Penang Travel Forum

I am in Penang for 2/3 days in May on my way from KL to Bangkok.
I arrive on the train at Butterworth.
What are the pros and cons of hiring a moror bike / motor cycle while I am there.
As always any and all tips are gratefully received.
Thanks,
Steve

there would have to be over one million motor bikes in penang alone. Unless you are a VERY experienced rider I would forgo hiring a bike, but in saying that if you can handle a bike well go for it but watch out for all the other riders as they are a rule to themselves and it can get quite hectic at peak times of the day. I always hire a car because i always have family or friends with me. A bike will give you a good amount of freedom to go and visit places like penang hill, kie lok si temple, ride around the island, batu ferringhi, etc..and if you are staying at batu ferringhi go to ocean jupiters tours on the main street as they hire motor bikes and their prices are reasonable.

In Penang, motor bikes are the king of the roads. So you will be at home.
Note, you must wear helmet and have head lamp on 24 hours. That car drivers will just look ahead and will not bother to look at the rear mirrors if the motor bikes will brake in time behind, slow down or swerve left and right.

Do not expect other cars and motorbikes will give way to you. So if you are a careful rider and take some time to recognize local driving habits, you will enjoy the freedom of the motorcylce is Penang. Petrol price is still the cheapest in the region at RM1.92 per liter.

Take the ferry from the railway station to Penang island. Hire your bike from there.

An alternative. The new bus service by Rapid Penang is great. You can go round the island and all the places in the comfort of an airconditioned new buses.

Welcome to Penang. You will find Penang more interesting than KL in many ways.

SLLiew summed all out I guess.

One setback about renting a motorcycle is the heat. Not all Europe tourist can stand the humidity here.

Raining might be another problem too.. Lately there's rain almost everyday (mostly at night).

Thanks to SLLiew, Karloon and JApappy, much appreciated. Safe travels to you all. Steve.

Thanks travelswithsteve and SS Liew and Karloon as I am about to post this question too. But I still prefer to rent a bike, can you advise the average price? ( I dont think the traffic there can be worse than where I am living now - Hanoi) :)
Hien

Sorryk, I don't the price of motorbike rental because I have not rented one before but would like to comment further.

As you will find out, in Penang, the traffic is much more heavier than Hanoi.

There are many more traffic lights and one way streets. So at a traffic light, many motorbikes will know when to or not to squeeze between cars to get to the front of the traffic light. On the one way streets, whether to stay on the left, right or middle lane to make the next turn.

Policemen, unfortunately, also like to stop motorcycles at roadblocks because many motorcylcists have expired driving license or motorcycle road tax as well as speeding especially at late morning hours for joy rides.

So if you are a careful rider, no problem in Penang but be prepared for cars or buses stopping or turning suddenly as who ever knocks from behind is considered the guilty party generally in insurance. That other motorcyclists will be weaving and speeding by you.

Anyway, you will be well trained being from Hanoi. There are some European tourists who bicycled around.

It took me awhile to learn to walk cross the road with confidence whenever I go to Hoan Kiem Lake, LOL. But I enjoyed the freedom of walking around and taking motorbike taxis in Hanoi.

Great thanks SS Liew .
Hien

Rent a bike is cheap. MYR 35 (still can negotiate) daily. Cheapest car rent is around MYR 120 daily

Thanks Karloon!

just grab a bike, not so bad as describe.
it cost you around rm30.

pls do not drink and drive
it is a serious offence in pg

pg is not big, bike is one of the best options.
however, you are are travelling with famlies, it is best to go for car as suggested by other vt

Definitely a bike is more convenient in Penang, if you can ride. And Penang traffic is pretty good when compared with traffic in Hanoi.

have a good time in penang...

Thanks !!!

Hi Steve, when exactly would you be arriving in May? Pro's of hiring a bike is that you get to zip around easily on the small roads in the inner city, and yet be able to park your bike anyway to eat. As for the con's, well there's always the danger of being on a two wheeler, but I grew up in Penang, and i still ride my dad's bike whenever i'm back in town. So my opinion may be biased, but ask any Penangite and everyone will say it's the norm to be on a bike. Perhaps we can meet up if im in town. Give u a tour. :)