From Wikitravel

Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang， Chinese:檳城) is an island off the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is also the name of the Malaysian state which is made up of Penang Island and the facing strip of territory on the mainland called Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley).

Penang is one of Malaysia's main tourist draws. Its beaches are a little lacklustre when compared with those in some other Malaysian states, but this is more than compensated by the island's rich multicultural history which is full of colonial and Chinese influences.

Contents 1 Cities 2 Towns 3 Understand 3.1 History 3.2 Today 3.3 Orientation 3.4 When to go 4 Get in 4.1 By plane 4.2 By train 4.3 By car 4.4 By bus 4.5 By boat 5 Get around 5.1 By bus 5.2 By trishaw 5.3 By ferry 5.4 Rentals 6 See 7 Do 8 Buy 8.1 Costs 8.2 Traditional Foods 9 Eat 9.1 Budget 9.2 Mid-range 9.3 Splurge 10 Drink 11 Sleep 12 Contact 13 Stay safe 14 Get out

Cities

• George Town - the capital
• Butterworth - mainland gateway to Penang
• Bukit Mertajam - the capital of Seberang Perai Tengah district

Towns

• Simpang Ampat - a small town in the district of Seberang Perai Selatan, famous for its nearby seafood at Bukit Tambun
• Batu Ferringhi - the main tourist strip on the north coast
• Seberang Jaya - satellite township in the district of Seberang Perai Tengah

Understand

History

Penang was part of the Malay state of Kedah until 1786, when Captain Francis Light built a fort at the site of present-day George Town and managed to get the island ceded to the British East India Company. Along with Malacca and Singapore, the island was one of the three British Straits Settlements.

The name Penang comes from the Malay word Pinang, means the betel nut (槟榔） tree (Areca catechu). The name Pulau Pinang translated literally from Malay means "betel nut island". The original name of Penang was Pulau Kasatu, it was renamed to Prince of Wales Island on 12 Aug 1786 to commemorate the birthday of the Prince of Wales, later, George IV. During the early and middle part last century, Penang Island was also known as "The Pearl of the Orient".

The capital George Town, was named after King George III of Great Britain. Penang, especially George Town, remains as it was, today.

Today

Penang has the highest population density in Malaysia and is the only Chinese-majority state. Penang state is today the third-largest economy amongst the states of Malaysia, after Selangor and Johor.

The cargo trade has largely shifted down to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore since Penang loss its free-port status in 1969, but now Penang makes a good living off tourism and electronics factories. The multi-nation corporations build their manufacturing factories in the Free Trade Zone include Intel, AMD, Dell, Agilent, Osram, Motorola, Seagate, Jabil and etc. Penang has been granted as Cyber-City status since 21 Jun 2004.

Orientation

George Town, at the north-eastern tip but sprawling down the entire eastern coast, is Penang's sole city of size or historical significance. The island's best beaches and consequently heaviest tourist development are on the northern side, particularly Batu Ferringhi.

When to go

Penang's high season is around Christmas, New Year's Day, and Chinese New Year (check the lunar calendar; it could fall on the end of January or early to mid February), when the east coast of Malaysia is drenched and hordes of sun-seeking Europeans descend on the island. Accommodation tends to be packed, and priced accordingly.

Get in

By plane

Recently refurbished Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport (PEN) is one of Malaysia's larger and better-equipped airports, operated by Malaysia Airports, [1] with regular connections to Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Langkawi. The airport is located on the southeastern coast of the island, some 20 minutes from George Town. Contact number:+60 4 643-4411 Fax:+60 4 643-5339 Cities that connects to Penang with direct flight:

Domestic

• Kuala Lumpur (KUL), through AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines [2]
• Johor Bahru (JHB), through AirAsia [3], & Malaysia Airlines [4]
• Langkawi (LGK) through Malaysia Airlines [5]

