Thursday, December 03, 2009

London




They say that London has something for everyone. It has acres of green parks and open spaces, large commercial areas, many sites of historical interest, a various ethnic foods, museums, galleries and much more. London one of the largest cities in land area 659 square miles that advanced planning will your visit more enjoyable and stress free

First, you must realize that they not be able to see everything want to see in one visit. What is will be determined by the length of your visit and how well you plan your itinerary. If you are going in London, just one days or two a bus tour that will best option to see the most in a short time, or you can choose an area that is enough a few places in the close and take a journey by feet. If you have more time in London, and have your planning done, so all you need is a map, a guide and itinerary preparation.

If you plan to visit for one weeks or more the most convenient way of transport the tube, or subway. If you go to public use transportation (subway, buses, trains (DLR), London Overground, trams and some national rail services) will have to buy the Oyster Card. The Oyster card is an electronic ticketing system similar to a credit card is used for Public transport in London. Oyster cards must be purchased before the use and can be purchased at many locations in London, but the easiest and fastest are ways online or by phone. The Oyster card is designed to minimize the number of cash transactions and the volume of paper offices only tickets sold in the London transport network. Encourage the use of The Oyster card offers significant savings on rates for cash payments. A London Council additional and important trip to remember no matter what type of transport you always make sure you have a card.

Another mode of transportation you can take into account, while London is walking. With proper planning, you can see many of London by walking, two things to save money and give it a good work out. For online guides will show you walk the walk designated routes. There are six (London Walk) walking routes in London, so you will have enough options. Planning daily walks you carefully the experience of most in the shortest possible time and less walking.

Some good advice London travel: Remember that good planning will make your stay in London more fun and less stressful. If you get lose
in London flag down taxi, they know every corner of the city, but is expensive. So a good map of London, use it for save the taxi fare.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Hanoi



Attractive, historic, and certainly interesting, the Vietnamese capital. Hanoi is a joy for visitors to explore. Hanoi city is located in northern Vietnam on the banks of the life-giving Red River, and not only the political capital, but also the cultural center.

Travel to Hanoi, like a Vietnam travel overall, has increased in recent years and the city is an excellent base for the mountain stages in the north to visit. Unlike some of the other major cities of Vietnam, Hanoi is relatively slow pace, although more than 3 million residents is by no means silent.

Traces of modern Vietnam are evident in some areas of the city of Hanoi, where new shops, hotels and cafes are emerging, but you can still find a lot of historical relics here. The Old Quarter, for example, has narrow streets and colonial buildings and pre-colonial, making it an excellent place for sightseeing.

If you are heading to Vietnam and want to visit both Hanoi and the largest city in the country, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), you should know that they are about 1100 miles away. In other words, you definitely want to think about the flight. If you cannot do more in southern Ho Chi Minh City to the experience of urban expansion, will still be a less than satisfactory urban environment in Hanoi.

Make sure to wear appropriate clothing for the season, you can see as the winter temperatures in the low 40 (Fahrenheit), while summer can be seen them over than 100. Once you arrive, you'll probably look to your hotel if you have made or find one. If you have not, you'll be glad to know that hotels in Hanoi city present options for a range of budgets.
After you have settled in the hotel and save your stuff, maybe a walk in the Old Quarter in order. Hanoi, the story is long and varied to cover here, but suffice to say that the city has changed hands several times in the past. The Old Quarter has a good collection of French colonial architecture that speaks to one of the historical periods of the city.


If you have a tour of the Old Quarter when making your holiday in Hanoi, there are some important attractions to see in your quest. Near the Old Quarter is the most famous Lake City, a city known for its lakes, which is saying something. Hoan Kiem Lake is located in the heart of the city, and as such is often used as a reference point for directions.

During the day the Hoan Kiem Lake is busy with walkers, and people who come to enjoy other recreational activities such as tai chi and martial arts. Several merchants and craftsmen settled the Old Quarter, so you can read a variety of products to see if you notice something. For a really interesting shopping experience in the old quarter, you can go to the center where the big Dong Xuan market. Besides the gifts, clothing and food can be bought in this market which is open only on weekends.

