Penang, Malaysia

The island of Penang is larger than the state of Singapore and has a population of nearly 2 million with a racial mix of predominately Chinese, then Malay, then Indian. Religions include Islam, (the national religion), Budhism, Hinduism and Christian with the island celebrating all the differing customs at special occasions.

Penang is truly the "Pearl of the Orient" and a vibrant and exciting place to visit, offering great value for money for food, accommodation & entertainment. Georgetown remains one of the few cities of the world unchanged for centuries, many new buildings have been added but there has been no digging up of the old area for new rail or road systems. The old way of trishaw, taxis and local buses remain. A new up to date bus service is now covering the whole island. Shopping is excellent, hot spots include Prangin Mall next to Komtar, Gurney Plaza, Tesco, and the Street markets especially Batu Ferringhi night market is best for overseas tourists. Hawker food markets are everywhere and do try Penang's specialty Char Keow Tew - perhaps at Northam Beach.

Cheap taxis are readily available. The Penang Road area is great for accommodation, bars and nightclubs and is safe. In my opinion safer than any Australian, European or US city.
For an overview of what Penang has to offer go to the Tourism Penang website.

Some suggestions specifically for flashpackers are:

Accommodation

Paradise Sandy Beach Resort Hotel Tanjung Bunga
(MYR 170 per night for 2 includes breakfast)
Hotel Continental Penang Rd, Georgetown
(MYR 108 per night for 2 includes breakfast)
Hutton Lodge Hutton Lane, off Penang Road
(New flashpacker accommodation)
SD Guest Houses Mumtri St & Love Lane
(New flashpacker accommodation)
Lodge 75 & Western Cafe Muntri St, Georgetown
(Older flashpacker accommodation)
Ali's Guesthouses & Baba down lane next to Park Royal Bata Ferringhi.
(Good value, on the beach)

Food & Fun

Bistro Dela France within Paradise Resort, Tonjung Bunga
(MYR 25 for excellent buffet)
Salsas at Hotel Continental, Georgetown
(MYR 14 for 3 course western lunch)
Red Garden Hawkers Market behind Penang Road.
Northam Beach Hawkers Market
Sunset Bistro & Ali's Bar down the lane next to Park Royal Batu Ferringhi.
(MYR 5-10) These could possibly be the best beach bars in the world. Tables with umbrellas right
on the sand. Good value drinks & food along with good service.

Nightclubs & Late Night Bars

Upper Penang Road in Georgetown has the best:
Tigers at Bayview City Hotel, Slippery Senoritas, LA Galaxy, Soho, Merchant Hotel Bar etc.
Just walk along the street & check them out.

Places of Interest

Campbell St off Penang Road in Georgetown is the only street in town with proper footpaths. It's
also the home to good specialty shops, gold shops and money changers.
Chowrasta Markets off Penang Road. Fresh fish, meat, and chickens being prepared.
Spices are everywhere just like the fresh fruit and vegetables. Breathe in all the smells.
Komtar is the tall city tower next to Prangin Mall and the bus station.
Khoo Kongsi, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Fort Cornwallis & Penang State Museum
Cathedral of Assumption & St Xaviers Institute
Kapita Keling Mosque & State Mosque
Mahamariamman Temple
Penang Hill Cable Car, Snake Temple & Keklok Si Temple
Batu Ferringhi & Tanjung Bunga beaches.
Penang Bridge or Penang Ferry to Butterworth
Daytrip by ferry to Langkawi with island tour.
Day or night around Penang Island on a cruise ship for gambling, dancing, food and fun.
Enjoy the horse racing or try the golf courses available.

Transport by land, sea & air

Government buses and trains from Butterworth Railway Station
By ferry from Penang Ferry Terminal connect to Bangkok, Thailand and south.
to Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor Bahru & Singapore.
NICE VIP luxury coaches from Penang to Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Johor Bahru & Singapore.
The Singapore to Penang trip is 9hrs costing MYR 90 (AU $22) and to Hat Yai with transfer to Phuket.
Contact Bagus Travel located at Fort Cornwallis who also have special deals to many places including Gentang Casino
Port Swettenham has daily ferry departures to Langkawi, Puta Pulae, Medan (Indonesia)
Penang International Airport at Bayan Lapas is 30 minutes from the city. Flights by AsiaAir, Fireflyz,
and all major carriers are available. When arriving pay for taxi voucher in the terminal MYR 38 (AU $14)