Kedah International Hot Air Balloon Fest Starts On May 28

The inaugural Royal Kedah International Hot Air Balloon Festival 2010 kicks off on May 28 at Taman Jubli Emas, Suka Menanti, Alor Star.

Just a short distance from Penang Island.

For only RM10, members of the public will also get the chance to enjoy an exciting ride in a hot air balloon during the three-day festival.

There will be 10 hot air balloons from participating countries like New Zealand, Japan, Belgium, Thailand, France and Malaysia would conduct the rides for the public at two sessions -- 6.30am to 9am and 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Each balloon will float between 15m to 30m above the ground depending on the wind condition and its capacity. Each ride will take between 10 to 15 minutes.

Hopefully the event will grow in prestige and be made a permanent feature in the state's annual tourism calendar.

Penang City Taxi

Taking a taxi ride in Penang is very convenient to get from one point to another point, however it could be quite expensive compared bus.

Even tough the state government had enforced all taxi in the city to use meter, not many will adhere to it.

However, they have a common taxi rate. For short distances it is between is about RM 3 to RM 6. From Batu Ferringhi to Georgetown it will cost about RM 30. Whereas from Batu Ferringhi to the airport it will cost about RM 60.

Ride Rapid Penang Bus, if you're not in a hurry.

Useful Taxi Numbers

• BJ Radio Taxi : + 604 643 0161
• Georgetown Taxi : + 604 229 9467
• Jade Auto Company : + 604-2263015
• Super Radio Taxi : + 604 281 8766
• Sunshine Radio Taxi : + 604 642 5961
• Taxi Drivers Association : + 604 262 5721

Penang Airport Taxi Charges

Penang airport taxi service from the airport is cheap and reliable. A voucher system with fixed prices for specific destinations is used.

You need to buy a voucher at the taxi counter in the terminal building, located at the ground floor near to the baggage area and then present the voucher at the taxi rank outside where you will be allotted a taxi. This is protect tourist from unscrupulous taxi drivers. The price for each destination in Penang is clearly shown at the board. I think it is about RM 60 ~ 70 to go to Batu Ferringhi area and to Komtar area is about RM 30 ~ 40. Midnight price is little bit higher also shown at the board. Price is subject to changes without price notice !

To get back to the airport, ask your hotel to get a taxi from a reputable company. Basically, taxi charge is in Penang is charged based on zones and there are 7 zones.

Zone 1 ~ RM 14

Zone 2 ~ RM 22

Zone 5 to George Town ~ RM 38

By law, taxi drivers in Penang need to use meters. If they refuse to use the meter, just take another taxi.

50 % surcharge is applicable from 12am to 6am for taxi service no matter where you want to head to.

If you want to hire car at Penang Airport, you could rent one from the following companies:

a) Avis Penang Airport Car Hire

• website www.avis.com
• telephone +60 04 643 9633.
• The office hours are Sunday 08.00 hours to 17.00 hours, Monday to Friday 08.00 hours to 21.00 hours and on Saturdays the office is open from 08.00 hours to 17.00 hours.

b) Hertz Penang Airport Car Hire

• www.hertz.com,
• tel +60 4 643 0208
• The office is open Mondays to Saturdays from 07.30 hours to 22.00 hours and on Sundays and during public holidays the opening hours are from 08.00 hours to 14.00 hours daily.

c) Europcar Penang Airport Car Hire

• http://www.europcar.com,
• tel +60 13 399 8818
• Europcar’s car rental station is open 24 hours a day every day of the year.

Penang City Taxi Photo Below . Not Airport Taxi Photo .