Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
P Ramlee House is about 5km west of George Town; heading south on Jln Perak from
Jln Dato Keramat, turn right on Jln P Ramlee - the house is about 300m down this road. A
taxi here will cost RM15.
SUFFOLK HOUSE
(
www.suffolkhouse.com.my
;
250 Jln Ayer Itam; tour/self-guided RM15/10; 10am-6pm)
This impressive
Georgian-style mansion is built on the site of the original residence of Francis Light,
founder of the colony and native of Suffolk, England. Situated on the banks of the Air
Itam river, 6.5km west of George Town's centre, it's a grand square building with sweep-
ing verandahs, a massive ballroom and a breezy colonial plantation feel.
The renovation of the grounds and exterior were completed in 2007, but the interior has
relatively little to see, and a visit is probably best combined with high tea at the attached
restaurant (
Click here
)
. A taxi here will cost around RM15.
HISTORIC BUILDING
WORTH A DETOUR
ESCAPING THE WORLD
Every now and then a Lonely Planet writer comes across a place so special it makes all the days of tirelessly slog-
ging through sweaty cheap hotels worth it.
Malihom
( 226 4466;
www.malihom.com
;
all-inclusive
RM570-700; ) is one of those places. Nine 100-year-old rice barns were imported from Thailand
and brought up to this 518m peak where they have been restored to a cramped but comfortable state in a Balinese
style. But you won't want to stay inside; walk around the small complex to gawk at the 360-degree view over
hills of jungle, the sea and several villages. The most serene infinity pool on the island is guarded by white
Buddhas; the grounds are a perfect balance of shade, flowers and koi ponds; there's a conference room and yoga
studio; and indoor hang-out areas perfect for sipping espresso or a glass of wine from the cellar, reading a book or
watching movies. Basically you come here to completely relax because, aside from a few walks, mountain biking
or fruit picking, there's blissfully little to do.
The retreat is located off winding Rte 6 between Balik Pulau and Kampung Sungai Batu, and you'll need to be
shuttled in its 4WD up the steep hill that leads to Malihom.
Pulau Jerejak
Lying 1.5 nautical miles off Penang's southeast coast, thickly forested Pulau Jerejak has
been home to a leper colony and a prison in its time, and is today occupied by the
Jerejak
Rainforest Resort
( 658 7111;
www.jerejakresort.com
;
r RM210-420; )
. Packages available
through its website, which usually include transport, breakfast and a massage, make stay-
ing here good value. Camping (RM80 to RM100) is also an option.