Perhaps without Hanoi vacation would be complete without a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is located in Ba Dinh district of the city, here is where the body of the time in the country and a president was embalmed on the screen, like the body of Lenin in Russia. Hanoi those whose travel plans include seeing the body of this important historical figure like 11 hours before close of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Ho Chi Minh museum, a beautiful vision in life determines to ensure the leader. If you're really interested in the life and times of Ho Chi Minh, you can also the last residence, located behind the presidential palace in the city. Other facilities include the city of Hanoi One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049, and the Temple of Literature, which was founded in 1070 and is one of the best examples of Chinese architecture country / Vietnamese. Also interesting is the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, also known as the Hanoi Hilton. Frenchman captured many Indians here in the Vietnamese struggle for independence, and was also used to house prisoners of war during the Vietnam War.

Hanoi, Vietnam is full of interesting things to do, and friendly people here to help a holiday in Hanoi a wonderful experience for most. As the city is the cultural center of the country, is an important center for the arts, so if it does not move into the city in search of interesting places, a show at the Hanoi Opera, or drinking water in a puppet performance , which is something to see. If day is night in Hanoi, you can head to the biggest city of the lake called West Lake. For those looking for maybe some night life, clubs in this section luxurious hotel in the city the best in town.

For interesting excursions Hanoi, Halong Bay is always there, where you can kayak among the islands rising and Cat Ba Island, half of what a National Park. Hanoi trip is filled with many fun activities, so plan your vacation Hanoi today and see for yourself how interesting that Hanoi holiday can be. Maybe you can just leave for a few days before or after visiting China at the foot. It is definitely worth it!

Monday, November 30, 2009

Tokyo



Tokyo has more than 400 years history as the capital of Japan, with many of its traditions and culture originated in the Edo period. More recently, remarkable economic and cultural growth over past half a century century, Tokyo has one of the most exciting modern cities in the world. You may have the impression that Tokyo is a concrete jungle full of skyscrapers and office buildings, but also includes nature, with 277 parks and gardens to explore. Once you visit, there is no doubt that you'll enjoy the mix of traditional, modern and natural.

Transport system of Tokyo allows you travel through the city with ease. There are many options for dining, shopping, entertainment and accommodation, with over 3600 hotels offer more than 84,000 rooms.
With 240 museums to choose, there is no limit to the quantity and diversity of arts and culture can be enjoyed. Even if you're interested in Japanese arts such as live Kabuki and Sumo, or the popular culture as animation, Tokyo has an abundance of each.


If you want to know the best time to visit Tokyo, the answer is "anytime!" In the spring you can enjoy the 'Sakura' cherry blossom, in the summer you can participate in the celebration of the many festivals and fireworks, in the autumn you can enjoy the beautiful colored leaves and in the winter you can enjoy the brilliant illumination and the end of the year markets.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Dubai




Dubai
, a modern metropolis by many as the jewel of the Middle East is located on the south bank of the UAE. The name evokes images of endless water, bright blue outlined by soft white sand beaches are complemented perfectly with the sun throughout the year, desert-inspired respect, luxury hotels and spectacular shopping, incredible modern architecture, bright Souks gold, vibrant and dynamic nightlife.

A wide range of museums and heritage sights provide a fascinating insight of the rich countries and deeply rooted cultural heritage. Every year tourists from all over the world to get on the flight to Dubai. Visit Dubai and is delighted by the warm hospitality and friendliness of the people is what we are best known for. Dubai also has earned a reputation as a shopping paradise throughout the year. The most famous events of the Dubai Shopping Festival to all shops attract millions of visitors and is particularly good for bargain hunters worldwide. During the festival the entire emirate becomes a large mall. No holiday to Dubai is complete without a tour of the many souks in Bur Dubai and Diera.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Bangkok


Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the present Chakri dynasty. Now it is the land of the spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, commercial and educational hub. It has an area of more than 1,500 square kilometers and is homing to approximately 10 million people or more than 10% of the country's population.

In recent decades the capital of Thailand. Bangkok has become a modern, exciting and sophisticated. It offers visitors not only the cosmopolitan amenities they expect from other big cities, but also a wealth of unique cultural attractions. Thailand was in the heart of Southeast Asia never colonized and therefore maintain its unique culture and heritage intact. Bangkok offers visitors the opportunity to fascinating glimpse of the gentle culture amidst the bustle of Thailand experienced a large and dynamic metropolis. This great city has astounding success in combining ancient and modern world.