International

• Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) through AirAsia, [6]
• Medan, Indonesia (MES) through AirAsia [7]
• Singapore (SIN) through Malaysia Airlines [8] & Singapore Airline, [9]
• Incheon, South Korea (ICN) through Korean Air, [10]
• Hong Kong (HKG) through Cathay Pacific[11].
• London, United Kingdom (LHR) through Malaysia Airlines[12] (to be discontinue soon)

By train

There are no trains on Penang, but many people take the train to Butterworth on the peninsular and then connect to the ferry (within walking distance from the train terminal). You can also book the KTMB train tickets at the Penang ferry terminal or the railway station in Butterworth. Contact numbers:

• Penang jetty +60 4 261-0290
• Butterworth +60 4 323-7962 / 331-2796
• Bukit Mertajam +60 4 539-2660

There is an inexpensive overnight train service that runs daily between Bangkok and Butterworth. The 20-hour journey covers the northern part of a popular route among backpackers traveling along Bangkok-Kuala Lumpur-Singapore corridor.

By car

Penang is connected to the mainland and the North-South Expressway by Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Asia. One-way toll for a car from mainland is RM7; no charge for vehicles to mainland.

Toll rate:

• Motorcycles - RM1.40
• Motorcycles with sidecars; commercial vehicles on three wheels; car including station wagon - RM7.00 (RM5.60 for "Touch n Go" cardholder)
• Lorries; vans and buses with two axles and four wheels - RM12.00
• Lorries, vans and buses with two axles and five or six wheels - RM25.00
• Vehicles with three axles - RM45.00
• Vehicles with four axles - RM60.00
• Vehicle with five or more axles - RM75.00

By bus

Long-distance buses connect George Town to a variety of Malaysian towns. The trip from Kuala Lumpur costs around RM 27 (prices vary by operator) and take around 4 hours. From Johor Bahru in 10h for RM 50. The buses arrive at the new bus terminal Sungai Nibong, half an hour ride from the center of George Town, not far from the airport. To get to the Komtar building, a taxi costs around RM 15-20.

By boat

From the mainland The classic way to arrive in Penang, especially if traveling by train, is to take the ferry from Butterworth. The ferry service operator is Penang Port and its operation hour is 5:30am till 1:00am (Last departure) daily.

Ferry rates applicable (from Butterworth to Penang Island) are listed below:

• Pedestrian: Adult - RM1.20 & Children (between 5 to 12 years old) - RM0.60
• Vehicles: Bicycle - RM1.40, Motorcycle (inclusive of pillion rider) - RM2.00, Trishaw/tricycle - RM3.00, Motorcar (including station wagon, four-wheel drive, three-wheel commercial vehicle, motorcycle with side car) - RM7.70, Lorry (2 axles with 4 wheels) - RM13.20, Lorry (2 axles with 6 wheels) - RM27.50.

Penang Port also operates Swenttenham Pier on Penang island to handle some of the largest cruise vessels in the world. The following are fleets that routinely stopover at Swenttenham Pier:

• SuperStar Virgo and SuperStar Gemini operated by Star Cruises
• Pacific Sky operated by P&O Cruises

From Indonesia

• Ferries depart from Medan's port of Belawan to Swenttenham Port or vice versa at 9am daily. Operated by Langkawi Ferry Services, Tel: +60 4 264-2088 in Penang; +62 61 4521666 / 4527555 in Medan. Oneway trip costs RM110 for adult, RM60 for children (3-12 years old) and RM40 for infant (below 3-year old); return trip costs RM180, RM100 and RM50 respectively. Travel duration is about 5 hours 30 minutes.

Get around

Getting around Penang can be a minor hassle, as buses tend to be poorly signposted and infrequent, and taxis uniformly refuse to use the meter.

