Things to Do When You’ve Only Got 24 Hours to Explore Penang

I don’t know why you’ll give yourself only 24 hours to tour a whole island. Maybe you’re doing multiple city visits in a limited time or this is just a spontaneous trip. Whatever it is, it’s done. So how can you fully experience the perfect mix of the cosmopolitan and heritage in a place such as Penang?

Well, we’ve got a few ideas.

Choose the most ideal Penang accommodation

One of the first things you need to do is find a hotel with access to all the most important destinations in Penang. For instance, Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort is minutes away from restaurants, shopping centres, and heritage sites. You can’t afford to lose time commuting long distances.

Temple run

Picture from Picture from http://www.constructionplusasia.com/cheah-kongsi/

Start your tour early in the morning, and do it with temples. The reason being that it can get completely overcrowded and might not get to appreciate the architecture and the spiritual significance of the differing temples.

Make sure to visit Kapitan Keling Mosque, Penang Khoo Kongsi, and Kuan Yin Temple.

Memorials and ancestral mansions

From morning to mid-day, make your way to the memorial sites and the preserved mansions. Places like the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Peranakan Museum,  Fort Cornwallis, and the Queen Victoria Memorial.

Restaurants and the Clan Jetties

At mid-day, around 11:00 AM at least so it’s not exactly lunchtime, treat yourself to some local delights. The reason you want to grab lunch early is so you can get seats before the rush.  Visit Penang’s best hawker centres like New Lane Hawker Centre, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, or the Long Beach Food Court.

Then just as the food centres are thick with people, you can jettison out of there and visit the Clan Jetties. Take a relaxing stroll and see rustic houses standing on stilts over water. There are at least 6 jetties you can visit here, named after the surnames of Chinese families who owned them before.

Shopping centres

By this time, it’s already evening, and you’re probably tired of touring. You can start draining your remaining adrenaline by shopping!

Make your way to Gurney Plaza Shopping Mall or Paragon Mall for your unique bargains.

Explore the Penang nightlife

Now that the day is drawing to an end, you can just chill at the local bars and pubs to get a dose of Penang’s nightlife. Head over to the Penang Upper Road and check out all the places lined along the street.

Drop by Slippery Senoritas, Three Sixty Rooftop Bar, or Soho Free House.

That’s your 24-hour itinerary! Make your Penang trip extra special when you take advantage of Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort's website exclusive offers!

Enjoy taking that odd trip!

Let’s Talk About the Street Art in Georgetown, Penang

Georgetown in Penang island is the second largest and one of the oldest cities in Malaysia. In 2008, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of how it has preserved its old-world architecture. While many tourists flock the city for the unique Penang accommodation it promises and the archaic charm it offers, there is one other reason why Georgetown is getting traction again: the street art.

It all started in 2009 when Sculpture At Work won the rights to a commissioned project Penang Island Municipal Council. It was an art challenge titled, “Marking Georgetown: An Idea Competition” for UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tang Mun Kian, creative director of Sculpture At Work, used steel rods to create wire caricatures that depict the life and the trade of the people of Georgetown. More than 50 caricatures can now be found mounted on building walls around the city.

Then in 2012, Georgetown Festival introduced the city to Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic. He was commissioned to paint six murals as part of the project “Mirrors of Georgetown.” These paintings show the playful side of the island, a unique glimpse of the energy of local life.

Many more artists have contributed to this project, enhancing the culture and lifestyle of Georgetown, Penang. Here we will enumerate some of the street art you will find during your visit.

‘Old Motorcycle’

‘Escape’

‘Brother and Sister on a Swing’

‘Little Children on a Bicycle’

‘Cheating Husband’

‘The Awaiting Trishaw Pedaler’

On your next trip, don’t just look for an accommodation in Penang or the best places to eat, be on the lookout for all of the art work around the city

Things You Can Expect To Do In Penang

You know, there is nothing like travelling to a place for the first time. There are so many things you can do in a new city: immerse yourself in the culture, explore all the exciting destinations, and gorge on lots of food. In Penang, there are far too many things people have not explored yet. Yes, the city is known for its history, and the best way to learn about the city is through museums and historical walkthroughs; but there is still so much more about it.

So once you’ve made your reservations in a George Town hotel in Penang and have packed those bags, let’s talk about your holiday itinerary. Here are all the fun things you can do during your Penang trip.

