Getting around in Penang
Taxi, Buses, Trishaw
Penang Buses
Buses ply the major routes around the city and island. The main terminals are located in Georgetown’s Weld Quay and KOMTAR buildings. Buses have machines that accept coins to pay the fares, and are the cheapest mode of transportation around the island.
Penang Taxis
Taxis are easily and widely available around the island; it is the most common means of getting around by visitors. But bear in mind that the taxis here don’t use meters, so be sure to agree on a price first before boarding the taxi. Start by asking how much it is to get to your destination; you can negotiate on the prices quoted if you feel that they are too high.
Penang Trishaws
The three-wheeled trishaw used to be a common sight on the island, but modern times have nearly phased them out. Today, they exist as a novelty for tourists to enjoy. Trishaw is the most flexible means of transportation around the city, allowing you to make a few stops along the way and shop for souvenirs while touring the city.
You can find plenty of trishaws around the capital city of Georgetown, especially next to Cititel Hotel on Jalan Penang and along the Esplanade near Fort Cornwallis (Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah). Be sure to ask and agree on a price first before you board one, but not to worry, prices are always negotiable (although it is always better to tip your trishaw peddler generously for their laborious effort alone).
Due to the island’s high population density, Penang is pretty congested during the rush hour both in the mornings and in the afternoons. The roads on Penang Island are also narrow, having been built during a period where such a large volume of future traffic wasn’t expected.
To curb the problem, plans are afoot to build a monorail system, similar to that in Kuala Lumpur. The Penang Outer Ring Road Project that is planned to help ease traffic between the north and south of the island is also currently underway.