By bus

Buses are somewhat frequent on the main artery to Batu Ferringhi. Look out for Transitlink bus 202 bounds for Teluk Bahang; it goes through midtown Pulau Tikus, (northwest end of) Gurney Drive, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, and Batu Ferringhi. Avoid so-called 'minibuses' because they usually go as far as Tanjung Bungah and can be poorly maintained. Route 93, also bounds for either Tanjung Bungah or Teluk Bahang, generally runs on buses that do not have air conditioning, but the ride is more decent than one on a minibus.

The main hub for buses in George Town is KOMTAR, the tallest building in town. The secondary hub is located at the ferry terminal. All buses depart from the ferry terminal will stopover at KOMTAR, but downtown-bound buses destined for KOMTAR may not go all the way to the ferry terminal; ask the bus operator. There is a new long-distance bus terminal at Sungai Nibong, refer to by bus entry.

Penang George Town Municipal Council provides a free shuttle bus service in George Town which runs every 12 minutes Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM plus Saturdays 7AM-2PM (no service on Sundays or public holidays).

By trishaw

These three-wheeled vehicles might be the best idea for a pleasant city tour. One can stop at any point to take photo or buy souvenirs. Negotiate the fare first before get on the trishaw; it is advisible to hire them by the hour for extended sightseeing.

By ferry

Starting from 4 March 2006, Penang Evening Cruise offer visitors to watch the beautiful sunset scene of Penang. The cruise passes Penang Bridge, Pulau Jerejak, Esplanade and Gurney Drive. The cruise departs every Saturday, 6pm from Swettenharm Pier. The fare is RM60 per adult and RM48 per child; soft drink and finger food is included into the fare. Complimentary pick-up from major city and beach hotels is offered, check at the time of booking. For ticket booking, cantact the followings:

• Tour & Incentive Travel, Tel: +60 4 227-4522 / 447-3122, Fax: +60 4 227-4755. mailto:ternal@toureast.com.my
• Bintang Biru Travel & Tours, Tel: +60 4 227-1618 / 227-1613 / 227-1615, Fax: +60 4 227-1620. mailto:bbiru@streamyx.com
• Tongyan Trave & Tours, Tel: +60 4 229-1199, Fax: +60 4 229-9988. mailto:tytinbpg@streamyx.com

Rentals

Motorcycle and bicycle rental services are plentiful along Chulia Street in George Town area or Batu Ferringhi.

Car rentals may be a viable option, especially if planning to get off the beaten track and explore the western or southern coast. Take note that Penang Island has quite a number of one way streets and narrow roads. Many Penangites ride motorbike and minority of them have disregard for pedestrians, cars and even their own lives, be careful when driving on the roads.

• Avis Rent-A-Car,[13]. Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Tollfree within Malaysia: 1-800-88-2054, Tel. +60 4 643-9633.
• Budget Rent-A-Car,[14]. 77-G-1 Jalan SP Chelliah. Tel. +60 4 210-8211 / 2108212 / 2108213, Fax +60 4 226-6690.
• Hertz,[15]. Tollfree within Malaysia: 1-800-88-3086
  • 38 Farquhar Street. Tel. +60 4 263-8602 / 263-5914, Fax +60 4 263-1273. [16].
• Insas Pacific Rent-A-Car,[17]. Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Tel. +60 4 643-8891, Fax +60 4 644-4602. [18].
  • Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Tel. +60 4 643-0208, Fax +60 4 642-6635. [19].
• Kasina Rent-A-Car,[20]. Sungai Tiram. +60 4 644-1842. [21].
• Mayflower Car Rental,[22]. Arrival Hall of Penang International Airport. Tollfree within Malaysia: 1-800-88-1688, Tel. +60 4 641-1191.
• New Bob Rent-A-Car,[23].
  • 11 Gottlieb Road. Tel. +60 4 229-1111, Fax +60 4 229-7777. [24]
  • 3S, BA, Jalan Sungai Emas. Tel. +60 4 881-3886.

See

In addition to the sights below, George Town has a number of culturally and historically interesting sites, covered on their own page.

