Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

About the SGD80 Airfare Reimbursement Promotion

1.

How does this offer work?

Stay a total of 3 nights at Hotel Equatorial Penang on the special room rates for this promotion and a SGD80 reimbursement will be given for each person. E.g

Single Room
=
 SGD80 reimbursement

Double Room
=
 SGD160 reimbursement

Triple Room
=
 SGD240 reimbursement





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2.
 Do I need to have a 3 night stay booking to qualify for this offer?

Not necessarily.  You can stay for 3 separate occasions for a single night per stay or any combinations so long as the accumulative number of nights meet the minimum total of 3.

The last stay must be utilised by 31 December 2009. 

Example 1

1 night (first stay)
 Check-in: 28 September 2009
Check-out: 29 September 2009

2 nights (second stay)
 Check-in: 1 November 2009
Check-out: 3 November 2009



Example 2

2 nights (first stay)
 Check-in: 28 October 2009
Check-out: 30 October 2009

1 night (second stay)
 Check-in: 29 December 2009
Check-out: 30 December 2009



Example 3

1 night (first stay)
 Check-in: 31 October 2009
Check-out: 1 November 2009

1 night (second stay)
 Check-in: 15 November 2009
Check-out: 16 November 2009

1 night (third stay)
 Check-in: 30 December 2009
Check-out: 31 December 2009



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3.
 How, when and where can I claim the reimbursement?

The reimbursement amount will be issued upon check-out at the hotel once the total 3 nights minimum stay has been utilised.


4.
 Do I have to book all the 3 separate nights in one reservation?

Not necessary.  The reimbursement however will only be issued once all 3 nights have been fulfilled by 31 December 2009.


5.
 How will the hotel know that I am entitled for the reimbursement after my initial stay?

The hotel will have details of your previous stay and this will qualify you for the special rates extended for this promotion as well as the reimbursement. 

Upon fulfilment of the 3 nights, the hotel will do the reimbursement at point of check-out.

Just remember that stay(s) must be by 31 December 2009.


6.
 Do I need to specifically identify myself as being eligible for the special rates and reimbursement upon placing reservation after my initial stay?

Yes, simply tell the reservationist over the phone that you are booking this promotion.  If the booking is made via facsimile or email, indicate in your correspondence.

If however, you place the reservations from www.equatorial.com/airfare, you need not make any additional remarks.


7.
 What if my first 2 nights are for single rooms and the 3rd night is on double?  Will I get reimbursed for one person (SGD80) or two persons (SGD80 x 2 = SGD160)?

In the event that the accumulated 3 nights have different number of occupants, the reimbursement will only be for one person.



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8.
 If I travel with my spouse and child, will I get reimbursed for 3 persons (SGD80)?

Yes, on condition that you are booked as a triple room.  If you are booked on a double room, the reimbursement will be limited to only 2 persons (SGD160).


9.
 Can I qualify if I just stay for a straight consecutive 3 nights?

Absolutely.  In such cases, the reimbursement will be issued at the end of that stay itself.


10.
 Can I stay for more than 3 nights?

Absolutely.  The special room rate will still be applicable.  The reimbursement is however fixed at SGD80 per person regardless of number of nights stayed.


11.
 How much do I pay for the room / stays?

The special room rates for this promotion are: -
Room Category
 Single
 Twin
 Triple
Deluxe
 SGD126++
 SGD156++
Executive Deluxe
 SGD139++
 SGD169++
Equator Club
 SGD174++
 SGD204++
Reimbursement (after qualification of 3 nights stay total)
 SGD80
 SGD160
 SGD240
* Room prices above are subject to 10% service charge and 5% government tax
* No taxes are levied on reimbursement amount


12.
 Do I have to show proof of airtickets / receipt to claim the 'reimbursement'?

Not at all.  The reimbursement will be automatic without the requirement of producing airtickets or receipts.



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13.
 Does this mean that I don't get reimbursed for my airfare?

You will get reimbursed SGD80 per person for qualified accumulative 3 nights of stay.  This SGD80 is typically the upper average price of return economy class airfares (excluding taxes, fees and surcharges) to Penang originating from Singapore.


14.
 What if my airfare works out to be less than SGD80 per person?

You will still get reimbursed SGD80 per person for a minimum total of 3 nights stay.


15.
 What if my airfare works out to be more than SGD80 per person?

You will still get reimbursed SGD80 per person for a minimum total of 3 nights stay.


16.
 How can I check the prices of airfares from my point of origin to Penang?

Go to each airline's website for fare enquiries.


17.
 What are the carriers flying into Penang from Singapore?
  • Air Asia
  • Tiger Airways
  • Jetstar
  • Silkair


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About Hotel Equatorial Penang
   

1.

What types of rooms does Hotel Equatorial Penang have and what are the tariff rates?

Besides the Deluxe Rooms that is being offered in this programme, the hotel has 7 other room types.  The tariff rates for all the rooms are as follow:


Room Type
2009 Tariff Rates (++) per room/suite per night

Single Occupancy
Twin Occupancy

Superior
 MYR480 MYR520

Deluxe MYR520 MYR560

Executive Deluxe
 MYR560 MYR600

Equator Club MYR670 MYR740

Junior Suite
 MYR800

Executive Suite MYR950

Senator Suite
 MYR1,900

Presidential Suite MYR3,800



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2.
 How many restaurants does Hotel Equatorial Penang have and what are they?

There are 4 outlets that you can dine and they are:
 
Outlets

- Features excellent Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine.
Dim-sum is available during lunch hour.

Daily
Lunch 12 noon - 2.30 pm
Dinner 6.30 pm - 10.00 pm

-
 Serving the best of Japanese cuisine at Hotel Equatorial's signature restaurant.

