Penang: The Pearl of the Orient

• HelloApa khabar
  [ah-pah kha-bar]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
• Please/You're welcomeSila
  [see-lah]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [teh-ree-mah kah-seh]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ah-pah kha-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [bike. dan kah-moo]
• Do you speak English?Boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [boh-leh cha-kap bah-hah-sah ing-ger-rees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sah-yah tee-dahk fah-hahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBoleh saya lihat menu, sila
  [boh-leh sah-yah lee-haht meh-noo, see-lah]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yihng]
• Cheers!Yam seng!
  [yam sehng]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya hendak bayar, sila
  [sah-yah hen-dahk bah-yar, see-lah]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
• Go away!Pergi jauh!
  [pehr-gee jah-oo]
• Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pahng-geel poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tor]
• I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sah-yah seh-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Saya hendak membeli...
  [sah-yah hen-dahk mem-buh-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat
  [sah-yah hahn-yah meh-lee-haht]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [beh-rah-pah har-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too teh-rah-lah mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [boh-leh koor-ahn-gahn hahr-gah]

• What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [poo-kool beh-rah-pah seh-kah-rahng]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [poo-kool sah-too]
• Half past (10)Pukul setengah (10)
  [poo-kool suh-ten-gah (10)]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonPetang
  [peh-tahng]
• EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [seh-mah-lahm]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowEsok
  [eh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [em-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Lapan
  [lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-looh]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana...
  [dee mah-nah]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [ah-pah ah-lah-mah-nyah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (dalam peta)?
  [boh-leh toon-jook-kahn sah-yah (dah-lahm peh-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bee-lah bahs suh-teh-roos-nyah]
• A ticket (to ....)Sebuah tiket (ke ....)
  [seh-oo-ah tee-keht (keh)]

Penang, officially known as Pulau Pinang, was established in 1786 by Captain Francis Light of the British East India Company. He negotiated a lease with the Sultan of Kedah and established it as a free port to attract traders from across the globe. This marked the beginning of Penang as a significant trading hub in Southeast Asia.

During the 19th century, Penang flourished under British colonial rule. Its strategic location along the Straits of Malacca made it an important entrepôt. The British introduced modern infrastructure, including roads, railways, and administrative buildings, which transformed the island into a bustling urban center.

Penang played a critical role during World War II. The island was one of the first places in Malaya to be bombed by Japanese forces in December 1941. It subsequently fell to the Japanese, who occupied it until their surrender in 1945. This period was marked by harsh rule and significant hardship for the local population.

After World War II, Penang faced the challenge of rebuilding. The island was incorporated into the Federation of Malaya in 1948, which later gained independence from British rule in 1957. Penang's post-war recovery was characterized by rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to significant economic growth.

Penang's history as a trading hub has contributed to its rich cultural diversity. The island is home to a mosaic of ethnic communities, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Eurasians. This diversity is reflected in its vibrant festivals, cuisine, and architecture, making Penang a unique cultural melting pot in Malaysia.

In 2008, George Town, Penang's capital, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition was given due to its well-preserved colonial architecture, historic streetscapes, and cultural heritage. George Town's status as a heritage site has helped to preserve its unique character and attract tourists from around the world.

In recent decades, Penang has transformed into a modern economic powerhouse. The establishment of the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone in the 1970s attracted multinational corporations and turned Penang into the 'Silicon Valley of the East.' Today, Penang continues to balance its rich historical heritage with rapid modernization and economic development.

Penang is well-connected by air, sea, and land. Penang International Airport (PEN) serves both domestic and international flights and is located in Bayan Lepas, approximately 16 kilometers from George Town. Direct flights are available from major cities in Asia, including Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. For those traveling by sea, cruise ships often dock at the Swettenham Pier in George Town. Overland travel is also possible via the Penang Bridge or the Second Penang Bridge, connecting Penang Island to the mainland of Malaysia. Bus services from Kuala Lumpur and other Malaysian cities are frequent and reliable.

Getting around Penang is convenient with various transportation options. Rapid Penang buses cover most parts of the island, including tourist spots. Buses are affordable and air-conditioned. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available. For a unique experience, try the trishaws in George Town. Renting a car or motorcycle is another option, but be mindful of local driving habits and traffic. Bicycle rentals are also popular for exploring the city at a leisurely pace. For a scenic commute, take the Penang Ferry between George Town and Butterworth on the mainland.

The official currency in Penang is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, street food vendors, and local markets. ATMs are plentiful, especially in urban areas, and currency exchange services are available at the airport, major hotels, and licensed money changers.

Penang is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is wise to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so keep your belongings secure. Areas with higher crime rates include some parts of George Town's inner city and certain parts of Jelutong. Always use reputable transportation services and avoid unlicensed taxis.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Penang General Hospital in George Town is the main public hospital, while several private hospitals offer high-quality medical care. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. In the event of a lost passport or other travel documents, contact your embassy or consulate in Kuala Lumpur.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering mosques and temples. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow or a handshake. Use 'lah' and 'ah' at the end of sentences to sound more local. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like Char Kway Teow and Penang Laksa. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Penang like a local, visit the morning markets such as Chowrasta Market for fresh produce and local snacks. Engage with locals in coffee shops (kopitiams) and try Penang's famous street food. Explore beyond George Town to discover less touristy areas like Balik Pulau, known for its durian farms and scenic countryside. Attend local festivals such as Thaipusam and George Town Festival to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture. For a unique experience, take the funicular train up Penang Hill for panoramic views of the island.