Selamat Datang
ke Pulau Pinang
Experience Penang Like a Tech-Savvy Local
Where ancient heritage meets modern convenience, and local wisdom blends with digital innovation.Discover the perfect blend of traditional culture and modern convenience with a tech-savvy local's perspective.From navigating public transport to mastering local payment apps, learn how to explore Penang with confidence.
Btw, this website is still under construction. Click the button below to proceed to my personal website instead.
Selamat Datang
ke Pulau Pinang
Experience Penang Like a Tech-Savvy Local
Where ancient heritage meets modern convenience, and local wisdom blends with digital innovation.Discover the perfect blend of traditional culture and modern convenience with a tech-savvy local's perspective.From navigating public transport to mastering local payment apps, learn how to explore Penang with confidence.
Who Am I
Hello! I'm Alan, your friendly neighborhood tour guide in training, originally from Penang, Malaysia! 👋
My Story
You know that feeling when you're in a new place and everything seems a bit overwhelming?The transport, the language, the payment systems... I see it every day in the eyes of visitors to our beautiful Penang, and honestly, it always tugs at my heartstrings! 🥺My journey to becoming a tour guide actually started with my daily bus rides around Penang.You see, I've been riding on Rapid Penang buses and occasionally hopping on KTM trains since 2018, and every now and then, I'd spot tourists looking a bit lost or confused.Some were struggling with bus routes, others fumbling with exact change for the fare, and many did not even aware they could use e-payment like us locals do.I'd always stop to help - "Do you need some help, miss?" "Bang, let me show you the way!"Before I knew it, I was becoming the unofficial "Rapid Penang" bus ambassador among my friends! 😆That's when it hit me - why not turn this into something more?You see, Penang isn't just a tourist destination to me; it's home.And when you welcome someone to your home, you don't just show them around - you make sure they're comfortable, confident, and ready to explore on their own!So here I am, embarking on my tour guide training (starting mid-November 2024!) and creating something different.Not just another typical (soon-to-be) licensed tour guide, but a genuine helping hand for visitors who want to experience Penang like a local.At the end of the day, nothing makes me happier than seeing tourists transform from confused visitors to confident explorers! 🌟
What Makes This Different
You might be wondering - "Alan, why should I trust you?"Well, let me share what we'll experience together:
It's All About You! 🤗
I offer a unique blend of insights as:
A heavy user of Rapid Penang buses and KTM trainsA content creator with experience across transportation, digital marketing, and FinTechA tech enthusiast who understands both local apps and tourist needsA TESOL-methodology trained professional who can bridge cultural-linguistic gaps
🎯 Tech-Savvy Local Friend
From setting up local payment apps to mastering our bus system, I've got your back.Imagine walking away not just with memories, but with:* Your own bus card all set up and ready to go
* Local payment apps installed and working
* Real-time bus tracking apps configured
* Language guides for basic Malay conversations
* Insider tips on navigating like a local
Long-term Support 🌈
You may already have read all of my content, but don't just stop here!I may eventually organize a tour of this kind, if you are interested! (through a licensed tour agent/agency/company, ofc)Let's keep each other updated, shall we?
A Work In Progress
Can I be honest with you? 😊This whole project is my pilot baby. In other words, I treat all of my offerings here as my "proof of concept" - I'm testing, learning, and growing as I go.While I'm still working towards my official license (coming mid-2025!), I'm pouring my heart into creating experiences, whether virtually and physically, that truly help visitors fall in love with Penang.You're not just getting a mere tour guide yapping things on the Internet; you're getting a local friend, a techie, and a complete toolkit for exploring Penang confidently on your own :)
Pasar Malam Tour
Dive Into Night Market Magic!
Experience the vibrant energy of Penang's night markets!We'll explore 1-2 locations where local life comes alive after dark.______________________What's Included:
The Essentials:
✅ Rapid Penang bus card (choose between Rapid Passport or Rapid Preferred).✅ Real-time transit apps setup.✅ My TouristPay app installation & cashback.✅ Cute tote bag with local snacks and keepsakes.
The Experience:
Navigate bustling night markets 👀Sample local street food favorites 👀Learn bargaining techniques 👀Meet friendly vendors 👀Discover unique local products 👀
The Knowledge:
👉🏻 Night market etiquette guide.👉🏻 Bargaining phrases in local Malay dialect.👉🏻 Food safety tips.👉🏻 Best photography spots.👉🏻 Local pricing insights.
Post-Tour Perks:
300 points for future bookings 🤩Digital night market guide 😍Street food glossary 🤩Ongoing support via email/WhatsApp/Telegram 😍
Ban San Tour
Experience Morning Magic!
Join me for a delicious journey through Penang's breakfast culture!We'll visit 3-4 local spots where morning delicacies come to life.______________________What's Included:
The Essentials:
✅ Rapid Penang bus card (choose between Rapid Passport or Rapid Preferred).✅ Real-time transit apps setup.✅ My TouristPay app installation & cashback.✅ Cute tote bag with local snacks and keepsakes.
The Experience:
Visit authentic morning markets 👀Learn about traditional kueh types 👀Meet local vendors and learn their stories 👀Practice ordering in Malay 👀Tips on identifying the best local breakfast spots 👀
The Knowledge:
👉🏻 Understanding local breakfast customs👉🏻 Food photography tips for those Insta-worthy shots👉🏻 Historical context of each location👉🏻 Dietary advice and halal guidance (if applicable)
Post-Tour Perks:
300 points for future bookings 🤩Digital guide to Penang breakfast spots 😍Language guide for food ordering 🤩Ongoing support via email/WhatsApp/Telegram 😍
Package Price:
RM300 per pax
(for the time being, the package tours above are only available to non-Malaysian citizens aged 18 years old and above)
P.S. keep in mind that both of my tour packages above are part of my "proof of concept" testings, as I'm currently gauging the feedback and interest of those packages by tourists. Well, there's always room for improvements, and this also means the above packages may subject to change :)
Frequently Asked Questions
Still Got Questions? 🤔
Don't Shy!
Email me at [email protected]
I usually reply within one working day. Even if you're not sure about booking yet, happy to help answer any questions about Penang!
Remember: No such thing as a silly question when you're exploring a new place! 😊