Daily
Lunch 12.00 pm - 2.30 pm
Dinner 6.30 pm - 10.00 pm (Bar is open at 5.30 pm)

-
 The hotel's all day dining restaurant offers local cuisine, western fare and nightly themed buffets.

Monday - Friday, 6.00 a.m. - 1.00 a.m.
Saturday - Sunday, 6.00 a.m. - 2.00 a.m.

-
 Savour authentic French cuisine that is complemented by the majestic scenery of the island's coastline

Monday - Friday, Lunch 12 noon - 2.30 pm
Monday - Saturday, Dinner 6.30 pm - 10.00 pm
Closed on Public Holidays
* In-room dining is also available 24 hours
* For drinks and entertainment, head to Blue Moon, the hotel's bar and lounge



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3.
 What other facilities can I find at Hotel Equatorial Penang?

General facilities available are:
  • High speed internet access of up to 4 Mbps in guestrooms
  • Wireless Internet Access in Equator Club Floor rooms and designated public areas
  • Business Centre with internet and e-mail facilities
  • Designated floors for non-smokers
  • Medical clinic
  • Baby-sitting
  • Express laundry and valet
  • Tour & travel desk, limousine and taxi service
  • Drugstore
  • Currency exchange
  • Complimentary shuttle service to airport and nearby shopping malls (includes Qeensbay Mall - the largest shopping centre in Penang)
As for recreational, the hotel has:
  • 18-hole international golf course
  • Outdoor swimming pool with waterfall and jacuzzi
  • Equinox Fitness Centre, a fully-equipped Fitness Centre with weights room
  • Squash and tennis (floodlit) courts
  • Aerobics studio
  • Separate male / female facilities for sauna, steambath and jacuzzi
  • Beauty and health treatments and spa packages using aromatherapeutic products
  • Reflexology path
  • Jogging tracks
  • Driving range
  • Putting green


4.
 Do you have a website I can visit?

Yes, click here to visit Hotel Equatorial Penang's website.


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About Penang
   
1. Do I need a visa to enter Malaysia?

For a Social and Business visit not beyond one month, the citizens of ASEAN countries do not need a visa to enter Malaysia.

Valid passports and a health certificate of vaccination against yellow fever are required if travelling from an infected area.  Citizens of Commonwealth countries (except India), Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, San Marion and Liechtenstein do not need a visa to visit. 

The following countries do not need a visa for a visit not exceeding three months: Austria, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Tunisia, United States, Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Finland, Luxembourg and Iceland.


2. What is the name of the airport for Penang?

Penang is Penang International Airport and the airport code is "PEN".


3. What is the best currency to carry in Penang or Malaysia?

Ringgit Malaysia.

The Ringgit Malaysia is not traded nor exchanged in the international market and it is advisable to change back to your preferred currency before departing Malaysia.  "RM" is used in Malaysia to indicate the price but the international currency code is "MYR".


4. What is the weather like in Penang?

In general, the climate in Malaysia is tropical.  Humidity is a common feature, which can be duly expected from its proximity to waters. With the exception of highlands, the climate is by and large moderately hot and extremely sultry.  Throughout the year, the temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C on an average.

Mostly tropical climate is experienced round the year and tourism is convenient for all 12 months of the year.


5. What is the dress code in Penang?

Lightweight clothing is ideal.  A shirt, jacket and tie is normal office attire and is appropriate for business.  In rural areas, conservative dressing is advisable.



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6. How is the health situation in Penang?

Travellers have little to worry about in a country where the health standards are ranked among the highest in Asia.

Tap water is best consumed after boiling.  Bottled drinking water and mineral water are also widely available.  Ensure that food is well cooked.


7. How do I get around the city?

Complimentary shuttle service to airport and nearby shopping malls (includes Qeensbay Mall - the largest shopping centre in Penang).  Guests must make prior bookings as there is limited space.  Once in the city, it is recommended to take taxis.


8. How is the tipping policy here?

The custom of tipping is not practised in Malaysia.  To tip or not depends entirely on you.  Most hotels and large restaurants have already included a 10% service charge in addition to the 5% government tax to the bill (indicated by the ++ sign on menus and rate cards) so tipping is unnecessary.


9.
 Will my mobile phone work in Malaysia?

The network accepted in Malaysia is GSM.


10. When is the next public holiday in Penang?

Festival Date Detail

Hari Raya Aidilfitri
 20 - 21 September 2009 National holiday, 2 days

Deepavali 17 October 2009
 National holiday, 1 day

Hari Raya Aidiladha 27 November 2009
 National holiday, 1 day

Christmas 25 December 2009
 National holiday, 1 day



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11.

Where are the places of interest?

There are a lot of places to visit but the must sees are:

  • Batu Maung Fishing Village
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Bukit Jambul Golf Course (adjacent to hotel)
  • China Town
  • City Hall
  • Fort Cornwallis
  • Kapitan Keling Mosque
  • Kek Lok Si Temple
  • Khoo Kongsi
  • Komtar Tower
  • OE Design - The Art Of Jewellery Making
  • Penang Bridge
  • Penang Hill
  • Penang Museum
  • Reptile and Orchid Farm
  • St. George's Church
  • Snake Temple
  • Turf Club
  • Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram
  • Little India
  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
   
12.
 Are there any guided tours available?

Yes.  Simply contact the concierge or the Front Desk at Hotel Equatorial Penang and the personnel will be able to assist you with the booking.


13.
 What websites can I visit to find out more information?

Of course, Hotel Equatorial Penang's own website at www.equatorial.com/pen.  You may also try www.lonelyplanet.com for travelling tips and experience.


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