Shopping

Penang is a shoppers’ paradise, with hundreds of retail establishments located conveniently in and around the city. The main shopping areas in Penang are concentrated in Jalan Penang, Lebuh Campbell, Lebuh Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Pantai.

o     Tun Abdul Razak Complex, Komtar: Located in the heart of Georgetown, the huge Tun Abdul Razak Complex or better known as Komtar, offers some of the best shopping on the island. Komtar houses a labyrinth of boutiques, fast food outlets, restaurants, amusement arcades and shops as well as two large department stores. On the 58th floor of its office tower is the Tower Tourist Centre which allows visitors to enjoy an excellent aerial view of the whole city as well as watch cultural shows performed there daily.

o     Batik: The highly versatile batik fabric is available as individually designed pieces or as clothing, tablecloths, napkins and furnishings. These items are sold at factories in Teluk Bahang and in souvenir shops at Batu Ferringhi. They are also available at specialist shops in Penang Road and in most department stores and shopping complexes.

Batik paintings can also he found in galleries along Jalan Penang, Lebuh Leith and Batu Ferringhi.

o     Fine Jewellery: If you are searching for fine jewellery, then Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh Kapitan Keling are the places to go.

Other popular shopping complexes include Gurney Plaza, Island Plaza and Midlands One-Stop Shopping Centre.

Penang is also a paradise for antique lovers in search of rare bargains. The shops along Rope Walk (Jalan Pintal Tali) offer a range of antique items and bric-a-brac such as porcelain ware, chains, coins, old glass, old ceiling lamps and antique clocks. Bargaining is still very much a part of life here, so don’t be afraid to haggle over prices or ask for a discount especially at the smaller shops.