when you want travel by bus?

WHEN YOU TRAVEL BY BUS IN PENANG? HERE IS THE MAP AND TYPE OF BUS

List of Bus Routes Penang Island Seberang Perai 10 11 12 CAT 101 102 103 104 201 202 203 204 206 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309  401 401E 403 404 501 502 601 602 603 604 604A 605 606 608 610 701 702 703 709 801 802 803

BEST Park & Ride Program BEST (Bridge Express Shuttle Transit) was first introduced by Penang State Government in March 2011 as the country's first park and ride service. The BEST service is an effort by Penang State Government to promote the use of public transport. For the past two years the daily commuter has increased up to 800 commuters. As of 3rd of September 2012, Penang State Government expand the service by introducing two new feeder hub at Bandar Perda and Auto City at Juru. The express service will now depart from Bandar Sunway, Bandar Perda and Auto City Juru to FIZ Bayan Lepas, in the morning and return from FIZ area in the evening the operating period for the express service is as follows: Morning Session : 6.30am to 7.50am Evening Session : 4.30pm to 7.10pm Car parking will be available at Sunway Carnival Mall, Bandar Perda (opposite LHDN) and Auto City Car Park. Factory personnel can park their vehicles around this area and board the express service to Bayan Lepas FIZ. The express service will cover all areas in FIZ 1,2,3,4 , Technoplex and BLIP. New features and benefits of the expansion of BEST Service will include better connectivity from Sunway Carnival, Bandar Perda (BM), Auto City Juru to Komtar via Queensbay Mall. Why not switch to Public transportation, when you can save money & travel in a stress free way? Wifi Available onboard! Overall Map Connectivity to Queensbay  Route Map Schedules Best A Best B Best C Juru Feeder Perda Feeder Best A Best B Best C Juru Feeder Perda Feeder

WHERE TO STAY

WHERE YOU CAN STAY WHEN TRAVEL IN PENANG?

Top Hotels in Penang

The hotels listed here are selected as the best in their respective categories – having set the standards for others to follow or simply trailblazers who have carved their very own niche in the competitive hospitality industry. Check out the top hotels in Penang , and if you are planning to visit, see the best deals they have to offer!

Best for the hip crowd: Hard Rock Hotel

The Hard Rock brand needs no introduction. It will appeal to the rocker in you and hotel’s Hard Rock Café offer live entertainment that are among the best on the island. Throw in the beachfront location on Batu Feringgi, the longest and most happening pool area in Penang that are kids-friendly as well and we have a winner on all fronts.
Upgrade to the hotel’s King Floor for extra privileges and try the hotel’s Pizzeria restaurant for arguably the best Italian food around.

 

 

Best for budget : Ryokan Chic Hostels

Tired of budget hotels with cockroaches, lumpy mattresses and no-go toilets ? Try Ryokan, a Japanese themed hostel offering safe, clean accommodation and modern features of chic boutique hotels for travellers on a shoestring budget. CCTV monitoring system and Wifi connectivity are available throughout the hostel and there's even a special ladies' dorm.

Ryokan is located on Muntri Street, right in the heart of George Town, Penang.
Being located between Chulia Street, Love Lane and Penang Road makes Ryokan the perfect accommodation as its smacked right in the middle of the backpackers' haven.

 

Best for luxury : Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa

Located on the famed Batu Feringgi Beach, this is arguably the finest 5-star deluxe accommodation available in Penang. This iconic resort sits on 30 acres of lush tropical gardens dotted with majestic centuries-old raintrees and stunning views of the Andaman Sea. Traditional Malay design elements and art pieces blend with contemporary facilities to create a spell-binding retreat with top-notch service. The resort’s Rasa Wing premier rooms come with private outdoor tub on the balcony while CHI, The Spa offers the most luxurious spa treatments on the island.

Best for family: Golden Sands Resort

A veritable tropical paradise located on Batu Feringgi beach, Golden Sands Resort is one the best 4-star hotels in the country with extensive range of recreational facilities that include a water sports centre, three tennis courts, a Par 3 Executive Golf Course, two swimming pools and Adventure Zone, a Family Entertainment Centre as well as exciting daily organised activities. The resort’s Deluxe Seafacing rooms with a pull-down Murphy bed that accommodates a third person in the room and can be retracted for more room space during the day.