Jungle Trekking

Some of Penang’s not-so-hidden beauty comes from the natural landscape that surrounds it. The Penang National Park was dubbed a natural reserve in 1928, and for good reason. It’s a mostly untouched jungle but it has a lot of trails and a good camping ground that people have begun trekking or hiking in the area. There are also hiking trails from the Botanic Gardens leading up to the Penang Hill.

Beach

Also through the Penang National Park are unspoiled beaches. Foremost is Teluk Duyung or Monkey Beach, where a pre-war lighthouse can be visited and the most breathtaking view can be seen after a 100-metre hike. You can also go to Muka Head, Teluk Bahang, Teluk Kampi, and Pantai Kerachut.

Of course, beach trips mean water activities. The waters in Penang aren’t ideal for diving, snorkelling, or surfing; but they are perfect for jetskiing and parasailing. There are a couple of hotels in Penang that offer countless water activities for visitors if you don’t want the hassle of scheduling your activities.

Cycling

If you need a break from George Town, you can always get some peace while cycling at Balik Pulau. This will give you a chance to see a different side of Penang, which is far from its usual frenetic city vibe. You will see fishing jetties and Malay and Chinese villages. Don’t worry about getting lost, a guide will be cycling with you.

Nightlife

Just because Penang is a historic city doesn’t mean it isn’t charged with the most energetic nightlife. As soon as the sun goes down, a new kind of vibe takes over. Visit places like the bar and lounge called Three Sixty Degree Skybar, explore the Upper Penang Road, try night shopping at Batu Ferringhi, and more.

Let’s see if you’ve got everything covered for this Penang trip: reserved a room at a hotel in George Town, Penang? Done. Bags all packed and ready? Done. Plane ticket? Done. A list of things to do? Done!

Penang is definitely one of those places that are better experienced in person than read in books. There is something so appealing and enchanting about the place, you just can’t get enough of it.

The Stunning Nightlife at Penang, Malaysia

Penang is more than just the historical sites and tourist spots you visit during the day. As soon as the sun goes down, a whole new life takes over the city. There’s just something about Penang’s various bars, pubs, and an impressive array of family-friendly activities that electrify the night. So on your next trip, right after you’ve looked at which hotel in Penang you’re going to stay, check out our list of the night-life spots and after-dark shopping sites you can enjoy during your stay in Penang, Malaysia.

Keeping it real at Upper Penang Road
The Upper Penang Road is considered to be the centre of nightlife in Georgetown, Penang. Its historic road, which used to the prime place for bakeries, is now lined with different pubs, karaoke joints, discotheques, restaurants, and shops. It has become one of Malaysia’s a la mode district where both the locals and tourists flock for their dose of nightly entertainment, dining, and unlimited shopping. Notable places you can look out for are Slippery Senoritas, Monkey Bar, 32 Mansion, and Soho Free House.

Shopping after dark
The night markets offer a different kind of shopping experience. With countless shops open for business until the wee hours of the night and an extensive array of items up for sale, visitors will definitely spend the whole night haggling and shopping the night away. Popular night markets to go to are Batu Ferringhi, Macallum Street, Farlim, and Tanjung Bungah.

Lounging about to enjoy the sunset
Ever had a dream where you were sipping cocktail, and your toes are curling on the sand as you look into the horizon and see the sun setting by the sea? Well, you can turn that into reality at Penang’s beach bars. You’ll be able to enjoy the company of your friends or family at the most relaxing setting. Must-try beach bars include Beach Blanket Babylon at George Town, Bora Bora at Batu Ferringhi, and QEII at Pengkalan Weld, Georgetown.

Even historical Malaysia hotels in Penang offer the best beachfront setting like Hotel Sentral Seaview Penang with their amazing Horizon Café and Seaview Lounge. You will quite literally be enjoying the cool sea breeze while spoiling yourself with delectable dishes and fresh cocktails.

Munching around at hawker stalls
Going to hawker stalls is one of the best ways to learn about the island. It’s a bit unconventional, but the local dishes served in hawker stalls are cooked using old family recipes and old-fashioned cooking methods. Some of the hawker stalls are extensions of Chinese restaurants, but most are still open air centres. Among the most visited hawker centres in Penang are New Lane Hawker Centre, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, Weld Quay Food Court, Presgrave Street Hawker Centre, and Kimberley St. Hawker Stalls.

