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Pematangsiantar

Pematangsiantar (or Pematang Siantar) is a city in North Sumatra.

Understand
With 280,000 inhabitants, Pematangsiantar is the second biggest city in the province of North Sumatra. The centre of the town has two main roads where you can find almost everything you need. The food market is between these streets. There is one small shopping centre including a very small cinema. The population of the town are mostly of the Batak ethnic group. Also many Chinese and Javanese live here. In contrast to the rest of Indonesia the majority are Christians and not Muslims. So there is no problem to drink a beer on the street or find some pork at the meat market which is worth visiting.

Get in
The main way to get into Pematangsiantar is via Medan which has daily flights from neighboring countries Malaysia (Penang, Kuala Lumpur) and Singapore. There are also many flights from Jakarta and other major cities of Indonesia.

From Medan you can easily get shared taxis to Pematangsiantar that cost around Rp40,000-50,000 per person. The journey takes roughly 2 hours.

The other option is by train (Rp22,000), which takes slightly longer (around 4 hours), but is worth the experience. Trains depart daily from Medan on 1400 and from on 0620.

A big bus from Medan (Amplas bus terminal) cost about Rp18,000-22,000.

Get around
Easiest way to get around is by becak pronounced bey-chak. It's worth the experience. You can find these old bikes only in Siantar. Old BSA made in England. Special sound, special look and every becak is unique and lovely modified. Cost about Rp20,000 to go 3 km.

The cheap way is to go by minibus, which cost only Rp3000 for same distance, but without help you will not find your way. There are no bus schedules.

You can rent a motorbike at the Siantar Guesthouse. You can rent 150cc Classic Vespa for about Rp60,000 per day.

See

There are a few nice colonial style villas and houses from the Dutch era which can be found in and around the city center, e.g. the Balai Kota (old city hall), the old and the new director's house of the Rumah Sakit Umum (public hospital), the kantor pos (post office), and some more - but most of them are horribly maintained.

Do
There are two swimming pools in the city: the one of which is open to the public for a small fee (they also have a small gym), and a public swimming pool. Neither has a water filtering system, but change the water twice a week - so ask before immersing yourself! About 15 minutes south of the city center (direction Sibolga) there are natural springs and fountains where you can hang out in small pools.

Buy
Between the main roads (Merdeka and Sutomo) in the center of town is the food market. Fresh fish, meat, vegetables and fruit are very cheap. There is also a small "shopping complex" called. But not really worth visiting. Also a second hand market for clothes is located close to the mini bus station (terminal Perluasan).

Along the main street (Jl. Merdeka and Jl. Sutomo) you will find practically everything the city could offer for you to buy. From a restaurant and bakery to mini market, equipment stores and music store and many more. There is a good shopping mall along with KFC in Siantar

Eat
You can find all the traditional Indonesian food here. Bataks for example love babi panggang which are small pieces of roast pork with a special blood sauce. Also ikan mas arsik (goldfish) and cincang (small pieces of pork) are traditional Batak dishes.

Besides Batak dishes you will also find many Chinese restaurants. Most famous Chinese dish from this area is Mie Keriting Siantar, a variation of wonton noodles. The most popular place to eat Chinese food and Chinese Indonesian fusion foods is Jl. Surabaya (one of the roads connecting the two main roads of the city) which offer an array of Kedai (eating houses) and Kopi Tiam (literally coffee house). Another well known place to visit is Roti Ganda, which is famous for its bread. It is popular with locals (largely Chinese and Bataks) and gets very crowded in the morning. Most eateries are open at night (some as late as midnight).

Drink
It will surprise you, but bars do not exist here. You can either go to a Karaoke bar, where you have to rent a room, which is mostly full of prostitutes and very expensive (one beer about Rp50,000). Or you just sit down in a Tuak shop you will find everywhere around town. Old and young people sit in small shops, drinking the white jungle juice called Tuak and playing guitar. One glass Tuak is around Rp1000, but normally you don't pay.

A root beer/sarsparilla style soft drink called 'Badak' (meaning rhino) is a popular beverage across Sumatra, especially in Sumatera Utara. The headquarters and factory are based in Siantar.

A bottle from a local store will cost between 10,000IDR and 13,000IDR (6000IDR of which is your deposit, to be returned when you take back the empty bottle!

There are two coffee houses in Jl. Cipto (parallel to Sutomo, access through Jl. Bandang): Tok Kong, a very Batak style café in an old colonial style house, very crowded throughout the day. And a little further across the street Café Coca-Cola (Indonesians don't have a problem using copyrighted brand names), which is in fact a Chinese-owned ice cream shop, where they serve home-made ice cream and wafers. 'Kok Tong' is also a cafe in Jln. Cipto which is very popular for Pematangsiantar people. 'Kok Tong' is popular for their coffee. 'Kok Tong' placed straight from Cafe Coca-Cola Both are worth a visit.

The owner of the Guesthouse (Siantar GH) makes a small party with around 30-40 people twice a week. Cheap tuak and beer. Mostly with BBQ western style and gratis open air cinema. This is also the only "bar" in town where you can find girls who are not prostitutes.

Sleep
There are not so many places to stay in Siantar. The most famous one is for sure, which is not an accommodation for budget travelers (free Wifi in the lobby though).

A small guesthouse (Siantar GH) is close to the bus station in Siatas Barita. Relaxed place with garden owned by a German traveler. You can stay for less than Rp20,000 per night.

There are some small guesthouses called Losmen in the city center area, like the one in Jl. Cokro and above (2nd floor) Kopi Tiam (old coffee shop) at Jl. Merdeka.

Budget accommodation is available at the church-owned Wisma Tuluy north of the city center (Jl. Gunung Simanuk-manuk): Very clean. (2010)

Go next
Lake Toba through Parapat - largest lake in North Sumatra

title: Pematangsiantar


text:
Pemba

Pemba is the capital of the Cabo Delgado Province in the north of Mozambique.

Understand
Pemba is a port town located on the south side of the world's third-largest natural bay, with a population of around 100,000. It is the most important center in Northern Mozambique, with banks, patisseries, supermarkets and restaurants, though it retains a rundown feel with its potholed streets. The town was built over rolling hills, and most people live in wooden huts set amongst the numerous thick baobab trees.

The history of the people of the Cabo Delgado province weaves throughout many centuries of African, Arab and Portuguese sailing, trading and settling.

The town was founded by the Niassa Company in 1904 as Porto Amelia, after a queen of Portugal. It was renamed Pemba at the end of Portuguese rule, in 1975.

Pemba is renowned for its Portuguese colonial architecture, and is a prime destination for water sports and diving enthusiasts as a coral reef lies close to the shore. Pemba has increasingly become a tourist destination, particularly for upper-middle class Mozambicans and South Africans, and international flights and new facilities are emerging steadily.

Climate
The climate is tropical humid. Average annual temperature ranges from a minimum of 22°C to a maximum of 32°C.

The hot rainy season usually runs from December to April. The rain is irregular, it can be very heavy and accompanied by strong monsoon winds.

The dry season is from May to November, with an average temperature of 28°C during the day.

The temperature of the seawater ranges from 25°C to 30°C.

By car
Good tarred roads connect Pemba to Nampula (438 km) and Ilha de Mozambique (427 km).

National roads run to the east and south to Central Mozambique.

Northwards, the national road from Pemba to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania is partly tarred. Backpackers use a canoe across the Rovuma River at the Quionga border post. The Unity Bridge is now open for cars to drive through at Negomane.

See

 * Ibo Island take you back in time
 * The 1st Quirimbas Archipelago Island is Quipaco Island that is 20 km north of Pemba.
 * Quirimbas National Park boundary is 13 km north of Pemba.
 * Quirimbas National Park boundary is 13 km north of Pemba.

AROUND PEMBA This old traditional fishing village will take you back in time witnessing the traditional trading, lifestyle, building and repairing of the ancient Dhows, which are still active today. Be careful where you step,
 * Slave Trade Fort at Ponta Romero Lighthouse: It is an open plan historical monument where slaves were auctioned off, and is also a look out point for incoming ships.
 * Nacole Baobab – Located inside the bay at Pemba Dive & Bush Camp Resort. An eco-friendly nature estate with 3 types of mangrove estuaries, bird watching, a secluded sunset beach fire with savanna bush. You can walk inside 9m2 hollow ancient Nacole Baobab amongst 40 existing Baobab trees and see Large Split Face bats hanging above. During the war this tree served as a hiding place for refugees.
 * Paquitequete: – 1 km after Ponta Romero Light house:
 * Nkwita Lake: – One hour drive from Pemba. The lake collects its fresh water from the surrounding rivers creating a permanent wet land which attracts migrant species and waders. The lake is home to a very prolific bird life, with reed nesting birds constructing nests in the surrounding Savanna Bush. Fresh water birds such as, Raptors and Storks feed on the surrounding bright coloured amphibians. Amongst the vast bird population the rare Dickinson’s Kestrel has been sighted, and Fish Eagles are resident there. Day trips can be arranged.
 * Maconde Arts and Crafts: The Maconde Tribe pride themselves as skillful sculptors, creating expressive and aesthetic helmet masks, which are used by dancers with vigor and emotion at the traditional festivals and ceremonies.

