My Experience With Penang Visa

[spacedout]

Having just got back from Penang Malaysia, I'd like to share the experience with other members especially those concerned where to go to get the best/easiest visa.

First choice was going from Bangkok by train but unfortunately it was full so I caught the VIP bus from the south terminal at a cost of 1950 baht leaving at 6pm. Changing the next morning at Yai Hat to a Air-con mini bus at 9am. Crossing the border into Malaysia an hour later having recieved a 3 month visa free! (take note the Loas border's) by the way avoid the immigration box where the trucks go through as they get first priorty and there seems to be an endless stream of them.

Arriving in Penang at 11-30am (the bus drops you off in the Main street where all the guest houses are, so I settled for a very clean room with air-con for 200 baht a night. All the hotels and guest houses do a visa application for you at an extra cost 60 baht !

It's recommended to use the hotel where you stay.

As usual applications are only accepted before 12 noon and given out at after 2pm the next day, I recieved my non O visa at 3pm the next day. Only problem there is the train leaves at 2-30pm so another night had to be spent in Penang.

The visa application was checked and although I did not have a copy of the wife's ID it did not seem to matter I was informed the immigration officers in Penang are not too perdantic with details, incidently I was also informed for a cost of 5600 baht inclusive I could get a 1 year multiple entry no problem, but leaving in Thailand in March I didn't think it neccessary.

The train fare was 1170 baht to Bangkok which included the sleeper compartment highly reccomended, arriving in Bangkok at 11am the next day, also beer and food was avalible at quite an high cost, buy your own in Pengang as no beer is sold at the train station.

In my experience compared to Cambodia and Loas visa run's I have done in the past, the malaysia trip was like A WALK IN THE PARK

recommended to anyone travelling alone and with doubts about what is required.

Cheers

Spaced-out

[Lite Beer]

That is a good report and interesting news regarding the multi entry non o.

Why did you post it in the airport forum? I will get it moved to the Visa forum as it is interesting information for quite a few members.

[Martian]

Very nice and informative post. It appears you paid about 3120 Baht for return transportation. For those interested, Air Asia from Bangkok, two weeks out, would cost about 4900 Baht. If you plan ahead and book tickets way in advance, you might get Air Asia flights closer to the bus and train cost. If you have the money, you can save travel time. If not or you just want the adventure and sightseeing, try the train and/or bus method.

Good info on the trip and thanks for letting everyone know your experience spacedout!

Regards,

Martian