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6 Amazing Travel Experiences in Penang!

When you think of travelling to Penang? What do you think of? The UNESCO heritage site of Georgetown? The vibrant (and delicious) hawker food scene? Or simply chilling at Batu Ferringhi beach? In this post, we’ll show you 6 Amazing Travel Experiences in Penang that you won’t want to miss!

1. Exploring Batu Ferringhi Beach

Batu Ferringhi Beach Penang
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Batu Ferringhi Beach Night Market
Batu Ferringhi Beach Night Market
Rock Spa Experience
Rock Spa Experience

Most people discount the fact that Penang does have an excellent beach that faces the Andaman Sea and Malacca Straits. Batu Ferringhi is its name. Located at the northern tip of Penang, Batu Ferringhi offers beach goers all you’d expect at a reputable beach – fine pristine sand (especially at Hard Rock Hotel Penang), beach activities (including para-sailing, banana boat rides and jet skiing) and even horse back riding by the beach.

After all the fun you’ve had at the beach, head on out to one of the many excellent spas located along Batu Ferringhi beach – including the award winning Rock Spa @ Hard Rock Hotel and Chi Spa @ Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa.

As the evening winds down, check out the night markets along the roads next to the beaches. Many road side stalls open till late at night offering tourists the option of souvenir shopping (including sun glasses, hand bags and wallets) and late night supper at Batu Ferringhi.

2. Looking Out for Street Arts & Wall Murals

Street Art Penang - Less Salt Thinning Hair
Street Art Penang – Less Salt Thinning Hair
Penang Street Art - Budget Hotel
Penang Street Art – Budget Hotel
Penang Street Art - Trishaw Mural
Penang Street Art – Trishaw Mural

Penang is littered with amazing street arts and wall murals. One of the most famous one is this mural of a trishaw uncle in the heart of Jalan Penang that almost covers the entire building facade. We also noticed several comical street art that brings across daily conversations in Penang through light-hearted colloquial jokes.

3. Wandering the Streets of Georgetown – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Penang Historic Streets
Penang Historic Streets
Colonial Buildings Penang - Birch House
Colonial Buildings Penang – Birch House
Colonial Buildings Penang - Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Colonial Buildings Penang – Eastern & Oriental Hotel
Colonial Buildings Penang - St Jos Gurney Paragon
Colonial Buildings Penang – St Jos Gurney Paragon
Fort Cornwallis Penang
Fort Cornwallis Penang
Blue Mansion Penang - Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion
Blue Mansion Penang – Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

Since 2007, Penang’s Georgetown has been named as an UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the rich history of this precinct. You will be able to spot many colonial-styled buildings such as the Eastern & Oriental Hotel and Birch House as well as the many traditional chinese architectures along the streets. Fort Cornwallis, one of the best preserved forts in Malaysia also bears testament to Penang’s colonial roots.

To round off this historic trip, check out Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (better known as the Blue Mansion). Within, you’ll be able to see how the ultra-rich pampered themselves in this 38 room mansion – luxurious even by today’s standards.

4. Trishaw Ride in Penang

Trishaw Uncle Penang
Trishaw Uncle Penang
Trishaw Ride Penang
Trishaw Ride Penang

Trishaw Ride Penang Video

Another amazing experience in Penang that you should try is the trishaw ride. We took a trishaw ride from Komtar back to our hotel at Eastern & Oriental. The ride took about 10 minutes and cost 15RM. What we enjoyed about this ride was the “alfresco” style of the ride. As the sun shone while we rode past the historic lanes (with winds gently blowing against your face), that made the ride really worthwhile. Be ready for a bit of excitement while the trishaw weaves in and out of traffic!

5. Penang Hawker Food

Ah Leng Char Koay Teow
Ah Leng Char Koay Teow
Penang Char Hor Fun
Penang Char Hor Fun
Penang Road Teochew Chendul
Penang Road Teochew Chendul

Penang is the home to Malaysian hawker food. Here you will be able to find famous Penang hawker fare such as Penang Char Koay Teow, Char Hor Fun, Penang Road Teochew Chendul and much much more. Check out our post on the “13 Penang Hawker Food and Nonya Restaurants that You MUST TRY” to find out more!

6. Penang Nonya Food

Mama's Nonya Cuisine
Mama’s Nonya Cuisine
Nonya Curry Chicken Rice RM8.80 (ε°ε¨˜ζƒΉ)
Nonya Curry Chicken Rice RM8.80 (ε°ε¨˜ζƒΉ)
The Little Nonya Cuisine (ε°ε¨˜ζƒΉ)
The Little Nonya Cuisine (ε°ε¨˜ζƒΉ)

Still on food (what else? :p), one must try Penang’s nonya food. The Little Nonya Cuisine (ε°ε¨˜ζƒΉ) as well as Mama’s Nonya Cuisine offers some of the best nonya food in Penang at an affordable price.