Do

 * Snorkeling Have to get out to Pemba Dive Reef 100m in front of the dive shop on Wimbe Beach to get to the corals for a good snorkel. Marine life is absolutely amazing and with a bit of luck you will get the chance to swim with the dolphins. The coral reef on the Londo peninsula that closes the bay of Pemba also offers great possibilities for snorkeling.
 * Jungle hiking in Ngezi forest. In Konde, take a motorbike to the park administration office, which is at the main road crossing the forest. Alternatively, sleep in one of the hotels along the coast and organize a hike there. You have to take a guide. It is possible to do a rather short hike (about Tsh 20,000) or a longer one (about Tsh 60,000) which will cross the forest and end at the northern beach.
 * Fishing Pemba is a perfect starting point for fishing trips, especially to the Lazarus Banks, a world-famous fishing destination located 75 nautical miles into the Mozambique Channel. Known for its rich ecosystem and unique topography, it's a haven for big game fishing, offering an abundance of game fish like GT’s, Tuna, Sailfish, and Marlin. The Nautilus Hotel offers exclusive liveaboard trips to explore these waters during the prime fishing season from late August to mid-December
 * Whale Watching: From June to November, witness the migration of Humpback and Southern Right whales, travelling from Antarctica to the warm waters of Mozambique's Indian Ocean.

Scuba diving
The bay offers protection to an extensive variety of soft and hard coral that attract a legion of species, even the rare 1,000 kg oceanic sunfish, large potato bass, Napoleon wrasses, dolphins, whales and turtles. Ideal for professional and novice marine photographers, in warm and calm waters.

2009 proved to have the biggest display of Humpback Whales with up to 5 whales at a time often seen on the shore breaching. It is incredible to dive with the orchestra of the male whales singing their mating rituals right throughout the dive between July-October.

The bay is the perfect hunting grounds for kingfish, dogtooth tuna, great barracuda, couta, dolphin fish and wahoo.

This region has year round diving conditions. Shortie wetsuits are usually worn with temperatures from 26C to 29C. July and August is winter, it can drop to 24C.

Buy

 * Banguia Authentic Traditional Market Baraca meaning Cheap Shop is a traditional shopping village. It is a long 2km road just above Av. Da Marginal (coastal road). Selling everything a local Mozambican would need as well as arts and crafts, even the Tinman making stoves & pots and Tailors sewing in the side of the road.

Avoid ivory, coral, shells and turtle shell said to be sold at the market, since this is sold contrary to Mozambican and International Law. Coral serves its purpose either dead or live. It is a home, breeding and feeding grounds to juvenile marine life.

You cannot buy plastic shells and most imitation turtle shell is not plastic. Test it by tapping it against your teeth, bone against bone is the animal. All shells are alive when harvested; dead shells no longer get washed up anymore. Live shells have a shine when it is killed and the animal removed. Shells that die from natural causes will build up saline sediment and within a week lose their shine. A bigger crime is juvenile shells being sold, preventing the reproduction cycle.

Rather, purchase natural materials such as coconut fibre, bamboo or wooden arts and crafts. Careful with blackwood: it is scarce and grows very slowly, taking a lifetime to grow as thick as your arm. Just buying arts and crafts from/next to stall/vendor, that sell shells or coral will still encourage the illegal sales. Vendors, who claim their ignorance, ask for patience and sympathy are often dishonest. Tough love is the best solution.

Eat

 * Nautilus Pemba Restaurant
 * Nautilus Pemba Restaurant

Drink

 * Raphael's Hotel
 * Nautilus Beach Bar
 * Big brother's bar
 * Deirio wazir's bar
 * Lanchonete Portao Do Wimbi
 * ocean pub

Cope
Hitch hiking around Pemba is safe. There is public busses on the main routes at 5mts. Check the rates before getting in. A taxi ride from the airport to the furthest part of town could cost around 7 dollars = 15 km during the day. Charges for transfers with some Hotel shuttle are free, except at 04h00 or early hours of the morning.

Small US$ notes are reluctantly exchanged, and in some cases not, as banks give locals a tough time when they try and exchange these. Try keep small notes to a minimum, but they are useful for taxi rides and curio purchases.

The beach curio sellers usually mark up substantially. Start negotiations at a quarter of their price and never settle for more than 60%. They negotiate hard, but walk away and they will follow you. Walk away should animals, shells or coral be sold.

Go next

 * Quirimbas Islands - Around 30 islands that stretch starting from Pemba in the south to the town of Palma in the north. They are one of the world’s best fishing and diving destinations, with phenomenal vertical drop-offs, some up to 400 meters. Pemba has the largest fan coral in Africa. The southern islands include an expanse of forests in the Quirimbas National Park. Islands include Ibo, Matemo, Medjumbe, Quilalea, Vamizi, Rongui and Macoloe.
 * Ilha de Mozambique - seven hours drive to the south, a beautiful and haunting island, once the capital of the country under Portuguese rule.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Pemba


text:
Pemba (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Pemba:

Mozambique

 * Pemba - A town in Northern Mozambique.
 * Pemba Airport

Tanzania

 * Pemba Island - An island in Zanzibar.
 * Pemba Airport

Zambia

 * Pemba (Zambia) - A town in Zambia.

title: Pemba (disambiguation)


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Pemba Island

Pemba Island is an island forming part of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania, located approximately 50 km north of Zanzibar, the largest island in the archipelago and main visitor destination. Visitors to Pemba however with find a dramatically different experience from the increasingly touristy and resort-developed Zanzibar, as Pemba has managed to maintain a strong sense of traditional identity within relative isolation.

Cities

 * - Largest city on the island, located approximately 7 km from Pemba's primary airport

Understand
Though very much overshadowed by the larger and far more popular Zanzibar to the south, Pemba is an extraordinary destination for its natural beauty (during the Omani Sultanate period it was referred to as "The Green Island") and relatively undisturbed authentic Swahili culture. There is very little tourism infrastructure here, and apart from a few lodges on the north end of the island there are no accommodations geared towards foreign travellers. Refreshingly this all means there are almost no touts and tourist traps like the multitude to be found on Zanzibar, making it the perfect destination for genuine cultural exploration. The island overall is conservative in its culture and adherence to Islam, hence it is recommended to dress modestly when in public and be respectful of local customs. Otherwise the people of Pemba are fantastic and welcoming and it is guaranteed that visitors will have a unique and memorable experience.

Talk
As part of the Zanzibar Archipelago and the cradle of Swahili culture, the Swahili language (kiswahili) is the native language of the entire population of Pemba Island. Few people outside of the lodges are able to speak English beyond a basic level, and thus it is highly recommended that visitors learn some Swahili and carry a phrasebook. The relative isolation of the island is also reflected in the language, as far fewer English loan words are used (as compared to the Swahili of Nairobi or even Dar es Salaam) and traditional religious greetings such as Asalam Aleikum and Waaleikum Salam ("peace be upon you") are typically used.

Get in
The airport approximately 7 km from Chake Chake is served local airlines with daily flights to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam on small Cessna-type aircraft. Flight from Zanzibar takes about 30 mins. Ferries are available to the port town of Mkoani on the south side of Pemba Island from Dar es Salaam via Stone Town in Zanzibar as well as to Tanga on the northern Tanzanian mainland. Azam Marine operates the most professional and safest vessels, charging US$75 and arriving to Mkoani in seven hours from Dar es Salaam, US$35 and five hours from Stone Town, and US$35 in two hours to Tanga. Do be aware that these ferries only run a few times a week, so it is necessary to check their timetables while also expecting that these ferries will likely depart later than their scheduled times.

Get around
Daladala (public minibuses) are ubiquitous along the main roads of Pemba and generally the easiest (and certainly the cheapest) way to get around. Dala dalas run frequently between the main cities on the island picking up and dropping off passengers along the way, and rarely cost more than a few thousand shillings.

It is also possible to find taxis (best arranged through your accommodation) though you will typically pay around 10x the fare of a dala dala while likely getting there in the same amount of time. Renting bicycles is also possible and a fun way to see the small towns of the island.

See
The best beaches (along with the foreigner lodges) are found on the north side of the island. Forest reserves with endemic animals including the Pemba Flying Fox can also be found in the north. It is also possible to arrange spice tours to visit farms where cloves are grown (the main economic export of the island).

Do
Pemba is one of the diving jewels of the east of Africa. There are at least two dive operators (Swahili Divers and Manta Reef) operating under the PADI and BSAC codes that serve visitors. Divers' highlights include: Extensive plate coral gardens on the west coast which make for a world class drift dive and the marine reserve surrounding Misali Island. The annual whale migration is in July and August when humpback whales can be seen off the east coast of the island.

Eat
While there are few formal restaurants in Pemba, most lodges (catering to locals or foreigners) operate restaurants with traditional Swahili food cooked to order. This will likely include a delicious selection of rice, curries, chapati (Indian flatbread), and seafood. Street food is also widely found along the roads of the main towns, and largely consists of chips and grilled meats. Be sure not to miss out on the fresh fruits, in particular mango and passion fruit, which are commonly found at street stands or pressed into juices.

Drink
Alcohol will not be found outside of the few lodges catering to foreigners, due to Muslim custom.

Stay safe
Pemba is a very safe destination where visitors will be immediately drawn into the easy-going and relaxed nature of the local people.Since most of the island does not see very many foreigners, it is important to understand your presence as a visitor should be respectful of local customs (i.e. not drinking outside the lodges, wearing revealing clothing, or eating in public during Ramadan) and also be receptive to the genuine curiosity and friendliness one is likely to experience from the people on the island.

title: Pemba Island


text:
Pemberton

There's more than one place called Pemberton:

Australia

 * Pemberton (Western Australia) - a town in South West (Western Australia)

Canada

 * Pemberton (British Columbia) - a village in British Columbia

title: Pemberton


text:
Pemberton (British Columbia)

Pemberton, and the wider Pemberton Valley, is a pretty area in the north of the Sea to Sky region of British Columbia, Canada. The valley floor is mostly agricultural, while the surrounding mountains provide climbing, mountain biking and some spectacular hiking opportunities. In 2021, the village of Pemberton was home to 3,400 people.

