Hi. My flight to Penang gets in late (2230). What is the taxi situation there at the time? What sort of fare should I expect to pay to go to a beach (Batu Ferringhi) hotel - presumably there is a surcharge at that time? Would appreciate any info - it's my first time there.

Just to be safe, call the hotel and let them arrange the taxi for you. Probably the safest and surest way to go.

Taxis are not the same as here in Thailand. They are safe and fairly cheap. I have never had a problem with one there at any time unlike here on Samui.

Taxis at Penang Airport work on the prepaid system with the rates clearly posted at the counter. Catching a taxi late in the evening should not be an issue, Fare to Batu Ferringhi should be ~RM70 and there may be some sort of a surcharge depending on how late in the evening you are traveling.

Once you get settled in use the bus service, it's cheap and very good.

Once you get settled in use the bus service, it's cheap and very good.

There is also a free bus service that goes around the town..just ask your hotel staff..

I think you will find the taxi fare to Batu Ferringhi is considerably more than RM70 (X10 for THB). The bus used to be OK, but now I believe, it stops everywhere, just like a normal service bus, taking at least 2 hours to BF.

I had an early flight out of Penang last year and got hit with a fairly hefty surcharge for early morning (booked through hotel). I don't recall exactly how much but it wasn't far short of doubling what I'd paid on arrival.

My guess is over 100RM for that hour, BF is nowhere near downtown.