Even without the duty free privilege, shopping in Penang is still an exciting experience. Antique and curios stores well stocked with things art deco, art nouveau, baroque, rococo, chinoiserie, silver, china, glass, objet d'art and bric-à-brac are still doing brisk business along Chulia Street, Penang Road and Burmah Road. Campbell Street (a pedestrian mall) is a hive of activity and the place to head to for the best bargain on shoes, clothes, luggage, cosmetics, perfumes and food. Great bargains can also be found at roadside stalls which sell leather goods, clothing and souvenier items.

If moseying in malls is your cup of tea, there are plenty to choose from - at least three right smack in George Town, and several more on the outskirts. All prices in the departmental stores and bigger shops are fixed, but elsewhere it is advisable to compare prices before buying. It is also customary to bargain.

If you crave the unusual, head on down to the flea market at Lorong Kulit, which is open from morning until around 2:00pm daily. Dubious looking antiques lie side by side with throwaway junk, and new things juxtapose with used items, but with a little patience and perseverance, you might unearth a hidden gem from underneath all the jumble and hodgepodge. Peak days are weekends and public holidays, except Thaipusam, when the grounds are used to prepare kavadi carriers.

Although George Town isn't exactly a city that does not sleep, night life on the island is abuzz with excitement until the wee hours (longer on weekends). All hotels feature at least some form of entertainment other. There are also numerous colorful bars, nightclubs, discotheques, all-night coffee houses and restaurants.

SHOPPING in Penang used to be confined to visiting the numerous pre-war shophouses in major ''shopping streets'' for the best bargains.

However, such shops are being slowly edged out by shopping complexes which have sprouted up in the city over the years.

Fast-emerging supermalls boasting features such as bowling alleys, theme parks, restaurants and cineplexes have become crowd-pullers with the ability to attract shoppers because of a myriAd of services and goods.

However, visitors will still be able to shop for foodstuffs, souvenirs, curious and clothes for a good buy at roAdside shops which have maintained its popularity as bargaining centres.

Penang is definitely a shopping haven for visitors with the mushrooming of new shopping complexes, supermarkets and mega malls in the state.

POPULAR SHOPPING COMPLEXES

PENANG: -

1. Gurney Plaza

Gurney Plaza Penang is one of the latest shopping havens in Penang. Located along Gurney Drive, it fronts the sea and combines the extra sensation of shopping and relaxation. Most of the major shopping outlets can be found here. Contact tel : 04-228 1111 Fax : 04-228 6666

2. Kompleks Bukit Jambul.

Located at the fast-developing Bukit Jambul area, this RM350 million complex is the largest in the northern region. It features 414 shops, hypermarket Cosmart, an ice-skating rink, food court, a high-tech amusement centre, six cineplexes and a 40-lane bowling alley.

3. One-Stop Midlands Park Centre.

With 350 retail lots, shoppers can expect to meet all their needs under one roof at the centre in Burmah RoAd. Watsons, Voir, Reject Shop, Dave's Deli, Sushi King, Lea Fashion and MOG are among the retailers at Midlands. Attractions here include a bowling alley, roof-top water theme park and an international food court.

4. Island Plaza

The mall at Tanjong Tokong is the first comprehensive shopping centre serving the tourist belt in Penang Island. With anchor tenant Super Tanjong taking up 145,000 sq ft, Island Plaza is a preferred destination for shopping, dining and entertainment with a controlled mix of local, regional and international retailers.

5. Sunshine Square

This ambitious project by Suiwah Supermarket Sdn Bhd is the largest supermarket and departmental store to be operated by the group here. Located at the junction of Jalan Mahsuri and Jalan Mayang Pasir in the bustling Bayan Baru township, the complex boasts of a bowling alley, two ultra-modern cineplexes, a hawkers' complex and a children's entertainment centre.

6. Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar)

The major shopping giants in this 65-storey building (above) in Penang RoAd include Super Komtar Departmental Store and Japanese supermarket Yaohan Departmental Store.

Retail shops featuring clothes are also found on the second and third floors at Phase One and Two. Komtar was once the shopping haven for Penangites as shoppers could purchase almost anything under the sun.

7. Gama Supermarket and Department Stores.

This newly-renovated supermarket which is part of the Sogo Group at Jalan Datuk Keramat has been a leAding retail outlet for the last 29 years. It not only provides quality merchandise at fair prices but also excellent service to customers.

THE MAINLAND: -

Makro Cash and Carry Distribution (M) Sdn Bhd

One of the group's four stores nationwide is located in Seberang Jaya and this RM40 million outlet has a total of 48,000 registered members. Makro cardholders can purchase grocery, clothings and electrical goods from the outlet at value prices.

Carrefour

Another supermarket located in Seberang Jaya that sells a variety of items ranging from grocery to clothing and electrical goods.

Megamall Pinang

This is situated in Prai.

OTHER SHOPPING AREAS:

Penang's other main shopping district is confined to rather a small area and one must go to specific places for certain goods.

1. Penang RoAd.

Here, shoppers will be able to get bargains at the Penang RoAd Bazaar and the surrounding shops. Items ranging from foodstuff, clothes, imitation leather goods and watches for reasonable prices can be bought here.

2. Campbell Street.

It is one of the oldest shopping streets. Even with competition from modern shopping complexes and malls, the area is still one of the popular shopping spots for locals and foreigners. Campbell Street was also chosen by the state government to hold the annual Shopping Carnival.

3. Pasar Malam (night markets).

Well-known as the travelling night market, the pasar malam essentially is a place where housewives can buy the necessities and at the same time enjoy the fun-fair atmosphere. It offers an assortment of merchandise and normally starts at 6.30pm and ends at 11pm. For details on the location, one must refer to the local newspapers.

4. Flea Market