Penang Island is about 10-minute passenger ferry ride from mainland Penang on the Malaysian Peninsula. There are two bridges connecting the island to the mainland, namely Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge (Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’Adzam Shah Bridge). Penang International Airport sees incoming flights from many international destinations, such as China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam and Qatar. Langkawi Island is a 2-hour-45-minute ferry ride away, or a short 35-minute flight. Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur is a 50-minute flight away or can alternatively be reached by a 4-hour train or car ride.
Nature & Adventure
Getting back to nature is easy, as Penang’s compact size and good road network make it convenient for visitors to get around, with the sea, hills and jungle adventure only minutes away. Experience the contrast between Penang’s bustling commercial and heritage centre and its beautiful green jungles.
Culture & Heritage
The city is a living testimony of Asia’s multicultural heritage and traditions, where varied religions and cultures meet. It also reflects the coming together of cultural elements to create a unique architectural and cultural townscape unparalleled anywhere in East and Southeast Asia.
Food & Lifestyle
There are so many places to go, food to taste and things to experience. Shop at malls or an artisan’s shophouse and bring home a little piece of Penang as a reminder of your adventures. Unwind from a day of exploration at a spa before heading out for a dose of Penang’s vibrant nightlife. If that sounds like plenty, don’t forget that every meal in Penang is an experience. Dive in and lose yourself in the good life while you are here.
General Information
Weather
Penang enjoys a year-round tropical rainforest climate where it is warm and sunny all year round, with plentiful rainfall due to its geographical location and the monsoon climate. It is usually warmest in the months of January and February during the period of Chinese New Year, and rainy during the southwest monsoon from April to September. The climate is very much dictated by the surrounding sea and the wind system. The average temperature is above 30OC in the day and above 25OC at night. The weather in Penang is suitable for strolls or cycling around the city, whether day or night.
Time Zone
Standard Malaysian Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8).
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (RM) – Travelers cheques and foreign currencies can be changed for Malaysian Ringgit at banks and hotels. Money changer kiosks are available at major shopping complexes and airport. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion. ATM machines are plentiful and located just about everywhere in Penang.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 – 240 Volt AC at 50 cycles per second, adaptable to standard 3-pin square plugs and socket.
Visa Requirements
Visitors must possess a valid passport or other internationally recognised travel documents endorsed for travelling to Malaysia, with a validity period of at least six (6) months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia. Visa requirements are dependent on the country of origin and last port of disembarkation before entering Malaysia. For detailed information on visa applications:
Visitors can also contact the nearest Malaysian consulate to confirm visa requirements.
Travel Insurance
Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that all delegates take out their own travel and medical insurance prior to coming to the Conference. The policy should include loss of fees/ deposit through cancellation of your participation in the meeting, or through cancellation of the meeting itself, loss of airfares for any reason, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. Neither the meeting secretariat nor the organising committee will take any responsibility for any participant failing to insure. Please speak to your travel agent or airline regarding this matter.ors can also contact the nearest Malaysian consulate to confirm visa requirements.