We Take a Detailed Look at Monopoly PENANG Edition

Proof: I own a classic 1980s edition, an electronic banking edition where there is no paper money but credit cards instead (I don’t recommend this as it takes out all the fun), and a cool and elaborate 1997 Hong Kong commemorative edition which has names in both Chinese and English.

The box is pretty straightforward in terms of its material and colourful just like the vibrant offerings of island.

The flip side reads, ‘Pay a visit to Penang, also known as the pearl of the orient, located on the northwestern part of Malaysia, in this special edition of MONOPOLY. Penang is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, beautiful beaches, sacred sites and colonial architecture –all which can be yours, if you can strike a deal.’

Instead of braving the crazy Georgetown traffic, you can now take a fun tour around Penang’s landmarks, attractions, and popular sites. Note that it also includes spots from the mainland and not only the island. The modes of transport and utilities which are some of the most coveted spots on the board include the Penang International Airport, Penang Ferry, Durian Farm, and Tropical Farm.

Penangites love to visit malls for some respite from the heat, so naturally, Gurney Plaza, Queensbay Mall, Design Village Outlet Mall, and Sunway Carnival Mall are included. Interestingly, as Penang is home to quite a few international schools, two are included as well including Tenby Schools Penang and Stonyhurst International School.

Two hotels The Granite Luxury Hotel and Courtyard by Marriot Penang also have a home on the board which are pretty unconventional picks because they aren’t top-of-mind choices for most Penangites.

Other landmarks include Kek Lok Si, Komtar, Fort Cornwallis, Armenian Street, Clan Jetties, and Batu Ferringhi.

Inside the box, you’ll find a game board, 8 tokens, 28 Title Deed cards, 16 Chance cards, 16 Community Chest Cards, 1 pack of Monopoly money, 32 houses, 12 hotels, 2 dice, and instructions. The Monopoly money has the word PENANG under each numeral.

Tokens for board games differ depending on the edition and the year of the release of an edition. The ones used in this edition are those which can be found in some standard editions. The 8 metal tokens are the Battleship, Race Car, Scottish Terrier, Cat, Boot (which was retired from standard editions in 2017), Thimble, Top Hat, and Wheelbarrow (also retired from standard editions in 2017).

Amongst the title deed cards, the ones with the two aforementioned hotels appear with personalised images instead of the standard block colours.

The title deed cards flipped to their ‘mortgaged’ side are surprisingly vivid and multicoloured, mirroring images of stunning photography from the local areas depicted on the board. The standard monopoly sets don’t depict images, only text.

As for the Chance & Community Chest cards, these are also inspired by popular local businesses, which adds to the authenticity of the game. ‘Explore Butterworth’s Art Murals at Jalan Bagan Luar. Collect M150’ reads one. ‘You visit one of Penang’s many night markets and browse through the local food and souvenirs. Collect M200’, says another.

We can see this being a unique souvenir to give to your overseas friends instead of the usual keychains and T-shirts (if they’re willing to lug it home)

Otherwise, you can also have fun playing this with friends and family, just make sure you don’t sever ties fighting over properties!

The board game retails at RM189.90 and you can find it at BookXcess, Kinokuniya, Twigs, Tsutaya, Design Village Outlet, and more. You can also get it at Imagine Games’ Shopee store.

Image credit: Alicia Corbett