Penang is a charming island in Malaysia, about 1 hour from Kuala Lumpur, and it's also geographically strategic. There are Penang Island and Seberang Perai from Peninsular Malaysia, which is part of Penang. You can travel to these areas by ferry with a travel time of around 30 to 45 minutes.

Also, George Town – the capital city of Penang – was selected as a world heritage site by UNESCO. The historical architecture and tourism support this city. You can enjoy a variety of typical foods in Penang, like Kway Teow, Nasi Kandar, and Asam Laksa.

Go on vacation to every corner when you are in Penang. This city offers many transportation options for tourists to visit every place at a relatively low price. Here is some recommended transportation in Penang you can use.

Closest route and attractions: Before knowing which bus you will use, learn the way and the nearest tourist spot from the terminal. Bus service for mobility and tourism in Penang called RapidPenang by Prasarana Malaysia.

The main terminal of RapidPenang is located at Komtar Bus Terminal and Weld Quay (Kangkalan Weld). The bus will take you to various places from two terminals, such as Bukit Bendera or Penang Hill (route 204).

You can also choose route 102 with the Penang Airport route to Batu Ferringhi Beach. Batu Ferringhi Beach is a recreation area that is quite famous for its white sand and various types of water sports.

Price: Know the fare RapidPenang bus fare once you understand the route and the nearest attractions. This bus has a reasonable cost of around RM 1.4 for the first 7 km distance. The longer the distance, the higher the fare. However, the fare will not increase unexpectedly because the maximum fare limit is RM 4 for a trip of 28.1 km and above.

How to pay the rates: When you get on the bus, the first thing you have to do is tell the driver about the destination of your trip. Then, the driver will tell you the fees you must pay in cash. Ensure you have the exact money ready.

Operational hours: Each bus operating on RapidPenang has different operating hours. The earliest bus runs from 05:20 am local time. You can see route information and other operating hours using a PULSE application. This application will make finding schedules, routes, and bus numbers easier.

Advantages: Apart from buses, you can rent bicycles around Penang. Bicycles are an option for eco-friendly vacations, relatively cheap and beneficial. Penang also provides a bicycle lane stretching 39.3 km from Straits Quay to Penang Airport. A bike-sharing system called Link Bike will help you rent a bicycle. Pick up the bicycle at one of the 29 closest stations in Penang later.

How to rent a bike: As mentioned earlier, you need to download the Link Bike application. This application will help you find which bikes are available to use. Choose a package of 1-Day, 2-Day, or 3-Day Pass, then pay when you arrive at the bicycle rental station. There will be a QR code that you need to scan at the station to unlock the bike.

Do the same method to return the bicycle: scan the code and return it to the nearest station. One of the closest stations to the city center is Armenian Street and Penang Botanic Garden.

Rates: For bikes from Link Bike will be free for the first 30 minutes. Customers will be charged RM1 per hour and around RM3 for 24-hour access per pass. There is also 2-day access at RM4 and 3-day access at RM5.

Read more: Getting Around Langkawi, Malaysia

Advantages: Penang also has a traditional transport called Trishaw, a paddle rickshaw. You can enjoy the city view of Penang by going around using Trishaw.

To ride a Trishaw, you can rent it by hour and circle in the Old Town area of George Town. Stop by tourist spots to take photos and shop. The driver will also double as a tour guide and introduce you to unique attractions.

Rates: Trishaw rental prices are affordable, from around RM 40 to RM 50 per hour. If the driver sets a high price, feel free to haggle. You can also give tips if the driver provides excellent service.

Advantages: Penang has two areas separated by the Penang Island Strait, so ferry rentals are available between the two regions. Cross the water by the Penang Bridge, Penang Second Bridge, and by boat if you drive. For pedestrians or tourists, pass by a catamaran ferry for about 10 to 15 minutes. In both terminals, there is also public transportation access to take you to various places.

The route you need to know: Pedestrians and tourists may pass from Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town to Sultan Abdul Halim Base in Butterworth and vice versa. For those driving vehicles, the available ferry route is from The King Tun Uda Base in George Town to the Sultan Abdul Halim Base on the mainland.

Rates: The ticket price for the ferry is quite affordable, around RM 1.2 for adults and RM 0.6 for children aged 5 to 12 years old. Meanwhile, they will charge around RM2 for vehicles and RM1.4 for bicycles. Tickets are usually for a round trip, so you only need to buy them once.

Operational hours: You must also know the ferry operating hours to catch them. The ferry from Butterworth's direction runs from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays. While on weekends, it will operate from 07:00 am to 8:30 pm.

Boats from George Town will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekends. To check the ferry schedule and route, you can check on the official Penang Port website.

Advantages: You can also rent a car in Penang through Traveloka. Car rental is the best option for traveling with a group or family. Renting a car via Traveloka comes with two options, with and without a driver. Set your schedule and destination, make a payment, and you’re good to go!

Tips: If you wish to drive it yourself, prepare the essential documents such as an ID card and a driver's license. They will likely ask for international ones, so ensure you have them.

Well, that's some recommended Transportation in Penang for your trip. With many options, you can travel easily. Before heading to Penang, bring your documents and other necessary equipment. To make a booking, you can use the Traveloka app. Invite your family and relatives to enjoy this service.