Penang Destination Guide

Foods
Having a reputation as a food paradise, be it haute cuisine, or cuisine bourgeoise (hawker fare), Penang offers a heady and exotic mix of delicious cuisine to choose from.

Not to be missed hawker favorites are "Asam Laksa", "Hokkien Mee", "Char Koay Teow", and "Pasembor". Nyonya Cuisine includes "Mee Siam", "Otak Otak", "Kerabu", "Enche Kabin" and "Curry Kapitan". The Nyonyas are also famous for their delicious cakes and desserts. Heading the list of Indian food is "Nasi Kandar" of Indian Muslim origin. South Indian favorites include "Tosai" and "Idiapom" served with thick "Dhall" curry. Northern Indian "Naan" bread with chicken "Tandoori" or chicken "Tikka" are also worth trying.

Getting To Penang
By Air
Malaysia Airlines operates direct air services to Penang from London, Singapore, Bangkok, Nagoya, Medan, Xiamen and Madras.

The airlines also provides daily shuttle services between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. AirAsia flies to Penang from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

By Road
Penang Island is accessible by road via the Penang Bridge. A toll is levied on the mainland's side of the bridge.

By Sea
From Butterworth, ferry services are available for both passengers and vehicles. Fares are collected at the Butterworth terminal.

By Rail
KTM or Malayan Railway provides train services to Butterworth from Kuala Lumpur. Alor Star and Padang Besar, as well as from Haadyai and Bangkok in Thailand.

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad
Ferry Terminal, Pengkalan Weld
Tel: 04-261 0290

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad
Butterworth
Tel: 04-331 2796

Getting Around Penang
Penang's public transport system is efficient and getting around by taxis, buses or trishaws may be a fun and inexpensive way of catching the sights.

City Taxis
Most city taxis do not use a meter. You may either insist on the meter being turned on or agree on the price before you get in.

City Buses
Most buses use coin machines to collect fares. The main bus terminals are at Pengkalan Weld (ferry terminal) and KOMTAR (ground floor).

Trishaws
Besides the novelty of traveling in this three-wheeled vehicle, trishaws allow visitors the opportunity to enjoy the sights in Penang at a leisurely pace. You can also stop at any point to snap pictures or buy souvenirs. There is no standard fare and it would be wise to agree on the price before you get on the trishaw. For extended sightseeing, it is advisable to hire them by the hour.

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