Where to stay in Penang?

Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa Penang
Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa Penang
Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang
Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang

Our top picks for hotels at the Batu Ferringhi area includes the Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa as well as the Hard Rock Hotel Penang. In Georgetown? The famous Eastern and Oriental Hotel Penang!

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Hard Rock Hotel Penang : Have a rocking good time!

Unbelievable views from Hard Rock Hotel Penang Seaview Studio Suite

Hard Rock Hotel Penang was our hotel of choice when we visited the Batu Ferringhi area of Penang. Thanks to the great folks at Hard Rock Penang, we were hosted to a one night stay at the Seaview Studio Suite with access to the Kings Club Lounge!

 Hard Rock Hotel and Hard Rock Cafe Penang
Hard Rock Hotel and Hard Rock Cafe Penang

 Hard Rock Hotel Penang from the swimming pool
Hard Rock Hotel Penang from the swimming pool

 Receptionists welcoming us to a rocking good time at Hard Rock Penang
Receptionists welcoming us to a rocking good time at Hard Rock Penang

Hard Rock Hotel Penang Seaview Studio Suite

As members of the Kings Club Lounge, we had an exclusive check in there while we enjoyed some light refreshments. After getting our key card, we were eager to explore our Seaview Studio Suite!

 Checking in at Kings Club Lounge Hard Rock Penang
Checking in at Kings Club Lounge Hard Rock Penang

As we entered into our room, “Oohs” and “Wows” started to sound from the both of us! We were particularly impressed with the size of the room, the huge bath tub as well as the awesome views from the balcony! From the balcony, you’ll be able to enjoy views of the swimming pool as well as the beach right next to the hotel…

 Unbelievable views from Hard Rock Hotel Penang Seaview Studio Suite
Unbelievable views from Hard Rock Hotel Penang Seaview Studio Suite

 Seaview Studio Suite Hard Rock Penang
Seaview Studio Suite Hard Rock Penang

 Another view of the Seaview Studio Suite at Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Another view of the Seaview Studio Suite at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

 Inviting sofa that affords sea views in comfort
Inviting sofa that affords sea views in comfort

 2bearbears comfortably in king-sized bed of Hard Rock Penang Hotel
2bearbears comfortably in king-sized bed of Hard Rock Penang Hotel

 A little pantry area complete with a sink, oven and fridge
A little pantry area complete with a sink, oven and fridge

 Toiletries at Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Toiletries at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

 Luxurious bath tub in Seaview Studio Suite Hard Rock Hotel
Luxurious bath tub in Seaview Studio Suite Hard Rock Hotel

 Lyrics to Wonderful Tonight. Or is it?
Lyrics to Wonderful Tonight. Or is it? Read the lyrics carefully! It’s actually a message to conserve water!

There’s another thing which we enjoyed in-room…COMPLIMENTARY MOVIES! We caught 2 movies while we’re here; It’s Complicated starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin and Up in the Air starring George Clooney. Catching up on movies that we’ve not seen? Awesome!


Video tour of Hard Rock Hotel Penang’s Seaview Studio Suite

Hard Rock Hotel Penang Facilities

After checking out our stay at the Seaview Studio Suite, we decided to see what facilities Hard Rock Hotel Penang has to offer…

1. Rock Spa Penang

 Our therapists at Rock Spa Penang
Our therapists at Rock Spa Penang

 Outdoor treatment villas at Rock Spa Penang
Outdoor treatment villas at Rock Spa Penang

 Outdoor shower and tub for private villa spa
Outdoor shower and tub for private villa spa

 Indoor treatment rooms at Rock Spa Penang
Indoor treatment rooms at Rock Spa Penang

The Rock Spa in Penang has won several accolades including the 5 stars rating by the Ministry of Culture Malaysia & Tourism – one of only two spas with this award in Penang. Kate enjoyed a Hard Rock massage at the Rock Spa (1 hour for 170RM) and indeed it lived up to its name as one of the most relaxing experiences in Penang.

2. Hard Rock Hotel Penang Swimming Pool

 Kate at
Kate at “beach” part of the pool with a sandy bottom

 Fun water slides for the kids
Fun water slides for the kids


Swimming pool at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

The swimming pool at Hard Rock Hotel Penang is one of the largest hotel swimming pools we’ve been to (second to only MGM in Las Vegas). There are 2 lap pools right in front of the lagoon deluxe rooms. A water slide , fun play area for the kids as well as the center stage pool. It was actually quite fun to swim from one end of the pool to the other. But you would have to get out and re-enter at certain parts of the pool in order to do so.

