The journey from mainland Penang in Peninsular
The journey from mainland Penang in Peninsular Malaysia to Penang takes 15 to 20 minutes by ferry. There are two bridges that connect the island with the mainland, namely Penang Bridge and Penang Second Bridge (Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’Adzam Shah Bridge).
Penang International Airport receives incoming flights from many international destinations such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Qatar. Langkawi Island is 2 hours 45 minutes away by ferry, or 35 minutes by flight. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a 50-minute flight away, or a 4-hour train or car journey.
Holiday Dress
Because Penang has a tropical climate, you are advised to wear cool clothes. The weather is usually sunny, with moderate temperatures and still comfortable to walk outside. Shopping malls and restaurants are equipped with air conditioning systems so it might be better to bring extra light clothes. If you have plans to attend a formal event, suits or batik shirts for men can be worn. To be sure, check with your host before the event. Modest dress is mandatory when visiting places of worship. Mosques often provide appropriate covering clothing for tourists. Shoes must be removed when entering a place of worship.
Make sure you have a small umbrella when you’re out and about, and always carry a bottle of water to stay fresh when you’re busy having fun. You should remember that it is not recommended to drink water directly from the tap.
Travel Tips
Malaysian Immigration Law requires every visitor entering Malaysia to hold a valid passport with a validity period of more than six (6) months from the date of entry into Malaysia, so please check your passport before planning your trip.
Electrical sockets in Malaysia supply electricity between 220 and 240 volts. You need a G type socket adapter to be able to use your plug in Malaysia.
Local Language
The official language in Malaysia is Malay, but many locals are also fluent in English. Most Penang residents can speak two or more languages. Almost all Chinese speak the Hokkien dialect of Penang which is unique due to the mixture of the use of the Chinese language with borrowed Malay words and a few English words. The most frequently heard speech of Penang residents is “Have you eaten yet?” (Malay), “Chiak pa boi” (Hokkien), “Saptacha” (Tamil) which means “Have you eaten?”
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