Travel Tips for Penang

                          Travel Tips for Penang

PENANG AT A GLANCE

Penang is an island state off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s comprised of two sections – Penang Island, where the capital city of George Town is located, and Seberang Perai, an area on the mainland formerly known as Province Wellesley. Though the Seberang Perai half is twice as large, the majority of travellers spend most of their time on Penang Island.

When people think of Penang, one of the first things that come to mind is George Town and its heritage houses. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the biggest collection of pre-Second World War houses and shophouses in Southeast Asia. Like Melaka to the south, its strategic location along the Straits of Malacca made it an important trading hub for Europe, the Middle East, India, and China for over 500 years. This centuries-long cultural exchange between east and west has endowed the city with a distinct multicultural heritage that’s unlike anywhere else in East and Southeast Asia.

To do

v  Travel insurance: Are you covered?

v  Driving: If you're planning to drive in Malaysia, do you have an International Driving Permit? Is driving covered by your insurance?

v  Phone: Have you switched off data roaming and voicemail? If you're planning to use a local or travel SIM, is your phone unlocked?

v  Medication (see below): If you're travelling with prescription medication, do you have the original packaging, prescriptions and a letter of explanation from your doctor?

To pack

Tickets

Money (cash and cards)

Passport

A copy of your travel insurance details

A list of emergency contacts at home and in Malaysia

Your hotel address is written in Malaysian (and any other important information such as food allergies)

Chargers and a type G power adapter

Mosquito repellent and mosquito-proof clothing

Modest clothing that reaches to at least the knees and elbows

Any regular medication - in original packaging, with prescriptions and doctor's letter (see below)

Tip: You can bring medication into Malaysia as long as it's only for personal use. If you're bringing anything unusual like syringes, strong painkillers or prescription sleeping pills, make sure you have a letter of explanation from your doctor. 

No matter where you travel, you should carry all medications (even vitamins) in their original packaging, along with their original prescription. It's also a good idea to carry a letter from your doctor explaining what the medications are (using generic names) and what they're for.

BEST TIME TO VISIT PENANG

Like many Southeast Asian destinations, Penang is generally hot and humid year-round with average temperatures hovering around 28°C (82.4°F). It’s hottest around early March with temperatures reaching 32°C (89.6°F). In terms of rain, Penang’s wettest months are September and October, followed by April, May, and November.

Weather-wise, December to early February is considered the best time to go. However, this is also high season so expect the most number of tourists with the highest prices for accommodations. If you prefer low season and don’t mind braving a little rain, then June to August would be a good time as well.

DEC-FEB: As described, this is the best time to visit Penang in terms of the weather. It doesn’t get much cooler but it’s the driest time of the year.

MAR-MAY: This is a quieter time to visit Penang though it does get rainier in April and May.

JUN-AUG: If you don’t like crowds and can stand a little rain, then this is probably the best time to go to Penang. We went in late June and the weather was pleasant. It did get hot in the early afternoon but that’s how Penang is throughout the year.

SEPT-NOV: This is the wettest time of the year in Penang so you may want to avoid these months if you don’t like too much heat and humidity.

Malaysia is located near the equator and enjoys a tropical climate. It’s hot and humid for most of the year although the highlands are cooler. Nevertheless, you won’t have to wear woollens. Our Malaysia travel tips for clothing include selecting lightweight clothes like cotton and items with a loose-fit. Go for light colours as well and avoid black at all costs! You want to reflect heat and not absorb it.

Malaysia is a modern country but it’s still conservative especially in certain areas. Exposing too much bare skin is frowned upon and will incur disapproving looks. If you’re planning to visit a place of worship, you will be required to cover your hair or wear conventional clothing. As such, take along a couple of scarves, lightweight pants and long skirts to wear to these places.

Travelling to PENANG

Most international visitors to Penang will be arriving by plane. George Town is around 30-40 minutes from Penang International Airport.

BY PRIVATE TRANSFER: This is the most comfortable option but also the most expensive.

Clothing tips for a Malaysia trip

Since Malaysia is a tropical place, a few things that you must keep in mind while packing your clothes are ensuring that you pack more comfortable summer outfits which are mostly of cotton than anything else.

Some of the things that you must keep in mind for your safety while traveling to Malaysia are:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep your passport safely with you at all the times.
• Read up about the local laws.
• Make sure you’re not wandering alone till late at night

Malaysian Ringgits (Currency Conversion MYR to INR)

The Malaysian Ringgits, formerly called the Malaysian Dollar, is the currency of Malaysia. The currency code for Ringgits is MYR, and the currency symbol is RM. It is divided into 100 sen. The Ringgit is issued by the Bank Negara Malaysia. 

 

Live Malaysian Ringgits Exchange Rates

MYR Interbank Rate	17.7156
MYR Currency Buy Rate	18.0699
MYR Currency Sell Rate	17.2588

Before travel, we suggest that you

1. ·        Familiarize yourself with the countries you are visiting.
2. ·        Check the latest travel advisories of MEA and follow them.
3. ·        Take personal responsibility for your travel choices, your safety, finances and behaviour overseas, including obeying the laws of the country you are visiting.
4. ·        Make sure you have the right visas for the countries you are visiting or transiting and check any other entry or exit requirements.
5. ·        Organize your finances to cover your planned travel.
6. ·        Obey the laws of the country you're visiting (even if these appear harsh or unfair by Indian standards). Don't expect to be treated differently from the locals.
7. ·        Take appropriate travel and comprehensive medical insurance that covers you for any unexpected costs; make sure you have sought medical advice for health concerns, have up to date vaccinations and, if you're carrying pharmaceutical products or medicines from India, make sure they are allowed in the country you are visiting.
8. ·        Protect your passport and report it promptly if it is lost, stolen or damaged.
9. ·        Make sure your passport is valid (with at least six months validity from your planned date of return to India) and will not expire when you are overseas.
10. ·        Carry extra passport photos in case your passport is lost or stolen and you need to replace it while you're away.
11. ·        Make copies of your passport (including visa pages), insurance policy, traveller’s cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place away from the originals and also leave a copy with someone at home.
12. ·        Keep in contact with friends and family back home and leave a copy of your insurance policy details and your overseas itinerary with them.
13. ·        If you get detained for some reason, insist on Consular access (under the Vienna Convention) to a representative from the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.

