Penang Fast Facts

Penang Island:

Penang, with its population of about 1.5 million (2008 estimate), is the second smallest state (area: 1,046.3 km²) in Malaysia after Perlis and Georgetown is its capital city. It is located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia and separated by the Straits of Malacca from the mainland. Also known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang has a long and illustrious history under British colonial times. Having a multiracial population with diverse religious beliefs, Penang is representative of Malaysia's fine culture and heritage. Many interesting festivals are being celebrated on the island throughout the year.

Penang Fast Facts
Photo credit: Yik Kang

Climate:

Penang Island enjoys a warm equatorial climate. Like most destinations along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the weather is almost uniform throughout the year. It has an average temperature of 30 ºC with occasional rain.

Temperature (day): 27 ºC - 30 ºC
Temperature (night): 22 ºC - 24 ºC
Ave annual rainfall: 2670 mm
Relative humidity: 70% - 90%

Language:

Although Bahasa Malaysia is the National Language, English and Mandarin are also widely spoken. As Penang is the meeting point of many cultures, other languages and dialects are also spoken and understood. These include the various Chinese dialects (Teo Chew, Cantonese, Hakka, Hokkien) and Indian dialects (Bengali, Hindu Malayalam, Punjabi and Telegu). Penang is the only state where ethnic Chinese forms the majority. Approximate ethnic composition is: Chinese, 41.8%; Malay, 40.5%; Indian, 10.4% and others, 7.3%.

Currency:

Like other states in Malaysia, Penang does not accept trading in foreign currency except the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Therefore, foreigners are advised to convert all foreign currencies to RM before making any purchase. Credit card is also widely accepted, but only in shopping malls and selected shops. Foreign currencies can be easily changed here as there are many licensed money changers and banks. Many bank banks have ATM machines that are connected to international networks such as Cirrus and will dispense cash in the Malaysian currency.

Malaysian currency is issued in the following denominations: 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50 cent, RM 1, RM 2, RM 5, RM 10, RM 50 and RM 100.

Religion:

Islam is the official religion but freedom of worship is being observed. Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism and other religions are freely practiced - Muslim mosques, Buddhist and Hindu temples, and Christian churches are commonly found throughout the island. Visitors can expect to be amazed by the diversity and profusion of festivals and other religious celebrations which occur regularly throughout the year.

Travel Documents:

Visitors to Malaysia must possess a national passport or other internationally recognized travel documents such as Certificates of Identity and Emergency Certificates of Affidavits. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of allowed stay in Malaysia. Those who are in possession of passports not recognized by the Malaysian authorities must apply for a document in lieu of a passport and visa which is issued by Malaysian missions abroad.

Holders of Travel Documents like Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage or a Country's Certificate of Permanent Residence must ensure that their return to the country which issued the document or the country of residence is guaranteed.

Visa requirements

Commonwealth citizens (except India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British protected persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and citizens of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Japan, France and U.S.A. do not required a visa for a visit not exceeding three months.

Citizens of Argentina, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and ASEAN countries do not need a visa for a visit not exceeding one month.

Citizens of Commonwealth of Independent States, Afghanistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Romania, Syria and South Yemen do not need a visa for a visit not exceeding two weeks.

Citizens of North Korea, Cuba, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, The People's Republic of China and holder of Hong Kong Certificate of Identity are allowed to enter Malaysia, subject to their application for a visa being approved.

Citizens of South Africa are being allowed entry into Malaysia with a visa for two weeks. Citizens' of countries other than those stated above are allowed to enter Malaysia without visa for a visit not exceeding one month.

If visitors wish to enter Malaysia and remain for more than two weeks for the purpose of a social or business visit or with intention to take up employment, they must obtain visas prior to their arrival in Malaysia. This however does not apply to:-

Nationals of countries with whom Malaysia has entered into Partial (subject to conditions stipulated thereof) or Total Visa Abolition Agreements.
Holder of a certificate of identity who require visas in any case to enter Malaysia for whatever purpose.

Complete in the arrival/departure card:

A visitor is required to complete the Arrival/Departure Card (Imm.26) upon arrival at the gazetted entry points. This card is obtainable at any entry point, Malaysian Representative Office abroad or travel agencies.

Customs and Duties:

Items such as cameras, watches, pens, lighters, cosmetics, perfume and portable cassette players are duty free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods such as video equipment may have to pay a deposit of up to 50% of the value for temporary importation, refundable when they leave. Tourists are advised to carry receipts of purchases. Ensure a receipt is issued if tax or deposit has been paid. For more information please visit the Malaysian Customs and Excise website at http://www.customs.gov.my.

Tourists whose stay in Malaysia in excess of 72 hours are exempted from paying taxes on the following:

One quart bottle of liquor.
25 gms of tobacco or 200 sticks of cigarettes.
A pair of new shoes.
Electrical and battery-operated personal appliances.
Foodstuff to the value not exceeding RM 75.00
Souvenirs and gifts to the value not exceeding RM 200.00

Public transport:

Taxis

Taxis are commonly available around the island. Although they are designated by the authorities to use a meter for transport charges, most do not conform to the standard and it would be best to agree on a fixed fare before boarding.

Buses

Buses ply the major routes around the city and island. The main terminals are located in Weld Quay and in front of the Komtar Shopping Centre in Georgetown.

Rented cars

Renting your own car offers you great flexibility and convenience. By paying a deposit, you can take a car to drive around and pay the corresponding rate measured daily. International driving licenses are required should you desire to rent an automobile to drive in Malaysia. However, if you have a Singapore driving license, you are allowed to drive.

Trishaws

The three-wheeled trishaw used to be a common sight on the island, but today they exist as a novelty for tourists to enjoy. The trishaws are a unique experience by itself and allow you to stop and shop for souvenirs while touring the city. Trishaw-riders are usually congregated around the Penang City Hall Area and as there are no meters, you should set a price before boarding.

Food:

Penang Island is a paradise for food lovers who come from all over Malaysia and even Singapore to sample the island's unique cuisine, earning Penang the nickname of the food capital of Malaysia. There is an infinite array of Penang street food that is uniquely Penang or Malaysia and even a fusion of continental cuisines. Its cuisine not only reflects the Chinese, Nyonya, Malay and Indian ethnic mix of Malaysia, but is also strongly influenced by Thai. Penang was recognised as having the Best Street Food in Asia by TIME magazine in 2004, citing that nowhere else can such great tasting food be so cheap (www.time.com/time/asia/2004/boa/boa_body_food.html). Street foods in Penang are sold at open-air complexes housing many stalls. Some examples of the typical street foods are hokkien mee, laksa, char kueh teow, pasembur, etc. Places to savour Penang's food are Gurney Drive, Pulau Tikus, New Lane, Swatow Lane, Penang Road and Chulia Street. Local Chinese restaurants serve excellent fare too. American fast food outlets and cafes are readily found throughout the island.