Understand
The Pemberton area is part of the traditional territory of the Lil'wat First Nation. European presence started with the Fraser Gold Rush in the 1858 with permanent non-native settlement beginning in the 1870s, but settlement was slow until the valley was connected to Vancouver by rail in 1915. In the days of the Fraser Gold Rush Trail, steamboat and other water traffic voyaged from New Westminster via Harrison Lake near the east end of the Fraser Valley to Port Douglas at the north end of Harrison Lake, then up a rough wagon road along the Lillooet River to the south end of Lillooet Lake, then by boat again to Port Pemberton at the Head of Lillooet Lake (near today's Mount Currie), then overland along the Birkenhead and Gates Rivers to Anderson Lake, where more boats to Seton Portage and Seton Lake landed at the head of another wagon road near Lillooet. One of the early attractions of the valley was the richness of the soil and farming continues to be important to the area. The Pemberton Valley is an important centre for seed potatoes and, more recently, organic farming, with a big Slow Food/Tere Madre movement. Pemberton is a bedroom community of Whistler.

Tourism has become more important to Pemberton, including outdoor recreation, eco & agro-tourism. The nearby mountains and lakes provide a wealth of opportunities activities at all levels, for the most intrepid to generally being outdoors and taking in the scenery. For the outdoor enthusiast there is in the summer: biking, backpacking, boating, hiking, horse riding, golfing, & mountaineering. In the winter, there is skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snowboarding, ice climbing, hockey, skating & curling on the smaller lakes. For flight enthusiasts Pemberton is a centre of hang gliding, paragliding, gliding, skydiving, and heli-tours with the town's own airport for private planes, small jets & helicopters. The Valley hosted the Canadian Paragliding Nationals in 2012.

By car
The main way in and out of the Pemberton area is Highway 99. Pemberton is considered the end of the Sea to Sky Highway, even though Highway 99 continues north to Lillooet. The portion of Highway 99 between Pemberton and Lillooet is usually referred to as the Duffy Lake Road. Pemberton is 158 km north of Vancouver and 33 km north of Whistler Village. About 22 km & 20 minutes from Whistler northern town limits to the edge of Pemberton.

4x4 roads:
 * North: dirt & gravel High Line via Seaton Portage & Selath to Lillooet
 * West & north: dirt & gravel Hurley Pass to Braelorne & Goldbridge in summer only. Winter via snowmoble.
 * East: In-shuck-ch Forest Service Road (FSR) via Lillooet Lake, Skookumchuck Hot Springs, Port Douglas, & Harrison Lake to Harrison Hotsprings.
 * Link TransBC road reports
 * Link RSR road reports

By train
There is no direct rail service - the Rocky Mountaineer just passes through.

By bike
You can cycle to Pemberton via Highway 99.

1st & 2nd only bikes in summer go on front bumper rack on WAVE Transit buses.

Get around
The village of Pemberton is small so it's easy to get around it by foot. However, travel to other parts of the Pemberton Valley or to the Provincial Parks is easiest by car or bike.

By public transit

 * Bus route 99 connects between Whistler and Pemberton
 * Bus route 100 connects Pemberton village with Mount Currie and Xit'olacw. The bus runs daily every 1½ to 3 hours from 6AM to 7:45PM and sticks close to Highway 99 so it's not very useful for visitors.
 * Bus route 100 connects Pemberton village with Mount Currie and Xit'olacw. The bus runs daily every 1½ to 3 hours from 6AM to 7:45PM and sticks close to Highway 99 so it's not very useful for visitors.

See

 * Nairnfalls.jpg

Do
Hot Springs are plentiful and beautiful in the area. Caution: There is a phenomenon called supernatant liquid. A layer of lighter, fresh, cooler water can float on top of the denser, mineral-rich, hot-springs water. Dipping your toe into the top of the pool may deceive you. The water underneath may be hot enough to scald, and cause 2nd or 3rd degree burns. Check out the temperature below the surface first before jumping into the pool, by dipping in with a bottle on a stick or lanyard, or with a long-handled cooking-pot. Don't use your bare hands or feet.

Climbing: surrounded by the Coastal Mountains, Pemberton has some of BC's finest hiking and back country camping opportunities. It also offers many opportunities for rock climbing and mountaineering. While not as popular as Squamish, there are several climbing areas located within a short drive of the village. Detailed listings can be found in any of the area's climbing guide books.

Other: Biking: Almost 200 km of free trails for cross-country skiing, biking, walking, or riding a horse in the whole Valley System.

Go next

 * Bridge River Valley - remote area to the north
 * Whistler - skiing resort community

title: Pemberton (British Columbia)


text:
Pembina

Pembina is a city in the Red River Valley of North Dakota. It borders Emerson, Manitoba in Canada.

Understand
Until 1823 the governments of both Canada and the United States assumed that Pembina was in Canadian territory; the survey of the 49th parallel that year revealed it to be in the United States. It is a major port of entry for traffic coming from Winnipeg into the United States.

title: Pembina


text:
Pembroke

There is more than one place called Pembroke:

Canada

 * Pembroke (Ontario) - A city in Ontario, near the border with Quebec.

United Kingdom

 * Pembroke (Wales) - A town in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
 * Pembroke Dock - A nearby but different town in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

United States of America

 * Pembroke (Georgia)
 * Pembroke (Kentucky)
 * Pembroke (Maine)
 * Pembroke (Massachusetts)
 * Pembroke (New Hampshire)
 * Pembroke (New York)
 * Pembroke (North Carolina)
 * Pembroke (Virginia)

title: Pembroke


text:
Pembroke (North Carolina)

Pembroke is a city in North Carolina. It is the home of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

Understand
Pembroke is also the tribal seat of the Lumbee tribe, which is the largest state-recognized tribe east of the Mississippi River, though without an official reservation. The campus here used to be the Indian Normal School.

title: Pembroke (North Carolina)


text:
Pembroke (Ontario)

Pembroke is a city of 14,000 (2021) in Ontario's Ottawa Valley on the Quebec border. The city is 40 km (25 miles) east of Algonquin Provincial Park on the Trans-Canada Highway from North Bay to Ottawa.

History
The first European settler to the area now known as Pembroke was Daniel Fraser in 1823, who squatted on land that was discovered to have been granted to a man named Abel Ward. Ward later sold the land (where Moncion's Metro Supermarket is located) to Fraser, and nearby Fraser Street is named after the family. Peter White, a veteran of the Royal Navy arrived in 1828, squatting beside Fraser on the land where Dairy Queen is now located. Other settlers followed, attracted by the growing lumbering operations of the area.

Pembroke is indirectly named after Sidney Herbert, First Admiralty Secretary from 1841 to 1845 and son of George Herbert, 11th Earl of Pembroke.

Pembroke was named seat for Renfrew County in 1861. This set the stage for construction shortly thereafter on the Renfrew County Courthouse, which was finished in 1867, and the arrival of many civil servants, much wealth and much construction. In the 20-year period following 1861, Pembroke became the city it is today in terms of layout and buildings, although many homes and other structures have been lost to time.

Other historic buildings that survive in Pembroke include a historic synagogue, two original hospitals, the Dunlop mansion (Grey Gables Manor Bed & Breakfast), the 'Munroe Block' downtown, and two houses belonging to the White family. A fire in 1918 downtown destroyed many buildings, including the Pembroke Opera House.

Visitor information

 * City of Pembroke

By bus

 * Between Ottawa and Sudbury including stops in Kanata, Arnprior, Renfrew, Pembroke, Petawawa, Mattawa, and North Bay.

By car
Pembroke is on the Highway 17 (Trans-Canada Highway), 160km (100 mi) west of Ottawa and 215 km (135 mi) east of North Bay.

Pembroke is about 400 km (255 mi) northeast of Toronto; there are various possible routes, but going through Peterborough (Hwys 7 or 115) and Bancroft (Hwy 28 to Hwy 41) is shorter than staying on 7 or 401 right to Highway 41 (Napanee).

By boat
Pembroke is on the Ottawa River. The river is not continuously navigable from Ottawa westward due to rapids at multiple points.

Get around
Pembroke is small enough that almost everything is within comfortable walking or cycling distance.

Taxis are common and cheaper than big cities for moving around within the city and to nearby towns. Calling a taxi service - by using a phone book or asking a store owner to do so - will save time over trying to hail one.

Drink
There are two bars popular with locals near City Hall on Pembroke St.

Sleep
Usually, no reservations are necessary, except possibly during major hockey tournaments (weekends in November and early December). There are also several B&Bs on the outskirts of town.

Beachburg and Whitewater Region
Some of the world's best whitewater rafting and kayaking is available east of Pembroke, near the village of Beachburg, in Whitewater Region. Almost of shoreline along the rapid-filled rivers and shallow rocky lakes can be accessed from public boat launches throughout the region. Several outfitters in the region provide a range of equipment, tours, and lessons for whitewater kayaking, rafting, tubing, standup paddle boarding, and canoeing.

Two provincial parks in the region provides access to some of the unique natural features in the area. Neither provides visitor services or permits camping; access is only possible on foot or from the water.

Go next

 * Ottawa - Canada's capital, and the nearest big city
 * Algonquin Provincial Park - just west of town, with a variety of interior camping, canoeing and hiking opportunities.
 * Bonnechere Provincial Park in Killaloe and Driftwood Provincial Park - two other nearby provincial parks with campsites

title: Pembroke (Ontario)


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Pembroke (Wales)

Pembroke (Welsh: Penfro) is the traditional county town of Pembrokeshire in south-west Wales. However, the administrative centre and de facto county town is Haverfordwest. The town and the county derive their name from that of the cantref, or medieval land division, of Penfro: in Welsh, Pen = "head" or "end", and bro = "region", "country", "land", and so the town's name means essentially "Land's End". Interestingly, the name for Land's End in the Cornish language (which is related to Welsh) is Penn an Wlas or Pedn an Wlas.

By car
A477 is just over 50 miles from Swansea.

