Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SLEEPING
George Town has all the accommodation possibilities you would expect in a big, bustling
tourist city, from the grungiest hostels to the swankiest hotels, although it's worth noting
that there's not a whole lot to choose from in the midrange. Cacophonic Lebuh Chulia and
quieter Love Lane make up the heart of Penang's backpacker land, crammed with cheap
hostels and hotels - it pays to check a few out before parting with your cash.
Be warned that during holidays, most notably Chinese New Year (January or February),
hotels tend to fill up very quickly and prices can become ridiculously inflated; if you intend
to stay at this time, book well in advance.
Chinatown
ROOMMATES$
( 261 1567;
www.roommatespenang.com
;
178 Lg Chulia; dm incl breakfast RM28-30; )
This new
hostel - allegedly the island's smallest - boasts a young, communal, chummy vibe. There
are 16 podlike dorm beds and a living room-like communal area, but the real highlight is
Yen, the friendly owner, who leads guests on free pub-crawls, eating tours and other activit-
ies.
HOSTEL
RYOKAN$
( 250 0287;
www.myryokan.com
; 62 Lebuh Muntri; dm incl breakfast RM35-38, r RM136; )
As the
name suggests, this new flashpackers has a minimalist - if not particularly Japanese - feel.
The dorms, which range from four to six beds, are almost entirely white (except for the
pink women's dorms, which also include a large mirror), and the bunk-style beds include a
private light and power point. 'Chillax', TV and reading rooms are also stylish and invit-
ing, and come equipped with iPads. The similarly white private rooms with en suite bath-
rooms are comfortable yet overpriced, and lack windows.
HOSTEL
REGGAE PENANG$
( 262 6772;
www.reggaehostelsmalaysia.com
;
57 Love Lane; dm incl breakfast RM28-30; )
Another
brick in Malaysia's Reggae empire, this expansive heritage building has several four- to
HOSTEL