• Botanical Gardens, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Phone:+60 4 227-0428 (for group tour arrangement) Fax:+60 4 228-6075 [25], [26]. Every day, 5AM-8AM. The gardens were established by Charles Curtis from British way back in 1884; it's generally known as Waterfall Gardens by the local community. Every morning, local people come to the gardens to perform their daily exercises like walking, jogging, running, treckking, aerobic dance, practice Tai Chi (太极) or Qi Gong (气功). Here also home of monkeys. Do not feed the monkey and beware of the snatch thieving from them. The gardens also hosts its annual international floral fest in May. Free admission.

• Penang Hill (升旗山, Malay:Bukit Bendera) - Penang Hill probably has the best view of George Town and Penang Bridge, especially at night. Go up via the Penang Hill Railway, a fascinating little cable train service that lifts you out of the heat and humidity of the coastal plain and up to a fabulous view and cool breezes. When you reach the summit you can walk around the hilltop, stop for tea, enjoy a leisurely lunch, buy a souvenir, try to photograph Georgetown and the Strait, or simply breathe deep lungs full of cool mountain air.

• Bukit Jambul Orchid, Hisbiscus & Reptile Garden, Persiaran Bukit Jambul. Phone:+60 4 644-8863, Fax:+60 4 644-2236 / 228-5733. Daily 9.30AM-6.30PM (last admission at 5.30PM). This garden is close to Hotel Equatorial and is about 10 minutes from Penang International Airport. One can have a picture with Malaysia's largest tame snake, a rare Albino Phython or watch the Snake Show on weekends and public holidays, 11.30AM-3.30PM. Adult RM5 and children RM2.

• Fisheries Department Research Institute Aquarium, Batu Maung. Phone:+60 4 626-3925, Fax:+60 4 626-2210. Daily 10AM-5PM. Adult RM1, children (7-12 years old) RM2, free admission for children under 7.

• Kek Lok Si (极乐寺, "Temple of Supreme Bliss"). A rambling hillside structure that claims to be the largest Buddhist temple in South-East Asia, now featuring a just-completed (2003) giant statue of Kuan Yin as well. Colorful and gaudy, but still atmospheric in spots. Located near the village of Ayer Hitam; a taxi from George Town will set you back RM 15-20.

• Penang Bridge (槟威大桥) was the largest bridge in Asia and the third largest in the world. The bridge connects the island to the mainland (Seberang Perai) and offers unparalleled ocean views. Engineers designed the bridge to withstand earthquakes measuring up to 7.5 on the Richter scale. An amazing feat of craftsmanship.

• Pulau Jerejak Resort (Jerejak Island),[27]. Phone: +60 4 658-7111, Fax:+60 4 659-7700, [28]. Also known as the Alcatraz of Malaysia, because of the Jerejak Prison. This beautiful tropical island is about 362ha, opposites the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, south eastern tip of the Penang island. In ancient time, immigrants must be sent to the health inspection centre in the island as a precaution step, before they were deported to Penang. In late 1930's, a hospital that could house 150 Tuberculosis patients were built. The island is now opened to public as a recreational resort. Numerous of outdoor activities including nature & historical treckking, mountain bike trails, archery are available; personal care such as aromatherapy massage, tired foot treatment, body scrub are also available. Ferry will depart from Penang starting at 6.30AM until 12.30AM. Return trip fare for guests with room / event reservations: Adult RM6, Children RM3. Day trippers: Adult RM16 (include meals), Children RM3. Various accommodation option available: tent for 2 person costs RM80 per night, 2-bed room RM115, chalet RM220 or promotional 3D/2N package for 2 person costs RM499.

• Snake Temple (蛇庙) was built in 1850 in the memory of the renowned Chinese monk Chor Soo Kong, the Snake Temple is situated in the small town of Bayan Lepas and is famous for the fact that it has pit vipers living on the temple ground. Legend has it, that Chor Soo Kong, who was also a healer, gave shelter to the snakes of jungle. After the completion of the temple, snakes appeared on their own accord. Today the snake population of the Temple of the Azure Cloud is very small, due to the urbanization of the area, but you can still see them coiled up on the altar tables, and touch them if you are brave enough. Originally the snakes were said to be rendered inoffensive by the smell of the incenses, but just for good measure, today the resident vipers are devenomed. RM5 for adult foreigner and RM1 for children.

• War Museum Lot 1350, Mukim 12, Batu Maung, Phone: +60 4 626-5142, 391-0067 Fax: +60 4 626-4142, 644-8015. Every day, 9AM-7PM (last admission). Located at southeastern of Penang, this museum could be the largest living war museum in Asia. It is the mighty military fortress built in 1930's by British to protect the island from enemies. The British Royal Engineers and a work force comprises of local labourers blasted and dug into the hill to create a fort with underground military tunnels, intelligence and logistic center, halls, offices, ventilation shafts, canon firing bays, sleeping querters, cook houses as well as medical infirmary.

Do

• Food tasting - Penang is popular among Malaysians for a huge variety of local food such as Chow Koay Teow, Penang Laksa and Nasi Kandar, which are found almost practically everywhere in the Island. However, the best place to go "food hopping" would be Macalister Road. For the most well-known Chow Koay Toew, try "Sister's Chow Koay Teow" at Lorong Selamat.

• Jungle trekking & camping - Enjoy walking through the reserved forest in Teluk Bahang, go to northwestern cape of the island and stay nights over there, you will experience an unforgettable life with beaches, sea and the sky.

• Sight seeing is the most important agenda when visiting Penang. Plan your trip and don't forget to bring your camera to capture all your sweet memories there!

• Rest & Relax

• Shopping - the two most popular shopping malls in Penang would be Gurney Plaza and Prangin Mall, which houses a full range of fashionable goods and necessity items. If you crave the unusual, head on down to the flea market at Lorong Kulit, which is open from morning until around 2:00pm daily. If mingling with the masses is your idea of fun, check out the pasar malam (night market) along batu ferringi for some inexpensive shopping and dining, gets more interesting during weekends.

• Sporting
  • Participate in Penang Bridge International Marathon [29] will be an unforgotable memory in life. Participants will be running over the third longest bridge in the world - the Penang Bridge - and along a scenic coastal highway. This is the only time of the year when the bridge is closed for several hours. The event will be held on July 30 this year (2006); the entry form can be obtained trough its official web site.
  • Particapte or watch Dragon Boats racing during Penang International Dragon Boat Festival,[30] which will be held at Teluk Bahang Dam on 26th till 28th May this year(2006). The event was staged since 1979 and it has successfully attracted teams from all over the world like Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand and the USA.

• Watersports are on the agenda for many visitors, although the waters are a bit too murky for scuba diving and a bit too calm for surfing or more extreme pursuits.

Buy

Costs

Life in Penang is relatively cheap. A night at a 4-star hotel costs less than RM200 for 2 persons. A typical meal at the hawker center costs only about RM3 for one person. One of the potential problems is getting around. The bus service is cheap but can be sporadic (depends on time of the day and popularity of a particular route). Taxis can ask for unreasonable prices, so negotiate a price before boarding if the taxi doesn't seem to be running on the meter.

Traditional Foods

• Nutmeg (豆蔻) products - In traditional medicine nutmeg oil or balm were used for illnesses related to the nervous and digestive systems. Preserved nutmeg strips either in dry or wet form are used as the snack by locals.
• Traditional biscuits such as Tambun Pneah (淡文饼), Beh Teh Sor (马蹄酥), Heong Pneah (香饼), Pong Pneah (清糖饼), Tau Sar Pneah (豆沙饼) and etc.
  • Him Heang (馨香), 162-A Burma Road, Tel. +60 4 228-6129 / 228-6130. Order through phone first due to limited daily production.
  • Ghee Hiang (义香), 95 Beach Street, Tel. +60 4 262-0635. 216 Macalister Road, Tel. +60 4 227-2222.

