Gill

2 adults and 2 children ( 14&11) travelling to Malaysia in April. We have been told we must go to Langkawi and Penang but Penang sounds very "touristy". Can anyone recommend a good route and what we must see whilst we are there. We only have 2 weeks.

izni

Penang and Langkawi are both great islands to visit as each has its individual charm and character. In Penang, there are some great hotel deals going on so shop around as even 5-star hotels are offering some very attractive packages. When in Langkawi try to visit neighbour islands eg Pulau Payar as they are great snorkeling areas.

Jane Alexander

We are going to Penang for our honeymoon in June.
Are there any places you would definately recommend
to go to, or places to eat at etc.

I would love to hear of a few suggestions.

Regards,

Jane

John

Penang is a nice island to visit. Its like Hawaii. There isn't really much to do in Penang, but if you have time you should go to Kuala Lumpur, the capital.

VERONICA LAM

THE EDEN'S SEAFOOD RESTAURANT OFFERS GREAT SEAFOOD. VERY DELICIOUS BUT A LITTLE BIT PRICY. ELSE YOU CAN GO TO THE HOLLYWOOD SEAFOOD RESTAURANT WHICH OFFER CHEAP SEAFOOD BUT THE QUALITY IS STILL OK. TO TASTE THE PENANG STYLE, GO TO GURNEY DRIVE. TONS OF FOOD STALLS WAITING FOR YOU TO TASTE ALL.

NANCY

We are planning to go to Penang at Christmas time. Can anyone advise me about the weather, sea temp, and whether we should stay at the Golden Sands or the Rasa Sayang (both Shangri-La hotels). Thanks!
Also, someone told me the water in Penang was murky and not very nice...any comments?

izni

Jane: Stay at the Penang Mutiara, nearby there are many seafood restaurants - don't go for tourist restaurants like Eden. Try what locals love - chilli crab, lobsters, steamed garoupa etc! In town try the local dishes like "Penang Asam Laksa" - noodles, vegetables & herbs, in spicy fish soup. Or if your tummy can take it Penang's famous "Nasi Kandar" - rice with your selection of curries (chicken, lamb, beef) with okra. Shopping for cheap things head for Chowrasta Market. You don't have to pay tourist prices - please remember to haggle on the price.

izni

To Nancy: Both Rasa Sayang and Golden Sands are of the same chain hotel. They are next to each other and share the same beach. Both are good, I prefer Golden Sands' pool. If you are staying at the Rasa Sayang ask for the new wing. Penang is sunny and warm (av 29-32C). Towards the end of the year expect some heavy showers. Rain is always welcomed as it keeps the island green and lush. As for the ocean don't expect what you can find like on Malaysia's East Coast. The water is relatively clean but not aqua blue like what you find in Waikiki and Hanauma Bay (Hawaii).

thom

I'm planning to go back to Thailand this August. I've heard that there's a train that travels through the southern part of Thailand all the way into Malaysia. Does anyone have an experience or knowledge on this?

Ahmad

For peace and total tranquility : Choose LANGKAWI!
The place is perfect for those who needs that
peace of mind and the beach is great! Try renting
a bike or car and go sightseeing. It's full of greens, blue seas and tourists! If you don't
mind spending a bit more, try one of the resorts
in Teluk Burau area or Datai area. The must-sees
here are the Mahsuri Mausoleum, the Burnt Rice
Field and Telaga Tujuh Hot Springs.

For shopping/eating/history : Choose PENANG
All the usual touristy stuff are here, but most of Penang's charms lies at these places :

1. Bukit Bendera a.k.a. Penang Hill
- beautiful view of Georgetown
2. Fort Cornwallis
- old English fort
3. The City of Georgetown
- just the shops that left their bit of history
4. The Esplanade (located next to Fort Cornwallis)
- major eating place no. 1
- take an evening stroll here
5. Gurney Drive
- major eating place no. 2
- take an evening stroll here, too

The beach is not what they used to be, but it
is safe to wade those waters.

One word of advice : taxis in Penang are
VERY HESITANT to use their meters. Either walk
or take the bus!