By rail
Transport for Wales (TfW) (Trafnidiaeth Cymru) and Great Western Railway (GWR) operate trains to Lamphey, Pembroke and Pembroke Dock.

Pembroke and Pembroke Dock are the termini of the Whitland-Pembroke branch of the West Wales lines (Llinellau Gorllewin Cymru). The other termini of the West Wales lines are Swansea, Milford Haven and Fishguard. You may need to change at Whitland.

By bus
Public transport to Pembroke also includes both local and national bus lines.
 * National Express
 * Arriva Bus Wales

Get around
A comprehensive network of local bus services run throughout Pembrokeshire as well as to adjoining counties.

Do
There is a very interesting town walk, get a free booklet at the Tourist Office on the Commons. Some of the buildings opposite the castle are medieval, one was the town jail. The walk takes at least an hour and takes you around the points of interest including the Mill Pond and the fantastic original town walls.

As part of the walk, you will see a terrace of 3 Georgian townhouses on Main Street:

The Conservation Area covers most of the original town and has many very interesting houses and buildings:

Eat

 * Wavecrest Cafe and Cafe Môr (an old fishing boat) are seafood cafes at Angle at the tip of the peninsula.
 * Wavecrest Cafe and Cafe Môr (an old fishing boat) are seafood cafes at Angle at the tip of the peninsula.

Bed and Breakfast
B&Bs: Pembroke has a variety of accommodation, of which B&Bs are plentiful. However just like elsewhere advance reservations are recommended during the summer months.

Go next
The ferry to Rosslare in Ireland takes just under 4 hours from Pembroke Dock. St Davids, the smallest city in Britain, and home to the most important cathedral in Wales, is well worth a visit.

title: Pembroke (Wales)


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Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire (Welsh: Sir Benfro) is the westernmost county in South Wales bordering Carmarthenshire to the east and Ceredigion to the northeast.

Towns and villages

 * (Welsh: Tyddewi) – the UK's smallest city.
 * (Abergwaun) – ferry boat to Rosslare in Ireland
 * (Hwlffordd) – historic market town, often missed by visitors in the dash for the coast.
 * (Aberdaugleddau)
 * (Arberth)
 * – (Trefdraeth or Tudraeth)
 * (Penfro)
 * (Dinbych-y-pysgod) – medieval walled town and elegant seaside resort.
 * (Abercastell)
 * (Abereiddi) – home of the Blue Lagoon flooded slate quarry.
 * (Aber Llydan)
 * (Aberfawr)
 * (Maenorbŷr)
 * (Niwgwl)
 * (Llanussyllt)
 * (Solfach) – a popular boating centre with one of the most picturesque harbours in Wales.
 * (Niwgwl)
 * (Llanussyllt)
 * (Solfach) – a popular boating centre with one of the most picturesque harbours in Wales.
 * (Solfach) – a popular boating centre with one of the most picturesque harbours in Wales.

Other destinations
(Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro) is Britain's only coastal national park.

It includes several islands, the largest being and.

By boat
Ferries from Pembroke Dock and Fishguard connect the area with Rosslare in Ireland.
 * Irish Ferries

By train
The main line from Cardiff and Swansea passes through Carmarthen on the way to Haverfordwest and Fishguard.
 * Arriva Trains Wales

By bus
Public transport to Pembroke also includes both local and national bus lines.
 * National Express
 * Arriva Bus Wales
 * First Cymru

By plane
is the closest major airport and offers both scheduled domestic and international flights to Europe, Africa and North America.

Get around
There is a bus service linking Haverfordwest, St Davids and Fishguard, but most travellers will drive, cycle or walk.

A comprehensive network of local bus services run throughout Pembrokeshire as well as to adjoining counties including Coastal buses that travel in and around the area.
 * Richards Bros

See

 * Cathedral and Bishop's Palace in St Davids
 * Castles of Haverfordwest, Pembroke and Manorbier
 * Standing stones near Newport and Abercastle
 * Carew tidal mill

Do

 * Kayaking available from a number of companies, including a couple in Fishguard.
 * Coasteering from Abercastle and Abereiddy
 * Boat trips to see the landscape and wildlife, from locations such as St Davids and Milford Haven
 * Adventure parks in Narberth, Tenby and Saundersfoot
 * Walk the Pembrokeshire Coast Path
 * Beaches at Abercastle, Abereiddy, Amroth, Broad Haven, Herbrandston, Manorbier, Newgale, Saundersfoot

Go next

 * Ceredigion
 * Carmarthenshire

title: Pembrokeshire


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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park (Welsh: Parc Cenedlaethol Arfordir Penfro) is in south west Wales.

Understand
Created in 1952, this is the only national park in the UK to primarily protect coastal landscapes. It follows most of Pembrokeshire's coast, and also has an inland section covering the Preseli Hills. The national park designation limits development, so the area has remained unspoilt despite its popularity as a tourist destination.

Landscape
The landscape is known for its rugged cliffs and many sandy beaches that can be viewed from the coastal path which runs along the coast for the entirety of the national park.

Flora and fauna
Many of the offshore islands nearby have important colonies of seabirds that are resident for parts of the year, including gannets and puffins. Porpoise and seals are also frequently seen from the coastal path.

Islands

 * (Welsh: Ynys Bŷr) - noted for its Benedictine monastery and its ancient priory - short boat trip from Tenby
 * Grassholme - 6 miles out with  a major gannetry - boats from Martins Haven during summer.
 * (Welsh: Ynys Dewi) - Good for grey seals and choughs - summer trips from St Justinians.
 * (Welsh: Ynys Sgogwm) - National Nature Reserve owned and managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Skokholm has excellent sea bird populations, but with no day trips the island is an altogether more remote and peaceful experience for those who stay in the accommodation.  Skokholm has a lighthouse which now houses a bird observatory, where bird ringers can stay and take part.
 * (Welsh: Ynys Sgomer) - National Nature Reserve managed by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Skomer, along with its sister island Skokholm, is the home of the Pembrokeshire Puffins between mid March and the end of July, where 6000 pairs come to breed each year. The island is an excellent place to visit for sea birds. Skomer and Skokholm together attract the world's largest colony of Manx Shearwaters, with 120,000 breeding pairs on Skomer and a further 45,000 on Skokholm. During August and September the seals begin to have their pups around the island and the migrant birds begin to arrive. You can visit Skomer on a day trip or stay overnight whereby you will be able to hear the cacophony of returning shearwaters under darkness. The boat journey takes 15 minutes from Martin's Haven on the Dale Princess and sails every day (apart from Monday) between 1st April and 30th September each year.
 * (Welsh: Ynys Catrin)

By car
From England the A4 passed Swansea, then the A40 towards Haverfordwest. The A487 connects the area from Aberystwyth and north west Wales.

By boat
Irish Ferries to Pembroke Dock and Fishguard from Rosslare in Ireland.

By train
The main line from Cardiff and Swansea passes through Carmarthen on the way to Haverfordwest and Fishguard.
 * Arriva Trains Wales

By bus
Public transport to Pembroke includes local and national bus lines.
 * National Express
 * Arriva Bus Wales
 * First Cymru

Fees and permits
There are no fees to enter the park but expect to have some annoying pre-pay and display parking fees.

Get around
A car is really needed to explore the park. The roads are narrow in places and so travel can be quite slow.

The national park runs subsidized bus services that cover sections of the coast and some important inland locations such as St David's. These are reasonably priced and can be stopped at any point in their journey. Bus services run throughout Pembrokeshire as well as to adjoining counties including Coastal buses that travel in and around the area.

See

 * St Davids is the UK's smallest city.
 * Ramsey Island is an RSPB nature reserve that is home to important seabird colonies.
 * Milford Haven, one of the deepest natural harbours in the world.
 * Ceibwr Bay is a narrow inlet with a stony beach about ¼ mile from the village of Moylegrove (Trewyddel). The valley was carved out by Ice Age meltwater that flooded Nant Ceibwr, the stream that fans out over the beach. It is National Trust property. The cliffs nearby are a spectacular and vivid demonstration of the contorted strata produced by the great Caledonian earth movements about 450 million years ago. There is parking in Moylegrove (Trewyddel) and there is also limited, but unofficial, roadside parking.

Do

 * Take a walk along the coast path. The national park maintain a coastal path that runs along the coast for the entire length of the national park. It's clearly signposted from all the villages and beaches so you can just turn up and walk to the next place along the coast without the need for a map. The walks are not strenuous and there are subsidized bus services that will take you back to your starting point.
 * Take a boat trip around Ramsey Island or one of the other coastal islands famous for their seabird colonies. There are many different operators running trips on rigid inflatable boats that can get very close to the shore to give a unique perspective on the marine landscape. Be aware that these trips can get quite wet, although the operators are trying to get around this by installing seats in the middle of the boat so that passengers do not have to sit on the side.
 * Spend some time on the many sandy beaches in the national park. Pembrokeshire is home to some spectacular sandy beaches that are perfect for families to spend their day. The beaches are universally very clean and there are usually cafes and lavatory facilities available.
 * Try some surfing. The beaches at Newgale and Whitesands usually have good surf, especially on windy days. Surf equipment hire is available at both beaches, and several operators run surf and surf kayak lessons.
 * Try coasteering. A unique adventure sport which includes coastal exploration, sea-level traversing, rock climbing, cliff jumping and swimming into sea caves.

Eat
The towns and villages of the area have a good selection of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and a few good fish and chip shops.

Sleep
There are a number of hotels in the region and many bed and breakfast guest houses, camping and caravan sites and holiday cottages to rent in and around the villages of Pembrokeshire.

Go next
Carmarthenshire lies just to the east and Ceredigion lies just to the north.

title: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park


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Pembwe and the Southeast

Pembwe and the Southeast is the hot humid region of Tanzania including the principal city Dar es Salaam and most of the country's Indian Ocean coastline.