 

 

 

Best for flashpackers: Muntri Mews

Formerly a stables and coach house for carriages serving George Town’s wealthy Chinese families, Muntri Mews offers affordable boutique-style accommodation (numbering only nine suites in total) in beautifully restored rows of 19th century Chinese terrace homes on Muntri Street. From here, it is within easy walking distance to all the listed heritage attractions – perfect for intrepid explorers bent on discovering the real Georgetown.
The hotel’s unique concept and its friendly staff who offer personalised service are a refreshing departure from the standard offerings you would find at the larger, international-chain city hotels.

 

Best for Business: Eastin Hotel

Located within the The Bayan Lepas Industrial Zone, 5 minutes from the Penang Bridge and 10 minutes from the Penang International Airport, Eastin Hotel Penang houses 328 rooms with modern amenities and complimentary internet. Business people on the move can also indulge in a little shopping as Penang’s largest lifestyle mall – Queensbay Mall, is a mere stroll away. For sightseeing, an excursion to the George Town heritage enclave is a 20-minute ride away. Whether for business or leisure, Eastin Hotel Penang offers plenty and at great value for money.

 

 

 

 

 

Best Boutique Hotel:  Yeng Keng Hotel

Yeng Keng Hotel is a 20-room newly restored 19th century building on Chulia Street, arguably the most colourful and happening street in the World Heritage site of George Town. Street hawkers, budget hotels, coffee shop bars and antique shop houses line this vibrant and bustling street, so there’s never a dull moment day or night.
The location is perfect to venture out and enjoy the historical city walk and the city’s best nightlife on Upper Penang Road is also a short walk away. The hotel also houses a restaurant that serves excellent Hainanese food.

 

 

Best for the alternative crowd: Noordin Mews

This is a new hotel with an attitude as its management sets out to openly welcome the LGBT community. It also has a pet-friendly policy for guests who travel with their four-legged friends. Even if you are not part of this community, Noordin Mews is still an immaculately-restored boutique heritage hotel situated within strolling distance to the George Town heritage enclave and some of the best street hawker centres in town.
Noordin Mews houses 16 air-conditioned bedrooms equipped with modern amenities and tastefully restored retro fittings and furniture.

Top 10 - What to See and Do

       
 WHAT DO YOU SEE AND DO IN PENANG

Soak in the sun at one of the many beaches, explore the quaint nooks and crannies of George Town, feast on delicacies from hawker street stalls, shop at the many quaint night markets and much more. Offering the best of Asia, Penang 's sights and sounds reflect the colourful heritage of her many races and the pride of her people. Be it lush tropical gardens or ornately designed temples and unique heritage buildings, Penang will give you a glimpse into a world where nature, tradition and history blend into a rich cultural tapestry.Live like a local and see what laid back Penangites love to indulge in - travel in trishaws and shop at the many quaint night markets. Be adventurous and explore!
Though there are definitely more than 10 interesting things to do in Penang, here's our Top 10 picks of “must-dos” when visiting the Pearl of the Orient.

no.1 The Streets of George Town Experience the unique charms of Straits eclectic architecture and sights from our colonial past that has earned George Town a place in Unesco’s heritage site listing. Here, every clanhouse and building represents a page of  Penang’s colourful history and every street corner has a tale to tell. Better still, join the guided walking tours organised by Penang Heritage Trust (from RM50/person) or do with ‘green wheels’ – via a bicycle or trishaw package tour by Metro Bike www.metrobike.com.my (from RM88/person).

no.2 Penang famous hawker fare Penangites love to eat – that is a fact. And as the saying goes, when in Rome do as the Romans do! Penang street food encompasses Chinese, Malay and Indian “fast food” all served in a matter of minutes! Eating by the roadside stalls and coffee shops is an experience second to none as you watch locals of all races indulge in their favourite past time – food!

