Xinba Snooker Centre Review - Snooker Hall in George Town, Penang

Last updated: 30 September 2026

Xinba Snooker Centre is a smoke-free, family-friendly snooker hall in the Paya Terubong area of George Town, Penang. What sets it apart from most snooker halls in Malaysia is the combination of a strict no-smoking policy, mini snooker tables for children, and very late operating hours until 4 AM. With off-peak rates starting from RM15.20 per hour, it is also one of the more affordable options on the island.

Smoke-Free Snooker in Penang

If you have spent any time in Malaysian snooker halls, you know the biggest complaint is almost always about smoke. Many venues, especially older ones, have a haze that lingers around the tables and clings to your clothes. Xinba Snooker Centre takes a different approach with a strict no-smoking policy throughout the venue. This is not just a preference -- it fundamentally changes the playing experience. The cloth stays cleaner longer, the air is comfortable to breathe, and you do not leave smelling like an ashtray.

Non-smoking venues are still the minority in Malaysia's snooker scene. Century Snooker in Johor Bahru is another smoke-free option if you are ever playing in the south. For hall operators considering their own setup, cleaner air also means less maintenance on table cloth and equipment -- our table maintenance guide covers these details.

Family-Friendly with Mini Tables for Kids

Xinba goes a step further than most halls by providing mini snooker tables for children. This is genuinely rare. Most snooker halls in Malaysia are adult-oriented spaces where bringing kids feels awkward or is outright impractical. At Xinba, families can visit together -- parents can play on the full-size tables while children use the mini tables nearby.

For parents who play snooker and want to introduce their kids to the sport, this is a welcoming environment. Teaching a child on a full 12-foot table is frustrating for everyone involved; the mini tables make the game accessible and fun for younger players. If your children show interest and you want to eventually get them a cue, our cue buying guide includes advice on lighter, shorter cues suitable for younger players.

Pricing

Off-peak rates start from RM15.20 per hour, which is competitive for Penang. Peak rates are likely higher, but specific pricing tiers are not publicly listed. Even at the entry rate, Xinba undercuts many George Town venues. For context, OneCue Snooker JB charges RM23-40/hr, while Looi Snooker in PJ is fixed at RM24/hr.

The affordable pricing, combined with the smoke-free environment and family-friendly setup, makes Xinba a good value proposition for casual players and families who want to play without breaking the bank.

Very Late Hours

Xinba Snooker Centre stays open until 4 AM daily, starting from 12 PM. That is a 16-hour daily window that accommodates almost any schedule. Night owls and shift workers who finish late will appreciate having a clean, smoke-free venue available deep into the early morning. Most Penang snooker halls close by midnight or 1 AM, so the 4 AM closing time is a genuine differentiator.

Paya Terubong Location

Paya Terubong is a suburban residential area in George Town, sitting between the Penang Hill foothills and the main urban core. It is not the most central location on the island, but it is well-connected via Jalan Paya Terubong and easily reachable by car from most parts of George Town within 15-20 minutes. Parking in the area is generally straightforward.

For players on the island who want a more central George Town option, ACE Snooker Club on Jalan Dato Kramat is worth considering, though it closes at midnight and does not have the smoke-free policy.

What We Do Not Know

Xinba Snooker Centre is a relatively new venue with minimal online reviews and no listed phone number. We were unable to verify the exact number or brand of tables, specific peak-hour pricing, or whether coaching is available. The lack of a phone number is inconvenient -- you cannot call ahead to check table availability. If you are visiting for the first time, be prepared for some unknowns and plan to arrive early, especially on weekends.

Who Should Visit Xinba Snooker Centre

Families and non-smokers are the primary audience here. If secondhand smoke has been keeping you or your family away from snooker halls, Xinba removes that barrier entirely. Night owls who want a late venue without the smoky bar atmosphere will also appreciate the 4 AM hours. Budget players benefit from the RM15.20/hr entry rate. For those new to the game, our rules for beginners guide covers the basics before your first visit.

Frequently Asked Questions