India Visa Center

105, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia.

Phone: +60 4-250 5001          

Website: http://www.indiavisa.com.my/index1.php

Colourful HERITAGE. Walking around George Town in Penang takes you on a tour through colourful heritages and cultures. All photos by Rhea Claire Madarang unless otherwise specified

Walking around the capital is like walking back in time, and through different, colourful cultures.

George Town, Penang’s capital, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with streets upon streets of charming ancient houses designed with a mix of British, Malay, and Chinese architecture, and ornate British colonial buildings. Penang is a melting pot of cultures given its rich history as a trading post and its past as a British colony. A colourful illustration of this is Harmony Street, where different religions flourish, and where a church, mosque, and temple alike can be found.

OLD-WORLD CHARM. You can see colours of old houses like this popping out as you walk around George Town.

BRIGHT COLORS. Some houses can be as colourful as this. This is appropriately named the Blue Mansion and is also a museum.

MANSION TOUR. Some heritage houses, like the Penang Peranakan Mansion here, have guided tours of the clan’s rich history.

RELIGIOUS HARMONY. At Harmony Street, worship places of different religions like this mosque are built in one strip.

BIKE TOUR. Walking around George Town can take time; you can also rent a bike to cover more ground.

Outside the capital, other heritage structures can be explored too, like the Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple with its massive complex.

FAMOUS TEMPLE. Kek Lok Si is among the most well-known and must-visit temples in Penang.

 There is street art almost everywhere.

Aside from the charming old houses and ornate buildings, there is street art at almost every corner of George Town. From caricature art made from welded wire to mixed media scenes of daily Penang life, and glorious, colourful cat murals, the street art at almost every corner of George Town makes the capital even more vibrant.

Between the heritage structures and the street art all around, you can easily take days walking around and still see something new.

WIRE ART. The highest in number among George Town’s street art, these caricatures can be found at almost every street.

DAILY LIFE AND PLAY. Some street art also portrays happy scenes of daily life, which the traveller can take part in – at least through photos!

CAT ART. Cat lovers will love the many cat murals around George Town.

It is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, too.

While Penang’s main showcase is culture and heritage, it has beautiful natural sights, too. Being an island, naturally, Penang has beaches where you can take a dip or simply relax. Batu Ferringhi is the usual go-to area.

PENANG BEACHES. Being an island, Penang also has beaches to relax in.

Must-visit among Penang’s nature spots is Penang Hill, where the air is cool – similar to Tagaytay – and where trees, including century-old ones, thrive. The Habitat in Penang Hill, in particular, has nature trails to walk among both ancient and new trees. There are also canopy walks.

NATURE WALK. Penang Hill has nature trails to get you closer to its trees, including ancient ones.

Penang Hill also offers spectacular views of the city, both beautiful during the day and night. Getting to Penang Hill is also quite an adventure as you take a funicular railway ride up!

VIEW FROM THE TOP. Penang Hill offers scenic views of the city.

And, speaking of adventure, you can also include nature encounters with an adrenaline rush in your Penang itinerary. Escape Park offers activities like tree climbing, tree swings, aerobat, and more.

ADVENTURE WITH NATURE. Some nature parks offer adrenaline-pumping activities like the tree swing here.

It is a foodie paradise.

Penang is recognized by travellers and media alike as among the top food destinations in the world. From street food to charming restaurants, there is much to explore in Penang. Because of the many rich cultures present here, there is a variety of food to try, too – Malay, Chinese, and Indian, among others. Must-try is Penang’s Assam laksa, with its unique savoury flavour and spiciness, and the tasty fried noodles of char kway teow, among many others. And, delicious food can go as low as less than 5 ringgit (below P70). 

WORLD-FAMOUS. Penang’s Assam laksa is recognized as one of the best around the world.

ICE-COLD SWEET. Cendol is also a famous must-try street food, perfect especially during summer.

It’s easy to get around.

You can easily spend your entire trip in Penang just walking around in George Town, to take in the heritage houses and buildings, entering museums and clan houses, look for cat street art, and go on food trips. There is also a free shuttle bus going around George Town. There is much to explore, and accommodations usually offer free maps for heritage walks, street food trips, and street art, so you’re all set – in fact, even two days of walking around may not be enough.

MAPS FOR TOURS. Penang accommodations usually offer these maps for free. You can also get them from the visitor centre in George Town and you’re all set for your walking heritage and foodie tour!

There are also the Rapid Penang buses for going around and outside Georgetown. This is how you can go to Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill, and Batu Ferringhi. There are even buses to and from the airport. 

CONVENIENT. Getting around by the Rapid Penang bus is convenient, with its routes and schedules.

BUDGET DINING. Street food can be bought for cheap around food stalls.

OLD-HOUSE-TURNED-RESTAURANT. Meanwhile, higher-priced food is available at restaurants like this.