Wolf Money/Bargain(Penang Boleh! 10 things you need to know about the Island of Pearls)

(Best spot to hide from the rain)

I just came back from a 3-day trip to Penang during the week-long school holiday. I realise spending money on holidays is a better use of my currency. Nothing beats a good holiday. Through traveling one can learn about the rich culture and the history of the place. This was my first trip to Penang. I have been to other parts of Malaysia but how Penang slipped off my travel radar for such a long time was puzzling 🤨. Since it was the school holiday, an hour flight to Penang from Singapore wasn’t too taxing on the body.

(The endless queue at checkpoint)

Upon arrival, we were met with many other holidaymakers queuing up at the customs. If there is any imperfection to our trip, long queues at the customs require patience. The flight took only 1hr from Singapore, but it took us 1.5hrs to finally get through customs. The wait at the custom didn’t dampen our spirit for the holiday, it was an enjoyable one.  Here are my 10 things(plus extra) you need to know about Penang.

1.) Penang has a nickname called Pearls of the Orient or Island of Pearls. 

2.) Penang is the smallest state in Malaysia with 1.75m inhabitants covering an area of slightly over 1000km sq, which is only 30% larger than Singapore, probably closer to the size of Hong Kong.

（State of Penang, Coat of Arms) 

3.) The state of Penang has no Sultan. Penang was ceded by the Sultan of Kedah to the British in exchange for British protection in 1786. Penang, together with Malacca and Singapore, formed the trio of Straits Settlements during the British rule. 

4.) Weather wise, Penang is as hot as Singapore with temperatures soaring to as high as 34c during our trip. Do drink plenty of water. Ladies, remember to bring along your sunshade and sunblock lotion.

5.) The state of Penang is home to many multinational corporations operating out of Malaysia, especially in technology related manufacturing. Some companies like Bosch, Dell and AMD have a strong presence in the state. Penang is also a hub for semiconductor manufacturing in Malaysia.

(Huge Bosch factory that has a frontage of more than 200m)

(AMD factory)

6.) Street food

There is plenty of street food in Penang within the historical state capital of George Town. One could get a plate of Char Kway Teow from as low as RM 7. I had one at New Lane Street for RM 10. Three roll of Cheong Fun for RM 6. Oyster omelette for RM 14. They are heavenly with the wok hey. I am mindful to call them cheap, given we have the benefit of a superior exchange rate. Most street food are tasty, including those eateries not promoted by well-known travel vloggers. I suggest trying out those hidden food gems patronised by locals. The locals are very warmth people, we were offered extra food on a few occasions. 

(Oyster omelette with a lot of oysters)

(The fame Penang Char Kway Teow)

(Chee Cheong Fun is a must have, the sweet sauce is different from the usual HK style)

(The stall owner is very generous with the oysters)

7.) Shopping

Uniqlo Malaysia is close to 30% cheaper than Singapore. Uniqlo only applied a 2.5x on Malaysia price of equivalent to the Singapore dollar. I bought a pair of black pants on promo for RM 129.90($38) originally retail for $59.90 in Singapore. There are many sports wear outlet offering Nike and other major sporting brands at half the usual price to Singapore. Now my wife can’t say I wear the same kind of T-shirt every day.

(Heng ah! I can still fit a M size after all those eating)

8.) Penang Hill Tram Ride

Many travel vloggers recommend the fast lane pass which costs RM 80 for an adult and RM 40 for children. I find the express pass unnecessary given its steeper than “Penang Hill” price. We got our normal pass at only RM 30 and RM 15 respectively and the queue or the lack of one makes it a pleasant trip up the highest vantage point in Penang. The view is simply breathtaking. 

(The Penang Hill Funicular Train had an upgrade recently)

(The hill is a popular destination to catch the first light of the day)

9.) Grab

Grab remains the most cost-effective and convenient way for tourists to get around the Island. One could get to any part of George Town for less than RM 20. 

10.) Amazing Street Art 

We managed to spot a few well-known wall murals around Armenian Street. There are plenty of café around the old town. One could get a coffee for RM 10 and engage in some people watching. The restoration done on some shop houses give the street a blend of old and new. Visitors can take in the history and modern chic at the same time. Some other places of interest to consider include upside-down museum and Penang Tech Centre. 

Extra Extra!!

11.) DUAN 

DUAN is an Asian fusion focus café located at Lebuh Pantai, George Town. Our family enjoys their food very much. With a Google rating of 4.9/5 stars, one couldn’t go wrong having a meal there. The delicious food and good service make it a definite choice for travellers to George Town. We ordered Satay, Fish Soup Mee Sua and Chicken Porridge and a DUAN special ice coffee for a grand total of RM 68 which worked out to be just slightly under SGD $20. The food portions are generous. I will visit them again if I am heading back to Penang. 

12.) Jen Hotel@George Town

The hotel is part of Robert Kuok’s Shangri La Group. The room is clean and decently sized. There is a gym and a heated swimming pool for guests. The hotel is within walking distance from many tourist attractions. Each night costs around SGD $140 with breakfast for 3 people included. Overseas holidays could be achieved without going over budget. Penang has proven to be a value for money holiday destination. For the trip, we spent a grand total of SGD $1300(RM 4550) on airfare, accommodation, grab and some spending money. The old charm of George Town to the developed area along Gurney Drive, there is something for everyone. Penang is definitely worth considering for your next holiday.

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