Shopping in Penang, Malaysia

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.

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.

The highly versatile traditional Malay 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 be found in galleries along Jalan Penang, Lebuh Leith and Batu Ferringhi.

If you are looking for fine jewellery, then Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh Kapitan Keling are the places to go. Popular shopping complexes include Gurney Plaza, Island Plaza and Midlands One-stop Shopping Centre. Duty free shops within the city offer cameras, electrical appliances plus a host of other items at competitive prices.

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.

KOMTAR

The Tun Abdul Razak Complex or KOMTAR, a prominent Penang landmark, houses Government departments, commercial offices, department stores, shops and restaurants. Its 65-storey tower dominates the city's skyline. The complex also contains theatres, squash courts and a geodesic dome which serves as a multipurpose hall. The 58th floor offers visitors a panoramic view of the city, and on clear days, the distant mountain, Gunung Jerai, on the mainland is visible.

Opening hours: 10.00am - 10.00pm.

Around Jalan Penang

Jalan Penang with KOMTAR in the centre, offers good value for clothes, shoes, electronics and everyday goods. Opposite KOMTAR, there is a collection of small shops offering batik, jewellery, pewter, and handicrafts. Lebuh Bishop and Lebuh Chulia are good places for curios and antiques while Jalan Kapitan Keling is noted for Indian goldsmiths. Lebuh Campbell has a large range of leather and rattan goods and oriental jewellery shops. Further south, Rope Walk has small shops selling antiques. The Penang Plaza on Jalan Burma near the Sheraton is another popular shopping centre.

Out of town, there are shopping centres at Bukit Jambul and roadside shops and stalls at Batu Ferringhi. Local products, mostly in the form of dried food, cakes or fruits like nutmeg, mango or papaya, are sold at the Chowrasta Market, Air Hitam Market, and Kek Lok Si.

Tips for Shoppings

• Bargaining is still very much a part of life here; so don't be afraid to haggle over prices or ask for discount especially at the smaller shops.
• Ensure that you get a warranty card for cameras, watches and electrical goods.

• Obtain written confirmation of any instructions given to the store to post parcels abroad.

Antiques
The export of Malaysia's antiques is controlled by the Antiquities Act 1975. Under the Act, no one is allowed to Director General of Museums, Malaysia. However, antiques which have been imported into the county and have been declared at Customs arrival checkpoint may be exported.
Most shops are open from 10.00am - 9.00pm