Gurney Drive is one of Penang’s most iconic waterfront promenades, known for its scenic sea views, waterfront dining, and vibrant atmosphere. However, beyond the coastal walk and street food, the area is also a prime shopping destination. Within a short walk or drive, visitors can find several major shopping malls that offer everything from luxury brands to local souvenirs. This article focuses on the nearest malls to Gurney Drive, with a detailed look at Gurney Paragon Mall and other nearby shopping centers.
Gurney Paragon Mall
Gurney Paragon Mall is the closest shopping center to Gurney Drive, located directly opposite the promenade along Gurney Drive itself. Opened in 2013, it is a modern, upscale mall that caters to both locals and tourists. The mall features a distinctive curved glass facade and a spacious interior with over 200 retail outlets spread across six floors.
Retail and Fashion
Gurney Paragon houses a mix of international and local brands. Anchor tenants include Parkson department store, H&M, Uniqlo, and Marks & Spencer. For luxury shoppers, there are boutiques like Michael Kors, Coach, and Furla. The mall also has a dedicated floor for electronics and home appliances, with stores such as Harvey Norman and Senheng.
Dining Options
The mall offers a wide range of dining choices, from fast food to fine dining. The Gurney Paragon Food Court on the lower ground floor serves affordable local dishes like char koay teow, nasi kandar, and cendol. For a more upscale experience, visitors can head to St. Presso for coffee and pastries, Sushi Tei for Japanese cuisine, or Madam Kwan’s for Malaysian favorites. The rooftop area features several restaurants with sea views, such as The Top View Restaurant and Boat House.
Entertainment and Services
Gurney Paragon is also a family-friendly destination. It houses a Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) multiplex with 10 screens, including an IMAX theater. For children, there is a Playground area and a Fun World arcade. The mall also has a fitness center, a spa, and a supermarket (Cold Storage) for grocery needs. Parking is ample with over 2,000 parking bays, and the mall is directly connected to the Gurney Paragon Hotel.
Gurney Plaza
Just a 5-minute walk from Gurney Drive, Gurney Plaza is another major shopping mall that has been a landmark since its opening in 2001. It is located at 170 Persiaran Gurney, adjacent to the Gurney Plaza hotel. With over 400 retail outlets, it is one of the largest malls in Penang.
Key Stores
Gurney Plaza is anchored by Robinsons department store (until its closure in 2020; now replaced by Parkson), Popular Bookstore, and Harvey Norman. Fashion brands include Zara, Mango, Topshop, and Cotton On. The mall also has a dedicated floor for sports and outdoor gear, with World of Sports and Royal Sporting House.
Food and Beverage
The Gurney Plaza food court is famous among locals for its variety and reasonable prices. It offers stalls selling asam laksa, curry mee, and roti canai. For sit-down meals, there are restaurants like Din Tai Fung, Texas Chicken, and Starbucks. The basement level also has a Food Republic food court with a more upscale ambiance.
Additional Facilities
Gurney Plaza features a GSC cinema (12 screens), a bowling alley (Superbowl), and a karaoke center (Red Box). The mall also has a large Daiso store for budget shopping. Free shuttle buses connect Gurney Plaza to nearby hotels and the ferry terminal.
1st Avenue Mall
Located about 1.5 km from Gurney Drive, 1st Avenue Mall is a mid-range shopping center at 182 Jalan Magazine. It is accessible via a 10-minute walk or a short taxi ride. The mall is known for its youthful vibe and frequent sales events.
Retail Mix
1st Avenue Mall has over 150 stores, including Padini Concept Store, Brands Outlet, F.O.S, and Mr. DIY. It also has a Popular Bookstore and a Senheng electronics store. The mall’s anchor is AEON supermarket, which is popular for groceries and household items.
Dining and Entertainment
The mall’s food court, Food Avenue, offers affordable local dishes. There are also chain restaurants like KFC, Pizza Hut, and Secret Recipe. For entertainment, there is a TGV Cinemas with 6 screens and a Playground for children. The mall also has a fitness center (Celebrity Fitness).
Prangin Mall
Prangin Mall is located about 2 km from Gurney Drive, near the Komtar area. It is one of the oldest malls in Penang, opened in 1999, and is known for its budget-friendly shopping. The mall is connected to the Komtar Tower via a skybridge.
What to Expect
Prangin Mall has over 200 shops, many of which are small independent retailers selling clothes, accessories, and electronics. It is a popular spot for bargain hunters. The mall also has a Giant Hypermarket for groceries, a Popular Bookstore, and a Daiso store.
Food Options
The mall has a large food court on the top floor with numerous stalls offering local favorites. There are also fast-food outlets like McDonald’s and Subway. For a unique experience, visitors can try the Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul stall in the food court.
Other Nearby Malls
In addition to the major malls, there are several smaller shopping centers within a 3-km radius of Gurney Drive:
- Island Plaza (2 km away): A small mall with a Jaya Grocer supermarket, a Guardian pharmacy, and a few eateries. It is convenient for quick shopping.
- Sunshine Square (2.5 km away): Located in the Tanjung Tokong area, this mall features a Sunshine Supermarket, a Daiso, and a Popular Bookstore. It also has a food court and a cinema.
- Straits Quay (3 km away): A waterfront retail complex with a marina, offering upscale dining and boutique shopping. It is more of a lifestyle destination than a traditional mall.
Shopping Tips for Visitors
When shopping near Gurney Drive, keep these tips in mind:
- Opening Hours: Most malls are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Some anchor stores may open earlier or close later.
- Transportation: Gurney Paragon and Gurney Plaza are easily walkable from Gurney Drive. For other malls, taxis or ride-hailing services like Grab are readily available. Fares to 1st Avenue Mall or Prangin Mall typically cost RM 5–10.
- Parking: All malls have ample parking. Rates at Gurney Paragon are RM 3 for the first 3 hours, then RM 1 per hour. Gurney Plaza charges RM 2 for the first 2 hours, then RM 1 per hour.
- Tax Refunds: Tourists can claim GST refunds (now SST) at the airport for purchases above RM 300 from participating stores.
For a complete overview of the area, refer to our complete guide to Gurney Drive, Penang.