Cities

 * – the main town on Pemba Island
 * – historic Arab fort on an island just off the coast at Kilwa
 * – port with colonial boma
 * – largish town in the interior of Mtwara region
 * – smaller town with a renovated colonial fort and other colonial buildings
 * – new town created by the British as a deep sea port, now the main town in the area
 * – small town that has built up around an old German mission station
 * – between Mtwara and Newala
 * – small town that has built up around an old German mission station
 * – between Mtwara and Newala

Talk
As with the rest of Tanzania, Swahili is the main language spoken, however you may come across tribal dialects such as Makonde or a mish mash of the two. English is spoken sporadically, tourists are rare in these parts so there has not been an incentive for people to learn foreign languages.

Get in
Dar-es-Salaam is the main port of entry for most visitors to not just the region, but to the country as a whole, be it by boat or by plane.

Get around
Flights leave Dar es Salaam on an almost daily basis to Mtwara.

You can also catch a weekly ferry from the port at Dar es Salaam to Mtwara. It can be cramped and uncomfortable.

There are daily buses leaving Dar es Salaam that run down the coast through Kilwa and Lindi before arriving at Mtwara.

Basic buses run between all the major towns in the area and smaller daladalas run between the surrounding villages.

title: Pembwe and the Southeast


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Pemuteran

Pemuteran is a fishing village on the northern coast of West Bali. This fishing village has become very popular with visitors. Waterfront resorts, its proximity to Lovina and West Bali National Park, and the extreme natural beauty of the area have fuelled rapid growth in tourism infrastructure in the area. There are countless diving centers, bike rentals, art shops and guest houses, but they are concentrated alongside the main road and the beaches. As soon as you leave the main road, you can see traditional village life, with small farms, temples and schools.

Understand
Pemuteran is home to the largest artificial Biorock reef project in the world and there is a real spirit of marine conservation effort in this area.

Get in
Visitors usually arrive in Pemuteran on the north coast road from Lovina or Singaraja, approximately 50 km or 1 hr 15 min, or from the west at Gilimanuk. It is one of the nearest tourist attractions from the ferry terminal, with a 45-minute to an hour's worth of driving. Regular bemos ply the north coast road but they are very slow and get extremely crowded. You can easily grab one of them almost everywhere on the road. From Gilimanuk, Bemo would be Rp 30,000-60,000, only leaving when full enough (8-10 persons) (May 2024).

You will have no problem renting a car with driver to take you from Lovina to Pemuteran - fix the price in advance and make sure petrol is included. A direct ride to Pemuteran from tourist centres in the south will take about four hours depending on traffic on the coast roads. The ride from Amed takes between 3-3½ hours depending on the traffic and will set you back between Rp 500,000-600,000 depending on your bargaining skills (2013).

Get around
The traffic on the main road easily competes with the one in Ubud. There are no sidewalks and motorbikes sometimes drive on the opposite side of the road as well.

See
Early morning dolphin watching, as in Lovina, boat trips can be arranged through any hotel. By no means guaranteed, but you have a decent chance of finding a pod here.

The beaches are especially nice in this area and consist of a particularly fine-grained black sand. Reefs located to the east of the beach emerge at low tide and are teaming with marine life including sea urchins and small crabs. Not far off from the beach on the west side of the village one can swim to the Biorock, a local coral restoration project which started in 2000. As can be seen when swimming off Menjangan Island, corals are fast perishing in the area. The beaches and the Biorock can easily be accessed on foot from Pemuteran.

Menjangan Island and West Bali National Park are easily reached from here. The Menjangan Island boats depart from Labuhan Lalang which is a 15 minute ride west from Pemuteran. Obligatory permits can be purchased from the national park office at the back of the Labuhan Lalang car park and you can also arrange a guide here. It is quite common for groups of visitors to congregate in this car park and join together to charter a boat. Most local hotels will make any arrangements you need for activities related to the national park.

Turtle Hatchery Project is a turtle breeding and release program run by one of the dive operators in co-operation with local villagers. Very much worth a visit and certainly worth your support.

The area around Pulaki village just east of Pemuteran is full of vineyards and is the centre of the grape growing industry in Bali. The local Hatten winery produces a variety of white and red wines. A visitor and tasting centre is open between 09:00 and 16:00 daily (as of June 2017). Pulaki village is around 10 km east of Pemuteran, about a 20-minute motorcycle ride.

Do
Diving and snorkelling is excellent both here and at nearby Menjangan Island inside the West Bali National Park. Visibility is excellent and there is a profusion of reef fishes, turtles, and hard and soft corals.

 * Ocean Dreams Pemuteran Pemuteran village (next to ATM) info@oceandreams.asia . The only SSI instructor training center in North's Bali. organize snorkeling and diving to Pemuteran and Menjangan, and courses from beginner to instructor
 * Ocean Dreams Pemuteran Pemuteran village (next to ATM) info@oceandreams.asia . The only SSI instructor training center in North's Bali. organize snorkeling and diving to Pemuteran and Menjangan, and courses from beginner to instructor
 * Ocean Dreams Pemuteran Pemuteran village (next to ATM) info@oceandreams.asia . The only SSI instructor training center in North's Bali. organize snorkeling and diving to Pemuteran and Menjangan, and courses from beginner to instructor

Fishing is good in calm waters and you can charter a boat easily from the beach.

The hills and mountains that form the southern backdrop to Pemuteran offer many opportunities for interesting hiking or cycling. Ask at your hotel for directions and/or a guide.

Eat
There are several simple roadside warungs serving typical Balinese food. All of the hotels in the area have restaurants open to the general public. As might be imagined in a traditional fishing village, the seafood options are highly recommended.

Cheaper local street food seems more around mosque (about Rp 25,000 in May 2024). Else most warungs cost about Rp 50,000-100,000 and more targeted for tourist with larger portion it seems.

Sleep
Pemuteran is quite expensive by Balinese standards. There are more budget options opening and it is possible to stay cheaply with local people in their houses if you ask around once you arrive. Staying near the main road guarantees a never-ending stream of motorbike engine noise (especially as Balinese youth find it amusing to remove their exhaust mufflers).

Go next
You can easily continue your journey around Bali eastwards to Lovina or 32 km westwards to Gilimanuk.

title: Pemuteran


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Penama

Penama is a province of Vanuatu. It includes the central-eastern islands of Pentecost, Ambae, and Maewo.

See
Pentecost Island is most famous for being the spiritual birthplace of the extreme sport of bungee jumping, originating in an ages old ritual called the naghol, or land diving. Between April and June every year, men in the southern part of the island jump from tall towers (around 20 to 30 metres) with vines tied to their feet, in a ritual believed to ensure a good yam harvest. The ritual is also now used to show acceptance into manhood. It is possible to witness the ceremony, often during day trips from Port Vila.

title: Penama


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Penang

Penang (Malay: Pulau Pinang; Mandarin: 槟城), renowned as the Pearl of the Orient, is a state on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Geographically, the state consists of Pulau Pinang, or Penang Island, and Seberang Perai, the mainland strip facing the island, which are separated by a small stretch of the Strait of Malacca.

Penang is rich in culture and history, with a unique mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and British influences. Visitors will find Penang brimming with charming historic buildings, ornate religious sites, sandy beaches, kampungs surrounded by rice paddies, vast unbeaten jungles, all topped with a splash of bustling city life. Hailed as the food capital of Malaysia and sometimes likened to Singapore in the 1960s, Penang has become a popular destination with plenty on offer for those who visit.

Penang Island (Pulau Pinang)

 * – The capital of Penang; a favourite spot for tourists as it has many attractive pre-Second World War houses and shophouses, as well as 19th century churches, temples, mosques, and colonial buildings. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site (it was inscribed as one of the Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca together with Malacca).
 * – A largely residential town just west of the capital. The area is often visited by tourists heading to Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple, but is also home to some exceptional local food.
 * – Penang's main electronic manufacturing area and location of its international airport. George Town's satellite town.
 * – Literally "Back of The Island" in Malay; a small town nestled among Malay villages, fruit orchards, and padi fields. Popular for its assam laksa, durian, and nutmeg. Favourite spot for countryside cycling.
 * – On the northern coast of Pulau Pinang, this area is home to white sandy beaches and luxurious hotels. A favourite spot for both locals & tourists. The nearby resort town of Tanjung Bungah and the fishing village of Teluk Bahang are also included here.

Mainland (Seberang Perai)

 * – mainland gateway to Penang, directly across the Straits of Malacca from George Town
 * – capital of Seberang Perai Tengah district
 * – capital of Seberang Perai Selatan district
 * – a small town famous for its nearby seafood at Bukit Tambun and Batu Kawan. The nearby island of Pulau Aman is a popular weekend getaway and also famous for its seafood.
 * – satellite township
 * – satellite township
 * – a small town 20 minutes from Butterworth
 * – a small town 20-25 minutes from Butterworth

Understand
Penang was part of the Malay sultanate of Kedah until 1786, when Captain Francis Light built a fort at the site of present-day George Town and managed to get the island ceded to the British East India Company. The island, along with Malacca and Singapore, was one of the three British Straits Settlements.

The name Penang comes from the Malay word Pinang, which means betel nut (槟榔) (Areca catechu). The name Pulau Pinang translated literally from Malay means "betel nut island". The original name of Penang was Pulau Ka-satu or "First Island", it was renamed to Prince of Wales Island on 12 Aug 1786 to commemorate the birthday of the Prince of Wales, later, George IV. During the early and middle part of the last century, Penang Island was also known as "The Pearl of the Orient".

The capital, George Town, was named after King George III of Great Britain. Today, Penang has the highest population density in Malaysia and is the only state where ethnic Chinese are in the majority. Despite its small size, the state of Penang today has the third-largest economy amongst the states of Peninsular Malaysia, after Selangor and Johor.

