The venue for the Conference is the Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang, which is, as the name suggests, in the heart of George Town, Penang, Malaysia. George Town is on Penang island, off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It has recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the uniqueness of both its built and its intangible heritage. This reflects its fascinating history as an entrepot port, resulting in a diverse mix of different, distinct ethnic groups and traditions. At the same time, Penang is a beautiful place in its own right, with famous beaches, Penang Hill and a number of other places of outstanding natural beauty to be found in its relatively small space. There is much to see and much to eat! Penang is close to the equator, so it is hot and humid – with daytime temperatures in February averaging around 30C. The conference rooms are air-conditioned!

Check out  http://www.visitpenang.gov.my for more information on what is on offer! And come a day early, or stay for some days after the conference! You will love our Penang state!

VENUE - THE BAYVIEW HOTEL GEORGETOWN PENANG

The hotel is situated in the core zone of the World Heritage Site of George Town. It is about 40 minutes by car/taxi from the airport and about 25 minutes from the Penang Bridge (road).

Participants are expected to make their own travel and hotel arrangements. The organizers have negotiated accommodation at special rates at the hotel. The room rate includes buffet breakfast, complimentary hi-speed broadband internet connection in the guest rooms and WIFI in hotel public areas.

Check out the accommodation and hotel rates & facilities at its website at http://www.bayviewhotels.com/georgetown

Address & Contact number 
25-A Farquhar Street, 
10200 Penang, Malaysia 
Tel: + (604) 263 3161 
Fax: + (604) 263 4124 
General Email: bayviewgeorgetown@bayviewhotels.com 
Reservation Email: reservations.bhgp@bayviewhotels.com 
Website: www.bayviewhotels.com/georgetown

Registration will begin the evening of February 23, 2014 from 7.00pm – 9.00pm. The registration desk will have participants’ name tags and conference pack. The desk will also be open the morning of the conference on 24 February 2014 at 8.00am for those participants coming on the day itself.

Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the early registration on Sunday, February 23, 2014.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE/MEALS

• Mid-morning & afternoon tea breaks at the Foyer of Sri Mas Ballroom, Level 4
• Lunch at the Coffee House, Lobby
• Welcome Dinner & Social Networking : Monday, 24 February 2014 @ 8.00pm at the Sri Mas Ballroom, Level 4

GETTING TO PENANG

Penang is easily accessible by air with daily flights to/from local Malaysian cities and also direct flights to major regional centers including Singapore, Bangkok, Medan, Xiamen, Madras, and Hong Kong. Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and China Airlines fly into Penang as well as the budget airlines Air Asia, Firefly Airlines,  SilkAir, Jetstar and Tiger Airways.

The Penang International Airport is about 20 km from the city center, or about 40 minutes by taxi (depending on time of day). There is a coupon system for the taxis at the airport, and the cost to the Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang will be around RM60.00.

VISA

For visitors to Malaysia, for most people there are no visa requirements for a stay of less than one (1) month (one major exception are  Myanmar nationals). Visas are required for duration of stay exceeding one (1) month except for Brunei and Singapore nationals. The following Commonwealth countries do require a visa: India, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, Pakistan, Nigeria and Mozambique. Please enquire at the Malaysian Embassy in your country for visa applications. 

An electronic visa service is available for some countries. To apply for an e-Visa, please visit www.imi.gov.my .

ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION

You are welcome to book a room at Bayview Hotel Georgetown Penang but in case you want other alternatives, there are plenty nearby. They range from the up market but famous E&O Hotel (almost adjacent to the Conference venue), the carefully restored Cheong Fatt Tze mansion, or cheaper/less expensive hotels in the vicinity including Cititel, Hotel Continental and Hotel Malaysia. You will have no problem finding more information on these and other hotels if you google Penang hotels. Please feel free to email us if you have any query.

Here are some suggestions of alternative accommodation around the conference venue:

CONTACT INFORMATION OF SECRETARIAT

In case of emergency, you may contact: