/r/penang

Photograph via snooOG

r/penang is place for the reddit community to engage in around on news, discussions, information and opinions about happenings inside and related to Penang, Malaysia.

Welcome to /r/penang.

This is the subreddit for the pearl of the orient. A place for the reddit community to engage in around on news, discussions, information and opinions about happenings inside and related to Penang, Malaysia.


Rules to follow when participating in this subreddit:

  1. Make Penang-specific posts / Post off-topic posts in /r/penangites
  2. Posts seeking private persons/redditors in the main subreddit are off-topic.
    [see full rules for details]
  3. Quick/trivial questions do not belong in the main subreddit
  4. Be nice and contribute positively/constructively (read full details)
  5. Do not post inflammatory or sensationalised content/comments
  6. No excessive self promotion
  7. Please post in English
  8. Title your posts appropriately / No vague titles
  9. Miscellaneous rules

Read /r/penang subreddit rules details here.


Researching or getting ideas of what to do while in Penang?

Search the subreddit for posts / keywords that relate to your interest.

Filter for discussion only posts


/r/penang is looking for additional subreddit moderators. To apply message us at modmail with the subject "Applying for moderator".

/r/penang

66,031 Subscribers

2

RAF Butterworth

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if anyone would know any information about the RAF Butterworth airbase. I am trying to trace down a great-grandfather and I know he was involved in the rebuild of the airbase after the second world war. We do not have a name or regiment details.

Would anyone know what specific military units were involved in the rebuild of the airbase from late 1945 to mid 1946?

Or where I could potentially find this information?

Thanks!

2 Comments
2024/11/03
01:15 UTC

1

Any screening club in Penang like tdsc and pasar seni picture show in KL?

As title, I know hinbus does screening sometimes, but their film choice doesn't suit my taste. Is there other places beside hinbus?

0 Comments
2024/11/02
05:36 UTC

1

Are buses a good option to/from the airport?

I'm American but I can speak Chinese (Mandarin). I've lived a long time in Asia and I prefer buses if they are almost as convenient as a taxi. I've looked online and it looks like the bus between Georgetown and the airport might be a good fit for me. What are your thoughts on the bus? Would it be easy for a tourist to figure out?

8 Comments
2024/11/02
03:42 UTC

2

Hotel for Solo Traveller

Visiting Penang at the end of November. Looking for a good hotel recommendation for a solo traveller. Doesn't need to be 5-star lavish. Thanks!

9 Comments
2024/11/02
01:34 UTC

1

Powerlifting Gyms in Penang?

Hi, I'm going to be travelling to Penang in a couple of weeks. Just wondering if there are any decent powerlifting gyms people can recommend so I can keep up with my training. Thanks.

1 Comment
2024/10/31
06:10 UTC

1

Snacks distributed at the KTS Station in Butterworth, Penang. Why? Who?

Hey Penangites and others members of reddit. I'm a traveler from another country, I was at the KTS Station in Butterworth yesterday (29 Oct 2024) at around 3:30PM when a guy was distributing snacks and a yogurt drink (picture attached)

I'm curious, why was this being distributed to everyone for free? Is it because of Deepavali? Is it common for people to do this? Is this a type of charity or good will? And who was this sweet gentleman who was distributing the snacks?

I wasn't able to express my gratitude apart from a "Thank you" because I was in a hurry to catch my train.

1 Comment
2024/10/29
18:51 UTC

4

Weekly Travel between KL and Penang

I'm thinking to get a car to ease my weekly travel between Penang and KL without concerning public transport schedule. Since I'm traveling alone and that leaves ample space in the car, I would like to ferry other passengers to save my cost

Anyone have any idea how much I should charge one way?

8 Comments
2024/10/28
05:29 UTC

1

Foreigner moving to Penang, what should I look for when apartment hunting?

What are the things a local would know to check for/ask about but I wouldn't? Just worried I'll sign a lease for a year and it'll turn out to be horrible because I didnt know to ask about it

2 Comments
2024/10/27
08:37 UTC

5

Good cafes for digital nomads?

Hi all, Just wondering, I work remotely and a foreigner, but living in Malaysia as I am married. I tend to find work from home boring. And most cafes don’t have good lighting so it’s more focused on food than co working.

Any cafes or places to work from? Prices?

