As it is with any kind of bustling new city to be explored, there are many ways of going about said exploration. We list down the ways you can get around Penang so that you don’t have to google them in under the hot sun when you realise that regular taxis don’t go by meter on the island. (Cabbies charge a fixed price depending on the destination, which is why Grab and Uber are popular options.)
Rapid Penang
As the city’s main public bus network; iOS users can download their mobile app to check bus arrival times. Flash your passport to purchase a rapid Passport (RM30) for 7 days of unlimited travel and rebates from partner merchants.
Penang CAT
The free shuttle bus service that plies the heritage sites and major thoroughfares, they even have a downloadable map here. Like Kuala Lumpur, Penang also has the double-decker Hop-On Hop-Off bus that stops at 22 attractions along two different routes (City and Beach).
Bicycle
With a rising number of designated lanes, cycling is an increasingly popular way to commute around George Town. Shops in the core zone offer rental on folding bikes, tandem bikes, family four-seaters and even classic Japanese city bikes. Getting consistently good reviews are Metro Bike, The Leaf Bicycle Rental, Freedom Leisure Cycle Supply (155 Lebuh Victoria) and Townbikes (5 Lorong Chulia).
Walk
Good help is hard to find nowadays. So if all else fails when you’re touring George Town, consider exploring on foot. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is pretty ideal for walking everywhere, and along the way you’ll likely find plenty of photo ops.
Trishaw
Another fun option is to get around by trishaw. It may be touristy but riding a trishaw is an enjoyable experience no less that harks back to the days when these three-wheeled vehicles were the main mode of transport. It can, however, be a tad uncomfortable on a hot day. So perhaps wait until the early evenings when the temperatures drop…
To find out more about navigating Penang as well as other George Town and ZafigoX facts, download and peruse our interactive booklet on-the-go!
