First time in Malaysia! So glad I started with Penang. I only got to spend a few days here and I know there’s so much more I missed out on. I love all the architecture and fun street art, can’t wait to come back!

Hi guys, I'm an international student just arrived in Penang and will continue study at USM. However, I got an anxiety and has been in medication treatment since August 2026. I need a recommendation hospital to continue my medicine (I got medical history also). Are you guys have the recommendation hospital? I'd prefer cheap hospital but worth in price also acceptable. I also prefer in Penang island itself. Thank you

When i was a kid. My father always brought us to this tomyam place at sg ara. The tomyam was so good im still finding that high. Sadly it burned down last year. Anyone knows whether they have moved to a new place & name?

Hi everyone,

We're a family of 5 (2 adults + 3 kids aged 12, 11, and 6) visiting Malaysia from 18-29 December:

• Langkawi: 18-22 Dec (4 nights)
• Penang: 22-25 Dec (3 nights)
• Kuala Lumpur: 25-29 Dec (4 nights)

Our accommodation budget is around USD140/night (~RM600).

We're looking for family-friendly hotels or serviced apartments with:

• Pool
• Good location
• Clean, comfortable rooms
• Family room/apartment options
• Easy access to attractions and food
• Minimal daily walking for the kids
• Breakfast is a plus, but not essential

Questions:

1. Is USD140/night (~RM600) a realistic budget for a family of 5 during the December holidays?
2. Is it good value, or should we budget more/less?
3. At this budget, would you recommend hotels or serviced apartments?
4. Any specific properties in Langkawi, Penang, or Kuala Lumpur that are particularly worth the money?

We can spend a bit more for an exceptional location or experience, but we'd like to avoid paying for luxury features we won't really use.

If you've stayed somewhere that worked well for a family with children, I'd really appreciate specific hotel or serviced apartment recommendations.

Also, if there are any areas you would avoid during the December school holiday period, please let us know.

Thank you! 😊

Sept 18-22

I had a wonderful stay and beautiful view of the city.

First I have been worried about Haze in Penang before coming but my luck there is no haze and rain for the whole trip.

saw this from my hotel & some of them were blasting music. isit a common occurrence or isit because they are celebrating the mid autumn festival? if not, what are these trucks?

Hey, I’m in Penang from tonight until Monday night. Heard there is regular pickup football at Padang polo, anyone know any other spots? Aswell as if boots are needed as I haven’t brought any with me.

As someone who has lived in both Penang and also KL, taking both Metro and bus in both cities, sometimes I find Rapid Penang a bit lackluster.

Don't get me wrong, i like the fact that we don't have to pay at all for the bus fare with the mutiara pass, but because Rapid Penang still only relies on road conditions, and if jam, then we all also stuck.

Also, about mainland, the bus service there also is not good enough to consider not taking the car for work.

I work in sales, and sometimes I do wonder if I can take PT for my daily sales commute, but I still pick driving car anyways.

What do y'all think about rapid Penang? Or have you never used at all?

I use rapid Penang on the weekends, but sometimes the last mile also I walk there about 10 - 15 minutes. Been thinking of trying on demand, but not sure whether it'd be worth to wait for the van, get on, then wait for other passengers to be dropped off then only my turn to be dropped off.

anyone who’s watched the NYE fireworks in penang can recommend a hotel with a view of the straits quay or gurney wharf to watch the NYE fireworks?

I’m travelling with two young kiddos so we won’t be dining at a fancy restaurant or squeezing with the crowds. We’d like to watch from the comfort of our hotel room!

Since it’s a birthday trip for my spouse, we’re willing to splurge a little, so 5 star accommodations are not out of the question for a guaranteed view. We’d also like to stay at the park royal penang resort to have a few days of pool relaxation - so that’s also in our itinerary.

Should we watch the fireworks at the Batu Ferringhi side, or the city centre? Which is more guaranteed?

Hi guys, Im a first-year USM student trying to rent a room nearby USM (preferably walkable distance 5-15 minutes)

Can anyone that have experience in this kinda stuff share abit on HOW and WHERE do you guys actually find room source for it.

Ive been mainly searching through rednote for the past week and honestly its really frustrating :/

Is it more prefer that I walk-in appartment and ask or keep searching through social media?

Any advice or suggestion would be greatly appreciated 🙏🏻 Ty.

I am in the middle of planning a trip to return to Malaysia and I already booked the flights so I’m kinda boxed in now (oops)

I wanted to visit Penang between Feb 4-8 and now I realise that’s basically CNY. Am I screwed? I’m not dead set on eating only Chinese food but I’d love to eat well / not be limited to malls or fast food.