3. Kings Club Lounge

 Kings Club Lounge Hard Rock Penang
Kings Club Lounge Hard Rock Penang

View of the swimming pool from Kings Club Lounge
View of the swimming pool from Kings Club Lounge

 Savoury dishes during cocktail hours at Kings Club Lounge
Savoury dishes during cocktail hours at Kings Club Lounge

 Mini Tortilla Handroll
Mini Tortilla Handroll

 Rice paper roll with mango salsa
Rice paper roll with mango salsa

Mini crab cakes
Mini crab cakes

 Carrot cake , butter cakes and strawberry tart from Kings Club Lounge
Carrot cake , butter cakes and strawberry tart from Kings Club Lounge

2bearbear enjoying cocktail hour at Kings Club Lounge Hard Rock Penang
2bearbear enjoying cocktail hour at Kings Club Lounge Hard Rock Penang

Kings Club Lounge privileges are only extended to guests stay at the Kings Club Seaview, Seaview Studio Suite, Rock Star Suite and Kings Suite. Guests may also enjoy these privileges at an additional RM150++ per room per night and RM75++ for the third guest.

Guests can enjoy the afternoon tea as well as daily cocktail hour (1 hour only) from 6pm to 7pm while enjoying the sun setting over the horizon…ah…

4. Hard Rock Cafe Penang

 Live performance at Hard Rock Cafe Penang
Live performance at Hard Rock Cafe Penang

 Close up shot of Band Deviate
Close up shot of Band Deviate

 Nachos with grilled chicken (RM48) with a jug of draft beer (RM68) at Hard Rock Cafe Penang
Nachos with grilled chicken (RM48) with a jug of draft beer (RM68) at Hard Rock Cafe Penang

As the sun sets over the horizon, the Hard Rock Cafe Penang comes to life with its nightly live performances! We enjoyed the performance by the band Deviate who were able to play songs upon request. In addition, the singers NEVER referred to any books, showing that they memorised ALL the lyrics by heart! These guys are really professional! Remember to request for “Smooth” by Carlos Santana!

5. Other facilities and things to do at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

 Pool facing gym at Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Pool facing Body Rock Gym at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

 Lil' Rock Kids Club
Lil’ Rock Kids Club

Teens can also hang out at the Tabu Teens Club while ladies can spot a new hair-do at the Glamour Hair Salon. For the die hard rock fans, there are memorabilia located throughout the hotel. You can also choose to go home with a city-tee with a visit to any of the THREE Rock shops located at the premise.

As a guest, you are also given the a code to download songs from the online music store. You can also choose to play on any of the 12 fender guitars for free – well a deposit of 5000RM is required before you can lay your hands one of those beauties πŸ˜‰

Last but not least, there are many beach activities such as banana boat ride, para-sailing, jet skiing and even horse-back riding available right at the beach front. Strangely, the sand in front of the Hard Rock Penang is really fine and comparable to that in Surfer’s Paradise Gold Coast. Hence, a walk along the beach should be in place πŸ˜‰

Hard Rock Hotel Penang Breakfast

 Breakfast at Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Breakfast at Hard Rock Hotel Penang

 More options for breakfast at Hard Rock Penang
More options for breakfast at Hard Rock Penang

 Yummy lamb curry with prata and murtabak
Yummy lamb curry with prata and murtabak

 Healthy selection of fruits and vegetables
Healthy selection of fruits and vegetables

 2bearbears with rice and noodles which were not bad
2bearbears with rice and noodles which were not bad

How to get to Hard Rock Hotel Penang

 Rapid Penang Bus 102 from Penang International Airport to Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Rapid Penang Bus 102 from Penang International Airport to Hard Rock Hotel Penang

From the Penang international airport, we took bus 102 to Hard Rock Penang. The ride costs 4RM per person and takes between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang is located at Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia

To sum up, we take a look at our BASIC FACTOR and the score for Hard Rock Hotel Penang, is a 5!

B – 1. Bath tub in the Seaview Studio Suite was HUGE!
A – 1. Hard Rock Hotel Penang certainly lives up to the HR vibe right from the start of our stay
S – 1. Service was good at Kings Club Lounge and at breakfast.
I – 1. One of the largest pools we’ve been to. Had fun exploring it!
C – 1. Bed was firm and the pillow was comfortable yet thick enough. One of our best nights rest at a hotel!

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**Special thanks to Sheryn and Karen for making our staycation at Hard Rock Hotel Penang possible!

Click here for the best rates at Hard Rock Hotel Penang!

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