Hi, can anyone recommend the best beaches in Penang? We're looking for one that is a little less crowded and touristy, but still has markets, restaurants and a bit of atmosphere. Any suggestions would be welcome!
Thanks in advance :)
2007-02-07 02:17:13 · 6 answers · asked by schneiderw 2 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Other - Asia Pacific
I would suggest Monkey beach but in order to get there you have to do some hiking for like an hour from the starting point which is located at the National Park, Penang. It is approximately 10 minutes drive from Batu Feringgi Beach. It is quiet and only have like 10 to 20 tourist at a time. Most tourist go there by boat. If you dont want to walk there, you can actually rent a boat for a cost of RM30/one way, you can try to bargain and if you were good, you can get even cheaper. You cant stay overnight there, so it is adviseable to walk back or take a boat back before 6pm.Personally I would say the best way to get there is by walking. Its tiring but a lot of fun... If you want to go to beach that has lots of cool cafe, nice restaurant etc, I would say Batu Feringgi, but the beach is not so nice and it is not a cristal clear water, so dont expect too much there.. hehe.. From the National Park starting point, you can also do some walking to Muka Head beach, which is also nice but it takes longer time to get there... Have fun!
2007-02-08 01:11:23 · answer #1 · answered by WONDER GIRL 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Penang is great! One of my favorite places in the world! But the beaches really aren't that much to write home about. There's the old colonial city of Georgetowne, the cool highlands in the middle of the island (maybe 10 degrees f cooler than at the beach) and lots of cool markets, mosques, Chinese and Indian temples, etc.
I stayed at Batu Ferenghi, which is about an hours bus ride from Georgetown - I can't say any of the beaches are too touristed - mostly locals there on the weekends, but quiet the other days. There's a Holiday Inn and another two or three nice resorts in that area, lots of cool restaurants and shopping - but everythings about 4 times higher than what you'd pay back in Georgetown.
Once you get out on the west side of the island, you're pretty much where no western guidebook writer has been. You'll take in a lot of atmosphere, but still no killer beaches.
Best bet is to hop a ferry to Langkawi, which is a group of islands just slightly north of Penang. All the travel agents can arrange tours there. It is definitely upscale, and you won't find any bargains there, but the beaches are far superior, and you can get away from tourists very easily - it's mostly a quiet honeymoon spot.
But definitely spend some time checking out the back alleys of Georgetown before hopping off to the beach -- and definitely eat the street food - Chinese, Thai, Indian, Muslim - you name it!
2007-02-07 02:48:01 · answer #2 · answered by tirelesstraveller 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Penang has many to offer, great food and beautiful scenery. if you looking for beach hotels can can try "batu feringgi" area which offer many choices of hotels and this area has a "night market" and of couse many restaurants as well.
2007-02-07 21:29:29 · answer #3 · answered by anderson 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
hi we stayed at the copthorne orchid hotel ,it has its own private beach which is ok ,but you have to get the bus to the market .I found the market expensive compared to thailand and not as good .The drink,s in town are twice the price as in the village the hotel is in
We enjoyed the holiday but would not go back ,we prefer thailand
2007-02-07 13:04:50 · answer #4 · answered by taggie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nope, but my friend is over there at the minute. She seems to be having a lovely time treking through the area and lying in hammocks relaxing in teh evening.... I'll ask her to comment when she gets back. Might be worth looking at some guide books.
2007-02-07 02:21:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i can only suggest batu feringhi
2007-02-08 08:17:28 · answer #6 · answered by zirconiag 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