The cargo trade has largely shifted down to Port Klang and Singapore since Penang lost its free-port status in 1969, but now Penang makes a good living off tourism and electronics manufacturing. The multi-national corporations that operate factories in Penang's Free Trade Zones include Intel, AMD, Braun, Dell, Flextronics, Agilent, Osram, Motorola, Seagate, and Jabil Circuit. Penang was granted Cyber-City status on 21 June 2004. At the World Heritage Committee Session in July 2008, George Town and Malacca were listed as a.

Orientation
The state of Penang is made up of two parts: Penang Island, a turtle-shaped island in the Straits of Malacca 8 km west of Peninsular Malaysia, and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley), a rectangular-shaped district that is part of the mainland.

George Town is Penang's largest city. Development of the eastern coast of the island is slowly linking George Town, in the northeast, to the city of Bayan Lepas in the southeast. The northern coast, including Batu Ferringhi, is also being heavily developed and features the island's best beaches and resorts. The island's western side is still relatively undeveloped and has a serene "kampung" (village) lifestyle and feel about it.

Climate
Penang, like the rest of Malaysia, has an equatorial climate. This means temperatures of between about 22°C/72°F (night) and 30°C/86°F (day), between 70% and 90% humidity, and an annual total rainfall of about 2,400 mm. The driest months are usually January and February. The wettest period is usually from September to November with August also being quite wet; frequent thunderstorms can be expected in these months.

When to go
Penang's high season is around Christmas, New Year's Day, and Chinese New Year (check the lunar calendar; it could fall on the end of January or early to mid February), when the east coast of Malaysia is drenched and hordes of sun-seeking tourists descend on the island. Accommodation tends to be packed, and priced accordingly.

Talk
Almost all locals in Penang are able to speak Malay, the national language of Malaysia. The ethnic Chinese in Penang (who form the majority) usually speak a localized variant of Hokkien known as Penang Hokkien, which Minnan speakers from Taiwan and Fujian may have some difficulty understanding due to the slang and some loan words from Malay. Most ethnic Chinese are also able to speak Mandarin and Cantonese. Ethnic Indians usually converse with each other in Tamil and ethnic Malays usually converse with each other in Malay, but quite a good number of Indian and Malay Penangites can converse in Hokkien.

English is spoken fluently by most white-collar professionals and businessmen, as well as by service staff working in hotels and tourist attractions. Most other non-elderly locals are able to communicate in broken English, supplemented by non-verbal forms of communication such as pointing and gesturing. When in doubt, gravitate toward younger locals, as the Commonwealth variety of English is a required subject in Malaysian schools. Nearly all teenagers or adults in their 20s or 30s should be able to speak reasonably fluent English.

By plane
Penang International Airport, formerly Bayan Lepas International Airport, is the third largest airport in Malaysia and situated in Bayan Lepas, about 16 km (9.9 mi) south of George Town. The airport is served by more than 15 airlines with flights operating to domestic and international Asian destinations. Domestic flights include Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kuantan, Langkawi and Malacca, served mostly by AirAsia, Batik Air and a few destinations by Malaysia Airlines and Firefly. International flights also call at the airport from Banda Aceh, Bangkok, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Krabi, Ko Samui, Medan, Phuket, Singapore, Surabaya and Taipei.

Ground transportation options to the airport fall under two categories, local taxis or the public bus system, Rapid Penang. Naturally buses are the cheaper option but if you do want a taxi head towards the taxi counter for a pre-paid coupon to your specific location. Several buses depart from the airport to different locations around the island. If heading to George Town take bus 401 or 401E to Weld Quay (Not to Balik Pulau), with Bus 401E being an express bus. Bus 102 runs from the airport all the way to Batu Ferringhi via KOMTAR, but it might take longer than your flight in and the service is at best hourly. KOMTAR or Weld Quay (the terminus) are good areas to alight from the bus as most other buses will also pass through these bus stops. The bus fare is RM2.70 each way and ensure that you have exact fare as the bus driver cannot give you change.

By car
Penang is connected to the mainland and the North-South Expressway by the Penang Bridge, one of the longest bridges in Asia, and by the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, commonly called the Penang Second Bridge, which is further south and even longer. There is no toll for vehicles heading to the mainland on either bridge, but vehicles headed to the island must pay a toll as follows: For the First Bridge: motorcycles: RM1.40, cars: RM7, lorries and vans with two axles and four wheels: RM12. For the Second Bridge: motorcycles: RM1.70, cars and other vehicles with two axles and three or four wheels, except buses: RM8.50, vans and other vehicles with two axles and six wheels (except for buses, which are charged RM26.20): RM30.50.

By train
The nearest train station to Penang island is Butterworth train station and is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malayan Railway or KTMB). Tickets for all services can be booked at train stations, the Butterworth ferry terminal or on-line. It's better not to book the train at the last minute (reservations can be made as early as 2 months in advance) as you'll find the service becomes quite full usually around a week before the train's departure. This is especially true for the overnight sleeper cars.

Once at Butterworth train station you can walk to the local port and take take the ferry to George Town on Penang island. For more information on this service see the Penang Port section below. The other alternative is to take a taxi from the train station to the island itself, via Penang bridge. However this does cost more than the ferry service.

From Singapore/Kuala Lumpur
Butterworth is served by KTM's flagship ETS service from Gemas, Johor, passing through Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh along the way. Trains are clean, fast and air-conditioned, making these by far the most comfortable way to travel overland. The ETS service is being extended to Johor Bahru, but until it is completed, you will have to take one of the old and slow diesel trains from Johor Bahru to Gemas, and transfer onto the ETS service. If coming from Singapore, you will need to catch the shuttle service across the Causeway to Johor Bahru, then transfer onto the Gemas-bound train, and finally onto the ETS train to Butterworth at Gemas.

From Thailand
There are no longer any through trains from Bangkok to Butterworth. Instead, you will have to catch a Thai sleeper train from Bangkok to Padang Besar, cross the border into Malaysia, then transfer onto the KTM Komuter service from Padang Besar to Butterworth.

By bus
Buses in George Town arrive/depart at the new bus terminal at Sungai Nibong, a fifteen-minute ride from the center, and about ten minutes from the airport. A taxi to the centre costs RM20. Rapid Penang bus 301 and 401E goes to KOMTAR and Pengkalan Weld (Weld Quay). Major coach operators include Fivestars with online booking, Plusliner / Nice, Transnasional, and Mutiara.

The trip from Kuala Lumpur's Pudu Raya bus station or Kota Bharu, Perhentian Islands each cost around RM35 and take around 5-6h. Buses to/from Johor Bahru and Singapore take 10h and cost RM60 or SGD45.

It's possible to travel by bus to and from Thailand. Tickets are available from travel shops in and around Penang Road. Some prices and journey times are:

 * Krabi - RM59, 8h
 * Phuket - RM76, 12-14h
 * Bangkok - RM125, 18h.

By minivan
Minivan service is more expensive than bus service and is available between George Town and cities in Thailand such as Ko Phi Phi, Phuket, Trang, Surat Thani, Krabi, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Bangkok and Hat Yai (RM40) on daily basis. Service is available to the Perhentian Islands for RM130-150, boat included.

Cruises
Swettenham Pier in George Town is the cruise terminal of Penang, with many cruises calling here from other cities in the region. The port is also a frequent stop for round-the-world and major regional cruises often originating from Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Europe and North America. Typically these cruises allow a port visit in George Town for several hours before continuing to another destination. Refer to individual cruise companies for details of these cruise routes and the duration of stay at each port.

Walking
One of the best ways to sight see is to walk around George Town; but wear light clothes, start early in the morning, and put on plenty of sun-block during the daytime. When crossing the roads, remember to look both ways, even on a one-way street.

By bus

RapidPenang, the local bus service, features new buses. All bus stations and bus stops which are serviced by the RapidPenang buses are labelled with proper signboards.

The main hub for buses in George Town is KOMTAR, the tallest building in town. The secondary hub is located at the Pengkalan Weld (Weld Quay) ferry terminal. All buses depart from the ferry terminal will stopover at KOMTAR, but downtown-bound buses destined for KOMTAR may not go all the way to the ferry terminal; ask the bus operator. There is a new long-distance bus terminal at Sungai Nibong, referred to in Get in by bus.

Bus times don't adhere too well to the timetables because of traffic. Download the MyRapid PULSE app for live bus locations. You need to enter the bus route number under "Where to?" to see the live feed.

Main bus lines
Buses are somewhat frequent on the main artery to Batu Ferringhi. Bus 101 bound for Teluk Bahang goes through midtown Pulau Tikus, (northwest end of) Gurney Drive, Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi (Starbucks is a good place get off and gives access to the beach), Tropical Spice Garden, Escape/Entopia and terminates at the Penang National Park entrance.

Buses 203 and 204 to Air Itam (RM1.50 adult) depart westward on Lebuh Chulia (the main backpacker hotel road) or southbound from the KOMTAR building are handy for visiting both Kek Lok Si Temple and Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera) Funicular Base Station, approximately 30 min south west of the city center. The driver will inform you of when to alight. Bus 204 departs from the funicular base station to return to Komtar and onward.

Municipal Council of Penang Island together with RapidPenang provide a free shuttle bus service in George Town called CAT (Central Area Transit), which runs approximately between the Pengkalan Weld ferry terminal and KOMTAR every 20 min daily 06:00-24:00, (including Sundays and public holidays). Visit CAT bus for more details.

Bus prices
A bus trip can cost between RM1.40 and RM4 per ride. (June 2024)

Tourists can also purchase a Rapid Passport for RM30 and enjoy a week of unlimited travel onboard all rapid Penang buses. (June 2024)

By trishaw
These three-wheeled human-powered vehicles might be the best idea for a pleasant city tour. One can stop at any point to take a photo or buy souvenirs. Many trishaw riders are also excellent 'tour guides'. Negotiate the fare first before getting on a trishaw; it is advisable to hire them by the hour for extended sightseeing.

