Penang

At Swettenham Pier, Penang Port welcomes some of the world's largest cruise vessels to a pleasant terminal in Georgetown on Penang Island. Beach Street, Weld Quay, the Clock Tower and the Esplanade are all close by.

Downtown George Town is approximately 1.2 kilometres (about 0.75 miles) away, reached by a short 5-minute drive or a 15-minute walk.

When more than 2 ships are due, you may instead anchor and tender into town.

Carry a printable map for your visit.

Penang, called Pulau Pinang in Malay, is an island off the northern section of Peninsular Malaysia's west coast. The name also refers to the Malaysian state formed by Penang Island and the facing mainland territory of Seberang Perai, formerly Province Wellesley.

Penang ranks among Malaysia's principal visitor attractions. Its beaches are a little lacklustre beside those of some other Malaysian states, but the island's rich multicultural history, filled with colonial and Chinese influences, more than makes up for this. Penang is also renowned as Malaysia's "food paradise", if not that of all Asia.

The old town is highly walkable.

When taking a taxi, arrange it INSIDE the terminal, where services are 'somewhat' regulated. Taxis waiting immediately outside the terminal will charge twice as much.

Many residents book private taxis through the Grab app, a safe and dependable way to travel.

Ride the funicular railway up the Mountain to see the gracious homes of old British Traders and admire both the coolness and the views.

Travelling around Penang can be a minor inconvenience because buses are often poorly signposted and infrequent. The free bus and city buses use the same vehicle, with one simply a little more crowded. Take the #204 to Kek Loc Si for 2RM, continue to Penang Hill for 1.4RM, then return to Little India or the beach for 2RM. The free service runs throughout the CBD but does not reach either attraction.

A trishaw might be the best choice for an enjoyable city tour. These three-wheeled vehicles can stop whenever you wish to take a photo or purchase souvenirs. Agree the fare before boarding; for longer sightseeing, hiring one by the hour is advisable.

Food tasting is a Penang highlight. Malaysians value the island's enormous range of local dishes, including Char Kwey Teow, Penang Laksa and Nasi Kandar, found almost everywhere across the Island. Macalister Road would be the best destination for "food hopping". For the most celebrated Char Kwey Toew, visit "Sister's Chow Koay Teow" on Lorong Selamat.

Penang's three most popular shopping centres are Gurney Plaza, Prangin Mall and Queensbay, carrying a complete selection of fashionable goods and essential items. For something unusual, visit the Lorong Kulit flea market, open daily from morning until about 2:00pm. If mixing with the crowds appeals, explore the pasar malam, or night market, along Batu Ferringhi for inexpensive shopping and food; it becomes more interesting at weekends. Prangin mall no longer has many shops. Gurney and Queensbay are currently the leading shopping choices.

Malaysia's currency is the ringgit.

ATMs are readily available in cities, though you should carry extra cash when travelling to the smaller islands or jungle. Most shops, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, but skimming can occur in less reputable outlets.

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia, although hotel porters and taxi drivers appreciate a small gratuity for exemplary service. Most expensive restaurants, bars and hotels may display prices as RM19++, indicating that sales tax (5%) and a service charge (10%) will be added to the bill.

Malay, or Bahasa Malaysia, is Malaysia's only official language. English is taught in schools and commonly spoken in cities, although some Malay is useful in rural areas.

Most hotels provide broadband Internet, while cafés offering free WiFi to customers and some restaurants and cafés also have access. Both cable and wireless broadband are available, with the latter found in hot-spot areas such as Starbucks and McDonald's.

For any emergency, call 999; from a mobile, either 999 or 112 will work.

In large cities, shops generally trade from 10.30am until 9.30pm. Businesses in smaller towns and rural districts tend to open and close earlier.