Melissa Cheah runs down the best places to shop till you drop on the island of Penang.
A quaint island located off the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia, Penang has become one of the must-visit places in Malaysia. Apart from its world renowned heritage sites, palm-fringed beaches, delectable hawker food and interesting street markets, the retail scene in Penang is gaining momentum as well.
From malls with live puzzle rooms to seafront retail centres and shopping plazas at the heart of the Georgetown, this list takes you on a journey to some of the best shopping haunts in Penang.
1. Queensbay Mall
Queensbay Mall is Penang’s largest mall, with five levels of retail space and over 500 branded tenants including a cinema, karaoke joint and a fitness centre. So it’s no wonder that most tourists do not consider their time in Penang well-spent until a visit is made to this extensive mall. The best part? It is only a 10-minute drive away from the Penang Bridge and Penang’s International Airport, making it the perfect beginning – or ending – to your trip in Penang.
Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Address: 100, Persiaran Bayan Indah, Queens Bay, 14300 Bayan Lepas.
Tel: +604 619 8989
2. Penang Times Square
Located right in the heart of Georgetown, this central hub is the outcome of a development project that comprises of a mall, residential tower and office block. You can expect to find clothing boutiques, mani-pedi parlours, tech outlets and eatery chains. If you’re looking to have a few drinks and take in the night scene in Penang, do check out Soju Room and M2, the two of the island’s most popular dance clubs, conveniently positioned at the basement of Penang Times Square.
Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Address: Jalan Dato Keramat, 10150 Georgetown, Penang.
Tel: +604 226 4100
3. 1st Avenue Mall
Adjacent to the road from Penang Times Square and KOMTAR, this hip-looking mall anchors an array of well-loved brands such as H&M, Victoria’s Secret and Coach. Fans of sports would be pleased to know that there is a bowling alley, snooker bar and even an interactive adventure puzzle game room called Escape Room.
Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Address: Jalan Magazine, Georgetown, 10300 Georgetown.
Tel: +604 261 1121
4. KOMTAR
The pride of Penang, this statuesque landmark’s name is an acronym for Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, named after Malaysia’s second Prime Minister. The iconic mall is chock-full with local boutiques and electronic stores. Cylindrical in shape, it offers visitors an all-encompassing sight of the island from its viewing deck on the 58th floor. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book a trishaw ride – aplenty at the base of KOMTAR – from a friendly uncle and take the afternoon off to explore the rich heritage of Georgetown.
Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Address: Menara Komtar, Jalan Magazine, 10300 Georgetown.
Tel: +604 263 6195
5. Gurney Plaza
After a satisfying hawker fare for dinner, head over to Gurney Plaza to walk off some of the calories and do some shopping while you’re there. Only a 2-minute walk from the ever popular Gurney Drive, this lifestyle mall houses a myriad of brands for shopping, dining and entertainment.
Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Address: Gurney Plaza, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 Penang.
Tel: +604 222 8111
6. Gurney Paragon Mall
Located just a stone’s throw away from Gurney Plaza, this premier mall is a crowd favourite for branded goods and upscale restaurants. However, the most unique feature of this beach-facing mall lies in the fact that the entire 700,000 square-feet complex was built around St. Joseph’s Novitiate, a 1925 chapel that has been beautifully restored and incorporated into the mall’s alfresco layout design.
Opening hours: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Address: 163 C & D Persiaran Gurney, Penang.
Tel: +604 228 8266
7. Straits Quay
Situated along Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, this marina-fronting mall offers visitors access to several great local boutiques and fashion brands. The complex is widely frequented by expats and locals alike for its abundant choice of restaurants and open-air bars. Straits Quay is also home to the Penang Performing Arts Centre (Penang PAC), a trampoline park and private fitness centre.
Opening hours: 10:30am – 10:30pm
Address: 3F-G-1 Straits Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong.
Tel: +604 891 8000
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