Getting Around
Penang's public transport system is there and moving 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 the meter. You may either insist on the meter being turned on or agree on the price before you move off. Taxis normally charge between RM3.00 - RM6.00 for short distances within the city.
City Buses
Most of buses use coin machine to collect fares. The main bus terminals are Pengkalan Weld (ferry terminal) and KOMTAR (ground floor).
Rapid Penang
Will run 26 routes on Penang island and seven in Seberang Perai, the mainland portion of the state. Malaysia's Finance Minister II Nor Mohamed Yakcop said fares for RapidPenang bus rides will begin at RM1 and increase by 50 sen for each stage.
Earlier in the month, RapidPenang's chief executive officer Douglas David announced that the company will be operating 13 routes, including two linking Penang island and the mainland portion of the state, Seberang Perai. He said the routes on Penang island will cover areas such as Air Itam, Rifle Range, Paya Terubong, Sungai Dua, Relau, Bayan Baru, Gat Lebuh Macallum and Pepper Estate under the first phase. On the mainland portion of the state, Seberang Perai, routes will cover the Butterworth Ferry Terminal, Kepala Batas, Teluk Air Tawar, Bagan Ajam, Kampung Gajah, Bagan Luar, Bertam, Seberang Jaya, Bukit Mertajam, Permatang Pauh, Nibong Tebal, Jawi, Sungai Bakap, Simpang Ampat, Bukit Minyak and Bukit Tengah. The two island-mainland routes will link Weld Quay in George Town on the island with Megamall in Butterworth on the mainland, and Sungai Nibong on the island and Megamall in Butterworth.
Georgetown "Shuttle Bus"
This is is a free bus service courtesy of the Georgetown Municipal Council. The route starts at the ferry terminal and passes through popular parts of Georgetown, including Komtar and Penang Road. The service runs at regular 12-minute intervals from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Mondays to Fridays and 7:00am to 2:00pm on Saturdays. There is no service on Sundays and public holidays. Click here for the bus routes and pick up points.
Trishaws
A trishaw ride is one of the best ways of seeing Penang. Besides the novelty of traveling in this open-fronted three-wheeled vehicle, trishaws allow visitors the opportunity of doing the sights at a more leisurely pacestopping 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 step on the trishaw. For extended sightseeing, it is advisable to hire them by the hour.
Car Rental
If you wish to venture further afield at your own leisure, it might be a good idea to drive around yourself. Most major international and local car rental companies offer a good choice of vehicles and packages. So, arm yourself with a valid international driving license and a reliable road map and set forth for the adventure of your life. Remember that traffic travels on the left side of the road and that the speed limit varies on all roads.
Motorbike & Bicycle Rental
Motorcyles and bicycles also offer inexpensive and fun ways of exploring the island. Stores along the hotel stretch of Batu Ferringhi and in the city offer them for hire.
Tours / Cruises
For those who wish to cover a bit of everything on limited time, there are many fascinating tours by air-conditioned coaches to famous landmarks around the island. Check with your hotel reception/tour desk for details on times and prices.
Round Island Tour
Includes visits to batik factories and fishing villages along Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang. It also covers Balik Pulau, the Snake Temple and Fort Cornwallis.
Hill & Temple Tour
The tour includes a ride up Penang Hill's funicular railway and visits to Kek Lok Si Temple which houses the pagoda of ten thousand Buddhas.
City Tour
Includes visit to the Botanical Gardens, Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, the Kapitan Keling Mosque, the Waterfront, the Penang Museum and the Khoo Kongsi.
Sea Cruises
Most beach hotel also offer cruises to the uninhabited islands off Batu Ferringhi. Round island cruise are also available.
Penang's public transport system is there and moving 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 the meter. You may either insist on the meter being turned on or agree on the price before you move off. Taxis normally charge between RM3.00 - RM6.00 for short distances within the city.
City Buses
Most of buses use coin machine to collect fares. The main bus terminals are Pengkalan Weld (ferry terminal) and KOMTAR (ground floor).
Rapid Penang
Will run 26 routes on Penang island and seven in Seberang Perai, the mainland portion of the state. Malaysia's Finance Minister II Nor Mohamed Yakcop said fares for RapidPenang bus rides will begin at RM1 and increase by 50 sen for each stage.
Earlier in the month, RapidPenang's chief executive officer Douglas David announced that the company will be operating 13 routes, including two linking Penang island and the mainland portion of the state, Seberang Perai. He said the routes on Penang island will cover areas such as Air Itam, Rifle Range, Paya Terubong, Sungai Dua, Relau, Bayan Baru, Gat Lebuh Macallum and Pepper Estate under the first phase. On the mainland portion of the state, Seberang Perai, routes will cover the Butterworth Ferry Terminal, Kepala Batas, Teluk Air Tawar, Bagan Ajam, Kampung Gajah, Bagan Luar, Bertam, Seberang Jaya, Bukit Mertajam, Permatang Pauh, Nibong Tebal, Jawi, Sungai Bakap, Simpang Ampat, Bukit Minyak and Bukit Tengah. The two island-mainland routes will link Weld Quay in George Town on the island with Megamall in Butterworth on the mainland, and Sungai Nibong on the island and Megamall in Butterworth.
