Working in Penang Malaysia
A state of Malaysia, Penang is located on the north-west coast of Peninsula Malaysia near the Strait of Malacca. Penang may be one of the smallest states in Malaysia, but it is a flourishing tourist destination due to its lush beaches and warm weather.
The capital and largest city of Penang is George Town, which is named after Britain’s King George III. With a tropical climate, George Town and Penang are blessed with warm weather all year round (along with regular rain) supporting the thriving tourist industry.
- Airport
- Railway Station
- Transportation
- Cost of Living
- Accommodation
- Shopping
- Emergency
- Insurance and Healthcare
Location
Tourism Video
Airport
Penang International Airport
Located south-east of Penang Island, the airport is about 16km from the capital, George Town. The complex provides connections both domestically and internationally, primarily for holiday makers visiting Malaysia. Low cost carriers such as AirAsia and Firefly frequently schedule flights through Penang International Airport.
The easiest way to reach Penang International Airport is by bus from the main station in George Town. Several bus services frequently leave the station to the airport. Shuttle buses, through a number of private companies, can also be pre-booked to assist travellers. Taxis are also a common option for tourists traveling to and from the airport and hotels in Penang.
Railway Station
Butterworth railway station
The main railway station in Penang, Butterworth railway station provides links throughout the state and to major cities including Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
Transportation
Penang has a strong network of buses, trishaws and taxis, but the best way to appreciate George Town, in particular, is by foot. However, for those after a quicker form of travel, Penang has a modern bus service called RapidPenang. The service is extensive and well marked in English, as you would expect in this key tourist destination of Malaysia. The primary bus stations in George Town are KOMTAR and Pengkalan Weld (also a key ferry terminal). There is also a free CAT service provided by the Penang Council with hop-on, hop-off services to various landmarks.
A popular service for tourists is the trishaw, a human-powered three-wheeled vehicle which is great for navigation around George Town. Make sure to negotiate a fare before using these services. The same goes for Penang’s taxis as drivers aren’t too keen on using the meter.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Penang is low by western standards for expats, however, in busier areas for tourists prices can be substantially higher. According to online cost of living database Numbeo (http://www.numbeo.com/), prices for typical items on current exchange rates (June 2013) are as follows:
| Food | |
| Cheap meal (inexpensive restaurant) | $2.20 |
| Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25.30 |
| Domestic beer (500mL) | $4.20 |
| Coke (330mL) | $0.70 |
| Milk (1 litre) | $1.85 |
| Loaf of bread | $0.90 |
| Eggs | $1.50 |
| Transport | |
| One way ticket (local transport) | $0.70 |
| Monthly pass | $28.70 |
| Petrol (1 litre) | $0.65 |
| Rent (monthly) | |
| One bedroom apartment (central area) | $240 approx |
| Three bedroom apartment (central area) | $505 approx |
| Accommodation | |
| Hostel bed (one night) | $15 |
| Five star hotel room (one night) | $120 |
| Average monthly salary (after tax) | $1000 |
Accommodation
Being a popular tourist destination, Penang has a large choice of luxurious hotels, usually found on the beachfront at Batu Feringghi. While exclusive, these hotels aren’t exactly expensive compared to hotels of the same standard in western cities. For budget and mid-range hotels, George Town provides plenty of choice. To find these check out Love Lane and Chulia Street.
Budget
Hutton Lodge
LazyBoys TraveLodge
Baan Talay Homestay
Mid-range
Flamingo By The Beach Penang
Straits Collection Penang
Hydro Hotel Penang
High-end
Rasa Sayang Resourt
Park Royal Penang Resort
Lone Pine Hotel
Shopping
Penang has a typical South-East Asian experience when it comes to shopping. The state has several shopping malls and markets that provide a well rounded shopping experience for locals and tourists. A few of the main shopping malls in Penang include 1st Avenue Penang, Queensbay Mall and Prangin Mall. Penang’s markets include Flea Market at Lorong Kulit, Pasar Malam and Little Penang Street Market.
When in Penang visitors will also notice several Chinese bakeries in the region, something it is famous for throughout Malaysia. At least once these bakeries should be enjoyed. The better bakeries to find include Sin Hock Seng, Loong Nam & Co and Him Heang.
Emergency
Emergency numbers
Police / Ambulance 999 / 112
Fire and Rescue 994 / 112
Australian Consulate, Penang
This post is headed by an Honorary Consul.
No. 29, Lebuh Bukit Jambul
11900 Bayan Lepas
Penang
Malaysia
Telephone: (60 4) 645 8285
Facsimile: (60 4) 645 8285
Email: pg.aus.consul@gmail.com
Insurance and Healthcare
The health care system in Malaysia is administered by the country’s federal government and consists of public and private sectors. The public health care system is available to all citizens, including expats who have registered for the system. Public health in Malaysia is excellent by South-East Asian standards and compares well with western countries.
On top of the compulsory health insurance requirements, expats in Malaysia can take out private care, with an extensive range of services available. Costs for private health treatment in Malaysia compare well with Australian services. Despite a high standard of health facilities in Malaysia, DFAT recommends all Australians travelling to the country take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover any overseas costs.