Guide to shopping malls in Penang
KOMTAR is Penang's tallest building
Other than the traditional wet markets still popular with older generations, there are enough sparkling new shopping centres and malls in Penang to give even Kuala Lumpur a run for its money. Designer brands from the hottest European fashion houses can be found under the same roof as the latest electronic gizmos and international restaurants. Generally malls in Penang trade from 10:00 – 22:00 every day but can stay open longer on holidays or for special promotions.
KOMTAR
A landmark in its own right, this Penang shopping mall is the tallest building on the entire island and dominates the Georgetown skyline at over 200 metres high. The Tower Palace restaurant commands spectacular views as does the gallery on floor 58. Next door Prangin Mall can be reached via a skybridge. (1 Jalan Penang, Georgetown, Tel: +60 (0)4 263 7570)
Prangin Mall
As the largest shopping mall in Georgetown, it's little wonder Prangin Mall is Penang’s foremost retail utopia with no less than five floors of dining, boutique stores and and entertainment. The mall is also popular with young Penangites who cruise it’s shiny avenues, play games in the amusement centre and watch Hollywood’s latest offerings in the cinema. Shops include Body Glove, Cathay Cineplex, Body Glove, Baleno, Parkson Grand and Takashima. (Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, Georgetown, Tel: +60 (0)4 262 2233)
Penang Times Square
This brand new commercial and residential project in central Georgetown is the latest shopping mall to have opened in Penang. With acres of floor space plus a cinema and all the biggest brand names from around the world, this is rightly considered the future of retail on the island. (Jalan Dato Keramat, Georgetown, take Rapid Penang bus 201, 202, 203, 204, 206 or U301 from Weld Quay Terminal)
Gurney Plaza
Gurney Plaza boasts a host of international brands
This chic Penang mall on the waterfront boasts seven levels and 400 shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. There’s a decent gym for fitness fanatics plus a Cineplex with a dozen screens for movie buffs to escape the searing Malaysian heat. International designer labels are well represented including Timberland, Versace, Mango, Mont Blanc, Topshop, FCUK and Dorothy Perkins. Plus there’s a huge Toys R Us for to occupy youngsters for a while. The weekend fleamarket by the front door is a great place for good quality souvenirs. (170-06-01, Persiaran Gurney, Tel: +60 (0)4 2228 222)
Gama Department Store
Just around the corner from Times Square is this aging although still extremely useful Penang department store. The retail outlet houses four floors of selling space with a carpark in the basement. Formerly the largest standalone department store in Penang before Sunshine Square came along. (1 Jalan Dato Keramat, Georgetown, take Rapid Penang bus 201, 202, 203, 204, 206 or U301 from Weld Quay Terminal)
Queensbay Mall
This half-a-kilometre long shopping mall in Penang is the ultimate shoppers’ paradise. The five retail levels feature an innovative walk-through layout maximising visitors exposure to the various shopping options, while entertainment options include cinema, rollerblade arena and free WiFi throughout the cavernous interior. High street names such as GAP, Guess, Braun Buffel, Borders, Royal Selangor, Samsonite, Toys R’ Us and Billabong keep the crowds coming. (100 Persiaran Bayan Indah, Bayan Lepas, Tel: (604) 645 4848 / 646 8888)
One-Stop Midlands Park
This Penang shopping mall features 200 outlets of mainstream brands and bargain purchases and is extremely popular for traders stocking arts and crafts. Ceramics, pottery, paintings and other religious curios including oriental icons are also available at extremely reasonable prices. Nerds will be delighted with the IT-related products and computers on the sixth floor, whilst the rooftop waterpark and bowling alley are a must for visitors with kids. For more on Penang for children. (Jalan Burmah, Georgetown, Tel: +60 (0)4 226 3768)
Penang Plaza
A small affair with a huge lower-level supermarket and four floors of retail space close to New World Plaza. Not the most inspiring of Penang malls but handy if you want to visit the chemist or grab some reading material without fighting through the crowds. (Jalan Burmah, Georgetown, Tel: +60 (0)4 226 8080)