For tourists, Bangkok has a feast of attractions to offer. The city is dotted with Buddhist temples, 400 bright beauty and fascination, magnificent palaces, classical dance performances, numerous shopping centers and traditional way of life, especially in the "Venice of the East" timeless canals and the Chao Phraya River "River of Kings" winding through the city. It is worth a trip along the water before you go into different channels to get a feel of old Bangkok.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Prague

As the capital of the Czech Republic continue to grow into a tourist destination in Central Europe, Prague tourist information is becoming easier to find. This is good news, especially for Westerners exotic fun and lively destination for your next vacation.

For much of the Cold War, tourists from the United States and other Western countries go to Prague as a holiday destination. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, this changed. Today, Prague is quickly become one of the hottest travel spots in Europe.

This is not surprising. The city has historic churches, a vibrant nightlife and an abundance of natural beauty. Prague has become an ideal destination for young adults looking for fun and families interested in history.



The city growing popularity, many years now easier than ever for travelers to find tourist information about Prague. What was once an international city, is now largely ignored one that is largely covered by the guides and travel agents.

You can even find many websites, both formally handled by the Czech Republic and Prague himself on unofficial sites of the travelers who set the capital as one of their favorite travel sites.

If you travel to this story plans, leaked to the city, you need as many of these guides or Web sites you can read. There is plenty to see and do in Prague. The growing number of Prague tourists information, your trip to this city as pleasant as possible.

Start by visiting your local library or bookstore. You, certainly several trips to find books on Prague. Some points are thick, including, as the volumes published by the people at Fodor’s, while others are rare and only the highlights of the city. Others focus more on the city, thriving nightlife, while most of others to limit their coverage to Prague, historic buildings, architecture and art.

The Web is also a great source for tourist information about Prague. Again, there are websites devoted to almost every conceivable facet of Prague tourism. If you find the best club, you can find suggestions from fellow travelers on the web. If you the scoop on a restaurant that serves the best roast duck need, you can too.

And if you must know that the historic churches are there to do and that can jump, it has plenty of web sites suggestions.

Find Tourist Information Prague was once a much greater challenge than it is now. Fortunately as the spirit of the former Soviet Union disappeared, the jewel that Prague has become a real option for travelers in the western world. This is good news, means that never Recent modifications effort tourist information about the most exciting cities in Central Europe.

Maldives


Specks of Emerald-green, surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters like scattered that beads in the ocean, white powder beaches, tall palms lean into the sea, crystalline white sands make for Crystal Waters, clear tones blend perfectly with the blue shades of blue turquoise, pristine coral reefs and undersea life some of the most incredible planet.

Moving from the big blue Indian Ocean are more than a thousand coral islands and thousands more that are part of the Maldives.

There is no better place to relax and enjoy dunes that adorn this romantic island. Imagine a place that just surf and sun, the sky where the direction of reality. You can choose from one of the islands of ninety stations in the Maldives for their honeymoon or vacation home, allowing you the freedom to what a great tropical paradise offers to explore. Everything is designed with luxury and comfort of passengers in mind, so per capita, is the busiest tourist area in the world. A half million people each year discover this paradise.

Maldives Islands

Sunny, unique and unspoiled, the Maldives is an archipelago consisting of 1190 coral islands scattered across low Ecuador in groups of 26 naturally occurring atolls which are divided into 20 for administrative purposes.

Maldives Islands are characterized by a unique coral nature and therefore have unique tourism resources also unilaterally, i.e. in the submarine and coastal environment of the islands, lagoons and reefs, which are related to the tropical climate all year.

Maldives Tourism

Tourism in Maldives which was introduced in 1972 has successfully developed in recent years. Maldives, tourism has rapidly grown the number of tourist arrivals and island resorts in the past ten years.

In the European market, the Maldives today are among the most attractive tourist destinations in the tropics. Maldives offers vast natural resources for tourism and ecotourism encouraged to protect the fragile environment and marine life.

It is not just the divers and divers who enjoy the rich underwater world resources, but also beach tourists are attracted by the nature of the beaches and the weather too. This environment really guarantees relaxation and recreation.

