Penang
Terminal Information
A brand new facility at Port Swettenham has just been built and we were one of the first cruise ships to use it. It was not yet fully commissioned when we visited and we were not able to use the aero bridges and shopping office facilities on the 1st & 2nd Floors.
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The New Cruise Terminal at Penang
The impressive new cruise terminal at Penang, opened for visiting cruise ships in May 2010, but not yet fully commissioned.
Immigration Formalities and Dockside Operations
On the Sun Princess all immigration facilities were fully managed by the Princess Cruise Line. All that was required was your cruise card tot enter and exit the ship as well as entering and leaving the terminal to street side.
Places of Interest
We visited the Butterfly Farm, the Reclining Budda and a Batik Factory on one of the ship's tours, having done the "Round Island" tour on a previous visit. The Cruise Terminal is visible at Central Right in the image below.
Getting around
Taxis are available at the terminal and were relatively cheap. Rickshaws also available for those wanting a more traditional methods.
There are also quite a number of Colonial buildings and historic sites within easy walking distance form the Terminal.
Taxis
Currency
Malaysian Ringit Approx 2.8 to the Australian Dollar. The "Penang Money Man" operates within the terminal.
Shopping
Queensbay Mall (large modern multi story complex) is a $10 to $15 Taxi ride and one can easily fill in a day
Opening and Closing Times
Banks
open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Shops
Generally open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; hours vary Saturday and Sunday; some are closed on public holidays
Post Office
Generally open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Local Cuisine
Malaysian cuisine is exotic with an exciting range of flavors and culinary styles. It comprises of three main groups - Malay, Chinese and Indian, each with its own distinct style of cooking.
Food Specialities
Popular local flavors include:
Satay: beef or chicken on bamboo skewers Mee Rebus: fried noodles
Ais Kacang: an array of beans, peanuts and colorful jellies topped with shaven ice and filled with coconut milk and sweet syrup.
Drink Specialties
The local beers are Tiger and Anchor.
It is always recommended that you drink bottled water while in port.
TIPPING
Suggested tipping is 15 to 20 percent for good service.
SOME USEFUL WORDS
Although Malay is the lingua franca, English is widely understood. For your interest, some useful words in Malay are:
Good Morning Selamat pagi
Good Afternoon Selamat tengah hari
Yes Ya
No Tidak
How Much Berapa?
Thank You Terima Kasi
Keeping in Touch
Mobile Phones
Mobile Phone coverage was available on the ship through the Malaysia mobile networks.
The following Information is provided by http://www.wordtravels.com/telephonediallingcodes/Countries/Malaysia/
The international access code for Malaysia is +60. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)3 for Kuala Lumpur, (0)4 for Penang.
International Direct Dial is available throughout the country, but the service can be erratic. Hotels can add a hefty surcharge to their telephone bills; it is best to check before making international calls.
Coin and card-operated public phones are widespread, and phone cards can be purchased at the airport, petrol stations and newsagents. Cards are not transferable between phone companies:
Uniphone and Telekom phone boxes are the most common.
Mobile networks cover most of the country; the local mobile phone operators use GSM networks, which are compatible with most international phones. Internet cafes are widely available in tourist areas.
Images and Tours of Penang
Images you may see while in Penang
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Sun Princess Tours Offered Penang - Cruise S010
PENANG CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR
Take in the sights on a narrated drive that ranges from Georgetown to the rural countryside See traditional fishing villages and explore the Snake Temple where you can view its sacred (and mostly defanged) pit vipers. Visit a batik factory and watch artisans at work creating the colorful fabric.
$49 per adult$39 per child 700am-1230pm
RECLINING BUDDHA & BUTTERFLY FARM
Visit a traditional Thai wat or temple and see a magnificent gold- covered statue of the Buddha that is over 100 feet long Tour one of the world's largest butterfly farms and watch artisans at work during a stop at a local batik factory Passengers are required to remove their shoes before entering the Reclininq Buddha Temple. $59 $49n 8-12
PENANG CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR
Take in the sights on a narrated drive that ranges from Georgetown to the rural countryside See traditional fishing villages and explore the Snake Temple where you can view It’s sacred (and mostly defanged) pit vipers. Visit a batik factory and watch artisans at work creating the colorful fabric.
$49 per adult $39 per child 7:00am 12:30pm
PENANG TEMPLES & GARDENS
Travel to Ayer Hitam on a visit to the Kek Lok Si Temple. The largest temple complex in Malaysia is home to the Pagoda of the 10,000 Buddhas. Explore Penang's Botanical Gardens, where monkeys freely roam the grounds. Tour a pewter factory and discover how this Penanq specialty is manufactured
$34 per adult $29 per child' 7:45am 1l:45am
PENANG HIGHLIGHTS BY TRISHAW
Tour Georgetown's streets by trishaw - the sights range from Little India and Jalan Beach to Lebuh Carnarvon, the old Chinese financial district. Visit a Chinese clan house and tour the Penang Museum. Then relax at the stately Cititel Hotel. Some trishaws may only accommodate one passenger only. Passengers ride in front of the cyclist
$79 per adult $69 child 8:45am 1l:15am
PENANG HERITAGE WALKING TOUR
This guided walking tour begins where motor coach tours end· at the Goddess of Mercy Chinese Temple in the heart of historic Georgetown. See the heritage sites including the city's oldest mosque, Chinese clan houses and Hindu temples Visit a chic
boutique hotel· the city's old mansion built in traditional Chinese style Recommended for physically fit passengers who enjoy walkingg
$49 per adult $39 per child 800AM-1130pm
