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Until sometime in the late 70s, Penang was a free port. Shoppers from other states (including Singapore) would travel regularly to Penang to check out the latest bargains – especially cosmetics, perfume and electrical items. The honour of a duty free port has since been given to Langkawi to boost tourist inflow. Even without the duty free privilege, shopping in Penang is still an exciting experience. Antique and curios stores well stocked with things art deco, art nouveau, baroque, rococo, chinoiserie, silver, china, glass, objet d'art and bric-à-brac are still doing brisk business along Chulia Street, Penang Road and Burmah Road. Campbell Street (a pedestrian mall) is a hive of activity and the place to head to for the best bargain on shoes, clothes, luggage, cosmetics, perfumes and food. Great bargains can also be found at roadside stalls which sell leather goods, clothing and souvenier items. If moseying in malls is your cup of tea, there are plenty to choose from – at least three right smack in George Town, and several more on the outskirts. All prices in the departmental stores and bigger shops are fixed, but elsewhere it is advisable to compare prices before buying. It is also customary to bargain. If you crave the unusual, head on down to the flea market at Lorong Kulit, which is open from morning until around 2:00pm daily. Dubious looking antiques lie side by side with throwaway junk, and new things juxtapose with used items, but with a little patience and perseverance, you might unearth a hidden gem from underneath all the jumble and hodgepodge. Peak days are weekends and public holidays, except Thaipusam, when the grounds are used to prepare kavadi carriers. Although George Town isn't exactly a city that does not sleep, night life on the island is abuzz with excitement until the wee hours (longer on weekends). All hotels feature at least some form of entertainment other. There are also numerous colorful bars, nightclubs, discotheques, all-night coffee houses and restaurants. If mingling with the masses is your idea of fun, check out the pasar malams, or night markets for some inexpensive shopping and dining. Like a traveling circus, pasar malam traders move from town to town, village to village and community to community nightly to peddle their wares.   | Home | About Penang | Penang Specials | Events and Festivals | Local Cuisine | | Heritage | Accommodation | Attractions | Shopping & Entertainment | e-goodies | Powered by  Penang Network Services Sdn Bhd 13th Floor, Wisma TNB, No.30, Anson Road, 10400 Penang, Malaysia. Tel: 04-228 9100  •  Fax: 04-228 9300 •  E-mail:info@penang.net.my Disclaimer and copyright  •  Editorial Team