The honeymoon in the Maldives

Celebrate your honeymoon in Maldives in the most beautiful and romantic islands of the Maldives.

You could enjoy the privacy and intimacy of a secluded, natural and welcoming atmosphere, where the sunsets are spectacular!

The Maldivian resorts offer not only the blue waters and blue lagoons, the food is delicious and service are excellent.

As a token of welcome, almost all resorts in the Maldives honeymoon offers dishes of vegetables and flowers decorated rooms on the evening of arrival - a romantic promise of what lies ahead. On request, schools organize a romantic candle light dinner on the beach and champagne breakfast served in the privacy of your room so your honeymoon vacation memories that will last a lifetime!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Penang


Penang is a state in Malaysia, located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia by the Strait of Malacca. Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite.




The Betul Nut Tale

Before Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, was known to the world as a beautiful, exotic holiday destination, she was Pulau Pinang – a virgin paradise that got her name from the abundance of betel nut palms scattered across her soft, sandy beaches.

Literally translated, Pulau Pinang means the “Isle of the Betel Nut” in Malay – Malaysia's national language. Steeped in history, “Penang” was born when charismatic English captain Francis Light persuaded the Sultan of Kedah to cede Pulau Pinang to the British East India Company.

In 1786, Light landed on what is known as the scenic Esplanade today. Local folklore tells of how he fired gold coins into the surrounding jungle to induce his men to clear the area. Fourteen years later, the Sultan of Kedah further ceded a strip of land on the mainland across the channel to a very persuasive Light.

The state of Penang then comprised of an island originally named Prince of Wales Island, after George V, and the strip on the mainland which was christened Province Wellesley, after the Governor of India. The former was later named George Town, after King George III.

In 1832, Penang formed part of the Straits Settlement with Malacca and Singapore. The Penang maritime port was among the busiest in the region, attracting rich merchants involved in the lucrative trade of tea, spices, porcelain and cloth.

Settlers and fortune-seekers from the all over called Penang home and it was from this interesting mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Siamese (to name a few) cultures that Penang became a melting pot for hybrid communities – the most famous being the Baba Nyonya, Jawi Peranakan and Eurasians.

For more than a century, the major trading post remained under British colonial rule until 1957, when Malaysia gained independence. George Town was accorded city status by Queen Elizabeth II on January 1, 1957, thereby becoming the first town in the Federation of Malay – after Singapore – to become a city.

Although she is Malaysia's electric and electronic manufacturing hub, Penang has successfully retained her old world charm. As recognition of her rich heritage, George Town, together with Malacca, was listed as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site on July 7, 2008.

Geography


Situated along the north-western coast of the peninsula, Penang is Malaysia’s only “island state”. Locals are fondly known as Penangites, many of whom will proudly tell you that the state comprising a population of approximately 1.5 million, is a close-knit community of diverse ethnicities, cultures and dialects.

One of Malaysia’s premier holiday destinations, the 285km2 island is separated from Seberang Prai (formerly Province Wellesley) – a hinterland of 737km2 on the mainland, by a narrow 3km channel.

You can either cross the channel via the iconic Penang Bridge or by the ferry – the latter being a “must experience” simply because it is synonymous with holidaying here. Soon, visitors will have the option of using the new Second Penang Bridge which is expected to be completed in 2011.

Cities

The Island

  • Georgetown - The capital of Penang; a favorite spot for tourists as it has many quaint pre-Second World War houses, as well as 19th century churches, temples, mosques, and colonial buildings. The city was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2008.
  • Batu Ferringhi - Located on the north coast, with white sandy beaches, luxurious hotels & restaurants. A favorite spot for both locals & tourists.
  • Bayan Lepas - Penang's main electronic manufacturing area and location of its international airport.
  • Balik Pulau - Literally "Back of The Island" in Malay; a small agricultural centre surrounded by Malay villages, fruit plantations, and padi fields.

