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OVERALL ASSESSMENT: This report is based on a 1-week visit to Georgetown, Penang, in early June, 2005. I was there primarily on a Thai visa run so didn't do any real tourist stuff and didn't even take any photos. Sorry, I'm a terrible tourist! There's plenty of stuff to do and see on the island and think it's certainly worth at least a couple of days if you're in the area! ACCOMODATIONS: I stayed at the 75 Travellers Lodge, Jalan Montri for RM28 (1U$=about RM4) for an ensuite fan room. Air con rooms were RM38, and dorm rooms and rooms with shared bathrooms were also available for a lot less. My room (#108) had 1 window and was quiet from outside noise, though maybe it was just the noisy overhead fan drowning everything else out. The room could've used a paint job on the walls and cement floor and a proper writing desk and chair rather than a folding metal table and dinky plastic stool - but overall it was adequate. There's a common sitting area in the front and a small patio with tables that make it easy to meet fellow travelers, and no doubt this pleasant social aspect is one reason it's very popular. They seemed to be full most nights so making a reservation might not be a bad idea. I checked out a few other guest houses and the E & A Budget Hotel, 380 L. Chulia is nicely set back from the street with RM38 air con and RM30 non-air con rooms that looked quite nice - but I didn't actually stay there - so as usual do your own homework! MONEY: Compared to tourist areas in Thailand there were not very many ATMs, but they are available at all the major banks. There are numerous money changers on and around L. Chulia that change travelers cheques and numerous currencies which makes it handy if you need to get just a few more RM to get you through those last days/hours. Rates vary so check out a few to get the most for your money. FOOD: Delicious and various! If you like Indian food than you'll be in 7th heaven. Head straight to Little India and dive into any crowded restaurant and get all your Indian favorites. "Banana Leaf" plates are popular and usually very tasty. For RM4-8 you can get a great meal. I also enjoyed the chicken/rice Chinese restaurants for RM2-3: a great lunch! TRANSPORTATION: Local busses cost RM1 around the central area and there's a FREE shuttle service that stops at many of the major tourist attractions. There are plenty of taxis but set your price beforehand as they don't use meters! NOTE: Bus #7 is no longer in service. WEATHER: Not surprisingly Penang is HOT and HUMID. And I live in Thailand! We only had 1 day of rain in the 5 days I was there. After walking around for a while stop and cool off or get a nice juice. WATER TIP: there's a water dispensing machine in front of the Rainforest restaurant on L. Chulia (just down from Love Street, i.e. in the direction of the Ferry) where you can refill your containers for only RM20c per litre. Save the Plastic Trees and all that.... TOURIST INFO: For maps and brochures visit the Malaysia Tourist Office across from Fort Cornwallis near the intersection of Lebuh Light and Lebuh Pantai. The day I visited the air-con office (sigh!) the gentleman at the desk was extremely friendly and helpful and spoke excellent English.
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