See if the E+O has any special deal for you the nights you are on Penang. . If you don't stay there, at least go to Happy Hour near their pool and enjoy their great prices on drinks and delicious fresh fruit.. etc. The place is gorgeous. They also had a special buffet with wine included one night but we weren't able to go.

We did a great jungle hike up on the northern part of island where we stayed a few nights. hen we spent our last 2 nights at the emblematic E+O. A splurge worth every cent.

http://www.eohotels.com/

Here is my trip report. I hope there is something you can find useful.

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/backm-from-singapore-kl-melaka-and-penang.cfm

There is really no need for a guide for Penang or for KL. Just choose and book your accommodations for Penang - choose a place walking distance from the main shopping/eating area in Goergetown and you can hire a taxi for more distant sites.

We were posting at the same time, but we also loved the E&O. With a mere two nights in Georgetown, you'll want to spend all of your time there.

i'll say it again. if it weren't for your raves about the place, Kathie, I doubt I would have done it but now I can't wait to go back again someday!

Totally agree the E &O is a superb location for Georgetown and well worth at least 2 nights.

The E+O was out of my price range, although I enjoyed afternoon tea there. Entirely agree that a guide is unnecessary for Malaysia - lots of English, and excellent public transport.

The reason I want a guide/driver is my husband & |I are a little older-we are not renting a car & need to get to Penang from our hotel. I don't have an over seas phone so I like to have everything pre arranged. Also this guide I thought I had said he could get us good rates for Penang.
I have E-mailed the hotel in Mines City with no response-or an answer(We are on time share trades.)
If anyone knows a guide PLEASE send his E-mail. I have never gotten a bad reccomondation from Fodors.The guide I thought I had was reccomondation from one of you. His name is Ken-I am so disapointed. Thank you Thank you Thank you anyone!!!

Fly or take a luxury bus to Penang. You can make those arrangemetns once you are in Malaysia. Make your hotel reservations for Penang now. If you feel you must have a guied in Penang, Bob and Karen used a driver/guide there. We mostly walked, but took taxis as needed in Georgetown.

We flew air asia to Penang from KL. Then we got a taxi to the hotel. The next day outside the hotel I asked all the taxis who spoke English and we got a great guy .. you won't have a problem. The people are easy going. The country is simple to do on your own. We, too, are no spring chickens. Asia at first can make you anxious ...until you get there! It really is a breeze to organize things.

You only have two days to organize. You will be in KL so long before Penang that you will definitely be able to get something satisfactory set up if you can't before you go.

If you don't want to fly the long distance buses in Malaysia are very comfortable. And there are trains as well (see http://www.seat61.com/Malaysia.htm). Plenty of taxis to/from airports or stations.

I don't know how old "a little older" is, but I'm mid 60s and travel solo and had no trouble.

Thank you. I will start researching. I have E-mailed Ken to see if he has a guide /friend. Still if anyone who pops in has a referance I'll be happy to hear. My husband is 78 & had 2 surgeries last year & will have carpal tunnel a month before we go.

I just wanted to update you my Fodor friends. There was a special on the E&O. I booked for 2 nights in a Delux Suite with an ocean view-breakfast included for over 1/2 price. I went on Cheapo Air & booked 2 senior plane tickets. I will just do my research & hire taxi's for the sites we want to see. I'm sure our hotel in KL will have day trips or help us with taxi's. I think I was just so caught off guard. I've never had guide do this. Thank you again.

How exciting! You have made a wise choice. You'll love Penang!

You're all set! Have a wonderful time!

i can see no reason at all for a guide in K/L!!

I wrote guide & said if he had another customer for my dates he could have written & ased if I still wanted-just common courtesy. No answer.
I have treid to E-mail the E&O hotel on 2 diffenrent E-mails & it comes back. Does anyone have an E-mail address for them? This is my husbands & my 30th anniversary.
I tried www.e-o-hotel .com that was in the DK guidebook. I also tried luxury@eohotels.com & that came back Mailer Daimon. Thanks
Alls well that ends well.
We are also staying in Phuket-In fact our guide from N. Thailand is joining us & 4 nights in Singapore for my birthday at the end-A month grand trip

Did you try reservations@eohotels.com?

I remember having had problems with the email at the E&O. I eventually found a working email address for them, but I no longer have it. You might wait until you are in Malaysia and call them to make special arrangements for your anniversary.

The website lists a Chief Operating Officer under "Management": jamie.case@easternandoriental.com

The web site also lists phone numbers. Rather than waiting you could make an international call. If you use Skype it will cost you all of 2.3 cents/minute.

The driver/guide we used in Penang was a Mr Lee. Several other fodorites have used him also. His English is very good and his commentary is far from dry. Very enjoyable day. The contact info I have is P.G. Lee ...celll6012-4277663. His email is leepg2006@gmail.com. Hope that helps.

Again many thanks. I E-mailed the reservation site & last night after I posted I found COO's e-mail & wrote him. I just E-mailed Mr. Lee.
I always know I can count on you

Today I got an E-mail back from E&O Hotel-they are giving me a 3rd floor sea view room. P.G.Lee E-mailed & he is available on dates I will be there so we are set there. Anthony Bourdain recently did a show on Penang-oh my the food to die for.Lots to see I am a happy camper-Thank you so much.

"Anthony Bourdain recently did a show on Penang"

If that's the one where he ate at Nonya and Baba Cuisine, I thought Hot Wok round the corner was much better.