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!

4 Awesome Reasons Why You Should Book A Penang Trip

Travelers often try to look for places people wouldn’t normally go to on a trip. A place like Liechtenstein, Tonga, East Timor or Bhutan. Some people even had to Google search “uncommon places to travel to” for them to know that these places do exist. However, a lot of globetrotters don’t realise that while making a trip out of that uncommon places list is certainly thrilling, there are still much of the common cities we travel to that have not been as explored as the rest of its home country. And in this article, we are going to talk about Penang.

Penang has been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and true enough,walking around the island feels like living in the past. Of course, the only thing that seems to penetrate this historic vibe and bubble are the many contemporary shops, sites, and Penang accommodation that are meshing well with Penang’s traditional personality. It would be unwise to neglect the island’s natural surroundings like their palm-fringed beaches, quaint fishing villages, and thickly forested mountains.

If that doesn’t entice you enough to visit the island, here are a couple of things you can look forward to on your visit.

Art walk along Georgetown

Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist, started painting murals around Georgetown in 2012 for one of the city’s festivals. Since then, it has become widely popular among locals in Malaysia and tourists. Each mural depicts the everyday life of a Penangite, and are painted on the walls of old buildings along Georgetown.

Visit the smallest national park

At only 2300 hectares, the Teluk Bahang is the world’s smallest national park. However, don’t let that title fool you, it’s actually a really good place to trek. In fact, it’s a favourite among couples; when they can go up the terrain and have romantic walk to get to the exotic turtle sanctuary, monkey beach, even pools!

If there’s one thing you need to remember on your Penang trip, it’s that the island is a complete food haven At every turn there are restaurants, hole-in-the-wall spots, cafes, and hawkers just ready to be visited. You can taste local dishes like Assam Laksa, Prawn Mee, Char Kway Teow, and more. That is going to leave you food comatosed in your hotel at Penang.

Get yourselves on the beach

The city might be too busy for your tastes; not to worry, though, because you can always escape to Batu Ferringhi beach. As far as beaches go, Batu Ferringhi is a paradise. Imagine a white-sand beach, fringed with palm trees, and a view of the turquoise waters of the sea. You can choose to go for a leisurely stroll, a fun swim, or be daring with water activities.

There are still a hundred more reasons for you to come visit Penang. But you know what? It’s better experienced than read. So go on and pack those bags, you’re going to have one helluva time!

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.

Redefining the Standard in Business and Resort Luxury: The Northam All Suite Penang

Being in Penang feels like being in a time loop: traces of its history and the culture that once dominated this city can be seen in every exciting destination, in every delectable dish, and in the attitudes of every person living in the city. But it does not have the primordial vibe, in fact, Penang is as advanced as the other cities in Malaysia. Tall structures also don the city, contemporary interpretations of their traditions, and so on. Penang is a city that has successfully managed to preserve the old while continuing to modernise the city.

At the heart of this enchanting city is The Northam All Suite Penang. Travellers of every kind flock to this hotel because just like city, they have provided a unique Penang accommodation where the intricacies of leisure is balanced with exceptional features, and an ideal address to get access to notable sites around Penang.

New World of Comfort

Two words can describe the room accommodation in Penang: timeless elegance. The rooms are awash with soft natural colours and earthy tones which gives it a relaxing and comforting vibe. Each room is equipped with a private jacuzzi, high-speed Internet connection, an LCD TV, coffee and tea facilities, and other top-notch amenities. This will definitely be the only place you’ll want to be in after a day out in the city.

Functional Features

Create unforgettable memories on your trip with The Northam All Suite Penang’s top facilities and services. Whether you’re staying for business or leisure, your every whim will definitely be satisfied. You can make use of a sauna, steam room, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, business centre, concierge, travel and tour desk,and more. There are also massage services, car rental assistance, and limousine services available for you.

The Address of Convenience

The Northam All Suite Penang is at the heart of the historic city of George Town — a popular destinations whose inner city has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage. From the hotel, you can access key places of interest like Gurney Drive Seafront Promenade, Gurney Paragon Shopping Malls, Batu Ferringhi Night Market, and Kek Lok Si Temple. It is also only a short distance away from Penang Hill, Fort Cornwallis, Penang Bird Park, and Firefly Haven.

The Northam All Suite Penang also offers hotel promotions to help you plan your Penang trip without breaking bank. This is truly the place where your Penang trip will be made extra special, not just in the rooms and facilities provided for you, but also in their genuine service and the holiday opportunities they give their guests. So pack those bags, get those plane tickets, and check out The Northam All Suite Penang. Experience unique elegance and comfort that can only be found here.

