Like Thailand, Indonesia and other countries in the region, Malaysia is a shopaholic's paradise. Penang for some time even had the privilege of duty free, which attracted additional tourists. A shopping tour in Penang should start in Georgetown. Reviews of tourists about shopping in Penang emphasize some peculiarities of this process. First of all, you should always bargain when shopping. This is part of the culture of local commerce. Never be modest and ask for a discount, and if you are not satisfied with the price just go to another merchant.
So what are some of the goods that come from Penang? Gorgeous batik-painted fabrics can be found on Teluk Bahang Street in Georgetown, at the night market in Batu Ferringi, or in the stores on Penang Road.
Second on the list of the best souvenirs from Penang is jewelry. You can buy gorgeous pieces at the stores on Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh Kapitan Keling. Rounding out the top three are antique pewter and ceramics. Visit the stores along Jalan Pintal Tali or the Georgetown Flea Market.
The bulk of Penang's shopping centers are concentrated in the island's capital. The largest of these is recognized as Komtar (Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak). A huge complex consisting of a shopping center, transport hub, offices and a viewing platform on the 58th floor was named after the second Prime Minister of independent Malaysia. The height of the center is 232 m, it is the 6th tallest building in the country. Reviews of tourists about shopping in this shopping center are the most favorable. Here you can buy everything from toothbrushes to cars. In the building of the center is also located the main bus terminal of Penang and the tourist center.
From the third floor of Komtar Center, a bridge will take you to the nearby Prangin Mall. The 5 floors of the mall include not only retail stores, but also restaurants, cinemas and a gaming arcade.
One of Penang's largest shopping malls, Gurney Plaza is located about three kilometers from the island's capital at Gurney Drive Promenade. The 9 floors of the mall have over 380 big name brand stores, 57 restaurants and bars, and a huge 12-screen multi-screen movie theater.
The largest shopping mall in Penang is recognized as Queensbay Mall. The mall's five floors contain more than 500 stores, an entertainment area, and a karaoke center. The mall is aimed at the middle-income customer, so you can find here a lot of outlets of the world's most famous brands. The center is located next to the Penang Bridge, 7 km from Georgetown.
A new shopping center under the city of Gurney Paragon Mall is nestled along Gurney Drive.
A superb selection of outlet malls is combined with a strip of open bars and beachfront restaurants.If you're not a big fan of bustling malls, head to the Oriental markets for the real exotic.
We recommend Little Penang Street Market, Chinatown or the Little India neighborhood. Here you will find unique works of artisans from the island and experience the national flavor.