Eat

Penang offers plenty of good, cheap Malaysian food, but is famed throughout the rest of the country for some specialities. Topping the list are:

• Assam laksa — A far cry from the sweet, coconutty Singaporean version, this noodle soup comes with sour broth flavored with tamarind (assam) with pureed fish, fruits, veggies and a generous helping of chili mixed in. Watch out, the combination is powerful and will have the uninitiated breathing fire!

• Penang char kway teow — A local interpretation of the ubiquitous stir-fried flat rice noodles, tossed with bean sprouts, cockles, and anything else the chef has handy. Eggs are additional and cockles can be opt out if preferred by the customer; request when placing order.

• Penang lobak — A mix of deep fried pork, tofu and shrimp rolls, served with dipping sauces.

• Penang Sar Hor Fun — A local dish with koay teow (flat rice cakes) in a delicious broth of beaten eggs and seafood bits. Goes best with prickled green chillies.

As you might expect on an island seafood is abundant. Head for the fishing village of Teluk Bahang for fresh fare at local prices.

If you are a durian fan that's the place to go.

Budget

Hawker stalls & hawker centers:

Breakfast

• Buckingham Street near KOMTAR

Lunch

• Prangin Mall hawker center
• Wawasan Mutiara Nasi Kandar near KOMTAR bus station

Tea time

• Swatow Lane near Chew Thean Yang Aquarium and Sheraton Hotel

Dinner

• New Lane near KOMTAR and Sunway George Town Hotel
• Buckingham Street near KOMTAR
• Chulia Street near Kapitan Keling Mosque
• Gurney Drive nearby the roundabouts, McDonald's restaurant and Gurney Plaza
• Pearl Hill near Toy Museum and Copthrone Hotel

Supper

• Mamak stalls along Penang Road offer Indian food such as Roti Canai, Roti Helicopter, Roti Tissue, Mutabak etc

Mid-range

• Bukit Genting Thai Food is located at the hilltop, along the road to Balik Pulau. You can enjoy the beautiful scene while tasting the delicious spicy Thai food there. Phone: 60 4 827-9805.

• Cherry Sweet Spicy Thai Food, 8 Clove Hall Road. Phone: +60 4 227-6758, 229-2561. Daily (Closed on Wednesday) 12PM-3PM, 6PM-10PM. Pork-free.

• Yellow Light Thai Food, 1-C Fettes Road. Phone: +60 4 899-1471. Closed on Monday.

Splurge

Dinner

• Eden Seafood Village - 69A Batu Ferringhi, Phone:+60 4 881-1852. Daily 6PM-11PM.
• Oriental Seafood Restaurant - Macalister Road, Phone:+60 4 226-0969.
• Seoul Garden Korean Restaurant - Sunrise Tower, 1st Floor, 190-192 Gurney Drive, Phone:+60 4 2298705.

Drink

Sleep

Most of Penang's fancier accommodation is in the form of beach resorts on the main tourist beach of Batu Feringghi. More backpacker-friendly options, as well as a few classical luxury hotels, can be found in George Town.

• Equatorial Penang,[31]. 1 Jalan Bukit Jambul, Phone:+60-4-643 8111, Fax:+60-4-881 1180 [32]. Located on the east coast of Penang, convenient to the airport and its industrial area, but less so for the beach-loving tourist.

Contact

• Immigration Dept George Town Office [33] Beach Street, Phone:+60 4 250-3410, Fax:+60 4 262-8090

• Penang Tourism Action Council [34] 56th Floor, KOMTAR, Phone:+60 4 262-0202, Fax:+60 4 263-1020 [35]

• Penang Heritage Trust [36] 26A Stewart Lane, Phone+60 4 264-2631 [37]

• Exotic Penang web site [38].

