Penang has a superb range of shops. Penang is definitely a shopper's paradise, with hundreds of retail establishments located conveniently, in and around the city. The main shopping areas in Penang are concentrated in Jalan Penang, Lebuh Campbell, Lebuh Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Chulia and Lebuh Pantai. Few places can compare with Penang for its variety of goods and reasonably cheap prices.

One of the biggest and most famous shopping complexes in the city is none other than the Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, or fondly known as KOMTAR. This 65-story complex, located in the heart of Georgetown, offers some of the best shopping on the island. KOMTAR houses a labyrinth of boutiques, fast food outlets, restaurants, amusement arcades and shops as well as two of the biggest department stores. On the 58th floor is the Tower Tourist Center which allows visitors to have an excellent aerial view of the whole city as well as cultural shows performed daily. A duty free shop on the 57th floor offers good shopping, and the souvenir center is yet another place to get memorabilia of Penang.

Batik, the highly versatile fabric is available as individually designed pieces or as clothing, table-cloths, napkins and furnishings. These may be purchased at factories in Teluk Bahang and in souvenir shops at Batu Ferringhi; specialist shops in Penang Road and in most department stores and shopping complexes. Batik paintings can also be found in galleries in Jalan Penang, Lebuh Leith and Batu Ferringhi.

However, if you are searching for fine jewelry, then Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh Kapitan Keling are the places to go. Other shopping complexes include Island Plaza and Midlands One Stop Shopping Center.

Duty free shops within the city offer cameras, radios and tape-recorders, TV and Hi-Fi equipment, calculators, electrical appliances, pens, lighters, watches and cosmetics plus a host of other items at reasonable prices.

Penang is also a haven for antique lovers in search of rare bargains. The junk shops along Rope Walk (Jalan Pintal Tali) offer a range of antique items and bric-a-brac such as porcelain ware, chains, coins, old ceiling lamps and antique clocks.

Tips for Shoppers

• Bargaining is still very much a part of life here; so don't be afraid to haggle over prices or ask for a discount especially at the smaller shops.
• Ensure that you get a warranty card for cameras, watches and electrical goods.
• Obtain written confirmation of any instructions given to the store to post parcels abroad.
• Antiques
  The export of Malaysia's antiques is controlled by the Antiquities Act 1975. Under the Act, no one is allowed to export any antique without obtaining a license from the Director General of Museums, Malaysia. However, antiques which have been imported into the country and have been declared at Customs arrival checkpoint may be exported.
• Most shops are opened from 10 am to 9 pm.