Arrival Information
Please find below some tips or reminders, which we hope may aid your preparation for the trip to Penang.
1. WHERE TO STAY
There are various options (hotels, budget hotels, guesthouses, and homestays) on where to stay depending on your budget and preferences. Participants are advised to make early reservation and please note that all participants will be responsible for making their own hotel arrangements. The room rental and all expenses will be charged on the participant's own account. Participants are requested to make their own transportation arrangements to and from the hotel.
1.1. Hotels
Eastin, Vistana and Equatorial hotels are slightly farther away, but are also very much accessible by taxi and public transportation. Information on each can be found via the links below:
Eastin Hotel
1, Solok Bayan Indah, Queensbay,
11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Tel: +60 4-612 1111
Fax+60 4-612 1199
Email: info.pg@eastin.com
http://www.eastin.com/penang/
Vistana Hotel
213 Jalan Bukit Gambir,
11950, Bukit Jambul, Penang.
Tel: +60 4 646 8000
Email: vispg@ytlhotels.com.my
http://www.vistanahotels.com/penang/
Hotel Equatorial Penang
1 Jalan Bukit Jambul
Bayan Lepas, 11900 Penang
Tel: +60 4 632 7000
Fax: +60 4 632 7100
Email: info@pen.equatorial.com
https://penang.equatorial.com/
1.2. Budget Hotels
The closest budget hotel to the Universiti Sains Malaysia main campus is UHotel which is just a stone’s throw away. Information on this budget hotel can be found via the link below:
UHOTEL Bayan Lepas
676 Jalan Sungai Dua, 11700 Pulau Pinang
Tel: +60 4-6581000 , +60 4-6581001
Email: bookus@uhotelpenang.com
http://uhotelpenang.com/
1.3. Guesthouses
There are also some economical guesthouses near Georgetown area, which is slightly far from the campus but easily accessible, that you can find on Google. The prices range from RM50 (USD 12) to RM160 (USD40). You can google“guesthouses in Penang,” and then sort the results by the price.
1.4. Homestays
More economical alternatives can be found on Ibilik and Mudah; for example, two particular Ibilik hosts offer very affordable rates of RM48 (USD12) and RM60 (USD15) a night respectively. Both are located in a condominium which is within striking distance of the campus. You can narrow down your search to the residential area near USM campus which includes: Sungai Dua, Batu Uban, Gelugor & USM itself. Simply contact the owner via WhatsApp and book your room. Prices are usually negotiable! Below are the links:
http://www.ibilik.my/rooms/penang
https://www.mudah.my/Penang/
2. TRANSPORTATION
If you are flying into the city, you will be disembarking at Penang International Airport.
2.1. Taxi
To get from the airport to the city center, you can take a taxi to your lodgings or to the University campus (the airport has taxi counters where you can purchase a coupon). Taxi fares from Airport to USM campus is RM30 (USD8) (barring any change since 2018). You will need local currency to pay. It is recommended that you have at least 100.00 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) with you upon arrival.
2.2. Grab
Grab offers shuttles with lower fares (RM10, airport to university) in Penang. You are encouraged to book a GRAB Car. To do that, you will need to download the App (if you don't already have one) into your phone.
2.3. Bus
The most cost effective way of travelling the 12 km / 7.5 miles from Penang International Airport to USM campus is to take one of the bus services that leave the airport every 30 minutes. Bus lines 102, 306 and 401E are Rapid Penang operated bus services, of which you must take route 401E to Hub Kompleks Bukit Jambul, and then via Bukit Jambul, take the connecting route 301,303,304, or 308 to USM. Buses are fairly reliable and very cheap. The total fare will be less than RM8 (USD2). However, due to the many stops, this service is not as fast as the name “Rapid” might suggest and Penang visitors in a hurry should take a taxi rather than the bus.
3. NECESSARY ITEMS
-Small Fold Up Umbrella
-Mosquito repellent
-Sun Screen
-International Charger
4. REGISTRATION DESK, UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA
Date: 29 July 2020
Time: 8.00am - 09.30am
At the Registration Desk you will be given lanyard and name tag card. The name tag card is the identity card for admission to the Sessions, Reception and the Lunch. Updates on itinerary and an abstract book will also be provided upon arrival.
5. REGISTRATION PAYMENTS
All registration payments must be made in full before attending the conference. There will be no walk-in registration and payment. Registration will remain open online until the deadlines. We encourage early registeration. If you register at the last minute you must still register online and bring a copy of the confirmation email with your to the registration desk at the conference venue.
6. TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommend you to purchase travel insurance that suits your needs of travel.
7. DRESS CODE
Business attire or smart casual as appropriate.
8. DIETARY REQUIREMENT
Food will be available separately for delegates who have requested special dietary requirements in their registration. A separate serving station will be available for you to collect your meal. At the Conference Lunch on 29-30 July, please advise the wait staff of your requirements.
9. WEATHER
The weather forecast will be updated one week prior to the event. However, showers and thunderstorms are possible. Don’t forget the umbrella.
We look forward to greeting you in Penang!