Penang Guide
necessary because service charges are already included in
hotels and restaurants, but tourists may tip as a gesture of
appreciation.
USEFUL NUMBERS
Ambulance
Police
Fire Brigade
International Operator
Immigration Department
Tourist Information Centre
999 / 04-229 3333
999 / 04-222 1522
994 / 04-282 5544
108
04-250 3419
04-261 4461
PENANG IS A TOP TOURIST DESTINATION
Packed with diverse culture and beautiful scenery, Penang
is a wonderful place for tourists to explore. It offers plenty of
places to enjoy the most incredible sites, including the white
sand of Batu Ferringhi, the iconic architecture of Kho Kongsi,
the beautiful landscape from the summit of Penang Hill, the
Tropical Spice Garden, and the pit vipers in the altars of Snake
Temple.
Penang’s capital, George Town, is listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. It’s home to a rich heritage and arts scene,
including the largest collection of pre-war buildings in Southeast
Asia. This historical city is the best place for tourists who want
to indulge in the country’s culture.
With some of the best food in the world, the city is home to a
blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan, Thai, and European
specialities. Tourists can try a number of traditional dishes,
such as Assam Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and Lok Lok. Vegetarian
versions of the famous local street dishes are also available in
various Chinese and Indian outlets.
Source: MyMeditravel
WEATHER IN PENANG
Like other parts of Malaysia, Penang enjoys a year-round
tropical climate, which means it’s warm and humid throughout
the year. However, the temperature on Penang island is often
higher than on mainland Malaysia. The average temperatures
range between 29–32°C during the day and 25–29°C at the
night.
The rainy season usually starts during the southwest
monsoon from April to September and October to early
November. The best time to visit Penang is from late November
to February as the weather is mostly sunny, but it’s not too hot
or humid to do outdoor activities during the day.
CURRENCY
Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is the local currency. It’s made up of
100 Sen (cents). 1USD is roughly equivalent to RM4.20 but
is subject to daily market changes. Formerly known as the
Malaysian Dollar, older Malaysians sometimes refers to Ringgits
as ‘Dollars.’
1 MYR = 0.24 USD
1 MYR = 3,340.61 IDR
1 MYR = 0.33 SGD
1 MYR = 17.40 INR
Money & Payments: ATMs are available across Penang.
Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in most
hotels and established restaurants. There are plenty of
moneychangers in the region, and most banks will exchange
cash with a commission. Be sure to carry small bills since
many street vendors only accept cash. Tipping is not
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TAXI & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
To reach George Town, tourists can take a taxi, bus, an airport
transfer, or hire a car. Note that airport taxis operate on a
voucher system, so tourists need to buy a voucher beforehand
from inside the terminal to avoid taxi cheats. The taxi fare to
George Town should cost around RM38 (around US$9.00).
There are several different types of public transportation
available in Penang. Walking or a trishaw ride is the best way to
get around George Town. Free CAT Bus (Central Area Transit) is
available for tourists to get to popular attractions in the capital
city for free. To travel around surrounding suburban areas of
George Town, tourists can also opt for Grab (the region’s most
widespread ride-hailing app).
TOP RESTAURANT PICKS
Thai Food
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Chok Dee Thai Restaurant
Annathai Kitchen
Tree Monkey Restaurant
Khin de Thai
Indian Food
• Passion of Kerala
• D’ tandoor
• Gem Restaurant
Italian Food
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Restorante Bella Italia
Lunarich
Via Pre
II Bacaro
Malay Food
• Jawi House Cafe Gallery
• Malaya Dining Room
• Legenda House & Cafe
Indonesian Food
• Nona Bali Restaurant
• Restro Uwong Palembang
Chinese Food
• Din Tai Fung
• Putien
• Chin’s Stylish Chinese Cuisine
GlobalHealthAndTravel.com