Penang, Malaysia - Hotels & Resorts in Batu Ferringhi

The beach at Penang's Batu Ferringhi may not be among the top 10 beaches in Malaysia but still a popular holiday destination. There are plenty of 4 to 5-star hotels and resorts in the area, with many located along the beachfront. As with most holiday accommodation by the beach, there are the typical swimming pools and terraces for lounging under the sun. I see more foreign tourists here mainly from the Western and Middle Eastern countries. I guess Malaysians head to the better and more secluded beaches. 

Parkroyal

Golden Sands Resorts

Holiday Inn

Enjoying the sun

Penang, Malaysia - Budget Stays in Batu Ferringhi

Budget travellers and backpackers should not have any difficulty finding budget accommodation in Batu Ferringhi. There are several in the area and charge RM30-80 (USD9-24) per room. Can't miss them with their signboards prominently displayed along the main street (Batu Ferringgi Road) and located together with the star-rated hotels and resorts. Most of these accommodation are family operated businesses.

Signs for cheap stays in Batu Ferringhi

Ali's Guest House

Shalini's Guest House

Baba's Guest House

Penang, Malaysia - Queensbay

Queensbay is an upmarket commercial property along Penang's southeastern coast. Though by the sea, it is not a beach destination for sunbathing or swimming. However, I once saw two white tourists (pardon the expression) actually sunbathing along the promenade here. They probably thought they were at the beach in Batu Ferringhi or just couldn't wait!

Queensbay's main attraction is Queensbay Mall, the largest shopping mall on the island. If you have shopping on your mind, you are in the right place. There are also plenty of restaurants including fast foods as well as a food court to whet your appetite under air-conditioned comfort. Across the narrow strait from Queensbay is the former penal island of Pulau Jerejak. 

Queensbay

Along the promenade

Queensbay Mall

Pulau Jerejak across Queensbay

Penang, Malaysia - Penang Snake Temple

The Snake Temple in Penang is a Chinese temple located about 3 km (2 miles) from Bayan Lepas Airport. The temple's history dates back to 1850 and when it opened, green viper snakes reportedly came to the temple from the nearby forests. Snakes continue to live in the temple but are not as many compared to when I was here 30 years ago, before the forest was cleared for property development.

I believe the snakes at the temple today were captured from somewhere. Though poisonous, they are harmless probably because smoke from the burning incense makes them drowsy - there are no known cases of the snakes biting anyone. Over the years the temple has become commercialised with its souvenir shops but then again it's probably the only temple of its kind in the world.

Snake Temple

'Sleepy' python at the Snake Temple

'Bored' viper at the Snake Temple

Penang, Malaysia - Street Food in Penang

Penang offers more street food than other places that I have been in Malaysia. Probably the reason locals claim the island is a food paradise. You can find them at the hawker centers, along a busy road, at the coffee shops and even in the back alleys. You'd think with rising income, modern fast foods and restaurants would have replaced street food in Penang? Not here on the island!

Anywhere in the world, where there is street food there is cheap eats and Penang is no exception. Street foods are the best places for local (Penang-style) foods whether it be Malay, Indian or Chinese dishes. For around RM7 (USD2), you can get a good meal with drink. Dishes tend to be Malaysian but there are always the few odd ones serving Western-style dishes.

Hawker centre at Padang Brown

Eating out at Gurney Drive by Drhtgoon

Street food in Little India

Fried noodles (mee goreng mamak) from a street stall

Penang, Malaysia - Penang Botanic Gardens

The Penang Botanic Gardens (Taman Kebun Bunga in Malay) is about 5 km (3 miles) from KOMTAR Tower in George Town's city centre. The Gardens covers 30 ha (74 acres) and established in 1885 on a former quarry site. Admission is free and opens daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. To get here, take the no. 10 Rapid Penang Bus from KOMTAR or Pengkalan Weld near the waterfront. 

This 'green lung' of Penang is popular with the locals, and could see people coming here to exercise or just walking and enjoying the natural beauty. There are wide areas of green open spaces, planted tress of various species and several green houses including the Fern House, Orchid House and Cactus House. You could also meet up with a few monkeys and black giant squirrels.

Entrance to Penang Botanic Gardens

The 'Cannon Ball Tree' at Penang Botanic Gardens by Elph

Passing through of Botanic Garden

The Orchid House by Elph

Walking through the forest

Penang, Malaysia - Little India in George Town

Little India is an Indian neighbourhood in Penang, tucked away in a little enclave of George Town near the waterfront. The neighborhood is situated along Jalan Pasar (Market Street), a 10-15 minutes walk from the Penang Esplanade. It is the heart of the island's Indian community and just about everything here is Indian including the shopkeepers.

