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Travel Information
GETTING TO PENANG
Malaysia’s third busiest airport has the official IATA code of PEN – standing in for Penang International Airport. Located a mere 9.9 miles/ 16 km south of George Town, the airport serves a large region and provides extensive links with major cities across South East Asia and beyond. George Town is Penang region’s capital city. Penang Airport serves mainly the north of western Malaysia and the premises are medium-sized, with check-in and baggage reclaim being comparatively faster than at large sites. Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu International are both busier and larger. Penang International is mainly used by two budget airlines, namely AirAsia and Firefly.
Better known carriers operating from Penang International Airport are Cathay Pacific, China Southern Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Wings Air and Thai Airways International to name but a few. The carriers fly to destinations like Medan, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta or Guangzhou.
Penang International Airport (PIA)
OUR OFFICIAL AIRLINE
**Exciting News Alert!** We proudly announce that Malaysia Airlines is the official airline for the WCMB 2023 conference in Penang!
Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering the best way to fly to, from and around Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines carries up to 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys inspired by Malaysia’s diverse richness. Malaysia Airlines embodies the incredible diversity of Malaysia, capturing its rich traditions, cultures and cuisines via its inimitable Malaysian Hospitality across all customer touch points.
Since September 2015, the airline has been owned and operated by Malaysia Airlines Berhad. It is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), a global aviation organisation that comprises of different aviation business portfolios aimed at serving Malaysian air travel needs. As a member of the oneworld Alliance, Malaysia Airlines offers superior connectivity with seamless journeys to as many as 1,000 destinations to more than 170 territories, and access to over 650 airport lounges worldwide.
For more information, visit their website here.
CONNECTING TO PENANG
INTERNATIONAL
- Banda Acheh
- Bangkok
- Bangkok (Don Muang)
- Guongzhou
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Hong Kong
- Jakarta
- Medan
- Phuket
- Singapore
- Surabaya
- Taipei
DOMESTIC
- Johor Bahru
- Kota Bharu
- Kota Kinabalu
- Kuala Lumpur
- Kuala Lumpur (Subang)
- Kuantan
- Kuching
- Langkawi
penang international AIRPORT
Address: Penang International Airport, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
Tel: 604 252 0252
Fax: 604 252 0252
Click here for more information.
PENANG AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
Penang has a fairly comprehensive public transportation system. To make your way into town from the Penang International Airport, you can take a taxi, bus, an airport transfer or hire a car.
Bus
Please visit the link below for more information on the route and timing.
https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-line-102-Penang-5390-1122251-697532-0 or https://jp.rapidpg.com.my
Grab (similar to Uber)
Grab e-hailing app is very popular in Malaysia and most prefer this alternative to taxis. Reliable and convenient mode of transportation in Penang. You can download the application from the play store and book a ride.
Taxi
The taxi fares in Malaysia are calculated according to meters. Effective from 19 March 2015, the taxi rate has been revised as follows, the flag-off fare for taxis is RM3.00 and passengers will be charged RM0.25 for every 200 meters thereafter, and for taxis caught in a traffic jam, the fare will be RM3.00 for the first 3 minutes, and RM0.25 for every subsequent 36 seconds. Always ask the taxi driver to use the meter. If they refuse, just step out of the taxi, and wait for another taxi. It is illegal to charge passengers without using the meter.
Taxis at the airport operate on a coupon system – buy a coupon beforehand from inside the terminal. A trip to Georgetown (an 18km journey) will take approximately 25 minutes and should cost between RM40 (USD 9.43) – RM 60 (USD 14.14), depending on the taxi size
VENUE
The venue is Hotel JEN Penang Georgetown by Shangri-La, located in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown, Penang.
List of Hotels within the vicinity
There are many Hotels and Airbnb’s in the neighborhood. Some hotels are listed here:
EXCHANGING MONEY
The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). The current exchange rate as of August 2022 is US$ 1 = MYR 4.47. You can view exchange rates at www.xe.com. International participants are advised to exchange some Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) prior to their departure, or upon their arrival at the Penang International Airport. There are currency exchange counters in the airport.
Only deal with licensed money changers. They can be found in almost all shopping malls. Money changers often offer better rates than banks and hotels.
CREDIT CARD
Credit cards are widely accepted in Malaysia e.g., at shopping centers, restaurants, or hotels. Be sure to avoid cash advances with your credit card unless it is absolutely necessary, as they come with hefty fees and attract interest immediately. Some shops may impose a 2-3% surcharge for payments made by credit cards. Some cloning of cards is reported so extra care should be taken.
Weather, Time Zone
Penang experiences warm tropical weather all year round. Temperatures range from a low of 21°C (70°F) to a high of 32°C (90°F). Heavy rain showers are common but most often short in duration. Balmy evenings are ideal for outdoor dining, night markets, and late-night shopping.
The standard time zone in Malaysia is UTC+08:00.
Electricity
The electrical currents in Malaysia are 220-240 volts with the following electrical outlets:
Visa
Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits to Malaysia. Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the period of stay. Nationals from countries that require a visa can apply through the nearest Malaysian overseas mission (or log onto http://www.imi.gov.my/ ) by submitting the following documentation:
- Visa application form with three (3) passport-sized photographs
- National passport with remaining validity not less than six (6) months
- Letter of introduction or invitation letter.
List of nations exempted from visas for short stays of at least 2 weeks
Remarks
- Nationals from countries not listed above may obtain assistance from the nearest Malaysian High Commission.
- Delegates of the conference could contact the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau for assistance
Other Useful Information: Customs, Dutiable Goods, Currency Declaration, and GST Refund
- Read about Dutiable goods:
http://www.customs.gov.my/en/tp/Pages/tp_tg.aspx
- Read about Currency Exchange Limits:
http://www.customs.gov.my/en/tp/Pages/tp_cec.aspx
- Read about GST Tourist Refund Scheme:
http://gst.customs.gov.my/en/cp/Pages/cp_trst.aspx
- Read about Prohibited Import/Export Items in Malaysia:
Insurance Disclaimer
Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) disclaims all responsibilities for the medical, accident, and travel insurances, for compensation for death or disability compensation, for loss of or damage to personal property, and for any other losses that may be incurred during travel time or the period of participation. In this context, it is strongly recommended that guest will secure international medical, accident, and travel insurance for the period of participation prior to departure.
Emergency contact number
- Police/Ambulance Tel: 999 / 112 from a mobile telephone
- Fire and Rescue Department (known as Bomba) Tel: 994 / 112 from a mobile telephone
- Pharmacies:
- Guardian 1st Avenue, Tel: +604 261 0025
- Georgetown Pharmacy Macalister , Tel: +604 217 0963
- Watsons Komtar, Tel: +604 264 2272
- Watsons 1st Avenue (Pharmacy), Tel: +604 261 1511
- Hospitals and Clinics:
- Penang General Hospital (Public Hospital), Tel: +604 222 5333
- Island Hospital (Private Hospital), Tel: +604 238 3388
- Gleneagles Hospital Penang (Private Hospital),Tel: +604 222 9111
- The Pearl Medical Clinic (Private), Tel: +604 262 7295
- Klinik Mediplus (Private), Tel: +604 228 6615