Combining fascinating heritage, untouched nature and some of the best food in the country, if not all of Asia, Penang needs to be on your Malaysia itinerary. This island across the Strait of Malacca is tethered to the Malay Peninsula by bridges and is easy to reach by road from Kuala Lumpur and even from Southern Thailand.
Penang is surprisingly diverse for its size, and whether you'd prefer to stay by the beach at Batu Ferringhi or in the heart of World Heritage-listed George Town, there's no shortage of competitive hotels and resorts designed to meet the needs of modern travellers.
Parkroyal Penang Resort
You'll enjoy instant access to Batu Ferringhi beach when staying at the Parkroyal Penang Resort, as well as unparalleled views of the ocean and Penang National Park from your private balcony. True to the Penang spirit, the 5-star property is a meeting of East and West, offering familiar home comforts in every room, exotic therapies at the St Gregory spa and eclectic international menus at the restaurants.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Lots to do inside and outside the hotel. Picture: Hard Rock Hotel Penang
A little taste of Vegas in Penang, the Hard Rock Hotel Penang is one of the island's liveliest hotels. You can catch live bands, ride the waterslides and canoes at Penang's biggest swimming pool, or strut your stuff at one of the regular poolside dance competitions.
Set on Batu Ferringhi beach, the hotel is also the ideal starting point for tours of Penang National Park, with mountain bikes available for hire.
Golden Sands Resort Penang By Shangri-La
If you're looking for authentic accommodation in Penang, the Golden Sands Resort Penang by Shangri-La combines traditional Malaysian style with modern facilities for a relaxing ambience. The beachfront resort is a favourite of families, with a free kids' club keeping the little ones entertained while parents can enjoy some peace and quiet on the beach or at the on-site spa.
While you're there: 5 Penang Activities Not To Miss
What to eat: Wishing For A Bigger Stomach In Penang
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort And Spa
The resort sits beside beautiful Batu Ferringhi beach. Picture: Getty Images
One of Asia's original luxury resorts, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa has welcomed international jetsetters since 1973. The 5-star resort is spread over 12 hectares alongside Batu Ferringhi beach, making it the perfect beachside getaway.
Other impressive amenities include the award-winning Feringgi Grill restaurant, which is ranked among the finest on the island, as well as Chi, The Spa, which offers an extensive range of signature therapies in 11 private spa villas.
Bayview Beach Resort
One of the biggest hotels on Batu Ferringhi beach, with 360 guest rooms tailored for families, couples and single travellers, Bayview Beach Resort has a wealth of facilities to meet the needs of its diverse clientele. The range of leisure activities on offer is truly impressive and includes a health club, tennis court, two outdoor pools and parasailing on the beach.
Four Points by Sheraton Penang
Retreat to Tanjung Bungah beach. Picture: Four Points Sheraton Penang
Quality accommodation isn't only found at popular Batu Ferringhi. For a more secluded or romantic retreat, try Four Points by Sheraton Penang on Tanjung Bungah beach.
With all-inclusive service and all-day dining, you won't even need to step outside the resort but if you're finding things a little too quiet, the attractions of colonial George Town are just 20 minutes away.
Holiday Inn Resort Penang
Ideal for travellers who like to be in the middle of things rather than sheltered away, the Holiday Inn Resort Penang is on the doorstep of Batu Ferringhi's beach and lively night market, where you can pick up bargain souvenirs and try out the local delicacies. For something more substantial, the hotel has two restaurants offering ocean, garden and poolside views.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
A blast from the past. Picture: Eastern & Oriental Hotel
If you're staying in George Town, accommodation doesn't get more prestigious than at the Eastern & Oriental Hotel, which has welcomed such notable figures as Rudyard Kipling and W. Somerset Maugham since opening its doors in 1885. No other hotel in the historic city can claim such a magnificent seafront location, and it's just a short walk or trishaw ride to Penang's major landmarks.
Lone Pine
The first hotel to be built on the eternally popular Batu Ferringhi strip, Lone Pine staked its claim on a private beach in 1948. While its old-world charms are still present, the hotel has been extensively restored and updated to offer all the modern facilities guests demand, including a business centre and gym.
Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort
Affordable accommodation in a private spot. Picture: Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort
Located between George Town and Batu Ferringhi on Tanjung Bungah, Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort offers affordable 4-star beachfront accommodation away from the crowds. All 310 suites feature their own private balcony overlooking the ocean, the manicured gardens or the hills of Penang National Park in the distance, while the resort itself offers an on-site spa and a full range of leisure facilities.