By boat
If you wish to travel between the mainland and Penang Island then the Penang Ferry Service is a cheap and unique option to take. The ferry operates between Butterworth at Sultan Abdul Halim ferry terminal on the mainland and George Town's Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal at Weld Quay (Pengkalan Weld) on Penang Island. Ferries depart every 20 - 30 minutes between 06:30 – 23:30 daily with the one-way fare costing RM2.00 for adults and RM2.50 for motorcyclists; for children, person with disability and bicyclist ticket kindly refer to the ticket counter. From both ports, Rapid Penang Buses are nearby to help connect you to the rest of the mainland or Island. Car ferries were retired in 2020, and the new ferries are only able to carry motorcycles, bicycles and passengers.

By car
Car rentals may be a viable option, especially if you are planning to get off the beaten track and explore the western or southern coast of the island. Take note that Penang Island has quite a number of one-way streets and narrow roads. Many Penangites ride motorbikes and a minority of them have disregard for pedestrians, cars, and even their own lives, so you must be very careful when driving on the roads. Avoid driving during the rush hours 07:30-09:30 and 17:30-19:30. Motorcycle riders can be undisciplined and tourists should be extra vigilant of them.

By taxi
Taxis in Penang are equipped with meters and by law they are mandated to use them, but practically all drivers will refuse to turn them on. Always haggle with the taxi driver and agree on a price beforehand.

At some high-end hotels, particularly on Batu Ferringhi, you may find blue SUVs marked "Teksi Executif" (Executive Taxi). These taxis do use the meter, but are hard to find on the streets.

To avoid haggling for the price, try using a taxi booking smart phone app. Grab works well in Penang. Useful also to get taxi fare prices.

By bicycle
There are plenty of places to rent a bicycle in Georgetown. There is also a bicycle sharing system called LinkBike. It has 25 stations with typically 10 or 12 bike racks. You need to download their smart phone app and pay for a short term membership such as 1 or 2 days using a Visa or Mastercard. You can then use the bikes as often as you like, the first 30 mins are free then its RM1 per hour but often 30 mins is enough for a short hop. You are charged once for rides over 30 mins at the end of your membership period so you are not going to get lots of RM1 charges.

See
Penang island, in particular, is full of things to see, including the great views of George Town and environs and across to Seberang Perai from Penang Hill, the tremendous Kek Lok Si pagoda in Ayer Itam, the many historic Chinese towkay (merchant) mansions, and the quiet beaches on Balik Pulau.

Do

The secluded beaches of Pantai Kerachut, Muka Head, and Teluk Kampi are located on the northern coast. There is an old lighthouse at Muka Head beach. You can reach these beaches by either hiking (1 - 3 hours) or by hiring a fisherman's "sampan" (boat) from the small village of Teluk Bahang. The village has a kilometre-long beach and a small Scout campsite.

Jungle trekking & camping in the reserve forest in Teluk Bahang (also called Penang National Park). The park entrance is RM50 per person (foreigner price as of June 2024). Trekking through the forest is not easy, it is a jungle and the atmosphere is very hot and humid. The stretch from the entrance to Pantai Kerachut beach is correctly maintained and can be completed within 1:20 hour. The extra stretch from Pantai Kerachut to Teluk Kampi beach is much more difficult, going up and down a big hill, and doesn't seem to be maintained at all. It can be completed in about 40 minutes. Both beaches are quiet, have a few tables, toilets, but no other amenities. Make sure to bring your own water and food. It is also forbidden to swim because of toxic jellyfishes.

For a quicker and more relaxed way to reach the secluded beaches there, approach the locals at Kampung Nelayan for boat rides to beaches like Muka Head, Pantai Kerachut, and Teluk Kampi. Kampung Nelayan is less than 1 km down the road northwest of the small roundabout located at Teluk Bahang.

More strenuous but cooler walking can also be done on Penang Hill. Popular walks start around the Botanical Gardens, the Youth Park, and Moon Gate which is located in between the two.

Golf clubs include Penang Golf & Country Club near Bayan Lepas, and Bukit Jawi Golf Resort near Nibong Tebal.

Watersports are on the agenda for many visitors, although the waters are a bit too murky for scuba diving and a bit too calm for surfing or more extreme pursuits. Swimming is OK along most of the northern coast especially near the international-class hotels as they do their best to keep the beaches and water clean. You can also try out jet skis and parasailing near most of the hotels along Batu Feringhi beach.

Cycling, included guided cycling tours in Balik Pulau.

Gyms include Seven Star Gym upstairs in Chowrasta Market, near Chulia St on Penang Road, across the street from Mydin's. Cost is RM10 per visit. Jen Hotel, next to Komtar, also has a gym non-guests can use for a fee.

Night activities can be found in Upper Penang Rd or UPR. It is a very popular place to be at night among locals and tourists alike. It is opposite the famed Eastern and Oriental Hotel and beside the City Bayview Hotel.

Events and festivals
During major festivals such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year and Deepavali, organizations and politicians will have open houses welcoming the everyone, including tourists.

 * Hari Raya Puasa / Aidil Fitri. This is the local name for the Muslim celebration at the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan.
 * Chinese New Year. Celebrating the start of Spring for fifteen days where there will be plenty of lion dances accompanied by noisy drums, cymbals and firecrackers as various shops and institutions usher in the new year.
 * Thaipusam. A Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan/Feb).
 * Vesak, (Wesak). A Buddhist festival celebrated mainly by the Chinese community on .ar month. It is characterized by a street parade. Temples will typically be filled with devotees and there will be a variety of activities by the various Buddhist associations and societies on this day.
 * The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is held annually at the Teluk Bahang Dam.
 * Penang Bon Odori Carnival. A Japanese traditional harvest carnival usually with drum and dance performances.
 * Hungry Ghost Month. A Taoist practice where the ghosts are believed to be released from hell for the duration of the 7th lunar month (End Jul - Early Sep). Households can be seen making offerings by the roadside at night and markets will set up temporary stages to entertain the spirits with a variety of traditional Chinese Opera and modern pop songs.
 * The Feast of St. Anne. Late July at St. Anne's Church, Bukit Mertajam. A Christian religious festival that includes a candle-light procession at the church.
 * Nine Emperor Gods vegetarian festival, held at Taoist temples for 9 days of the 9th lunar month in the Chinese calendar, normally at the end of Sept or Oct.
 * Deepavali. The Hindu Festival of Lights which, according to legend, celebrates the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon Raavana.
 * Penang Floral Festival. Held at the Penang Botanic Gardens annually.
 * Songkran, the Thai Water Festival, is held in George Town annually.

Buy
Outdoor markets in Penang include the Flea Market at Lorong Kulit in Georgetown, and Pasar Malam (Night Market) along Batu Ferringhi.

Eat
Penang is widely considered the food capital of Malaysia and is a melting pot of cuisines. The obvious mix of Malay, Chinese, Peranakan/Nonya and Indian cuisine has a strong presence along with a variety of other international fare. Penangites live to eat and will eat anywhere, provided the food is exceptional. Often some of the best food can be found along the side of a busy road or even down an inconspicuous alleyway. The rule of thumb is to be adventurous with your tongue, look at the condition of the stall and its surroundings. If in doubt where to eat, go where the locals eat and ask around for recommendations.

Local delicacies
If you have been to Singapore or other parts of Malaysia you may see some familiar names, but don't be fooled as some dishes in Penang are quite different from what you may get elsewhere. With that in mind, many dishes that are common throughout Malaysia are also present in Penang, which can be found under Malaysian cuisine. The following is a list of some common and popular Penang dishes.

Meals

 * Assam Laksa is a far cry from the sweet, coconut Singapore version. The broth of this noodle soup is packed with tamarind (assam), Lemongrass, galangal and flaked fish and is typically garnished with pineapple, mint, onion, prawn paste and a generous helping of chilli. The combination is utterly unique, powerful and will have the uninitiated breathing fire. The coconut variety, called Curry Mee, is also available in Penang.
 * Char Hor Fun (炒河粉) is a local dish with flat rice noodles (kway teow) in a delicious broth of beaten eggs and seafood bits. Goes best with pickled green chillies.
 * Char Kway Teow (炒馃条) is the ever popular stir-fried (char) flat rice noodle (kway teow) dish found throughout Malaysia and Singapore, often mixed with prawns, cockles, bean sprouts and vegetables, with an egg mixed in on request. Exceptional versions of this dish can be found all over Penang, with the best typically coming from roadside stalls, Hawker centers and coffeeshops, or Kopitiams.
 * Hokkien Mee (福建面) in Penang bears little resemblance to the stir fried dish of the same name found in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. It is a soup based dish filled with rice and egg noodles, pork, prawns, vegetables, bean sprouts, a hard boiled egg and fried shallots. Mee Udang is the Malay version of Hokkien Mee.
 * Kway Teow Th'ng (粿条汤) contains flat rice noodles (kway teow) in a clear chicken soup (th'ng) with slices of chicken, pork, fish cake and garnished with chopped spring onions. Some also include duck meat or even offal, but you can request for them to leave it out.
 * Lobak, or Lor bak (卤肉), comprises minced pork wrapped in tofu skin and is very famous in Penang. Similar to a sausage, you can also choose the accompanying servings of prawn fritters, tofu, fish cakes, Taiwan sausages or even century eggs. They are all fried up and served with chilli sauce. At street stalls you just grab what you want and give to the chef to cook.
 * Lor Mee (鹵麵) is a dish unique to Penang comprising of yellow noodles in sticky brown coloured gravy and commonly served with egg and pork. Some vendors may also include offal in their lor mee, but as always you can request for it to be left out.
 * Mee Sotong is a popular local dish found specifically at the Kota Selera Hawker Center, near Fort Cornwallis. The dish contains egg noodles served squid, shallots and a fishy, spicy sauce. A wedge of lime is usually given to add extra zing to the dish. You can also find this dish at several other hawker centres.

