Where to Stay in Penang | Top Areas for Nightlife, Nature, Beaches & Quiet
The capital city of George Town is one of the best places to book a hotel when deciding where to stay in Penang, but this scenic island has other areas worth considering. The best thing about hotels and accommodations in Penang is that the island contains a variety of properties, including 5-star hotels, beachfront resorts, affordable bungalows and even cheap hostels for backpackers and budget travelers. The first step to deciding the best place to stay in Penang is figuring out what parts of the island contain the most appealing attractions. These top five regions should get any itinerary off to a good start!
George Town
Travelers to Penang can’t go wrong with a stay in George Town. This historic downtown district is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site chock-full of colonial buildings, religious sites, street art and museums. The neighborhood is compact and easy to explore on foot as well. Guests will find a variety of hotel options in George Town, including quaint backpacker spots to 5-star resorts with ocean views.
Things to do in George Town
- Penang Street Art
- Cheong Fatt Tze – The Blue Mansion
- Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi
- Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
- St. George’s Church
Recommended hotels in George Town
Cheong Fatt Tze- The Blue Mansion
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Batu Ferringhi
Travelers looking for a laid-back vibe and island nightlife will want to check properties in Batu Ferringhi. The region is a 35-minute drive northwest of George Town and contains enough tourist attractions to keep any serious sightseer satisfied. Hotels in Batu Ferringhi range from cheap hostels to beachfront resorts, and this part of the island is famous for its upscale restaurants and Batu Ferringhi Night Market.
Things to do in Batu Ferringghi
- Batu Ferringhi Beach
- Penang National Park
- Batu Ferringhi Night Market
- Yahong Art Gallery
- Tropical Spice Garden
- Batu Ferringhi Waterfall
Recommended Hotels in Batu Ferringhi
Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La Penang
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Tanjung Bungah
Just 20 minutes north of George Town is where visitors will find the coastal suburb of Tanjung Bungah, a former fishing village. Tanjung Bungah is a perfect destination for families and beach bums who love water sports and outdoor activities. The area also contains a few of the most popular attractions in Penang, like the Floating Mosque of Tanjung Bunga.
Things to do in Tanjung Bungah
- Tanjung Bungah Beach
- Floating Mosque of Tanjung Bunga
- Penang Avatar Secret Garden
- Tanjung Bungah Night Market (Tuesday)
Recommended Hotels in Tanjung Bungah
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang
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Gurney Drive
Considered the most elite area on Penang Island, Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney) is a seaside promenade designed for travelers seeking luxurious accommodations as well as upscale dining experiences. In contrast, however, the classy suburb also is home to Gurney Drive Hawker Centre, the ultimate place for cheap and delicious street food. Guests can take their pick of 5-star beachfront hotels along the roadway and still be close to several of the city’s most popular things to do, including shopping at designer shops in Gurney Paragon Mall. Gurney Drive is located a short 10-minute drive north of the George Town historic area.
Things to do in Gurney Drive
- Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
- Wat Chayamangkalaram
- Gurney Paragon Mall
- Gurney Plaza
Recommended Hotels in Gurney Drive
The Gurney Resort Hotel & Residence
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Bayan Lepas
Tourists should head south to Bayan Lepas to find tranquil spaces, natural attractions and Penang International Airport. The southeast district of Penang Island is famous for several things to do. In Bayan Lepas, travelers will find an array of hotels as well as a noticeable lack of noisy bars and nightlife spots. Guests who book a room in Bayan Lepas can count on quiet nights and local experiences but should also be aware that those perks come with a price. Hotels and properties in Bayan Lepas tend to be more expensive than in other parts of Penang.
Things to do in Bayan Lepas
- Snake Temple
- Penang War Museum
- Fisheries Research Institute (FRI Aquarium Batu Maung)
Recommended hotels in Baya Lepas
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