no.3 Penang Hill At 821m above sea level, Penang Hill visitors will be privy to some of the grandest colonial mansions (which are now restaurants and guests houses) while enjoying the cool, refreshing air and panoramic views of the island. Take a short 30-minute cable car ride up Penang Hill from the funicular station in Air Itam or trek up the hill via the Botanic Gardens – a three-hour hike through lush foliage of the rainforest.

no.4 Places of worship Grand churches, elaborate Buddhist and Indian temples and magnificent mosques are all part and parcel of the local culture. Be it the St George’s Church (built in 1816), Kapitan Keling Mosque, Kek Lok Si Temple, Snake Temple (yes, there are live snakes inside!) or Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the different races often converge at these places of worship to practice their faith and it is indeed, a sight to be hold.

no.5 National Park (Muka Head) While Penang’s National Park in Pantai Acheh may be the smallest in the country, it is by no means less impressive. Eco-attractions like the pristine Pantai Kerachut beach and meromictic lake (a body of sea water and fresh water that do not mix) provide the perfect spot for picnics and fishing, swimming and trekking. Boat rides can also be arranged or those who want to visit the nearby islands. Also, do look out for the old lighthouse which was built in 1883 – it is still operational and visitors are welcome!

no.6 The Weld Quay Clan Jetties The clan jetties perched on the backwaters of George Town are home to five main Chinese clans – Lim, Chew, Tan, Lee and Yeoh. Today, the young ones, who no longer depend on the sea for a living, have moved out of the settlement while their elders continue to enjoy the wooden jetties’ laidback lifestyle. These humble, rickety jetties are a living heritage that serves as a reminder of the island’s stature as an important maritime port and the pioneer Chinese immigrants who came to seek their fortune here more than a century ago.

no.7 Flea markets, pasar malam and modern shopping malls From the Lorong Kulit and Rope Walk flea markets to the Campbell Street, and Little India traditional shopping areas and modern shopping malls like Gurney Plaza and Queensbay (just to name a few), Penang is a shopper’s paradise. Even if shopping is not your thing, do spare a few hours browsing (especially at the local antique shops and handicraft centres) because it’ll be worth your while! Bargaining is a skill that is best honed in Penang where the traders are quite a friendly lot.

no.8 Batu Ferringhi Beach With its sandy shores and vast open sea, Batu Ferringhi offers an amazing respite from the hustle and bustle of town. Check into any one of the resorts that line the stretch and spend your afternoon soaking in the soothing sound of lapping waves and bright sunny rays of this tropical paradise. At night, the popular tourist belt comes to life as traders hawk their wares while eateries bring out their best menus to satiate even the most discerning of palates. The Batu Ferringhi night market offers some eye-catching knick-knacks including wood carvings, silver jewellery, crockery and display items.

no.9 Upper Penang Road and Chulia Street For those who love to drink and party, the Upper Penang Road party hotspot in George Town comes alive when the sun descends on the horizon. Here, you will find pubs, karaoke lounges and clubs with live bands where the drinks keep flowing and the beat keeps thumping! At nearby Chulia Street, backpackers chill and bond in little budget motels, coffee shops and watering holes that serve relatively cheap(er) beer and drinks.

no.10 Butterfly Farm This tropical butterfly farm in Teluk Bahang is so famous that it was visited by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife when they came to Penang for a private holiday in 2008. A live museum with winged beauties fluttering about as well as a breeding research centre, the farm is an eco-tourism gem indeed.

top 10 what to eat at penang

         
        MOST FAMOUS FOOD IN PENANG

Penang gourmet ranges from street food to fine dining but her myriad of flavours are definitely unique to the island state.
With each race offering their own traditional fare, foodies will be spoilt for choice.

Although every culture has their signature dishes, they are also influenced by other cooking styles and have managed to come up with their own special creations that represent a beautiful blend of tastes and spices.

NO.1- NASI KANDAR

Rice served with an unending list of curries and dishes meticulously prepared with fish, chicken, squid,

prawns and beef – a hearty meal for those who love aromatic spices!

NO.2- LAKSA

There are two variations of the Laksa – one is sour and tangy while the other is cooked with rich coconut milk.