 * Nasi Kandar is literally white rice (nasi) with anything else you want with it. Although these days it is sold in virtually every Malaysian city, Penang is where the dish originated from, and according to many Malaysians is still where the best ones are. Typical side dishes to add include curries, fried chicken or fish, prawns, squid, hardboiled eggs and vegetables and it's often completed with splashes of various curry sauces. It may not be a particularly pretty dish, but it is loved by Malaysians. Be warned that adding too many sides can make the dish quite expensive. Many Penangites have their own favourite stall, and some stalls are open 24 hours, so ask around for their recommendation.
 * Oh Chien, or Or Chen, is simply an oyster omelette, a very popular dish among Penangites, and differs significantly from the better-known Taiwanese version. You can find it all over at hawker centres, Chinese coffee shops and some seafood restaurants. It is typically mixed with sweet potato starch, chives, radish and dash of soy sauce, fish sauce and white pepper during the cooking process.
 * Rojak can refer to two different dishes. Chinese rojak (or just rojak at hawker stalls) is a salad of raw mango, pineapple, cucumber, white turnip, fried bean curd and topped with peanuts a dark thick sauce of shrimp paste and sugar. The ingredients do vary slightly between stalls. Pasembor, also called Indian rojak, is found mostly at Mamak stalls. It consists of cucumbers, fried dough fritters, bean curds, prawn fritters, hard boiled eggs, bean sprouts, cuttlefish and topped with a sweet thick, spicy peanut sauce.
 * Satay, or Sate, obviously is the famous meat-on-a stick that is found all over Malaysia. Often you can find chicken or beef satay, but what makes Penang different is that the Chinese vendors also serve up pork satay. Once cooked over hot coals they are served with a fresh salad of cucumbers, onions and a spicy-sweet peanut dipping sauce. Some place will also serve it with compressed rice.
 * Seafood  is not exactly a dish, but considering much of the state lined by coastline, it is no surprise that it is a big player in Penang cuisine. Seafood is used in all local cuisines, from Indian tandoori prawns, to Chinese black pepper crab or even the Malay grilled fish (ikan bakar). Seafood restaurants are common along the coastline, particularly around Batu Ferringhi and Teluk Bahang along the north coast or Batu Maung to the south.

Snacks and sweets

 * Ais Kacang, also known as ABC or Air Batu Campur, is a concoction of shaved ice, red beans, grass jelly, sweet corn and attap palm seed. It is finished with lashings of coconut milk or evaporated milk, palm sugar syrup (gula melaka) and other coloured syrups.
 * Biscuits and Pastries - Traditional biscuits such as Tambun Pneah (淡文饼), Beh Teh Sor (马蹄酥), Heong Pneah (香饼), Pong Pneah (清糖饼) and Tau Sar Pneah (豆沙饼). Coconut tart, If you have eaten egg tart before then instead of the egg put in some coconut and voila! You get coconut tart and definitely the best is at Cintra Lane.
 * Cendol, or Chendol, is somewhat like ais kacang. Shaved ice is topped with mushy red beans, green coloured rice flour noodles, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup (gula melaka). It is simple, sweet and satisfying, particularly on a hot sunny day.
 * Durian is a popular local fruit that is much loved or much hated depending on your taste. The odour of the fruit is distinctive and pungent with the flesh often described as rich, sweet and creamy by some while others liken it to warm garlic ice cream. Stalls in markets and by the roadside often sell pre-packaged flesh or the whole fruit itself. There are several fruit farms located around Balik Pulau which are good places to sample the fruit and to find out about the various durian varieties. You can also find durian in various sweets including ice creams, cakes and biscuits, with the flavour being much more subtle than the fruit itself.
 * Kaya is a jam-like spread made of eggs and coconut milk. Can really be spread on anything, but is often eaten for breakfast on toast. To impress the locals, order some kaya toast with runny eggs and a strong cup of coffee (kopi). You can also find kaya in many pastries and sweets.
 * Nutmeg (豆蔻) is commonly grown in Penang and a favourite among locals. Preserved nutmeg strips, either in dry or wet form, are eaten as a snack and the rind is used to make nutmeg juice, or Lau Hau Peng. It is also used in traditional medicine, with nutmeg oil or balm used for illnesses related to the nervous and digestive systems.

Bakeries
Penang is famous throughout the country for its Chinese bakeries. For ethnic Chinese tourists from Singapore or elsewhere in Malaysia, a visit to one of these bakeries is a must, and friends and office colleagues would generally be expecting some pastries as souvenirs from someone returning from a trip to Penang.

Sleep
Much of Penang's accommodation options can be found along the northern area of Penang Island, with bargains to be found in George Town and Batu Ferringhi. Take note that advertised prices often do not include the 6% government tax and 10% service charge that is required by law for hotels. Informal accommodation, such as small hostels and simple home stays may not be required to include this additional charge. Advertised prices will often show a plus-plus after the ringgit amount, to indicate the charges are excluded from the price. As such, prices advertised as RM30++ will actually cost RM34.80. Since 2017 there is also a RM10 per room per day tax for foreigners only.

Budget
Most of Penang's budget accommodation is in the form of backpacker hostels, located in George Town, within and near the historical core of the city. There is a large concentration of hostels located along and around Lebuh Chulia, Jalan Muntri and Lorong Love. Many of the hostels are within charming and slowly decaying historic shops that have been renovated to house guests. In terms of price, expect to pay around RM20–40 for a dorm bed, RM50–60 for a single private or RM60–100 for twin and double private rooms. Most of the better hostels will at least have shared bathroom facilitates, air-con, Wi-Fi and a simple breakfast.

For those who do not favour hostels, there are a few budget hotels available scattered throughout the state. The notable Tune Hotel that is found throughout Malaysia is located in George Town, just outside the historical city area. Budget hotels are generally simple, a little worse for wear, but still livable, and have the advantage of a private ensuite. Noise insulation is non-existent in many and can be a major problem for the light sleepers.

Mid-range
Mid-range beach accommodation can be found in Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah, typically those that are not located directly next to the beach front. In some cases, Mid-range hotels are not much better than some of the better budget hotels and it may be worth paying a little more for a more luxurious hotel. Heading to Balik Pulau offers a much more laid back experience with a small range of home stays among rice paddies, fruit farms and kampungs (villages) to a couple of more expensive retreats.

Splurge
Penang has a modest range of luxury hotels for those who can afford it, including the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, founded by the same Armenian family who opened the famous Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Beach resorts are also common luxury options, with most found along the beach strip of Batu Ferringhi and prices are fairly competitive. There are a few business hotels in Bayan Lepas which are located near the airport and the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone.

Long-term
Those intending to stay in Penang for an extended period of time should note that prices, particularly on Penang Island, are quite high for Malaysian standards. Some hotels and resorts offer long term stay options, typically with certain discounts and perks included, but these options do tend to be somewhat expensive. Better value options can be found in private housing blocks, or Condos, which are typically located within suburban areas and more expensive options near the waterfront, particularly around Gurney Drive in George Town and Tanjung Bungah.

Internet
If you are staying for more than a couple of days and prefer to stay connected without being limited to hotspots, a prepaid SIM card with mobile data is a good option.

Some of the main mobile operators are CelcomDigi, Maxis (or Hotlink), and U Mobile. They all offer a prepaid SIM card with internet that you can buy as a tourist for a better price than a regular eSIM. Check the operators offers online for up-to-date information.

You can find many small shops selling prepaid SIM cards on the ground floor of Prangin Mall in George Town.

Stay safe
Penang is relatively a very safe place for travellers. However, as in most other places, Penang has its share of crime, so common precautions must be taken against snatch-thieves and scammers. Some other precautions:

 * Don't walk alone in dark and deserted places.
 * Don't accept rides from Kereta Sapu (passenger cars/unlicensed taxis).
 * Don't carry valuables in motorbike-baskets.
 * Don't leave valuables in hotel rooms.
 * Don't place valuables on restaurant tables.
 * Do be wary of snatch-thieves - especially when wearing jewellery and/or carrying bags. Some of these felons practice the art of 'ride-by' snatching of ladies' handbags which can result in serious injury to the victim. So ladies: walk against traffic and keep the handbag on the side away from the road or better still, don't carry one.
 * Do be wary of the sometimes aggressive long-tail macaques at the botanical gardens.
 * Be careful about your surroundings in waters off Batu Feringhi beach, where you may be harmed by unregulated jet skis or other water activities.

Cope
There are about twenty consulates, all located in George Town.

Go next

 * Alor Setar - capital of Kedah state
 * Hat Yai - the largest city in southern Thailand, about 4 hours away by road
 * Ipoh - capital of Perak state
 * Kota Bharu - capital of Kelantan state
 * Perhentian Islands - Pulau Perhentian
 * Langkawi - A popular tourist destination famous for beach resorts
 * Taiping- a town at North of Perak state
 * Phuket- at South Thailand
 * Medan - at Sumatra, Indonesia. There is no ferry to Medan anymore, since the price of flights to Medan became cheaper than the ferry. You can go to Medan by airplane with several airlines.
 * Bangkok - If planning going on into Thailand, your best bet is to hop on the Padang Besar-Bangkok International Express. It's dirt cheap (RM112-Lower Berth), very comfortable, super clean sheets, and blankets laundered after each use) and wide cosy beds. You can, of course, jump off at Surat Thani (if going to the islands of Koh Samui and Phanga)  as well as Hua Hin. However, it's not worth your while for short trips such as Hatyai because all tickets are charged at sleeping berth prices and your berth is only readied at Hatyai station stopover.

title: Penang