Penang and Langkawi
 

Tentatively planning a trip to Malaysia for a couple of weeks, late this year. At the moment, I'm thinking of just visiting KL and Penang plus Singapore for a few days. In Penang, we'll stay in Georgetown and possibly a few days in Batu Ferringhi as would also like some beach time and would like to visit the National Park. I've read some somewhat negative feedback about the Penang beaches and so am considering a few days on Langkawi. Although we want some time at a beautiful beach, we are not ones to sit on the beach all day. We'd take the ferry between Penang and Langkawi. Any thoughts on the relative merits of Penang or Langkawi for beautiful beaches? And for Langkawi, which town is your favourite (we won't be staying in one of the very upmarket resorts). Would appreciate your opinion. Thanks!

A question about your choice of KL. I'm very fond of Singapore, love Georgetown and not at all enamoured of KL. I know some people like it but I suspect it's a better place to live than to visit. I suggest you divvy up the days you planned there, unless there's an overriding reason for going, and add them to the other locations. Just my personal take but that's what we do here.

Langkawi wins hands down for beaches. Bantu Ferrengi is just not worth considering IMO. Pantai Cenang is the main, busy beach area but there are lots of quieter areas. Year since I have stayed there but Bon Ton was a really nice small hotel - not sure what the rates are like these days. Worth renting a car to see the island for a day or two.

The ferry is a great way to travel between the two island as long as you are travelling Nov - April when the sea isn't rough.

Georgetown is great. Amazing food and some terrific sights to see. A few of them are covered in our blog @ https://accidentalnomads.com/2014/11/22/penang/

Re Singapore v KL . As mentioned above, it is a necessarily subjective view, I much prefer KL to Singapore. Yes it lacks the traditional tourism sights that Singapore has but still has a lot going on. You just have to work a bit harder. It is also way, way cheaper than Singapore.

If you want a beautiful beach, Langkawi, no question. The Penang beaches are mediocre, at best.

While I have visited KL may times, I find it not a very interesting city. While Singapore is much more expensive, it has more to offer IMO.

We love Georgetown and have talked about returning when we are back in SE Asia in November, 2017.

L too highly recommend Bon Ton, fab hotel and has a lovely restaurant ( be aware though you really need to not dislike cats to stay there)

Thanks everyone for your information. Sounds like Langkawi wins hands down as far as beaches go. Looking at accommodation, my impression is that there doesn't seem to be a huge amount in the mid range between backpackers and high end resorts but will investigate further.

I lived in Singapore for 4 months more than 20 years ago so am keen to see it again. I've been only once to KL and again it was so long ago that I only have snippets of memory. However, would definitely like to spend some time there as part of this holiday.

Still trying to plan this holiday. Do you know if it is possible and safe to cycle on Langkawi? Not talking about long distance cycling but cycling into town from wherever we are staying or along the coast to the next town. Neither of us are experienced road cyclists but do some short distance weekend cycling at home.

Many hotels will lend or rent bikes. We cycled several times when visiting the island and it s arrest way to see more of the island.

Safe? Well like everywhere else, car drivers don't always show the consideration they should to cyclists so extra aware of the traffic and always assume that they will act as inconsiderate idiots. If they don't, it's a bonus.

Take water even for short distances, as well as sunscreen. There also are several operators running group bike tours which are fun. We did one to the mangrove forest as I recall.

Thanks, crellston, much appreciated.