Shopping in Pulau Penang
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Penang Pewter
Something you'll see in many shops, particularly along Jln Penang, is Penang Pewter. This is a small shop but has a large array of Penang Pewter direct from the factory. As Malaysia's second-name Pewter company, Penang Pewter can be a real bargain compared to the picture frames, goblets, vases and the like produced by its upscale compatriots. The company's newest claim to fame is its gold-plated pewterware, which it happily adds to its 600 or so available items.
If you're not fussed about great quality or brand names, even cheaper pewter items, many of which you can get custom engraved, are available in small shops around Komtar shopping complex. Pewter was once made with…
reviewed
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Mydin's Wholesale Emporium
Mydin's Wholesale Emporium is part of a nationwide chain that sells everything from toothpaste to watches and DVDs at rock-bottom, no-need-to-bargain prices. Penang is a fun place to shop with plenty of outlets for local crafts and antiques, as well as cameras and electronics at competitive prices (although Kuala Lumpur has a wider range). Bargaining is usually required, except in department stores like this. Jln Penang is the best shopping street in Georgetown.
reviewed
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C
Gurney Plaza
The most chic mall, with international chain stores like The Body Shop and Esprit. Mac users will find an Apple store here, and there's a massive music store, bookstore and several electronics outlets. The state's biggest cineplex, Golden Screen Cinemas is here, as well as a mini theme park, fitness centre and a health spa. Shop all day, then dine at the colourful hawker centre in the evening.
reviewed
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D
Midlands Park Centre
This huge shopping-cum-recreation complex (an 8-storey building) has everything from a myriad of shops and fast-food places, to a bowling alley and Adventure Island, to a water theme park on the roof. The water park is the main draw. It has a giant pool, plenty of thrill rides and views of Pulau Tikus and the northern beaches.
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E
Bee Chin Heong
This interesting outlet sells a colourful, bewildering assortment of religious statues, furniture and temple supplies; if you’re after a huge Chinese couch, a household shrine or have RM55,000 to spend on a 2m-tall carved wood Buddha, this is the place to come. Even if you’re not buying, it’s still worth a look round.
reviewed
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Sam’s Batik House
When the late Mr Shamdas was dubbed ‘Sam’ by American soldiers, a legend was born. This is the best place in town for buying sarongs, batik shirts and Indian fabrics and fashions; where else are guys going to find tops that could fit them in on a Bollywood video set?
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Fuan Wong
This small gallery showcases the exquisite fused-glass creations of Penang artist Wong Keng Fuan. Also in the same building is Studio Howard (www.studiohoward.com), which showcases excellent photography of Penang street scenes, architecture, etc.
reviewed
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G
Lean Giap Trading
This jumbled-up little store sells a miscellany of goods, including silverware, Oriental furniture, porcelain and glass. It’s got some high quality stuff among the shelves, but you need to poke around with a fair bit of background knowledge.
reviewed
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Jln Penang Street Market
On the last Sunday of every month, the pedestrian section of Jln Penang hosts a street market selling Malaysian arts and crafts such as dolls, batik, pottery, T-shirts and painted tiles, as well as items like bottled chutney.
reviewed
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Prangin Mall
Adjoins Komtar and houses a huge number of shops and restaurants, including smarter chain stores such as Parkson Grand, with a wide range of clothes, cosmetics, household goods and suchlike.
reviewed
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Royal Selangor Pewter
The top name in Malaysian pewter. This outlet stocks the current range, and pewter-making workshops can be arranged here, costing RM50 for about one hour. Book at least two days in advance.
reviewed
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HS Sam Book Store
One of the best for secondhand books, the ‘most organised used bookshop in town’ has a fair range of popular paperbacks. Organises car and bike rental, and luggage storage.
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Chowraster Bazaar
This shabby old market hall is full of food stalls downstairs, with lots of fruit on display. Upstairs there are clothes stalls, secondhand-book stalls and simple cafes.
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Hong Giap Hang
If you’re looking for pewter products, this place has one of the best ranges in town. It also sells woodcarvings, jewellery, porcelain, crystal and batik.
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Oriental Arts & Antiques
Anything old seems to end up in this place, which has a selection of porcelain, furniture, jewellery, toys and general bric-a-brac.
reviewed
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Craft Batik
Craft Batik factory and shop is a somewhat touristy and overpriced outlet for sarongs and the like.
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Siddhi Gifts & Crafts
Indian woodcarvings, incense sticks and pewter souvenirs are sold at this little shop.
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Popular Bookshop
Stocks novels, travel books, maps and a selection of books on Penang and Malaysia.
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Renaissance Pewter
Decorative tankards, tea caddies, vases and keyrings can be had here.
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Sam’s Batik House
When the late Mr Shamdas was dubbed ‘Sam’ by American soldiers, a legend was born. This is the best place in town for buying sarongs, batik shirts and Indian fabrics and fashions; where else are guys going to find tops that could fit them in on a Bollywood video set?
reviewed
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S
Gurney Plaza
The most chic mall, with international chain stores like The Body Shop and Esprit. Mac users will find an Apple store here, and there's a massive music store, bookstore and several electronics outlets. The state's biggest cineplex, Golden Screen Cinemas is here, as well as a mini theme park, fitness centre and a health spa. Shop all day, then dine at the colourful hawker centre in the evening.
reviewed
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T
Royal Selangor Pewter
The top name in Malaysian pewter. This outlet stocks the current range, and pewter-making workshops can be arranged here, costing RM50 for about one hour. Book at least two days in advance.
reviewed
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U
Renaissance Pewter
Decorative tankards, tea caddies, vases and keyrings can be had here.
reviewed
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V
Prangin Mall
Adjoins Komtar and houses a huge number of shops and restaurants, including smarter chain stores such as Parkson Grand, with a wide range of clothes, cosmetics, household goods and suchlike.
reviewed
