Penang offers a great shopping experience, from modern malls to traditional markets. Popular shopping destinations include Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall, while the Batu Ferringhi Night Market and Little India offer unique finds, souvenirs, and local crafts.

Penang is famous for its diverse food scene. Local favourites include nasi kandar (spiced rice with various curries), char kway teow (stir-fried noodles), and asam laksa (spicy-sour fish soup). Street food is widely available at hawker centres, providing a true taste of Penang’s culinary heritage. Refreshing drinks like coconut water and Penang white coffee are popular, and you’ll also find a variety of cafes and bars offering both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

Malay is the official language, though English is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism. Penang’s cultural diversity is also reflected in its languages, with Chinese dialects such as Hokkien, Mandarin, and Tamil commonly spoken.

Penang’s standard electrical voltage is 240 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. Malaysia uses Type G outlets (three rectangular prongs arranged in a triangle), the same as the UK.

Penang has a reliable public transport system, including buses and taxis. Rapid Penang buses connect many parts of the island, while taxis are available for short trips and airport transfers. Fares can usually be negotiated, but some taxis may use meters.

Tipping is not customary in Penang but is appreciated for exceptional service, especially in hotels and restaurants. A tip of 10-15% of the bill is generally accepted if you wish to show appreciation for good service.