• MATTA (Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents) [39] organizes its promotional fairs several times nation wide within each year. One can find some good deals during the exhibition, either for inbound or outbound travels.

• Tourism Malaysia [40]
  • Penang Tourist Centre: Bangunan Penang Port Bhd, Pesara King Edward. Phone:+60 4 261-6663
  • Penang Development Corporation Tourism Division: 1 Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Baru. Phone:+60 4 643-2111, Fax:+60 4 643-2405
  • Tourism Information Centre: Level 3, Concourse KOMTAR. Phone:+60 4 261-4461
  • Tourism Malaysia Penang Branch: 56th Floor, KOMTAR. Phone:+60 4 261-0058 / 264-3494. Fax:+60 4 262-3688 [41]

Other Useful Numbers

• Ambulance / Police: 999
• Fire: 994
• Rescue (Civil Defense): 991
• All the abovementioned numbers: 112 from mobile phones
• Tourist police:+60 4 222-1522
• Telegram service: 100
• International and domestic operator assisted service: 101
• Directory enquiry service: 103
• Multilingual international service: 198

Consulates in Penang

• Australia [42] 1-C Hutton Lane, Phone:+60 4 263-1114 Fax:+60 4 263-3320 [43]

• Bangladesh 15 Bishop Street, Phone:+60 4 262-1085

• Canada 3007 Tkt. Perusahaan 5, Kaw Perusahaan Perai, Phone:+60 4 389-3300

• Denmark 1st Floor Wisma Rajab, 82 Bishop Street, Phone:+60 4 262-4886 Fax:+60 4 261-4963

• Finland 8th Floor Wisma Penang Garden, 42 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Phone:+60 4 229-4300 Fax:+60 4 227-4533

• France 2nd Floor Wisma Rajab, 82 Bishop Street, Phone:+60 4 262-9707

• Germany Plot 205-206 Jalan Kampung Jawa Free Industrial Zone 3, Phone:+60 4 641-5707

• Hungary Plot 226-228 Jalan Kampung Jawa Free Industrial Zone 3, Phone:+60 4 644-9937

• Indonesia [44] 467 Burma Road, Phone:+60 4 227-4686

• Japan [45] Level 28, Menara BHL, 51 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Phone:+60 4 226-3030, Fax:+60 4 226-1030. Office hour: Weekdays, closed on Weekends & Public Holidays. Office: 8:30AM-12:30PM, 2PM-5PM. Visa Counter: 8:30AM-12PM, 2PM-4PM.

• Netherlands, The 202 Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah Phone:+60 4 647-3333

• Norway 4 Jalan Sepoy Lines, Phone:+60 4 226-3459

• Russia 37 Green Hall, Phone:+60 4 262-2944

• Sri Lanka 1 Bishop Street, Phone:+60 4 261-3093

• Sweden 3rd Floor, Standard Chartered Bank Chambers, 2 Beach Street, Phone:+60 4 262-5333

• United Kingdom 3rd Floor, Standard Chartered Bank Chambers, 2 Beach Street, Phone:+60 4 262-5333

• Thailand 1 Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Phone:+60 4 226-8029 / 226-9484, Fax:+60 4 226-3121 [46]

• Turkey 3rd Floor, Standard Chartered Bank Chambers, 2 Beach Street, Phone:+60 4 262-5333

Stay safe

• don't walk alone in deserted places
• don't accept rides from Kereta Sapu (passenger car / unlicensed taxi)
• don't carry valuables in motorbike-baskets
• don't leave valuables in hotel rooms
• don't place valuables on restaurant tables
• do be wary of snatch-thieves - especially when wearing jewelery and/or carrying bags
• do be wary of the (sometimes aggressive) long-tail macaques at the botanical gardens
• do read the local newspapers to know what's going on

Get out

• Singapore - if going by bus avoid Zenwan or Super Nice buses as bags have been known to go missing from them.
• Ipoh
• Kuala Lumpur
• Pulau Langkawi (Langkawi Island)

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!