Peninsula

  • Butterworth - The mainland gateway to Penang.
  • Bukit Mertajam - The capital of Seberang Perai Tengah district.
  • Bandar Perda - A new town of Seberang Perai Tengah which is 20 minutes from Butterworth & 15 minutes from Penang Bridge.
  • Nibong Tebal - The capital of Seberang Perai Selatan district.
  • Simpang Ampat - A small town in the district of Seberang Perai Selatan, famous for its nearby seafood at Bukit Tambun and Batu Kawan.
  • Seberang Jaya - Satellite township in the district of Seberang Perai Tengah.
  • Tasek Gelugor - A small town which is 20 minutes from Butterworth.

What to See

  1. All the major heritage buildings and clanhouses in the George Town inner city!
  2. Thee Kong Tua (Jade Emperor’s Temple) in Air Itam
  3. Penang Hill
  4. Kek Lok Si Temple
  5. Reclining Buddha (Wat Chayamangkalaram)
  6. National Park (Muka Head)
  7. Toy Museum
  8. Tropical Spice Garden (it’s the only spice garden in South East Asia)
  9. Snake Temple
  10. Butterfly Farm

The Economy


From the 1970s to the late 1990s, the state’s Free Trade Zone in the Bayan Lepas area was one of Asia’s largest electrical and electronics manufacturing bases. The area south of the island is now the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. Key exports include electrical and electronic products, semi-conductors, computer products, medical devices, textiles, gold and jewellery.

Penang’s medical tourism and education sectors continue to grow steadily as the state’s industrial sector moves towards high-end manufacturing activities and up the value-chain. The service sector driven by knowledge-based workers is the next frontier as the state focuses on research and development and innovation.

The People and the Language


Penangites comprise mainly of three main ethnicities – the Chinese, Malays and Indians. Penang is the only state in Malaysia with an ethnic Chinese majority which explains why many Chinese cultural and religious festivals are celebrated here on a large scale.

Nonetheless, the Malay and Indian communities' influence form the very essence of the state and this is evident in many of the buildings, food and local dialects.

Although Bahasa Malaysia or Malay is the national language, English is widely spoken here. Many tourists are surprised and impressed by the level of proficiency.

What makes Penang unique however, is the Hokkien dialect spoken by the Chinese community. Unlike in other states, the more popular Cantonese and Mandarin take a backseat to the unique Hokkien dialect brought here by the early Chinese settlers from the Fujian Province in China.

Penangites are a friendly lot and are more than happy to share their knowledge on local customs and must see places – indeed, nothing beats a local's perspective!

The Weather

Sunny weather beckons all year round (well, almost!). Except for the monsoon months from August to October, it is bright and cheerful in Penang. However, travelers not used to Asia’s hot and humid climate should pack a cap, water bottle and cool pair of shades when out exploring!


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How to get there

By plane

Recently refurbished Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport (IATA: PEN) is one of Malaysia's larger and better-equipped airports, operated by Malaysia Airports. The airport is connected to virtually all of Malaysia's major cities via domestic airlines Air Asia, Firefly and Malaysia Airlines, and also has frequent service to nearby international hubs including Bangkok (Thailand), Hong Kong, Medan (Indonesia) and Singapore. Firefly also operates direct flights to the Thai resort of Phuket.

The airport is on the southeastern coast of the island, some 20 minutes from Georgetown. Contact number:+60 4 643-4411

By train

There are no trains on Penang Island, but many people take the train to Butterworth from elsewhere on the peninsula and then use the ferry (within walking distance from the train terminal) to cross over to the island. You can 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

From Thailand:

An overnight train departs Bangkok daily at 2:45PM (Thai time). It is scheduled to arrive at Butterworth at 12:55PM (Malaysian time) but normally gets there late, usually around 2-2:30PM. There is only one fare for an air-con berth that costs 1,210 baht (as of July 2008). The surcharge for a bicycle is 104 baht to the border; a further small freight charge may be made by KTMB for the border-Butterworth leg.

By car

Penang is connected to the mainland and the North-South Expressway by the Penang Bridge one of the longest bridges in Asia.

Toll rate: For vehicles heading to the island from the mainland:

  • Motorcycles - RM1.40
  • Motorcycles with sidecars; commercial vehicles on three wheels; car including station wagon - RM7.00 (RM5.60 for those who hold the Touch 'n Go card that can be purchased from the Penang Bridge toll plaza)
  • 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

No toll for vehicles heading to the mainland.