Little India here began in the 19th century as an enclave for immigrants from India, explaining its strong Indian flavour. You can't stop noticing shops selling Indian items including spices, colourful saris, fragrant garlands, jewellery and VCDs from Bollywood. For a taste of India, there are the restaurants and food stalls serving tasty curry dishes and snacks.  

Spice shop in Little India

Indian shop selling garlands

Indian textiles

Shop selling dried foodstuff

Street stall selling Indian snacks

Penang, Malaysia - Colonial Buildings in George Town

The area around the Esplanade is home to several architectural buildings constructed during the British colonial era. Many of the buildings here are similar in architecture with the colonial buildings seen along Singapore's Riverside. It's not surprising, since Penang and Singapore were once part and under the administration of the British's Straits Settlement.

Landmark buildings include Penang City Hall (1903) with its Edwardian Baroque architecture. The Penang State Assembly (1874) and Courthouse (1903) encompasses Classical Greek and Palladian architecture. The E&O Hotel (1885) has elements of Moorish designs while the Standard Chartered building (1930) includes Palladian, Classical and Art Deco architecture.

Old City Hall (1903)

The Courthouse (1903)

Penang State Assembly Building (1874) by Gryffindor

E&O Hotels (1885)

Standard Chartered Building (1930)

Penang, Malaysia - Fort Cornwallis in George Town

Penang's Fort Cornwallis is a star-shaped fort located at Light Street (Lebuh Light) in George Town. The first fort was built in 1794 from the trunks of palm trees, and in 1810 replaced by a fort constructed from bricks and stone that is seen today. The only buildings left standing today are the outer walls and inside is a chapel and a gunpowder room. Several canons surround the fort and the oldest and largest cannon dates back to 1603. Though built to defend against invaders, no battles were ever fought.

Entrance into Fort Cornwallis

Old cannon at Fort Cornwallis

More cannons by Gryffindor

Pedicabs beside the old fort 

Penang, Malaysia - The Esplanade in George Town

Penang's Esplanade is located along George Town's waterfront, stretching 400 metres  (1,312 feet) along Jalan (Road) Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah. Forget about dipping into the sea here because the water is muddy and the retaining wall prevents people from going down to the shore. There are no shady trees along the Esplanade and it's too hot for a stroll during the midday sun.

Then why mention about the Esplanade? It's a popular spot with the locals starting late afternoon and into the evening, when it gets cooler. By then there are the strollers, joggers and people just enjoying the sea breeze. Historically this is the place where Captain Francis Light first landed on the island in 1786, and where many of Penang's well-preserved colonial buildings can be seen. 

The Esplanade in George Town

Along the Esplanade

Fishing by the Esplanade

The Esplanade Park by Gryffindor

Penang, Malaysia - Penang's Capital of George Town

George Town was founded in 1786 by Captain Francis Light and named after the 18th century British King George III. Situated on the northeastern corner of Penang Island, George Town is the capital of the island and state of Penang. It's a fascinating city, home to many well preserved colonial buildings and old shophouses built from the 19th century to the 1930s.

The main street is Penang Road with its most noticeable landmark being the 65-floor KOMTAR Tower, the tallest building on the island. Nothing impressive about the building, but makes a good landmark if you're lost in George Town. The city has an old world atmosphere, in some areas you'd think you were in the 1960s and others in the early 20th century.

The 65-floor KOMTAR Tower in George Town by Shoestring

George Town's city centre along Penang Road

Walking along Penang Road

Another street view of George Town

Back street in George Town

Penang, Malaysia - Nightlife in Batu Ferringhi

Penang's Batu Ferringhi has a vibrant and lively nightlife but would not describe the scene as wild or frenzy. Nightlife here is best described as easy going and family friendly. Definitely there are bars here but no go-go girls slithering along the poles or pot bellied men with their temporary sweethearts. Then there are the restaurants and eateries that tend to be more occupied in the evening than during the day.

There is an open air night market selling the typical souvenir items such as trinkets and T-shirts. Beyond the souvenirs there are traders selling handicrafts, bags, belts and clothes including batik. Then there are the odd traders selling counterfeits namely movie DVDs, music CDs and watches. Along with it are the occasional raids by the authorities on the counterfeits and that is as exciting as it get in Batu Ferringhi at night.

Batu Ferringhi at night

A night out along Batu Ferringhi Road

The night market

The Ship (restaurant) at night

Lebanese restaurant waiting for customers