Dates Visited: July 1 2023 – July 10 2023

Arriving

Penang International Airport (PEN)

Immigration/Customs

Uneventful, all that is needed from you is your Passport and visa (if necessary for your nationality but Americans are visa-free) – expect an easy stamp-and-go experience.

Currency

Malaysian Ringgits are the main and only currency accepted in Malaysia. There are exchange counters at the airport on the second floor (departures) level – I couldn’t find any on the international arrivals level. There are also many small exchanges in town that will perform currency transactions for you. Credit cards were accepted at major restaurants, hotels, and shops but hawker centers and small restaurants do not accept credit card.

Taxis/Rideshare/Local Transportation

Grab is your best friend here, download the app, link a credit card and it will get you anywhere you need to go.

SIM Cards/Wi-Fi

SIM cards are available after baggage claim at the PEN airport, there are 3 carriers available and I went with Digi. All plans were reasonably priced. No complaints with Digi and the speeds were excellent. You can reload the SIM card on the “my Digi” app easily. There’s also Digi stores at malls that will let you reload your SIM card too. WiFi was available at hotels and major malls and some restaurants. No issues with the WiFi to report.

Sightseeing

Penang

Penang Hill

Gurney Plaza/Gurney Paragon

Chulia Street

Little India

Clan Jetties

Penang Street Art

Armenian Street

BookXcess Gurne y Paragon

Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion

Queens Bay Mall

Jalan Kek Chuan

Eastern & Oriential Hotel

Night Markets

Ipoh

Birch Memorial Clock Tower

Old Town Ipoh

Restaurants

Penang

Irama Dining

Thai Shop

Lagenda House and Cafe

Fatty Boy Chicken Rice

Kim Poh Chicken and Duck Rice

Tong Seng Hainanese Chicken Rice

Sin Nam Huat Chicken Rice

Roti Canai Transfer Road

Chowrasta Market – Kochabi Pork Intestine Porridge

Ali nasi Lemak

Thean Chun Coffee Shop

Accommodation

Urban H Hotel