By bus

Long-distance buses connect Georgetown to a variety of Malaysian towns. The trip from Pudu Raya, Kuala Lumpur costs around RM 27 (standard 26-seat coach; prices vary by operator) and takes around 5-6 hours. Buses to/from Kota Bharu and Perhentian Islands (Jerteh/Kuala Besut) cost about 26 RM for a 5-6 hours journey. From Johor Bahru in 10h for RM 50. The buses arrive/depart at the new bus terminal at Sungai Nibong, a fifteen-minute ride from the center of Georgetown, and about ten minutes from the airport. From here, a taxi ride to the KOMTAR building costs around RM15-20.

Major coach operators:

  • Konsortium
  • Plusliner / Nice
  • Transnasional
  • Mutiara

By minivan

Minivans service is available between Georgetown and some towns in Thailand such as Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Trang, Surat Thani, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Bangkok and Hat Yai on daily basis. Georgetown office is located at KOMTAR bus terminal. Tourist operators usually propose minivan services to the perhentian islands for about 160 RM (boat included). Express buses fares are much better.

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.

From Langkawi

  • Ferry service available from Langkawi Jeti (Jetty) to Penang at 2:30PM and 5:15PM on daily basis. Operated by Langkawi Ferry Services, Tel: +60 4 264-2088 in Penang; +60 4 966-3779 in Langkawi. One-way trip costs RM60 for adult, RM45 for child (3-11 years old) and RM25 for infant (below 2 years old). Return trip costs RM115, RM85 and RM50 respectively. Single trip takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Advance booking can be made via the web site. Credit cards are not accepted at the terminal, although there are numerous ATMs in the attached shopping mall. The ferry in service is very old and offers no facilities other than simple air-conditioned seating. There is no access to the top, meaning thereby that no sight-seeing on the way is available. There is proper locked storage for luggage at the rear of the ship upon boarding. There is no restaurant. Check-in is at least 30mins before scheduled departure time.

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 Medan, 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 61 452-1666 / 452-7555 in Medan. Oneway trip costs RM110 for adult, RM60 for child (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.

____________________

Getting Around


Trishaw, taxi, rented car, motorcycle and bicycle or public bus – you choose. Of course there various modes of transportation in the state but it really depends on where you are planning to visit.

If it is within the George Town UNESCO Heritage Site you want to explore, the trishaw is a good bet because all the famous landmarks are just a stone’s throw away from each other. Besides its quaint charm, the trishaw ride is relaxing and a great way to take in the sights. If you would rather walk or cycle, the Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) has a great heritage trail you can embark on.

To travel around the island, the air conditioned Rapid Penang public bus service is quite reliable and their drivers are a helpful lot. Just make sure you have a comprehensive map in hand!

You can also opt to rent a motorcycle or car or hire a taxi for the day if you want to see other landmark attractions outside the George Town inner city enclave.

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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 jewelry and/or carrying bags. Some of these felons practice the art of 'ride-by' snatching of ladies' handbags which can result in serious injury to the victim. So ladies: walk against traffic and keep the handbag on the side away from the road or better still - don't carry one.
  • Do be wary of the (sometimes aggressive) long-tail macaques at the botanical gardens.

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Contact

  • Penang Tourism Action Council 56th Floor, KOMTAR, Phone:+60 4 262-0202, Fax:+60 4263-1020 enquiry@tourismpenang.gov.my
  • Tourism Malaysia
o Penang Tourist Centre: Bangunan Penang Port Bhd, Pesara King Edward. Phone:+60 4 261-6663
o Penang Development Corporation Tourism Division: 1 Persiaran Mahsuri, Bayan Baru. Phone:+60 4 643-2111, Fax:+60 4 643-2405
o Tourism Information Centre: Level 3, Concourse KOMTAR. Phone:+60 4 261-4461
o Tourism Malaysia Penang Branch: 56th Floor, KOMTAR. Phone:+60 4 261-0058/ 264-3494. Fax:+60 4 262-3688 mtpbpen@tourism.gov.my
  • Penang Heritage Trust 26 Church Street, Phone+60 4 264-2631. Fax+60 4 262-8421 phtrust@streamyx.com
  • 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
Refer: Penang Tourism, Wikitravel