Enjoying live performances
You can get lost in Penang’s local music scene. There are annual music festivals are always to celebrate the thriving music industry of Penang. There is the Penang Island Jazz Festival which is the second largest performing arts event held in August. Another music festival would be the Penang World Music Festival which is held between March and April. For visitors who wouldn’t be able to come to these events, there are year-round performances in island bars. Among these is the iconic Hard Rock Café where both local and international artists take the stage. If you want a chill atmosphere, the Reggae Mansion has an outer lounge where they encourage open mic performers.

There are still lots to do in Penang, but the amazing activities when the sun comes down are a part of what makes the island beautiful. So let’s say you’re staying at Hotel Sentral Seaview Penang getting comfortable with the food and other accommodation in Penang being offered to you, but deep inside you’re itching for a new adventure. Get up, and go out to some of these night time destinations. There’s a whole new culture at night, and going on a trip to experience this side Penang is most certainly worth it.

Destinations that make Penang, Malaysia Enchanting

There’s something magical about the island of Penang. It’s located where the great kingdoms of Asia meet the colonial empires of Europe. Today it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Malaysia, perfectly mixing culture and heritage with modern and urban magnificence. Yet Penang also provides palm-fringed beaches and mountainous jungles that show the exoticism the island can offer. So if you’re planning to go to the island, look for more than just the best in Penang accommodation, take a look at the sites that make the place enchanting. To help, we’ve listed down places you must visit on your vacation in Penang.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Cheong Fatt Tze came from a poor family living in Guangdong Province in the South of China. When the Second Opium War broke out, he left China and went to Southeast Asia. He was a water-carrier then shopkeeper in Jakarta before starting a trading company with the help of his father-in-law. He expanded his business from Jakarta to Medan, and then finally to Penang, Malaysia. Here he built the Cheong Fatt Tze Manzion, or what is fondly called the Blue Mansion. It was built in 1880 and has 38 rooms, 220 windows, and 5 courtyards paved with granite. The mansion features Gothic louvre windows, stained glass panels, and beautiful traditional Chinese style architecture.

Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple

The Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple is the only Burmese temple in Malaysia. In 1988, it was designated as one of Penang state’s historical sites to be preserved as an attraction. It’s made up of a main shrine hall, dining hall, monk’s quarters, library, and a lecture hall. The walkways are lined with panel paintings on the life of Buddha where the characters are dressed in colourful Burmese costume. The temple is managed by a Chief Monk who is responsible for facilitating the practice of Buddhism in the temple.

Kek Lok Si Temple

Known as the Temple of Supreme Bliss, the Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, and the most famous temple in Penang. It was built in 1890 by an immigrant Chinese Buddhist and remains to be the foundation of the relationship between the Malay and Chinese communities who provided the funding to finish the 20-year construction of the Kek Lok Si.

Khoo Kongsi

Kongsi’s were built in Penang in the 19th century by immigrant Chinese clan members so that they could band together, represent their social and spiritual commitments, and as a symbol of their solidarity. The Khoo Khongsi has been around for more or less 650 years and is part of the goh tai seh (five big clans) and is the most famous clan house in Penang. Today, clan houses serve as a means for educating the children of members, settle disputes, and advance loans.

These are among the spots you can visit to get to know Penang island and its history a little better. Conveniently, they can all be found in George Town, a UNESCO Heritage Site and the multicultural capital of Penang. But going deep into Penang’s culture may also be experienced leisurely with Penang hotel promotions and their affordable accommodation. So, for added comfort and expedience, check out Hotel Sentral Seaview Penang, a Penang business hotel that is centrally located at the heart of George Town city. This way you won’t have to worry about getting to these amazing spots, you’ll just be a few minutes away from them.

What are you waiting for? The amazing island of Penang awaits!

New Website Highlights All Things Good About Malaysia's The Gurney Resort Hotel

George Town, Penang, Malaysia – The Gurney Resort Hotel & Residences recently launched a website that will make securing rooms easier for travelers. This new site, http://www.gurney-hotel.com.my, accepts direct online reservations, and also offers instant confirmation and access to special promos.

Benefits of Booking Direct Online

- The Penang accommodation's website features an online reservation system that is powered by DirectWithHotels. It is mobile-adaptive, which means online visitors can conveniently make arrangements using their mobile devices.
- Real-time room availability is displayed in the booking engine. The rates provided are already inclusive of taxes and charges. Furthermore, a currency selector using the latest exchange rates is available for the reference of guests.
- The system is designed to make the reservation process simpler and quicker for visitors. For maximum efficiency, guests only need to accomplish 4 steps to book their accommodation, from choosing the stay dates on the virtual calendar to settling the required prepayment.
- Access to discounts, added perks, and high-value treats are also made available through this direct booking channel. Currently, The Gurney Resort Hotel is offering the “Bed and Breakfast” promo which offers 15% off rates with buffet breakfast and nifty inclusions all year.
- All transactions made via the website are secured by Trustwave, DigiCert, and GlobalCollect.

