Golden Sands Resort
Among the best of Penang's beach resorts is the Golden Sands Resort, a part of the Shangri-La chain. This 395 room four-star hotel has a cafe-restaurant and a bar on the premises, but where it really shines is its Adventure Zone. This is a 10,300-sq.-ft. indoor family entertainment facility, making the Golden Sands easily the most family-friendly hotel on the island. There is also a fitness center, an outdoor pool and beach access. The hotel can arrange for boating, sailing, jet skiing, para-sailing and jungle trekking in the island interior for its guests. Internet access is available, and the hotel is very close to Georgetown.
Batu Feringgi Beach
11100 Penang
011 (+60) 4886 1911
http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/penang/goldensandsresort
Tanjung Bungha Beach Hotel
It is very easy to get good seaside, mid-range hotel accommodations in Penang, and the Tanjung Bungha is among the best. A 200-room three-star hotel, it has its own private stretch of beach, swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzi, plus the hotel's own sailing and sea kayaking programs. There is a fitness center, beach volleyball, two restaurants, and two bars. The hotel is also not far from Georgetown.
505 Jalan Tanjung Bungah
Tanjung Bungah
11200 Penang
011 (+60) 4890 8808
http://www.tanjungbungahbeachhotel.com
Hotel Blue Diamond
For the budget traveler and the backpacker, staying at a nice place by the beach won't be an option, so the next best bet is for a centrally located guest house in the heart of Georgetown. The best option in this category is the Hotel Blue Diamond. It is scant blocks from all the major sights there, such as Fort Cornwallis, Kapitan Keling Mosque and Little India, and only a 10-minute walk from the ferry station (which is how most backpackers will wind up getting to Penang in the first place). The rooms are spartan, but spaciousand private, and most come with a private bathroom. There is plenty of light and air, and there are high ceilings in the interior. Out front is a lively beer garden. The beer garden menu even makes a stab at serving Mexican food (or what passes for it in Asia). Taking a bus to the beach or to the interior of the island for out-of-town activities is very easy.
422 Chulia Street
Georgetown
10200 Penang
011 +60 4261 1089
Article Written By Edwin Thomas
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