14 Comments
2024/10/27
11:03 UTC

3

Tailor Suggestions

I’m trying to find a tailor in Penang that can make an oversized jean waist smaller and into a baggy jean, I don’t know anyone or any place to have someone do it so I’m asking /Penang for suggestions

4 Comments
2024/10/27
10:21 UTC

3

6 Nights in Penang with baby

Hi all,

I'd like your opinion on my plans for spending 6 nights in Penang in February 2025. I'll be travelling with my wife and our baby who will be 11 months old around then.

What I'm thinking is splitting time between central Georgetown (eating street food, checking out the culture, museums, gardens, etc) Then hiring a car and staying the rest of the time in Batu Ferringhi at one of the beach resorts, and using that as a base to explore more of the island and driving out to see some of the other sights around the island. Should I split 3 nights each?

I'd prefer not to drive because I know what SE Asia traffic is like, but I'm also concerned about not having a child seat for my baby if I use Grab or taxis. Does anyone have any advice on driving around with a baby in Penang? In other countries, I've previously hired a car and hired a child seat with it - is this possible in Penang? Are there other options, like public transport - are buses any good?

I've also heard that Georgetown isn't stroller friendly. We have a small collapsible stroller that fits into plane overhead lockers and we'll also be spending time in Singapore so we will have that with us. We also have a baby carrier so we can wear the baby and walk around as well.

Any recommendations for places to go around the island that are baby-friendly? Is Penang Hill OK with a stroller or baby carrier?

10 Comments
2024/10/26
05:01 UTC

1

Restaurant suggestions

What are best restaurants that offer Vegetarian food in Penang?

6 Comments
2024/10/25
07:47 UTC

3

Anyone knows « the spot »?

I really love getting to drive my car on the evening and getting to watch a sunset or even just a nice panorama while smoking my cigarette. Used to do it a lot in France but I don’t know any spots here in Penang.

Anybody know some like that? On mainland or island any would be great

11 Comments
2024/10/25
05:32 UTC

0

Parking at KTM Butterworth

I’m travelling to KL via ETS for a day. Is there a public car park for me to park my car there for a night?

11 Comments
2024/10/23
00:44 UTC

4

Where do you find out about events & cultural happenings?

I have no idea where to find out about Penang happenings, such as Hungry Ghost Festival, Chinese New Year events, theatre shows etc. etc. Is there some website, FB page or Instagram that documents what is happening in Penang in general? Thanks!

4 Comments
2024/10/22
10:58 UTC

1

Where can I find good Mac&Cheese in Penang?

Prefer mainland, but island also can la.

6 Comments
2024/10/22
10:53 UTC

2

Monks offering blessings at Kek Lok Si Temple?

Are there residing monks at Kek Lok Si who offer blessings to visitors? I will be there early November and would like this very much.

2 Comments
2024/10/21
11:57 UTC

1

Where to get a cheap chest x-ray?

Hello, my son needs a chest x-ray as a school requirement. When I google “chest x-rays penang” I find hospitals offering “health packages” for like RM500- which includes an X-ray. He doesn’t need a package, just the X-ray. Thx.

8 Comments
2024/10/21
05:55 UTC

1

11am to 6pm around Penang Airport

So, let's say i am transiting in penang airport. I will reach at 10am, and my next flight is at 7pm.

Is there any cheap, simple but clean and comfortable place within walking distance / short ride of airport that would allow me to shower and take a nap for a few hours ?

4 Comments
2024/10/20
16:26 UTC

5

Anyone travel from mainland to island daily?

Hello everyone.

Is there anyone here who lives in Bukit Mertajam or anywhere on the mainland and commutes to island for work/uni every day?

I’m curious about:

  1. How bad the traffic is during peak hours
  2. How long the travel time usually takes
  3. How much does it typically costs (car petrol, toll)
  4. Lasly, does the daily commute often make you feel burnt out?

Would love to hear your experiences! Thank you in advance!

13 Comments
2024/10/19
18:18 UTC

11

Moving into Bayan Lepas Area for Work - What should i know ?

(EDITED) Hey guys, I’ve been living in KL most of my life and will be moving to BAYAN BARU area for work. Would love to hear from locals or anyone who's lived there about stuff I should know that you can’t really find online! How’s the traffic, especially during rush hour in the nearby areas. How’s the culture or lifestyle compared to KL? And if anyone has condo recommendations for someone working in Bayan Lepas, that’d be super helpful too. Really appreciate any advice!

