We're going to Penang for 5nts then KL for 8nts,in 3 wks time.
Can anyone give me advice on 'must things' to see and do.
We are staying at the E & O in Penang and the Ritz in KL...are they good hotels ?.

5 night in Penang seems like a REALLY long time you may want too take a bout over too langkawi.. which is a bit more of an idealic beach destination.

If you are looking for city places then the E&O is fine, if you want to be in Georgetown on Penang, but if you are looking at Penang for vacation/beach then you wouldn't stay in Georgetwon you would head for Batu Ferringi beach area. Nothing wrong with georgetown if you want a 'city stay' type of trip but Penang although nice most would head there for a few days or for a beach place like the rasa Sayang Shangri la. I agree with Orgy that if your plans are spend time in KL and then a beach location then Langkawi is far far more of a beach place than Penang is.

If 5N is long in Penang then 8N in KL is an eternity! U can see KL in 2N! visit Taman Negara rainforest for 3days,or a hill nearby (Frasers or Camerons, not Genting)or visit a beach. Tanjong Jara Resort in Trengganu is good.

Ritz is KL has excellent service but the location in a backlane leaves something to be desired.Opt for Westin (just in front of Ritz)or MO(at KLCC) instead.

Thanks for the info. Can you tell me what KL is like for smog/pollution at this time of year.
I only ask as we were in Bangkok earlier this year and it was horrendous.

The Ritz Carlton in KL is wonderful. I stayed there in the spring of 2001.Pay the extra and get a room on the Clu?) level...floors 17-19. The private dining area and lounge/club is on the 20th floor with an incredible view and there are about 6 culinary presentations a day which will be included in your room rate. Happy Travels!

5 days in penang is not too long! We were there 9! However we combined sightseeing with relaxing by the pool. Take the trip around the island- it was good. Stopping off at Malay villages, all the scenery en route, the Snake Temple. Just wondering about Georgetown is fascinating.

Kuala Lumpur only needs three full days. I can't imagine being there for more. And the Ritz Carlton being on a back street was fine with me. It was quiet and secluded. As for the yellow face in my previous post...I don't know how it got there...I didn't add it.Odd. Happy Travels!

We've got an Executive Club Suite,a bargain at the time we booked.
In looking at the messages,people say 5nts is too long or it's just right for Penang.
We don't intend pushing ourselves which is why we booked 5nts & 8nts.
I'm only worried about the possibility of pollution and smog.

When we were in KL in February there were fires in Sumatra that caused horrible pollution in KL. I don't think you can have a guarantee that it won't be polluted when you're there. So much depends on winds, etc. I have to agree with everyone else though, I cannot imagine spending that much time in KL. Two days was more than enough for me!

The air quality in KL NOW is fine - we have short evening showers to freshen up the air further too. I was in Beijing 2 weeks ago and air quality-wise , I was looking forward to coming back to KL.

I loved the Ritz Carlton in KL, all of the rooms have access to the Club and all have butler service. However, 8 days is way more than you need in KL. Add in another destination. (and if you've read my posts, I'm the one who always encourages people to see fewer places!)

There is a new place in georgetwon penang which is also a redevelopment from an old historic building, Hotel 1926, I haven't seen or stayed but just read about it in local magazine, not up to the standards of the E&O and a great deal cheaper, it might interest those seeking an updated historic type place in Georgetown who want something cheaper than the E&O

I'm from Penang, live in SIngapore and travel to KL every month.

KL is not as polluted as BKK but it is smog filled as it is located in the valley.

All rooms in the Ritz KL have access to the club lounge nowadays. Also unltd laundry.Thanks to competition.I still think 8N is way too long.

5N in Penang is just fine altho you'd wanna spilt betw E&O(yes stay there) and a beach hotel(the Parkroyal is newly renovated).

Penang

What about visiting Singapore also for 2 or 3 days.

Kuala Lumpur 8 nights is quite long. Even if you adore shopping you'll get annoyed after 4 days. I stayed at the Ritz Carlton, which is an excellent hotel. Personally, I prefer the Ritz to the Mandarin Oriental, which is a bit overrated in my opinion. The Ritz is one of the smallest 'chain' hotels and that's great because you have more personal service. The Club Floor is a lovely concept. The location isn't the best, which means you have no spectacular view. But taxi rides are cheap. From the Ritz it takes about 10 minutes by cab to the Petronas Towers.

5 nights Penang seems just good. There's a lot to see. You might like the beach area in Batu Ferringhi better, but the beach itself is nothing to write home about. I think Batu Ferringhi is a bit overdeveloped. If you really want to relax on the beach 5 days, then head to Langkawi or Pangkor Island. If you want culture, Penang for five days is okay. I love Georgetown, it's a very vibrant city. The Eastern Oriental is absolutely the best choice in Georgetown. I love the hotel and if you want to relax, there's a great pool. But though it's located at the seaside, don't expect a beach.

I hope you have a great time.