BASE ACCOMODATION

SMC Penang consists of several five-bedroom houses in a neighborhood on the northeast corner of Penang Island, in West Malaysia. Accommodation is dormitory style and meals are enjoyed together. Rooms are equipped with ceiling fans, beds/pillows, desks, and wardrobes. (Several students will share one wardrobe. Storage space is limited so please pack conservatively).

Base houses contain bedrooms and kitchen facilities as well as classrooms, meeting rooms or dining areas. We ask that everyone dress appropriately in public areas of the houses. It is possible that men and women may reside in the same house so we ask that men and women use wisdom in their interaction and maintain godly appearances by meeting in public areas rather than each other's personal rooms. SMC Penang is a multicultural community and we want to be sensitive to others.

BEDDING

Please bring your own sheets, towels and pillowcases. While the Malaysian climate is warm, you may also want to bring a light blanket for cooler evenings. These items can be purchased locally.

ELECTRICITY & WATER

Voltage in Malaysia is 220- 240V, 50 cycles. Power sockets are generally of the three-square pin type found in the UK. You will need a step-down transformer with adapter plugs to run any 110V appliances. Smaller appliances can also be purchased locally for a reasonable price. The step-down transformer and voltage regulator needed for powering electronics can be purchased locally for about RM 120. Most laptops can take between 100V and 250V, but check to be sure before using.

Water in Penang is generally safe to drink although some choose to filter and/or boil drinking water.

RECREATION

Although the base/school schedule can be intensive, Sundays are generally set aside for rest and relaxation. Botanical Gardens, museums, beaches (though not all are clean), movie theatres, department stores, shopping malls and even a butterfly farm are all within a one-hour bus ride. There is also a wide variety of food stalls, restaurants and coffee shops throughout the island where staff and students enjoy hanging out. Several nearby hotels provide a place to swim, exercise and relax for reasonable rates and several staff have purchased memberships there.