*Just realised my company is near Bayan Baru instead of bayan lepas

45 Comments
2024/10/17
12:57 UTC

0

Post-construction/ reno cleaning

Hi guys, I'm getting my pipeline fix next week and I was thinking about hiring professional to clean the house as the fixing will involve drilling the wall etc which will create debris around the house. I Google searched and found a cleaning service called 'Cleaning King' (their office located at Gelugor). I scrolled through their website, it looks legit but I'm still abit skeptical since there's no reviews in the Google yet. Anyone got their service before or have any other company that can suggest pls share it here, any suggestions would be appreciated :)

1 Comment
2024/10/17
09:28 UTC

0

Indian Restaurant for Birthday celebration

Hi Folks,

In Penang early next month with a few friends was after a recommendation for a good Indian restaurant for my wife's birthday. We enjoy all our food when in Malaysia including street food etc but after a place good to celebrate birthday doesn't have to be fine dining but something nice with really good food and even a little different.

9 Comments
2024/10/17
07:18 UTC

0

Is there any hotel on Penang Island providing flexible checkout time?

Hello people, I have a trip to Penang by flight next month and since I'll be arriving at the Penang International at around 7pm, I was wondering if there is any hotel on the island (preferably near Georgetown) that provides flexible check-out or perhaps 24 hours stay in? For example I check in 7pm, and checkout anytime before 7pm the next day.

Not sure if it's a common 'feature' amongst the hotels in Malaysia but I know Dorsett Hotel in Subang Jaya has this feature allowing u to have 26 hours stay (some T&C applied of course).

I know google is my best friend but I'm unsure what's the keyword for this kind of feature, no luck so far trying to browse through the search on google.

6 Comments
2024/10/14
11:06 UTC

4

Which restaurant makes the best lamb chop in Penang?

Would like to ask the Penangnites here, I cant find a decent lamb chop or steak house in Penang. I do not have a budget as long as it is good. I have tried Brussels, Uncle Ray, Green Island, James Foo, Korner Bistro, Brew House, Victoria Station, The Ship, Feringghi Garden and many others but they are quite bad. Firewood is the only one I find decent but are there better ones? Thanks in advance!

15 Comments
2024/10/13
10:09 UTC

5

Shore fishing in Penang? Ideally near Gurney.

Hi, I saw this in the Star about sand worms for bait near Northam Food Court. I met an old fisherman there. He said they got worms but there’s no fish in the waters there. Any fishermen/ women on this sub who can tell me where? The bridge is too far. Any places on the western or northern areas of the island to shore fish? I live in Pulau tikus area. Thx

7 Comments
2024/10/13
02:46 UTC

4

Need advice.

There is a lot of conflicting information online about the best times of year to travel to Penang. First thing that pops up says November is a good time to go but then other websites say it’s a bad time to go. Feeling confused haha. Let me know 😃

21 Comments
2024/10/11
03:30 UTC

2

Where to do sleep study in Penang?

I’m always wake up in the middle of night & tired during the day. I am wondering where in Penang can I do sleep study to diagnose my sleeping issue

3 Comments
2024/10/10
11:13 UTC

1

Intercity car rental Georgetown to KL

Me and the gf will need to transfer from Georgetown to KL sometime next week. I wouldn't mind hiring a car and doing it myself and taking it easy on the way.

I've found Socar so far but can only find options for Peradua AXIA. I'd prefer something with cruise control.

Are there any other companies that offer this one way rental service?

1 Comment
2024/10/09
20:23 UTC

1

Int'l schools: Pelita or St. Christophers? Any advice?

Hi all, If anyone has any experience sending their kids to either of these schools, please do share your experiences.

Currently in the beginning stages of planning our move to Penang, and school fees for our 2 kiddos (5 and 7 yo) will be the biggest expense.

I went and checked out both schools and got good impression from both. Major differences i noticed were :

Pelita has mostly all local teachers vs SCIPS which has about 50% foreign, hence the slightly higher fees.

SCIPS is located in a busier area, which may make the commute more longer.

Pelita's didnt have any music program, but more a stage performance put on every year. Im not sure about any music program at SCIPS, if you know, please advise.

SCIPS seemed to have more of an international mix of students, pelita a little less so.

If anyone has any further insight, please do let me know. I will email the schools soon to ask them follow up questions, and if theres something i should be asking that i havent yet, plz let me know..

TIA

5 Comments
2024/10/08
13:19 UTC

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