NO.3- CHAR KOAY TEOW

This flat, fried white noodle dish has been described as a taste of heaven and it is certainly no exaggeration!

NO.4- HOKKIEN MEE

The Penang version of this dish is craved by many including those who do not hail from the state. The yellow noodle cooked in tasty prawn soup is definitely a local favourite!

NO.5- NYONYA DISHES, DESSERTS, KUIH

The Nyonya community’s cooking skills are legendary. Infused with herbs and spices, the dishes are a perfect accompaniment to steaming white rice while the desserts and local cakes (kuih) are a sight to behold with their unique soft texture and colourful appearance – sinfully delicious.

NO.6- ROJAK

A delicious mix of fresh fruits and vegetables like pineapples, cucumber and water apples with cuttlefish slices. Generously topped with a local prawn paste dressing, it is a heady combination indeed!

NO.7- BUKIT TAMBUN SEAFOOD
Bukit Tambun on the mainland is only a short distance from the Penang Bridge and serves some of the cheapest and freshest variety of seafood in the country! Indulge in succulent prawns, tasty crabs and your favourite fish dish without burning a hole in your pocket.

NO.8- PASEMBUR
A slightly different version of the Rojak, the Pasembur features a mix of deep fried items and shredded vegetables. The dressing is a peanut-based sweet sauce that will leave you hungering for more.

NO.9- EURASIAN FOOD
Sourcing for authentic Eurasian cuisine maybe a bit of a challenge because the community is dwindling in numbers. However, the Little Penang Street Market at Upper Penang Road (only on the last Sunday of each month) and a small Eurasian restaurant tucked away along Kelawai Road serve very good Eurasian specialties. Among the popular dishes are the Debel (Devilled) Curry, pickles, sweetmeat, roasts, patties, spicy Mulligatawny Soup, kedgerees, stews and pies.

NO.10- BAH KUT TEH
Pork ribs simmered in herbal soup, Bak Kut Teh is a well-loved Chinese dish. Often, regulars will request for “extras” like pork intestines and pork skin. Eaten with white rice, nothing beats a steaming hot bowl of Bak Kut Teh!

penang :)

          MALAYSIA: PENANG


INTRODUCTION

Penang is a state in Malaysia and the name of its constituent island, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by theStrait of Malacca. It is bordered by Kedah in the north and east, and Perak in the south. Penang is the second smallest Malaysian state in area after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. It is composed of two parts – Penang Island, where the seat of government is, and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley in English) on the Malay Peninsula. Highly urbanised and industrialised Penang is one of the most developed and economically important states in the country, as well as a thriving tourist destination.^[4][5][6] Penang has the third-highest Human Development Index in Malaysia, after the state of Selangor and the federal territory of Kuala Lumpur. Its heterogeneous population is highly diverse in ethnicity, culture, language, and religion. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite.




A fascinating fusion of the East and West, Penang embraces modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. These are reflected in its harmonious multiracial populace and well-preserved heritage buildings which led to George Town being accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site recently.
Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and scrumptious cuisines.

           INTRODUCTION

TRAVEL

Travel is the movement of people between relatively distant geographical locations, and can involve travel by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat,airplane, or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip.^[1][2] Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements


he origin of the word "travel" is most likely lost to history. The term "travel" may originate from the Old French word travail.^[3] According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century. It also states that the word comes from Middle English travailen, travelen (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old Frenchtravailler (which means to work strenuously, toil). In English we still occasionally use the words travail and travails, which mean struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book The Best Travelers' Tales (2004), the words travel and travail both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the tripalium (in Latin it means "three stakes", as in to impale). This link is fascinating given the extreme difficulty of travel in ancient times. Also note the torturous connotation of the word "travailler." Today, travel may or may not be much easier depending upon the destination you choose (i.e., Mt. Everest, the Amazon rainforest), how you plan to get there (tour bus, cruise ship, or oxcart), and whether or not you decide to "rough it (see extreme tourismand adventure travel). "There's a big difference between simply being a tourist and being a true world traveler," notes travel writer Michael Kasum.