Penang is one of the 13 states of Malaysia and is situated on the north-western coast of the peninsula. It is bounded to the north and east by the State of Kedah Darul Aman, to the south by the State of Perak Darul Ridzuan, and to the west by the Straits of Melaccaand Sumatra (Indonesia). Penang consist of the island of Penang (Pulau Pinang) and a coastal strip on the mainland called Province Wellesley (Seberang Perai).

Penang has an equatorial climate which is quite uniform throughout the year. The climate is warm and humid. The average minimum 23.3 degree Celcius.

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Passport Requirements
All persons entering Malaysia must possess valid international passports or other internationally recognised travel documents valid to travel to Malaysia.

Those who are in possession of passports which are not recognised by Malaysia must apply for a document in lieu of a passport and visa which is issue by Malaysia mission missions abroad.

Visa Requirements
Commonwealth citizens (except India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Langka), British protected persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citezens of Switzeland, Netherlands, San Marino and citezens of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Findland, Germany, Iceland, Japan, France and U.S.A. do not required a visa for a visit not exceeding three months.

Citezen of ASEAN countries, Argentina,Czechoslavakia, Hungary and Poland do not need a visa for a visit not exceedind one month.

Citezens of Afganistan, Albania, Bulgaria, Commonwealth of Independent States, Iraq,Iran, Libya, Romania, Syria and South Yemen do not need a visa for a visit not exceeding two weeks.

Citezen of North Korea, Cuba, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, The People's Republic of China and holder of Hong Kong Certificate of Identity are allowed to enter Malaysia, subject to their application for a visa being approved.

Citezen of South Africa are being allowed entry into Malaysia with a visa for two weeks. Citezens of countries other than those stated above are allowed to enter Malaysia for a visit not exceeding one month without having a visa.

If visitors wish to enter Malaysia and remain for more than two weeks for the purpose of a social or business visit or with intention to take up employment, they must obtain visas prior to their arrival in Malaysia. This howeever does not apply to:-

i. nationals of countries with whom Malaysia has entered into Partial (subject to conditions stipulated thereof) or Total Visa Abolition Agreements.
ii. holder of a certificate of identity who require visas in any case to enter Malaysia for whatever purpose.

Bahasa Malaysia(Malay) is the national language and is the medium of instruction in schools and universities. English is the second language & widely spoken and though as a second language.

Reflecting the multiracial population, many Asian languages and dialects are spoken. The locals also speaks Mandrin and other dialects such as Hokkien, Hakka, Teow Chew, Cantonese and Tamil.



Customs Privilages
Tourists who stay in Malaysia in excess of 72 hours are exempted from paying taxes on the following:

One quart bottle of liquor, 25gms of tobacco or 200 sticks of cigarettes, a pair of new shoes, electrical and battery-operated personal appliances, food stuff to the value not exceeding RM75.00, and souvenirs & gifts to the value not exceeding RM200.00.

Antiques
The export of Malaysian antiques is controlled by the Antiquities Act 1976. Under the Act, no one is allowed to export any antique without obtaining a licence from the Director General of Museums, Malaysia.
Howeever, antiques which have been imported into the counrty and have been declared at Customs arrival checkpoints may be exampted.

Drugs
Malaysia's anti-drug laws are severe and carry the death penalty.