not a fixed price is already set.

Public Transport

Taking the bus is probably the easiest and cheapest way to get around in Penang and surrounding areas. The main bus terminals are located in George Town’s Weld Quay and KOMTAR building. Bus services around the island include Rapid Penang Bus, and it has an extensive route covering both island and mainland. If you are travelling frequently, you can save money by buying the travel card Rapid Preferred, as it offers unlimited travel around Penang.

Trishaws

A pedal trishaw is a great way of getting around in George Town or Batu Ferringhi for those who are not in a hurry, as they move not much faster than walking speed, but allow passengers to stop anywhere along the way to shop or take photos or videos. There is no set fare, so you must agree on a price before setting off. It is easier to bargain for a price by the hour than for a specific journey from point to point.

Taxi

Taxis are numerous and can be flagged down on the street, picked up at ranks, or booked by phone or from hotel receptions. Taxi drivers are usually reluctant to turn on the meter (or to admit to speaking English). Insist on the meter, or agree on the fare before boarding. Standard (red) taxis are more common but not air-conditioned. Air-conditioned taxis are more comfortable but also more expensive. Shared taxis are used for longer journeys, including trips to the mainland.

Pharmacy

Pharmacies can be found in George Town and nearly every suburb, township, and neighbourhood in Penang. While some operate independently, there are also a few chains: Guardian Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy, and Eu Yan Sang (specialising in Chinese medicine). A branch of Guardian Pharmacy is centrally located near the shopping area of 1st Avenue. Most chain pharmacies are open from 10 am to 10 pm, including Sundays.

Post

The main post office for Penang is the General Post Office (GPO), located within Bangunan Tuanku Syed Putra along Downing Street in George Town. The post boxes in Malaysia are painted red and some of them date back to the British era. Occasionally, there is a second post box with yellow colour, and these are for express mails.

Passport / Visa

Penang

Passport / Visa

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More in Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Penang International Airport (PEN)

Public Transport

Trishaws

Taxi

Pharmacy

Post

Telephone

Electricity