Amazing Shopping Sites in Penang

George Town is known for its rich history, the local delicacies served in countless hawker stalls, and amazing hotels in Penang, Malaysia that offer unique accommodations bound in culture and tradition. Penang has so much to offer that it really isn’t surprising to know that it is one of the biggest shopping destinations in Malaysia.

Shopaholics everywhere can find shopping centres, stalls, and street markets that offer bargains they wouldn’t be able to resist. So here we list down some of the best places you can visit to get the best deals in your purchases.

1st Avenue Mall
Located at the George Town city centre, 1st Avenue Mall is one of the stylish malls in Penang. It offers all kinds of fashion, entertainment, leisure, and dining outlets available for travellers looking for the perfect place to have a good time. When you go to 1st Avenue Mall, be sure to visit the 8th floor where you can be treated to a panoramic view of the city of George Town.

Little Penang Street Market
Little Penang Street Market is the first street market to offer unique Penang only items, delicacies, and more. It happens at the Upper Penang Road every last Sunday of the month, from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Not only are shoppers offered local products, but they are also entertained with live performances and even book readings.

Prangin Mall
Considered to be the largest and the most popular shopping mall situated right at the heart of George Town. It is the preferred shopping destination of a lot of locals and tourists not just because of its size, but also because it is known to be the “bargain hunter’s paradise”. It offers a lot of retails outlets and dining options, it even has a cinema so that kids can enjoy their day while their parents are shopping.

Batu Ferringhi Night Market
Batu Ferringhi Night Market is the perfect place for shoppers who are looking to buy products of many different varieties. The market has about 100 stalls available, stretching up to a kilometre in Batu Ferringhi. Get ready to haggle as the night market sells everything from clothes, artworks, and food.

If you are planning to spend the whole day on your feet shopping to your heart’s content, you will need a Penang hotel where you can end a tiring day with your feet up on a comfortable mattress, relaxing and unwinding. The Royale Bintang Penang offers rooms that boast high quality amenities to make sure your stay will be serene and soothing.

So get those purses ready and travel to Penang. Have a happy bargain hunt!

4 Best Hawker Centres in Penang

Penang, Malaysia is known for the preserved history and culture you can see and experience in every step in the city. But more than its Old-World glamour, the place is also known for its unique Penang accommodation, must-visit spots, and more importantly, popular food destinations.

Oh, Penang has some of the best food finds in Malaysia, and it’s all thanks to the hawker centres that you can find everywhere in the city. Here we list down some of the go-to hawker centres you can visit on your Penang holiday trip.

Lorong Baru (New Lane) Hawker Centre
Everyday, at 4:00 in the afternoon, the streets of Lorong Baru in George Town is closed off for pushcarts and stalls and becomes an outdoor hawker food centre. You will be sitting on colourful plastic chairs and tables by the road, and eat some of the best delicacies that can only be found here. A popular dish is the char kway teow which is a flat rice noodle with prawns and chili, and the chee cheong fun which are rice noodle rolls.

Long Beach Food Court
Long Beach Food Court is probably the most popular food place in Penang. It offers a variety of local and international dishes that will surely leave you wanting for more. You will find local delicacies such as satay, char kway teow, spicy curry chee cheong fun, and more. You can also find other favourite dishes like Japanese tepanyaki and pizza. There is always something for every taste bud here.

Gurney Drive Hawker Stalls
One of the most popular hawker sites in Penang, Gurney Drive hawker stalls offer the biggest variety of street food. It is the best place for food enthusiasts to get a taste of the local cuisine. If you are going to visit Gurney Drive, try out the char koay kak, a local dish made up of stir-fried bean sprouts and white radish, with chili, egg, and pork. But be ready to move through a cramped space since the Gurney Drive has more of a cafeteria style dining.

Lebuh Presgrave Hawker Stalls
Not a lot of people are familiar with the stretch of hawker stalls at Lebuh Presgrave, for the longest time, it has been a well-kept secret among locals. But slowly, it is gaining audience from foreign tourists. The tastiest dishes is found in Lebuh Presgrave, and if you’re fond of delicious late night meals, this is definitely the place for you. You must try the famous bowl of prawn noodles from 88 Hokkien Mee with an add-on of chili for that added kick. Other dishes you should check out are wantan mee, fried oysters, and lor bak.

After a full day’s worth of eating and drinking with friends, you will need a hotel in Penang that offers a comfortable place for you to relax and unwind. The Royale Bintang Penang has a unique blend of old-world glamour and contemporary amenities that provide guests with a charming holiday accommodation.

What are you waiting for? Get those eating pants out of the closet and head on over to Penang for a food trip of a lifetime.

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.