Travelling is an exciting experience, but sometimes the experience of airports either makes our travel smooth or stressful. Today I am going to share a detailed review of Penang International Airport and my personal experience for my travel blog. Penang International Airport, located on Penang Island in Malaysia, is an important gateway to South East Asia. In this article, you will find a complete guide which will include airport facilities, services, transportation options and travel tips – all in Roman English so that you can understand it easily.
Penang International Airport, also known as Bayan Lepas Airport, is one of Malaysia’s busiest airports. The airport is located on the southern coast of Penang Island and serves millions of travelers each year. The airport mainly handles both domestic flights and international flights. Penang International Airport’s location is strategic, just 16 kilometers away from Penang’s capital city George Town, making it ideal for both tourism and business.
Penang Island is also known as Malaysia’s “Pearl of the Orient”, and the airport connects the island to international travel, particularly to many destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
I remember when I was planning my first trip to Malaysia, Penang International Airport was my arrival and departure point. When the flight landed, the first thing I noticed was the cleanliness and modern infrastructure of the airport. The airport design was simple yet elegant, with good use of natural light, making the entire terminal feel airy and spacious.
My flight was a little late, but the airport facilities made my wait comfortable. The airport staff was friendly and cooperative, who left no stone unturned in giving me information. The immigration and customs process was completed very smoothly. Overall, it was great to spend my time at the airport and I will always remember this experience.
Penang International Airport has many facilities available for travellers, which makes your travel experience easy and comfortable. I will tell you about each facility in detail.
Check-in Counters and Process
The airport has organised check-in counters for airlines and self-check-in kiosks have also been provided to avoid long lines of passengers. My own check-in experience was smooth and I did not face any delay or confusion. If you do not check-in online, you will find staff at the counters ready to help.
Security and Immigration
Security screening is done very efficiently. Strict but fair policies apply here, including checking your luggage and documents. The staff at the immigration counters are professional and deal politely with passengers. I remember my immigration clearance was fast, which is a good sign of the airport’s operational efficiency.
Waiting Lounges and Seating
The airport has spacious waiting lounges with sufficient seating arrangements. The lounges are clean and designed for passenger comfort. If you are a business class or premium passenger, VIP lounges are also available, where you can wait for your flight in a relaxed environment.
Shopping and Duty-Free
Penang International Airport has good arrangements for duty-free shopping. You will find a variety of perfumes, cosmetics, chocolates, and local handicrafts here. I bought some souvenirs for myself and my family from here, and the quality was also impressive. Duty-free prices are competitive, but it is important to plan a little budget.
Dining Options
The airport food court has local and international cuisines available. If you want to try Malaysian local food, the stalls here serve authentic dishes like nasi lemak, laksa, and roti canai. You will also find international fast food chains like KFC and Starbucks. I enjoyed coffee and local snacks at one of the airport cafes, which were very tasty.
Free Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, which proved to be very helpful for me. I could check my travel plans, update my family, and also stay active on social media. The Wi-Fi speed is reasonable, but can be a little slow for heavy streaming.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
The entire terminal was very clean and well-maintained. Especially the washrooms were very hygienic and had modern facilities. Sanitization protocols have become even more strict after Covid-19, which includes regular cleaning and use of sanitizers. These things are a reassurance for travelers.
Other Facilities
ATMs and Currency Exchange: Multiple ATMs are available at the airport. Currency exchange counters are also there, but slightly higher rates can be found, so check for better rates in the city.
Prayer Rooms: Dedicated prayer rooms are available for Muslim travellers.
Lost and Found: If you lose something, you can get help from the Lost and Found centre.
Information Desk: Information desks are available everywhere where you can clear your queries.
There are several options to get from Penang International Airport to the city center and other areas:
Taxi Services
There are official taxi counters at the airport that provide fixed fares. Taxi drivers are polite and the rides are comfortable. In my personal experience, the taxi ride was reasonably priced and the driver drove safely.
Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab)
The Grab app is very popular in Malaysia and it is easy to use at Penang airport. I also used Grab for my local travel which was quick and affordable. You can easily book a car by entering your location from the app.
Public Buses
For budget travellers, public bus service is available that goes from the airport to George Town and other important locations. Bus service is reliable but can be a little slow, especially during peak hours.
Car Rentals
If you want more freedom, there are also car rental services at the airport. You can rent a car of your choice and explore Penang island.
- Arrive at least 2 hours before the flight: So that there is no delay in check-in and security.
- Try to check-in online: This will help you to reduce the waiting time at the airport.
- Keep your documents ready: Keep your passport, visa, and flight tickets ready with you.
- Carry some local currency: So that there is no problem for taxi and small expenses.
- Try the food court: Don’t forget to experience the local Malaysian food at the airport.
- Use free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available for internet connection.
- Follow luggage packing rules: Keep in mind the airlines’ liquid and weight limits.
- Download travel apps: Like Grab and Google Maps, so that transportation is easy.
- Become familiar with the airport layout: First check the map of the terminal so that there is no confusion.
My experience at Penang International Airport was very good, so I would give it 4.5 stars out of 5. This airport is efficient, clean, and traveler-friendly. The facilities here are modern and the staff is helpful. There can be some congestion during busy hours, but it is a minor shortcoming that can be easily tolerated.
Advantages:
- Modern and clean infrastructure
- Efficient check-in and security
- Friendly and cooperative staff
- Variety of shopping and dining options
- Convenient transportation choices
- Free Wi-Fi and good connectivity
Areas for Improvement:
- Quays at Busy Horse can be a little longer
- Currency exchange rates are a little high at the airport
Conclusion:
If you are planning a trip to Penang or Malaysia, Penang International Airport is a very good and convenient option for you. The airport’s modern facilities, cleanliness, and smooth processes will make your travel comfortable. My personal experience is that this airport promises a stress-free journey for every traveller.
If you are searching for review of this airport on Google, I hope my detailed review will help you answer your questions. Airport experience is very important while travelling and Penang International Airport has fulfilled my expectations.