Roomies Penang, Penang Island

• Where we are:
• Roomies Penang is a 5 minute stroll from the beach, along the Batu Feringghi Stretch, sandwiched between the police station and the post office. If you are coming from town, as you arrive to Batu Feringghi, you will pass the Petronas petrol station/Mc Donalds on your left. Keep going, and you will see Holiday Inn Resort, and then Park Royal Hotel on the right. Roomies Penang is directly opposite Park Royal Hotel.
• Plane
• *Bus
• The cheapest way is to take a Rapid Penang public bus. (Air conditioned bus, clean, comfortable *Rapid Penang is not paying us to say this*). As you exit the arrival hall, walk out straight and cross the road. On the left you will see the bus stop (100m away). Bus 102 takes you all the way to Teluk Bahang via Komtar (Penang’s Main Bus Stop). On the way it will pass by Batu Feringghi. Tell the bus driver you want to get off at Park Royal Hotel. You will first see a Petronas Petrol Station on your left with a McDonalds by the side. Then you will pass a traffic light, where the bus will continue straight. You will then see Holiday Inn Hotel right after the traffic light. You will then pass a post office on the left, and you will see Park Royal on the right. GET OFF HERE. We are directly opposite Park Royal. We are sandwiched between the post office on the left, and the police station on the right.
• Journey time: 60 mins – 80 mins (depending on traffic)
• Cost: Below RM 6/person. (Make sure you have small change. The bus driver does not provide change)
• *Taxi
• As you come out from the arrival hall, the taxi stand will be outside the hall on your right.
• This is a prepaid taxi system, where you will have to buy your taxi coupon. Rates are standard and no bargaining required. Taxi fares to Batu Feringghi – From (7am-11.30pm) it cost RM 74 and from midnight (11.30pm – 7am) a surcharge is applicable, costing a total of RM 111.
• Journey time: 45mins – 60mins (depending on traffic)
• Taking the bus from Penang International airport is the cheapest and most convenient way to start your vacation in Penang. As you exit the arrival hall, walk straight out and the bus stop is on your left. To get to Roomies, take bus 102 which will take you directly to Batu Feringghi. The bus ride will cost you around RM 5. Remember to bring loose change as the busses do not provide change.
• Longer alternatives would be, taking 401, or 401E to Komtar or Weld Quay Main Bus terminal, and interchanging with bus 101 which will also take you to Batu Feringghi.
• Note: If you will arrive at 11.30pm at airport, your best bet is to get a taxi, as you will not be able to collect baggage, clear customs and immigration in time to catch the bus. The last bus is 11.30pm.
• Ferry from Langkawi
• Langkawi ferries depart from Langkawi to Penang, 2 times a day.
• 2:30pm and 5:15pm. The boat ride will take you approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• When your the ferry arrives in Penang, as you exit the harbour gate, you will see a white clock tower on the left (next to a roundabout).
• There are plenty of taxis waiting outside the gate. The fares are not fixed and negotiating is necessary.
• The other alternative is to take a bus. As you walk out, walk towards the roundabout. Then take a 9 o clock turn, keep walking till you see the main ferry terminal on the left. You will see the Penang Channel on your left, which is a good indication you are headed in the correct direction. Make sure you are walking towards the Weld Quay Ferry Terminal. Next to it, is the main Weld Quay bus terminal. From there, take bus 101 directly up to Batu Feringghi.
• The bus ride will cost you under RM 5. Remember to bring loose change. If you dont have any, there are small stalls next to the bus station, where you can buy something to get small change.
• Ferry from Mainland
• Taking the ferry across the Penang channel is a very rewarding experience.
• Not only is it cheap- RM 1.20 p/person but its slow yet fast enough for you to appreciate the scenery of the channel. Each ferry is named after the different islands found in Malaysia.
• Once you arrive at the Penang Island terminal. Walk out, and you will see the Rapid Penang Bus Terminal. Take the 101 bus from there, all the way to Batu Feringghi.
• Express Bus
• Most express busses heading to Penang will drop you off at the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal.
• Make sure you enquire before about the final destination before you purchase your ticket. There are busses from this terminal to Komtar. From there you will have to take a 101 bus up to Batu Feringghi. (Journey from Komtar to Batu Feringghi will take you around 30 mins)
• Train
• The main train terminal is in Butterworth. Walk straight to the ferry terminal.
• After taking the ferry across to the island. You will see Weld Quay bus terminal in front of you. From there you can board bus 101 which will take you to Batu Feringghi. When you get to Batu Feringghi, you will see the Petronas Petrol station/Mc Donalds on the left, keep a look out. When you see Holiday Inn on the right, you can get down. We are just in between the Police Station and the Post office, opposite Park Royal Hotel.
• Mini Van
• Mini Vans from Thailand or the East Coast of Peninsular (Perhentian Islands) will drop you off in Georgetown (Most likely at Komtar or along Chulia Street. Request to be dropped off at Komtar (the tallest administration building on the island). From Komtar bus terminal, take a 101 bus up all the way to Batu Feringghi.
• Car
• There are 2 ways to get to the island by car.
• The Penang Bridge and the Penang Ferry. If you are taking the Penang bridge, you need to pay a RM 7 toll. The same as taking the ferry.
• Drive towards the direction of the Batu Feringghi Beach. There are plenty of road signs to navigate you so you won’t get lost.