Catherine’s guidebook

Getting around without your own transport in Penang can be difficult. The island is certainly not like Kuala Lumpur — where distances can be huge and points of interest spread apart — but if you live outside of George Town or want to explore the best of Penang in 48 hours, you can’t really do it on foot. Plus, we have already advised you against taking the reckless Penang driving lightly. In Penang, taxis usually hang out either below KOMTAR’s underpass, at Gurney Drive, in Batu Ferringhi where more foreign package tourists hang out at the resorts, and around the hotel and Penang nightlife area around upper Penang Road, where most of Penang backpackers hang out. Beside these spots, it’s actually not so easy to hail a cab. On the other hand, using Grab you can request a car to meet you wherever you are on the island. The application will even show you where your car is, and how long will it take for it to reach you. You’ll never get stuck again. The point above is good to realise that with Grab Penang, rides are also safer. Have you ever been harassed by a Malaysian taxi driver who demanded higher pay than what the meter showed, or what you had agreed before getting in the car? I have, and I can tell you stories of many other friends who were harassed, too. One got a wrench shoved under his face because he refused to pay what an angry taxi driver had suddenly demanded. With Grab Car, each ride is registered into a system with a unique ID — this means that you are also able to see the name and license plate of your driver. Call it a security measure, but if someone wants to rip you off, you will be able to report them to the service and get them banned immediately. Drivers know this, too, and transactions are pretty much as safe as you can get.

Prepare to haggle hard with traders used to selling at tourist prices at this famed pasar malam (night market). You’ll find CDs, DVDs, football jerseys, t-shirts, artworks, and food aplenty. But you don’t have to shop to enjoy this strip; take a wander past the stalls and soak in the lively ambience.

Great place to visit if you go up the Penang hill. There is a beautiful walk that takes you through the jungle at the top of the hill and an amazing sky walk that allows you see as far as Langkawi on a clear day! We got the chance to see all kinds of wildlife during our walk and stopped often to take in the surroundings on benches and the beautiful wooden swings they have set around the walk way! They even have bug spray at the start point if like us, you forget to bring yours! The staff are all really friendly and helpful offering free walking tours and directions of where to go next.

This service needs verification of about 48 hours before you can use. It is a fully automated car rental service that is fuel inclusive. Prepare a working credit card, and also international license if you are traveling to Malaysia. Sign up for Socar and search the available car near you. Take Grab to the nearest car and unlock the car by your smartphone.