laurieco

My husband and I are planning to go to Malaysia in mid September for 2 weeks. We plan on spending most of the time in Borneo and a couple of days in Kuala Lumpur and possibly Penang. Considering we are not really beach people, should we bother going to Penang or would our time be better spent somewhere else? We like cities (Bangkok is our favorite place) and we also enjoy jungle, but we are not the backpacker, long trek types either (we do like luxury but are happy to stay in basic jungle lodges for a few days as long as we have a bed and hot water). Any suggestions? Thanks.

WinterTravel

We are not beach people either, but planned to go to Penang in December because we had heard the cultural experience was quite interesting (it was described to us as what visiting Singapore must have been like 60 years ago, on a smaller scale). The Eastern & Oriental hotel there is said to be old-fashioned luxury. Unfortunately we cannot give you a first-hand account as our plans for Dec had to change, but everything we've read/heard would say include Penang for a couple of nights at the E&O.

tnnc

I would definitely go to Penang. I have been there and really enjoyed the cultural aspect of it. I didn't even go to any beaches there. Its not too big, but has many interesting sites. I did not stay at the E & O Hotel but did go to it and it was very charming- British colonial style. It kind of reminded me of the Oriental in Bangkok. I liked Penang much better than Kuala Lumpur.

travelmug

We really enjoyed our visit to Penang. Did not stay at the beach area. The Cheong Fatt Tze mansion tour was our favorite. It was interesting walking around Chinatown. We had the best hawker food in Penang! 1-2 nights there would be great. Hope to go back next time to stay at E&O Hotel.

laurieco

Thanks for the advice. I'm still trying to work out the itinerary. Originally we were going to stay 3 nights in Penang, then none, now maybe two nights after reading what others have to say. After looking through a few guidebooks, I realize there is so much to see in Malaysia but we take two trips abroad per year (going to Costa Rica in May for 10 nights) so we only have two weeks or so for this one so we must use our time wisely. I realize we cannot see everything in one trip and will probably return to Malaysia in the future to see what we've missed, since we will not be going anywhere on the Peninsula, other than KL, where I do want to spend at least a couple of nights. So far, this is the itinerary I'm leaning toward:

Arrive KL, 2 nights at the Mandarin Oriental;

Fly to Kuching, 2 or three nights at the Hilton, go to Bako National Park for a day trip;

Batang Ai, 2 nights at the Hilton Longhouse Resort, arrange longhouse visit, day trip;

Back to Kuching for another night at the Hilton--is this too much time in Kuching?

Fly to Sandakan, 2 nights at the Sabah Hotel. Go to Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary;

Fly to Kota Kinbalu, 2 nights at the Magellan Sutera Resort and Spa. Any advice on what to see?

Fly to Penang, originally going to spend 3 nights at the Mutiaria Resort but now thinking 2 nights at the Eastern & Oriental.

Back to KL for another night or two at the Mandarin Oriental.

Back to NY

What do you think of this? Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Laurie

WinterTravel

Mandarin Oriental in KL is wonderful -- highly suggest that you request a room on one of the Club floors with a Petronas Towers view. Fantastic!

stjohnbound

In my opinion, that is not too much time in Kuching. Kuching is very nice and the Hilton is in a great location. If you spring for the best rooms on the top floor you will also get access to the club room where you will get free breakfast, happy hour drinks and appetizers, and computers with internet access. We loved Kuching and the Hilton. The people were the absolute friendliest I have ever met. There is a nice Orang-Utan rehab center just about 20 minutes outside of town. You can take a tour or just hire a taxi. Get there at feeding time (9-9:30 a.m.). Bako was very nice - be prepared for some jungle trekking and be prepared to walk out to your boat when it's time to leave because of the tidal change. Just take your shoes off and go for it!

laurieco

Thanks for the advice. I think we will spring for the club floors at both the Hilton and Mandarin Oriental, especially since the Hilton Batang Ai is only about $US 25 per night! That leaves plenty left over for some serious splurging! I didn't realize there is an Orang-Utan sanctuary so close to Kuching. Will definitely check it out. Do any of you Fodorites have any suggestions on what to see around Kota Kinbalu?

galiano

Hi :

We were in Penang about a month ago for 3 nights. Stayed at the E and O which is a lovely hotel. By all means go to Penang it's an interesting city and if you go - stay at the E and O.

In KL we stayed at the Mandarin Oriental and it must be one of the best urban hotels in Asia. 3 nights weren't long enough. Location is exceptional. KL is great. Go !

wein

I am a Penangite so ask me any qns.Penang is a much more interesting town than KL. It is like Singapore 20 yrs ago, and a bigger version of Malacca. Penang shares the same town plan as Singapore and Madras as it is designer by the same planner. Its hill stations are reminiscence of British colnial bungalows which can be found in all former British colonies. Has a lot of colonial architecture, old shophouses and great food! Its beaches arent the best but u hv a nice mixture of beach, town and culture.