Penang Island routes
| Route | Origin | Via | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| U101 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Batu Ferringhi | Teluk Bahang |
| U102 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Botanical Gardens | Pepper Estate |
| U103 | Weld Quay | Komtar | Tanjung Bungah |
| U104 | Weld Quay | Komtar | Tanjung Bungah |
| U105 | Weld Quay | Komtar | Batu Ferringhi |
| U201 | Weld Quay | Komtar | Padang Tembak |
| U202 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Bandar Baru Air Itam | Air Itam |
| U203 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Padang Tembak | Paya Terubong |
| U204 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Padang Tembak, Penang Hill Railway Station | Air Itam |
| U206 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Green Lane/Masjid Negeri | Tesco Tengku Kudin/Udini |
| U301 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Bukit Jambul, Bayan Baru | Relau |
| U302 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Bukit Jambul, Bayan Baru, Bayan Lepas | Batu Maung |
| U303 | Weld Quay | Komtar, USM Sungai Dua, Sungai Nibong | Bukit Jambul |
| U307 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Gelugor, Bukit Jambul, Bayan Baru, Bayan Lepas | Batu Maung |
| U401 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Gelugor, Bukit Jambul, Bayan Baru, Bayan Lepas | Balik Pulau |
| Route | Origin | Via | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| T10 | Weld Quay | Komtar | |
| T11 | Weld Quay | Komtar | Green Lane/Masjid Negeri |
| T304 | Sungai Nibong | USM Sungai Dua | Persiaran Gurney |
| T305 | Sungai Nibong | Bukit Jambul, Bayan Baru, Batu Maung | Teluk Tempoyak |
| T306 | Sungai Nibong | Bukit Jambul, Relau, Paya Terubong | Air Itam |
| T308 | Sungai Nibong | Bukit Jambul, Bayan Baru, Bayan Lepas | Gertak Sanggul |
| T402 | Balik Pulau | Pondok Upeh | |
| T403 | Balik Pulau | Pondok Upeh | |
| T404 | Balik Pulau | Sungai Pinang | Pantai Acheh |
| T501 | Balik Pulau | Sungai Pinang, Titi Kerawang | Teluk Bahang |
Island-Seberang Perai (Mainland) routes
| Route | Origin | Via | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| U704 | Weld Quay | Komtar, Penang Bridge | Mega Mall Butterworth |
| U705 | Sungai Nibong | Penang Bridge | Mega Mall Butterworth |
Seberang Perai (Mainland) routes
| Route | Origin | Via | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| U601 | Butterworth Ferry Terminal | Bagan Ajam, Teluk Ayer Tawar | Kepala Batas |
| U701 | Butterworth Ferry Terminal | Mega Mall Butterworth | Bukit Mertajam |
| U702 | Butterworth Ferry Terminal | Permatang Pauh | Bukit Mertajam |
| U801 | Butterworth Ferry Terminal | Mega Mall Butterworth, Juru, Bukit Tengah, Bukit Minyak, Simpang Ampat, Sungai Bakap | Nibong Tebal |
| Route | Origin | Via | Destination |
|---|---|---|---|
| T703 | Butterworth Ferry Terminal | Mega Mall Butterworth | Seberang Jaya |
Georgetown "Shuttle Bus"
This is is a free bus service courtesy of the Georgetown Municipal Council. The route starts at the ferry terminal and passes through popular parts of Georgetown, including Komtar and Penang Road. The service runs at regular 12-minute intervals from 7:00am to 7:00pm on Mondays to Fridays and 7:00am to 2:00pm on Saturdays. There is no service on Sundays and public holidays. Click here for the bus routes and pick up points.
Trishaws
A trishaw ride is one of the best ways of seeing Penang. Besides the novelty of traveling in this open-fronted three-wheeled vehicle, trishaws allow visitors the opportunity of doing the sights at a more leisurely pacestopping 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 step on the trishaw. For extended sightseeing, it is advisable to hire them by the hour.
Car Rental
If you wish to venture further afield at your own leisure, it might be a good idea to drive around yourself. Most major international and local car rental companies offer a good choice of vehicles and packages. So, arm yourself with a valid international driving license and a reliable road map and set forth for the adventure of your life. Remember that traffic travels on the left side of the road and that the speed limit varies on all roads.
Motorbike & Bicycle Rental
Motorcyles and bicycles also offer inexpensive and fun ways of exploring the island. Stores along the hotel stretch of Batu Ferringhi and in the city offer them for hire.
Tours / Cruises
For those who wish to cover a bit of everything on limited time, there are many fascinating tours by air-conditioned coaches to famous landmarks around the island. Check with your hotel reception/tour desk for details on times and prices.
Round Island Tour
Includes visits to batik factories and fishing villages along Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang. It also covers Balik Pulau, the Snake Temple and Fort Cornwallis.
Hill & Temple Tour
The tour includes a ride up Penang Hill's funicular railway and visits to Kek Lok Si Temple which houses the pagoda of ten thousand Buddhas.
City Tour
Includes visit to the Botanical Gardens, Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram, the Kapitan Keling Mosque, the Waterfront, the Penang Museum and the Khoo Kongsi.
Sea Cruises
Most beach hotel also offer cruises to the uninhabited islands off Batu Ferringhi. Round island cruise are also available.