Simple 4-Step Booking Process

- Guests must log on to http://www.gurney-hotel.com.my and indicate their desired travel dates on the calendar. Clicking “Check availability and prices” will launch the booking system.
- A list of rate plans and room types appear, together with important details like amenities, nightly charges, and hotel policies. Guests can then select their preferred accommodation and number of rooms to book.
- Upon clicking “Reserve Now”, they will be taken to a page where a summary of their reservation is shown. They can choose to modify their booking or proceed to the next step by ticking “Guest details”.
- Guests should fill out the personal information section. The required prepayment, if any, must be settled via credit card. Once done, they will receive an email confirming that the reservation has been made.

About the Hotel

This 4-star hotel in Penang presents guests the following features:

- 259 elegantly furnished suites. Each one comes with an electronic lock for utmost security, a data/modem port phone and voicemail system, safe, and a full-sized working desk. A sofa lounge set, mini-bar, coffee and tea maker, and trouser press are also provided.
- A comprehensive range of exquisitely designed amenities and facilities like a ballroom, cafe, bar, outdoor pool, fitness room, spa, steam room, conference rooms, and a business center.
- Services for practical needs like airport and city transfers, laundry/dry cleaning, wake-up call, and room service.
- A location in a renowned tourist belt near the business district in George Town. It is approximately 25 minutes from the Penang International Airport, and a 4-minute drive from ferry terminal. Other notable places near The Gurney Resort & Hotel Residences include the Gurney Plaza, Gurney Paragon, and Batu Ferringhi night market.

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The Gurney Resort Hotel & Residences
18 Persiaran Gurney, George Town
Penang, Malaysia

Easier Bookings at The Royale Bintang Penang's Website With New Reservation System

Penang, MALAYSIA — Travelers to Penang, Malaysia can now feel greater convenience with booking online as The Royale Bintang Penang unveils a new reservation engine on its website. With a user-friendly interface that provides quick menu selection plus high-definition photos, the website now features one-click access to the booking engine.

Powered by DirectWithHotels, the reservation system hosts a number of great features. These include:

Fast and Easy-to-Follow Process
The website of this hotel in Penang provides instant access to booking information in just one click. Guests can simply go online at http://www.royalebintang-penang.com/ and select “Check availability and prices”. A set of easy-to-follow instructions will guide them through the rest of the process. Details about room amenities, booking policies, and other promotions are also provided.

Instant Confirmation
Guests who book online will receive instant room confirmation once the transaction is completed and the 10 percent prepayment is accepted by the system. They will also get a confirmation email as a copy of the booking transaction. The remaining balance is payable at the hotel.

Reliable Security
The website's booking engine is protected by Trustwave, DigiCert, and Globalcollect, 3 of the most trusted information security providers on the Internet.

Simple modification/ cancellation
Sudden changes in flights schedules are never a problem because guests can now modify or cancel their reservations with ease. However, they should take note of the modification and cancellation policies upon booking their Semarang accommodations for the duration of getting this service for free or with a minimum fee.

About the Hotel
A gorgeous 4-star hotel in Penang, Malaysia, The Royale Bintang Penang combines classic elegance and modern features with its colonial architecture, stylish, quality accommodations, gourmet dining options, and all-inclusive services. Indulge in utmost comforts inside spacious rooms and suites with a complete set of amenities that include Wireless Internet connection, TV with ASTRO channels, private toilet with rain shower, and mini-bar. Feel the charming ambience of this beautifully restored heritage building from it's luxurious pool and jacuzzi to the restaurants, cigar lounge, and the Royale Ballroom.

With its convenient central location at the heart of George Town, a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site, expect a pleasurable stay in the city while soaking the lively culture only at this Penang accommodation.

To know more about the rates and services at The Royale Bintang Penang, visit http://www.royalebintang-penang.com/.

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The Royale Bintang Penang
No. 1 & 2 Pengkalan Weld
George Town, Penang, 10300
Malaysia

Phone Number: +60-04-2598888

About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.