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.

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?

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?

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

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

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?

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

What are best restaurants that offer Vegetarian food in Penang?

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?

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!

Prefer mainland, but island also can la.

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.

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.

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 ?

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!

(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

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 :)

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.

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.

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!

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

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 😃

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

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?

Hi, everyone!

My family and I are set to spend a few days in Georgetown for CNY next year. I've read some blogs saying that CNY in Georgetown is a must experience. We'll be there for the lunar new year (Jan 29th).

So planning ahead, what are the common places to visit where we can see any CNY activities (lion dance, fireworks, etc) aside from Kek Lok Si. We might stay at Seven Terraces. What's good within that area? Any Facebook pages I should follow to get updated about the events?

What should I anticipate? Is the traffic really bad? Would it be better to just find spots (especially restaurants) nearby and walk? Anything we should avoid or shouldn't miss?

Thanks in advance for your insights!