The only days I can work with are Feb 4-10 (leaving 11th)

Hey is there any sports shop or individual in Penang provide ball repair service（like Football Basketball etc.）？ Recently got my favorite ball punctured and trying to fix myself but failed :(

On my work trip I met this tortoiseshell kitten who had a littler of kittens of her own. I want to bring her to America with her babies so I can adopt mama and once babies are old enough, adopt them out to good homes too. She's so sweet and was purring and meowing at me today I want her to come back w me!!! Anybody know of anyone who'd be willing to board her for me / any pet relocation agencies?

Hi All,

I am planning to move to Malaysia with my spouse as her company has transferred her for work related commitments. The place is Penang or George Town where the office is currently located. I would like to know which are the most family and pet (dog) friendly places where I can rent a home?

Also any specific places where Indian community resides the most (No offence here specifically for my mother to pass the time).

I am looking for a 2BHK condo/apartment.

Thanks in advance 😊!

The food looks yummy. But I dont know even know how to start. Sorry for making it sound like a rocket science

Do you guys feel homesick staying in penang?

I have relocated 3 years ago for work in the industry here (EEE graduate), and I still go back KL very often when circomstances allow, regardless of the transport cost (driving fuel+toll sum a total of ~rm80 for a one way trip) I still feel more happier in KL, where I have a vibrant life there, friends, places i’m familiar with, and even my food palates are in KL.

Meanwhile in penang, I still get to know people in my company, but just that this place doesn’t feel like home, and feels boring and don’t feel like going out on the weekend

Hi All,

We are a 38 year old Indian couple (childfree) planning to retire early and move to Penang on MM2H in the next couple of years for better quality of life. We have been to Malaysia 3 times and we plan to visit again in December and multiple times next year as well. We absolutely love the country and the people. Since we would buy an apartment in Penang as part of the requirement under MM2H, what would be the ballpark other expenses that we should take into account on a monthly basis? We mostly like cooking at home and eat out occasionally at decent mid range (not extravagant restaurants). We would love to explore malaysia and other SEA countries but would have malaysia as base for 10 months in a year. I have done some research and below is what I think we would spend as monthly expenses as a family of 2:

Grocery - 1000 RM

Eating out/ordering food - 1000 RM (edited based on inputs)

Utility bills (electricity ,  internet, mobile, water, gas) - 700 RM

Clothing/Salon - 500 RM

Fully paid Car expenses (insurance, service, petrol)- 500 RM (edited based on inputs)

Health Insurance - 800 RM

Medical OPD- 100 RM

Condo maintenance (monthly service charge and repair)- 400 RM

Total - 5000 RM per month (basic living)

Travel would be additional - 1500 RM per month

Does this budget look reasonable today? Any additions or changes that I should make for this to be as closer to reality as possible?

Any suggestions are welcome 🙏🙏

Before applying for a visa I was planning on staying in Penang for 6 months to 'test the waters'. If I were to go to Thailand prior to my 90 day visa expiring, how long would I have to stay before returning to Penang?

hello everyone!

Will be in USM for the next two years, wondering if there are any cheap ish gyms near USM / if there is a gym in USM.

Are there any running activities too in USM e.g. run clubs? heard there is a hilly route that's around 10km.

Also saw a swimming pool, is it available to all students or only certain times, and are there any payments needed?

thank you in advance! :D

Hello!

My boyfriend and I are visiting Penang for the very first time for 4 days.
I needed great, local backed recommendations that aren’t just hyped on the internet. Please help me a friend out and make our vacay special and worthwhile :)

Recommendations for the following :-

1. Restaurants/Cafes
2. Local Food
3. Local Bars & Speakeasies
4. Markets to visit

Thank you so much for the recommendations!
PLS KEEP EM COMING GUYS, help me out ❤️🧿🌶️

Hello!!

I will be travelling in December from Penang to Hat Yai in December.

I searched a lot but unable to find recent and reliable posts/schedule for the train.

I would really appreciate if you can help me with the following:

- Is the route safe for female solo travellers?

- How to book tickets?

- Is the immigration smooth or takes long?

- Should I take the train or van/bus?

Thank you!!

Hi! I think Nine Emperor Gods festival is on while a friend visits this year 9-18 October? Should they just stroll streets in George Town or is there somewhere specific to visit? Thank you.

Hi! Friends visiting this year October 14-17.

Any metal/alt rock gigs on in George Town? Which site is best to search on? Or other live music, all good. Thanks.

I’ll be in Penang on a Monday and am hoping to try Asam Laska. I’m struggling to find places open for dinner around 7 pm?

I am currently deciding between:

Restorán Keat Seng Ayer Itam
Taisan Kopitiam
Laksa Mamu Famous Sungai Pinang

Please let me know which one of these places is best or if you have a better recommendation open during this time.

Thank you!