Penang Travel
Penang Bridge, Penang Ferry and Penang Trishaw
Hop On
Interesting Way to See Penang
When you are traveling in Penang, you have to experience driving across the 4th longest bridge in the world which spans 13.5KM, over the Penang Channel.
This bridge was opened in 1985 and proved to be a boon to the development of the island. A second bridge is being planned as the current one will no longer be able to cope with the volume of traffic.
With the new Jelutong Expressway, traveling from the Bridge to the city centre is now a breeze.
You can also take the 15 minutes ferry from Butterworth, especially if you travel by train from Kuala Lumpur or Thailand.
Penang Travel
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Penang has been improving since the new state government came into power. However, there is still a long way to go before it becomes truly efficient. Currently
- Taxis refuse to operate the meters even though it is mandatory. Thus you have to negotiate with the taxi driver before boarding.
- The public buses have improved somewhat with the introduction of Rapid Penang in 2007. It is a government subsidized system. There are currently 150 Rapid buses, plying 38 routes on the island and Seberang Prai.
- You may also make use of the convenient trishaws which are found everywhere in Georgetown to travel a short distance at a reasonable price. And yes, do negotiate the price which may range from RM5 to RM50 per ride. It may seat 1 or 2 persons. Tipping for the trishaw ride is not compulsory but usually expected. Many of them speak good English and are very knowledgeable about places of interest. Some of them can tell you amusing tales about such places, as only a trishaw pedlar can. Most of these trishaws riders do not earn very much and do have a tough life. Many have no homes and sleeps on their trishaws at night. So do try to help them by using their services whenever you can.
- Intercity or express buses operate from either the Sungai Nibong terminal or the Ferry terminal at Butterworth.
Penang Travel
KTM ( Keretapi Tanah Melayu the Malaysian Railway)
When traveling in Penang, do not miss trying out the Malaysian Railway or KTM. Railway lines that operate from Singapore to Bangkok, stops at Butterworth. Currently the train service is not very popular as it is slower than traveling by road.
Double tracking of the railway system in on the works and should be complete within the next few years. This will reduce travel time by rail by about half and would make it comparable as traveling by road.
Nevertheless, if you like trains, and are in no particular hurry, it can prove to be enjoyable. All coaches are air conditioned and if you travel at night, may book a sleeping berth on 2nd class or a cabin on 1st class. All trains have buffet cars that serves hot meals on wheels.
Airport
The international airport is located at Bayan Lepas and is serviced by MAS, Air Asia, Firefly, Lion Air, Mandala Air and Singapore Airlines. The airport has a few convenience shops, ATM, Banks and money changers, as well as a clinic and cafes.
Penang Travel
Port and Ferry Services
The Penang Port Commission (PPC) operates 4 terminals, including the passenger and vehicular ferry services between Georgetown and Butterworth. Crossing the channel takes only 15 minutes and cost about RM1 per person.
You may also take a fast ferry to Langkawi and Medan in Sumatra at the Swettenham Pier terminal. Cruise liners, such as StarCruises regularly call at this terminal.
The other terminals are the North Butterworth Container Terminal, Butterworth Deep Water Wharves and Prai Bulk Cargo Terminal which connect to 200 ports all over the world.
I hope you like this Traveling in Penang page and have found the information useful and interesting. I do look forward to your feedback so that this website can be a useful resource for travelers seeking to know more about Malaysia in general and about Penang in particular.
Penang Travel
Hop On Free Central Area Transit(CAT)
MPPP Rapid Penang CAT is a free shuttle bus service that ply the streets of George Town. It was launched on Friday, 23 January, 2009. MPPP or Majlis Perbadanan Pulau Pinang is Penang's Town Council.
There are a total of 19 stops which will take you from Weld Quay, near the Penang Ferry Termninal, to Penang Road. Covering the core and buffer zones of George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.
Use this excellent Hop On Free Central Area Transit buses and discover George Town, Penang, at your leisure.
Operating Hours: Daily 6:00 AM to midnight.
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